bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for assessing if behavioural functioning of infants born <29 weeks’ gestation is improved by omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: follow-up of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gould Jacqueline F , Roberts Rachel M , Anderson Peter J , Makrides Maria , Sullivan Thomas R , Gibson Robert A , McPhee Andrew J , Doyle Lex William , Opie Gillian , Travadi Javeed , Cheong Jeanie L Y , Davis Peter G , Sharp Mary , Simmer Karen , Tan Kenneth , Morris Scott , Lui Kei , Bolisetty Srinivas , Liley Helen , Stack Jacqueline , Best Karen P , Collins Carmel T
Published: May 2021

Introduction

During the last trimester of pregnancy, the fetal brain undergoes a rapid growth spurt and accumulates essential nutrients including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This takes place ex-utero for infants born <29 weeks’ gestation, without the in-utero provisions of DHA. Infants born <29 weeks’ are more likely to experience behavioural and emotional difficulties than their term-born counterparts. It has been hypothesised that supplementing preterm infants with dietary DHA may alleviate insufficiency and subsequently prevent or minimise behavioural problems. This protocol describes a follow-up of infants born <29 weeks gestation who were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of DHA supplementation. We aim to determine whether DHA supplementation improves the behaviour, and general health of these infants.

Methods and analysis

Infants born <29 weeks’ gestation were enrolled in a multicentre blinded RCT of enteral DHA supplementation. Infants were randomised to receive an enteral emulsion that provided 60 mg/kg/day of DHA or a control emulsion commenced within the first 3 days of enteral feeding, until 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age or discharge home, whichever occurred first. Families of surviving children (excluding those who withdrew from the study) from the Australian sites (up to 955) will be invited to complete a survey. The survey will include questions regarding child behavioural and emotional functioning, executive functioning, respiratory health and general health. We hypothesise that the DHA intervention will have a benefit on the primary outcome, parent-rated behaviour and emotional status as measured using the Total Difficulties score of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Detecting a 2-point difference between groups (small effect size of 0.25 SD) with 90% power will require follow-up of 676 participants.

Ethics and dissemination

The Women’s and Children Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee reviewed and approved the study (HREC/16/WCHN/184). Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12612000503820.
Prospective cohort study comparing a triceps-sparing and triceps-detaching approach in total elbow arthroplasty: a protocol
Authors: Meijering Danielle , Boerboom Alexander L , Gerritsma Carina L E , The Bertram , van den Bekerom Michel P J , van der Pluijm Marco , Vegter Riemer J K , Bulstra Sjoerd K , Eygendaal Denise , Stevens Martin
Published: May 2021

Background

New surgical approaches have been developed to optimise elbow function after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). Currently, there is no consensus on the best surgical approach. This study aims to investigate the functional outcomes, prosthetic component position and complication rates after a triceps-sparing and a triceps-detaching approach in TEA.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre prospective comparative cohort study will be conducted. All patients with an indication for primary TEA will enrol in either the triceps-sparing or the triceps-detaching cohort. Primary outcome measure is elbow function, specified as fixed flexion deformity. Secondary outcome parameters are self-reported and objectively measured physical functioning, including triceps force, prosthetic component position in standard radiographs and complications.

Discussion

The successful completion of this study will clarify which surgical approach yields better functional outcomes, better prosthetic component position and lower complication rates in patients with a TEA.

Ethics and dissemination

The Medical Ethics Review Board of University Medical Center Groningen reviewed the study and concluded that it is not clinical research with human subjects as meant in the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (WMO), therefore WMO approval is not needed (METc2019/544).

Trial registration number

NTR NL8488.
Face-to-face panel meetings versus remote evaluation of fellowship applications: simulation study at the Swiss National Science Foundation
Authors: Bieri Marco , Roser Katharina , Heyard Rachel , Egger Matthias
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To trial a simplified, time and cost-saving method for remote evaluation of fellowship applications and compare this with existing panel review processes by analysing concordance between funding decisions, and the use of a lottery-based decision method for proposals of similar quality.

Design

The study involved 134 junior fellowship proposals for postdoctoral research (‘Postdoc.Mobility’). The official method used two panel reviewers who independently scored the application, followed by triage and discussion of selected applications in a panel. Very competitive/uncompetitive proposals were directly funded/rejected without discussion. The simplified procedure used the scores of the two panel members, with or without the score of an additional, third expert. Both methods could further use a lottery to decide on applications of similar quality close to the funding threshold. The same funding rate was applied, and the agreement between the two methods analysed.

Setting

Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

Participants

Postdoc.Mobility panel reviewers and additional expert reviewers.

Primary outcome measure

Per cent agreement between the simplified and official evaluation method with 95% CIs.

Results

The simplified procedure based on three reviews agreed in 80.6% (95% CI: 73.9% to 87.3%) of applicants with the official funding outcome. The agreement was 86.6% (95% CI: 80.6% to 91.8%) when using the two reviews of the panel members. The agreement between the two methods was lower for the group of applications discussed in the panel (64.2% and 73.1%, respectively), and higher for directly funded/rejected applications (range: 96.7%–100%). The lottery was used in 8 (6.0%) of 134 applications (official method), 19 (14.2%) applications (simplified, three reviewers) and 23 (17.2%) applications (simplified, two reviewers). With the simplified procedure, evaluation costs could have been halved and 31 hours of meeting time saved for the two 2019 calls.

Conclusion

Agreement between the two methods was high. The simplified procedure could represent a viable evaluation method for the Postdoc.Mobility early career instrument at the SNSF.
Clinical outcomes associated with prostate cancer conspicuity on biparametric and multiparametric MRI: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy
Authors: Morka Naomi , Simpson Benjamin S , Ball Rhys , Freeman Alex , Kirkham Alex , Kelly Daniel , Whitaker Hayley C , Emberton Mark , Norris Joseph M
Published: May 2021

Introduction

There is an increasing body of evidence to suggest that visibility of prostate cancer on magnetic resonance (MRI) may be related to likelihood of adverse pathological outcomes. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy remains a significant clinical challenge and a means of predicting likelihood of this prior to surgery could inform treatment choice. It appears that MRI could be a potential candidate strategy for BCR prediction, and as such, there is a need to review extant literature on the prognostic capability of MRI. Here, we describe a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the utility of biparametric MRI (bpMRI) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in predicting BCR following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases will be searched and screening will be guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In order to meet the inclusion criteria, papers must be English-language articles involving patients who have had bpMRI or mpMRI for suspected prostate cancer and have undergone radical prostatectomy as definitive therapy. Patients must have had prostate-specific antigen monitoring before and after surgery. All relevant papers published from July 1977 to October 2020 will be eligible for inclusion. The Newcastle-Ottawa score will be used to determine the quality and bias of the studies. This protocol is written in-line with the PRISMA protocol 2015 checklist.

Ethics and dissemination

There are no relevant ethical concerns. Dissemination of this protocol will be via peer-reviewed journals as well as national and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020206074.
LIVES for families psychological first aid training programme to address COVID-19 psychological distress: a mixed methods acceptability and feasibility protocol
Authors: Kimber Melissa , Harms Sheila , Soreni Noam , Inrig Maggie , Acai Anita , Lipman Ellen Louise , Sassi Roberto , Streiner David L , MacMillan Harriet L
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Best practice approaches for addressing COVID-19-related psychological distress among young people (<25 years) and their families remain unclear. Psychological first aid (PFA) is promoted by public health authorities to provide psychological support in the context of extreme events; however, there is limited evidence for its effectiveness. As a prerequisite to conducting a randomised controlled trial to examine programme effectiveness, this project is evaluating the acceptability and feasibility of implementing and evaluating a PFA training programme (‘LIVES for Families’) for mental health (MH) practitioners to improve their ability to recognise and respond to COVID-19-related psychological distress among their clients.

Methods and analysis

We are using a triangulation mixed methods research design; complementary strands of quantitative and qualitative data are being collected in parallel and will be merged at the interpretation phase of the project. The quantitative strand uses a repeated measures design; a consecutive sample of MH practitioners (n=80) providing MH support to young people or their families are being recruited to participate in the LIVES for Families PFA training programme and complete quantitative measures at baseline (pretraining), 2-week and 6-month follow-up time points. The qualitative strand uses fundamental description and semistructured interviews with a subset of practitioners (n=30), as well as managers of MH agencies (n=20). A mixed methods joint display and associated narrative will generate a comprehensive understanding regarding acceptability and feasibility.

Ethics and dissemination

The Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board approved the study (project number: 11295). Results will be shared broadly with the policy and practice community through publications, presentations and public webinars. As a brief, evidence-informed intervention, the LIVES for Families PFA training programme is suitable in its mode of delivery across care settings. The outcomes of this study could have international implications for mitigating the MH impacts of viral pandemics.
Nationwide study on trends in unplanned hospital attendance and deaths during the 7 weeks after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark
Authors: Bogh Søren Bie , Fløjstrup Marianne , Nissen Søren Kabell , Hanson Stine , Bech Mickael , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Kristensen Mette Rahbek , Laugesen Line Emilie , Søndergaard Jens , Folkestad Lars , Christensen Erika Frischknecht , Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard , Hsia Renee Y , Graham Colin A , Lindskou Tim Alex , Byg Keld-Erik , Søvsø Morten Breinholt , Laugesen Henrik , Hallas Peter , Mikkelsen Søren , Olsen Kim Rose , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Gamst-Jensen Hejdi , Brabrand Mikkel
Published: May 2021

Background

The impact of a pandemic on unplanned hospital attendance has not been extensively examined. The aim of this study is to report the nationwide consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on unplanned hospital attendances in Denmark for 7 weeks after a ‘shelter at home’ order was issued.

Methods

We merged data from national registries (Civil Registration System and Patient Registry) to conduct a study of unplanned (excluding outpatient visits and elective surgery) hospital-based healthcare and mortality of all Danes. Using data for 7 weeks after the ‘shelter at home’ order, the incidence rate of unplanned hospital attendances per week in 2020 was compared with corresponding weeks in 2017–2019. The main outcome was hospital attendances per week as incidence rate ratios. Secondary outcomes were general population mortality and risk of death in-hospital, reported as weekly mortality rate ratios (MRRs).

Results

From 2 438 286 attendances in the study period, overall unplanned attendances decreased by up to 21%; attendances excluding COVID-19 were reduced by 31%; non-psychiatric by 31% and psychiatric by 30%. Out of the five most common diagnoses expected to remain stable, only schizophrenia and myocardial infarction remained stable, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, hip fracture and urinary tract infection fell significantly. The nationwide general population MRR rose in six of the recorded weeks, while MRR excluding patients who were COVID-19 positive only increased in two.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic and a governmental national ‘shelter at home’ order was associated with a marked reduction in unplanned hospital attendances with an increase in MRR for the general population in two of 7 weeks, despite exclusion of patients with COVID-19. The findings should be taken into consideration when planning for public information campaigns.
Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) framework for managing underperformance in gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Ravindran Srivathsan , Thomas-Gibson Siwan , Siau Keith , Smith Geoff V , Coleman Mark , Rees Colin , Healey Chris
Published: May 2021

Underperformance can be defined as performance which persistently falls below a desired minimum standard considered acceptable for patient care. Within gastrointestinal endoscopy, underperformance may be multifactorial, related to an individual’s knowledge, skills, attitudes, health or external factors. If left unchecked, underperformance has the potential to impact on care and ultimately patient safety. Managing underperformance should be a key attribute of high-quality endoscopy service, as recognised in the Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) accreditation process. However, it is recognised that not all services have robust mechanisms to do this.

This article provides the JAG position on managing underperformance in endoscopy, defined through a practical framework. This follows a stepwise process of detecting underperformance, verification, identification of additional causative factors, providing support and reassessment. Detection and verification of issues may require use of multiple evidence sources, including performance data, feedback and appraisal reports. Where technical underperformance is identified, this should be risk stratified by potential risk to patient safety. Support should be tailored to each individual case based on the type of underperformance detected, any causative factors with an action plan developed. Support may include coaching, mentoring, training and upskilling. Wider support from the medical director’s office or external services may also be required. Monitoring and reassessment is a crucial part of the overall process.
Phagocytic function of tumor-associated macrophages as a key determinant of tumor progression control: a review
Authors: Lecoultre Marc , Dutoit Valérie , Walker Paul R
Published: May 2021

Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) phagocytic activity is emerging as a new mechanism to harness for cancer treatment. Currently, many approaches are investigated at the preclinical level and some modalities have now reached clinical trials, including the targeting of the phagocytosis inhibitor CD47. The rationale for increasing TAM phagocytic activity is to improve innate anticancer immunity, and to promote T-cell mediated adaptive immune responses. In this context, a clear understanding of the impact of TAM phagocytosis on both innate and adaptive immunity is critical. Indeed, uncertainties persist regarding the capacity of TAM to present tumor antigens to CD8 T cells by cross-presentation. This process is critical for an optimal cytotoxic T-cell immune response and can be mediated by dendritic cells but also potentially by macrophages. In addition, the engulfment of cancer cells affects TAM functionality, as apoptotic cell uptake (a process termed efferocytosis) promotes macrophage anti-inflammatory functions. Because of the abundance of TAM in most solid tumors and the common use of apoptosis inducers such as radiotherapy to treat patients with cancer, efferocytosis potentially affects the overall immune balance within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we will discuss how cancer cell phagocytosis by TAM impacts antitumor immunity. First, we will focus on the potential of the phagocytic activity of TAM per se to control tumor progression. Second, we will examine the potential of TAM to act as antigen presenting cells for tumor specific CD8 T cells, considering the different characteristics of this process in the tumor tissue and at the molecular level. Finally, we will see how phagocytosis and efferocytosis affect TAM functionality and how these mechanisms impact on antitumor immunity. A better understanding of these aspects will enable us to better predict and interpret the consequences of cancer therapies on the immune status of the TME. Future cancer treatment regimens can thereby be designed to not only impact directly on cancer cells, but also to favorably modulate TAM phagocytic activity to benefit from the potential of this central immune player to achieve more potent therapeutic efficacy.
Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary clinical pathway for women with systemic lupus erythematosus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Wind Merlijn , Hendriks Maike , van Brussel Bernadette T J , Eikenboom Jeroen , Allaart Cornelia F , Lamb Hildo J , Siebelink Hans-Marc J , Ninaber Maarten K , van Geloven Nan , van Lith Jan M M , Huizinga Tom W J , Rabelink Ton J , Sueters Marieke , Teng Y K Onno
Published: May 2021

Objectives

SLE and/or antiphospholipid syndrome (SLE/APS) are complex and rare systemic autoimmune diseases that predominantly affect women of childbearing age. Women with SLE/APS are at high risk of developing complications during pregnancy. Therefore, clinical practice guidelines recommend that patients with SLE/APS should receive multidisciplinary counselling before getting pregnant. We investigated the clinical effectiveness of implementing a multidisciplinary clinical pathway including prepregnancy counselling of patients with SLE/APS.

Methods

A clinical pathway with specific evaluation and prepregnancy counselling for patients with SLE/APS was developed and implemented in a tertiary, academic hospital setting. Patients were prospectively managed within the clinical pathway from 2014 onwards and compared with a retrospective cohort of patients that was not managed in a clinical pathway. Primary outcome was a combined outcome of disease flares for SLE and thromboembolic events for APS. Secondary outcomes were maternal and fetal pregnancy complications.

Results

Seventy-eight patients with 112 pregnancies were included in this study. The primary combined outcome was significantly lower in the pathway cohort (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.20 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.75)) which was predominantly determined by a fivefold risk reduction of SLE flares (aOR 0.22 (95% CI 0.04 to 1.09)). Maternal and fetal pregnancy complications were not different between the cohorts (respectively, aOR 0.91 (95% CI 0.38 to 2.17) and aOR 1.26 (95% CI 0.55 to 2.88)).

Conclusions

The outcomes of this study suggest that patients with SLE/APS with a pregnancy wish benefit from a multidisciplinary clinical pathway including prepregnancy counselling.
Clopidogrel with aspirin in High-risk patients with Acute Non-disabling Cerebrovascular Events II (CHANCE-2): rationale and design of a multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Wang Yongjun , Johnston Claiborne , Bath Philip M , Meng Xia , Jing Jing , Xie Xuewei , Wang Anxin , Pan Yuesong , Xu Anding , Dong Qiang , Wang Yilong , Zhao Xingquan , Li Zixiao , Li Hao
Published: May 2021

Background

In patients with a minor ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), separate trials have shown that dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel plus aspirin (clopidogrel–aspirin) or ticagrelor plus aspirin (ticagrelor–aspirin) are more effective than aspirin alone in stroke secondary prevention. However, these two sets of combination have not been directly compared. Since clopidogrel was less effective in stroke patients who wereCYP2C19loss-of-function (LOF) allele carriers, whether ticagrelor–aspirin is clinically superior to clopidogrel–aspirin in this subgroup of patients with stroke is unclear.

Aim

To describe the rationale and design considerations of the Clopidogrel in High-risk patients with Acute Non-disabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE-2) trial.

Design

CHANCE-2 is a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial that compares two dual antiplatelet strategies for minor stroke or TIA patients who areCYP2C19 LOFallele carriers: ticagrelor (180 mg loading dose on day 1 followed by 90 mg twice daily on days 2–90) or clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose on day 1 followed by 75 mg daily on days 2–90), plus open-label aspirin with a dose of 75–300 mg on day 1 followed by 75 mg daily on day 2–21. All will be followed for 1 year.

Study outcomes

The primary efficacy outcome is any stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) within 3 months and the primary safety outcome is any severe or moderate bleeding event within 3 months.

Discussion

The CHANCE-2 trial will evaluate whether ticagrelor–aspirin is superior to clopidogrel–aspirin for minor stroke or TIA patients who areCYP2C19LOF allele carriers.

Trial registration number

NCT04078737.
The effect of muscle blood flow restriction on hemodynamics, cerebral oxygenation and activation at rest
Authors: Cherouveim Evgenia D. , Miliotis Panagiotis G. , Dipla Konstantina , Koskolou Maria D. , Vrabas Ioannis S. , Geladas Nikolaos D.
Published: May 2021

This study tested the hypothesis that muscle blood flow restriction reduces muscle and cerebral oxygenation at rest. In 26 healthy males, aged 33 ± 2 yrs, physiological variables were continuously recorded during a 10-min period in 2 experimental conditions: a) with muscle blood flow restriction through thigh cuffs application inflated at 120 mm Hg (With Cuffs, WC) and b) without restriction (No Cuffs, NC). Muscle and cerebral oxygenation were reduced by muscle blood flow restriction as suggested by the increase in both muscle and cerebral deoxygenated hemoglobin (Δ[HHb]; p < 0.01) and the decrease of muscle and cerebral oxygenation index (Δ[HbDiff]; p < 0.01). Hemodynamic responses were not affected by such muscle blood flow restriction, whereas baroreflex sensitivity was reduced (p = 0.009). The perception of leg discomfort was higher (p < 0.001) in the WC than in the NC condition. This study suggests that thigh cuffs application inflated at 120 mm Hg is an effective method to reduce muscle oxygenation at rest. These changes at the muscular level seem to be sensed by the central nervous system, evoking alterations in cerebral oxygenation and baroreflex sensitivity.

Novelty: Thigh cuffs application inflated at 120 mm Hg effectively reduces muscle oxygenation at rest. Limiting muscle oxygenation appears to reduce cerebral oxygenation, and baroreflex sensitivity, at rest. Even in healthy subjects, limiting muscle oxygenation, at rest, affects neural integration.
Coexisting Infinite Equilibria and Chaos
Authors: Li Chunbiao , Peng Yuxuan , Tao Ze , Sprott Julien Clinton , Jafari Sajad
Published: May 2021

Equilibria are a class of attractors that host inherent stability in a dynamic system. Infinite number of equilibria and chaos sometimes coexist in a system with some connections. Hidden chaotic attractors exist independent of any equilibria rather than being excited by them. However, the equilibria can modify, distort, eliminate, or even instead coexist with the chaotic attractor depending on the distance between the equilibria and chaotic attractor. In this paper, chaotic systems with infinitely many equilibria are considered and explored. Extra surfaces of equilibria are introduced into the chaotic flows, showing that a chaotic system can maintain its basic dynamics if the newly added equilibria do not intersect the original attractor. The offset-boostable plane of equilibria rescales the frequency of the chaotic oscillation with an almost linearly modified largest Lyapunov exponent or conversely drives the system into periodic oscillation, even ending in a divergent state. Furthermore, additional infinite number of equilibria or even a solid space of equilibria are safely nested into the chaotic system without destroying the original dynamics, which provides an alternate permanent location for a dynamical system. A circuit simulation agrees with the numerical calculation.
Phenomena of Bifurcation and Chaos in the Dynamically Loaded Hyperelastic Spherical Membrane Based on a Noninteger Power-Law Constitutive Model
Authors: Zhao Zhentao , Yuan Xuegang , Niu Datian , Zhang Wenzheng , Zhang Hongwu
Published: May 2021

The phenomena of bifurcation and chaos are studied for a class of second order nonlinear nonautonomous ordinary differential equations, which may be formulated by the nonlinear radially symmetric motion of the dynamically loaded hyperelastic spherical membrane composed of the Rivlin–Saunders material model with a noninteger power-law exponent. Firstly, based on the variational principle, the governing equation describing the problem is obtained with the spherically symmetric deformation assumption. Then, the dynamic characteristics of the system are qualitatively analyzed in detail in terms of different values of material parameters. Particularly, for a given constant load, the parameter spaces describing the bifurcation behaviors of equilibrium curves are established and the characteristics of equilibrium points are presented; for a periodically perturbed load, the quasi-periodic and chaotic behaviors are discussed for the systems with two and three equilibrium points, respectively.
Coexisting Attractors in a Physically Extended Lorenz System
Authors: Moon Sungju , Baik Jong-Jin , Hong Seong-Ho
Published: May 2021

Coexisting attractors may arise from many different sources such as hidden basins of attraction or peculiarly organized bifurcation structures. By exploiting the regions of mismatched bifurcations between the system and its fixed points, this study investigates coexisting attractors in a six-dimensional extension of the Lorenz system. This six-dimensional extension takes into account additional physical ingredients, namely, rotation and density-affecting scalar, which are not considered in the original Lorenz system. These newly considered physical ingredients can influence the bifurcation structures and thus the system’s characteristics with regard to coexisting attractors. Once the potential regions of coexisting attractors are identified in the parameter spaces, the coexistence of periodic and point attractors and that of two different periodic orbits in addition to the well-known coexistence of chaos and stability are demonstrated through the solution trajectories and attractor basin boundaries.
Hopf Bifurcations in Nicholson’s Blowfly Equation are Always Supercritical
Authors: Balázs István , Röst Gergely
Published: May 2021

We prove that all Hopf bifurcations in the Nicholson’s blowfly equation are supercritical as we increase the delay. Earlier results treated only the first bifurcation point, and to determine the criticality of the bifurcation, one needed to substitute the parameters into a lengthy formula of the first Lyapunov coefficient. With our result, there is no need for such calculations at any bifurcation point.
Construction of One-Dimensional Nonuniform Number Conserving Elementary Cellular Automata Rules
Authors: Pal Suryakanta , Sahoo Sudhakar , Nayak Birendra Kumar
Published: May 2021

An effort to study one-dimensional nonuniform elementary number conserving cellular automata (NCCA) rules from an exponential order rule space of cellular automata is an excellent computational task. To perform this task effectively, a mathematical heritage under the number of conserving functions over binary strings of length [Formula: see text] has been highlighted along with their number conserving cellular automata rules (either uniform or nonuniform). A basic approach for the construction of some feasible nonuniform NCCA rules of any finite configuration with the assistance of nine uniform elementary CA rules has been investigated. From our construction procedure, recurrence equations are formulated as suitably solved to ascertain the actual range of NCCA rules. The state transition diagrams (STDs) of NCCA rules are analyzed. While classifying the binary strings through STDs, we found a fascinating optical insight that equal weight strings from a class whose cardinality is the same as the binomial coefficient [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the length and [Formula: see text] is the weight of the binary string.
Generalized Lorenz Canonical Form Revisited
Authors: Čelikovský Sergej , Chen Guanrong
Published: May 2021

This paper completes the description of the generalized Lorenz system (GLS) and hyperbolic generalized Lorenz system (HGLS) along with their canonical forms (GLCF, HGLCF), mostly presented earlier, by deriving explicit state transformation formulas to prove the equivalence between GLS and GLCF, as well as between HGLS and HGLCF. Consequently, complete formulations of the generalized Lorenz canonical systems and forms, and their hyperbolic settings, are obtained and presented. Only potentially chaotic systems are classified, which significantly helps clarify the respective canonical forms. To do so, some tools for systems to exclude chaotic behavior are developed, which are interesting in their own right for general dynamical systems theory. The new insight may inspire future investigations of generalized and canonical formulations of some other types of chaotic systems.
Fuzzy Data Envelopment Analysis with Ordinal and Interval Data
Authors: Izadikhah Mohammad , Roostaee Razieh , Emrouznejad Ali
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we reformulate the conventional DEA models as an imprecise DEA problem and propose a novel method for evaluating the DMUs when the inputs and outputs are fuzzy and/or ordinal or vary in intervals. For this purpose, we convert all data into interval data. In order to convert each fuzzy number into interval data, we use the nearest weighted interval approximation of fuzzy numbers by applying the weighting function, and we convert each ordinal data into interval one. In this manner, we could convert all data into interval data. The presented models determine the interval efficiencies for DMUs. To rank DMUs based on their associated interval efficiencies, we first apply the Ω-index that is developed for ranking of interval numbers. Then, by introducing an ideal DMU, we rank efficient DMUs to present a complete ranking. Finally, we use one example to illustrate the process and one real application in health care to show the usefulness of the proposed approach. For this evaluation, we consider interval, ordinal, and fuzzy data alongside the precise data to evaluate 38 hospitals selected by OIG. The results reveal the capabilities of the presented method to deal with the imprecise data.
Detecting Intra-Conflicts in Non-Functional Requirements
Authors: Shah Unnati , Patel Sankita , Jinwala Devesh C.
Published: May 2021

When specifying user requirements, not only is it critical to ensure correct and unambiguous specification of functional requirements, but also that of Non-Functional Requirements (NFRs). A critical success factor in Requirements Engineering (RE) involves recognizing conflicts among NFRs specified by multiple stakeholders having differing concerns, priorities, and responsibilities. There indeed are numerous attempts made in the literature to resolve the conflicts between two NFRs, with the traditional view of considering the two NFRs different from each other e.g. security conflicting with the availability. In this paper, however, we propose that to introduce fine-grained conflict resolution – by also focusing on those situations where one NFR conflicts with another NFR of the same type. For ease of understanding, we propose to differentiate such conflicts by coining the term intra-conflicts. Thus, we propose fine-grained conflict resolution – by focusing on the notion of resolving conflicts between two NFRs of the same type. Needless to say, non-detection of any conflict between two NFRs – whether the NFRs are of the same type or not – at an early stage of RE, leads to higher costs for changes. The process of conflict resolution is essentially intuitive and hence is iterative. Our proposal hence is motivated by a view that differentiating the inter-conflicts with intra-conflicts, helps one in better focusing on the conflict resolution. We also propose an approach that allows a requirements analyst to semi-automatically identify intra-conflicts among NFRs at an early stage of RE using natural language processing, machine learning, and ontology-based semantic analysis. The controlled experiments, conducted on five publicly available datasets, achieve an average recall, precision, and F-measure of 0.57, 0.77, and 0.65 respectively.
A New Damage Index Based on Statistical Features, PCA, and Mahalanobis Distance for Detecting and Locating Cables Loss in a Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Yanez-Borjas Jesus J. , Machorro-Lopez Jose M. , Camarena-Martinez David , Valtierra-Rodriguez Martin , Amezquita-Sanchez Juan P. , Carrion-Viramontes Francisco J. , Quintana-Rodriguez Juan A.
Published: May 2021

Cable-stayed bridges are widely used all around the world. Unfortunately, during their service life, they are exposed to adverse conditions that may cause their deterioration and, consequently, their collapse. Vibration-based structural health monitoring techniques have become the most promising alternatives for efficiently detecting and locating damage into civil structures. In this regard, this paper presents a new methodology based on statistical features, Principal component analysis (PCA), and Mahalanobis distance (MD) for detecting and locating a cable loss in the Río Papaloapan bridge (RPB) using vibration signals. It is based on the extraction of a set of statistical time features (STFs) from vibration signals, which are analyzed using the autocorrelation function (ACF) to denoise and strengthen the features found in them. Then PCA-based models are computed by using the STFs to enhance the damage location process. Then a new damage index based on MD is proposed to indicate if a damage exists and its location.
Some results on formal local cohomology
Authors: Nam Tran Tuan , Quyen Tran Le , Tu Nguyen Hoang Huy , Tri Nguyen Minh
Published: May 2021

We study some properties of formal local cohomology modules [Formula: see text] in Serre subcategories. As a consequence, we obtain some results on the minimax modules. We also describe the sets [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Impact of Self-Regulated Learning on Entrepreneurial Opportunity Recognition and Academic Entrepreneurship Performance
Authors: Abd Rahim Noorlizawati , Mohamed Zainai , Amrin Astuty , Masrom Maslin
Published: May 2021

The ratio of academic scientists to the labor force in Malaysia has increased. However, the contribution of academic scientists to commercialize research discoveries remains limited. Successful research commercialization or university technology transfer requires entrepreneurial effort that may involve skills beyond the traditional roles of academics. The ability to identify the commercial opportunity of research, i.e. entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, has been proven to be a critical skill for an academic entrepreneur. Earlier findings in this area would have been far more useful if the antecedents of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition were recognized. Although self-regulated learning has been inferred to as informal entrepreneurship education for academic entrepreneurs, there has been a lack of evidence on how it influences their academic entrepreneurship performance. This paper examined the characteristics of academic entrepreneurs and the key success factors, whether academics’ opportunity recognition ability is influenced by their self-regulated learning behavior. A quantitative research design was employed based on a case study of a technological university in Malaysia involving 115 academic entrepreneurs. Structural equation modeling analysis results revealed that academics’ opportunity recognition and social capital are the most important determinants of their academic entrepreneurship performance. The efficiency of the Technology Transfer Office and the ease of securing funding play influential roles too, but to a smaller extent. Most importantly, opportunity recognition is strengthened by self-regulated learning, through frequent deliberate practices in information and knowledge seeking that enable scientists to be more creative and innovative in translating research into marketable products and technology.
Universal method for fabricating PDMS microfluidic device using SU8, 3D printing and soft lithography
Authors: Chande Charmi , Riaz Nida , Harbour Victoria , Noor Hathija , Torralba Monica , Cheng Yu-Hsuan , Li Zhenglong , Tong Anh , Voronov Roman , Basuray Sagnik
Published: May 2021

Microfluidic devices are constructed from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) due to their biocompatibility, fabrication ease, well-established protocols, and simplicity. PDMS-based microfluidic devices are constructed by (i) applying liquid PDMS to a negative mold (usually a silicon or 3D-printed mold) and (ii) curing the PDMS with heat exposure over a set time period. Unreacted resin monomers in 3D-printed molds prevent PDMS from fully curing, resulting in improper channel formation in PDMS and reducing the PDMS device’s efficacy. An in-house protocol that uses SU-8 as a “non-stick” coating on 3D-printed molds facilitates the successful casting of PDMS. Contact angle, surface profile, optical profile, and force testing prove that PDMS cast from SU-8-treated molds resembles pristine PDMS, unlike PDMS cast from untreated molds. Further, this method is generalized to commercial 3D prints using different 3D printing resins. To demonstrate this technique’s viability in microfluidic devices, a microfluidic tree using PDMS from treated 3D prints shows vibrant colors and clear lines. This is absent from an untreated PDMS.
Data-driven option pricing using single and multi-asset supervised learning
Authors: Goswami Anindya , Rajani Sharan , Tanksale Atharva
Published: May 2021

We propose three different data-driven approaches for pricing European-style call options using supervised machine-learning algorithms. These approaches yield models that give a range of fair prices instead of a single price point. The performance of the models is tested on two stock market indices: NIFTY50 and BANKNIFTY from the Indian equity market. Although neither historical nor implied volatility is used as an input, the results show that the trained models have been able to capture the option pricing mechanism better than or similar to the Black–Scholes formula for all the experiments. Our choice of scale free I/O allows us to train models using combined data of multiple different assets from a financial market. This not only allows the models to achieve far better generalization and predictive capability, but also solves the problem of paucity of data, the primary limitation of using machine learning techniques. We also illustrate the performance of the trained models in the period leading up to the 2020 Stock Market Crash (January 2019 to April 2020).
A Pragmatic and Evidence-Based Approach to Mallet Finger
Authors: Nashi Nazrul , Sebastin Sandeep Jacob
Published: May 2021

A mallet finger is a common injury that results from a sudden flexion force on an extended distal phalanx or rarely, from hyperextension of the distal interphalangeal joint. Mallet finger can be purely tendinous or bony when associated with an avulsion fracture. The management of this injury is largely conservative with the use of a splint, although surgery may be indicated for select patients. There is little consensus on the indications for surgery or the suitable surgical technique. The aim of this review article is to provide a pragmatic and evidence-based approach to mallet finger that will guide the treating surgeon in providing best care for their patient.
On the records of the brachiopod ‘
Lingula
’ and associated fossils in Mid-Triassic deposits in England
Authors: Warrington Geoffrey , Pollard John E.
Published: May 2021

Brachiopods were reported, as ‘
Lingula
’, from Anisian (early Mid-Triassic) deposits of the Tarporley Siltstone Formation (Mercia Mudstone Group) in Nottinghamshire in 1955, and from the Helsby Sandstone Formation (Sherwood Sandstone Group) in a borehole in Oxfordshire in 1975. Burrows (
Lingulichnus
) attributed to this organism were reported from the Tarporley Siltstone in Cheshire in 1981. These records are evidence of marine influence in the depositional environments of those formations.
The Sociology of Emotions in Latin America
Authors: Ariza Marina
Published: May 2021

This article discusses how the sociology of emotions in Latin America, a recently established field of knowledge still in the process of institutionalization, first developed between 2000 and 2019. Research in this period focused on six wide-ranging and heterogeneous thematic areas: ( a) social change, sociability and emotions; ( b) social movements and feelings; ( c) gender, generations, affectivity and care; ( d) migration and emotions; ( e) work, affectivity and emotions; and ( f) theoretical reflections and analytical propositions. Critical evaluation of the field has uncovered three areas of analytical tension that impede its consolidation: disciplinary boundary-setting (sociology, sociology and anthropology of the emotions, philosophy), analytical perspectives (sociological, sociocultural, philosophical), and the object of research (emotions, emotions and the body, the body and emotions), all of which have implications for social research.
Whatever Happened to Socialization?
Authors: Guhin Jeffrey , Calarco Jessica McCrory , Miller-Idriss Cynthia
Published: May 2021

Socialization is a key mechanism of social reproduction. Yet, like the functionalists who introduced the concept, socialization has fallen out of favor, critiqued for ignoring power and agency, for its teleology and incoherence, and for a misguided link to “culture of poverty” arguments. In this review, we argue for a renewed, postfunctionalist use of socialization. We review the concept's history, its high point under Parsons, the reasons for its demise, its continued use in some subfields (e.g., gender, race and ethnicity, education), and alternative concepts used to explain social reproduction. We then suggest that something is lost when socialization is avoided or isolated in particular subfields. Without socialization, conceptions of social reproduction face problems of history, power, and transferability. We close by outlining a postfunctionalist agenda for socialization research, providing a framework for a new theory of socialization, one that builds off of cognitive science, pragmatism, the study of language, the reinterrogation of values, and the development of ideology in political socialization.
Pruritogenic mechanisms and gut sensation: putting the “irritant” into irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Brizuela Mariana , Castro Joel , Harrington Andrea M. , Brierley Stuart M.
Published: May 2021

Chronic abdominal pain is a common clinical condition experienced by patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A general lack of suitable treatment options for the management of visceral pain is the major contributing factor to the debilitating nature of the disease. Understanding the underlying causes of chronic visceral pain is pivotal to identifying new effective therapies for IBS. This review provides the current evidence, demonstrating that mediators and receptors that induce itch in the skin also act as “gut irritants” in the gastrointestinal tract. Activation of these receptors triggers specific changes in the neuronal excitability of sensory pathways responsible for the transmission of nociceptive information from the periphery to the central nervous system leading to visceral hypersensitivity and visceral pain. Accumulating evidence points to significant roles of irritant mediators and their receptors in visceral hypersensitivity and thus constitutes potential targets for the development of more effective therapeutic options for IBS.
Measurement of low-grade inflammation of the esophageal mucosa with electrical conductivity shows promise in assessing PPI responsiveness in patients with GERD
Authors: Manabe Noriaki , Yamamoto Takatoki , Matsusaki Michiya , Akashi Mitsuru , Haruma Ken
Published: May 2021

Bioelectrical admittance measurement is a new method to evaluate esophageal mucosal permeability vertically during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Measurement of low-grade inflammation of the esophageal mucosa with electrical conductivity shows promise in assessing proton pump inhibitor responsiveness in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. As various gastrointestinal diseases are associated with changes in mucosal permeability, bioelectrical admittance measurement is expected to be clinically applied to therapeutic decision-making for these diseases in the future.
Absorption of nonheme iron during gastric acid suppression in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis and healthy controls
Authors: Moris Wenke , Verhaegh Pauline L. M. , Verbeek Jef , Swinkels Dorine W. , Laarakkers Coby M. , Masclee Adrian A. M. , Koek Ger H. , Deursen Cees Th. B. M. van
Published: May 2021

This study confirms that lowering gastric acidity by proton pump inhibitors results in a reduction in iron absorption in patients with hemochromatosis and not in healthy control subjects. The presupposition that a decrease in hepcidin concentration in healthy control subjects in response to lowering gastric acidity can explain the difference in iron absorption between these groups could not be confirmed probably because of a small sample size.