Hasil untuk "Miscellaneous systems and treatments"

Shakya Jayakody, Youpeng Zhao, Jun Wang

Graph convolutional networks (GCNs) are fundamental in various scientific applications, ranging from biomedical protein-protein interactions (PPI) to large-scale recommendation systems. An essential component for modeling graph structures in GCNs is sparse general matrix-matrix multiplication (SpGEMM). As the size of graph data continues to scale up, SpGEMMs are often conducted in an out-of-core fashion due to limited GPU memory space in resource-constrained systems. Albeit recent efforts that aim to alleviate the memory constraints of out-of-core SpGEMM through either GPU feature caching, hybrid CPU-GPU memory layout, or performing the computation in sparse format, current systems suffer from both high I/O latency and GPU under-utilization issues. In this paper, we first identify the problems of existing systems, where sparse format data alignment and memory allocation are the main performance bottlenecks, and propose AIRES, a novel algorithm-system co-design solution to accelerate out-of-core SpGEMM computation for GCNs. Specifically, from the algorithm angle, AIRES proposes to alleviate the data alignment issues on the block level for matrices in sparse formats and develops a tiling algorithm to facilitate row block-wise alignment. On the system level, AIRES employs a three-phase dynamic scheduling that features a dual-way data transfer strategy utilizing a tiered memory system: integrating GPU memory, GPU Direct Storage (GDS), and host memory to reduce I/O latency and improve throughput. Evaluations show that AIRES significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art methods, achieving up to 1.8x lower latency in real-world graph processing benchmarks.

Mohamed Yassine Arkhis, Denis Efimov

In this paper, first, it is shown that if a nonlinear time-varying system is contractive, then it is incrementally exponentially stable. Second, leveraging this result, under mild restrictions, an approach is proposed to design feedforward inputs for affine in control systems providing contraction/incremental exponential stability. Unlike standard stability notions, which have well-established control design techniques, this note can be considered among the first ones to provide such a tool for a kind of incremental stability. The theoretical findings are illustrated by examples.

Sumit S. Kamat, T. Michael Seigler, Jesse B. Hoagg

This article presents a feedback control algorithm for electromagnetic formation flying with constraints on the satellites' states and control inputs. The algorithm combines several key techniques. First, we use alternating magnetic field forces to decouple the electromagnetic forces between each pair of satellites in the formation. Each satellite's electromagnetic actuation system is driven by a sum of amplitude-modulated sinusoids, where amplitudes are controlled in order to prescribe the time-averaged force between each pair of satellites. Next, the desired time-averaged force is computed from a optimal control that satisfies state constraints (i.e., no collisions and an upper limit on intersatellite speeds) and input constraints (i.e., not exceeding satellite's apparent power capability). The optimal time-averaged force is computed using a single relaxed control barrier function that is obtained by composing multiple control barrier functions that are designed to enforce each state and input constraint. Finally, we demonstrate the satellite formation control method in numerical simulations.

Wenxin Liu, Jiakun Fang, Shichang Cui et al.

The growing coupling among electricity, gas, and hydrogen systems is driven by green hydrogen blending into existing natural gas pipelines, paving the way toward a renewable-dominated energy future. However, the integration poses significant challenges, particularly ensuring efficient and safe operation under varying hydrogen penetration and infrastructure adaptability. This paper reviews progress in optimization and control technologies for hydrogen-blended integrated gas-electricity system. First, key technologies and international demonstration projects are introduced to provide an overview of current developments. Besides, advances in gas-electricity system integration, including modeling, scheduling, planning and market design, are reviewed respectively. Then, the potential for cross-system fault propagation is highlighted, and practical methods for safety analysis and control are proposed. Finally, several possible research directions are introduced, aiming to ensure efficient renewable integration and reliable operation.

Francisco M. F. R. Gonçalves, Ryan M. Bena, Néstor O. Pérez-Arancibia

We introduce a new class of attitude control laws for rotational systems; the proposed framework generalizes the use of the Euler \mbox{axis--angle} representation beyond quaternion-based formulations. Using basic Lyapunov stability theory and the notion of extended class $\mathcal{K}$ function, we developed a method for determining and enforcing the global asymptotic stability of the single fixed point of the resulting \mbox{\textit{closed-loop}} (CL) scheme. In contrast with traditional \mbox{quaternion-based} methods, the introduced generalized \mbox{axis--angle} approach enables greater flexibility in the design of the control law, which is of great utility when employed in combination with a switching scheme whose transition state depends on the angular velocity of the controlled rotational system. Through simulation and \mbox{real-time} experimental results, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed formulation. According to the recorded data, in the execution of \mbox{high-speed} \mbox{tumble-recovery} maneuvers, the new method consistently achieves shorter stabilization times and requires lower control effort relative to those corresponding to the \mbox{quaternion-based} and \mbox{geometric-control} methods used as benchmarks.

Veerabhuvaneshwari Veerichetty, Iswaryalakshmi Saravanabavan, Aarushi Pradeep et al.

Background: Nuciferine's extensive therapeutic potential, including its robust antioxidant properties, is explored in response to the growing consumer preference for value-added organic foods. Objective: This study focuses on the formulation of gummy bear supplements fortified with nuciferine from Nelumbo nucifera. The research highlights nuciferine's ability to combat oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and examines its application in maintaining basal ROS levels during oxidative stress conditions in skin melanoma cells. Methods: Characterization of extracted nuciferine through FTIR and UV–vis spectroscopy ensures product quality, while sensory evaluation compares honey and sugar as natural sweeteners for optimal flavor and consumer preference. SK-Mel-28 cellular ROS levels were measured using 2′,7’ –dichlorofluorescin diacetate dye before and after nuciferine treatment. SK-Mel-28 cell viability and dose response of nuciferine treatment was assessed using MTT assay. Results: Nuciferine shows potent inhibition of SK-Mel-28 cell proliferation with an IC50 of 39.31 ± 5.280 μg/ml and showed no cytotoxicity in normal L6 skeletal muscle cells. This study compares the sensory properties of honey and sugar based gummy bear formulations. Conclusion: This project aims to create a high-quality, health-promoting dietary supplement that aligns with the evolving trends in organic nutrition and antioxidant supplementation.

Barzan Behdokht, Noorbakhsh Mohammad Foad, Nazifi Saeed et al.

Objectives: Methotrexate (MTX), an immunosuppressant and anti-cancer medication, can harm the heart. The goal of the current investigation was to assess the cardiotoxicity caused by MTX and the potential cardioprotective properties of silymarin, citral, and thymoquinone as antioxidants.Methods: Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups, which included control, MTX, cosolvent, citral, thymoquinone, and silymarin groups. At the end of the study, the rats were anesthetized (ketamine and xylazine) and killed using CO2. Their blood samples were collected to measure the enzymatic activities of creatine kinase-myoglobin binding (CK-MB), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Also, the heart tissue was sampled to determine the antioxidant capacity and examine the histopathology.Results: The findings revealed that the activity of CPK, CK-MB, and LDH enzymes significantly reduced in the thymoquinone treatment group compared to the MTX group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the thymoquinone group compared to the MTX group (p < 0.05). The pathological modifications (i.e. severe congestion, edema fluid, the presence of inflammatory cells around the blood vessels, mild to moderate hemorrhaging between cardiac muscle fibers) were seen in the MTX group. The treatment groups, particularly thymoquinone, did not experience any appreciable pathological changes.Conclusion: The thymoquinone was found to have the strongest protective effect against the heart damage caused by MTX.

Everson Meireles, Lais Souza da Silva, Luciana Alaíde Alves Santana et al.

Introdução: Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) é uma escala psicométrica de autorrelato que se propõe a avaliar a disponibilidade de estudantes e profissionais de saúde para o aprendizado compartilhado e colaborativo entre profissões de diferentes áreas. Desde que foi proposta originalmente na Inglaterra, em 1999, a RIPLS tem sido utilizada em diferentes países, incluindo o Brasil, num processo contínuo de aprimoramento e de demonstração de evidências de validade e confiabilidade para uso e interpretação dos resultados obtidos com sua utilização. Objetivo: Avaliar evidências de validade e confiabilidade para a RIPLS-40 em uma amostra de estudantes de cursos de graduação em saúde de uma universidade pública localizada no interior do estado da Bahia. Metodologia: Participaram 205 estudantes de cinco cursos da área da saúde (Psicologia, Nutrição, Enfermagem, Medicina e Bacharelado Interdisciplinar em Saúde), com modelos de formação distintos: formação linear e em ciclos. Os dados foram coletados em sala de aula. Foram realizadas análises fatoriais/modelagens exploratórias de equações estruturais (ESEM) para avaliar a dimensionalidade do instrumento, bem como análises de confiabilidade e de comparação de grupos ao nível de p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: Os resultados das análises psicométricas indicaram ajuste satisfatório do modelo fatorial de três fatores: “Trabalho em equipe e colaboração” (CC = 0,89); “Identidade profissional” (C = 0,67); “Atenção centrada no paciente” (CC = 0,92). A RIPLS-40 foi capaz de diferenciar grupos e identificar atividades acadêmicas potentes para a promoção da interprofissionalidade. Conclusão: Foram demonstradas evidências de validade e de confiabilidade da RIPLS-40, sobretudo para os fatores “Trabalho em equipe e colaboração” e “Atenção centrada no paciente”. Estudos complementares são recomendados para o uso da escala RIPLS-40, em particular para o fator “Identidade profissional”, que vem apresentando fragilidade na validação nos contextos brasileiros, bem como em outros países.

Denise Vitória Ciello, Luciana Chaves Matos, Karin Hepp Schwambach

Introdução: Diabetes e periodontite mantêm uma forte ligação. A falta de controle de diabetes aumenta o risco da doença periodontal e esta, por sua vez, pode alterar o metabolismo da glicose, e consequentemente, dificultar o controle do diabetes. Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de produção de material informativo com ação educativa sobre a relação bidirecional entre diabetes mellitus (DM) e periodontite (PD), para educação permanente no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Relato da experiência: Trata-se de experiência educativa associada ao cuidado farmacêutico e odontológico em indivíduos com DM e PD. Inicialmente, um folder foi produzido associado a uma ação de educação para profissionais da APS em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O conteúdo do folder e da ação foram construídos a partir de consulta de artigos em bases de dados eletrônicas. A ação educativa presencial foi desenvolvida por residente da Farmácia, em pequenos grupos de profissionais de uma Unidade de Saúde (US) do município, campo de prática da profissional residente. Participaram da ação profissionais agentes comunitários de saúde, da Enfermagem, Farmácia, Medicina e Odontologia que atuavam na US (n=15). A ação consistiu em uma apresentação expositiva-dialogada, abordando os principais aspectos da DM e PD, sua relação e ações de prevenção. Para os profissionais que não participaram, foi disponibilizado um vídeo. O folder foi entregue aos profissionais na ação presencial e disponibilizado na US aos demais profissionais e pacientes. Também foi encaminhado às coordenações de Assistência Farmacêutica e Odontologia da APS do município. Conclusão: A experiência de educação na saúde promoveu a comunicação e a integração entre os profissionais da APS, tendo potência para qualificar o trabalho em equipe e o cuidado aos pacientes com DM e PD. Ações de educação permanente são relevantes para a prática interprofissional e devem ser recorrentes e estimuladas.

Eduarda Lazzarin Leal, Mariana Calesso Moreira

O delirium é uma condição prevalente em ambiente hospitalar e os avanços em seu conhecimento ainda não se traduzem na prática clínica. Este estudo teve o objetivo de apresentar o processo de elaboração de uma Tecnologia Educacional em Saúde, em formato de Guia de Orientações, sobre as possibilidades de intervenções da equipe multiprofissional para manejo de delirium em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Adulto (UTI-A). Para tanto, se propôs a descrever as principais intervenções indicadas na literatura científica e discutir o papel da equipe multiprofissional nessas estratégias junto ao paciente e à família. Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases de dados US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Web of Science, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), com as bases Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Banco de Dados em Enfermagem (BDENF). Incluíram-se publicações originais com texto completo disponível, de 2017 a 2022, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. A seleção final resultou em 18 artigos. Oito temas de intervenções foram identificados: bundle ABCDEF; sedação, controle da dor e da agitação; avaliação do delirium; mobilização do paciente; medidas não farmacológicas e ambientais; estratégias individualizadas; participação e educação da família; educação e comunicação da equipe. Constatou-se que ainda são poucos os estudos que descrevem as ações de manejo do delirium em pacientes críticos, implicando na necessidade de mais pesquisas que possam contribuir para a visibilidade do tema e melhoria da assistência hospitalar. A revisão realizada fundamentou a elaboração de um projeto piloto do Guia de Orientações, intitulado “Delirium na UTI-A: atenção e cuidado em equipe”, que deverá ser estruturado em formato de livreto. Espera-se que a conclusão do Guia possa fornecer subsídios para educação em saúde, operando enquanto recurso para a formação de equipes e espaços educacionais, como os rounds multiprofissionais.

Charuhasini Mahapatra, Abhishek Abhinandan

Abstract Background Adolescent girls who participate in sports have injuries 4–6 times greater as compared to boys. Several factors are responsible for the injuries are as anatomical, biomechanical, hormonal, and some extrinsic factors. The ideal level of motor characteristics, including speed, endurance, agility, and flexibility, determines how well a player performs in Kho-Kho. Speed and agility are two major components for better Kho-Kho performance. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between speed and agility with an influence on gender in Kho-Kho players. Method A total of 75 participants (boys 34 and girls 41) Kho-Kho players in the age groups 11–17 years were included in the study based on selection criteria. For the agility-modified T test for speed, a 50-m Dash test was done. Results Pearson’s correlation was used to analyze the collected data. The results indicated a moderate correlation between agility and speed in both genders (r = 0.404, p = 0.001), but in boys specifically, it showed a moderate correlation(r = 0.586, p = 0.001) and in girls, it showed a weak correlation (r = 0.267, p = 0.095). Conclusion It can be concluded from the results of this study that there is a moderate correlation between speed and agility in Kho-Kho players, but boys have a moderate and girls have a weak correlation this indicates combining both genders and a particular gender also shows a weak to moderate correlation between speed and agility in adolescent Kho-Kho players.

Ali Baheri, Mykel J. Kochenderfer

Safety validation is a crucial component in the development and deployment of autonomous systems, such as self-driving vehicles and robotic systems. Ensuring safe operation necessitates extensive testing and verification of control policies, typically conducted in simulation environments. High-fidelity simulators accurately model real-world dynamics but entail high computational costs, limiting their scalability for exhaustive testing. Conversely, low-fidelity simulators offer efficiency but may not capture the intricacies of high-fidelity simulators, potentially yielding false conclusions. We propose a joint falsification and fidelity optimization framework for safety validation of autonomous systems. Our mathematical formulation combines counterexample searches with simulator fidelity improvement, facilitating more efficient exploration of the critical environmental configurations challenging the control system. Our contributions encompass a set of theorems addressing counterexample sensitivity analysis, sample complexity, convergence, the interplay between the outer and inner optimization loops, and regret bound analysis. The proposed joint optimization approach enables a more targeted and efficient testing process, optimizes the use of available computational resources, and enhances confidence in autonomous system safety validation.

Mohammad Divband Soorati, Enrico H. Gerding, Enrico Marchioni et al.

The Agents, Interaction and Complexity research group at the University of Southampton has a long track record of research in multiagent systems (MAS). We have made substantial scientific contributions across learning in MAS, game-theoretic techniques for coordinating agent systems, and formal methods for representation and reasoning. We highlight key results achieved by the group and elaborate on recent work and open research challenges in developing trustworthy autonomous systems and deploying human-centred AI systems that aim to support societal good.

Mark Haring, Esten Ingar Grøtli, Signe Riemer-Sørensen et al.

Low complexity of a system model is essential for its use in real-time applications. However, sparse identification methods commonly have stringent requirements that exclude them from being applied in an industrial setting. In this paper, we introduce a flexible method for the sparse identification of dynamical systems described by ordinary differential equations. Our method relieves many of the requirements imposed by other methods that relate to the structure of the model and the data set, such as fixed sampling rates, full state measurements, and linearity of the model. The Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is used to solve the identification problem. We show that the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm can be written in a form that enables parallel computing, which greatly diminishes the time required to solve the identification problem. An efficient backward elimination strategy is presented to construct a lean system model.

Natalie Elliott, Amie Steel, Bradley Leech et al.

Background: Dyspepsia represents a symptom domain rather than a diagnostic condition and covers a wide range of complex, underlying pathophysiologies that are not well understood. The review explores comparative effectiveness interventions for the treatment of symptomatic dyspepsia along a pragmatic-explanatory continuum. The aim is to identify relevant design characteristics applicable to future upper gastrointestinal comparative effectiveness research employing integrative medicine. Methods: Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and WHO Clinical Trials were systematically searched until January 2019. Included articles were original research with two or more comparative intervention arms for the primary outcome; relief of symptomatic dyspepsia. Evaluation of the studies was conducted using the pragmatic-explanatory continuum indicator summary (PRECIS-2) tool. Results: Thirty-six articles were included in the review. A total of 68 Patient Reported Outcome Measurements (PROMs), utilizing 50 different formats were deployed across the studies. The appraisal process revealed eligibility, flexibility in adherence, flexibility in delivery and organization domains further aligned towards an explanatory design. Conclusion: This review identified three design characteristics relevant for future comparative effectiveness research for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal disorders in a community setting. Extensive exclusion eligibility criteria limited the generalization of comparative effectiveness study results by removing sub-groups of the target populations more at risk of dyspeptic symptoms. The requirement for entry endoscopy was found to be common and not always pragmatically justifiable. Development of validated PROMs appropriate for a generic application to upper gastrointestinal disorders would be advantageous for future comparative effectiveness research within integrative medicine.

Chan-Young Kwon, Sun-Yong Chung, Jong Woo Kim

Background: The significance of mindfulness meditation (MM) has increased in recent years in both clinical settings and public health. However, ways to implement MM as a disease prevention or treatment method in the elderly is still a major challenge. A comprehensive analysis of previous studies on MM programs for the elderly in Korea will help build future integrated care programs that incorporate MM. Methods: Seven international and Korean domestic electronic databases were searched to collect relevant clinical studies until May 30, 2020. Results: Sixteen articles with twelve clinical studies were included in this review. The MM program was generally offered once a week over eight weeks with a duration of between 60 and 90 min per session. The main reason for participants’ drop out was poor program compliance attributed to conflicting schedules, physical illness, or a change of mind. The program results were either positive or mixed, but the mindfulness level of the participants was improved. Conclusions: This review summarizes information obtained from previously published studies in Korea, on the design considerations, characteristics, and preliminary effectiveness of the MM program for the elderly. The findings can be used as preliminary data by future practitioners and/or researchers to design MM programs targeted toward the elderly; it could also help policymakers integrate MM-based strategies into integrated care programs to promote their mental health and well-being.

Adam Czornik, Evgenii Makarov, Michal Niezabitowski et al.

We investigate the behavior of the Lyapunov spectrum of a linear discrete-time system under the action of small perturbations in order to obtain some verifiable conditions for stability and openness of the Lyapunov spectrum. To this end we introduce the concepts of broken away solutions and splitted systems. The main results obtained are a necessary condition for stability and a sufficient condition for the openness of the Lyapunov spectrum, which is given in terms of the system itself. Finally, examples of using the obtained results are presented.

Hossein Molavi Vardanjani, Seyed Taghi Heydari, Behzad Dowran et al.

Background: Traditional medicine structures such as Persian medicine (PM) are deeply rooted in the global health system. These modalities, if applied correctly, could help health systems overcome situations such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the mismanagement of such traditional structures results in fear, stress, anxiety, and risky behavior among society. The current study aimed to assess the penetration of the recommendations and rumors related to PM during the COVID-19 pandemic and the relationships of these recommendations and rumors with related health factors. Methods: In a cross-sectional study performed in March 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic) in southern Iran, eligible participants were randomly selected. The participants completed a 29-item online questionnaire assessing different aspects of the rumors and recommendations pertaining to PM linked with the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: In total, 523 participants took part in the survey. The mean fear score was 65.2/100. Approximately 99% of the study population had heard at least one of the rumors/recommendations of PM related to COVID-19. The average scores of disagreement with the rumors and recommendations linked to PM were 16.4/50 and 18.4/35, respectively. The fear score and the level of disagreement with the rumors were significantly related (p = 0.024). Conclusions: The use of PM might be beneficial in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic provided that a revolution occurs in data sharing. Various approaches should be considered in the management of traditional medicine modalities such as PM during disease outbreaks to help overcome the current dilemma.

Zhou Fang, Arjan van der Schaft, Chuanhou Gao

In this paper, we provide a graphic formulation of non-isothermal reaction systems and show that a non-isothermal detailed balanced network system converges (locally) asymptotically to the unique equilibrium within the invariant manifold determined by the initial condition. To model thermal effects, the proposed modeling approach extends the classical chemical reaction network by adding two parameters to each direct (reaction) edge, depicting, respectively, the instantaneous internal energy change after the firing of the reaction and the variation of the reaction rate with respect to the temperature. For systems possessing thermodynamic equilibria, our modeling approach provides a compact formulation of the dynamics where reaction topology and thermodynamic information are presented simultaneously. Finally, using this formulation and the Legendre transformation, we show that non-isothermal detailed balanced network systems admit some fundamental properties: dissipativeness, the detailed balancing of each equilibrium, the existence and uniqueness of the equilibrium, and the asymptotic stability of each equilibrium. In general, the analysis and results of this work provide insights into the research of non-isothermal chemical reaction systems.

Martín Barrère, Chris Hankin, Nicolas Nicolau et al.

In recent years, Industrial Control Systems (ICS) have become an appealing target for cyber attacks, having massive destructive consequences. Security metrics are therefore essential to assess their security posture. In this paper, we present a novel ICS security metric based on AND/OR graphs that represent cyber-physical dependencies among network components. Our metric is able to efficiently identify sets of critical cyber-physical components, with minimal cost for an attacker, such that if compromised, the system would enter into a non-operational state. We address this problem by efficiently transforming the input AND/OR graph-based model into a weighted logical formula that is then used to build and solve a Weighted Partial MAX-SAT problem. Our tool, META4ICS, leverages state-of-the-art techniques from the field of logical satisfiability optimisation in order to achieve efficient computation times. Our experimental results indicate that the proposed security metric can efficiently scale to networks with thousands of nodes and be computed in seconds. In addition, we present a case study where we have used our system to analyse the security posture of a realistic water transport network. We discuss our findings on the plant as well as further security applications of our metric.