bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an algorithm for managing a multi-robot system for cargo transportation based on reinforcement learning in a virtual environment
Authors: Rybak L A , Behera L , Averbukh M A , Sapryka A V 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This paper is devoted to the study of varieties of the Q-Learning algorithm – deep Q-networks and dueling Q-networks. These algorithms belong to the group of reinforcement learning algorithms. Neural network architectures are selected. The process of modeling the robot’s operation in the problem of cargo delivery from a random point A to the green zone is described. The method of obtaining information about the environment by the robot using the Raycast method is described. A block diagram for controlling the robot movement has been developed, which consists of a block of positioning and state sensors, a neural network module, and a block for constructing a trajectory. The last two blocks together form a system for automatically controlling the agent’s movement in the external environment. Modeling was performed in the Unity development environment. To work with ml agents, the special Unity ML-Agents tool is used. This tool is implemented using a modern DRL servo motor, which is based on the model of the optimization algorithm proximal policy optimization (PPO). A constructive simplification of the agent and environment to facilitate the reproduction of training scenes is implemented. An algorithm for training a robot in a random environment is presented. The optimal parameters of the algorithms under consideration are selected. Suggestions are made to improve the performance of algorithms for this problem.
Analysis of the Steel Structural Reliability under the Big Data
Authors: Yongfeng Fang , Li Wang , Kong Fah TEE 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the reliability of steel roof under the big data loads is analyzed. Firstly, the roof of steel structure is shown. The relationship between roof span and stress composed of hollow steel joist beam is obtained, and the parameters of the structure of the open web steel joists that is made by the wide flange steel is given. Secondly, according to the random distribution parameters of steel roof and the big data loads, the limit state function of steel roof structural calculation is given. The function is an implicit function. Monte Carlo method is used to calculate reliability index of the steel structural roof with considering the dead loads and the big data loads. Finally, the reasonable suggestions for the reliability and safe operation of the steel structural roof are given from the reliability of the calculated of the steel structural roof.
Learnability Factors for Investigating the Effectiveness of Augmented Reality Smart Glasses in Smart Campus
Authors: Hafsa Sayera , Abdul Majid Mazlina 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Augmented Reality (AR) has become an emerging platform in the field of learning either in education or industry. Wearable AR smart glasses are the example of new wearable technology devices in AR. AR smart glasses has been introduced as another alternative to enhance the user’s experience in the real world rather than replacing the principle of learning. In education, AR smart glasses is seen as a possible technology to be embedded in the teaching and learning among lecturers and students for achieving smart campus environment. The effectiveness of AR smart glasses in education is a prospect for further study. Thus, this paper aims to identify the factors for investigating the learnability of students while learning using AR smart glasses. Various existing learning factors were reviewed through literature exploration and potential AR smart glasses learning factors are suggested. The results are significance for the development of the AR smart glasses learnability model that will further investigate in the future work.
The experience of uncertainty for patients, families and healthcare providers in post-stroke palliative and end-of-life care: a qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Connolly Teresa , Coats Heather , DeSanto Kristen , Jones Jacqueline 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Purpose
recent data show that there is limited evidence and guidance regarding the best practices for the integration of palliative care (PC) and end-of-life (EOL) post-stroke. The purpose of this meta-synthesis is to understand the PC/EOL experiences after a stroke.

Methods
a meta-synthesis was conducted to answer the following research question—What are post-stroke PC/EOL experiences from the perspectives of patients, families and healthcare professionals (HCPs)? This approach was completed through two main phases—a systematic search and appraisal of the literature and reciprocal translation with interpretive triangulation of the extracted data. Databases searched were MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Joanna Briggs Institute and CINAHL databases (from their inception to April 2020). After data were extracted, a qualitative exploratory design was used to evaluate the PC/EOL in post-stroke experiences.

Results
the search identified 696 studies. A total of 14 studies were included in this meta-synthesis as they satisfied our eligibility criteria. Uncertainty post-stroke was the overarching main theme that emerged across post-stroke PC/EOL experiences. Within this theme of uncertainty, opportunities to decrease uncertainty emerged from two interdependent themes—presence of cohesive communication and shared dynamic decision process for both families and HCPs.

Conclusions
to mitigate the degree of uncertainty post-stroke, HCPs should be present, provide clear direct communication and incorporate the value-based goals of care within their medical treatment plan. These findings suggest that future research is needed to focus on how PC approaches can be integrated into stroke care programmes.
Retrospective Hair Cortisol Concentrations from Pretreatment to Early Recovery in Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Price Julianne L , Nixon Sara Jo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Cortisol profiles are known to vary across phases of alcohol use disorder (AUD; e.g. chronic use, withdrawal and early/sustained recovery). These patterns have largely been established through between-subjects contrasts. Using a segmental hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) approach, retrospective longitudinal analyses are feasible. Here, we examine monthly cortisol secretion in treatment-seekers with AUD from alcohol use to abstinence. At ~6 weeks of recovery we collected hair samples from individuals with moderate-to-severe AUD. We examined HCC from three consecutive segments; proximal to the scalp representing the most recent month (sustained abstinence from alcohol), the midsegment representing the previous month in which abstinence was attained, and the distal segment representing 2 months prior during active drinking. Analyses examined main and interactive effects of segment and sex, controlling for monthly alcohol consumption. Best fit by a quadratic shape, within-subject change was significant (F1,15 = 5.27, P = 0.04, ηpartial2 = 0.26). The distal and midsegments did not differ from one another (P = 0.51). The proximal segment was significantly lower than both the distal (M∆ = 0.200, P = 0.004) and mid (M∆ = 0.175, P &lt; 0.001) segments. An effect of sex approached significance suggesting women had modestly higher HCC than men (MWOMEN = 1.37 vs. MMEN = 1.02, P = 0.10). Consistent with previous cross-sectional reports, these data confirm nonlinear patterns of cortisol accumulation with elevations apparent during periods of alcohol consumption and a decrease in abstinence. Capturing these within-subject patterns via HCC trajectories may serve as a valuable resource in identifying profiles associated with increased risk and post-treatment outcomes.
Data-Driven Insights on the Effects of COVID-19 on Public Interest in Medical Aesthetics: Part II (Active Analysis)
Authors: Jenny Hillary E , Chandawarkar Akash , Kim Roy 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected financial and psychosocial factors that influence plastic surgery demand.

Objectives
The authors sought to actively assess public interest changes and the reasons underlying these shifts.

Methods
Using Amazons’ Mechanical Turk, we crowdsourced public opinions regarding aesthetic interventions from April 30 to May 3, 2020. The survey assessed prior experience with and interest in 6 aesthetic interventions before and during the pandemic and reasons for changing interest. United States residents aged 18 years and over who passed the attention check were included.

Results
We included 704 of 838 total responses. One-half of respondents were female; the median age group was 25 to 34 years. During the pandemic, 21% of respondents had increased and 33% decreased interest in at least one intervention. Non-invasive procedures (7.3%), facial aesthetic surgery (6.6%), and medical-grade skincare (5.9%) elicited the greatest interest increase. Seeing themselves in the mirror more often (43.2%), desire to look better after the crisis (41.8%), and increased time on social media (40.4%) were the top reasons for increased interest. The most common reasons for decreased interest were changing spending priorities (58%), focusing on other health aspects (49.8%), and worrying about infection in medical facilities (46.3%). Almost one-half of respondents considered virtual consultations for interventions of increased interest.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected interest in medical aesthetics. Offering telemedicine and discussing detailed COVID-19 infection control policies with patients will be critical to address patient needs and concerns. These findings can be used to improve patient outreach, advertisement, and counseling as practices focus on reopening.
Agile workflow for interactive analysis of mass cytometry data
Authors: Casado Julia , Lehtonen Oskari , Rantanen Ville , Kaipio Katja , Pasquini Luca , Häkkinen Antti , Petrucci Elenora , Hynninen Johanna , Hietanen Sakari , Carpén Olli , Biffoni Mauro , Färkkilä Anniina , Hautaniemi Sampsa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Motivation
Single-cell proteomics technologies, such as mass cytometry, have enabled characterization of cell-to-cell variation and cell populations at a single-cell resolution. These large amounts of data, require dedicated, interactive tools for translating the data into knowledge.

Results
We present a comprehensive, interactive method called Cyto to streamline analysis of large-scale cytometry data. Cyto is a workflow-based open-source solution that automates the use of state-of-the-art single-cell analysis methods with interactive visualization. We show the utility of Cyto by applying it to mass cytometry data from peripheral blood and high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) samples. Our results show that Cyto is able to reliably capture the immune cell sub-populations from peripheral blood and cellular compositions of unique immune- and cancer cell subpopulations in HGSOC tumor and ascites samples.

Availabilityand implementation
The method is available as a Docker container at https://hub.docker.com/r/anduril/cyto and the user guide and source code are available at https://bitbucket.org/anduril-dev/cyto.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The value of recognition theory to Family Group Conferencing and child-care and protection
Authors: Mitchell Mary 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Much has been written over the past thirty years within the international social work literature on Family Group Conferencing as a process of decision making. Yet, the theories that frame our understanding of how Family Group Conferencing contributes towards family outcomes are less distinct. This article makes an original contribution to this literature by proposing the use of recognition theory as a beneficial lens for understanding the Family Group Conferencing process. The recognition theory contends that social relations acknowledge and validate personal existence and are pivotal to identify formation; a just society is therefore one where everyone gets due recognition. A retrospective qualitative study will be used to exemplify how Family Group Conferencing can create the conditions within which participants can experience different forms of recognition: care; respect; solidarity and, as such, experience a level of social justice (or not). It is argued that recognition within the Family Group Conferencing process can influence the identity and relationships of those involved in social work services. This article has significance beyond those with an interest in Family Group Conferencing as the recognition theory can shed light on the nature of relationships in social work practice more generally.
Separation of Fatty Acid Dimethyl Esters on an Ionic Liquid Gas Chromatographic Column
Authors: Pauls R E , Pease B 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
An ionic liquid (IL) 111 column was compared with other commonly employed stationary phases including polydimethyl siloxane and polyethylene glycol for the separation of fatty acid monomethyl and dimethyl esters. The fatty acid esters employed in this study were derived from metathesis reactions of vegetable oils both with and without olefins. The IL 111 column demonstrated enhanced performance compared with conventional columns for the separation of these esters. These advantages included significantly enhanced retention of dimethyl esters relative to monomethyl esters, excellent cis/trans isomer separation and the ability to analyze higher carbon number dimethyl esters. As a result, these columns are highly suited for the analysis of mixtures of mono- and dimethyl fatty acid esters found in lipid metathesis reaction products or to determine monofunctional impurities in samples of commercial dimethyl esters.
Unraveling the Modes of Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) During a Nursing Home Outbreak: Looking Beyond the Church Superspreading Event
Authors: Voeten Helene A C M , Sikkema Reina S , Damen Marjolein , Oude Munnink Bas B , Arends Carla , Stobberingh Ellen , Hoogervorst Ellen , Koopmans Marion P G , Fanoy Ewout 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a nursing home in the Netherlands, following an on-site church service held on 8 March 2020, triggered an investigation to unravel sources and chain(s) of transmission.

Methods
Epidemiological data were collected from registries and through a questionnaire among church attendees. Symptomatic residents and healthcare workers (HCWs) were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS). Sequences from a selection of people from the same area were included as community reference.

Results
After the church service, 30 of 39 attendees (77%) developed symptoms; 14 (11 residents and 3 nonresidents) were tested and were positive for COVID-19. In the following 5 weeks, 62 of 300 residents (21%) and 30 of 640 HCWs (5%) tested positive for COVID-19; 21 of 62 residents (34%) died. The outbreak was controlled through a cascade of measures. WGS of samples from residents and HCWs identified a diversity of sequence types, grouped into 8 clusters. Seven resident church attendees all were infected with distinct viruses, 4 of which belonged to 2 larger clusters in the nursing home.

Conclusions
Although initial investigation suggested the church service as the source of the outbreak, detailed analysis showed a more complex picture, most consistent with widespread regional circulation of the virus in the weeks before the outbreak, and multiple introductions into the nursing home before the visitor ban. The findings underscore the importance of careful outbreak investigations to understand SARS-CoV-2 transmission to develop evidence-based mitigation measures.
Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Among People Experiencing Homelessness in Congregant Living Settings in San Diego, California
Authors: Marquez Hanna , Ramers Christian , Northrup Adam , Tam Aaron , Liu Jie , Rojas Sarah , Klaman Stacey , Khasira Maureen , Madbak Jenan , Matthews Eva , Norris Jeffrey , Godino Job 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
During April 2020-August 2020, a preemptive testing strategy combined with accessible isolation and symptom screening among people experiencing homelessness in congregant living settings in San Diego, California, contributed to a low incidence proportion of coronavirus disease 2019 (0.9%). Proactively addressing challenges specific to a vulnerable population may prove impactful.
A randomized phase 1b cross-over study of the safety of low-dose pioglitazone for treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Blazer-Yost Bonnie L , Bacallao Robert L , Erickson Bradley J , LaPradd Michelle L , Edwards Marie E , Sheth Nehal , Swinney Kim , Ponsler-Sipes Kristen M , Moorthi Ranjani N , Perkins Susan M , Torres Vicente E , Moe Sharon M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common monogenetic disorders in humans and is characterized by numerous fluid-filled cysts that grow slowly, resulting in end-stage renal disease in the majority of patients. Preclinical studies have indicated that treatment with low-dose thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone, decrease cyst growth in rodent models of PKD.

Methods
This Phase 1b cross-over study compared the safety of treatment with a low dose (15 mg) of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonist pioglitazone or placebo in PKD patients, with each treatment given for 1 year. The study monitored known side effects of PPAR-γ agonist treatment, including fluid retention and edema. Liver enzymes and risk of hypoglycemia were assessed throughout the study. As a secondary objective, the efficacy of low-dose pioglitazone was followed using a primary assessment of total kidney volume (TKV), blood pressure (BP) and kidney function.

Results
Eighteen patients were randomized and 15 completed both arms. Compared with placebo, allocation to pioglitazone resulted in a significant decrease in total body water as assessed by bioimpedance analysis {mean difference 0.16 Ω [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24–2.96], P = 0.024} and no differences in episodes of heart failure, clinical edema or change in echocardiography. Allocation to pioglitazone led to no difference in the percent change in TKV of −3.5% (95% CI −8.4–1.4, P = 0.14), diastolic BP and microalbumin:creatinine ratio.

Conclusions
In this small pilot trial in people with ADPKD but without diabetes, pioglitazone 15 mg was found to be as safe as placebo. Larger and longer-term randomized trials powered to assess effects on TKV are needed.
The effect of injection and topical application of hCG and GnRH agonist to induce sperm-release in the roseate frog, Geocrinia rosea
Authors: Silla Aimee J , Roberts J Dale , Byrne Phillip G 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Reproductive technologies may assist amphibian conservation breeding programs (CBPs) to achieve propagation targets and genetic management goals. However, a trial-and-error approach to protocol refinement has led to few amphibian CBPs routinely employing reproductive technologies with predictable outcomes. Additionally, while injections can be safely administered to amphibians, perceived animal welfare risks, such as injury and disease transmission, warrant the development of alternative hormone administration protocols. The present study investigated the spermiation response of roseate frogs, Geocrinia rosea, administered various doses of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) via subcutaneous injection. This study also quantified the spermiation response of frogs administered both hormones via topical application. Total sperm, sperm concentration and sperm viability were assessed over a 12-h period post hormone administration. Males released sperm in response to the injection of hCG (88–100% response; 5, 10 or 20 IU), but all samples collected from males administered hCG topically (100, 100 + DMSO or 200 IU hCG) were aspermic. In contrast, males consistently released sperm in response to both the injection (100% response; 1, 5 or 10 μg), or topical application (80–100% response; 50, 50 + DMSO or 100 μg) of GnRH-a. Overall, the administration of GnRH-a was more effective at inducing spermiation than hCG. Mean total sperm and sperm concentration were highest in response to the optimal topically applied dose of 100 μg GnRH-a (mean total sperm = 2.44 × 103, sperm concentration = 1.48 × 105 sperm/ml). We provide novel evidence that topical application provides a viable alternative to injection for the administration of GnRH-a to induce spermiation in amphibians.
Gender-Based Pathways to Cognitive Aging in the Mexican-Origin Population in the United States: The Significance of Work and Family
Authors: Rote Sunshine M , Angel Jacqueline L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objectives
This study uses the life course perspective to explore the role of key midlife factors (occupation and number of children) for gender- and nativity-based pathways to cognitive aging for older Mexican Americans.

Method
Using the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE, 1993/1994–2016, n = 2,779), this study presents (a) cognitive impairment trajectories over 20 years of data and (b) multinomial logistic regression analyses of trajectory group membership by lifetime occupation and number of children, controlling for educational attainment.

Results
For older Mexican American men, lifetime employment in agricultural occupations is associated with elevated risk for late-life cognitive impairment. Delayed risk for impairment is observed for U.S.-born men who were employed in factory work (e.g., production and repair) and in Mexican-born men who were employed in occupations with skilled or supervisory requirements. For all women, labor force participation, especially in skilled occupations, is related to a delayed risk of cognitive impairment. Number of children is unrelated to impairment for men; however, women with five or more children (compared to women with two to four children) are at risk for consistent and rapid cognitive impairment in late life.

Discussion
Late-life cognitive health disparities that disproportionately impact the Mexican American population can be addressed by improving access to educational and occupational opportunities in early and midlife. This study points to key areas of intervention within work and the home for the Mexican-origin population.
On the role of solute drag in reconciling laboratory and natural constraints on olivine grain growth kinetics
Authors: Furstoss Jean , Petit Carole , Tommasi Andrea , Ganino Clément , Muñoz Daniel Pino , Bernacki Marc 
Published: October 2020

SUMMARY
We investigate the effect of solute drag on the grain growth (GG) kinetics in olivine-rich rocks through full field and mean field modelling. Considering a drag force exerted by impurities on grain boundary migration allows reconciling laboratory and natural constraints on olivine GG kinetics. Solute drag is implemented in a full field level-set framework and in a mean field model that explicitly accounts for a grain size distribution. After calibration of the mean field model on full field results, both models are able to both reproduce laboratory GG kinetics and predict grain sizes consistent with observations in peridotite xenoliths from different geological contexts.