bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping the current knowledge in syndemic research applied to men who have sex with men: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ouafik Maxence , Buret Laetitia , Belche Jean-Luc , Scholtes Beatrice 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionMen who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionally affected by a number of health conditions that are associated with violence, stigma, discrimination, poverty, unemployment or poor healthcare access. In recent years, syndemic theory provided a framework to explore the interactions of these health disparities on the biological and social levels. Research in this field has been increasing for the past 10 years, but methodologies have evolved and sometimes differed from the original concept. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the existing literature on syndemic theory applied to MSM in order to identify knowledge gaps, inform future investigations and expand our understanding of the complex interactions between avoidable health conditions in a vulnerable population.Methods and analysisThe proposed scoping review will follow the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley with subsequent enhancements by Levac et al, Colquhoun et al and Peters et al as well as the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping review. A systematic search of MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ProQuest Sociological Abstracts will be conducted. Reference lists of the included studies will be hand-searched for additional studies. Screening and data charting will be achieved using DistillerSR. Data collating, summarising and reporting will be performed using R and RStudio. Tabular and graphical summaries will be presented, alongside an evidence map and a descriptive overview of the main results.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review does not require ethical approval. Data and code will be made accessible after manuscript submission. Final results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and collaboration with grassroots Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) organisations.RegistrationThis protocol was registered on manuscript submission on the Open Science Framework at the following address: https://osf.io/jwxtd; DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/JWXTD.
Risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh: findings of the population-based cross-sectional national survey 2018
Authors: Riaz Baizid Khoorshid , Islam Md Ziaul , Islam A N M Shamsul , Zaman M M , Hossain Md Akram , Rahman Md Mujibur , Khanam Fahmida , Amin K M Bayzid , Noor Irfan Nowroze 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesTo determine the national prevalence of risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the adult population of Bangladesh.DesignThe study was a population-based national cross-sectional study.SettingThis study used 496 primary sampling units (PSUs) developed by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. The PSUs were equally allocated to each division and urban and rural stratum within each division.ParticipantsThe participants were adults aged 18 to 69 years, who were usual residents of the households for at least 6 months and stayed the night before the survey. Out of 9900 participants, 8185 (82.7%) completed STEP-1 and STEP-2, and 7208 took part in STEP-3.Primary and secondary outcomeThe prevalence of behavioural, physical and biochemical risk factors of NCD. Data were weighted to generate national estimates.ResultsTobacco use was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the rural (45.2%) than the urban (38.8%) population. Inadequate fruit/vegetable intake was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the urban (92.1%) than in the rural (88.9%) population. The mean salt intake per day was higher in the rural (9.0 g) than urban (8.9 g) population. Among all, 3.0% had no, 70.9% had 1 to 2 and 26.2% had ≥3 NCD risk factors. The urban population was more likely to have insufficient physical activity (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.2, 95% CI: 1.2 to 1.2), obesity (AOR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.5 to 1.5), hypertension (AOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.3 to 1.3), diabetes (AOR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.6 to 1.6) and hyperglycaemia (AOR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.1).ConclusionsConsidering the high prevalence of the behavioural, physical and biochemical risk factors, diverse population and high-risk group targeted interventions are essential to combat the rising burden of NCDs.
Clinical evaluation of pharmacists’ interventions on multidisciplinary lung transplant outpatients’ management: results of a 7-year observational study
Authors: Duwez Marion , Chanoine Sébastien , Lepelley Marion , Vo Thi Ha , Pluchart Hélène , Mazet Roseline , Allenet Benoit , Pison Christophe , Briault Amandine , Saint-Raymond Christelle , Camara Boubou , Claustre Johanna , Bedouch Pierrick 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesLung transplant (LT) recipients require multidisciplinary care because of the complexity of therapeutic management. Pharmacists are able to detect drug-related problems and provide recommendations to physicians through pharmacists’ interventions (PIs). We aimed at assessing the clinical impact of PIs on therapeutic management in LT outpatients.DesignData were collected prospectively from an LT recipients cohort during 7 years. A multidisciplinary committee assessed retrospectively the clinical impact of accepted PIs.SettingFrench University Hospital.ParticipantsLT outpatients followed from 2009 to 2015.Primary outcome measuresClinical impact of PIs performed by pharmacists using the CLEO tool and the Pareto chart.Results1449 PIs led to a change in patient therapeutic management and were mainly related to wrong dosage (39.6%) and untreated indication (19.6%). The clinical impact of PIs was ‘avoids fatality’, ‘major’ and ‘moderate’, in 0.1%, 7.0% and 57.9%, respectively. Immunosuppressants, antimycotics for systemic use and antithrombotic agents had the greatest clinical impact according to the Pareto chart. PIs related to drug–drug interactions (10%) mainly had a moderate and major clinical impact (82.3%, p<0.0001).ConclusionClinical pharmacists play a key role for detecting drug-related problems mostly leading to a change in therapeutic management among LT outpatients. Our study provides a new insight to analyse the clinical impact of PIs in order to target PIs which have most value and contribute to patient care through interdisciplinary approach.
Regional differences in the patient population of general practices in northern Germany: results of a mixed-methods study
Authors: Hansen Heike , Schäfer Ingmar , Pohontsch Nadine Janis , Kazek Agata , Hardt Hanna , Lühmann Dagmar , Scherer Martin 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to explore patient types in general practitioner (GP) practices and to quantify the regional differences of the frequencies of these patient types in northern Germany.Design and settingWe conducted a mixed-methods study based on focus groups and standardised interviews with GPs. All counties and independent cities within a radius of 120 km around Hamburg were assigned one of three regional categories (urban areas, environs, rural areas). The focus groups were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Relative frequencies of consultations by patient types and differences between the regions were calculated. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify differences among regions.ParticipantsNine focus groups with 65 GPs (67.7% male). From the 280 initially recruited GPs 211 (65.4% male) could be personally interviewed.ResultsFour themes with 27 patient types were derived from the focus groups: patients classified by morbidity, sociodemographic characteristics, special care needs and patient behaviour. Five patient characteristics were significantly more prevalent in urban areas than rural areas: patients with migration background and culturally different disease concepts (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.42), privately insured patients (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.31), educationally disadvantaged patients with low health literacy (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.19), patients with psychiatric disorders (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.12) and senior citizens living on their own without caregivers (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.31). Three patient types were significantly less prevalent in urban areas: minors accompanied by their parents (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.83), patients with poor therapy adherence (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.95) and patients with dementia (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.99).ConclusionsGPs could compensate the specific needs of their patients with medical training aligned with the requirements of their region. Urban GPs need skills treating patients with psychiatric, social and cultural problems, rural GPs regarding the care for children or noncompliant patients.Trial registration numberNCT02558322
Indicators and correlates of low energy availability in male and female dancers
Authors: Keay Nicola , Overseas AusDancers , Francis Gavin 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate indicators and correlates of low energy availability (LEA) in male and female dancers.MethodsA Dance-Specific Energy Availability Questionnaire (DEAQ) was developed and administered online internationally to dancers training at preprofessional, professional or advanced amateur level. The DEAQ drew on current validated, published questionnaires for LEA, linked to the clinical outcomes of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). Questions addressed recognised physiological indicators and consequences of LEA in the context of dance, together with potential correlates. LEA was quantified using a scoring system to include these characteristics.Results247 responses to the DEAQ were analysed (225 female and 22 male), mean age 20.7 years (SD 7.9) with 85% practising ballet. Psychological, physiological and physical characteristics consistent with LEA were reported by 57% of the female dancers and 29% of male dancers, indicating a risk of RED-S. The unique nature of dance training, in terms of demands and environment, was found to be potentially influential in development of this situation. Less than one-third (29%) of dancers were aware of RED-S.ConclusionThis study found dancers to be a specific group of high-level artistic performers displaying indicators of LEA and consequently at risk of developing the adverse clinical health and performance consequences of RED-S. Awareness of RED-S was low. The DEAQ has the potential to raise awareness and be a practical, objective screening tool to identify dancers in LEA, at risk of developing RED-S.
Efficacy and safety of pharmacological cachexia interventions: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Saeteaw Manit , Sanguanboonyaphong Phitjira , Yoodee Jukapun , Craft Kaitlyn , Sawangjit Ratree , Ngamphaiboon Nuttapong , Shantavasinkul Prapimporn Chattranukulchai , Subongkot Suphat , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn 
Published: November 2020

AimsRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated benefits of pharmacological interventions for cachexia in improving weight and appetite. However, comparative efficacy and safety are not available. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions for cachexia.MethodsPubMed, EmBase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for RCTs until October 2019. Key outcomes were total body weight (TBW) improvement, appetite (APP) score and serious adverse events. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. NMA was performed to estimate weight gain and APP score increase at 8 weeks, presented as mean difference (MD) or standardised MD with 95% CI.Results80 RCTs (10 579 patients) with 12 treatments were included. Majority is patients with cancer (7220). Compared with placebo, corticosteroids, high-dose megestrol acetate combination (Megace_H_Com) (≥400 mg/day), medroxyprogesterone, high-dose megestrol acetate (Megace_H) (≥400 mg/day), ghrelin mimetic and androgen analogues (Androgen) were significantly associated with MD of TBW of 6.45 (95% CI 2.45 to 10.45), 4.29 (95% CI 2.23 to 6.35), 3.18 (95% CI 0.94 to 5.41), 2.66 (95% CI 1.47 to 3.85), 1.73 (95% CI 0.27 to 3.20) and 1.50 (95% CI 0.56 to 2.44) kg. For appetite improvement, Megace_H_Com, Megace_H and Androgen significantly improved standardised APP score, compared with placebo. There is no significant difference in serious adverse events from all interventions compared with placebo.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that several pharmacological interventions have potential to offer benefits in treatment of cachexia especially Megace_H and short-term use corticosteroids. Nonetheless, high-quality comparative studies to compare safety and efficacy are warranted for better management of cachexia.
The geometrical origin of dark energy
Authors: Faraggi Alon E. , Matone Marco 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe geometrical formulation of the quantum Hamilton–Jacobi theory shows that the quantum potential is never trivial, so that it plays the rôle of intrinsic energy. Such a key property selects the Wheeler–DeWitt (WDW) quantum potential $$Q[g_{jk}]$$

Q
[

g

jk

]

as the natural candidate for the dark energy. This leads to the WDW Hamilton–Jacobi equation with a vanishing kinetic term, and with the identification $$\begin{aligned} \Lambda =-\frac{\kappa ^2}{\sqrt{{\bar{g}}}}Q[g_{jk}]. \end{aligned}$$

Λ
=
-

κ
2

g

¯

Q

[

g

jk

]

.

This shows that the cosmological constant is a quantum correction of the Einstein tensor, reminiscent of the von Weizsäcker correction to the kinetic term of the Thomas–Fermi theory. The quantum potential also defines the Madelung pressure tensor. The geometrical origin of the vacuum energy density, a strictly non-perturbative phenomenon, provides strong evidence that it is due to a graviton condensate. Time independence of the regularized WDW equation suggests that the ratio between the Planck length and the Hubble radius may be a time constant, providing an infrared/ultraviolet duality. We speculate that such a duality is related to the local to global geometry theorems for constant curvatures, showing that understanding the universe geometry is crucial for a formulation of Quantum Gravity.
The Yamada Model for a Self-Pulsing Laser: Bifurcation Structure for Nonidentical Decay Times of Gain and Absorber
Authors: Otupiri Robert , Krauskopf Bernd , Broderick Neil G. R. 
Published: November 2020

We consider self-pulsing in lasers with a gain section and an absorber section via a mechanism known as [Formula: see text]-switching, as described mathematically by the Yamada ordinary differential equation model for the gain, the absorber and the laser intensity. More specifically, we are interested in the case that gain and absorber decay on different time-scales. We present an overall bifurcation structure by showing how the two-parameter bifurcation diagram in the plane of pump strength versus decay rate of the gain changes with the ratio between the two decay rates. In total, there are ten cases BI to BX of qualitatively different two-parameter bifurcation diagrams, which we present with an explanation of the transitions between them. Moroever, we show for each of the associated eleven cases of structurally stable phase portraits (in open regions of the parameter space) a three-dimensional representation of the organization of phase space by the two-dimensional manifolds of saddle equilibria and saddle periodic orbits. The overall bifurcation structure provides a comprehensive picture of the observable dynamics, including multistability and excitability, which we expect to be of relevance for experimental work on [Formula: see text]-switching lasers with different kinds of saturable absorbers.
Complexity Analysis of Time Series Based on Generalized Fractional Order Refined Composite Multiscale Dispersion Entropy
Authors: Wang Yu , Shang Pengjian 
Published: November 2020

Based on the dispersion entropy model, combined with multiscale analysis method and fractional order information entropy theory, this paper proposes new models — the generalized fractional order multiscale dispersion entropy (GMDE) and the generalized fractional order refined composite multiscale dispersion entropy (GRCMDE). The new models take the amplitude value information of the sequence itself into consideration, which can make better use of some key information in the sequence and have a higher stability and accuracy. In addition, extending the algorithm to generalized fractional order can make the model better capture the small evolution of the signal data, which is more advantageous for studying the dynamic characteristics of complex systems. This paper verifies the effectiveness of the new models by combining theoretical analysis with empirical research, and further studies the complexity of the financial system and the nature of its multiple time scales. The results show that the proposed GMDE, GRCMDE can better detect the intrinsic nature of financial time series and can distinguish the financial market complexity of different countries.
SARS-CoV-2 and Assisted Reproductive Technology Practice: An Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) Position Paper
Authors: Wiweko Budi , Ho Tuong M. , Li Rong , Li Tin-Chiu , Tzeng Chii-Ruey , Kovacs Gab , Tanaka Atsushi , Lee Jung Ryeol , Pai Hrishikesh , Khan Haroon Latif ,   on behalf of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE)
Published: November 2020

Background: Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) aims to improve knowledge and awareness of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and infertility-related services, with the aim of improving the quality of patient care. Methods: A survey was developed and responded by a group of 10 ASPIRE board members to gather in-depth information about current practices, recommendations, and perceptions about SARS-CoV-2 and ART. The collected data were summarized and individual responses pooled among questions requiring voting. The overall rates were computed by response category. The group discussed the summary evidence, until a consensus was reached concerning a series of recommendation on how to make decisions concerning ART service provision during the current (and any future) pandemic. A two-tier recommendation was developed based on agreement rate and implementation priority. Tier 1 comprises recommendations in which the rate of “absolutely agree” responses were [Formula: see text]60%, whereas tier 2 refers to recommendations in which the rate of “absolutely agree” plus “agree” was >60%, but the rate of “absolutely agree” was [Formula: see text]50%. Results: The survey was responded by all participants between July 24 and July 30, 2020. Nine tier 1 and five tier 2 recommendations are provided concerning prevention, testing, personal protective equipment, informed consent, and quality management. The former indicates the situations in which most individuals should receive the intervention/procedure, whereas the latter relates to those that may be suitable for individual clinics and patients. Conclusions: This document provides the ASPIRE viewpoint on better managing infertile patients seeking ART during the COVID-19 pandemic. This expert opinion guide aims to help both competent authorities and healthcare providers to deliver quality and safe ART.
QuickETC2
Authors: Nah Jae-Ho 
Published: November 2020

Compressed textures are indispensable in most 3D graphics applications to reduce memory traffic and increase performance. For higher-quality graphics, the number and size of textures in an application have continuously increased. Additionally, the ETC2 texture format, which is mandatory in OpenGL ES 3.0, OpenGL 4.3, and Android 4.3 (and later versions), requires more complex texture compression than the traditional ETC1 format. As a result, texture compression becomes more and more time-consuming.
To accelerate ETC2 compression, we introduce two new compression techniques, named QuickETC2. The first technique is an early compression-mode decision scheme. Instead of testing all ETC1/2 modes to compress a texel block, we select proper modes for each block by exploiting the luma difference of the block to reduce unnecessary compression overhead. The second technique is a fast luma-based T- and H-mode compression method. When clustering each texel into two groups, we replace the 3D RGB space with the 1D luma space and quickly find the two groups that have the minimum luma differences. We also selectively perform the T- or H-mode and reduce its distance candidates, according to the luma differences of each group. We have implemented both techniques with AVX2 intrinsics to exploit SIMD parallelism. According to our experiments, QuickETC2 can compress more than 2000 1K×1K-sized images per second on an octa-core CPU.
Learned hardware-in-the-loop phase retrieval for holographic near-eye displays
Authors: Chakravarthula Praneeth , Tseng Ethan , Srivastava Tarun , Fuchs Henry , Heide Felix 
Published: November 2020

Holography is arguably the most promising technology to provide wide field-of-view compact eyeglasses-style near-eye displays for augmented and virtual reality. However, the image quality of existing holographic displays is far from that of current generation conventional displays, effectively making today's holographic display systems impractical. This gap stems predominantly from the severe deviations in the idealized approximations of the "unknown" light transport model in a real holographic display, used for computing holograms.
In this work, we depart from such approximate "ideal" coherent light transport models for computing holograms. Instead, we learn the deviations of the real display from the ideal light transport from the images measured using a display-camera hardware system. After this unknown light propagation is learned, we use it to compensate for severe aberrations in real holographic imagery. The proposed hardware-in-the-loop approach is robust to spatial, temporal and hardware deviations, and improves the image quality of existing methods qualitatively and quantitatively in SNR and perceptual quality. We validate our approach on a holographic display prototype and show that the method can fully compensate unknown aberrations and erroneous and non-linear SLM phase delays, without explicitly modeling them. As a result, the proposed method significantly outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods in simulation and experimentation - just by observing captured holographic images.