bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VDD pacemaker: An effective and reliable physiological pacing modality in elderly patients
Authors: Martinho Sofia , António Natália , Telo Maria João , Elvas Luís , Franco Fátima , Gonçalves Lino
Published: February 2023

Background

In elderly patients, single chamber pacing may be considered. For sinus rhythm patients, VDD pacemaker (PM), by preserving atrial sensing, is a more physiological mode than VVI devices. This study aims to evaluate the long‐term performance of VDD PM in elderly patients with atrioventricular block (AVB).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational study of 200 elderly patients (≥75 years) with AVB and normal sinus rhythm who consecutively implanted VDD PM between 2016 and 2018. Baseline clinical characteristics were analyzed, complications related to pacemaker implantation were assessed and a 3‐years follow‐up (FUP) was made.

Results

Mean age was 84 ± 5 years. After 3‐years FUP, 90.5% (n = 181) of the patients preserved their original VDD mode. Only 19 patients (9.5%) switched to VVIR mode, 5.5% (n = 11) due to P‐wave undersensing and 4% (n = 8) due to permanent AF. Those patients had a less amplitude of sensed P wave at baseline [median value of 1.30 (IQR 0.99–2.0) versus 0.97 (IQR 0.38–1.68), p = 0.04]. One third of the patients died during the FUP, 89% (n = 58) from non‐cardiovascular causes. All‐cause, CV, and non‐CV mortality did not relate with atrial sensing loss during FUP (p = 0.58, p = 0.38 and p = 0.80, respectively). However, atrial sensing loss during FUP was associated with de novo atrial fibrillation (12.7% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.038).

Conclusion

VDD pacing is a reliable pacing modality in elderly patients even in long‐term. The majority of VDD‐paced elderly patients maintained their original VDD mode program, with good atrial sensing.
Detailed in situ leaf energy budget permits the assessment of leaf aerodynamic resistance as a key to enhance non‐evaporative cooling under drought
Authors: Muller Jonathan D. , Rotenberg Eyal , Tatarinov Fyodor , Oz Itay , Yakir Dan
Published: February 2023

The modulation of the leaf energy budget components to maintain optimal leaf temperature are fundamental aspects of plant functioning and survival. Better understanding these aspects becomes increasingly important under a drying and warming climate when cooling through evapotranspiration (E) is suppressed. Combining novel measurements and theoretical estimates, we obtained unusually comprehensive twig‐scale leaf energy budgets under extreme field conditions in droughted (suppressed E) and non‐droughted (enhanced E) plots of a semi‐arid pine forest. Under the same high mid‐summer radiative load, leaf cooling shifted from relying on nearly equal contributions of sensible (H) and latent (LE) energy fluxes in non‐droughted trees to relying almost exclusively on H in droughted ones, with no change in leaf temperature. Relying on our detailed leaf energy budget, we could demonstrate that this is due to a 2× reduction in leaf aerodynamic resistance. This capability for LE‐to‐H shift in leaves of mature Aleppo pine trees under droughted field conditions without increasing leaf temperature is likely a critical factor in the resilience and relatively high productivity of this important Mediterranean tree species under drying conditions.
Intensity (and backlash) of opinion on civil rights and presidential responsiveness
Authors: Rottinghaus Brandon
Published: February 2023

Intense policy demanders will reward or punish elected officials depending on whether outcomes mesh with their preferences. In this article, we examine opinion intensity as manifested in public opinion mail (using unexplored data) to assess the impact of this opinion on civil rights policy approval during the pivotal year 1964. The more President Lyndon Johnson spoke about civil rights, the less supportive opinion mail he got the following week. The results suggest a backlash effect where ineffective attention to civil rights issues leads to less support from intense policy demanders. The findings speak to the importance of recognizing there are multiple opinion inputs to the president's agenda setting and intense policy demanders may punish as well as reward presidents.
Optimum financial areas: Retooling the governance of global finance
Authors: Underhill Geoffrey R. D. , Jones Erik
Published: February 2023

This article analyses the political economy of financial stability under conditions of deep cross‐border market integration, adapting the ‘joint products’ approach of Broz among others. Many argue that financial stability is a public good; we propose that it is inherently excludable and that particular conditions must obtain to ensure it is non‐diminishable for all. The difficulties of providing financial stability arise because of the ‘club goods’ nature of monetary and financial systems. We then propose six institutional preconditions that can stabilise a financial market that is integrated across multiple regulatory jurisdictions. We use case studies of Great Britain, the US and Canada to show how national governments have dealt with these political economy dilemmas to stumble towards similar arrangements to stabilise domestic financial market integration. Three criteria relate to the ‘technical substructure’ of markets, while three others focus on macro‐prudential considerations. Together they constitute necessary and sufficient conditions for the provision of financial stability. These criteria generate political economy obstacles both individually and as an interdependent package but can mitigate the costly dynamics of financial market disintegration in times of crisis. We argue that these criteria can be applied across national boundaries as well as across regulatory jurisdictions within them.
Estimating Sierra Leone’s Aggregate Import Demand Function Under Binding Foreign Exchange
Authors: Bangura Morlai , Ademisola Oluwakemi , Saibu Olufemi
Published: February 2023

The primary objective was to evaluate the extent to which foreign exchange restraints import demand in Sierra Leone. Using time series data from 1980 to 2020, this study determined Sierra Leone's import demand function by including foreign exchange constraints in a structural model developed by Emran and Shilpi (2010). The model compensated for both short-run and long-run links by employing an ARDL bounds-testing technique with an error-correcting mechanism. The result showed that only the presence of a long-run relationship between domestic consumption and import demand was supported by empirical evidence. In the short run, domestic consumption, scarcity premium, and trade liberalization were found to be significant predictors of Sierra Leone's actual import demand. However, in the long run, only domestic consumption was found to be significant. Typically considered as the key determinants of import demand, real effective exchange rates and scarcity premiums were insignificant in both the short and long term. Therefore, the result indicates that Sierra Leone has no short-term foreign exchange constraints. This could be partially explained by the Bank of Sierra Leone's strategy over the years of providing foreign currency to the private sector to assist in the importation of essential goods. The key finding of the study is that Sierra Leone's import demand is not constrained by a shortage of foreign currency.
Gravity Augmented Fused Filament Fabrication Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Huss John M. , Erdman Arthur G.
Published: February 2023

This article introduces the design, methods, and use cases of a novel gravity augmented additive manufacturing (GAAM) approach to fused filament fabrication (FFF) using a novel seven degree-of-freedom (DoF) delta robotic system. Capable of rotating parts and approaching the workpiece with the deposition head from user-specified or algorithm-determined angles, this system allows users the design freedom to create objects with self-supporting capability, while improving the performance of three-dimensional (3D) printed components. Additionally, this system and the methods of operation described below allow users to create objects that are otherwise impossible or impractical to construct using traditional three axis FFF 3D printing, while maintaining compatibility with existing G-code preparation techniques. Finally, this more flexible 3D printing system has advanced applications in generating patient specific objects, which may benefit from more highly specialized toolpaths and design freedom afforded by this system.
Effect of annealing on the magnetic anisotropy of GaMnAsP layers with graded P concentration
Authors: Bac Seul-Ki , Lee Sanghoon , Liu Xinyu , Dobrowolska Margaret , Furdyna Jacek K.
Published: February 2023

We have investigated the effect of annealing on the magnetic anisotropy of MBE-grown GaMnAs1−yPy film in which phosphorus content varies from 0% to 24% along the growth direction. Such variation is achieved by growing a series of GaMnAs1−yPy layers in which y is successively increased. Hall effects measurements on an as-grown graded film reveal that the bottom 80% of the film has in-plane easy axes, 10% has both in-plane and perpendicular easy axes, and the remaining 10% has a vertical easy axis. Such gradual change of magnetic anisotropy in the film from in-plane to perpendicular with increasing P concentration is in accordance with the continuous variation of strain from compressive to tensile as the P concentration increases the bottom of the film to tensile toward its tip surface. However, thermal annealing significantly changes the magnetic anisotropy of the graded GaMnAs1−yPy film. In particular, the intermediate region having both in-plane and perpendicular easy axes nearly disappears in the film after annealing, so the film is divided into two types of layers having either only in-plane or only perpendicular anisotropy. These dramatic changes in magnetic anisotropy of the graded GaMnAs1−yPy film introduced by annealing suggest that one can strategically use this process to realize orthogonal magnetic bilayers consisting of in-plane and perpendicular easy axes.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Polynucleobacter sp. Subcluster PnecC Strains, KF022, KF023, and KF032, Isolated from a Shallow Eutrophic Lake and a River in Japan
Authors: Ogata Yusuke , Watanabe Keiji , Takemine Shusuke , Shindo Chie , Kurokawa Rina , Suda Wataru
Published: February 2023

The genus
Polynucleobacter
subcluster PnecC consists of bacteria representing the ubiquitous taxon of freshwater bacterioplankton. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of three
Polynucleobacter
sp. (PnecC) strains, namely, KF022, KF023, and KF032, which were isolated from surface water of a temperate shallow eutrophic lake and its inflow river in Japan.
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of the Western Poison Oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum (Anacardiaceae), from California
Authors: Huitron Vazquez Laura I. , Aviles Perla E. , Bailon Samantha A. , Cabanillas Abner G. , Fernandez Andrea , Galarza Juan I. , Guerrero Brianna , Hernandez Araceli B. , Hernandez Daniel , Jarrett Khegan , Li Tong , Maravillo Francisco J. , Moreno Magdalena , Perez Azalea , Rosales Nathan A. , Ruegg Hunter F. , Valdez Joel , Bravo Kyla Mae , Chávez Vidal L. , Diaz Daisy I. , Enriquez Daniela , Martinez Edgar L. , Mendoza Padilla Jesus , Meza Jose , Nelson Scott V. , Quintero-Ahumada Crystal , Ramirez Adriene Mariah , Hughey Jeffery R.
Published: February 2023

Here, we present the complete chloroplast genome sequence of
Toxicodendron diversilobum
, western poison oak, from Pacific Grove, California. The genome is 159,543 bp in length, contains 133 genes, and has a high level of gene synteny to other species of
Toxicodendron
.
Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese children seeking ambulatory healthcare in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Mburu Anne Njeri , Laving Ahmed , Macharia William M , Sande Joyce
Published: February 2023

Background

While linked to obesity and associated with an increased cardiovascular morbidity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an often-asymptomatic cause of chronic liver disease in children. Early detection provides opportunity for interventions to curb progression. Childhood obesity is on the rise in low/middle-income countries, but cause-specific mortality data associated with liver disease are scanty. Establishing the prevalence of NAFLD in overweight and obese Kenyan children would guide in public health policies aimed at early screening and intervention.

Objectives

To investigate prevalence of NAFLD in overweight and obese children aged 6–18 years using liver ultrasonography.

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional survey. After obtaining informed consent, a questionnaire was administered, and blood pressure (BP) measured. Liver ultrasonography was performed to assess fatty changes. Categorical variables were analysed using frequency and percentages. χ2test and multiple logistic regression model were used to determine relationship between exposure and outcome variables.

Results

Prevalence of NAFLD was 26.2% (27/103, 95% CI=18.0% to 35.8%). There was no association between sex and NAFLD (OR1.13, p=0.82; 95% CI=0.4 to 3.2). Obese children were four times more likely to have NAFLD compared with overweight children (OR=4.52, p=0.02; 95% CI=1.4 to 19.0). About 40.8% (n=41) had elevated BP, but there was no association with NAFLD (OR=2.06; p=0.27; 95% CI=0.6 to 7.6). Older children (13–18 years) were more likely to have NAFLD (OR 4.42; p=0.03; 95% CI=1.2 to 17.9).

Conclusion

Prevalence of NAFLD was high in overweight and obese school children in Nairobi. Further studies are needed to identify modifiable risk factors to arrest progression and prevent sequelae.
Clinical utility of automatic phenotype annotation in unstructured clinical notes: intensive care unit use
Authors: Zhang Jingqing , Bolanos Trujillo Luis Daniel , Tanwar Ashwani , Ive Julia , Gupta Vibhor , Guo Yike
Published: February 2023

Objective

Clinical notes contain information that has not been documented elsewhere, including responses to treatment and clinical findings, which are crucial for predicting key outcomes in patients in acute care. In this study, we propose the automatic annotation of phenotypes from clinical notes as a method to capture essential information to predict outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU). This information is complementary to typically used vital signs and laboratory test results.

Methods

In this study, we developed a novel phenotype annotation model to extract the phenotypical features of patients, which were then used as input features of predictive models to predict ICU patient outcomes. We demonstrated and validated this approach by conducting experiments on three ICU prediction tasks, including in-hospital mortality, physiological decompensation and length of stay (LOS) for over 24 000 patients using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) dataset.

Results

The predictive models incorporating phenotypical information achieved 0.845 (area under the curve–receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC)) for in-hospital mortality, 0.839 (AUC-ROC) for physiological decompensation and 0.430 (kappa) for LOS, all of which consistently outperformed the baseline models using only vital signs and laboratory test results. Moreover, we conducted a thorough interpretability study showing that phenotypes provide valuable insights at both the patient and cohort levels.

Conclusion

The proposed approach demonstrates that phenotypical information complements traditionally used vital signs and laboratory test results and significantly improves the accuracy of outcome prediction in the ICU.
Quantifying the association between psychological distress and low back pain in urban Europe: a secondary analysis of a large cross-sectional study
Authors: Ugwu Chukwuebuka Immanuel , Pope Daniel
Published: February 2023

Objectives

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in Europe and to quantify its associated mental and physical health burdens among adults in European urban areas.

Design

This research is a secondary analysis of data from a large multicountry population survey.

Setting

The population survey on which this analysis is based was conducted in 32 European urban areas across 11 countries.

Participants

The dataset for this study was collected during the European Urban Health Indicators System 2 survey. There were a total of 19 441 adult respondents but data from 18 028, 50.2% female (9 050) and 49.8% male (8 978), were included in these analyses.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Being a survey, data on the exposure (LBP) and outcomes were collected simultaneously. The primary outcomes for this study are psychological distress and poor physical health.

Results

The overall European prevalence of LBP was 44.6% (43.9–45.3) widely ranging from 33.4% in Norway to 67.7% in Lithuania. After accounting for sex, age, socioeconomic status and formal education, adults in urban Europe suffering LBP had higher odds of psychological distress aOR 1.44 (1.32–1.58) and poor self-rated health aOR 3.54 (3.31–3.80). These associations varied widely between participating countries and cities.

Conclusion

Prevalence of LBP, and its associations with poor physical and mental health, varies across European urban areas.
Can BCG vaccination at first health-facility contact reduce early infant mortality? Study protocol for a cluster-randomised trial (CS-BCG)
Authors: Thysen Sanne Marie , Møller Jensen Andreas , Vedel Julie Odgaard , da Silva Borges Igualdino , Aaby Peter , Jensen Aksel Karl Georg , Benn Christine Stabell , Fisker Ane Bærent
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Increasing evidence suggests that the BCG vaccine has non-specific effects, altering the susceptibility to non-tuberculous infections. Thus, early BCG vaccination may reduce mortality. BCG is recommended at birth but is often delayed. Vaccination opportunities are missed due to multidose vials not being opened for a few children. We will assess the effect of making BCG available at the first health-facility contact on early infant mortality and morbidity in a rural setting in Guinea-Bissau.

Methods and analysis

In a cluster-randomised crossover trial, we randomise 23 health centres to two different treatment groups. In half of the health centres, BCG is provided as per current practice; in the remaining health centres, we make BCG available everyday to allow opening a vial of BCG if there is just one eligible child present. The randomisation of centres will be crossed over after 12 months and enrolment will continue for another 12 months.

We will use logistic regression models with adjustment for village to assess the effect of making BCG available at the first health-facility contact. The main outcome is non-accidental mortality between day 1 and day 42 after birth. We will adjust for sex, health centre, period (before/after crossover) and level of surveillance (level 1 or level 2). Further analyses include assessment of the effect on hospital admission and a cost-effectiveness evaluation.

Ethics and dissemination

If BCG vaccination reduces early infant mortality, missed opportunities and delays of vaccinations expose infants in several low-income countries to unnecessary excess mortality risk. The present trial will provide information on the effect of implementing a feasible intervention, where all children receive BCG at their first health-facility contact. Consent is obtained from all pregnant women registered as part of the trial. The results of the study will be published and communicated to the National Institute of Public Health in Guinea-Bissau.

Trial registration number

NCT04658680.
Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a virtual antenatal intervention for improved diet and iron intake in Kapilvastu district, Nepal: VALID
Authors: Saville Naomi M , Bhattarai Sanju , Harris-Fry Helen , Giri Santosh , Manandhar Shraddha , Morrison Joanna , Copas Andrew , Thapaliya Bibhu , Arjyal Abriti , Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan , Baral Sushil C , Hillman Sara
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Despite evidence that iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements can improve anaemia in pregnant women, uptake in Nepal is suboptimal. We hypothesised that providing virtual counselling twice in mid-pregnancy, would increase compliance to IFA tablets during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with antenatal care (ANC alone.

Methods and analysis

This non-blinded individually randomised controlled trial in the plains of Nepal has two study arms: (1) control: routine ANC; and (2) ‘Virtual’ antenatal counselling plus routine ANC. Pregnant women are eligible to enrol if they are married, aged 13–49 years, able to respond to questions, 12–28 weeks’ gestation, and plan to reside in Nepal for the next 5 weeks. The intervention comprises two virtual counselling sessions facilitated by auxiliary nurse midwives at least 2 weeks apart in mid-pregnancy. Virtual counselling uses a dialogical problem-solving approach with pregnant women and their families. We randomised 150 pregnant women to each arm, stratifying by primigravida/multigravida and IFA consumption at baseline, providing 80% power to detect a 15% absolute difference in primary outcome assuming 67% prevalence in control arm and 10% loss-to-follow-up. Outcomes are measured 49–70 days after enrolment, or up to delivery otherwise. Primary outcome: consumption of IFA on at least 80% of the previous 14 days. Secondary outcomes: dietary diversity, consumption of intervention-promoted foods, practicing ways to enhance bioavailability and knowledge of iron-rich foods. Our mixed-methods process evaluation explores acceptability, fidelity, feasibility, coverage (equity and reach), sustainability and pathways to impact. We estimate costs and cost-effectiveness of the intervention from a provider perspective. Primary analysis is by intention-to-treat, using logistic regression.

Ethics and dissemination

We obtained ethical approval from Nepal Health Research Council (570/2021) and UCL ethics committee (14301/001). We will disseminate findings in peer-reviewed journal articles and by engaging policymakers in Nepal.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN17842200.
‘Self-Management Intervention through Lifestyle Education for Kidney health’ (the SMILE-K study): protocol for a single-blind longitudinal randomised controlled trial with nested pilot study
Authors: Lightfoot Courtney J , Wilkinson Thomas J , Yates Thomas , Davies Melanie J , Smith Alice C
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Many people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are expected to self-manage their condition. Patient activation is the term given to describe the knowledge, skills and confidence a person has in managing their own health and is closely related to the engagement in preventive health behaviours. Self-management interventions have the potential to improve remote disease management and health outcomes. We are testing an evidence-based and theory-based digital self-management structured 10-week programme developed for peoples with CKD called ‘My Kidneys & Me’. The primary aim of the study (Self-Management Intervention through Lifestyle Education for Kidney health (SMILE-K)) is to assess the effect on patient activation levels.

Methods and analysis

A single-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a nested pilot study will assess the feasibility of the intervention and study design before continuation to a full RCT. Individuals aged 18 years or older, with established CKD stage 3–4 (eGFR of 15–59 mL/min/1.73 m2) will be recruited through both primary and secondary care pathways. Participants will be randomised into two groups: intervention group (receive My Kidneys & Me in addition to usual care) and control group (usual care). The primary outcome of the nested pilot study is feasibility and the primary outcome of the full RCT is the Patient Activation Measu (PAM-13). The full RCT will assess the effect of the programme on online self-reported outcomes which will be assessed at baseline, after 10 weeks, and then after 20 weeks in both groups. A total sample size of N=432 participants are required based on a 2:1 randomisation. A substudy will measure physiological changes (eg, muscle mass, physical function) and patient experience (qualitative semi-structured interviews).

Ethics and dissemination

This study was fully approved by the Research Ethics Committee-Leicester South on the 19 November 2020 (reference: 17/EM/0357). All participants are required to provide informed consent obtained online. The results are expected to be published in scientific journals and presented at clinical research conferences. This is protocol version 1.0 dated 27 January 2021.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN18314195.
Impact of a multifaceted intervention on physicians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to pharmaceutical incentivisation: protocol for a randomised control trial
Authors: Noor Muhammad Naveed , Khan Mishal , Rahman-Shepherd Afifah , Siddiqui Amna Rehana , Khan Sabeen Sharif , Azam Iqbal , Shakoor Sadia , Hasan Rumina
Published: February 2023

Introduction

In settings where the private sector constitutes a larger part of the health system, profit-gathering can take primacy over patients’ well-being. In their interactions with pharmaceutical companies, private general practitioners (GPs) can experience the conflict of interest (COI), a situation whereby the impartiality of GPs’ professional decision making may be influenced by secondary interests such as financial gains from prescribing specific pharmaceutical brands.

Methods and analysis

This study is a randomised controlled trial to assess the impact of a multifaceted intervention on GPs’ medical practice. The study sample consists of 419 registered GPs who own/work in private clinics and will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group GPs will be exposed to emotive and educational seminars on medical ethics, whereas control group GPs will be given seminars on general medical topics. The primary outcome measure will be GPs’ prescribing practices, whereas the secondary outcome measures will be their knowledge and attitudes regarding COI that arises from pharmaceutical incentivisation. In addition to a novel standardised pharmaceutical representatives (SPSR) method, in which field researchers will simulate pharmaceutical marketing with GPs, presurvey and postsurvey, and qualitative interviewing will be performed to collect data on GPs’ knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to COI linked with pharmaceutical incentives. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses will be performed to measure a change in GPs’ knowledge, attitudes and practices, while qualitative analysis will add to our understanding of the quantitative SPSR data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from the Pakistan National Bioethics Committee (# 4-87/NBC-582/21/1364), the Aga Khan University (# 2020-4759-1129) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (# 26506). We will release results within 6–9 months of the study’s completion.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN12294839.
Cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I) for post-traumatic stress disorder: study protocol of an app-based randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kroener Julia , Greiner Alexander , Sosic-Vasic Zrinka
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Previous studies indicate that computerised trainings implementing cognitive bias modification (CBM) for interpretation bias might be promising treatments for trauma-related cognitive distortions and symptoms. However, results are mixed, which might be related to the implemented task (sentence completion task), setting, or training duration. Within the present study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an app-based intervention for interpretation bias using standardised imagery audio scripts, which is designed as a standalone treatment.

Methods and analysis

The study is a randomised controlled trial, implementing two parallel arms. 130 patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be allocated to either the intervention group or the waiting-list control group receiving treatment as usual. The intervention consists of 3 weeks of an app-based CBM training for interpretation bias using mental imagery, with three training sessions (20 min) per week. Two months after the last training session, 1 week of booster CBM treatment will be implemented, consisting of three additional training sessions. Outcome assessments will be conducted pretraining, 1 week post-training, 2 months post-training, as well as 1 week after the booster session (approximately 2.5 months after initial training termination). The primary outcome is interpretation bias. Secondary outcomes include PTSD-related cognitive distortions and symptom severity, as well as negative affectivity. Outcome assessment will be conducted by intention-to-treat analysis, as well as per-protocol analysis using linear mixed models.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the State Chamber of Physicians in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany (number of approval: F-2022-080). Scientific findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals informing future clinical studies, which focus on the reduction of PTSD-related symptoms using CBM.

Trial registration number

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00030285;https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00030285).
Needs of parents and carers of children and young people with mental health difficulties: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Martin Faith , Dahmash Dania , Glover Sarah , Duncan Charlie , Turner Andy , Halligan Sarah L
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Having a child or young person (CYP) with mental health problems can be highly distressing for parents/carers. The impact can include parental/carer depression, anxiety, lost productivity and poor family relationships. Currently, there is no synthesis of this evidence, which is needed to provide clarity around what support parents/carers may need, to meet the needs of family mental health. This review aims to identify the needs of the parents/carers of CYP who are receiving mental health services.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review will be conducted to identify potentially relevant studies that provide evidence concerning the needs and impact on parents/carers linked to their CYP having mental health difficulties. CYP mental health conditions included are anxiety disorders, depression, psychoses, oppositional defiant and other externalising disorders, labels of emerging personality disorders, eating disorders and attention deficit (hyperactive) disorders. The following databases were searched on November 2022 with no date restriction applied: Medline; PsycINFO; CINAHL; AMED; EMBASE; Web of Science; Cochrane Library; WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform; Social Policy and Practice; Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts; and Open Grey. Only studies reported in English will be included. The quality of the included studies will be assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for qualitative studies and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for quantitative studies. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically and inductively.

Ethics and dissemination

This review was approved by the ethical committee at Coventry University, UK, reference number P139611. The findings from this systematic review will be disseminated across various key stakeholders and published in peer-reviewed journals.
2-Local derivations on the planar Galilean conformal algebra
Authors: Chen Qiu-Fan , He Yan
Published: February 2023

This paper is devoted to studying 2-local derivations on the planar Galilean conformal algebra. We prove that every 2-local derivation on the planar Galilean conformal algebra is a derivation.
A Deep CRNN-Based Sentiment Analysis System with Hybrid BERT Embedding
Authors: Alyoubi Khaled Hamed , Sharma Akashdeep
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a novel hybrid embedding to enhance scope of word embeddings by augmenting these with natural language processing operations. We primarily focus on the proposal of new hybrid word embedding generated by augmenting BERT embedding vectors with polarity score. The paper further proposes a new deep learning architecture inspired by the use of convolutional neural network for feature extraction and a bidirectional recurrent network for contextual and temporal feature exploitation. Use of CNN with hybrid embedding allowed the network to extract even the higher-level styles in writing, while bidirectional RNN helped in understanding context. The paper justifies that the proposed architecture and hybrid embedding improves performance of sentiment classification system by performing a large number of experiments and testing on a number of deep learning architectures. The architecture on new hybrid embeddings incurred an accuracy of 96%, which is a significant improvement when compared with recent studies in the literature.
New optical recursional spherical ferromagnetic flux for optical sonic microscale
Authors: Körpinar Zeliha , Körpinar Talat
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we construct optical spherical recursion flux for optical spherical [Formula: see text]-magnetic curve with optical normalized microscale by sonic magnetic crystal. Also, we design optical spherical magnetic normalized density of optical spherical [Formula: see text]-magnetic curve. Then, we illustrate new version of optical spherical recursional flux of optical spherical [Formula: see text]-magnetic curve. Moreover, we characterize total magnetical normalized density with optical ferromagnetic model for optical spherical [Formula: see text]-magnetic curve. The obtained spherical recursion flux and optical graphical representations visualize geometry of sonic magnetic crystal media.
Cahn–Hilliard equations on random walk spaces
Authors: Mazón José M. , Toledo Julián
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study a nonlocal Cahn–Hilliard equation (CHE) in the framework of random walk spaces, which includes as particular cases, the CHE on locally finite weighted connected graphs, the CHE determined by finite Markov chains or the Cahn–Hilliard Equations driven by convolution integrable kernels. We consider different transitions for the phase and the chemical potential, and a large class of potentials including obstacle ones. We prove existence and uniqueness of solutions in [Formula: see text] of the Cahn–Hilliard Equation. We also show that the Cahn–Hilliard equation is the gradient flow of the Ginzburg–Landau free energy functional on an appropriate Hilbert space. We finally study the asymptotic behavior of the solutions.
Statutory Auditors and Tax Compliance: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment
Authors: Daskalaki Charoula , Karampinis Nikolaos
Published: February 2023

The research problem

We evaluated the effectiveness of statutory auditors as a tax inspection mechanism and examine a regulation change that occurred in Greece. In 2011, the Greek State passed a directive requiring that statutory auditors audit and certify the tax compliance of medium and large firms, and issue a Tax Compliance Report (TCR).

Motivation

The evidence on the auditors’ effect on tax avoidance is quite limited. Our research setting constitutes a unique quasi-natural experiment to evaluate auditors’ effectiveness and firms’ tax avoidance behavior under a new tax compliance regime.

The test hypothesis

We tested the following hypothesis: Tax avoidance was significantly reduced in the post-TCR period for firms subject to TCR.

Target population

Our target population consisted of firms that are subject to audits from statutory auditors for tax compliance purposes.

Adopted methodology

We employed a difference-in-differences design with Greek firms subject to TCR as the treated group and the rest of the Greek firms as the control group. We examined potential differences from the TCR enforcement for the two groups.

Analysis

Our main analysis presents results for the treated and the control groups regarding their non-conforming and conforming tax avoidance behavior in the pre- and the post-TCR period. Non-conforming refers to activities that reduce taxable income but leave book income unaffected, whereas conforming tax avoidance refers to activities that reduce both taxable income and book income. Additional analysis evaluates the effect of Big 4 audit firms, increased audit effort, and assignment of the TCR to the financial statements’ auditor.

Findings

Our empirical results suggest that non-conforming tax avoidance for treated firms (i.e., firms subject to tax audits) significantly decreased in the post-TCR period compared with that of the control sample (i.e., firms not subject to tax audits). Conversely, conforming tax avoidance increased. This evidence suggests that treated firms switched from non-conforming to conforming tax avoidance activities. Our results hold irrespective of the size of the audit firm that performed the TCR program, but we find that increased audit effort to accomplish the TCR program and the assignment of the TCR to the auditor who also audited the financial statements had an incremental impact on the reduction of non-conforming tax avoidance.
An efficient pure meshless method for phase separation dominated by time-fractional Cahn–Hilliard equations
Authors: Guo Weiwei , Zhen Yujie , Jiang Tao
Published: February 2023

In this paper, an efficient Twice Finite Point-set Method (TFPM) coupled with difference scheme is proposed to solve the time-fractional Cahn–Hilliard (TF-CH) equation, and then it is extended to predict the phase separation process under nonlocal memory dominated by two-component TF-CH equations for the first time. The proposed meshless schemes are motivated by the following: (a) a high-order accuracy difference scheme is employed to approximate the time Caputo fractional derivative; (b) the fourth-order spatial derivative is divided into two second-order derivatives, and it is discretized by the FPM scheme continuously twice based on Taylor expansion and weighted least squares; (c) the Neumann boundary can be accurately imposed on the FPM scheme. In the numerical experiments, the error and numerical convergence of the proposed meshless method are first tested, which has near second-order convergent rate. Subsequently, the evolution of phase separation under memory dominated by single CH equation versus time is numerically investigated by the proposed method, and compared with the results in other literatures. The influence of fractional parameter on the separation phenomena is also discussed. Finally, the proposed method is used to predict the phase separation process under different parameters dominated by coupled TF-CH equations. All the numerical results show that the proposed coupled method is accurate in solving the TF-CH and efficient in predicting the phase separation evolution.
High-accuracy characterization of pyroelectric materials: A noncontact method based on surface potential measurements
Authors: Schwödiauer Reinhard , Bauer-Gogonea Simona , Kaltenbrunner Martin , Tkachenko Volodymyr , Grilli Simonetta
Published: February 2023

The characterization of pyroelectric materials is essential for the design of pyroelectric-based devices. Pyroelectric current measurement is the commonly employed method, but can be complex and requires surface electrodes. Here, we present noncontact electrostatic voltmeter measurements as a simple but highly accurate alternative, by assessing thermally-induced pyroelectric surface potential variations. We introduce a refined model that relates the surface potential variations to both the pyroelectric coefficient and the characteristic figure of merit (FOM) and test the model with square-shaped samples made from PVDF, LiNbO3 and LiTaO3. The characteristic pyroelectric coefficient for PVDF, LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 was found to be 33.4, 59.9 and 208.4 [Formula: see text]C m[Formula: see text] K[Formula: see text], respectively. These values are in perfect agreement with literature values, and they differ by less than 2.5% from values that we have obtained with standard pyroelectric current measurements for comparison.
An ISM and AHP-Based Analysis of Barriers to Healthcare 4.0
Authors: Kumar Shailendra , Singh Ajay , Asjad Mohammad , Suhaib Mohd. , Kulshrestha Chitransh , Sirohi Sandeep
Published: February 2023

Healthcare 4.0 (H4.0) is the term corresponding to Industry 4.0 (I4.0). Like other industries, the healthcare industry has also gone through several technological changes and got nourished with them. The health care system of many countries is not mature enough to swiftly transform from its current state to the H4.0 state. Even the matured healthcare systems are facing several challenges while adopting H4.0 practices. The implementation of H4.0 has many challenges (or barriers) to be overcome. This paper has attempted to understand and analyze the challenges that the current Indian hospital management system faces while implementing H4.0. This study uses an integrated approach to the decision-making process to understand the importance of these barriers from the perspective of the Indian health care system. With the help of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis, the paper has mapped the importance of barriers which need to be overcome for to make implementation of H4.0 possible.
Manufacturer and Consumer’s Perceptions Towards Electric Vehicle Market in Thailand
Authors: Chinda Thanwadee
Published: February 2023

Electric vehicle (EV) market in Thailand is still limited due to lack of government support, lack of charging infrastructure, lack of EV knowledge and skills, high vehicle prices, and limited battery capacities. This research examines and ranks factors influencing EV manufacturing and purchasing in Thailand utilizing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. Six factors with 14 sub-factors form the manufacturers’ hierarchy model. Four factors with 25 sub-factors are, on the other hand, in the consumers’ hierarchy model. The data used in the analysis are gathered through interviews of EV experts and consumers. The results demonstrate that the Government Support factor is the most significant factor perceived by manufacturers, especially in terms of taxes and subsidies. Battery cost is also found an important concern in EV production. On the other hand, Individual Judgment and EV Performance factors are the two most significant factors from consumers’ perspectives. The focus should be on the vehicle price and battery issues, with specific consideration to driving range and charging time. Consumers also request the government to provide adequate charging stations to facilitate the use of EVs. The government may promote the EV market through a number of subsidies and tax reduction campaigns. Engineering and production managers may, on the other hand, focus on technical issues of battery performance to increase driving ranges and decrease charging time to attract more EV consumers.
Pareto Optimal Solution of a Fuzzy Newsboy Problem
Authors: Sahoo Anuradha , Dash J. K.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a multi-item classical newsboy problem is formulated, occurring both fuzziness and randomness with floor space constraint. Here, the demand is considered as a random variable in fuzzy sense and also the purchase cost, salvage value, and selling price are fuzzy numbers. Initially, a method is explained for solving such a problem by using the minimization of a FN by Buckley [Buckley, JJ (2003). Fuzzy probabilities: New approach and applications]. Then the fuzzy programming technique, [Formula: see text]-constraint, and the weighted sum methods are applied to handle the multiobjective programming problem. The basic idea for transforming the fuzzy stochastic programming problem into a deterministic equivalent has been discussed. Finally, the deterministic model is solved by the LINGO package and is illustrated numerically.
Understanding Social and Environmental Factors to Enable Collective Access Approaches to the Design of Captioning Technology
Authors: McDonnell Emma J.
Published: February 2023

Oftentimes human computer interactions (HCI) accessibility research designs technology to support Deaf and disabled people in their existing social contexts. I, instead, propose an approach to accessible technology design that follows the disability justice principle of collective access, envisioning hearing and nondisabled people as key participants in making interactions accessible. Using captioning as a case study, I explore ways that technology could support accessible social norms, achieved by first paying close attention to the social, environmental, and technical factors that shape access for d/Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) captioning users. My dissertation work will consist of four studies; 1) an exploration of the factors that shape DHH people's current experiences with and future preferences for captioning tools, 2) codesigning features to support accessible group communication with mixed groups of DHH and hearing people, 3) understanding TikTok captioning practices and their impact on DHH users, and 4) exploring the factors that influence professional captioners' work.
Graphene and Two-Dimensional Materials for Biomolecule Sensing
Authors: Ban Deependra Kumar , Bandaru Prabhakar R.
Published: February 2023

An ideal biosensor material at room temperature, with an extremely large surface area per unit mass combined with the possibility of harnessing quantum mechanical attributes, would be comprised of graphene and other two-dimensional (2D) materials. The sensing of a variety of sizes and types of biomolecules involves modulation of the electrical charge density of (current through) the 2D material and manifests through specific components of the capacitance (resistance). While sensitive detection at the single-molecule level, i.e., at zeptomolar concentrations, may be achieved, specificity in a complex mixture is more demanding. Attention should be paid to the influence of inevitably present defects in the 2D materials on the sensing, as well as calibration of obtained results with acceptable standards. The consequent establishment of a roadmap for the widespread deployment of 2D material–based biosensors in point-of-care platforms has the potential to revolutionize health care.
Synthesis, Structural, FT-IR, UV-Vis. Spectroscopic, Thermal, and BET Studies of Magnesium Ion Doped Strontium Pyrophosphate Nano-Particles
Authors: Solanki P. D. , Oza M. H. , Joshi Girish , Jethva H. O. , Joshi M. J.
Published: February 2023

Pyrophosphates are very useful as bioactive ceramics; particularly, calcium pyrophosphate has made impressive progress as biocompatible material promoting tissue formation. 2% Mg, 5% Mg, and 10% Mg ion doped SrPPi nano-particles are synthesized using a surfactant-mediated approach. The Powder XRD pattern confirms the tetragonal structure of materials and nano-structured in nature. The transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) study confirmed the nano-size and the dimensions in the range from 7.46 nm to 51.70 nm. P-O-P and PO3 have both symmetric and asymmetric stretching vibrations, according to the FT-IR spectroscopy investigation. The direct optical energy band gap for 2% Mg, 5% Mg, and 10% Mg ion doped Sr2P2O7 samples is found to be 4.98 eV, 4.75 eV, and 4.55 eV using UV-NIR absorption spectroscopy, spanning the spectral range of 210–1200 nm. EDAX analysis confirmed the elemental presence. Thermogravimetric analysis proved that the sample included water molecules. According to TGA, the samples become anhydrous and almost remain stable when heated over 600 °C–1000 °C. Photoluminescence studies indicate the emission is in the visible range. BET analysis gives information on surface area and pore size.