bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REM-Based Indoor Localization with the Extra Tree Regressor
Authors: Aziz Toufiq , Camana Mario R. , Garcia Carla E. , Hwang Taewoong , Koo Insoo
Published: August 2023

As an established and widely available infrastructure, wireless local area networks (WLANs) have emerged as a viable option for indoor localization of both mobile and stationary users. In planning a mobile communications network and radio system design, the critical role of coverage prediction becomes evident, empowering network operators to optimize cellular networks and elevate the overall customer experience. Moreover, WLANs present several challenges that must be fulfilled when it comes to localization based on Wi-Fi signals to get a proper coverage prediction map. This paper presents a study based on application of the extra trees regression (ETR) for indoor localization by using coverage prediction maps. The aim of the proposed method is to accurately estimate a user’s position within a radio environment map (REM) area using collected received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values. The proposed scheme investigates several machine learning (ML) regression algorithms for localization, where the training dataset is obtained from the REM by using the nearest neighbors method. Parameter tuning is conducted to optimize the performance of the ETR scheme by using 10-fold cross-validation. In the numerical results, we first demonstrate the effectiveness of utilizing ML regression techniques for generating coverage maps, which enables accurate estimation of the Wi-Fi signal strength in indoor environments. Then, we showcase the superior performance of the proposed ETR-based method compared to several other ML schemes for indoor localization using the REM. ML algorithms, including decision tree regression and the ETR, are compared to evaluate the system model. Based on error metrics, the proposed ETR-based approach exhibits the best performance among the evaluated techniques. The combination of coverage map generation and localization using regression techniques offers a powerful approach for analyzing the radio frequency (RF) environment in indoor spaces.
Antimicrobial Activity of Bovine Bone Scaffolds Impregnated with Silver Nanoparticles on New-Delhi-Metallo-β-Lactamase Producing Enterobacterales Biofilms
Authors: Gonçalves Geiziane Aparecida , Ribeiro Victoria Stadler Tasca , Dantas Leticia Ramos , De Andrade Ana Paula , Suss Paula Hansen , Witt Maria Alice , Tuon Felipe Francisco
Published: August 2023

Background: Antibiofilm activity of silver nanoparticles has been extensively investigated in common bacteria. Metallo-β-lactamase producing Gram-negative bacteria are hard-to-treat microorganisms with few therapeutic options, and silver nanoparticles were not evaluated on the biofilm of these bacteria. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of a bone scaffold impregnated with silver nanoparticles in NDM-producing Gram-negative bacilli. Methods: Bone scaffolds from bovine femur were used for the tests and impregnated with silver nanoparticles (50 nm) by physical adsorption. Silver nitrate minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) were performed on NDM-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Disc diffusion tests for silver nanoparticles susceptibility and quantification of biofilm production on plate and bone with sessile cell count were performed. Results: The MIC results demonstrated that silver nitrate had an antimicrobial effect on all microorganisms, inactivating the growth of isolates from a concentration of 8 µg/mL. MBC results showed that E. coli 16.211 was the only isolate to present MIC different from MBC, with a value of 16 µg/mL. Conclusion: Bone scaffolds impregnated with silver nanoparticles can significantly reduce biofilm, and it can be a strategic material to be used as an implant for different approaches.
Making a Grammar Checker with Autocorrect Options Using NLP Tools
Authors: Bucea Manea Tonis Radu , Beteringhe Adrian
Published: August 2023

Our natural language approach concerns syntactic analysis using a dedicated Javascript library - wink-nlp - and semantic analysis based on Prolog programming language, facilitated by another Javascript library - tau-prolog - that allows defining logical programs, declaring rules and checking for goals inside Javascript language. Firstly, our program splits the original text into sentences, than into tokens and identifies each part of the sentence, dynamically maps entities into Prolog rules, then check the spelling accordingly to the definite clause grammar (DCG) by querying the pre-defined program for initial goals (the sentence itself). Basically, we let the parser infer its own rules from the syntactic point of view, then check the grammar from a semantic perspective against the DCG inside the same workflow or pipeline of steps.The provided article demonstrates the usage of the wink-nlp and tau-prolog packages for natural language processing (NLP) and logical programming, respectively.
Automated Code Generation for Industrial Applications Based on Configurable Programming Models
Authors: Lekidis Alexios
Published: August 2023

As the demands in reliability and high-degree of automation in industrial applications are increasing exponentially, the current Industry 4.0 trend lies in migrating towards smarter technologies that increase flexibility and provide autonomous operation. To tackle this, manufacturers shifted towards Real-Time Ethernet communication which supports autonomous operation, faster sensor/actuator configuration and high degree of determinism. Nevertheless, the uninterrupted operating principle of legacy industrial systems as well as the system complexity and heterogeneity constitutes the transition to Real-Time Ethernet very challenging. This article proposes a novel method allowing to automate the generation of executable code for Real-Time Ethernet architectures based on high-level programming models. The method is based on a programming model and modular code artifacts for the hardware architecture, employing Real-Time Ethernet communication. Through an tool-supported algorithm the high-level model is linked to the architecture's communication primitives and interfaces. The tool-support reduces significantly the development and debugging effort for Real-Time Ethernet applications and increases the application reliability, since the generated code is based on verified programming models. Additionally, the tool creates dedicated files, which allow automated industrial network configuration without any human intervention. Finally, by embedding firewall policies into the code generation process, the method guarantees cyber-resilience for the Real-Time Ethernet architecture. We demonstrate the proposed method in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) of a Public Power Corporation's Hydroelectric Power Plant, which control the temperature and rotor speed of a power generator. The results demonstrate the method's ability to generate rapidly trustworthy and fault-tolerant code for the autonomous plant operation. The hurdles in time and effort for developing, configuring and debugging Real-Time Ethernet applications can be minimized through a high-level programming model that allows automated generation of executable code that is reusable for similar applications. Such time and effort reduction may pave the way towards the Industry 4.0 area.
Alkylammonium-Functionalized Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanocarrier for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Park Sung Soo , Ha Chang-Sik
Published: August 2023

In this work, alkylammonium-functionalized hollow mesoporous silica as nonocarrier of drugs was synthesized to realize enhanced cancer therapy by pH stimuli for sustained drug release. First, functionalized hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Hollow MSNs) were synthesized using dodecyl dimethyl(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (DDAPS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and triethanolamine as structure-directing agents, and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and N-trimethoxysilypropyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (TMAPS) as silica sources under basic condition via the sol-gel process. The structure and morphology of the alkylammonium-functionalized hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Hollow MSN-N+CH3) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The functionalized hollow MSNs had a particle size of about 450 nm and a shell thickness of about 60 nm with uniform size. The nanoparticle had a surface area of 408 m2g-1, pore volume of 0.8 cm3g-1 and a uniform pore diameter of 45.9 Å. In the cancer cell viability test with MCF-7 cell, fludarabine-incorporated and alkylammonium-functionalized hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Flu/Hollow MSN-N+CH3) showed excellent cancer cell death comparable with pure fludarabine drug with the controlled drug release by pH stimuli. It is considered that our current materials have the potential applicability as pH-responsive nanocarriers in the field of cancer therapy.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA AUDIO VISUAL DENGAN ANIMASI BERBASIS CANVA PADA PESERTA DIDIK KELAS VI SD
Authors: Mita Asmiati Putri  , Jusra Hella
Published: August 2023

Era revolusi Industri 4.0 mendorong adanya penyempurnaan hampir pada seluruh aspek, terutama pada perubahan di bidang pendidikan. Salah satu tantangan yang dihadapi bidang pendidikan adalah pengimplentasian Information and Communication Technology atau dapat disingkat dengan ICT yang berperan dalam media pembelajaran peserta didik berbasis digital. Canva menjadi salah satu aplikasi yang menunjang media pembelajaran menjadi lebih efektif dan menarik. Riset ini bertujuan sebagai pengembangan media audio visual dengan animasi menggunakan aplikasi Canva pada materi tata surya kelas VI SD. Metode penelitian yang dimanfaatkan peneliti ialah metode Research and Development (R&D) dan memanfaatkan model pengembangan 4D. Peneliti menggunakan kuesioner, observasi dan dengar pendapat. Peneliti menggunakan peserta didik kelas VI SD yang berjumlah 26 orang sebagai sampel penelitian. Hasil dari uji kelayakan media yang didapatkan sejumlah 86% mendapat kategori sangat layak kemudian uji materi sejumlah 84% mendapat kategori sangat layak. Selain itu, dari peserta didik yang mencangkup tes kognitif dan penilaian media didapatkan sejumlah 87% dan 88%. Kesimpulannya media audio visual berbasis Canva mampu menunjang materi pembelajaran menjadi lebih efektif dan menarik bagi peserta didik.
Impacto da educação alimentar na redução do desperdício alimentar em meio escolar: uma revisão narrativa
Authors:   Escola Superior de Leiria do Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Miguens Rebeca , Jorge Rui ,   Escola Superior de Leiria do Instituto Politécnico de Leiria
Published: August 2023

A perda e/ou desperdício de alimentos constitui um problema a nível mundial e tem sido uma das causas para o desequilíbrio do planeta e daqueles que nele habitam. Este artigo de revisão tem o intuito de avaliar a eficácia de algumas estratégias na redução do desperdício alimentar nas escolas. Sendo a escola o local onde os alunos fazem a maioria das suas refeições, torna-se o ambiente ideal para o desenvolvimento de projetos que consciencializem os alunos sobre condutas alimentares mais saudáveis e sustentáveis. De acordo com a revisão realizada, as estratégias do tipo participativo parecem ser das mais eficazes na mudança comportamental de crianças e adolescentes. No entanto, serão necessários mais estudos que avaliem a eficácia das intervenções a longo prazo e que tenham como objetivo principal a redução do desperdício alimentar.
Components of the mediterranean dietary pattern and COVID-19 symptoms
Authors:   Unidade de Recursos Assistenciais Partilhados do ACeS Loures-Odivelas, ARSLVT, IP., Costa Liliane , Anjos Sandra ,   Unidade de Nutrição  e Dietética, Serviço de Endocrinologia, Serviço de Saúde da Região Autónoma da Madeira, EPERAM, Rodrigues Mariana ,   Unidade de Investigação Dra. Maria Isabel  Mendonça, Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, Serviço de Saúde da Região Autónoma da Madeira, EPERAM, Cristóvão Vanda ,   Unidade de Nutrição e Dietética, Serviço de Endocrinologia, Serviço de Saúde da Região Autónoma da Madeira, EPERAM
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected millions of lives globally. Despite the favourable impact of Mediterranean Dietary Pattern on cardiometabolic disorders that predispose themselves to COVID-19 infection, it is important to know the dietary components with potential to improve disease-related outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and its components with the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study with a sample of adults recovered from COVID-19 infection, residents of Funchal and unvaccinated. Data on sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, presence of chronic diseases, and intake of supplements food, self-perceived health status, COVID-19 symptoms and dietary consumption was collected using the Computer Assisted Telephone Interview method. Mediterranean Dietary Pattern adherence was obtained from the MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score) questionnaire. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to analyse the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and different metrics. RESULTS: A total of 541 adults were included in the study, 60.0% were female and 53.9% were 40-59 years old. Data show that 15.7% of the participants were asymptomatic for COVID-19 infection and 26.9% had severe symptoms. A strong adherence to Mediterranean Dietary Pattern was found in 14.8% of the participants, and it was significantly higher among the asymptomatic participants than those who reported mild or severe symptoms. A low ingestion of red/ processed meats, fats (butter/cream/margarine), commercial pastry and carbonated/ sugar-sweetened drinks, as well as consumption of poultry more than red meat, was associated with less severe COVID-19 symptoms, after adjustment for sex, age and education level. Participants who reported an adequate consumption of olive oil (OR=0.47; 95% CI: 0.25-0.88) and vegetables (OR=0.57; 95% CI: 0.35-0.94) were less likely to experience any symptoms of disease. Nevertheless, results were not consistent when several items, associated in bivariate analysis and in unadjusted logistic regression models, were taken into consideration. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to Mediterranean Dietary Pattern, in particular adequate consumption of olive oil and vegetables, and limited ingestion of commercial pastry, red/ processed meat, fats and carbonated/ sugar-sweetened drinks, was associated with less severe symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
Uso de ácido alfa-lipoico no tratamento do síndrome do túnel cárpico: uma revisão baseada na evidência
Authors:   USF Santa Maria da Benedita, ACeS Oeste Norte, de Sousa Monteiro Joana ,   Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, CESPU - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Raquel Vaz Teresa ,   Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, CESPU - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário,   USF Nova Via, ACeS Espinho/Gaia
Published: August 2023

INTRODUÇÃO: A Síndrome do Túnel Cárpico é uma das neuropatias mais comuns em adultos, com impacto na funcionalidade e qualidade de vida. O tratamento conservador habitual tem um baixo nível de evidência. Dados os seus efeitos antioxidantes, o Ácido Alfa-Lipoico tem sido usado no alívio de sintomas e défices neuropáticos, surgindo como potencial tratamento sintomático no Síndrome do Túnel Cárpico. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a eficácia do Ácido Alfa-Lipoico no alívio sintomático da Síndrome do Túnel Cárpico idiopática em adultos. METODOLOGIA: Pesquisa de meta-análises, revisões sistemáticas, ensaios clínicos aleatorizados e controlados e normas de orientação clínica, utilizando os termos MeSH “pain”, “paresthesia”, “hypoesthesia”, “carpal tunnel syndrome” e “alpha-lipoic acid”. Aplicou-se a escala Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy para classificar os artigos em Níveis de evidência e Forças de recomendação. RESULTADOS: Obtiveram-se 212 artigos, dos quais 3 ensaios clínicos aleatorizados e controlados cumpriam os critérios de inclusão, perfazendo 218 indivíduos estudados. Os 3 ensaios clínicos aleatorizados e controlados referem melhoria sintomática e eletromiográfica associada à administração de Ácido Alfa-Lipoico em comparação com o placebo. CONCLUSÕES: Parece existir algum benefício da administração de Ácido Alfa-Lipoico para o tratamento sintomático do Síndrome do Túnel Cárpico. Contudo são necessários mais ensaios clínicos aleatorizados e controlados com metodologias mais homogéneas, maior número de participantes e follow-up mais alargado.
Adult Traumatic Heel Pad Avulsion Repair with Polydioxanone Suture, Sterile Buttons, and Wound Vac-Assisted Closure
Authors: Patel Darren , Kelly Joseph P. , Khan Mudassar , Antekeier David
Published: August 2023

Case:

A 28-year-old woman with no medical history involved in a motor vehicle collision presented with deformity of the right leg and traumatic right heel pad avulsion. Radiographs demonstrated a right foot mid-tarsal fracture-dislocation, open cuboid, closed right tibia, and segmental fibula fractures. The heel pad was repaired using polydioxanone suture in a quilted technique with sterile buttons. At 1-year follow-up, the patient’s heel pad was well-fixed with intact sensation and no pain.

Conclusion:

Repair of a heel pad avulsion using this novel technique is a versatile and cost-effective method that reduces concern for tissue necrosis associated with suture repair.
Türkiye’deki Konvansiyonel Bankalar ile Katılım Bankalarının CAMELS Analizi ile Karşılaştırılması
Authors: YUMURTACI Rabia
Published: August 2023

Literatürde, bankaların finansal performansını ölçerken birçok yöntemin kullanıldığı görülmüştür. Bu yöntemlerden birisi de CAMELS analizidir. CAMELS analizi, birçok ülkede bankacılık sektöründe bankaların finansal durumunu ölçmek adına kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada da daha önce CAMELS yöntemi kullanılarak bankaların finansal performanslarını inceleyen çalışmalar literatür taraması ile incelenmiştir. Yapılan çalışmada, literatürde çok fazla karşılaşılan finansal oranlar ve yönleri kullanılmış, uzman görüşüne göre bileşenlere ve oranlara ağırlık verilmiştir. Finansal oranlar konvansiyonel bankalar için Türkiye Bankalar Birliği’nin, katılım bankaları için ise Türkiye Katılım Bankaları Birliği’nin internet sayfalarından edinilmiştir. CAMELS puanları ve bileşenlerinin değerleri 2010 ila 2021 yılları arasında aktif büyüklük açısından en büyük yedi konvansiyonel banka ve faaliyette olan altı katılım bankası için hesaplanmıştır. Konvansiyonel bankaların CAMELS sonuçları ile katılım bankalarının CAMELS sonuçları kıyaslanmıştır. Analiz sonucuna göre, konvansiyonel bankaların CAMELS sonuçlarının katılım bankalarının CAMELS sonuçlarına göre daha iyi olduğu, son dönemlerde ise hem konvansiyonel bankaların hem de katılım bankalarının CAMELS sonuçlarının iyiye gittiği gözlemlenmiştir. CAMELS sonuçlarının genel itibarıyla Türkiye’deki bankacılık sisteminde yer alan bankaların finansal durumlarını yansıttığı sonucuna varılmıştır.
BWM Tabanlı TOPSIS, PROMETHEE ve COPRAS Yöntemlerinin Karşılaştırılması: Bankaların Finansal Performansları Üzerine Bir Uygulama
Authors: DALBUDAK ZORKİRİŞÇİ Eda , RENÇBER Ömer Faruk
Published: August 2023

Küreselleşme ve teknolojinin gelişmesi ile birlikte, gerek yurtiçi gerekse ithalat ve ihracatla artan ticari faaliyetler, bankaları ve bankacılık sektörünü de ekonomi açısından önemli bir noktaya getirmiştir. Bankaların finansal performans incelemeleri genellikle hem teorik hem de uygulama açısından önemli konuların başında gelmiştir. Literatürde birçok çok kriterli karar verme yöntemlerinin finansal performans ölçümleri amacıyla kullanıldığı görülmektedir. Bu çalışmada Türkiye’de faaliyet gösteren kamu, özel veya yabancı sermayeli 20 bankanın finansal performanslarının BWM tabanlı TOPSIS, PROMETHEE ve COPRAS yöntemleri ile ölçülmesi ve elde edilen bulguların karşılaştırmalı olarak yorumlanması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada bankalar CAMELS değişkenleri altında 10 kriter belirlenerek değerlendirilmiştir. Aynı zamanda çalışma sonucunda elde edilen bankaların sıralamasına ait sonuçlar Spearman sıra korelasyon analizi ile karşılaştırılmıştır. Çalışma 2009 ile 2020 yılları arasını kapsamaktadır. Çalışmanın sonucunda ise kamu bankalarının performans olarak daha yüksek olduğu ve yöntemler açısından her üç yöntem bulgularının benzer olduğu ancak uygulama kolaylığı ve sağladığı faydalı bilgiler açısından PROMETHEE yönteminin daha uygulanabilir olduğu sonuçlarına ulaşılmıştır. Bu sonuçların çok kriterli karar verme yöntemleri literatürüne ve bankacılık sektörüne katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the impact of continuous versus intermittent enteral feeding in critically ill patients
Authors: Acharya Lydia S , Clayton Anne M , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Oczkowski Simon , Rochwerg Bram , Campbell Kaitryn , Dearness Karin , Dionne Joanna C
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Enteral nutrition (EN) is the recommended nutritional support in most critically ill populations. When given by feeding tube, EN may be administered either continuously or intermittently. It is unclear which approach is superior in reducing gastrointestinal complications–such as diarrhoea–and meeting nutritional targets. The main objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to 1) determine whether continuous or intermittent enteral nutrition is associated with higher incidence of adverse gastrointestinal outcomes, including diarrhoea; and 2) determine which feeding modality is associated in reaching nutritional goals. Methods and analysis: This systematic review protocol is reported in accordance with guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. We will search Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and the WHO ICTRP Search Portal for studies comparing continuous EN and intermittent EN in critically ill patients with no date or language restrictions. Studies will be screened, selected, and extracted independently and in duplicate. We will assess risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration’s RoB 2 tool. The primary outcome will include the incidence of diarrhoea; secondary outcomes include other adverse GI outcomes (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation), as well as reaching nutritional goals, and length of ICU and hospital stay and mortality. We will pool data using a random effects model and assess certainty of evidence for each outcome using GRADE methodology. Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval is not required for this study as no original data will be collected. We will disseminate results through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022330118 ARTICLE SUMMARY Strengths and limitations of this study:
Earthworms do not increase greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and N2O) in an ecotron experiment simulating a realistic three-crop rotation system
Authors: Forey Oswaldo , Sauze Joana , Piel Clément , Gritti Emmanuel , Devidal Sébastien , Faez Abdelaziz , Ravel Olivier , Nahmani Johanne , Rouch Laly , Blouin Manuel , Perez Guenola , Capowiez Yvan , Roy Jacques , Milcu Alexandru
Published: August 2023

Earthworms are known to stimulate soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but previous studies have used simplified models or had limited measurements. To address this, we conducted a two-year study using large lysimeters in an ecotron facility, continuously measuring ecosystem-level CO2, N2O, and H2O fluxes. We investigated the impact of endogeic and anecic earthworms on GHG emissions and ecosystem water use efficiency (WUE) in an agricultural setting. Although we observed transient stimulations of carbon fluxes in the presence of earthworms, cumulative fluxes over the study indicated no significant increase in CO2 emissions. Endogeic earthworms marginally reduced N2O emissions during the wheat culture (-44.6%), but this effect was not sustained throughout the experiment. No consistent effects on ecosystem evapotranspiration or WUE were found. Our study suggests that earthworms do not significantly contribute to GHG emissions over a two-year period in experimental conditions that mimic an agricultural setting. These findings highlight the need for realistic experiments enabling continuous GHG measurements.
The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group domestic abuse perpetrator programme: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Morgan Karen , Man Mei-See , Bloomer Rachael , Cochrane Madeleine , Cole Melissa , Dheensa Sandi , Eisenstadt Nate , Feder Gene , Gaunt Daisy , Kandiyali Rebecca , Leach Rwth , Noble Sian , Peters Tim J. , Shirkey Beverly A. , Cramer Helen
Published: August 2023

BackgroundIn contrast to evidence for interventions supporting victim/survivors of domestic violence and abuse (DVA), the effectiveness of perpetrator programmes for reduction of abuse is uncertain. This study aims to estimate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a perpetrator programme for men.MethodsPragmatic two-group individually randomised controlled trial (RCT) with embedded process and economic evaluation. Five centres in southwest England and South Wales aim to recruit 316 (reduced from original target of 366) male domestic abuse perpetrators. These will be randomised 2:1 to a community-based domestic abuse perpetrator programme (DAPP) or usual care comparator with 12-month follow-up. Female partners/ex-partners will be invited to join the study. The intervention for men comprises 23 weekly sessions of a group programme delivered in voluntary-sector domestic abuse services. The intervention for female partners/ex-partners is one-to-one support from a safety worker. Men allocated to usual care receive no intervention, however are free to access other services. Their partners/ex-partners will be signposted to support services. Data is collected at baseline, and 4, 8, and 12 months’ follow-up. The primary outcome is men’s self-reported abusive behaviour measured by the Abusive Behaviour Inventory (ABI-29) at 12-months. Secondary measures include physical and mental health status and resource use alongside the abuse measure ABI (ABI-R) for partners/ex-partners and criminal justice contact for men. A mixed methods process evaluation and qualitative study will explore mechanisms of effectiveness, judge fidelity to the intervention model using interviews and group observations. The economic evaluation, over a one-year time horizon from three perspectives (health and social care, public sector and society), will employ a cost-consequences framework reporting costs alongside economic outcomes (Quality Adjusted Life Years derived from EQ-5D-5L, SF-12 and CHU-9D, and ICECAP-A) as well as the primary and other secondary outcomes.DiscussionThis trial will provide evidence of the (cost)effectiveness of a DAPP. The embedded process evaluation will further insights in the experiences and contexts of participants and their journey through a perpetrator programme, and the study will seek to address the omission in other studies of economic evaluations.Trial registrationISRCTN15804282, April 1, 2019
WITHDRAWN: Identification Methodology for MIMO Hammerstein Nonlinear Model with Process Noise
Authors: Li Feng , Sun Xueqi , Liu Ranran
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we present a methodology for identifying the multi-input multi-output (MIMO) Hammerstein nonlinear model under colored noise. The Hammerstein model presented is comprised of neural fuzzy models (NFM) as its static nonlinear block and rational transfer functions (RTF) model as its dynamic linear block. The hybrid signals consisting of separable signals and random signals are utilized to deal with the MIMO Hammerstein model identification issue, and the separable signals to implement separation identification of MIMO Hammerstein model is introduced, i.e., the two blocks are separately identified. First, parameters of the linear block are estimated applying correlation function based least squares method in the presence of measurable input-output of Gaussian signals, which can efficiently weaken the process noise interference. Second, estimate of noise parameters vector is to introduced to solve the unknown noise vector in the information matrix, then a recursive extended least squares method is developed for identifying parameters of nonlinear block and colored noise model based on available input-output of random signals. The validity and precision of the presented methodology are demonstrated applying a numerical simulation and a practical nonlinear process, and it is known from the research results, that compare with existing identification techniques, the methodology utilized achieved higher identification accuracy.
Doxapram versus placebo in preterm newborns: a study protocol for an international double blinded multicentre randomized controlled trial (DOXA-Trial)
Authors: Poppe Jarinda A. , Flint Robert B. , Smits Anne , Willemsen Sten P. , Storm Kelly K. , Nuytemans Debbie H. , Onland Wes , Poleij Marten J. , de Boode Willem P. , Carkeek Katherine , Cassart Vincent , Cornette Luc , Dijk Peter H. , Hemels Marieke A.C. , Hermans Isabelle , Hütten Matthias C. , Kelen Dorottya , de Kort Ellen H.M. , Kroon André A. , Lefevere Julie , Plaskie Katleen , Stewart Breanne , Voeten Michiel , Weissenbruch Mirjam M. van , Williams Olivia , Zonnenberg Inge A. , Lacaze-Masmonteil Thierry , Pas Arjan B. te , Reiss Irwin K.M. , Kaam Anton H. van , Allegaert Karel , Hutten G. Jeroen , Simons Sinno
Published: August 2023

Background
Apnoea of prematurity (AOP) is one of the most common diagnoses among preterm infants. AOP often leads to hypoxemia and bradycardia which are associated with an increased risk of death or disability. In addition to caffeine therapy and non-invasive respiratory support, doxapram might be used to reduce hypoxemic episodes and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in preterm infants, thereby possibly improving their long-term outcome. However, high-quality trials on doxapram are lacking. The DOXA-trial therefore aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of doxapram compared to placebo in reducing the composite outcome of death or severe disability at 18 to 24 months corrected age.
Methods
The DOXA-trial is a double blinded, multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in the Netherlands, Belgium and Canada. A total of 396 preterm infants with a gestational age below 29 weeks, suffering from AOP unresponsive to non-invasive respiratory support and caffeine will be randomized to receive doxapram therapy or placebo. The primary outcome is death or severe disability, defined as cognitive delay, cerebral palsy, severe hearing loss, or bilateral blindness, at 18–24 months corrected age. Secondary outcomes are short-term neonatal morbidity, including duration of mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and necrotising enterocolitis, hospital mortality, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, and cost-effectiveness. Analysis will be on an intention-to-treat principle.
Discussion
Doxapram has the potential to improve neonatal outcomes by improving respiration, but the safety concerns need to be weighed against the potential risks of invasive mechanical ventilation. It is unknown if the use of doxapram improves the long-term outcome. This forms the clinical equipoise of the current trial. This international, multicentre trial will provide the needed high-quality evidence on the efficacy and safety of doxapram in the treatment of AOP in preterm infants.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04430790 and EUDRACT 2019-003666-41. Prospectively registered on respectively June and January 2020.
A study on concurrence of calf diseases and effect of calf management and feeding practices on various diseases at dairy farms of Punjab
Authors: Thakur Niharika , Kasrija Rajesh , Singh Udeybir , Singh Parminder
Published: August 2023

The present study was undertaken to determine the predisposition of one calf disease with another and various calf management and feeding practices predisposing to occurrence of diseases in calves. For this purpose, a total of 420 respondents from six different agro-climatic zones of Punjab were selected purposively and were interviewed personally through a structured interview schedule. Calf scours was negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with constipation. Pneumonia, joint ill were found to be significant (p < 0.05) with septicemia, while septicaemia was found to be correlated with lumpy skin disease. Lumpy Skin Disease was found to be highly significant with pneumonia and naval ill with joint ill (p < 0.01). Parasitic infestations were found to be correlated with pot belly (p < 0.05). Various calf management practices such as calf assistance, ligation of naval cord, antiseptic used on naval cord, provision of calving pen during parturition and calving pen disinfection, drainage facilities were negatively correlated with naval ill. Similarly, deworming was negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with pot belly condition while weaning with parasitic diseases and ventilation facilities with pneumonia in calves. Over feeding of colostrum, and feeding of silage at an early age to calves was highly significant with (p < 0.01) with calf scours. Feeding of milk replacer, addition of yeast and vitamins in diet of calves was negatively correlated with calf scours and feeding of calf starter with pot belly condition in calves. Overfeeding of prebiotics and probiotics may predispose to constipation and septicemia and was found to be significant (p < 0.05). Addition of prebiotics reduces the incidence of calf scours (p < 0.01). Thus, it was concluded that presence of one disease can predispose the calves to other diseases as well. Various management and feeding practices also trigger the incidence of calf diseases if not done scientifically. Hence, farmers need to be educated on scientific and healthy calf management through training and other extension and advisory services.
Smart Gait: A Gait Optimization Framework for Hexapod Robots
Authors: Yin Yunpeng , Gao Feng , Sun Qiao , Zhao Yue , Xiao Yuguang
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes a gait optimization framework for hexapod robots called Smart Gait. Smart Gait contains three modules: swing leg trajectory optimization, gait period & duty optimization, and gait sequence optimization. The full dynamics of a single leg, and the centroid dynamics of the overall robot are considered in the respective modules. The Smart Gait not only helps the robot to decrease the energy consumption when in locomotion, mostly, it enables the hexapod robot to determine its gait pattern transitions based on its current state, instead of repeating the formalistic clock-set step cycles. Our Smart Gait framework allows the hexapod robot to behave nimbly as a living animal when in 3D movements for the first time. The Smart Gait framework combines offline and online optimizations without any fussy data-driven training procedures, and it can run efficiently on board in real-time after deployment. Various experiments are carried out on the hexapod robot LittleStrong and have shown promising results, fully demonstrating the feasibility of our algorithm.
The mechanism for remediation of low-permeable soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons by thermally-enhanced soil vapor extraction combined with sand mixing
Authors: yu ying , Kang Wenhui , Song Jiannan , He Zhenli , Wang Jianguo , Liu Yu , Yan Zhiyu
Published: August 2023

Thermally-enhanced soil vapor extraction (T-SVE) combined with sand mixing is an alternative technology for remediating low-permeable soil polluted by organic contaminants. In this study, a T-SVE apparatus with a large heating cylinder was constructed for exploring removal mechanisms of typical petroleum hydrocarbons of n-C11 and C13 − 16 alkanes, and dynamics of heat propagation within soils during T-SVE operation was simulated by CMG-STARS software. After 6 days of T-SVE, most of the soil concentration-gradient curves of n-alkanes almost coincided with their isothermal contours, suggested the crucial role of thermal conductivity on T-SVE remediation efficiency. The mass transfer of n-alkanes from thermally-treated soil to extraction well represented an irregular pulsed mode. Released gas-phase of n-alkanes sometimes increased rapidly by 1–2 orders of magnitudes and then quickly decreased. Trivial impact of soil organic matter on heat transfer was observed. n-alkanes were more easily eliminated from soil with lower organic matter due to the less retention of them. By contrast, the higher soil moisture retarded heat transfer in the initial 2 days attributed to the heat consumption induced by water evaporation and n-alkane volatilization. In the next 4 days, soil pores occupied by water were gradually displaced by air, leading to accelerated heat transfer and evaporation of n-alkane and therefore promoted eventual remediation efficiency of T-SVE. Suitable original soil moisture is important for T-SVE remediating low-permeable soil combined with sand mixing.
Effect of nonlinearity of discrete Langevin model on behavior of extremes in generated time series
Authors: Czechowski Zbigniew , Telesca Luciano
Published: August 2023

In this work we analyze the influence of nonlinearity on the behavior of extremal values of time series generated by two discrete Langevin models: fixing the diffusion function in the first (M1), the marginal distribution in the second (M2). The extremes were generated by applying the run theory. A mathematical relationship was found between nonlinearity of models and means and distributions of run lengths and inter-extreme times as well as with the clustering of extremes. Furthermore, the Allan factor curves of the extremes suggest that the sequences of extremes are fractal for timescales up to the mean inter-extreme time. Our main findings are that the variation of the nonlinearity parameter in model M1 (leading to the increase of the marginal distribution tail length) can cause a significant variation of the extreme characteristics and an increase of the clustering while the variation of the nonlinearity parameter in model M2 (with fixed distribution) has a little effect on extremes.
Insight, satisfaction with pharmacological treatment and treatment outcome in patients with schizophrenia: results of the long-term prospective study CLIPS
Authors: Härd iris van Dijk , Lundell Ingrid , Helldin Lars
Published: August 2023

Background
Schizophrenia patients that lack capacity or motivation to follow treatment instructions show reduced possibility for stable improvement of clinical status and an increased risk for recurrent symptomatic episodes. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between components known to be important for treatment adherence: patients’ satisfaction with pharmacological treatment, illness severity, cognitive capacity and insight in symptoms and disease.
Methods
Data are derived from 507 patients enrolled in a long-term prospective study in Sweden. All parameters were assessed at baseline for a cross-sectional relational analysis. Insight as well as remission state were also determined each year in a 3-year follow-up longitudinal study.
Results
Patients satisfied with treatment show less severe symptoms, are more often in remission and show a higher degree of insight in symptoms and disease. Neither satisfaction with treatment nor insight correlates to cognition in this study. During follow-up, insight scores increased in parallel to the number of patients in remission in the group where patients alternate between remission and not-remission. Insight in symptoms increased first and thereafter insight regarding underlying cause, is else schizophrenia as a disease.
Conclusions
Patients that clinically do better are more satisfied with treatment and show more insight in their symptoms and disease. Positive treatment results appear to directly improve patients’ satisfaction and insight, suggesting those to be a state phenomenon secondary to treatment outcome. This supports the need for stable symptomatic remission as treatment goal.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of WNK kinase gene family in soybean
Authors: Su Bohong , Zhang Yuhang , Wang Jianhao , Liu Baohui , Kong Fanjiang , Sun Zhihui
Published: August 2023

WNK kinases are a unique class of serine/threonine protein kinases that lack a conserved catalytic lysine residue in the kinase domain. They are involved in various physiological processes in plants, such as circadian rhythm, flowering time, and stress response. In this study, we identified 26 WNK genes in soybean, a globally important crop, and analyzed their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, conserved motifs, chromosomal distribution, cis-regulatory elements, and expression patterns. We found that soybean WNK genes were unevenly distributed on 15 chromosomes and underwent 21 segmental duplication events during evolution. We also detected 14 types of cis-regulatory elements in the promoters of WNK genes, indicating their potential involvement in different signaling pathways. Moreover, we observed tissue-specific and salt stress-responsive expression of WNK genes in soybean by using FPKM data and qRT-PCR analysis. We found that most WNK genes were significantly up-regulated by salt stress within 3 hours in both roots and leaves, except for WNK5, which showed a distinct expression pattern. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular characteristics and evolutionary history of the soybean WNK gene family and lay a foundation for further functional analysis of WNK genes in soybean.
An Exploration of Students’ use of Digital Resources for Self-Study in Anatomy: a survey study
Authors: Pettersson Anna , Karlgren Klas , Hjelmqvist Hans , Meister Björn , Silén Charlotte
Published: August 2023

Background: Technology-enhanced learning has fundamentally changed anatomy education. Currently, student-centred approaches to learning are gaining ground within higher education. To guide educators in how to structure and support student learning, further research is needed to investigate how students use digital resources when learning anatomy. This study aimed to understand which digital resources students use in the self-study of anatomy.
Methods: A qualitative interpretive approach was used to collect and analyse data. Two consecutive cohorts of first-semester medical students (n = 278) were invited to complete an anonymized survey. The survey consisted of 15 questions with multiple response options to itemized questions and free-text space for comments, and one open-ended question. Descriptive statistics were used for demographics and itemized answers. Comments and free-text answers were analysed qualitatively using abductive inference.
Results: One hundred and twenty-seven students completed the survey (response rate 45%). Most students (46%) reported that they spend more than 30 hours/per week on self-study. They used a variety of digital resources for different purposes. Most students used digital resources to prepare for examinations when they encountered difficulty and after going through a section. Students reported that they would use digital resources to a greater extent if they were introduced to the use of digital resources, if resources were more accessible, and if they could interact with a tutor. The free text responses revealed that digital resources helped students understand anatomy, allowed them to make active choices, provided tools for repetition and memorization, accelerated and simplified the learning process, and complemented other learning resources.
Conclusions: Digital resources may support the understanding of anatomy by offering alternative modes of learning and providing a valuable complement to other learning resources. Educators should consider how digital resources are introduced and offer support and feedback.
The Effectiveness of a Telephone Smoking Cessation Program in Mental Health Clinic Patients by Level of Mental Well-Being and Functioning: A Secondary Data Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Swong Sarah , Nicholson Andrew , Smelson David , Rogers Erin S. , El-Shahawy Omar , Sherman Scott E.
Published: August 2023

Background
Few studies have examined the effectiveness of telephone smoking cessation interventions by severity of behavioral health symptoms. Using data from a telephone counseling study, we examined whether abstinence rates varied by level of behavioral health symptoms.
Methods
The parent study recruited adults who smoke cigarettes (N = 577) referred by mental health providers at six Veterans Health Administration facilities. Participants were randomized to specialized telephone counseling (intervention) or state Quitline referral (control). Participants completed assessments at baseline and 6 months, including the BASIS-24, a self-report measure of behavioral health symptoms and functioning. We used the BASIS-24 median to dichotomize participants as having high or low scores. The primary outcome was 30-day self-reported abstinence at 6 months. We compared groups on outcomes by logistic regression and performed an interaction effect analysis between treatment assignment and groups.
Results
At baseline, those with high behavioral health symptoms scores reported heavier nicotine dependence and more sedative and/or antidepressant use. At 6 months, participants with low behavioral health symptoms scores in the intervention reported higher rates of 30-day abstinence compared to those in the control arm (26% vs 13%, OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.8, 2.9). People with high behavioral health symptoms scores reported no difference in 30-day abstinence between the treatment assignments at 6 months (12% vs. 13%, OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.6, 2.0).
Conclusions
Only participants with low behavioral health symptoms scores reported higher abstinence rates in the intervention compared to the state Quitline. Future research can examine alternative approaches for people with worse mental well-being and functioning.
Trial registration
The parent study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.govNCT00724308.
Information scrambling and the growth of errors in noisy tomography - a quantum signature of chaos
Authors: Madhok Vaibhav , Sahu Abinash , Varikuti Naga Dileep
Published: August 2023

How does quantum chaos lead to rapid scrambling of information as well as errors across a system when one introduces perturbations in the dynamics? What are its consequences for the reliability of quantum simulations and quantum information processing?
We employ continuous measurement quantum tomography as a paradigm to study these questions. The measurement record is generated as a sequence of expectation values of a Hermitian observable evolving under repeated application of the Floquet map of the quantum kicked top. Interestingly, we find that the reconstruction fidelity initially increases regardless of the degree of chaos or the strength of perturbations in the dynamics. For random states, when the measurement record is obtained from a random initial observable, the subsequent drop in the fidelity obtained is inversely correlated to the degree of chaos in the dynamics. More importantly, this also gives us an operational interpretation of Loschmidt echo for operators by connecting it to the performance of quantum tomography. We define a quantity to capture the scrambling of errors, an out-of-time-ordered correlator (OTOC) between two operators under perturbed and unperturbed system dynamics that serves as a signature of chaos and quantifies the spread of errors. Our results demonstrate not only a fundamental link between Loschmidt echo and scrambling of errors, as captured by OTOCs, but that such a link can have operational consequences in quantum information processing.