bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved model predictive load frequency control of interconnected power system with synchronized automatic generation control loops
Authors: Kunya Abdullahi Bala , Argin Mehmet , Jibril Yusuf , Shaaban Yusuf Abubakar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Automatic generation control (AGC) of multi-area interconnected power system (IPS) is often designed with negligible cross-coupling between the load frequency control (LFC) and automatic voltage regulation (AVR) loops. This is because the AVR loop is considerably faster than that of LFC. However, with the introduction of slow optimal control action on the AVR, positive damping effect can be achieved on the LFC loop thereby improving the frequency control. In this paper, LFC synchronized with AVR in three-area IPS is proposed. Model predictive controller (MPC) configured in a dense distributed pattern, due to its online set-point tacking is used as the supplementary controller. The dynamics of the IPS subjected to multi-area step and random load disturbances are studied. The efficacy of the developed scheme is ascertained by simulating the disturbed system in MATLAB/Simulink.

Results
Based on the comparative analysis on the system responses, it is established that by cross-coupling the LFC loop with AVR, reductions of 66.45% and 59.09% in the frequency and tie-line power maximum deviations respectively are observed, while the respective settling times are found to be reduced by 29.68% and 22.77% when compared with the uncoordinated control scheme. In addition, the standard deviation and variance of the integral time absolute error of the system’s responses have reduced by 23.21% and 20.83% respectively compared to those obtained in a similar study.

Conclusions
The reduction in the maximum deviations and settling times in the system states indicates that introducing the voltage control via AVR loop has improved the frequency control significantly. While the lower standard deviation and variance of the integral time absolute error signify improvement in the robustness of the developed algorithm. However, this improvement is at the detriment of the controller size and computational complexity. In the uncoordinated control scheme, the control vector is one-dimensional, while in the coordinated scheme, the control vector is two-dimensional for each CA.
A novel biomarker of chronic allograft dysfunction in renal transplant recipients (serum calreticulin and CD47)
Authors: Gawish Rasha Ibrahim Abdel Razek , El Aggan Hayam Abdel Meguid , Mahmoud Sabah Abdel Hady , Mortada Sara Ahmed Mohamed 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) is considered the leading cause of late allograft loss. The cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) and calreticulin (CRT) are involved in many and diverse cellular processes. The present study was designed to study the role of the pro-phagocytic CRT and anti-phagocytic CD47 signals in patients with renal transplantation in relation to graft function.
Thirty renal transplantation recipients (RTR) for more than 6 months [15 with stable renal function and 15 with chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD)] and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Quantification of CRT, CD47, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in serum was done using standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Measurement of renal function and urinary alkaline phosphatase (U.ALP) was done. Renal interstitial fibrosis (IF) was graded in renal biopsies of CAD.

Results
Serum CRT and urinary ALP levels were statistically significant higher (P < 0.001) while serum CD47 level was statistically significant lower (P < 0.001) in patients with CAD than patients with stable graft function and controls. There was statistically insignificant difference between controls and patients with stable graft function. Serum CRT and serum CD47 levels were positively correlated with each other and with worsening renal and tubular function, serum hsCRP in RTR and with degree of renal IF in patients with CAD (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
The activation and dysregulation of CRT and CD47 could play a role in the development of CAD and could be a potential biomarker for renal allograft dysfunction.
Deriving symptom networks from digital phenotyping data in serious mental illness
Authors: Hays Ryan , Keshavan Matcheri , Wisniewski Hannah , Torous John 
Published: November 2020

Background
Symptoms of serious mental illness are multidimensional and often interact in complex ways. Generative models offer value in elucidating the underlying relationships that characterise these networks of symptoms.

Aims
In this paper we use generative models to find unique interactions of schizophrenia symptoms as experienced on a moment-by-moment basis.

Method
Self-reported mood, anxiety and psychosis symptoms, self-reported measurements of sleep quality and social function, cognitive assessment, and smartphone touch screen data from two assessments modelled after the Trail Making A and B tests were collected with a digital phenotyping app for 47 patients in active treatment for schizophrenia over a 90-day period. Patients were retrospectively divided up into various non-exclusive subgroups based on measurements of depression, anxiety, sleep duration, cognition and psychosis symptoms taken in the clinic. Associated transition probabilities for the patient cohort and for the clinical subgroups were calculated using state transitions between adjacent 3-day timesteps of pairwise survey domains.

Results
The three highest probabilities for associated transitions across all patients were anxiety-inducing mood (0.357, P < 0.001), psychosis-inducing mood (0.276, P < 0.001), and anxiety-inducing poor sleep (0.268, P < 0.001). These transition probabilities were compared against a validation set of 17 patients from a pilot study, and no significant differences were found. Unique symptom networks were found for clinical subgroups.

Conclusions
Using a generative model using digital phenotyping data, we show that certain symptoms of schizophrenia may play a role in elevating other schizophrenia symptoms in future timesteps. Symptom networks show that it is feasible to create clinically interpretable models that reflect the unique symptom interactions of psychosis-spectrum illness. These results offer a framework for researchers capturing temporal dynamics, for clinicians seeking to move towards preventative care, and for patients to better understand their lived experience.
Reading skills deficits in people with mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vanova Martina , Aldridge-Waddon Luke , Jennings Ben , Puzzo Ignazio , Kumari Veena 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundGood reading skills are important for appropriate functioning in everyday life, scholastic performance, and acquiring a higher socioeconomic status. We conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify possible deficits in specific reading skills in people with a variety of mental illnesses, including personality disorders (PDs).MethodsWe performed a systematic search of multiple databases from inception until February 2020 and conducted random-effects meta-analyses.ResultsThe search yielded 34 studies with standardized assessments of reading skills in people with one or more mental illnesses. Of these, 19 studies provided data for the meta-analysis. Most studies (k = 27; meta-analysis,k = 17) were in people with schizophrenia and revealed large deficits in phonological processing (Hedge’sg = −0.88,p < 0.00001), comprehension (Hedge’sg = −0.96,p< 0.00001) and reading rate (Hedge’sg = −1.22,p = 0.002), relative to healthy controls; the single-word reading was less affected (Hedge’sg = −0.70,p< 0.00001). A few studies in affective disorders and nonforensic PDs suggested weaker deficits (for all, Hedge’sg< −0.60). In forensic populations with PDs, there was evidence of marked phonological processing (Hedge’sg = −0.85,p < 0.0001) and comprehension deficits (Hedge’sg = −0.95,p = 0.0003).ConclusionsPeople with schizophrenia, and possibly forensic PD populations, demonstrate a range of reading skills deficits. Future studies are needed to establish how these deficits directly compare to those seen in developmental or acquired dyslexia and to explore the potential of dyslexia interventions to improve reading skills in these populations.
Clinical and Functional Consequences of C-Terminal Variants in MCT8: A Case Series
Authors: van Geest Ferdy S , Meima Marcel E , Stuurman Kyra E , Wolf Nicole I , van der Knaap Marjo S , Lorea Cláudia F , Poswar Fabiano O , Vairo Filippo , Brunetti-Pierri Nicola , Cappuccio Gerarda , Bakhtiani Priyanka , de Munnik Sonja A , Peeters Robin P , Visser W Edward , Groeneweg Stefan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Context
Genetic variants in SLC16A2, encoding the thyroid hormone transporter MCT8, can cause intellectual and motor disability and abnormal serum thyroid function tests, known as MCT8 deficiency. The C-terminal domain of MCT8 is poorly conserved, which complicates prediction of the deleteriousness of variants in this region. We studied the functional consequences of 5 novel variants within this domain and their relation to the clinical phenotypes.

Methods
We enrolled male subjects with intellectual disability in whom genetic variants were identified in exon 6 of SLC16A2. The impact of identified variants was evaluated in transiently transfected cell lines and patient-derived fibroblasts.

Results
Seven individuals from 5 families harbored potentially deleterious variants affecting the C-terminal domain of MCT8. Two boys with clinical features considered atypical for MCT8 deficiency had a missense variant [c.1724A&gt;G;p.(His575Arg) or c.1796A&gt;G;p.(Asn599Ser)] that did not affect MCT8 function in transfected cells or patient-derived fibroblasts, challenging a causal relationship. Two brothers with classical MCT8 deficiency had a truncating c.1695delT;p.(Val566*) variant that completely inactivated MCT8 in vitro. The 3 other boys had relatively less-severe clinical features and harbored frameshift variants that elongate the MCT8 protein [c.1805delT;p.(Leu602HisfsTer680) and c.del1826-1835;p.(Pro609GlnfsTer676)] and retained ~50% residual activity. Additional truncating variants within transmembrane domain 12 were fully inactivating, whereas those within the intracellular C-terminal tail were tolerated.

Conclusions
Variants affecting the intracellular C-terminal tail of MCT8 are likely benign unless they cause frameshifts that elongate the MCT8 protein. These findings provide clinical guidance in the assessment of the pathogenicity of variants within the C-terminal domain of MCT8.
Beyond Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Staging Reproductive Aging in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
Authors: Medica Alexa C O , Whitcomb Brian W , Shliakhsitsava Ksenya , Dietz Andrew C , Pinson Kelsey , Lam Christina , Romero Sally A D , Sluss Patrick , Sammel Mary D , Su H Irene 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Context
Although stages of reproductive aging for women in the general population are well described by STRAW+10 criteria, this is largely unknown for female adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYA survivors).

Objective
This work aimed to evaluate applying STRAW + 10 criteria in AYA survivors using bleeding patterns with and without endocrine biomarkers, and to assess how cancer treatment gonadotoxicity is related to reproductive aging stage.

Design
The sample (n = 338) included AYA survivors from the Reproductive Window Study cohort. Menstrual bleeding data and dried-blood spots for antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements (Ansh DBS enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) were used for reproductive aging stage assessment. Cancer treatment data were abstracted from medical records.

Results
Among participants, mean age 34.0 ± 4.5 years and at a mean of 6.9 ± 4.6 years since cancer treatment, the most common cancers were lymphomas (31%), breast (23%), and thyroid (17%). Twenty-nine percent were unclassifiable by STRAW + 10 criteria, occurring more frequently in the first 2 years from treatment. Most unclassifiable survivors exhibited bleeding patterns consistent with the menopausal transition, but had reproductive phase AMH and/or FSH levels. For classifiable survivors (48% peak reproductive, 30% late reproductive, 12% early transition, 3% late transition, and 7% postmenopause), endocrine biomarkers distinguished among peak, early, and late stages within the reproductive and transition phases. Gonadotoxic treatments were associated with more advanced stages.

Conclusions
We demonstrate a novel association between gonadotoxic treatments and advanced stages of reproductive aging. Without endocrine biomarkers, bleeding pattern alone can misclassify AYA survivors into more or less advanced stages. Moreover, a large proportion of AYA survivors exhibited combinations of endocrine biomarkers and bleeding patterns that do not fit the STRAW + 10 criteria, suggesting the need for modified staging for this population.
The Circadian Clock, Shift Work, and Tissue-Specific Insulin Resistance
Authors: Oosterman Johanneke E , Wopereis Suzan , Kalsbeek Andries 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have become a global health concern. The prevalence of obesity and T2D is significantly higher in shift workers compared to people working regular hours. An accepted hypothesis is that the increased risk for metabolic health problems arises from aberrantly timed eating behavior, that is, eating out of synchrony with the biological clock. The biological clock is part of the internal circadian timing system, which controls not only the sleep/wake and feeding/fasting cycle, but also many metabolic processes in the body, including the timing of our eating behavior, and processes involved in glucose homeostasis. Rodent studies have shown that eating out of phase with the endogenous clock results in desynchronization between rhythms of the central and peripheral clock systems and between rhythms of different tissue clocks (eg, liver and muscle clock). Glucose homeostasis is a complex process that involves multiple organs. In the healthiest situation, functional rhythms of these organs are synchronized. We hypothesize that desynchronization between different metabolically active organs contributes to alterations in glucose homeostasis. Here we summarize the most recent information on desynchronization between organs due to shift work and shifted food intake patterns and introduce the concept of phenotypic flexibility, a validated test to assess the contribution of each organ to insulin resistance (IR) in humans. We propose this test as a way to provide further insight into the possible desynchronization between tissue clocks. Because different types of IR benefit from different therapeutic approaches, we also describe different chronotherapeutic strategies to promote synchrony within and between metabolically active organs.
Roboter zur Unterstützung im Alter
Authors: Ruf Esther , Lehmann Stephanie , Pauli Cora , Misoch Sabina 
Published: November 2020

ZusammenfassungWir begegnen unterschiedlichen gesellschaftlichen Herausforderungen, wie steigendem Anteil der älteren Bevölkerung, Fachkräftemangel im Pflegesektor und Wunsch älterer Personen möglichst lange selbständig in ihrer gewohnten Häuslichkeit zu leben. Eine Möglichkeit auf diese Entwicklungen zu reagieren, ist Roboter zur Unterstützung im Alter einzusetzen. Vielfältige Auswirkungen eines Robotereinsatzes wurden in der Literatur beschrieben und in der gerontologischen Forschung diskutiert. Um jedoch die intendierte Wirkung zu entfalten, müssen die Roboterlösungen akzeptiert werden. Die Akzeptanzbedingungen erforscht das Institut für Altersforschung (IAF) der OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, unter partizipativem Einbezug der Nutzenden. Anhand von Ergebnissen aus Befragungen und Forschungsprojekten stellt dieser Artikel die Erfahrungen von Personen mit und die Einstellungen gegenüber Robotern vor. Faktoren der Roboterakzeptanz werden allgemein und mit dem Fokus auf Emotionen gegenüber Robotern und bevorzugtes Aussehen eines Roboters aufgegriffen. Exemplarisch werden für die Bereiche Privathaushalt und Alters- und Pflegeheim Einsatzmöglichkeiten für Roboter zur Unterstützung im Alter vorgestellt. Es werden aber auch Grenzen und Schwierigkeiten eines Robotereinsatzes in Bezug auf technische Machbarkeit, gewünschte Funktionen, und ethischen Überlegungen aufgezeigt. Es wird klar, dass das Thema interdisziplinär angegangen werden muss, um gemeinsam die beste Lösung für Nutzergruppen und Gesellschaft zu erlangen. Neben finanziellen Überlegungen und einer systematischen Analyse des Mehrwerts ist der frühe Einbezug aller Endnutzenden notwendig. So kann die Akzeptanz einzelner Roboteranwendungen sichergestellt, Verbesserungspotential früh erkannt und Roboter erfolgreich eingesetzt werden.
Within these hyperporous walls: An examination of a rebundled online learning model of higher education
Authors: Shaw Paula , Green Pauline , Gration Marlies , Rhodes Christine , Sheffield David , Stone Julie 
Published: November 2020

Through this paper, we explore unbundling, the separation of various aspects of education, resources, teaching and assessment (Ossiannilsson et al., 2015) and rebundling, where these activities are “recombined into new configurations with little loss of functionality” (Ge et al., 2004, p. 1). We chart the evolution of online learning at the University of Derby, from a small-scale learning and certification bundle to a rebundled online university experience. In this rebundled model, a bespoke department is responsible for the operationalisation and quality of the university’s online experience. Firstly, we established the quality impact of this model, using higher education institution (HEI) value drivers. Secondly, focus groups explored macro (national), meso (institutional) and micro (practice) issues from strategic manager, academic and student experience perspectives. To facilitate discussion about the online university experience, we used a new conceptual pedagogic realignment with organisational priorities and horizon emergent technologies (PROPHET) framework. Based on our findings, we make recommendations to HEIs that are considering rebundling online learning. These include the equitable data capture and analysis of online student demographics; consideration of academic well-being and training; and the university-wide benefits obtained from knowledge exchange with online professionals, in relation to future-focused technologies and policymaking.
Implications for practice or policy:

HEIs should be equitable in their data capture and analysis processes, incorporating all online student and learner demographics.
HEIs should seek out and utilise the expertise of online professionals in institutional policymaking.
HEIs should refocus academic workload planning and training to include online learning.
HEIs should engage in evidence-based knowledge exchange with online professionals to ensure a future-focused cohesive university experience.
MOOCs, learning designers and the unbundling of educator roles in higher education
Authors: White Steven , White Su , Borthwick Kate 
Published: November 2020

In university educational technology projects, collaborations with external partners pose a range of opportunities and challenges. Educational projects are often associated with unbundling of conventional higher education roles though there is limited empirical work in this area. This is particularly the case with massive open online courses (MOOCs), where further research is needed into the production of courses and the roles of those who produce them. This study investigated the extent to which conventional roles of academics are unbundled during MOOC production partnerships between universities and an external MOOC platform provider. The findings indicate that aspects of conventional educator roles are substantially unbundled to learning designers and other seemingly peripheral actors. Unbundling is partially driven by pragmatic decisions shaping course production processes which need to accommodate the massive and open properties of MOOCs, the nature of cooperation agreements with external platform providers and the reputational risk associated with such public ventures. This study adds to empirical knowledge on the unbundling of roles in online learning projects, and the findings have relevance for those involved in decision-making, planning and development of such projects in higher education.
Implications for practice or policy:

Managers of online learning projects could use these insights to inform recruitment or training of learning designers (e.g., instructional designers, educational designers).
Managers of online learning projects could use these insights to inform planning and decision making for projects involving external partners and collaborations.
Learning designers could use these insights to help plan for online learning projects which involve open content, massive numbers of participants, high-profile collaborations.
Badge of honour? An exploration of the use of digital badges to support a partnership approach to faculty development
Authors: Risquez Angelica , Cassidy Dara , O'Suilleabhain Gearoid 
Published: November 2020

This article describes a professional development initiative facilitated through a transformational partnership model. In this context, we discuss our experience of piloting an online continuing professional development course in the area of online teaching, which offered a digital badge for successful participants. The course was the result of a partnership between three Irish higher education institutions and a national agency that had initiated a nation-wide scheme to create and disseminate a range of open access collaborative professional development courses to promote the professionalisation of teaching and learning, with a specific digital badge being available for each course. We investigated the interplay between the digital badge issued for the course we piloted, and other potential intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. Digital badges appear to be a weak motivating factor in initial enrolment and engagement, although for some participants, they did motivate continued engagement and completion. We discuss implications in relation to internal and external drivers and motivations around professional development. We also offer reflections on the larger context in which badges might be used or valued by course participants in their professional environments.
Implications for practice or policy:

For digital badges to motivate learning, educational developers and institutions need to associate them with intrinsically meaningful rewards.
Partnership between higher education institutes and non-accrediting bodies can drive the development and wider acceptance and use of digital badges as a tangible and agreed currency of learner and learning achievement.
Learners benefit most from digital badges when they are linked to and facilitate the development of personal identities associated with disciplinary and professional communities.