bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telephone-based telepsychiatry consultations: a qualitative exploration of psychiatrists’ experiences in Oman
Authors: Al-Mahrouqi Tamadhir , Al-Alawi Kamila , Al-Sabahi Fatema , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Al-Sinawi Hamed , Al-Balushi Naser , Al-Shekaili Muna , Al-Alawi Mohammed
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The utilisation of tele-mental health services has the potential to address challenges in mental health services within the Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, the adoption of tele-mental health in Oman remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of psychiatrists with telephone consultations, offering valuable insights to advance the field of telepsychiatry.

Design

This is a qualitative exploratory study. The analysis of the data involved the application of manifest content analysis.

Setting

The semi-structured interviews were conducted with the psychiatrists at Al Masarra Hospital.

Participants

A total of 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted.

Results

The study reveals that psychiatrists encounter communication challenges in telephone consultations, such as the absence of visual cues, confirming patient identity, conducting comprehensive assessments and effectively communicating with younger patients who may lack developed social skills or patients with specific health conditions. Infrastructure limitations, such as outdated medical records, lack of electronic prescriptions and limited availability of child/adolescent psychiatric medications, further restrict the effectiveness of telepsychiatry consultations. In contrast, telephone appointments offer convenience and flexibility for psychiatrists, allowing them to manage non-clinical responsibilities and provide focused consultations tailored to individual needs. In addition, it benefits patients by improving appointment adherence, diminishing stigma and financial savings compared with in-person consultations.

Conclusions

Tele-mental health has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing mental healthcare services in Oman. Addressing psychiatrists’ challenges is crucial to further developing and strengthening these services.
Sex-specific Impact of the first COVID-19 Lockdown on Age Structure and Case Acuity at Admission in a Patient Population in southwestern Germany: a retrospective comparative Study in Neuroradiology
Authors: Reder Sebastian R , Herrlich Natalie , Grauhan Nils F , Othman Ahmed E , Müller-Eschner Matthias , Brockmann Carolin , Brockmann Marc A
Published: March 2024

Objectives

A hard lockdown was presumed to lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases, resulting in higher acuity at admission. This should be elaborated based on the estimated acuity of the cases, changes in findings during hospitalisation, age structure and biological sex.

Design

Retrospective monocentric cross-sectional study.

Setting

German Neuroradiology Department at a .

Participants

In 2019, n=1158 patients were admitted in contrast to n=884 during the first hard lockdown in 2020 (11th–13th week).

Main outcome measures

Three radiologists evaluated the initial case acuity, classified them into three groups (not acute, subacute and acute), and evaluated if there was a relevant clinical deterioration. The data analysis was conducted using non-parametric methods and multivariate regression analysis.

Results

A 24% decrease in the number of examinations from 2019 to 2020 (p=0.025) was revealed. In women, the case acuity increased by 21% during the lockdown period (p=0.002). A 30% decrease in acute cases in men was observable (in women 5% decrease). Not acute cases decreased in both women and men (47%; 24%), while the subacute cases remained stable in men (0%) and decreased in women (28%). Regression analysis revealed the higher the age, the higher the acuity (p<0.001 in both sexes), particularly among women admitted during the lockdown period (p=0.006).

Conclusion

The lockdown led to a decrease in neuroradiological consultations, with delays in seeking medical care. In women, the number of most severe cases remained stable, whereas the mean case acuity and age increased. This could be due to greater pandemic-related anxiety among women, however, with severe symptoms they were seeking for medical help. In contrast in men, the absolute number of most severe cases decreased, whereas the mean acuity and age remained nearly unaffected. This could be attributable to a reduced willingness to seek for medical consultation.
Association between sleep quality and blood pressure control among hypertensive patients at a rural tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Oseni Tijani Idris Ahmad , Udonwa Ndifreke Ekpo , Oku Afiong Oboko , Makinde Moyosore Taiwo , Archibong Felix
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Restorative sleep is critical in preventing hypertension and other chronic diseases. Limited research has explored the relationship between sleep quality and hypertension in Africa. This study investigated the association between sleep quality and blood pressure control among hypertensive patients in Southern Nigeria.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

A rural tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria, April to June 2023.

Participants

250 systematically selected hypertensive adults. Participants completed a validated semistructured interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess their sleep patterns, including sleep duration, self-reported trouble sleeping and a history of clinical diagnosis of sleep disorders. Sleep patterns were categorised as restorative (healthy) or non-restorative (unhealthy). The blood pressure of respondents was checked and categorised as controlled (<140/90 mm Hg) or uncontrolled (≥140/90 mm Hg). Data were analysed descriptively using SPSS V.24.0

Outcome measures

Quality of sleep and blood pressure control.

Results

Respondents had a mean age of 51.5±10.0 years, with the majority being female (156, 62.4%), married (135, 54.0%) and belonging to the Esan tribe (125, 50.0%). The prevalence of restorative sleep was 36%, while the blood pressure control rate was 23.6%. An association was found between restorative sleep and blood pressure control (adjusted OR =4.38; 95% CI=2.37–8.10; p<0.0001). Respondents aged ≥60 years had 3.5 times higher odds of experiencing non-restorative sleep than those aged ≤40 years (aOR=3.46; 95% CI=1.37–8.74; p=0.009).

Conclusion

The study found an association between poor quality sleep and poor blood pressure control. Incorporating sleep assessments and interventions into comprehensive hypertension management strategies could be explored as a possible approach to improve sleep quality and enhance blood pressure control.

Trial registration number

PACTR202301917477205.
National cross-sectional cluster survey of tuberculosis prevalence in Timor-Leste: a study protocol
Authors: Lopes Constantino , Joao Josefina Clarinha , Lowbridge Christopher , Martins Nelson , dos Santos Rofina Isabel Gusmão , da Silva Endang , Dias Joana , Ramalingam Sureshbabu , Amaral Salvador , Oakley Tessa , Ico Lourenco da Costa , Sarmento Nevio , Yan Jennifer , Francis Joshua Reginald
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Timor-Leste has one of the world’s highest estimated tuberculosis (TB) incidences, yet the data which informs this estimate is limited and the true burden of TB disease is not known. TB prevalence surveys offer the best means of determining robust estimates of disease burden. This study aims to provide an estimate of the prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB in Timor-Leste and provide additional insights into diagnostic coverage and health-seeking behaviour of persons with symptoms suggestive of TB.

Methods and analysis

A national population-based cross-sectional cluster survey will be conducted in which participants aged 15 years and older will be screened for pulmonary TB using an algorithm consisting of symptom screening and digital X-ray of the chest with computer-aided detection software for X-ray interpretation. Xpert Ultra and liquid culture methods will be used to confirm survey TB cases. Additional data will be collected from persons reporting symptoms suggestive of TB to assess health-seeking behaviour and access to TB diagnosis and care. The survey aims to screen a target sample population of 20 068 people, living within 50 clusters, representing every municipality of Timor-Leste. Bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB prevalence will be estimated using WHO-recommended methods.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval has been granted by the human research ethics committee of the Northern Territory, Australia, and the Instituto Nacional da Saúde, Timor-Leste. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and disseminated with relevant stakeholders.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12623000718640.
Management of long bone fractures and traumatic hip dislocations in paediatric patients: study protocol for a prospective global multicentre observational cohort registry
Authors: Zomar Bryn O , Chen Maio , Schaeffer Emily K , Mulpuri Kishore , Joeris Alexander
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Management controversy and clinical equipoise exist in treatments of long bone fractures and traumatic hip dislocation in paediatric patients due to the lack of high-quality clinical evidence. This protocol describes the effort of a large prospective global multicentre cohort study (registry) aiming at providing quality data to assist evidence-based treatment decision-making.

Methods and analysis

Eligible paediatric patients (N=750–1000) with open physes suffering from proximal humerus fractures, distal humerus fractures, proximal radius fractures, forearm shaft fractures, traumatic hip dislocations, femoral neck fractures or tibial shaft fractures will be recruited over a period of 24–36 months. Hospitalisation and treatment details (including materials and implants) will be captured in a cloud-based, searchable database. Outcome measures include radiographic assessments, clinical outcomes (such as range of motion, limb length discrepancies and implant removal), patient-reported outcomes (Patient Reported Outcomes Of Fracture, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-Y)) and adverse events.

Aside from descriptive statistics on patient demographics, baseline characteristics, types of fractures and adverse event rates, research questions will be formulated based on data availability and quality. A statistical analysis plan will be prepared before the statistical analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval will be obtained before patients are enrolled at each participating site. Patient enrolment will follow an informed consent process approved by the responsible ethics committee. Peer-reviewed publication is planned to disseminate the study results.

Trial registration number

NCT04207892.
Development of a prognostic model for long-term survival of young patients with bladder cancer: a retrospective analysis of the SEER Database
Authors: Guo Liuxiong , Liu Liang , Liu Yixuan , Yang Tao , Wang Gang , Liu Junjiang , Li Suwei , Cai Jianhui
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aims to present the clinical characteristics of young patients with bladder cancer (YBCa), evaluate related risk factors and construct a nomogram based on data acquired from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database.

Design

Retrospective analysis of the SEER Database (2004–2015) for primary YBCa.

Setting and participants

Data for YBCa (defined as those aged 40 years or younger) were extracted from the SEER Database, which covers approximately 28% of the US population, using the SEER*Stat software (V.8.4.0.1). A total of 1233 YBCa were identified. Patients were randomly assigned to the training and validation sets. The database included clinicopathological features, demographic information and survival outcomes, such as age, gender, race, year of diagnosis, marital status at diagnosis, primary tumour site, histological type, tumour grade, tumour, node, metastases (TNM) staging, treatment regimen for the primary tumour, cause of death and survival time. A nomogram model was developed using univariate and multivariate analyses. The prediction model was validated using the consistency index (C-index), calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic curve.

Primary outcome measures

3-year, 5-year and 10-year overall survival (OS).

Results

1233 YBCa from 2004 to 2015 were randomly assigned to the training set (n=865) and validation set (n=368). Age, marital status, tumour grade, histological type and TNM staging were included in the nomogram. The C-index of the model was 0.876. The 3-year, 5-year and 10-year OS area under the curve values for the training and validation sets were 0.949, 0.923 and 0.856, and 0.919, 0.890 and 0.904, respectively. Calibration plots showed that the nomogram had a robust predictive accuracy.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to establish a precise nomogram predicting the 3-year, 5-year and 10-year OS in YBCa based on multivariate analyses. Our nomogram may serve as a valuable reference for future diagnostics and individualised treatments for YBCa. However, external validation is warranted to assess the accuracy and generalisability of our prognostic model.
Correlation between ellipsoid zone thickness and the presence of subretinal drusenoid deposits in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Bellis Raymond Matthew , Fei Yang , Le Brandon , Ledesma-Gil Gerardo , Otero-Marquez Oscar , Tong Yuehong , Tai Katy , Rosen Richard B , Lema Gareth M C , Smith Roland Theodore
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are associated with systemic vascular diseases that compromise ocular perfusion. We demonstrate that SDDs are associated with decreased ellipsoid zone (EZ) thickness, further evidence of hypoxic damage.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study. 165 AMD subjects (aged 51–100; 61% women). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was obtained in both eyes. Masked readers assigned subjects to three groups: drusen only, SDD+drusen (SDD+D) and SDD only. EZ thickness was measured subfoveally and 2000 µm nasally, temporally, superiorly and inferiorly from the fovea. Univariate testing was performed using two-tailed t-tests with Bonferroni correction.

Results

The mean EZ thickness differences between the SDD+D and drusen-only groups were (in μm) 1.10, 0.67, 1.21, 1.10 and 0.50 at the foveal, nasal, temporal, superior and inferior locations, respectively (p=0.08 inferiorly, otherwise p≤0.01); between the SDD-only and drusen-only groups, the differences were 3.48, 2.48, 2.42, 2.08 and 1.42 (p≤0.0002). Differences in EZ thicknesses across all subjects and between groups were not significantly different based on gender, race or age.

Conclusion

Subjects with SDDs (±drusen) had thinner EZs than those with drusen only, and the inferior EZ was least affected. EZs were thinnest in SDD-only subjects. This thinning gradation is consistent with progressive destruction of highly oxygen-sensitive mitochondria in the EZ from hypoxia. These findings support the reduced ophthalmic perfusion hypothesis for the formation of SDDs secondary to high-risk systemic vasculopathy.
Pilot observational cohort study to determine whether waveform and flow traces from mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI-E) can be used to identify laryngeal responses to MI-E and thus optimise treatment algorithms in neuromuscular patients in a tertiary centre: a protocol description
Authors: Mansell Stephanie K , Parry Rhiannon , Shah Amar , Gowing Francesca , Greenfield Charlotte , Bhatt Yogesh , Mandal Swapna
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Patients with neuromuscular disease often have a weak and ineffective cough due to respiratory muscle weakness. One treatment option is mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI-E), also known as cough assist, which is known to increase cough strength. However, some patients have a laryngeal response to MI-E, which can make the treatment ineffective. Currently, the only method for assessing this is via nasal endoscopy while using MI-E. Some MI-E devices have onboard secure data (SD) cards, which allow the visualisation of waveforms. We hypothesise that the waveforms can be used to identify laryngeal responses to the MI-E.

Methods and analysis

Participants will complete baseline assessments of spirometry, peak cough flow and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure. A nasal endoscope will be used to visualise the larynx during simultaneous MI-E via a mask with a drilled hole. MI-E will be delivered by an experienced physiotherapist. Four cycles of MI-E at a range of prescriptions will be delivered. MI-E waveforms will be downloaded into Care Orchestrator Essence software (Philips, Murraysville). Data will be collected prospectively and reviewed in a descriptive context, providing trends and potential rationales describing the waveforms in comparison to the nasal endoscope videos.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been reviewed by the East of England-Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee, who have granted a favourable ethical opinion. The study opened to recruitment in January 2022 and aims to publish trial results in June 2024.

Trial registration number

NCT05189600.
Association between heated tobacco product use and airway obstruction: a single-centre observational study, Japan
Authors: Odani Satomi , Koyama Shihoko , Miyashiro Isao , Tanigami Hironobu , Ohashi Yoshifumi , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: March 2024

Background

While heated tobacco products (HTPs) may affect pulmonary function, the evidence supporting the utility of screening for HTP use in clinical settings is insufficient. We examined the association between HTP use and airway obstruction after switching from cigarettes.

Method

The study subjects were patients aged ≥20 years undergoing surgery from December 2021 to September 2022 who completed spirometry and reported tobacco (cigarette and HTP) use status during the preoperative assessment. Airway obstruction was defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity ratio below the lower limit of normal. Current tobacco use was defined as past-30-day use. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between HTP use and airway obstruction by adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifetime cigarette smoking (pack-year) and duration of smoking cessation.

Results

Overall (N=2850, 55.4% women, mean age 62.4), 4.6% and 10.7% reported current HTP use and cigarette smoking, respectively. 16.8% had airway obstruction. Airway obstruction was more common among current HTP-only users (adjusted prevalence ratio (APR)=2.32), current cigarette-only smokers (APR=2.57) and current dual users (APR=2.82) than never-tobacco users. Among current tobacco users (N=398), the prevalence of airway obstruction was not significantly different between HTP-only users and cigarette-only smokers. Among former cigarette smokers (>30-day cigarette quitters) (N=1077), current HTP users had 1.42 times the increased prevalence of airway obstruction than never-HTP users after adjusting for cigarette pack-year; a stronger association was observed when the analysis was restricted to ≥5-year cigarette quitters (N=772) (APR=1.96, vs never HTP users).

Conclusion

Current HTP use was associated with airway obstruction among patients with cancer who had completely switched from cigarettes even after quitting smoking for a long period. Patients should be routinely screened for HTP use and advised to quit any tobacco.
Design of Novel Brain Tumor Segmentation System Using Hybrid Heuristic-Aided Multiscale Self-Guided Attention Mechanism-Based Adaptive Unet+++ with 3D Brain MRI Images
Authors: Ramya D. , Lakshmi C.
Published: March 2024

Segmentation of brain tumors attains great importance in the medical industry. As the brain tumor causes an earlier death, detection and diagnosis are required. Generally, brain tumor diagnosis is done by considering Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) because it has superficial feature information. In the existing works, the different segmentation process is analyzed, yet it is more time-consuming, and has complexities. Thus, building of an efficient segmentation model is a quite challenging task. As the former implemented models are not in place to segment the abnormal region properly, it suggests developing an effective automated model using recently emerged techniques of deep learning. To surmount such challenging factors, a novel 3D brain tumor segmentation model is proposed with hybrid heuristic development. Initially, the brain images are collected from the standard benchmark datasets. The collected brain images are pre-processed using the adaptive technique of Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE). The pre-processed images are segmented with the developed Multiscale Self-Guided Attention Mechanism-based Adaptive UNet3[Formula: see text] (MSGAM-AUNet3[Formula: see text]), where the parameters are optimized with the hybrid optimization strategy of Modified Path Finder Coyote Optimization (MPFCO) to elevate the segmentation performance. The experimental analysis is carried out to estimate the efficiency of the developed framework with the comparison using diverse segmentation techniques.
Deep Fusion Module for Video Action Recognition
Authors: Li Yunyao , Zheng Zihao , Zhou Mingliang , Yang Guangchao , Wei Xuekai , Pu Huayan , Luo Jun
Published: March 2024

In video action recognition, effective spatiotemporal modeling is crucial. However, traditional two-stream methods face challenges in integrating spatial information from RGB images and temporary information from optical flow without long-range temporal modelling. To address these limitations, we propose the Deep Fusion Module (DFM), which focuses on the deep fusion of spatial and temporal information and consists of two components. First, we propose an Attention Fusion Module (AFM) to effectively fuse the shallow features obtained from a two-stream network, thereby facilitating the integration of spatial and temporal information. Next, we incorporate a SpatioTemporal Module (STM), comprising a ConvGRU and a 1×1 convolution, to model long-range temporal dependency and fuse spatial-temporal features. Experiments on the UCF101 dataset show that our method achieves 96.5% accuracy, outperforming baseline two-stream models by 0.3%.
A Novel Design of 16-bit Multi-Mode 4-Channel Time-Interleaved Delta-Sigma Digital-to-Analog Converter
Authors: Roshanpanah Abolfazl , Torkzadeh Pooya , Hajsadeghi Khosrow , Dousti Massoud
Published: March 2024

In this research, we present a 16-bit multi-mode digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with a time-interleaved (TI) structure operating at a frequency of 4 GHz over a bandwidth (BW) of 20 MHz, which is in compliance with the fifth generation (5G) wireless communications. The proposed architecture uses only one clock frequency to generate radio frequency (RF) signals and includes a second-order (2nd-order) delta-sigma modulator (DSM) with a reconfigurable low-pass (LP) mode, band-pass (BP) mode at Fs/4, and high-pass (HP) mode for signal synthesis. To increase the sampling frequency (Fs) of the TI structure, four channels are proposed, each working at a frequency of Fs/4. Since there are simple coefficients for all modes, the multiplication operation can be performed using a shifter block. This leads to design simplification, lower power consumption, smaller occupied area, and higher speed. A major challenge in designing this type of structure is the duty-cycle-error (DCE), especially in interleaved mode. In this research, we propose a new solution that solves DCE-related problems without adding digital circuits to the output of the DSM, by adjusting the analog filter circuit. Simulation results in MATLAB show that the value of signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) in LP is equal to 106.14 dB, in BP is equal to 107.84 dB, and in HP is equal to 105.34 dB. Compensating for filters increases the spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) to more than 118 dB.
How Did COVID-19 Impact Software Design Activities in Global Software Engineering — Systematic Review
Authors: Adil Mahum , Fronza Ilenia , Pahl Claus
Published: March 2024

Background: Global Software Engineering (GSE) extends geographical, temporal, and cultural boundaries in distributed environments. Over the past two decades, GSE research has evolved to manage software development for distributed teams. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for comprehensive research, particularly during the software design phase, to support team collaboration in distributed development. Aim: This study systematically analyzes the evolution of research emphasis in the GSE field, specifically exploring on whether the research focuses increasing on software design due to the global pandemic. Method: We systematically analyzed the existing literature in two phases. In the first phase of our study, we mapped GSE research over the two decades leading to the pandemic (2000–2020). In the second phase, we used the forward snowballing approach to examine the literature on the software design phase published between 2020 and 2022. Results: The analysis of 592 research studies in the two phases reveals various trends in GSE research. Evaluation research is the most explored research type in methods and processes, and human aspects of development. Despite the paradigm shift caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that increased reliance on distributed teams, results show that while software organizations are extensively studied across all software engineering phases, the software design phase remains one of the least explored areas. Conclusion: This work highlights the evolving GSE research trends, emphasizing the rising significance of collaborative software design in distributed settings. Our findings address current research gaps and underscore the need for further research on software design activities. This contribution envisions a more collaborative, adaptable GSE field, guiding future research to support distributed teams.
A Neural Network Approach for Software Reliability Prediction
Authors: Samal Umashankar , Kumar Ajay
Published: March 2024

The increasing reliance on computer software has raised significant concerns regarding software reliability evaluation. Over the past four decades, various software reliability models have been developed, encompassing both parametric and nonparametric approaches. However, no single model has demonstrated effectiveness in handling all types of datasets. In response to this challenge, the deep neural network (DNN), a powerful deep learning model, has emerged as a promising solution. By leveraging the flexibility and adaptability of artificial neural networks (ANN), the DNN model exhibits remarkable prediction performance by capturing training variables and exploring deeper layers. This study presents an approach that utilizes a DNN model based on an ANN architecture with multiple activation functions. This approach aims to estimate software reliability and predict the frequency of software flaws. Through extensive experimental analysis and validation, the proposed DNN model surpasses the predictive accuracy achieved by existing parametric and nonparametric models. These results highlight the potential of the DNN model in effectively addressing the complexities involved in software reliability evaluation. By combining the power of deep learning with the adaptability of ANN, the proposed model offers a promising and accurate solution for software reliability prediction.
The Stability of Corroded Circular Steel Tubes Under Axial Compression Investigated Through Testing, Finite Element Analysis and Theoretical Approaches
Authors: Luo Lisheng , Su Pan , Zhang Yongqiang , Xu Chunlei
Published: March 2024

Circular steel-tube members are extensively used in various large-scale steel structures. The detrimental effects of corrosion on the ultimate bearing capacities of these structures require urgent attention. This study designed six circular steel tube specimens to explore the degradation pattern of the ultimate bearing capacity of corroded circular steel tubes under axial compression; three were subjected to accelerated corrosion by electrification, and the other three were used as the control group. Following the accelerated corrosion test, both groups of specimens were subjected to material-property and axial-compression tests. These tests provided data on the bearing capacity and midspan displacement of the corroded circular steel tubes, allowing for the construction of load–displacement relationship curves. The test results demonstrate that corrosion significantly affects the bearing capacity of circular steel tubes. As the severity of the corrosion increased, the bearing capacity and stiffness of the corroded circular steel tubes progressively weakened. To simulate the behavior of circular steel tubes, a numerical model was established that provided the ultimate bearing capacity under axial compression and generated load–displacement curves. The simulation results closely aligned with the test results. This study introduced a novel approach for accurately computing the stability-bearing capacity of circular steel tubes subjected to corrosion and axial compression. Comparative analyzes with test results validated the superior performance of the proposed method in accurately predicting the ultimate bearing capacity.
Feature subset selection using heuristic and metaheuristic approaches for diabetes prediction on a binary encoded dataset
Authors: Kumar Puneet , Bhati Bhoopesh Singh , Dhanaraj Rajesh Kumar , Iwendi Celestine , Balusamy Balamurugan , Bhati Nitesh Singh , Rai Prerana
Published: March 2024

The Machine Learning (ML) models are prone to a curse of dimensionality. The dataset with a greater number of features involves more computational cost and it may lead to low performance in the context of prediction accuracy. Therefore, in this research work we have predicted diabetes with more accuracy by using a smaller number of features. The heuristic methods Sequential Forward Selection (SFS), Sequential Backward Selection (SBS) and metaheuristic evolutionary methods — Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) are used for performing feature subset selection. The Gini index is also used as a filter evaluator. The performance of the feature subsets is analyzed by applying three different types of ML models, Random Forest (RF), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN). We have predicted type-2 diabetes with an accuracy of 96.82%. Also, we have reduced the number of features up to 67.44% i.e., identified 32.56% most relevant features.
Optimal Control Approach to Design a Three-Loop Autopilot for a Tactical Missile
Authors: Abu El-Wafa A. M. , Abozied Mohammed A. H. , Elhalwagy Yehia Z. , Hendy Hossam M.
Published: March 2024

Conventionally, the Three-Loop Autopilot is dominated by three main parameters namely the damping factor, time constant and the open-loop crossover frequency, to achieve the desired performance. In developing the autopilot gains, the same gains as the conventional approach can also be obtained using the general optimality theory. The basic idea of setting the design parameters and the feedback gains using methods of optimal control revolves around the proper selection of the performance index for which the control is optimized. In this paper, an explicit formula for autopilot gains is driven by taking into account the relations between the desired performance and the open-loop frequency, phase margin and time constant without the need to adjust the LQR weights. Since each set of design parameters selection doesn’t guarantee the existence of the optimal control law, the optimization criteria for the three-loop autopilot are derived to know the set of design parameters for which the control is optimized. Finally, an optimal criterion to select the design parameters and therefore the autopilot gains is developed, where the time constant is set to the designer objective while the open-loop crossover frequency and the phase margin as design constraints.
Review Paper: A Quarter of a Century of the European Water Framework Directive — The Slow Path Towards Sustainable Water Management
Authors: Albiac Jose , Calvo Elena , Esteban Encarna
Published: March 2024

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) is one of the most analyzed environmental legislations in the scientific literature, influencing the water management in some non-European countries. The WFD has the strong ambition of achieving a good ecological status of water bodies across all river basins in Europe. However, the advances towards sustainable management are falling far behind the planned schedule. The emphasis of the Directive is focused on water quality rather than on water quantity. The advances during the last quarter of the century since its inception have been strong on urban and industrial point pollution, but not on agricultural non-point pollution that remains high and even increases in major basins. Water quantity aspects have been mostly left aside in the Directive, despite the fact that water scarcity is a serious problem in Southern European countries, and will become more critical with climate change in most basins across Europe. Some policy measures of the WFD need to be reformed, in particular measures for abating agricultural pollution, and new measures for addressing water scarcity. The narrow focus of the WFD on water pricing to solve at the same time issues of financing, water allocation and efficiency, environment, opportunity costs and pollution abatement, should be broadened. The challenge is giving more emphasis to command & control and collective action instruments, and designing combinations of instruments adapted to sectoral and spatial locations in basins. This overhaul of the water policy instruments by the European Commission will be needed to advance in the sustainable management of river basins in Europe.
Emerging Trends on Nanovaccine Administration and Functionalization Strategies for Immunization
Authors: Dewangan Hitesh Kumar , Shah Kamal , Sharma Rajiv , Sharma Shubham , Kumar Abhinav , Khan M. Ijaz , Alghamdi Abeer Ahmed , Abbas Mohamed
Published: March 2024

The knowledge base in the field of vaccination research and development has greatly improved. In the present era, utilizing a novel vaccine design and optimization strategy improves the vaccination efficiency and activity. In this regard, a novel drug delivery system produces nanosized, vaccine-loaded carrier molecules, which is called Nanovaccine. The advancement in nanovaccine and improved technology comes under preclinical and clinical trials, whereas different routes of administration strategy are applied against infectious diseases. The nanovaccine has high efficiency and immunogenicity compared to the traditional vaccine. Its long-lasting effect reduces the booster dose as well. One of the factors like routes of administration affects the efficiency of nanovaccine. The parenteral and mucosal vaccination is a traditional administration approach. In order to increase the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, innovative administration methods such as needless injection and polymeric formulations are now being developed. The presented paper shows a mechanism involved in nanovaccine delivery, and a method of administration via a different route, to learn more about their possible effects on immunogenicity, effectiveness, safety, sustained release and dose frequency reduction. The various advanced vaccine delivery methods, with special emphasis on its industrial and regulatory requirements for the higher production of nanovaccine, are also discussed.
Controllable Data Generation by Deep Learning: A Review
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Du Yuanqi , Guo Xiaojie , Pan Bo , Qin Zhaohui , Zhao Liang
Published: March 2024

Designing and generating new data under targeted properties has been attracting various critical applications such as molecule design, image editing and speech synthesis. Traditional hand-crafted approaches heavily rely on expertise experience and intensive human efforts, yet still suffer from the insufficiency of scientific knowledge and low throughput to support effective and efficient data generation. Recently, the advancement of deep learning has created the opportunity for expressive methods to learn the underlying representation and properties of data. Such capability provides new ways of determining the mutual relationship between the structural patterns and functional properties of the data and leveraging such relationships to generate structural data, given the desired properties. This article is a systematic review that explains this promising research area, commonly known as controllable deep data generation. First, the article raises the potential challenges and provides preliminaries. Then the article formally defines controllable deep data generation, proposes a taxonomy on various techniques and summarizes the evaluation metrics in this specific domain. After that, the article introduces exciting applications of controllable deep data generation, experimentally analyzes and compares existing works. Finally, this article highlights the promising future directions of controllable deep data generation and identifies five potential challenges.
Monitoring Analysis of Urban Subsidence in Northern Henan Province Based on TS-InSAR Technology
Authors: Chai Huabin , Ding Yahui , Hu Jibiao , Geng Sijia , Guan Pengju , Xu Hui , Zhao Yuqiao , Xu Mingtao
Published: March 2024

The protracted and pervasive incidence of land subsidence emerges as a pivotal factor exerting a substantial impact on the sustainable development of urban landscapes. A nuanced comprehension of the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of land subsidence within the Northern Henan Plain assumes paramount significance in the context of mitigating potential urban geological disasters. This study endeavors to redress the deficiency in information concerning the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of enduring deformation in cities within the northern plain of Henan Province. To this end, the authors leveraged Sentinel-1A radar data processed through persistent scatterer interferometric synthetic aperture radar (PS-InSAR) technology to elucidate the distribution patterns of ground deformation and temporal evolution characteristics within the expansive 24-scene coverage research area. Empirical findings illuminate conspicuous surface deformation in Anyang, Puyang, and Hebi throughout the monitoring period. Spatially, land subsidence in the study area predominantly clusters in the suburban peripheries of the cities, with Hebi and Puyang registering a maximum subsidence rate exceeding 25 mm per annum. Temporally, land subsidence manifests predominantly during autumn and winter, whereas spring and summer display relatively stable land subsidence interspersed with a slight ground uplift. In order to rectify the spatial disparities observed between leveling data and PS-InSAR monitoring data, this experiment employed an averaging procedure on the PS-InSAR monitoring data, subsequently subjecting it to comparative analysis with the leveling data. Additionally, through the integration of the singular spectrum analysis (SSA) method and the time series deformation model, this study aspires to attain a comprehensive understanding of the temporal dynamics manifested in the PS-InSAR monitoring outcomes, while concurrently elucidating the factors influencing the observed deformations. Ultimately, this analysis discloses that the monitoring outcomes derived via PS-InSAR technology exhibit a root mean square error of ±12.9 mm and a standard deviation of ±13.31 mm. These statistical metrics furnish valuable insights into the precision and consistency of the PS-InSAR monitoring data. Drawing upon a comparative scrutiny of on-site data and historical remote sensing imagery within the study area, it has been discerned that excessive groundwater extraction and expansive surface engineering initiatives stand as the principal instigators of land subsidence in the research domain. Consequently, this experiment assumes the role of a salient reference for the mitigation of urban ground subsidence within the study area.
Wirelessly Pattern Reconfigurable Yagi Antenna Based on Radio Frequency Identification
Authors: Shen Chuankui , Wang Zhengxing , Yang Liekun , Mei Fengcheng , Ye Terry Tao
Published: March 2024

This paper presents, for the first time, the implementation of a pattern reconfigurable Yagi-Uda antenna utilizing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for remote pattern control. The proposed scheme emphasizes the use of wireless communication instead of long metal cables, resulting in improved stability of the antenna’s pattern and return loss. Two low-power consumption single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) switches are employed on a passive resonator, enabling it to function as a director or reflector under the long-range control (up to 25 m) of an RFID reader. Measurement results demonstrate a −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 4.2% and a gain of 7 dBi at 2.41 GHz. The entire system operates with an ultra-low power consumption of 12 μW.
Effects of Chitosan Combined with ε-Polylysine Treatment on the Postharvest Quality and Antioxidant Status of Winter Jujube
Authors: Chang Lulu , Zhang Shaoying
Published: March 2024

During storage, winter jujube often experiences physiological disorders that can result in postharvest quality deterioration. To address this concern, a combination of 1% chitosan (CTS) and varying concentrations (0.02, 0.2, and 2 mg mL-1) of ε-polylysine (ε-PL) was applied. The findings indicated that the treatment involving the combination of 1% CTS with 0.2 mg mL-1ε-PL exhibited superior efficacy in preserving the hardness and titratable acid content of winter jujube. Additionally, the jujube fruits of this treatment exhibited a deceleration in the rise of decay incidence, red index, and weight loss rate. Simultaneously, the application of CTS combined with ε-PL treatment improved the levels of antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, POD, and APX) and enhanced contents of antioxidant compounds (AsA and GSH). Moreover, the generation of reactive oxygen species (H2O2 and O2-.) was suppressed. Consequently, CTS combined with ε-PL treatment effectively enhanced postharvest quality and regulated antioxidant status of winter jujube.
Application of Hierarchical/Multilevel Models and Quality of Reporting (2010–2020): A Systematic Review
Authors: Asampana Asosega Killian , Adebanji Atinuke Olusola , Aidoo Eric Nimako , Owusu-Dabo Ellis
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Multilevel models have gained immense popularity across almost every discipline due to the presence of hierarchy in most data and phenomena. In this paper, we present a systematic review on the adoption and application of multilevel models and the important information reported on the results generated from the use of these models. Methods. The review was performed by searching Google Scholar for original research articles on the application of multilevel models published between 2010 and 2020. The search strategy involved topics such as “multilevel models,” “hierarchical linear models,” and “mixed models with hierarchy.” The search placed more emphasis on the application of hierarchical models in any discipline but excluded software methodological development and related articles. Results. A total of 121 articles were initially obtained from the search results. However, 65 articles met the inclusion criteria for the review. Out of the 65 articles reviewed, 46.2% were related to health/epidemiology, 15.4% to education and psychology, and 16.9% to social life. The majority of the articles (78.5%) were two-level models, and most of these studies modelled univariate responses. However, the few that modelled more than one response modelled them separately. Moreover, 83.1% were cross-sectional design, and 9.2% and 6.2% were longitudinal and repeated measures, respectively. Moreover, a little over half (55.4%) of articles reported on the intraclass correlation measure, and all articles indicated the response variable distribution where most (47.7%) were normally distributed. Only 58.5% of articles reported on the estimation methods used as Bayesian (20%) and MLE (18.5%). Again, model validation measures and statistical software were reported in 70.8% and 90.8% articles, respectively. Conclusion. There is an increase in the utilization of multilevel modelling in the last decade, which could be attributed to the presence of clustered and hierarchically correlated data structures. There is a need for improvement in the area of measurement and reporting on the intraclass correlation, parameter estimation, and variable selection measures to further improve the quality of the application of multilevel models. The integration of spatial effects into multilevel models is very limited and needs to be explored in the future.
AA5052-PVC-AA5052 (Al-PVC-Al) Sandwich Sheets Forming Analysis through In-Plane Plane Stretching Tests
Authors: Reddy P. Praveen Kumar , Padhy Chinmaya Prasad , Janaki Ramulu P.
Published: March 2024

Sheet metal forming is one of the key processes for the automotive sector to be considered. Sheet metal formability is being tested as received, joining them with different welding/joining processes (i.e., tailored blanks) and making them as sandwich forms to reduce the total weight of the body. These sandwich formations of sheets are an advanced method by incorporating PVC/polymer sheets in between metal sheets with a suitable binder. The present work has investigated the formability of AA5052-PVC-AA5052 (Al-PVC-Al) sandwich sheets by considering the sheet rolling direction as a parameter. The mechanical properties of base metal and sandwich sheets were evaluated by conducting the uniaxial tensile tests. For forming behaviour of Al-PVC-Al sandwich sheets, in-plane plane stretching tests were performed on the universal tensile testing machine. From the results, it has been observed that 0-degree and 90-degree rolling direction of AA5052 sheets provided almost similar forming behaviour where the 45-degree rolling direction showed less formability. The limit strains (by which the forming limit curve has been developed and the safe and failure zones are separated) are 0.043, 0.038, and 0.043 of 0°, 45°, and 90°, respectively. Considering 0°-P-90°, 90°-P-90, 0°-P-45°, 0°-P-90°, and 45°-P-45° sandwich sheets with their corresponding limit strains of 0.060, 0.058,0.057, 0.052, and 0.050, a better formability is seen in 0°-P-90° sandwich, followed by 90°-P-90, 0°-P-45°, 0°-P-90°, and 45°-P-45°. The improvement in the formability is calculated as 28.33%, 25.86%, and 24.0% in comparison with the base metal in 0-degree, 90-degree, and 45-degree rolling directions and 0°-P-90°, 90°-P-90, and 45°-P-45° sandwich sheets.