bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of longitudinal changes in body weight, muscle and fat in patients with and ever‐smokers at risk of COPD
Authors: Yamazaki Akio , Kinose Daisuke , Kawashima Satoru , Tsunoda Yoko , Matsuo Yumiko , Uchida Yasuki , Nakagawa Hiroaki , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Ogawa Emiko , Nakano Yasutaka
Published: June 2023

Background and Objective

Weight and muscle loss are predictors of poor outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, to our knowledge, no study has investigated the predictors of longitudinal weight loss or its composition from functional and morphological perspectives.

Methods

This longitudinal observational study with a median follow‐up period of 5 years (range: 3.0–5.8 years) included patients with COPD and ever‐smokers at risk of COPD. Using chest computed tomography (CT) images, airway and emphysematous lesions were assessed as the square root of the wall area of a hypothetical airway with an internal perimeter of 10 mm (√Aaw at Pi10) and the percentage of low attenuation volume (LAV%). Muscle mass was estimated using cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) of the pectoralis and erector spinae muscles, and fat mass was estimated using the subcutaneous fat thickness at the level of the 8th rib measured using chest CT images. Statistical analyses were performed using the linear mixed‐effects models.

Results

In total, 114 patients were enrolled. Their body mass index remained stable during the study period while body weight and muscle CSA decreased over time and the subcutaneous fat thickness increased. Reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s and peak expiratory flow (PEF) at baseline predicted the future decline in muscle CSA.

Conclusion

Severe airflow limitation predicted future muscle wasting in patients with COPD and ever‐smokers at risk of COPD. Airflow limitation with a PEF slightly below 90% of the predicted value may require intervention to prevent future muscle loss.
Do governments account for gender when designing their social protection systems? Findings from an analysis of national social protection strategies
Authors: Cookson Tara Patricia , Sandoval Rita , Staab Silke , Tabbush Constanza , Bitterly Jennifer , Mathew Maria
Published: June 2023

The negative impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on women's employment, care responsibilities, and access to services have motivated an unprecedented level of advocacy around strengthening national social protection systems from a gender perspective. Yet very little empirical evidence exists about what a gender‐responsive social protection system entails in practice. This paper addresses this gap through a comparative analysis of 52 national social protection strategies from primarily low‐and middle‐income countries. To analyse the gender responsiveness of these strategies, we developed an analytical framework based on international human rights standards and social policy, gender and development literature. Through presentation of the framework and our findings, this paper makes several contributions to scholarship and practice. First, our framework―the first of its kind―offers a novel conceptual and methodological contribution by enabling a systematic, comparative assessment of national approaches to social protection from a gender perspective. Second, the framework enables the systematisation of empirical evidence on the degree to which gender is integrated into social protection systems. By applying it to national social protection strategies, we identify which gendered risks and vulnerabilities are most commonly acknowledged and addressed in countries' efforts to create gender‐responsive social protection systems. We also highlight a concerning gap between rhetoric and response when it comes to gender equality in the strategic plans that governments lay out for these systems. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic cross‐country assessment of such documents. We conclude with future directions for research and practice, including the gap between recognition and action.
Experimental Modal Analysis of Stators Analyzing the Effects of Lamination and Winding
Authors: Islam Manuel M. , Maeder Marcus , Lehmann Robert , Marburg Steffen
Published: June 2023

This paper addresses the experimental analysis of different stator configurations of an electric motor typically used within the automotive sector. The ongoing electrification of the automotive sector, combined with a desire to increase virtual prototyping, means that engineers are increasingly facing new challenges. Against this background, the numerical models of electric motors, particularly stators, are simplified and homogenized. However, this procedure must be supplemented by experimental data to ensure the high quality and reliability of the simulations. Unfortunately, broad experimental investigations are time-consuming and expensive, underlined by the lack of corresponding literature. For this reason, four different stator configurations were investigated as part of the experimental modal analysis to highlight the influence of the stator lamination as well as the winding. The results provide the scientific community with a broad outline of how specific influences change modal parameters of each stator configuration. In particular, the results show that lamination significantly reduces axial stiffness. Highlights of the findings relate to the mode-dependent stiffness, mass, and damping influences due to the winding, with the influence of the stiffness deviating significantly from expectation. It was also found that the selected winding technology dominates the structural dynamic system characteristics. Therefore, it is advisable to include the manufacturing technology intended to be used for the lamination and the winding in the early simulative design phase to improve the model prediction quality.
Swag, Social Media, and the Rhetoric of Style in College Athletic-Recruitment Discourse
Authors: Winslow Luke , Browning Blair , Ishak Andrew W.
Published: June 2023

Style—or the aesthetic dimensions of public presentation—is a dominant mode of symbolic expression. However, no one has explored how style functions as a coherent and generalizable symbol system influencing public conversations about athletic recruitment. The purpose of this essay is to fill this gap by developing a critical framework for theorizing the rhetoric of style in athletic recruitment discourse and significantly, how this is done through social media. We analyze sports journalism, recruiting websites, and the public messaging of athletic departments and athletes on social media according to five structural components: stylistic homologies, aesthetic rationales, primacy of text, imaginary communities, and market contexts. Our analysis offers practical lessons for athletes, journalists, and college athletic departments, but we also highlight several conceptual, methodological, and theoretical implications for scholars of communication and sport and social media interested in better understanding social influence in a dynamic and hyper-competitive context.
Exercise Intensity Among Older Adults Participating From Home in Remotely Delivered EnhanceFitness
Authors: Gell Nancy M. , Bai Yang , Herbert Melanie , Hoffman Elise V. , Reynolds Rebecca , Bae Myeongjin , Dittus Kim , Phelan Elizabeth A. , Patel Kushang V.
Published: June 2023

We aimed to examine exercise intensity among older adults participating from home in remotely delivered EnhanceFitness (Tele-EF). Exercise intensity was assessed through Fitbit-measured heart rate and the Borg 10-point rating of perceived exertion over 1 week of a 16-week exercise program. Outcomes included mean minutes spent at or above the heart rate reserve calculated threshold for moderate intensity and mean rating of perceived exertion. Pearson and Spearman rank correlations were used to examine associations between baseline characteristics with exercise intensity. During the 60-min classes, the 55 participants achieved moderate intensity for a mean of 21.0 min (SD = 13.5) and had a mean rating of perceived exertion of 4.9 (SD = 1.2). There were no significant associations between baseline characteristics and exercise intensity. Older adults can achieve sustained moderate-intensity exercise during Tele-EF supervised classes. Baseline physical function, physical activity, and other health characteristics did not limit ability to exercise at a moderate intensity, though further investigation is warranted.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Induces Porcine Gasdermin E-Mediated Pyroptosis through the Protease Activity of 3C
pro
Authors: Ren Xujiao , Yin Mengge , Zhao Qiongqiong , Zheng Zixuan , Wang Haoyuan , Lu Zengjun , Li Xiangmin , Qian Ping
Published: June 2023

Although FMDV is an important virulent infectious disease virus, few reports have addressed its relationship with pyroptosis or pyroptosis factors, and most studies focus on the immune escape mechanism of FMDV. GSDME (DFNA5) was initially identified as being associated with deafness disorders.
Microbiome Interconnectedness throughout Environments with Major Consequences for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet
Authors: Sessitsch Angela , Wakelin Steve , Schloter Michael , Maguin Emmanuelle , Cernava Tomislav , Champomier-Verges Marie-Christine , Charles Trevor C. , Cotter Paul D. , Ferrocino Ilario , Kriaa Aicha , Lebre Pedro , Cowan Don , Lange Lene , Kiran Seghal , Markiewicz Lidia , Meisner Annelein , Olivares Marta , Sarand Inga , Schelkle Bettina , Selvin Joseph , Smidt Hauke , van Overbeek Leo , Berg Gabriele , Cocolin Luca , Sanz Yolanda , Fernandes Wilson Lemos , Liu S. J. , Ryan Matthew , Singh Brajesh , Kostic Tanja
Published: June 2023

Microbiomes have highly important roles for ecosystem functioning and carry out key functions that support planetary health, including nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and water filtration. Microbiomes are also intimately associated with complex multicellular organisms such as humans, other animals, plants, and insects and perform crucial roles for the health of their hosts.
Red Ginseng Dietary Fiber Shows Prebiotic Potential by Modulating Gut Microbiota in Dogs
Authors: Song Hyokeun , Lee Junbum , Yi Saehah , Kim Woo-Hyun , Kim Yuna , Namgoong Beomkwan , Choe Ahreum , Cho Gunhee , Shin Jangmi , Park Youngsik , Kim Min Su , Cho Seongbeom
Published: June 2023

The canine gut microbiota is an attractive model for translational studies, as it responds to dietary interventions similarly to those in humans. Investigating the gut microbiota of household dogs that share the environment with humans can produce highly generalizable and reproducible results owing to their representativeness of the general canine population.
CcpA and CodY Regulate CRISPR-Cas System of
Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Kang Da-Young , Kim Andy , Kim Jeong Nam
Published: June 2023

An effective immune system has evolved not only in eukaryotic organisms but also in microorganisms, enabling them to rapidly detect and neutralize foreign invaders in the environment. Specifically, the CRISPR-Cas system in bacterial cells is established through a complex and sophisticated regulatory mechanism involving specific factors.
Invasive acupuncture for gastroparesis after thoracic or abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fan Zhenjia , Qiu Yuqin , Qi Xuewei , Xu Jingnan , Wan Yuxiang , Hao Yingxu , Niu Wenquan , Huang Jinchang
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in treating postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome (PGS) after thoracic or abdominal surgery.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Twelve databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Medline (Ovid) (from 1946), Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, Open Grey, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP) and China Biology Medicine disc (CBM)) and three registration websites (WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), ClinicalTrials.gov, and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR)) were searched from the inception to September 2022, and citations of the included literature were screened.

Eligibility criteria

All randomised controlled trials addressing invasive acupuncture for PGS.

Data extraction and synthesis

Key information on the included studies was extracted by two reviewers independently. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI was used for categorical data, and mean difference with 95% CI for continuous data. The quality of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Outcomes were conducted with trial sequential analysis (TSA).

Results

Fifteen studies with 759 patients met the inclusion criteria. Subgroup analyses revealed that compared with the drug group, the drug and acupuncture group had a greater positive effect on the total effective rate (TER) (nine trials, n=427; RR=1.20; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.32; P-heterogeneity=0.20, I2=28%, p=0.0004) and the recovery rate (RCR) (six trials, n = 294; RR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.30 to 1.98; P-heterogeneity=0.29, I2=19%, p<0.0001) of PGS after abdominal surgery. However, acupuncture showed no significant advantages in terms of the TER after thoracic surgery (one trial, p=0.13) or thoracic/abdominal surgery-related PGS (two trials, n = 115; RR=1.18; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.57; P-heterogeneity=0.08, I2=67%, p=0.24) and the RCR after thoracic/abdominal surgery (two trials, n=115; RR=1.40; 95% CI 0.97 to 2.01; P-heterogeneity=0.96, I2=0%, p=0.07). The quality of evidence for TER and RCR was moderate certainty. Only one study reported an acupuncture-related adverse event, in the form of mild local subcutaneous haemorrhage and pain that recovered spontaneously. TSA indicated that outcomes reached a necessary effect size except for clinical symptom score.

Conclusion

Based on subgroup analysis, compared with the drug treatment, acupuncture combined drug has significant advantages in the treatment of PGS associated with abdominal surgery, but not with thoracic surgery.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022299189.
Experiences of nicotine users motivated to quit during the COVID-19 pandemic: a secondary qualitative analysis
Authors: Sharma Ramona H , Rodberg Danielle , Struik Laura L
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light a variety of key factors that affect tobacco use, including behavioural patterns, social support and connection, and physical and mental health. What we do not know is how those motivated to quit were impacted by the pandemic. As such, understanding the unique experiences and needs of people motivated to quit smoking or vaping during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical. The aim of this study was to examine the cessation experiences of nicotine users during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

We conducted a supplementary secondary analysis of primary qualitative data, i.e., semi-structured interviews with individuals engaged in cigarette use (smoking), e-cigarette use (vaping) and dual use.

Setting

British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

Relevant data were drawn from 33 participants out of the primary study’s 80-participant sample pool.

Measures

Interview questions explored barriers and facilitators to quitting nicotine use. We then used conventional content analysis to identify relevant and additional emergent themes and subthemes surrounding pandemic-specific barriers and facilitators to quitting, and unique needs for cessation support in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Pandemic-specific barriers included lifestyle limitations and poor mental health due to isolation. Facilitators to quitting during the pandemic included reduced access and opportunities to use nicotine products, as well as time for personal reflection on nicotine use behaviours. Suggestions for cessation programming included a primary focus on enhancing social support features (e.g., discussion forums, support groups), followed by increasing awareness of the benefits of quitting, and enhancing visibility of resources available to support quitting.

Conclusions

The findings provide directions for how cessation supports can be tailored to better meet the needs of users motivated to quit during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Current practices in studies applying the target trial emulation framework: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Bigirumurame Theophile , Hiu Shaun Kuan Wei , Teare M Dawn , Wason James M S , Bryant Andrew , Breckons Matthew
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Observational studies represent an alternative to estimate real-world causal effects in the absence of available randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Target trial emulation is a framework for the application of RCT design principles to emulate a hypothetical open-label RCT (the hypothetical target trial) using existing observational data as the primary data source as opposed to the prospective recruitment and measurement of randomised units. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the practices of studies applying the target trial emulation framework to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

Methods and analysis

We will systematically search in Medline (via Ovid), Embase (via Ovid, entries from medRxiv are included), PsycINFO (via Ovid), SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, the ISRCTN registry and ClinicalTrials.gov for all study reports and protocols which used the trial emulation framework (without time restriction). We will extract information concerning study design, data source, analysis, results, interpretation and dissemination. Two reviewers will perform study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. Disagreements between reviewers will be resolved by a third reviewer. A narrative approach will be used to synthesise and report qualitative and quantitative data. Reporting of the review will be informed by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidance (PRISMA).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as it is a protocol for a systematic review. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Identifying and addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on school-based immunisation programmes in the Canadian Maritimes: a mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Gallant Allyson J , Steenbeek Audrey , Halperin Scott A , Parsons Leigh Jeanna , Curran Janet A
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of keeping up to date on routine vaccinations. Throughout the pandemic, many routine vaccine programmes in Canada were paused or cancelled, including school-based immunisation programmes (SBIP). This resulted in decreased coverage for many vaccine-preventable diseases. While the effects of the pandemic on SBIP have been described in other provinces, its effects in the Maritime region (ie, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island) have yet to be understood. We aim to determine how these programmes were affected by COVID-19 and associated public health measures in the Canadian Maritimes by (1) identifying and describing usual and interim catch-up programmes; (2) exploring stakeholders’ perceptions of SBIP through interviews; and (3) designing recommendations with stakeholders to address gaps in SBIP and vaccine coverage.

Methods and analysis

A sequential, explanatory mixed methods study design will be used to address the objectives during the study period (September 2022–December 2023). First, an environmental scan will describe changes to SBIP and vaccine coverage over a period of five school years (2018/2019–2022/2023). Findings will inform semistructured interviews (n=65) with key stakeholders (eg, health officials, healthcare providers, school officials and parents and adolescents) to explore perceptions of SBIP and changes in parental vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic. These data will be integrated to design recommendations to support SBIP during two stakeholder engagement meetings. Analysis will be guided by the behaviour change wheel, a series of complementary tools and frameworks to simplify behaviour diagnosis and analysis in public health research.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for this study has been obtained from Dalhousie University’s Health Sciences Research Ethics Board (Ref: 2022-6395). Informed consent will be obtained from participants prior to participating in an interview or stakeholder engagement meeting. Study findings will be disseminated through conference presentations, publications and infographics.
Developing the evidence and associated service models to support older adults living with frailty to manage their pain and to reduce its impact on their lives: protocol for a mixed-method, co-design study (The POPPY Study)
Authors: Brown Lesley , Mossabir Rahena , Harrison Nicola , Lam Natalie , Grice Anne , Clegg Andrew , Williams Amanda C de C , Antcliff Deborah , Schofield Patricia , Suleman Asim , Forster Anne
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The Pain in Older People with Frailty Study is a mixed-method, co-design study, which aims to develop the content, implementation strategies, service and professional guidance to support older adults with frailty to manage their pain.

Methods and analysis

The study has four phases: Phase 1, research evidence and information synthesis from randomised controlled trials of multicomponent pain management programmes and psychological therapies for community-dwelling older adults. Phase 2, qualitative interviews with 30 community-dwelling older adults (≥75 years) living with frailty and persistent pain, including dyadic interviews with a spouse or unpaid carer. Phase 3, qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs) working within various pain service types; 5–8 HCPs per service and up to 12 services including primary care, secondary care, tertiary centres and services with voluntary sector input. Phase 4, co-design workshops with older adults, HCPs and commissioners. Inclusion criteria (Phase 2): community-dwelling older adults (≥75 years) living with frailty and persistent pain. Exclusion criteria (Phase 2): care home residents, a dementia or cancer diagnosis. Cancer survivors, ≥5 years cancer free, and not undergoing active cancer treatment can participate. Analysis for Phase 1 will use narrative synthesis, Phase 2 will use grounded theory analysis and Phase 3 will use thematic analysis. Oversight is provided from a patient and public involvement group and an independent steering committee.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was approved by Leeds-East Research Ethics Committee on 28 April 2022 (22/YH/0080). Consent is sought if an individual is willing to participate (Phases 2–4) and has capacity. Findings will be disseminated at conferences, in newsletters and journals and to local authorities and charities.
If you build it, will they pass? A systematic evaluation of fish passage efficiency for three large-bodied warm-water fishes
Authors: Kelley Kayla , Gilbert Eliza I. , Pennock Casey A. , McKinstry Mark C. , Mackinnon Peter D. , Durst Scott L. , Franssen Nathan R.
Published: June 2023

Fish passages are constructed to facilitate movement around barriers, but few are quantitatively evaluated for non-salmonids. We quantified the efficiency of a selective, nature-like fish passage for three native fishes, Colorado pikeminnow ( Ptychocheilus lucius), flannelmouth sucker ( Catostomus latipinnis), and razorback sucker ( Xyrauchen texanus), in the San Juan River, NM, USA, by estimating the probabilities of completing three navigational phases and associated delay times. We compared passage efficiency in years when fish were captured in a trap and manually moved upstream to years when the trap was removed in the spring. All species were less efficient at navigating the attraction and exit phases compared with the ascent phase. Operating the passage without the trap generally increased passage success and shortened delay times. The mean probability of passage and delay time among species when the trap was removed ranged from 34%–55% and 5–21 days, respectively. Our results suggest species- and phase-specific variation in passage efficiency and highlight the need for evaluations to aid future passage design and operation for a greater diversity of fish.
Quantum adversarial metric learning model based on triplet loss function
Authors: Hou Yan-Yan , Li Jian , Chen Xiu-Bo , Ye Chong-Qiang
Published: June 2023

Metric learning plays an essential role in image analysis and classification, and it has attracted more and more attention. In this paper, we propose a quantum adversarial metric learning (QAML) model based on the triplet loss function, where samples are embedded into the high-dimensional Hilbert space and the optimal metric is obtained by minimizing the triplet loss function. The QAML model employs entanglement and interference to build superposition states for triplet samples so that only one parameterized quantum circuit is needed to calculate sample distances, which reduces the demand for quantum resources. Considering the QAML model is fragile to adversarial attacks, an adversarial sample generation strategy is designed based on the quantum gradient ascent method, effectively improving the robustness against the functional adversarial attack. Simulation results show that the QAML model can effectively distinguish samples of MNIST and Iris datasets and has higherϵ-robustness accuracy over the general quantum metric learning. The QAML model is a fundamental research problem of machine learning. As a subroutine of classification and clustering tasks, the QAML model opens an avenue for exploring quantum advantages in machine learning.
Critical behavior and Joule–Thomson expansion of charged anti-de Sitter black hole in four-dimensional Rastall gravity
Authors: Zhang Meng-Yao , Hassanabadi Hassan , Chen Hao , Long Zheng-Wen , Yang Hui
Published: June 2023

In this work, we investigate the thermodynamics of four-dimensional charged anti-de Sitter (AdS) black hole surrounded by perfect fluids in the context of Rastall theory. We derive the equations of state by considering the charge square [Formula: see text] and the metric parameter [Formula: see text] as the thermodynamic variables. The [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] figures for some special surrounding fields were analyzed in detail. To better explain the phase transition, the behavior of the Gibbs free energy is presented. Note that the critical exponents are in perfect agreement with the van der Waals (vdWs) fluid system. In addition, we discuss Joule–Thomson (J-T) expansion in extended phase space. We determine the region where cooling or heating by investigating J-T coefficient. The inversion curves and the isenthalpic curves are plotted in the [Formula: see text] plane. Also, we calculate the minimum inversion temperature [Formula: see text] and find that the ratio [Formula: see text] is independent of the radiation field parameter [Formula: see text].
Improved airy function formalism for the study of anti-parallel double δ-magnetic-barrier nanostructure under the modulation of the applied bias
Authors: Guo Lishuai , Zhu Xiaolu , Li Jianfeng , Fan Shasha , Lei Wanli
Published: June 2023

The Goos–Hänchen (GH) shift and the spin polarization are theoretically investigated under the anti-parallel double [Formula: see text]-magnetic-barrier nanostructure model by applying a bias using Airy’s function formalism and transfer-matrix technique, which is an improvement on previous calculation. The results show the magnitude and sign of GH shift and spin polarization can be easily changed by modulating the applied bias. The closer the applied bias to the critical value is, the more intensive GH shift and spin polarization will be. Furthermore, two critical values come through modulating the strength of magnetic fields, and an intensive GH shift and a spin polarization also exist near each critical value. These findings can provide a practical approach to designing and fabricating spin beam filters or splitters modulated by applied bias.
Out-of-plane photoconductive and bulk photovoltaic effects in two-dimensional α-In2Se3/Ta2NiS5 ferroelectric heterojunctions
Authors: Qiu Dan , He Jianing , Tan Shiwen , Hou Pengfei
Published: June 2023

Two-dimensional [Formula: see text]-In2Se3 exhibits simultaneous intercorrelated in-plane and out-of-plane polarization, making it a highly promising material for use in memories, synapses, sensors, detectors, and optoelectronic devices. With its narrow bandgap, [Formula: see text]-In2Se3 is particularly attractive for applications in photodetection. However, relatively little research has been conducted on the out-of-plane photoconductive and bulk photovoltaic effects in [Formula: see text]-In2Se3. This limits the potential of [Formula: see text]-In2Se3 in the device innovation and performance modification. Herein, we have developed an [Formula: see text]-In2Se3-based heterojunction with a transparent electrode of two-dimensional Ta2NiS5. The out-of-plane electric field can effectively separate the photo-generated electron–hole pairs in the heterojunction, resulting in an out-of-plane responsivity (R), external quantum efficiency (EQE), and specific detectivity ([Formula: see text]) of 0.78[Formula: see text]mA/W, 10[Formula: see text]% and [Formula: see text] Jones, respectively. The out-of-plane bulk photovoltaic effect has been demonstrated by changes in the short circuit current (SCC) and open circuit voltage ([Formula: see text]) with different optical power intensity and temperature, which indicates that [Formula: see text]-In2Se3-based heterojunctions has application potential in mid-far infrared light detection based on its out-of-plane photoconductive and bulk photovoltaic effects. Although the out-of-plane photoconductive and bulk photovoltaic effects are relatively lower than that of traditional materials, the findings pave the way for a better understanding of the out-of-plane characteristics of two-dimensional [Formula: see text]-In2Se3 and related heterojunctions. Furthermore, the results highlight the application potential of [Formula: see text]-In2Se3 in low-power device innovation and performance modification.
Bias and Refinement of Multiscale Mean Field Models
Authors: Allmeier Sebastian , Gast Nicolas
Published: June 2023

We analyze the error of an ODE approximation of a generic two-timescale model (X, Y), where the slow component X describes a population of interacting particles which is fully coupled with a rapidly changing environment Y. The model is parametrized by a scaling factor N, which can be the number of particles. As N grows, the jump sizes of the slow component decrease in contrast to the unchanged dynamics of the fast component. A typical example is the random access CSMA model that we study.

By using an averaging principle, one can construct an ODE approximation of X, that we call the 'average' mean field approximation. We show that under relatively mild conditions, this approximation has a bias of order O(1/N) compared to \mathbbE [X]. This holds true under any continuous performance metric in the transient regime, as well as for the steady-state if the model is exponentially stable. To go one step further, we derive a bias correction term for the steady-state, from which we define a new approximation called the refined 'average' mean field approximation whose bias is of order O(1/N2). This refined 'average' mean field approximation allows computing an accurate approximation even for small scaling factors, i.e., N ≈ 10 - 50.
Characterizing the Performance of Accelerated Jetson Edge Devices for Training Deep Learning Models
Authors: S.K Prashanthi , Kesanapalli Sai Anuroop , Simmhan Yogesh
Published: June 2023

Deep Neural Network (DNN) models are becoming ubiquitous in a variety of contemporary domains such as Autonomous Vehicles, Smart cities and Healthcare. They help drones to navigate, identify suspicious activities from safety cameras, and perform diagnostics over medical imaging. Fast DNN inferencing close to the data source is enabled by a growing class of accelerated edge devices such as NVIDIA Jetson and Google Coral which host low-power Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) along with ARM CPUs in a compact form-factor to offer a superior performance-to-energy ratio. E.g., the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier kit has a 512-core Volta GPU, an 8-core ARM CPU and 32GB LPDDR4x memory, that operates within 65W of power, costs US999 and is smaller than a paperback novel.

Recently, there has been a push towards training DNN models on the edge [2]. This is driven by the massive growth in data collected from edge devices in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and Internet of Things (IoT), the need to refresh the models periodically, the bandwidth constraints in moving all this data to Cloud data centers for training, and a heightened emphasis on privacy by retaining data on the edge. This has led to techniques like federated and geo-distributed learning that train DNN models locally on data on an edge device and aggregate them centrally. In this abstract, we summarise and highlight key results from our full paper [5].
Architectural Support for Efficient Data Movement in Fully Disaggregated Systems
Authors: Giannoula Christina , Huang Kailong , Tang Jonathan , Koziris Nectarios , Goumas Georgios , Chishti Zeshan , Vijaykumar Nandita
Published: June 2023

Traditional data centers include monolithic servers that tightly integrate CPU, memory and disk (Figure 1a). Instead, Disaggregated Systems (DSs) [8, 13, 18, 27] organize multiple compute (CC), memory (MC) and storage devices as independent, failure-isolated components interconnected over a high-bandwidth network (Figure 1b). DSs can greatly reduce data center costs by providing improved resource utilization, resource scaling, failure-handling and elasticity in modern data centers [5, 8-10, 10, 11, 13, 18, 27]

The MCs provide large pools of main memory (remote memory), while the CCs include the on-chip caches and a few GBs of DRAM (local memory) that acts as a cache of remote memory. In this context, a large fraction of the application's data (~ 80%) [8, 18, 27] is located in remote memory, and can cause large performance penalties from remotely accessing data over the network.
Smoothed Online Optimization with Unreliable Predictions
Authors: Rutten Daan , Christianson Nicolas , Mukherjee Debankur , Wierman Adam
Published: June 2023

We consider online optimization with switching costs in a normed vector space (X, ||·||) wherein, at each time t, a decision maker observes a non-convex hitting cost function ƒ : t X →[0, ∞] and must decide upon some xt∈X→, paying ƒt (xt) + || xt-xt-1||, where ||·|| characterizes the switching cost. Throughout, we assume that ƒt is globally α-polyhedral, i.e., ƒt has a unique minimizer υt ∈X, and, for all x ∈ X, ƒ t) (x) ≥ ƒt + α · ||x - υ t. Moreover, we assume that the decision maker has access to an untrusted prediction xt of the optimal decision during each round, such as the decision suggested by a black-box AI tool.
The Online Knapsack Problem with Departures
Authors: Sun Bo , Yang Lin , Hajiesmaili Mohammad , Wierman Adam , Lui John C.S. , Towsley Don , Tsang Danny H.K.
Published: June 2023

The online knapsack problem is a classic online resource allocation problem in networking and operations research. Its basic version studies how to pack online arriving items of different sizes and values into a capacity-limited knapsack. In this paper, we study a general version that includes item departures, while also considering multiple knapsacks and multi-dimensional item sizes. We design a threshold-based online algorithm and prove that the algorithm can achieve order-optimal competitive ratios. Beyond worst-case optimized algorithms, we also propose a data-driven online algorithm that can achieve near-optimal average performance under typical instances while guaranteeing the worst-case performance.
Towards Accelerating Data Intensive Application's Shuffle Process Using SmartNICs
Authors: Lin Jiaxin , Ji Tao , Hao Xiangpeng , Cha Hokeun , Le Yanfang , Yu Xiangyao , Akella Aditya
Published: June 2023

Emerging SmartNIC creates new opportunities to offload application-level computation into the networking layer. Shuffle, the all-to-all data exchange process, is a critical building block for network communication in distributed data-intensive applications and can potentially benefit from SmartNICs.

In this paper, we develop SmartShuffle, which accelerates the data-intensive application's shuffle process by offloading computation tasks into the SmartNIC devices. SmartShuffle supports offloading both low-level network functions, including data partitioning and network transport, and high-level computation tasks, including filtering, aggregation, and sorting. SmartShuffle adopts a coordinated offload architecture to make sender-side and receiver-side SmartNICs jointly contribute to the computation offload. SmartShuffle manages the computation and memory constraints on the device using liquid offloading, which dynamically migrates computations between the host CPU and the SmartNIC at runtime.

We prototype SmartShuffle on the Stingray SoC SmartNICs and plug it into Spark. Our evaluation shows that SmartShuffle outperforms Spark, and Spark RDMA by up to 40% on TPC-H.
DHA Supplementation during Pregnancy in Women with Obesity Normalizes IGF2R Levels in the Placenta of Male Newborns
Authors: Castro Juan José , Umana-Perez Adriana , Castaño-Moreno Erika , Casanello Paola , Ronco Ana María
Published: June 2023

Introduction. Insulin-like growth factor receptor 2 (IGF2R) regulates placental nutrient transport, and its soluble form is related to obesity in adults. If the placental expression of IGF2R is altered in women with obesity is unknown. Whether maternal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties, has a modulatory role in IGF2R’s function has not been elucidated. We hypothesized that maternal obesity (Ob) would be associated with alterations in placental IGF2R expression, which may be prevented with DHA supplementation during pregnancy. Methods. At delivery, we obtained placentas from women with Ob (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, n = 17), Ob supplemented with 800 mg/day of DHA during pregnancy (Ob + DHA, n = 13), and normal-weight women (Nw, BMI ≥ 18.5 ≤ 24.9 kg/m2, n = 14). The IGF2R mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Moreover, we quantified the gene expression of molecules that modulate the IGF2R function in the extracellular domain, such as TACE/ADAM17, PLAU, and IGF2. Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric tests were used to compare results between two or three groups accordingly. Results. The IGF2R levels in the Ob placentas of the male offspring were higher than in the Nw group. The DHA supplementation prevented this effect, suggesting an unknown relationship between IGF2R-Ob-DHA in placental tissues. Conclusion. We report, for the first time, that DHA supplementation during pregnancy in women with obesity normalizes the increased IGF2R levels in male placentas, reducing the risk of adverse outcomes related to the IGF2/IGF2R system in male newborns.
The Impact of the Workload and Traumatic Stress on the Presenteeism of Midwives: The Mediating Effect of Psychological Detachment
Authors: Jiang Weiwei , Wang Yiting , Zhang Jiahua , Song Danni , Pu Congshan , Shan Chunjian
Published: June 2023

Objectives. Midwives are at high risk of presenteeism, which may impact the quality of midwifery and maternal and infant health outcomes. However, no research has been conducted to investigate the relationship between workload, traumatic stress, psychological detachment, and presenteeism among midwives. This study, therefore, aimed at exploring the mediating effects of psychological detachment on workload, traumatic stress, and presenteeism among midwives. Method. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 547 midwives in Jiangsu Province. Participants completed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index, traumatic stress impact subscale for midwives, psychological detachment scale, and Stanford presenteeism scale and provided sociodemographic information. The mediating effects of psychological detachment were assessed using Mplus. Results. The mean score of midwives’ presenteeism was 17.09

±

3.56. Presenteeism was positively associated with both workload and traumatic stress (both

P
<
0.01

) and negatively associated with psychological detachment (

P
<
0.01

) among midwives. Psychological detachment partially mediated the relationships between (a) workload and presenteeism (

β

 = 0.005,

P
<
0.05

) and (b) traumatic stress and presenteeism (

β

 = 0.006,

P
<
0.05

), with mediating effects of 11.90% and 10.00%, respectively. Conclusions. Presenteeism among midwives is at moderately high levels and requires attention from nursing managers. Psychological detachment is a mediating variable of the relationship between workload, traumatic stress, and presenteeism among midwives. Implications for Nursing Management. This study has implications for decreasing midwives’ presenteeism in practical terms. Specifically, it is crucial that care managers attempt to adjust midwives' work patterns, reduce their workload, and provide organizational support for work-related traumatic stress. Moreover, our findings also indicate that psychological detachment is probably an essential element that is worthy of attention.
An Acceleration Denoising Method Based on an Adaptive Kalman Filter for Trajectory in Merging Zones
Authors: Chen Qiucheng , Zhu Shunying , Wu Jingan , Chang Hongguang , Wang Hong
Published: June 2023

Vehicle trajectory data can reveal naturalistic driving behaviour trends. However, owing to measurement and processing errors, the trajectory data extracted from videos often contain obvious noise. In merging zones, vehicles tend to accelerate and decelerate frequently, leading to poor denoising performance of the linear Kalman filter (KF). To address this issue, this study proposes a new denoising method based on the adaptive Kalman filter, which automatically switches between KF and Unscented KF to accommodate car-following and merging behaviours, respectively. A merging behaviour detection method was designed based on the PELT method and normalized innovation squared (NIS). The F1 score of 92.9% shows the accuracy of behaviour detection. According to our results, the proposed method minimizes the range of jerk compared with other methods, reducing it from −4927.78 to 4960.72 of raw data to −44.92 to 47.14, indicating a significant improvement in denoising and trajectory smoothing. The goal of this study is to achieve high-precision trajectory data under complex real traffic scenarios.
Automatic Cataract Severity Detection and Grading Using Deep Learning
Authors: Yadav Sunita , Yadav Jay Kant Pratap Singh
Published: June 2023

Cataracts are an eye condition that causes the eye’s lens to become cloudy and is a significant cause of vision loss worldwide. Accurate and timely detection and diagnosis of cataracts can prevent vision loss. However, poor medical care and expensive treatments prevented cataract patients from receiving appropriate treatment on time. Therefore, an inexpensive system that diagnoses cataracts at an early stage needs to be developed. This study proposes an automatic method for detecting and classifying cataracts in their earliest stages by combining a deep learning (DL) model with the 2D‐discrete Fourier transform (DFT) spectrum of fundus images. The proposed method calculates the spectrogram of fundus images using a 2D‐DFT and uses this calculated spectrogram as an input to the DL model for feature extraction. After feature extraction, the classification task is performed by a softmax classifier. This study collected fundus images from various open‐source databases that are freely available on the Internet and classified them into four classes based on an ophthalmologist’s assessment. All the collected fundus images from various datasets with open access are unsuitable for cataract diagnosis. Consequently, a module for identifying the fundus images of good and poor quality is also incorporated into this method. The experimental results show that the proposed system can outperform previous state‐of‐the‐art works by a significant margin compared to a benchmark of four‐class accuracy and achieves the four‐class accuracy of 93.10%.
Meta-Analysis of Capecitabine versus 5-Fluorouracil in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wu Zhongliang , Zhang Xingfa , Zhang Chongxiang , Lin Yi
Published: June 2023

Objective. To investigate the effect of capecitabine versus 5-fluorouracil in advanced gastric cancer patients. Methods. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and other databases from database establishment to June 2022, containing randomized controlled trials (RCT) on capecitabine and 5-fluorouracil in advanced gastric cancer patients. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of capecitabine versus 5-fluorouracil on overall response rate, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, stomatitis, hand-foot syndrome, nausea and vomiting, alopecia, and diarrhea. Results. Eight RCTs with a total of 1998 patients with advanced gastric cancer were finally included, including 982 with capecitabine and 1016 with 5-fluorouracil. Compared with 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine use was significantly associated with an improved overall response rate in patients (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.25,

P
=
0.02

). Compared with 5-fluorouracil, treatment with capecitabine was significantly associated with decreased neutropenia events (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62–0.99, I2 = 86%,

P
=
0.04

), and a decreased risk of stomatitis (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64–0.84, I2 = 40%,

P
<
0.0001

) in patients with advanced gastric cancer. In terms of hand-foot syndrome, capecitabine was associated with increased hand-foot syndrome events than 5-fluorouracil (RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.21–3.31,

P
=
0.007

). In terms of thrombocytopenia, nausea and vomiting, alopecia, and diarrhea, the effect of capecitabine and 5-fluorouracil were similar (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusions. Compared with 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine treatment improves the overall response rate and reduces the risk of neutropenia and stomatitis in advanced gastric cancer patients. It should be noted that capecitabine treatment may also increase the occurrence of hand-foot syndrome. Capecitabine is similar to 5-fluorouracil in causing thrombocytopenia, nausea and vomiting, alopecia, and diarrhea.