bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Getting Ireland Active”—Application of a Systems Approach to Increase Physical Activity in Ireland Using the GAPPA Framework
Authors: Murphy Joseph J. , Mansergh Fiona , Murphy Marie H. , Murphy Niamh , Cullen Benny , O’Brien Sarah , Finn Stephen , O’Donoghue Grainne , Barry Niamh , O’Shea Shirley , Leyden Kevin M. , Smyth Peter , Cooper Jemima , Bengoechea Enrique G. , Cavill Nick , Milat Andrew J. , Bauman Adrian E. , Woods Catherine B.
Published: September 2021

Physical activity (PA) promotion is a complex challenge, with the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) endorsing a systems approach and recommending countries assess existing areas of progress which can be strengthened. This paper reports a process facilitating a systems approach for identifying current good practice and gaps for promoting PA in Ireland. Elements of participatory action research were enabled through 3 stages: (1) aligning examples of actions from Irish policy documents (n = 3) to the GAPPA, (2) workshop with stakeholders across multiple sectors, and (3) review of outputs. Data collected through the workshop were analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis guided by the GAPPA. The policy context in Ireland aligns closely to the GAPPA with the creation of Active Systems the most common strategic objective across policy documents. Forty participants (50% male) took part in the systems approach workshop, which after revision resulted in 80 examples of good practice and 121 actions for greater impact. A pragmatic and replicable process facilitating a systems approach was adopted and showed current Irish policy and practices align with the GAPPA “good practices.” The process provides existing areas of progress which can be strengthened, as well as the policy opportunities and practice gaps.
Associations Between Change Over Time in Pandemic-Related Stress and Change in Physical Activity
Authors: Wilson Kathryn E. , Corbett Andrew , Van Horn Andrew , Guevara Beltran Diego , Ayers Jessica D. , Alcock Joe , Aktipis Athena
Published: September 2021

Background: Physical activity (PA) mitigated psychological distress during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet not much is known about whether PA had effects on stress in subsequent months. We examined the relationship between change over time in COVID-related stress and self-reported change in PA between March and July 2020. Methods: Latent growth modeling was used to examine trajectories of change in pandemic-related stress and test their association with self-reported changes in PA in an international sample (n = 679). Results: The participants reported a reduction in pandemic-related stress between April and July of 2020. Significant linear (factor mean = −0.22) and quadratic (factor mean = 0.02) changes (Ps < .001) were observed, indicating a deceleration in stress reduction over time. Linear change was related to change in PA such that individuals who became less active during the pandemic reported less stress reduction over time compared with those who maintained or increased their PA during the pandemic. Conclusions: Individuals who experienced the greatest reduction in stress over time during the pandemic were those who maintained their activity levels or became more active. Our study cannot establish a causal relationship between these variables, but the findings are consistent with other work showing that PA reduces stress.
A One-Health Genomic Investigation of Gentamicin Resistance in Salmonella from Human and Chicken Sources in Canada, 2014 to 2017
Authors: Cox Graham W. , Parmley E. Jane , Avery Brent P. , Irwin Rebecca J. , Reid-Smith Richard J. , Deckert Anne E. , Finley Rita L. , Daignault Danielle , Alexander David C. , Allen Vanessa , El Bailey Sameh , Bekal Sadjia , Chui Linda , German Greg J. , Haldane David , Hoang Linda , Minion Jessica , Zahariadis George , Mulvey Michael R. , Bharat Amrita
Published: September 2021

We investigated whether the increased prevalence of gentamicin resistance in
Salmonella
from human infections was related to a similar increased prevalence in isolates from broiler chickens and whether this increase may have been due to coselection from use of lincomycin-spectinomycin in chickens on farms. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on gentamicin-resistant (Gen
r
)
Salmonella
isolates from human and chicken sources collected from 2014 to 2017 by the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS).
Monoclonal Antibodies against Cell Wall Chitooligomers as Accessory Tools for the Control of Cryptococcosis
Authors: Figueiredo Alexandre Bezerra Conde , Fonseca Fernanda L. , Kuczera Diogo , Conte Fernando de Paiva , Arissawa Marcia , Rodrigues Marcio L.
Published: September 2021

Therapeutic strategies against systemic mycoses can involve antifungal resistance and significant toxicity. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches to fight fungal infections are urgent.
Effect of High-Dose Posaconazole on Serum Levels in Adult Patients with Hematologic Malignancy
Authors: DiPippo Adam J. , McDaneld Patrick M. , Tverdek Frank P. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: September 2021

Posaconazole (POS) appears to have dose-proportional pharmacokinetics; however, there is a paucity of real-life data. We retrospectively evaluated 67 patients with hematologic cancer who had POS dose increases from 300 mg/day to either 400 mg/day (
n
 = 52) or 300 mg twice daily (BID) (
n
 = 15) and for whom POS serum levels were measured.
Rapid Conversion of Methane to Hydrogen Stimulated by Microwave Irradiation on the Surface of a Carbon Adsorbent
Authors: Chistyakov A. V. , Konstantinov G. I. , Tsodikov M. V. , Maximov A. L.
Published: September 2021

The paper presents the results on the rapid production of H2 from CH4 by its direct decomposition in a plasma-catalytic mode stimulated by microwave irradiation (MWI) at 600°C. Methane was passed through a bed of iron-containing carbon adsorbent obtained from gas coal characterized by a large dielectric loss tangent. Under MWI, intense breakdown effects with plasma generation appear on the surface of the iron–carbon system. Methane in the plasma converts to hydrogen and carbon. A method has been developed for the rapid regeneration of the catalyst by water vapor with the removal of carbon under microwave stimulation. Short-cycle experiments have shown that the catalytic system provides high conversions of methane and its almost complete regeneration.
Dosing of enteral acetaminophen in critically ill children: a cohort study
Authors: Roumeliotis Nadia , Frndova Helena , Pullenayegum Eleanor , Taddio Anna , Rochon Paula , Parshuram Christopher S
Published: September 2021

Objective

Acetaminophen is the most common medication prescribed in children’s hospitals. The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency and risk factors for acetaminophen underdosing and overdosing in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Design

Retrospective cohort of drug administrations in a large tertiary care PICU.

Patients

All PICU admissions, less than 18 years of age, admitted between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2018, having received at least one dose of enteral acetaminophen.

Methods

The primary outcome was acetaminophen underdosing and overdosing, defined as doses exceeding the 10% upper and lower limits of the standard reference range (10–15 mg/kg) and 10% above daily maximum dose (75 mg/kg). A generalised estimating equation regression assessed patient risk factors for single underdosing, single overdosing and cumulative daily overdosing of acetaminophen.

Results

Of the 147 485 doses of enteral acetaminophen administered, 7814 (5.3%) were single underdoses (1 in every 19 doses) and 4640 (3.1%) were single overdoses (1 in every 32 doses). There were 6813 cumulative overdose days (1 in every 9 patient-days). Risk factors for both underdosing and overdosing included older age and cardiac admission, whereas risk factors for cumulative overdosing were young age and cardiac admission. Electronic prescribing increased the risk of underdosing and overdosing, but decreased cumulative acetaminophen overdosing (relative risk 0.51, p=0.001).

Conclusion

Acetaminophen underdosing and overdosing are common in the PICU and can be detected with pharmacoepidemiology. Electronic prescribing increased the risk of single underdosing and overdosing, although it reduced the risk of cumulative overdosing.
Fifteen-minute consultation: A structured approach to the assessment of a child with earache
Authors: Halliday Edwin , Wooles Nicola , Grainger Joe
Published: September 2021

Earache, or otalgia, in children is common. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the range of causes. Assessment involves a thorough history and examination. Identification of associated otological symptoms, including discharge, hearing loss, vertigo and facial nerve weakness, is helpful and can aid diagnosis. Examination should involve looking at the external ear, otoscopy to assess the ear canal and tympanic membrane and documentation of facial nerve function. If otological examination is normal, further examination looking for non-otological causes may be guided by the history. Investigations are often unnecessary but may include blood tests, audiology and imaging. Most otalgia is caused by an acute infection, which is self-limiting and can be managed in the community. However, ear, nose and throat (ENT) advice and input may be required for systemically unwell children or those who fail to improve despite appropriate medical therapy.
Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma arising in association with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Kulumani Mahadevan Lakshmi Shree , Ozdemirli Metin
Published: September 2021

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare cutaneous T cell malignancy of cytotoxic T cell origin. It is frequently associated with autoimmune diseases. It is known to preferentially involve subcutaneous adipose tissue and histologically resembles lupus panniculitis. The aetiology and risk factors of SPTCL are unclear and there are limited studies available since this entity was initially described in 2001. There are even fewer case reports describing the association between SPTCL and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In this article, we present a case of SPTCL arising during treatment for CLL. We conducted an extensive review of literature to delve into the possible risk factors for SPTCL development in association with CLL, including pre-existing haematological malignancies, autoimmune conditions, immunomodulation and immunosuppressive chemotherapy.
Evaluation of blood vessel network formation and visual field defect in optic disc melanocytoma
Authors: Kwak Jay Jiyong , Lee Dong Hyun , Lee Sung Chul , Lee Christopher Seungkyu
Published: September 2021

Aim

To investigate the association between visual field defects and blood vessel network (BVN) formation in optic disc melanocytomas (ODMs) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

Single-centre, retrospective case series of 32 eyes of 32 patients with ODM, in which eyes were divided into two groups based on complete and incomplete BVN formations.

Results

OCTA revealed incomplete BVN formation in 16 of 32 ODMs. The location of BVN absence corresponded to the location of hypofluorescence from fluorescein angiography (FA) in 12 (75%) and to the location of visual field defect in 13 (81%) ODMs in the incomplete BVN group. Perimetric indices were significantly worse in the incomplete BVN group than in the complete BVN group. Linear regression of mean deviation (MD) and Visual Field Index (VFI) on the area of BVN absence were statistically significant (p=0.01 and p=0.003, respectively), whereas linear regressions of MD and VFI on the tumour area were not statistically significant (both p=0.09) in the incomplete BVN group.

Conclusion

The location of BVN absence within ODMs corresponded to the location of visual field defect and the location of FA hypofluorescence. Visual field defect was more severe in the incomplete BVN group than in the complete BVN group. Visual field defect was more significantly associated with the area of BVN absence than the tumour area.
Characterising long COVID: a living systematic review
Authors: Michelen Melina , Manoharan Lakshmi , Elkheir Natalie , Cheng Vincent , Dagens Andrew , Hastie Claire , O'Hara Margaret , Suett Jake , Dahmash Dania , Bugaeva Polina , Rigby Ishmeala , Munblit Daniel , Harriss Eli , Burls Amanda , Foote Carole , Scott Janet , Carson Gail , Olliaro Piero , Sigfrid Louise , Stavropoulou Charitini
Published: September 2021

Background

While it is now apparent clinical sequelae (long COVID) may persist after acute COVID-19, their nature, frequency and aetiology are poorly characterised. This study aims to regularly synthesise evidence on long COVID characteristics, to help inform clinical management, rehabilitation strategies and interventional studies to improve long-term outcomes.

Methods

A living systematic review. Medline, CINAHL (EBSCO), Global Health (Ovid), WHO Global Research on COVID-19 database, LitCovid and Google Scholar were searched till 17 March 2021. Studies including at least 100 people with confirmed or clinically suspected COVID-19 at 12 weeks or more post onset were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the tool produced by Hoyet al. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and meta-analyses to estimate prevalence.

Results

A total of 39 studies were included: 32 cohort, 6 cross-sectional and 1 case–control. Most showed high or moderate risk of bias. None were set in low-income countries and few included children. Studies reported on 10 951 people (48% female) in 12 countries. Most included previously hospitalised people (78%, 8520/10 951). The longest mean follow-up time was 221.7 (SD: 10.9) days post COVID-19 onset. Over 60 physical and psychological signs and symptoms with wide prevalence were reported, most commonly weakness (41%; 95% CI 25% to 59%), general malaise (33%; 95% CI 15% to 57%), fatigue (31%; 95% CI 24% to 39%), concentration impairment (26%; 95% CI 21% to 32%) and breathlessness (25%; 95% CI 18% to 34%). 37% (95% CI 18% to 60%) of patients reported reduced quality of life; 26% (10/39) of studies presented evidence of reduced pulmonary function.

Conclusion

Long COVID is a complex condition with prolonged heterogeneous symptoms. The nature of studies precludes a precise case definition or risk evaluation. There is an urgent need for prospective, robust, standardised, controlled studies into aetiology, risk factors and biomarkers to characterise long COVID in different at-risk populations and settings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020211131.
Parent-level barriers to uptake of childhood vaccination: a global overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Kaufman Jessica , Tuckerman Jane , Bonner Carissa , Durrheim David N , Costa Daniel , Trevena Lyndal , Thomas Susan , Danchin Margie
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Understanding barriers to childhood vaccination is crucial to inform effective interventions for maximising uptake. Published systematic reviews include different primary studies, producing varying lists of barriers. To make sense of this diverse body of literature, a comprehensive level of summary and synthesis is necessary. This overview of systematic reviews maps all potential parent-level barriers to childhood vaccination identified in systematic reviews. It synthesises these into a conceptual framework to inform development of a vaccine barriers assessment tool.

Methods

We applied Joanna Briggs methodology, searching the Epistemonikos review database and reference lists of included reviews to June 2020. Systematic reviews of qualitative or quantitative data on parent-level barriers to routine vaccination in preschool-aged children were included. Reviews addressing influenza, reporting non-modifiable determinants or reporting barriers not relevant to parents were excluded. Where possible, we extracted review details, barrier descriptions and the number, setting and design of primary studies. Two authors independently screened search results and inductively coded barrier descriptions.

Results

We screened 464 papers, identifying 30 relevant reviews with minimal overlap. Fourteen reviews included qualitative and quantitative primary studies, seven included quantitative and seven included qualitative studies only. Two did not report included study designs. Two-thirds of reviews (n=20; 67%) only included primary studies from high-income countries. We extracted 573 barrier descriptions and inductively coded these into 64 unique barriers in six overarching categories: (1) Access, (2) Clinic or Health System Barriers, (3) Concerns and Beliefs, (4) Health Perceptions and Experiences, (5) Knowledge and Information and (6) Social or Family Influence.

Conclusions

A global overview of systematic reviews of parent-level barriers to childhood vaccine uptake identified 64 barriers to inform development of a new comprehensive survey instrument. This instrument will assess both access and acceptance barriers to more accurately diagnose the reasons for under-vaccination in children in different settings.
Carlos II of Spain, ‘The Bewitched’: cursed by aspartylglucosaminuria?
Authors: Martin Andrew , Heard Robert , Fung Victor S C
Published: September 2021

Carlos II of Spain (1661–1700), last of the Spanish Habsburgs, was known as The ‘Bewitched’ due to his multiple medical issues and feeble nature. He suffered from a range of ailments extending beyond the well-known Habsburg jaw, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, dysarthria, skeletal deformity, recurrent infections, epilepsy and infertility, among others. The Habsburg dynasty of Spain was characterised by marked inbreeding, and the male line died out with Carlos II. Various diagnoses have been proffered to explain Carlos II’s infirmity, though none have been full satisfactory to explain the full breadth of his ailments. As illustrated here, it may be that aspartylglucosaminuria, an autosomal recessively inherited lysosomal storage disorder, can account for both the characteristic facial features and the wide variety of other features exhibited by Carlos II.
Temporary resolution of hemicrania continua following ipsilateral ear piercing
Authors: Bryson Alexander
Published: September 2021

Background

Hemicrania continua is an uncommon subtype of trigeminal autonomic cephalgia that exhibits dramatic therapeutic response to indomethacin. Unfortunately, indomethacin is associated with a range of adverse effects, including neuropsychiatric complications, which limits its use in many patients. Although no other effective pharmacologic agents exist, there is emerging evidence for interventional treatments such as occipital nerve and vagus nerve stimulation, which may act by modulating neural activity within the trigeminovascular system.

Case

We present a 30-year-old woman with long-standing refractory hemicrania continua who suffered adverse effects to indomethacin. She experienced temporary, but near-complete, symptom resolution following piercing of the crus of the ear helix ipsilateral to her headache, whereas contralateral piercing produced no benefit.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this case is the first to describe a therapeutic benefit following ear piercing in a patient with trigeminal autonomic cephalgia. We argue that symptom relief was obtained through a similar mechanism to occipital or vagus nerve stimulation.
Adalimumab in patients with vision-threatening uveitis: real-world clinical experience
Authors: Tang Lee Say Timothy Lee , Yang Verlyn , Fingret Jacob M , Zagora Sophia , Symes Richard , Younan Christine , Cornish Elisa Eleanor , Verma Nitin , Sammel Anthony , Wakefield Denis , Speden Deborah , McCluskey Peter J
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Biologics are rapidly emerging as an effective vision saving addition to systemic uveitis therapy. The aim of this multicentre retrospective study is to review the outcomes of a large group of patients treated with adalimumab.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients with refractory non-infectious, active uveitis treated with adalimumab was conducted. The main outcome measures were ability to reduce prednisolone dose, ability to control uveitis, final visual acuity and time to treatment failure.

Results

Forty-six patients with uveitis, treated with adalimumab were included in the study. The most common anatomical uveitis phenotype was panuveitis (n=17, 37.0%). The most common diagnosis was idiopathic uveitis (n=19, 41.3%). At their latest review (mean: 4.46 years; median 4.40 years), 35 (76.1%) patients were able to discontinue corticosteroids, 11 (23.9%) patients were able to taper to <7.5 mg/day and only 1 (2.2%) patient required 10 mg of prednisone. The mean visual acuity at the latest follow-up of the worse eye was logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.42 (SD 0.72), while the mean visual acuity of the better eye was logMAR 0.19 (SD 0.34). Of the 89 eyes, 21 (23.6%) eyes improved by at least 2 lines, 5 eyes (5.6%) deteriorated by ≥2 lines while vision was unchanged in the remaining 63 (70.8%) eyes. The time to recurrence was 1 in 12.47 person-years for adalimumab, with a 17.4% (8 patient) relapse rate. There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusions

This study highlights the efficacy of adalimumab in patients with vision-threatening non-infectious uveitis, preserving vision and allowing reduction of corticosteroid dose.
Enactment of compassionate leadership by nursing and midwifery managers: results from an international online survey
Authors: Papadopoulos Irena , Wright Steve , Lazzarino Runa , Koulouglioti Christina , Aagard Magdeline , Akman Özlem , Alpers Lise-Merete , Apostolara Paraskevi , Araneda Julieta , Biglete-Pangilinan Sylvia , Eldar-Regev Orit , González-Gil Maria Teresa , Kouta Christiana , Krepinska Radka , Lesińska-Sawicka Małgorzata , Liskova Miroslava , Lopez-Diaz Lucero , Malliarou Maria , Martín-García Ángel , Muñoz-Salinas Mara , Nagórska Małgorzata , Ngunyulu Roinah Nkhensani , Nissim Sara , Nortvedt Line , Oconer-Rubiano Florinda , Oter-Quintana Cristina , Öztürk Candan , Papp Katalin , Piratoba-Hernandez Blanca , Rousou Elena , Tolentino-Diaz Maria Ymelda , Tothova Valerie , Zorba Akile
Published: September 2021

Aim

To explore the views of an international sample of nursing and midwifery managers concerning attributes that they associate with compassionate management.

Method

A cross-sectional online survey. Using a snowballing sampling method, 1217 responses were collected from nursing and midwifery managers in 17 countries. A total of complete 933 responses to a question related to which actions and behaviours indicated that a manager was exercising compassionate leadership were analysed for this paper. First, content analysis of the responses was conducted, and second, a relative distribution of the identified themes for the overall sample and for each participating country was calculated.

Results

Six main themes were identified describing the attributes of a compassionate leader: (1) Virtuous support, (2) Communication, (3) Personal virtues of the manager, (4) Participatory communication, (5) Growth/flourishing/ nurturing and (6) Team cohesion. The first three themes mentioned above collectively accounted for 63% of the responses, and can therefore be considered to be the most important characteristics of compassionate management behaviour.

Conclusion

The key indicators of compassionate management in nursing and midwifery which were identified emphasise approachability, active and sensitive listening, sympathetic responses to staff members’ difficulties (especially concerning child and other caring responsibilities), active support of and advocacy for the staff team and active problem solving and conflict resolution. While there were differences between the countries’ views on compassionate healthcare management, some themes were widely represented among different countries’ responses, which suggest key indicators of compassionate management that apply across cultures.
Postglacial sea-level lowstand on Cumberland Peninsula, Baffin Island, Nunavut
Authors: Cowan B. , Carter J. , Forbes D.L. , Bell T.
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the postglacial sea-level history of eastern Cumberland Peninsula, a region of Baffin Island, Nunavut, where submerged terraces were documented in the 1970s. The elevation gradient of emerged postglacial marine-limit deltas and fiord-head moraines led Arthur Dyke to propose a conceptual model for continuous postglacial submergence of the eastern peninsula. Multibeam mapping over the past decade has revealed eight unequivocal submerged deltas at 19–45 m below present sea level (b.s.l.) and other relict shore-zone landforms (boulder barricade, spits, and sill platform) at 16–51 m b.s.l. Over a distance of 115 km from Qikiqtarjuaq to Cape Dyer, the submerged coastal features increase in depth toward the east, with a slope (0.36 m/km) less than that of the marine-limit shoreline previously documented (0.58–0.62 m/km). The submerged ice-proximal deltas, deglacial ice limits, and radiocarbon ages constrain the postglacial lowstand between 9.9 and 1.4 ka cal BP. The glacial-isostatic model ICE-7G_NA (VM7) computes a lowstand relative sea level at 8.0 ka, the depth of which increases eastward at 0.28 m/km. The difference between observed and model-derived lowstand depths ranges from 1 m in the west to 10 m in the east and the predicted tilt is significantly less than observed (p = 0.0008). The model results, emerging data on Holocene glacial readvances on eastern Baffin Island, and evidence for proglacial delta formation point to a Cockburn (9.5–8.2 ka) age for the lowstand, most likely later in this range. This study confirms the 1970s conceptual model of postglacial submergence in outer Cumberland Peninsula and provides field evidence for further refinement of glacial-isostatic adjustment models.
A review of antimicrobial resistance in imported foods
Authors: Jung Dongyun , Morrison Beverly J. , Rubin Joseph E.
Published: September 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious threats to medical science. Food supply is recognized as a potential source of resistant bacteria, leading to the development of surveillance programs targeting primarily poultry, pork, and beef. These programs are limited in scope, not only in the commodities tested, but also in the organisms targeted (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter); consequently, neither the breadth of food products available nor the organisms that may harbour clinically relevant and (or) mobile resistance genes are identified. Furthermore, there is an inadequate understanding of how international trade in food products contributes to the global dissemination of resistance. This is despite the recognized role of international travel in disseminating antimicrobial-resistant organisms, notably New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase. An increasing number of studies describing antimicrobial-resistant organisms in a variety of imported foods are summarized in this review.
Thermal correlations and entropic uncertainty in a two-spin system under DM and KSEA interactions
Authors: Khedif Youssef , Haddadi Saeed , Pourkarimi Mohammad Reza , Daoud Mohammed
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the thermal quantum correlations along with the thermal entropic uncertainty in a two neighboring XYZ Heisenberg spin-1/2 particles subjected to a transverse external magnetic field with the interplay of both antisymmetric Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya and symmetric Kaplan–Shekhtman–Entin–Wohlman–Aharony are investigated. The quantum consonance and uncertainty-induced quantum nonlocality as well as the entropic uncertainty with quantum memory for the considered system are specified and the thermal behaviors of them in terms of the system parameters are examined. The expected decrease of quantum correlations for higher absolute temperatures is confirmed while the inflation of the uncertainty is generated. Moreover, we show that the stronger spin-spin and spin-orbit exchange couplings can enhance the thermal quantum correlations and suppress the uncertainty. Accordingly, our remarks are expected to be beneficent in illustrating the dynamical quantum correlations and entropy-based uncertainty in a general Heisenberg spin-chain model and thus would be useful for practical quantum information processing.
On the dynamics of gravity-induced wave function reduction
Authors: Rahmani Faramarz , Golshani Mehdi
Published: September 2021

In this study, we use the concept of Bohmian trajectories to present a dynamical and deterministic interpretation for the gravity-induced wave function reduction. We shall classify all possible regimes for the motion of a particle, based on the behavior of trajectories in the ensemble and under the influence of quantum and gravitational forces. In the usual approaches all the information is obtained from the wave function evolution. But, on the basis of Bohm’s deterministic quantum theory, we can investigate the motion of the particle during the reduction processes. This leads to analytical and numerical results for the reduction time and equation of motion of the particle. In this regard, a new visualization will be provided for the reduction time.
Collaborative passenger flow control of urban rail transit network considering balanced distribution of passengers
Authors: Li Xiang , Bai Yan , Su Kaixiong
Published: September 2021

The increase of urban traffic demands has directly affected some large cities that are now dealing with more serious urban rail transit congestion. In order to ensure the travel efficiency of passengers and improve the service level of urban rail transit, we proposed a multi-line collaborative passenger flow control model for urban rail transit networks. The model constructed here is based on passenger flow characteristics and congestion propagation rules. Considering the passenger demand constraints, as well as section transport and station capacity constraints, a linear programming model is established with the aim of minimizing total delayed time of passengers and minimizing control intensities at each station. The network constructed by Line 2, Line 6 and Line 8 of the Beijing metro is the study case used in this research to analyze control stations, control durations and control intensities. The results show that the number of delayed passengers is significantly reduced and the average flow control ratio is relatively balanced at each station, which indicates that the model can effectively relieve congestion and provide quantitative references for urban rail transit operators to come up with new and more effective passenger flow control measures.
A New Method for Detecting Altered Text in Document Images
Authors: Nandanwar Lokesh , Shivakumara Palaiahnakote , Pal Umapada , Lu Tong , Lopresti Daniel , Seraogi Bhagesh , Chaudhuri Bidyut B.
Published: September 2021

As more and more office documents are captured, stored, and shared in digital format, and as image editing software are becoming increasingly more powerful, there is a growing concern about document authenticity. To prevent illicit activities, this paper presents a new method for detecting altered text in document images. The proposed method explores the relationship between positive and negative coefficients of DCT to extract the effect of distortions caused by tampering by fusing reconstructed images of respective positive and negative coefficients, which results in Positive-Negative DCT coefficients Fusion (PNDF). To take advantage of spatial information, we propose to fuse R, G, and B color channels of input images, which results in RGBF (RGB Fusion). Next, the same fusion operation is used for fusing PNDF and RGBF, which results in a fused image for the original input one. We compute a histogram to extract features from the fused image, which results in a feature vector. The feature vector is then fed to a deep neural network for classifying altered text images. The proposed method is tested on our own dataset and the standard datasets from the ICPR 2018 Fraud Contest, Altered Handwriting (AH), and faked IMEI number images. The results show that the proposed method is effective and the proposed method outperforms the existing methods irrespective of image type.
Maximum Number of Small Limit Cycles in Some Rational Liénard Systems with Cubic Restoring Terms
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Tian Yun
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we obtain an upper bound for the number of small-amplitude limit cycles produced by Hopf bifurcation in one particular type of rational Liénard systems in the form of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are polynomials in [Formula: see text] with degrees [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Furthermore, we show that the upper bound presented here is sharp in the case of [Formula: see text].
Dynamics of a DC Motor-Driving Arm with a Circular Periodic Potential and DC/AC Voltage Input
Authors: Kouam Tagne R. F. , Fotsa R. Tsapla , Woafo P.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of an electromechanical system consisting of a DC motor-driving arm within a circular periodic potential created by three permanent magnets. Two configurations of the circular potential appear when one varies the positions of the magnets and the length of the DC motor, respectively. Two different forms of input signal are used: DC and AC voltage sources. For each case, conditions under which the mechanical arm can perform a complete rotation are obtained. Under the DC voltage excitation, the arm oscillates and then is stabilized at an equilibrium position for a DC voltage lower than a critical value [Formula: see text]. When the DC voltage is higher than the critical value [Formula: see text], the arm performs large amplitude motions (complete rotation). Submitted to an AC voltage with amplitude lower than a critical value, the mechanical arm exhibits sinusoidal oscillations around the equilibrium position [Formula: see text] with amplitudes less than one turn. Angular oscillations with amplitudes greater than one turn are observed when the voltage amplitude is higher than the critical value. Bifurcation diagrams show that the simple system can enter chaotic regime with the amplitudes of angular oscillations varying erratically from small to high values.
Sequential Periodic Motions in a Vibration-Assisted, Regenerative, Nonlinear Turning-Tool System
Authors: Xing Siyuan , Luo Albert C. J.
Published: September 2021

This paper studies the dynamics and bifurcations of a vibration-assisted, regenerative, nonlinear turning-tool system using an implicit mapping method. Machine vibration has been studied for a century for the improvement of machine accuracy and metal removal rate. In fact, this problem is unsolved yet. This is because such dynamical systems are involved in nonlinearity, discontinuity and time-delay. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of nonlinear machining dynamics with time-delay is indispensable. In this paper, period-[Formula: see text] motions in the turning machine-tool system are studied through specific mapping structures, and the corresponding stability and bifurcations of the period-[Formula: see text] motion are determined through the eigenvalue analysis. The analytical bifurcation scenarios for two sets of sequential period-[Formula: see text] motions in a turning-tool system are presented. Numerical simulations of period-[Formula: see text] motions are carried out to verify the prediction of periodic motions. The complex dynamics of vibration-assisted machining with strong nonlinearity are presented, which can provide a good overview for nonlinear dynamics of machine-tool systems.
Matlab Code for Lyapunov Exponents of Fractional-Order Systems, Part II: The Noncommensurate Case
Authors: Danca Marius-F.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the Benettin–Wolf algorithm for determining all Lyapunov exponents of noncommensurate fractional-order systems modeled by Caputo’s derivative and the corresponding Matlab code are presented. The paper continues the work started in [ Danca & Kuznetsov, 2018 ], where the Matlab code of commensurate fractional-order systems is given. To integrate the extended systems, the Adams–Bashforth–Moulton scheme for fractional differential equations is utilized. Like the Matlab program for commensurate-order systems, the program presented in this paper prints and plots all Lyapunov exponents as function of time. The program can be simply adapted to plot the evolution of the Lyapunov exponents as a function of orders, or a function of a bifurcation parameter. Special attention is paid to the periodicity of fractional-order systems and its influences. The case of noncommensurate Lorenz system is demonstrated.
Coexisting Infinitely Many Nonchaotic Attractors in a Memristive Weight-Based Tabu Learning Neuron
Authors: Hou Liping , Bao Han , Xu Quan , Chen Mo , Bao Bocheng
Published: September 2021

Memristive synaptic weight is a changeable connection synaptic weight. It reflects the self-adaption physical processing in biological neurons. To study its dynamical effect, this paper presents a memristive synaptic weight-based tabu learning neuron model. It is constructed by replacing the resistive self-connection synaptic weight in the tabu learning neuron with a memristive self-connection synaptic weight. The equilibrium point of the memristive tabu learning model is time-varying and switches between no equilibrium state and line equilibrium state with the change of the external current. Particularly, the stability of the line equilibrium state closely relies on the initial state of the memristor, resulting in the emergence of coexisting infinitely many nonchaotic attractors. By employing the bifurcation plots, Lyapunov exponents, and phase plots, this paper numerically reveals the initial state-switched coexisting bifurcation behaviors and initial state-relied extreme multistability, and thereby discloses the coexisting infinitely many nonchaotic attractors composed of mono-periodic, multiperiodic, and quasi-periodic orbits. In addition, PSIM circuit simulations and printed-circuit board-based experiments are executed and the coexisting infinitely many nonchaotic attractors are realized physically. The results well verify the numerical simulations.
Automated cone photoreceptor cell identification in confocal adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope images based on object detection
Authors: Chen Yiwei , He Yi , Wang Jing , Li Wanyue , Xing Lina , Zhang Xin , Shi Guohua
Published: September 2021

Cone photoreceptor cell identification is important for the early diagnosis of retinopathy. In this study, an object detection algorithm is used for cone cell identification in confocal adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) images. An effectiveness evaluation of identification using the proposed method reveals precision, recall, and [Formula: see text]-score of 95.8%, 96.5%, and 96.1%, respectively, considering manual identification as the ground truth. Various object detection and identification results from images with different cone photoreceptor cell distributions further demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. Overall, the proposed method can accurately identify cone photoreceptor cells on confocal adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope images, being comparable to manual identification.
Solvability of a triple of binary relations with an application to Green’s relations
Authors: Prinyasart Thanakorn , Rakbud Jittisak , Samphavat Suchat
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we introduce the notion of a solvable triple of binary relations on a set. This notion generalizes the notion of a regular relation and all other notions that are variants of the notion of the regularity, defined previously by many people. We also give some characterizations of the solvability of a triple of relations and use this to study Green’s relations on the monoid of binary relations on a set.
Nodulation, Growth, and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) as Affected by Bio-, Organic, and Inorganic NPSB Fertilizers, and Lime in Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Abeje Abiyot , Alemayehu Getachew , Feyisa Tesfaye
Published: September 2021

The productivity of soybean in Assosa Zone particularly in Assosa and Bambassi districts is very low due to poor soil fertility management practices that resulted in severe soil acidity and low N-fixing inoculants in the soil. Hence, this experiment was conducted during the main cropping season of 2019 and 2020 in Assosa and Bambassi districts to evaluate the effect of biofertilizers, organic fertilizers, inorganic NPSB fertilizers, and lime on nodulation, growth, and yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill). Factorial combinations of two biofertilizer inoculants (without biofertilizer (B1) and SB12 plus MAR1495 biofertilizers at their recommended rates of 500 g·ha−1 (B2); two organic fertilizers: without fresh cattle manure (M1) and fresh cattle manure at 10 t·ha−1 (M2); two lime rates: without lime (L1) and lime at 5 t·ha−1 (L2); two inorganic NPSB fertilizers: NPSB at 9.5-23-3.5-0.05 (F1) and NPSB at 19-46-7-0.1 (F2) at their recommended rates for soybean) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Effective nodules, leaf area index, and grain yield were collected and analyzed using SAS 9.1.3 software. Results of the experiment showed that effective nodules, leaf area index, grain yield, bulk density, pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon, and cation exchange capacity were highly (

P
<
0.01

) affected by the interaction of bio-, organic, and inorganic fertilizers and lime at both locations and years. Across all treatments, the grain yield of soybean was increased in the second year, while it was lowest in the first year at both locations. Finally, the interaction of SB12 + MAR1495, 10 t·ha−1 fresh cattle manure, without lime, and NPSB at 19-46-7-0.1 increased the grain yield of soybean in both Assosa and Bambassi districts and should be adopted appropriately to enhance the productivity of soybean in the areas and similar agroecologies, while the interaction effect of SB12 + MAR1495, 10 t ha−1 FCM, 5 t·ha−1 lime, and NPSB at 19-46-7-0.1 improved soil physicochemical properties in both the districts and similar agroecologies.
Modification of Coal Samples with Bursting Liability Subjected to Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Wen Yingyuan , Guan Weiming , Zhao Hongchao , Liu Honglin , Li Huwei , Qi Qi
Published: September 2021

This paper introduces the innovative technique to release the bursting liability of coal seam via microwave irradiation. To verify the feasibility of this environment‐friendly technique, a series of laboratory tests incorporating acoustic emission (AE) investigation were carried out. Test results indicated that both the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and bursting energy index of raw and water‐soaked coal samples were significantly reduced. In particular, the bursting liability was reduced by one level when the values of UCS were compared, the evidence of which is the variation of wave velocities of tested coal samples. It can also be found from the events and hits in the complete stress‐strain curve and the cumulative curve of acoustic emission that the elastic modulus of the raw and water‐soaked coal samples subjected to microwave irradiation decreased by 58.42% and 29.63%, respectively. This facilitates the entry into the stage of stable crack propagation more quickly, the growth rate and size of the cracks were slower and more uniform, and there were no smaller coal fragments ejecting during the failure process of the coal samples. Meanwhile, the proportion of high‐energy events released in coal samples experienced a decline after the treatment of the microwave. Moreover, microwave heating principally promoted the initiation and expansion of microcracks in coal samples under the influence of microwave power of 1 kW and a heating time of 120s, which may cause the overall damage of large fractures to break into multiple small and medium cracks. Based on the experimental results, the conceptual process of using microwave in weakening the bursting liability of coal seam was then proposed, which will be the meaningful reference for microwave‐assisted oil recovery and coal bed methane production.
Theory of Nonlinear Vibrations for Antisymmetric Cross‐Ply Bistable Laminated Shells
Authors: Zhang B. Y. , Zhang W.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, on the basis of taking the von Karman nonlinear factors into consideration, the constitutive equation of the antisymmetric cross‐ply laminated composite was used to calculate the internal force and internal moment of the bistable structure, and the dynamic equilibrium equation and the compatible equation were constructed, respectively. The two equations were combined to establish a nonlinear dynamic model for the antisymmetric cross‐ply laminated glass fiber resin bistable shell. Then, the finite element numerical simulation software ABAQUS was adopted to perform simulation modeling and numerical analysis on a series of bistable specimens, so as to study the impact of different geometric parameters on the frequencies, mode shapes, and other vibration characteristics of the antisymmetric laminated fiber resin bistable shell. Galerkin discretization was conducted on the vibration partial differential equation. Since there are only even‐order partial differential terms of deflection w with respect to x and y in the vibration partial differential equation at this time, the form of series obtained by each term is the same, which simplifies the discretization of the dynamic equilibrium equation and the compatible equation. Finally, the two equations after discretization were merged to obtain the three‐degree‐of‐freedom nonlinear ordinary differential equation of the antisymmetric cross‐ply laminated glass fiber resin bistable shell. The system averaged equation was acquired by perturbation analysis through a multiscale method, and the periodic solution of the antisymmetric laminated bistable system was studied. Moreover, the system’s nonlinear dynamic behavior characteristics such as bifurcation and chaos were explored when the main resonance Ω is close to ω1 and ω2, respectively, and the internal resonance is 1 : 2 : 3.
The Dilemma of Factor Allocation and Wage Difference under the Constant Region-Wide Returns to Scale
Authors: Xi Xi , Gong Yuanyuan , Yuan Runze
Published: September 2021

In the model setting of multiregional macroeconomic research, the constant return on scale of all production functions and the free flow of all production factors cannot be combined. Otherwise, the potential theoretical conflict, that is, the problem of contradiction equations, may arise. If there is a unified capital interest rate in the market and the return on scale of production in all regions remains unchanged, it is necessary to set restrictions on the flow of labor force in order to realize the differential wages among regions. When the interest rate is not too high, the regional wage increases with the larger output capital elasticity.