bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial evaluating feasibility and acceptability of cognitive remediation group therapy compared with mutual aid group therapy for people ageing with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Eaton Andrew David , Walmsley Sharon L , Craig Shelley L , Rourke Sean B , Sota Teresa , McCullagh John W , Fallon Barbara A
Published: April 2023

Introduction

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) may affect 30%–50% of people ageing with HIV. HAND may increase stress and anxiety, and impede coping. Psychosocial group therapy may ameliorate HAND’s symptoms, yet the ideal intervention is unclear. This protocol outlines a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT)—designed using community-based participatory research—to pilot cognitive remediation group therapy (CRGT) against an active comparator.

Methods and analysis

This is a pilot, parallel design, two-arm RCT that will recruit participants diagnosed with the mild neurocognitive disorder form of HAND from a neurobehavioural research unit at a tertiary care hospital in Toronto, Canada. Eligibility criteria include age ≥40 years, known HIV status for 5+ years, English fluency, able to consent and able to attend 8 weeks of group therapy. Eligible participants will be randomised to one of two treatment arms, each consisting of eight-session group interventions delivered once weekly at 3 hours per session. Arm 1 (novel) is CRGT, combining mindfulness-based stress reduction with brain training activities. Arm 2 (active control) is mutual aid group therapy. The primary outcomes are feasibility, measured by proportions of recruitment and completion, and acceptability, determined by a satisfaction questionnaire. The secondary outcome is intervention fidelity, where content analysis will be used to assess facilitator session reports. A between-group analysis will be conducted on exploratory outcomes of stress, anxiety, coping and use of intervention activities that will be collected at three time points.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Boards of St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and community reporting. This study could provide insight into design (eg, recruitment, measures) and intervention considerations (eg, structure, content) for a larger trial to lessen the burden of cognitive decline among people ageing with HIV.

Trial registration number

NCT03483740
Rationale and design of the Lowlands Saves Lives trial: a randomised trial to compare CPR quality and long-term attitude towards CPR performance between face-to-face and virtual reality training with the Lifesaver VR app
Authors: Nas Joris , Thannhauser Jos , Vart Priya , van Geuns Robert-Jan , van Royen Niels , Bonnes Judith L , Brouwer Marc A
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Layperson cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a key aspect in the chain of survival after cardiac arrest. New, low-cost, easily accessible training methods such as virtual reality (VR) training with a smartphone application may reach broader populations, but data on CPR performance are scarce.

Methods and analysis

The Lowlands Saves Lives trial is a prospective randomised open-blinded end-point evaluation study, comparing two 20 min CPR training protocols: standardised, certified instructor-led face-to-face training complying with current education guidelines (using Laerdal Little Anne manikins), and VR training, using the UK Resuscitation Council endorsed Lifesaver VR app. In the latter, chest compressions are practiced on a pillow.

During VR training, participants learn to resuscitate by completing a filmed CPR scenario while wearing VR goggles and headphones. Eligible for inclusion are adult attendees of Lowlands Science, a specific section of the 3-day Lowlands music festival (50 000 attendees), dedicated exclusively to science. Following the training, all participants will perform a CPR test on a Laerdal Resusci Anne QCPR manikin. Primary outcome measures are depth and rate of chest compressions, measured using CPR manikins. The key secondary outcome is overall CPR performance, with real-time examination (blinded for study group) of all items of a European Resuscitation Council endorsed checklist, and evaluation of a sample of videotaped CPR tests by a blinded event committee.

Given the unique setting of a festival, the primary additional analysis will address the impact of alcohol levels on CPR quality parameters and overall performance. Follow-up questionnaires will evaluate the attitude towards performing CPR. This unique study may provide important insights into innovative CPR training methods, factors that impact CPR performance and the impact on long-term attitude towards resuscitation.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received approval from the research ethics committee of the Radboudumc. All participants will provide written informed consent. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at (inter)national conferences.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT04013633).
One-to-one befriending for people with intellectual disability and symptoms of depression: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ali Afia , Mckenzie Emma , Hassiotis Angela , Priebe Stefan , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Omar Rumana , Jones Rebecca , Panca Monica , Fernandez Vincent , Finning Sally , Moore Shirley , O'Connor Danielle , Roe Christine , King Michael
Published: April 2023

Introduction

People with intellectual disability (ID) are more likely to experience loneliness and have smaller social networks, which increases vulnerability to depression. Befriending may reduce depressive symptoms in other populations, but randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have not been carried out in this population. This pilot study aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of carrying out a full RCT of one-to-one befriending by volunteers for people with ID, compared with an active control group.

Methods and analysis

The trial aims to recruit 40 participants with ID. Participants in the intervention arm will receive weekly visits from a volunteer over 6 months. Community befriending schemes will recruit, train, supervise volunteers and match them to individuals with ID. Both groups will receive a booklet about local activities and have access to usual care. Health and social outcomes will be measured at the end of the intervention and 6 months’ follow-up. The following outcomes will be assessed: (1) recruitment and retention of individuals with ID and volunteers in the trial, (2) adverse events related to the intervention, (3) the acceptability of the intervention, (4) whether the intervention is delivered as intended, (5) changes in health and social outcomes and (6) the feasibility of carrying out a cost-effectiveness analysis in a full trial. Qualitative data from participants, volunteers, staff and carers will identify barriers and facilitators of a future full trial.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the London City and East Research Ethics Committee (reference 18/LO/2188). The findings will be presented at conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal and in the National Institute of Health Research journals library. A public engagement seminar will be held at the end of the study aimed at key stakeholders.

Trial registration number

NCT63779614.
REFRESH protocol: a non-inferiority randomised clinical trial comparing internet and teleconference to in-person ‘Managing Fatigue’ interventions on the impact of fatigue among persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Plow Matthew , Packer Tanya , Mathiowetz Virgil G. , Preissner Kathy , Ghahari Setareh , Sattar Abdus , Bethoux Francois , Finlayson Marcia
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. It is considered a major cause of non‐traumatic disability in young adults. One of the most common and disabling symptoms of MS is fatigue. MS fatigue can impact all aspects of quality of life, including physical, mental and social function. Fortunately, fatigue self-management interventions, such as ‘Managing Fatigue: A 6 week energy conservation course’, can decrease the impact of fatigue and improve health-related quality of life. The purpose of this study is to compare three modes of delivering theManaging Fatigueintervention—two remote delivery formats (teleconference and internet) and one in-person format—on perceptions of fatigue and its impact on physical, mental and social function.

Methods and analysis

A non-inferiority randomised clinical trial is being conducted to compare the three delivery formats (1:1:1 allocation ratio) among 582 participants with MS living in the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. The hypothesis is that teleconference and internet versions of the intervention are non-inferior to the traditional mode of clinical service delivery (ie, one to one, in person) in terms of the primary outcome of self-reported fatigue impact (ie, Fatigue Impact Scale) and the secondary outcome of health-related quality of life (ie, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale). Outcomes are being measured at baseline, 2 months, 3 months and 6 months. The primary analysis tool will be linear mixed effects model. The prespecified inferiority margin for the primary outcome is 10 points. We will also examine whether baseline characteristics (eg, sociodemographic) moderate outcomes of theManaging Fatigueintervention and whether changes in self-efficacy and fatigue self-management behaviours mediate changes in outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol is approved centrally by the institutional review board at Case Western Reserve University. Eligible participants give consent before being enrolled and randomised into the study. The study results will be disseminated through relevant advocacy organisations, newsletters to participants, publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03550170.
Attitudes of at-risk older adults about prevention of cardiovascular disease and dementia using eHealth: a qualitative study in a European context
Authors: Akenine Ulrika , Barbera Mariagnese , Beishuizen Cathrien RL , Fallah Pour Mandana , Guillemont Juliette , Rosenberg Anna , Coley Nicola , Mangialasche Francesca , Salo Lotta , Savy Stephanie , Pols A Jeannette , Andrieu Sandrine , Richard Edo , Soininen Hilkka , Moll van Charante Eric , Kivipelto Miia
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dementia is a key health priority among older adults. Understanding individuals’ attitudes to, the prevention of these conditions, particularly when delivered through novel eHealth tools, could help in designing effective prevention programmes. The aim of the study was to explore the attitudes of older adults at increased risk of CVD and dementia regarding engagement in eHealth self-management prevention programmes, and to describe the facilitators and barriers.

Design

A qualitative research approach was used. Data were collected through eight focus groups in Finland, France and the Netherlands. Data were analysed following the principles of grounded theory.

Setting and participants

Forty-four community-dwellers aged 65+ at risk of CVD were recruited from a previous trial cohort in Finland, and through general practices in France and the Netherlands.

Results

The study identified three categories: access to reliable information, trust in the healthcare providers and burden and stigma of dementia. A core category was also identified: the interactive process of the three categories influencing engagement in self-management prevention programme. The categories were interconnected through an interactive process and influenced by the local healthcare culture and context which shaped them differently, becoming either facilitators or barriers to engage in eHealth self-management prevention programmes.

Conclusions

The study emphasises the importance of considering the interactions between the identified categories in this study, grounded in the local healthcare culture and context in further developments of eHealth self-management interventions that aim to prevent CVD and dementia.

Trial registration number

NCT48151589
2BALANCE: a cognitive-motor dual-task protocol for individuals with vestibular dysfunction
Authors: Danneels Maya , Van Hecke Ruth , Leyssens Laura , Degeest Sofie , Cambier Dirk , van de Berg Raymond , Van Rompaey Vincent , Maes Leen
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Aside from primary vestibular symptoms such as vertigo and dizziness, persons with vestibular dysfunction frequently express cognitive and motor problems. These symptoms have mainly been assessed in single-task setting, which might not represent activities of daily living accurately. Therefore, a dual-task protocol, consisting of the simultaneous performance of cognitive and motor tasks, was developed. This protocol assesses cognitive and motor performance in general, as well as cognitive-motor interference in specific.

Methods and analysis

The motor component of the 2BALANCE protocol consists of a static and dynamic postural task. These motor tasks are combined with different cognitive tasks assessing visuospatial cognition, processing speed, working memory and response inhibition. First, test–retest reliability will be assessed with an interval of 2 weeks in a group of young adults. Second, the 2BALANCE protocol will be validated in persons with bilateral vestibulopathy. Finally, the protocol will be implemented in persons with unilateral vestibular loss.

Discussion and conclusions

The 2BALANCE project aims to elucidate the impact of vestibular dysfunction on cognitive and motor performance in dual-task setting. This protocol represents everyday situations better than single-task protocols, as dual-tasks such as reading street signs while walking are often encountered during daily activities. Ultimately, this project could enable individualised and holistic clinical care in these patients, taking into account single as well as dual-task performance.

Ethics and dissemination

The current study was approved by the ethics committee of Ghent University Hospital on 5 July 2019 with registration number B670201940465. All research findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at vestibular as well as multidisciplinary international conferences and meetings.

Trials registration number

NCT04126798.
Value of Schwartz Rounds in promoting the emotional well-being of healthcare workers: a qualitative study
Authors: Ng Lillian , Schache Kiralee , Young Marie , Sinclair Joanna
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Schwartz Rounds are forums that enable healthcare staff to reflect on emotional and social dimensions of their work. In this study, we aimed to explore the experiences of Schwartz Rounds on emotional aspects of care and practice within a clinical environment.

Design

Using qualitative methods, we interviewed participants individually and in focus groups. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed by thematic analysis.

Setting

The study was based at a public health service Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest, most ethnically diverse population.

Participants

Participants were panellists who took part in successive Schwartz Rounds over a 10-month period. There were 17 participants with a range of experience (1–30 years) and occupations including clinical, allied, technical and administrative staff from medical specialties of plastic surgery, pain services, emergency medicine, intensive care, organ donation services, COVID-19 response and palliative care services.

Results

Three themes were identified: the need for emotional processing, valuing guided reflection and realising our humanity. The third theme ‘realising our humanity’ comprised altruism, connection and compassion. Schwartz Rounds provided staff with clear benefits: emotionally resonant experiences within an environment of psychological safety and connection to the wider organisation. The daunting nature of emotional disclosure was mitigated by a supportive audience.

Conclusion

There is an organisational imperative to ensure that staff have opportunities to process intense emotions associated with healthcare work. Schwartz Rounds are one means to attend to the emotional welfare of healthcare staff, enabling them to gain different perspectives in the care of their patients and colleagues within system constraints.
Economic evaluation of an integrated virtual care programme for people with chronic illness who are frequent users of health services in Australia
Authors: Carter Hannah E , Wallis Shannon , McGowan Kelly , Graves Nicholas , Pitt Rachelle , Coffey Sue , Phillips Rachel , Parcell Melinda
Published: April 2023

Objective

The MeCare programme is a tailored virtual care initiative targeted at frequent users of health services who have at least one chronic condition including cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes or chronic kidney disease. The programme aims to prevent unnecessary hospitalisations by helping patients to self-manage, improve their health literacy and engage in positive health behaviours. This study investigates the impact of the MeCare programme on healthcare resource use, costs and patient-reported outcomes.

Methods and analysis

A retrospective pre–post study design was adopted. Data on emergency department presentations, hospital admissions, outpatient appointments and their associated costs were obtained from administrative databases. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation was used to model changes in resource use and costs prior to, and following, participant enrolment on the MeCare programme. Generalised linear models were used to investigate the observed changes in patient-reported outcomes.

Results

The MeCare programme cost $A624 per participant month to deliver. Median monthly rates of ED presentations, hospital admissions and average length of stay post-MeCare reduced by 76%, 50% and 12%, respectively. This translated to a median net cost saving of $A982 per participant month (IQR: −1936; −152). A significant, positive trend in patient experience based on responses to the Patient Assessment of Care for Chronic Conditions Questionnaire was observed over the duration of programme enrolment.

Discussion

The MeCare programme is likely to result in substantial cost savings to the health system, while maintaining or improving patient-reported outcomes. Further research in multisite randomised studies is needed to confirm the generalisability of these results.
Comparing biparametric to multiparametric MRI in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer in biopsy-naive men (PRIME): a prospective, international, multicentre, non-inferiority within-patient, diagnostic yield trial protocol
Authors: Asif Aqua , Nathan Arjun , Ng Alexander , Khetrapal Pramit , Chan Vinson Wai-Shun , Giganti Francesco , Allen Clare , Freeman Alex , Punwani Shonit , Lorgelly Paula , Clarke Caroline S , Brew-Graves Chris , Muirhead Nicola , Emberton Mark , Agarwal Ridhi , Takwoingi Yemisi , Deeks Jonathan J , Moore Caroline M , Kasivisvanathan Veeru
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Prostate MRI is a well-established tool for the diagnostic work-up for men with suspected prostate cancer (PCa). Current recommendations advocate the use of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), which is composed of three sequences: T2-weighted sequence (T2W), diffusion-weighted sequence (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced sequence (DCE). Prior studies suggest that a biparametric MRI (bpMRI) approach, omitting the DCE sequences, may not compromise clinically significant cancer detection, though there are limitations to these studies, and it is not known how this may affect treatment eligibility. A bpMRI approach will reduce scanning time, may be more cost-effective and, at a population level, will allow more men to gain access to an MRI than an mpMRI approach.

Methods

Prostate Imaging Using MRI±Contrast Enhancement (PRIME) is a prospective, international, multicentre, within-patient diagnostic yield trial assessing whether bpMRI is non-inferior to mpMRI in the diagnosis of clinically significant PCa. Patients will undergo the full mpMRI scan. Radiologists will be blinded to the DCE and will initially report the MRI using only the bpMRI (T2W and DWI) sequences. They will then be unblinded to the DCE sequence and will then re-report the MRI using the mpMRI sequences (T2W, DWI and DCE). Men with suspicious lesions on either bpMRI or mpMRI will undergo prostate biopsy. The main inclusion criteria are men with suspected PCa, with a serum PSA of ≤20 ng/mL and without prior prostate biopsy. The primary outcome is the proportion of men with clinically significant PCa detected (Gleason score ≥3+4 or Gleason grade group ≥2). A sample size of at least 500 patients is required. Key secondary outcomes include the proportion of clinically insignificant PCa detected and treatment decision.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the National Research Ethics Committee West Midlands, Nottingham (21/WM/0091). Results of this trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. Participants and relevant patient support groups will be informed about the results of the trial.

Trial registration number

NCT04571840.
Mechanism of myocardial fibrosis regulation by IGF-1R in atrial fibrillation through the PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway
Authors: Zhang Pei , Li Huilin , Zhang An , Wang Xiao , Song Qiyuan , Li Zhan , Wang Weizong , Xu Jingwen , Hou Yinglong , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2023

Atrial structural remodeling takes on a critical significance to the occurrence and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). As revealed by recent data, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) plays a certain role in tissue fibrosis. In this study, the mechanism of IGF-1R in atrial structural remodeling was examined based on in vivo and in vitro experiments. First, cluster analysis of AF hub genes was conducted, and then the molecular mechanism was proposed by which IGF-1R regulates myocardial fibrosis via the PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway. Subsequently, the mentioned mechanism was verified in human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) and rats transduced with IGF-1 overexpression type 9 adeno-associated viruses. The results indicated that IGF-1R activation up-regulated collagen Ⅰ protein expression and Akt phosphorylation in HCFs and rat atrium. The administration of LY294002 reversed the above phenomenon, improved the shortening of atrial effective refractory period, and reduced the increased incidence of AF and atrial fibrosis in rats. The transfection of FoxO3a siRNA reduced the anti-fibrotic effect of LY294002 in HCFs. The above data revealed that activation of IGF-1R takes on a vital significance to atrial structural remodeling by facilitating myocardial fibrosis and expediting the occurrence and maintenance of AF through the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway.
Benchtop 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy enabled kinetic studies and optimization of the synthesis of carmofur
Authors: Wang Xina , Vu Julia , Luk Charissa , Njoo Edward
Published: April 2023

Carmofur, a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) derivative, was initially developed as an antineoplastic agent to treat colorectal cancer. Through drug repurposing efforts, it has been identified as a potent covalent inhibitor of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro), making it a promising therapeutic agent against COVID-19. However, previous synthetic procedures suffer from low yields or long reaction times. In this study, benchtop 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy enables the real-time quantitative monitoring and characterization of the synthesis of carmofur by providing kinetic insight. Furthermore, its proton lock capabilities no longer require the use of deuterated solvents and have enabled convenient and rapidly scalable synthesis of our compound. Here, we present the application of benchtop 19F NMR as an efficient method for optimizing the synthesis of carmofur and its future application in the synthesis of related 5-FU analogs.
Visible-light photoredox-catalyzed coupling of alkylsulfones with α-(trifluoromethyl)styrenes
Authors: Tahara Yasuyo , Ghosh Koushik , Nambo Masakazu
Published: April 2023

The synthesis of gem-difluoroalkenes by photocatalytic desulfonylative coupling of alkylsulfones with α-(trifluoromethyl)styrenes is described. Photoredox Ir complex was found to be an effective catalyst for this transformation through single electron reduction of alkyl 1-phenyltetrazolyl sulfones, providing structurally diverse gem-difluoroalkene products in good yields. The resulting alkenes could be further converted into fluorinated derivatives, highlighting the potential utility of this method in the synthesis of organofluorine compounds.
Comparison of basic equations of the Kaluza–Klein theory with the nonholonomic model of space–time of the sub-Lorentzian geometry
Authors: Krym Victor R.
Published: April 2023

The field equations of gravity coupled to electromagnetism and equations of motion of a charged particle are part of the Kaluza–Klein theory where general relativity is extended to five dimensions. These equations can also be obtained if nonholonomic constrains are imposed on the 5-vector of particle’s velocity. Hence, further development of the general relativity theory can be sub-Riemannian (or sub-Lorentzian) geometry. Gauge transformations become a special case of coordinate transformations in both the Kaluza–Klein theory and the nonholonomic model. Sub-Riemannian geodesics are proved to be equations of motion of a charged particle. The Dirac operator can be extended for a 5-dimensional manifold as a first-order differential operator. Since the base manifold in physics contains the electromagnetic gauge group [Formula: see text], the eigenvalues of the charge operator are always an integer multiplied by the fundamental electric charge.
Coexistence of Hidden Attractors in the Smooth Cubic Chua’s Circuit with Two Stable Equilibria
Authors: Ahmad Irfan , Srisuchinwong Banlue , Usman Jamil Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Since the invention of Chua’s circuit, numerous generalizations based on the substitution of the nonlinear function have been reported. One of the generalizations is obtained by substituting cubic nonlinearity for piece-wise linear (PWL) nonlinearity. Although hidden chaotic attractors with a PWL nonlinearity have been discovered in the classical Chua’s circuit, chaotic attractors with a smooth cubic nonlinearity have long been known as self-excited attractors. Through a systematically exhaustive computer search, this paper identifies coexisting hidden attractors in the smooth cubic Chua’s circuit. Either self-excited or coexisting hidden attractors are now possible in the smooth cubic Chua’s circuit with algebraically elegant values of both initial points and system parameters. The newly found coexisting attractors exhibit an inversion symmetry. Both initial points and system parameters are equally required to localize hidden attractors. Basins of attraction of individual equilibria are illustrated and clearly show critical areas of multistability where a tiny drift in an initial point potentially induces jumps among different basins of attraction and coexisting states. Such multistability poses potential threats to engineering applications. The dynamical regions of hidden and self-excited attractors, and areas of stability of equilibria, are illustrated against two parameter spaces. Both illustrations reveal that two nonzero equilibrium points of the smooth cubic Chua’s circuit have a transition from unstable to stable equilibrium points, leading to generations of self-excited and hidden attractors simultaneously.
DPI DCSK Modulation with BCJR Decoding
Authors: Zhu Ziqiang , Chen Pingping , Lin Zhijian , Chen Haoyu , Fang Yi , Li Yong
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a novel [Formula: see text]-ary differential permutation index (DPI) differential chaos shift keying (DCSK) by using the Bahl–Cocke–Jeline–Raviv (BCJR) decoding (DPI-DCSK-BCJR) for chaos-based communications. By exploiting the characteristics of differential modulation and quasi-orthogonality of chaotic signals, the proposed DPI-DCSK-BCJR can provide two more calculated energies to decide the transmitted bits. Theoretical analysis of bit-error-rate (BER) is carried out over multipath Rayleigh fading channel and then validated via simulations. The proposed scheme is demonstrated to outperform the conventional DPI-DCSK by 2[Formula: see text]dB for different [Formula: see text]. This performance gain is especially increased over high-delay channels. Furthermore, the advantage of the proposed frequency-modulated DPI-DCSK-BCJR is verified over practical ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless channels. In addition, we investigate the proposed DPI-DCSK-BCJR for more generalized multiuser communications. The simulation result shows that DPI-DCSK-BCJR can achieve performance gains up to 5[Formula: see text]dB as compared to the conventional PI-DCSK and DPI-DCSK for both two and three user systems. Consequently, the proposed DPI-DCSK-BCJR can be considered as a low-cost alternative for low-complexity and high-rate chaotic-based wireless communication.
Chaos and Impact Characteristics Analysis of a Multistage Planetary Gear System Based on the Energy Method
Authors: Liu Suixian , Hu Aijun , Sun Yuyan , Xiang Ling , Zhu Yancheng
Published: April 2023

A dynamic modeling method for Multistage Planetary Gear Transmission (MPGT) is proposed based on the concept of integral planetary gearbox modeling. The integrated interaction of multiple nonlinear parameters is considered in the dynamic model. The time-varying mesh stiffness of each gear pair is calculated by the energy method. The effects of input torque, gear backlash, and meshing damping on the chaos and impact characteristics of the system are analyzed in detail. The results show that the dynamic behavior of the system is closely related to the Dynamic Meshing Force (DMF). When the system is in the states of chaos, bifurcation, and jumping, the DMF fluctuates violently, and the stability and reliability of the system are seriously affected. With the increase of input torque and meshing damping, the system exits chaos through the inverse period-doubling bifurcation path, which indicates that increasing the input torque and meshing damping can suppress the chaotic motion and enhance the stability of the system. The backlash has a significant effect on the nonlinear behavior and meshing impact characteristics of the system. When the backlash is small, the system is in bilateral impact, and the meshing impact tends to be stable as the backlash increases. In order to improve the vibration characteristics of the system, a slightly larger backlash is necessary. The results can be used to guide the dynamic characteristics design and vibration control of the MPGT.
Dynamic Survivability in Nonlinear Oscillation Systems with Attractive–Repulsive Interaction
Authors: Wang Yuexin , Sun Zhongkui , Liu Shutong , Zhou Yining , Xu Wei
Published: April 2023

On the basis of global and BA scale-free coupled Stuart–Landau models, dynamic survivability has been investigated in detail with new definition and measure function, which is different from the previous survivability studies which only focused on static analysis. The effects on dynamic survivability of attractive–repulsive interaction and attack strategies are detected. Our results suggest that the coupling strength and presence of the repulsive interaction reduce the dynamic survivability in globally coupled systems. Furthermore, the dynamic survivability of the BA systems remains stable in the case of random attack with invariable critical attack cost [Formula: see text]. While they have the same features with globally coupled systems when being deliberately attacked; attacking high-degree oscillators show a tendency to spoil the dynamic survivability more effectively. Finally, it is found that the attractive coupling plays a more important role in the dynamic survivability. These findings may help us to prevent systems from being attacked and design survivable systems.
SUPER-LARGE-SCALE DATA ANALYSIS FOR ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD WITH ECML
Authors: ZHAO FENG , LIU WEI , SHEN YANG , WANG WENXIN , ALKHATEEB ABDULHAMEED F.
Published: April 2023

With the deepening of hospital informatization construction, the electronic health record (EHR) system has been widely used in the clinical diagnosis and treatment process, resulting in a large amount of medical data. Electronic medical records contain a large amount of rich medical information, which is an important resource for disease prediction, personalized information recommendation, and drug mining. However, the medical information contained in electronic medical records cannot be automatically acquired, analyzed and utilized by computers. In this paper, we utilize machine learning algorithms for intelligent analysis of large-scale electronic medical records to explore and develop general methods and tools suitable for electronic medical record analysis in medical databases. This is of great value for summarizing the therapeutic effects of various diagnosis and treatment programs, disease diagnosis, treatment, and medical research. We propose an ECML-based intelligent analysis method for electronic medical records. First, we perform data preprocessing on the electronic medical record. Second, we design an intelligent analysis method for electronic medical records based on a deep learning model. Third, we design a model hyperparameter optimization method based on evolutionary algorithms. Finally, we compare and analyze the performance of the proposed model through experiments, and the experimental results show that the model proposed in this paper has good performance.
Stoichiometry-controlled chirality inversion in the amide-linked zinc bisporphyrinates induced by amino acid esters
Authors: Zhu Jiaxing , Fu Fangfang , Zhang Zhihao , Hu Chuanjiang , Wang Yong
Published: April 2023

We investigated chirality transfer processes with two amide-linked zinc bisporphyrinates as hosts and chiral amino acid esters as guests. The linkers in these hosts contain a coordination site (pyridyl nitrogen or amino nitrogen). CD spectra were measured after titration of these zinc bisporphyrinates with amino acid esters. The CD spectra show that the signals were inverted during the titration. This result suggests that there is a two-step chirality induction process, which is most likely dominated by the corresponding 1:1 and 1:2 host-guest complexes. In the 1:1 complexes, the pyridyl nitrogen or amino nitrogen in the linkers is coordinated with zinc. NMR spectra confirmed such coordination interactions. Theoretical calculations also confirmed the corresponding chirality induction and inversion. This work provides a useful strategy to tune chirality transfer processes by introducing an extra coordination site in the linker.
Pd(II)dipyrrinato complexes: Synthesis, crystal structure and their antibacterial applications
Authors: Manav Neha , Chavda Jaydeepsinh , Kidwai Saqib , Singh Ramandeep , Mori Shigeki , Gupta Iti
Published: April 2023

The synthesis and biological studies of a series of Pd(II)dipyrrinato complexes are reported. The thiogalactosyl and/or oligoethyleneglycol moieties were linked with themeso-aryl rings of the Pd(II)dipyrrinato complexes. The Pd(II)dipyrrinato complexes were characterized by MASS, IR, UV-Vis, and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Single crystal X-ray structure of the homoleptic Pd(II)dipyrrinato complex (Pd1) revealed typical square planar geometry around the metal center. The anti-bacterial studies of Pd(II) dipyrrinato complexes were performed on theM. Tuberculosis H37Rv and M. Bovis BCG strains and complex Pd4 showed excellent anti-TB activity with MIC values of 25 [Formula: see text]M and 12.5 [Formula: see text]M, respectively. The ease of synthesis and good MIC values of Pd(II)dipyrrinato complexes make them promising candidates for anti-TB activity.
CASE REPORT: A NEW FACTOR OF RUMEN BLOAT IN GOATS AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Lim Benedict-Kim-Miao , Tan Jing-Rachel , Chen Yi-Chen , Chan Kun-Wei , Hsu Pei-Chuan , Lai Jyh-Mirn
Published: April 2023

Goats may suffer from rumen bloat for many reasons, e.g. improperly concentrated ratio or obstruction. The disease can be caused by eating undigested items, e.g. plastic rope or bags. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has often become mandatory for people to wear medical masks. People are generally unaware that masks left on the ground pose a risk to goats who may eat them. This case report describes the rumen bloat caused by medical masks in a male goat reared in an elementary school. After physical examination, the goat showed a bloated rumen, anorexia, depression, and weakness. The heart rate was normal, but respiratory patterns were fast and deep. Fewer defecated feces were noted by the owner. Furthermore, the owner’s complaints and ultrasound images revealed that undigested items in the rumen were the cause. After performing a standard rumenotomy, we scooped out four medical masks, one plastic bag, and one high-density nylon rope from the rumen. We believe this was the first report describing the risk of medical masks in goats. Promoting life and animal welfare education is essential to inform others of the harm medical masks pose to animals.
EfficientNets transfer learning strategies for histopathological breast cancer image analysis
Authors: Folorunso Sakinat Oluwabukonla , Awotunde Joseph Bamidele , Rangaiah Y. Pandu , Ogundokun Roseline Oluwaseun
Published: April 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the major principal sources of high mortality among women worldwide. Consequently, early detection is essential to save lives. BC can be diagnosed with different modes of medical images such as mammography, ultrasound, computerized tomography, biopsy, and magnetic resonance imaging. A histopathology study (biopsy) that results in images is often performed to help diagnose and analyze BC. Transfer learning (TL) is a machine-learning (ML) technique that reuses a learning method that is initially built for a task to be applied to a model for a new task. TL aims to enhance the assessment of desired learners by moving the knowledge contained in another but similar source domain. Consequently, the challenge of the small dataset in the desired domain is reduced to build the desired learners. TL plays a major role in medical image analysis because of this immense property. This paper focuses on the use of TL methods for the investigation of BC image classification and detection, preprocessing, pretrained models, and ML models. Through empirical experiments, the EfficientNets pretrained neural network architectures and ML classification models were built. The support vector machine and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) were learned on the BC dataset. The result showed a comparative but good performance of EfficientNetB4 and XGBoost. An outcome based on accuracy, recall, precision, and F1_Score for XGBoost is 84%, 0.80, 0.83, and 0.81, respectively.
Early Jurassic orthopteran insects from the southern Junggar Basin, NW China, with discussion of biodiversity changes of Orthoptera across the Triassic–Jurassic boundary
Authors: Xu Chunpeng , Fang Yanan , Fang Yan , Wang He , Zhou Qian , Jiang Xueying , Zhang Haichun
Published: April 2023

Orthoptera constitutes an important ecological component of the global fauna, but the order's Early Jurassic record is limited in China and its evolution is poorly understood after the end-Triassic mass extinction. Several orthopterans are described herein from the Lower Jurassic Badaowan and Sangonghe formations of the southern Junggar Basin, Xinjiang, NW China. From the Badaowan Formation, a new species,
Parahagla cheni
sp. nov., is established and assigned to Chifengiinae (Hagloidea: Prophalangopsidae), which represents the oldest record of this subfamily. From the Sangonghe Formation, a forewing fragment is attributed to
Sinagryllus xinjiangensis

Wang
et al.
, 2019

(Grylloidea: Baissogryllidae); another forewing fragment and a metathoracic leg without attribution are also described. The discovery of these fossils increases the biodiversity of Orthoptera in the Early Jurassic, and further indicates that orthopterans probably flourished in the Junggar area during the Early Jurassic. An analysis of orthopteran biodiversity at generic and species levels reveals an extinction in Orthoptera in the Late Triassic, especially for the superfamilies Hagloidea and Oedischioidea, which suffered a substantial extinction. This extinction occurred in the Late Triassic, earlier than the mass extinction of marine animals at the end of the Triassic.
Finding Locally Smallest Cut Sets using Max-SMT
Authors: Larraz Daniel , Tinelli Cesare
Published: April 2023

Model-based development (MBD) is increasingly being used for system-level development of safety-critical systems. This approach allows safety engineers to leverage the system model created during the MBD process to assess the system's resilience to component failure. In particular, one fundamental activity is the identification of minimal cut sets (MCSs), i.e, minimal sets of faults that lead to the violation of a safety requirement. Although the construction of a formal system model enables safety engineers to automate the generation of MCSs, this is usually a computationally expensive task for complex enough systems. We present a method that leverages Max-SMT solvers to efficiently obtain a small set of faults based on a local optimization of the cut set cardinality. Initial experimental results show the effectiveness of the method in generating cut sets that are close or equal to globally optimal solutions (smallest cut sets) while providing an answer 5.6 times faster on average than the standard method to find a smallest cut set.
Beyond model checking of idealized Lustre in Kind 2
Authors: Larraz Daniel , Viswanathan Arjun , Tinelli Cesare , Laurent Mickaël
Published: April 2023

This paper describes several new features of the open-source model checker Kind 2. Its input language and model checking engines have been extended to allow users to model and reason about systems with machine integers. In addition, Kind 2 can now provide traceability information between specification and design elements, which can be used for several purposes, including assessing the quality of a system specification, tracking the safety impact of model changes, and analyzing the tolerance and resilience of a system against faults or cyber-attacks. Finally, Kind 2 is also able to check whether a component contract is realizable or not, and provide a deadlocking computation and a set of conflicting guarantees when the contract is unrealizable.
An AADL Contract Language Supporting Integrated Model- and Code-Level Verification
Authors: Hatcliff John , Stewart Danielle , Belt Jason , . Robby , Schwerdfeger August
Published: April 2023

Model-based systems engineering approaches support the early adoption of a model - a collection of abstractions - of the system under development. The system model can be augmented with key properties of the system including formal specifications of system behavior that codify portions of system and unit-level requirements. There are obvious gaps between the model with formally specified behavior and the deployed system. Previous work on component contract languages has shown how behavior can be specified in models defined using the Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) - a SAE International standard (AS5506C). That work demonstrated the effectiveness of model-level formal methods specification and verification but did not provide a strong and direct connection to system implementations developed using conventional programming languages. In particular, there was no refinement of model-level contracts to programming language-level contracts nor a framework for formally verifying that program code conforms to model-level behavioral specifications.

To address these gaps and to enable the practical application of model-contract languages for verification of deployed high-integrity systems, this paper describes the design of the GUMBO AADL contract language that integrates and extends key concepts from earlier contract languages. The GUMBO contract language (GCL) is closely aligned to a formal semantics of the AADL run-time framework, which provides a platform- and language- independent specification of AADL semantics. We have enhanced the HAMR AADL code generation framework to translate model-level contracts to programming language-level contracts in the Slang high-integrity language. We demonstrate how the Logika verification tool can automatically verify that Slang-based AADL component implementations conform to contracts, both at the code-level and model-level. Slang-based implementations of AADL systems can be executed directly or compiled to C for deployments on Linux or the seL4 verified microkernel.
ANIARA Project - Automation of Network Edge Infrastructure and Applications with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: John Wolfgang , Balador Ali , Taghia Jalil , Johnsson Andreas , Sjöberg Johan , Marsh Ian , Gustafsson Jonas , Tonini Federico , Monti Paolo , Sköldström Pontus , Dowling Jim
Published: April 2023

Emerging use-cases like smart manufacturing and smart cities pose challenges in terms of latency, which cannot be satisfied by traditional centralized infrastructure. Edge networks, which bring computational capacity closer to the users/clients, are a promising solution for supporting these critical low latency services. Different from traditional centralized networks, the edge is distributed by nature and is usually equipped with limited compute capacity. This creates a complex network to handle, subject to failures of different natures, that requires novel solutions to work in practice. To reduce complexity, edge application technology enablers, advanced infrastructure and application orchestration techniques need to be in place where AI and ML are key players.
AI-augmented Model-Based Capabilities in the AIDOaRt Project
Authors: Bagnato Alessandra , Cicchetti Antonio , Berardinelli Luca , Bruneliere Hugo , Eramo Romina
Published: April 2023

The paper presents the AIDOaRT project, a 3 years long H2020-ECSEL European project involving 32 organizations, grouped in clusters from 7 different countries, focusing on AI-augmented automation supporting modeling, coding, testing, monitoring, and continuous development in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). To this end, the project proposes to combine Model Driven Engineering principles and techniques with AI-enhanced methods and tools for engineering more trustable and reliable CPSs. This paper introduces the AIDOaRt project, its overall objectives, and used requirement engineering methodology. Based on that, it also focuses on describing the current plan regarding a set of tools intended to cover the modelbased capabilities requirements from the project.
Managing Non-functional Requirements in an ELASTIC Edge-Cloud Continuum
Authors: Sousa Rita , Sabate Eudald , Gonzalez-Hierro Marco , Barros António , Zubia Cristina , Miguel Pinho Luis , Kartsakli Elli
Published: April 2023

The ELASTIC European project addresses the emergence of extreme-scale analytics, providing a software architecture with a new elasticity concept, intended to support smart cyberphysical systems with performance requirements from extreme-scale analytics workloads. One of the main challenges being tackled by ELASTIC is the necessity to simultaneously fulfil the non-functional properties inherited from smart systems, such as real-time, energy efficiency, communication quality or security. This paper presents how the ELASTIC architecture monitors and manages such nonfunctional requirements, working in close collaboration with the component responsible for the orchestration of elasticity.