Device agent assisted blockchain leveraged framework for Internet of Things
- Nasrullah, Tarique, Islam, Md Manowarul, Uddin, Md Ashraf, Khan, Md Anisauzzaman, Layek, Md Abu, Stranieri, Andrew, Huh, Eui-Nam
- Authors: Nasrullah, Tarique , Islam, Md Manowarul , Uddin, Md Ashraf , Khan, Md Anisauzzaman , Layek, Md Abu , Stranieri, Andrew , Huh, Eui-Nam
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 11, no. (2023), p. 1254-1268
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Blockchain (BC) is a burgeoning technology that has emerged as a promising solution to peer-to-peer communication security and privacy challenges. As a revolutionary technology, blockchain has drawn the attention of academics and researchers. Cryptocurrencies have already effectively utilized BC technology. Many researchers have sought to implement this technique in different sectors, including the Internet of Things. To store and manage IoT data, we present in this paper a lightweight BC-based architecture with a modified raft algorithm-based consensus protocol. We designed a Device Agent that executes a novel registration procedure to connect IoT devices to the blockchain. We implemented the framework on Docker using the Go programming language. We have simulated the framework on a Linux environment hosted in the cloud. We have conducted a detailed performance analysis using a variety of measures. The results demonstrate that our suggested solution is suitable for facilitating the management of IoT data with increased security and privacy. In terms of throughput and block generation time, the results indicate that our solution might be 40% to 45% faster than the existing blockchain. © 2013 IEEE.
- Authors: Nasrullah, Tarique , Islam, Md Manowarul , Uddin, Md Ashraf , Khan, Md Anisauzzaman , Layek, Md Abu , Stranieri, Andrew , Huh, Eui-Nam
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 11, no. (2023), p. 1254-1268
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Blockchain (BC) is a burgeoning technology that has emerged as a promising solution to peer-to-peer communication security and privacy challenges. As a revolutionary technology, blockchain has drawn the attention of academics and researchers. Cryptocurrencies have already effectively utilized BC technology. Many researchers have sought to implement this technique in different sectors, including the Internet of Things. To store and manage IoT data, we present in this paper a lightweight BC-based architecture with a modified raft algorithm-based consensus protocol. We designed a Device Agent that executes a novel registration procedure to connect IoT devices to the blockchain. We implemented the framework on Docker using the Go programming language. We have simulated the framework on a Linux environment hosted in the cloud. We have conducted a detailed performance analysis using a variety of measures. The results demonstrate that our suggested solution is suitable for facilitating the management of IoT data with increased security and privacy. In terms of throughput and block generation time, the results indicate that our solution might be 40% to 45% faster than the existing blockchain. © 2013 IEEE.
Dexamethasone leads to Zn2+ accumulation and increased unbound Zn2+ in C2C12 muscle and 3T3-L1 adipose cells
- Maier, Michelle, Nankervis, Scott, Wallace, Morgan, Develyn, Tamekha, Myers, Mark
- Authors: Maier, Michelle , Nankervis, Scott , Wallace, Morgan , Develyn, Tamekha , Myers, Mark
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Vol. 124, no. 3 (2023), p. 409-420
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with increases in circulating glucocorticoid levels and insulin resistance. Zinc accumulates in atrophic muscle, but the relationship between atrophy, insulin resistance, and Zn2+ homeostasis remains unclear. In this study, the effect of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) on insulin and Zn2+ homeostasis was explored. Treatment of differentiated C2C12 skeletal myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes with DEX significantly increased mRNA expression of the metal-binding proteins Mt1 and 2 and altered energy storage as shown by the increased size of lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 cells. In C2C12 cells the total cellular Zn2+ was higher after DEX treatment, and in both C2C12 and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, free unbound Zn2+ was increased. Insulin treatment led to a gradual increase in free Zn2+ in C2C12 cells, and no significant change in DEX-treated cells such that concentrations were similar 10 min after insulin treatment. These data demonstrate that DEX disturbs Zn2+ homeostasis in muscle and fat cells. Further study of the molecular pathways involved to identify novel therapeutic targets for treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy is warranted. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
- Authors: Maier, Michelle , Nankervis, Scott , Wallace, Morgan , Develyn, Tamekha , Myers, Mark
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Vol. 124, no. 3 (2023), p. 409-420
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with increases in circulating glucocorticoid levels and insulin resistance. Zinc accumulates in atrophic muscle, but the relationship between atrophy, insulin resistance, and Zn2+ homeostasis remains unclear. In this study, the effect of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) on insulin and Zn2+ homeostasis was explored. Treatment of differentiated C2C12 skeletal myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes with DEX significantly increased mRNA expression of the metal-binding proteins Mt1 and 2 and altered energy storage as shown by the increased size of lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 cells. In C2C12 cells the total cellular Zn2+ was higher after DEX treatment, and in both C2C12 and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, free unbound Zn2+ was increased. Insulin treatment led to a gradual increase in free Zn2+ in C2C12 cells, and no significant change in DEX-treated cells such that concentrations were similar 10 min after insulin treatment. These data demonstrate that DEX disturbs Zn2+ homeostasis in muscle and fat cells. Further study of the molecular pathways involved to identify novel therapeutic targets for treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy is warranted. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Diatom index of Galela Lake, Halmahera, Indonesia in relation to human activities
- Soeprobowati, Tri, Saraswati, Tyas, Jumari, Jumari, Sari, Kenanga, Gell, Peter
- Authors: Soeprobowati, Tri , Saraswati, Tyas , Jumari, Jumari , Sari, Kenanga , Gell, Peter
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology Vol. 20, no. 7 (2023), p. 7707-7722
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Diatoms, silicious microalgae, have been used successfully as bioindicators of water quality assessment in aquatic ecosystems. Diatoms have a degree of tolerance to the water quality and some diatoms are a good indicator for several water quality variables. Diatom indices have been developed to assess river water quality, mostly in Europe. This study aims to apply diatom indices developed in Europe for the tropical lake of Galela adjacent to residential areas influenced by human activities. Galela Lake is one of the biggest lakes in Halmahera Utara, Indonesia with its main functions being domestic water supply, irrigation, fisheries, and tourism. Human activities have impacted the area around the lake. The 90-cm and 85-cm long sediment cores were collected using a piston corer from Site 1 and 2, respectively. Sediment samples were sliced every 5 cm, separated from sediment by adding HCl and H2O2. The diatom valves were identified under a microscope with 1,000 × magnification. The water quality status of each layer was inferred with diatom indices performed using OMNIDIA software version 6.0. Forty-nine and 63 diatoms species were identified from Site 1 and Site 2, respectively. The number of species and diversity of diatoms was higher in the lower layers than those in the upper layers. The preserved diatom assemblages reflect past physical and chemical water quality. Generic Diatom Index and Specific Pollution Sensitivity Index provided the best evidence for change in Galela Lake—they integrated 70–100% of the diatom taxa from the sediment core samples. © 2022, The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Iranian Society of Environmentalists (IRSEN) and Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University.
Differences between DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 revisions of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder : a commentary on implications and opportunities
- Gomez, Rapson, Chen, Wai, Houghton, Stephen
- Authors: Gomez, Rapson , Chen, Wai , Houghton, Stephen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: World J Psychiatry Vol. 13, no. 5 (2023), p. 138-143
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Current ICD-11 descriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were recently published online, in the same year as the DSM-5-TR (text revised edition) was released. In this commentary, we compare and contrast the DSM-5/DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 diagnostic criteria, summarize important differences, and underscore their clinical and research implications. Overall, three major differences emerge: (1) The number of diagnostic criteria for inattention (IA), hyperactivity (HY) and impulsivity (IM) symptoms ( , DSM-5-TR has nine IA and nine HY/IM symptoms, whereas ICD-11 has 11 IA and 11 HY/IM sym-ptoms) (2) the clarity and standardization of diagnostic thresholds ( , the diagnostic thresholds for symptom count in IA and HY/IM domains are explicitly specified in DSM-5-TR, whereas in ICD-11 they are not) and (3) the partitioning of HY and IM symptoms into sub-dimensions ( , difference in partitioning HY and IM symptom domains relates to the differences between the current and previous editions of DSM and ICD, and this has important research implications). Currently, no ICD-11 based ADHD rating scales exist and while this absence represents an obstacle for respective research and clinical practice, it also presents opportunities for research development. This article highlights these challenges, possible remedies and novel research opportunities.
- Authors: Gomez, Rapson , Chen, Wai , Houghton, Stephen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: World J Psychiatry Vol. 13, no. 5 (2023), p. 138-143
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Current ICD-11 descriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were recently published online, in the same year as the DSM-5-TR (text revised edition) was released. In this commentary, we compare and contrast the DSM-5/DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 diagnostic criteria, summarize important differences, and underscore their clinical and research implications. Overall, three major differences emerge: (1) The number of diagnostic criteria for inattention (IA), hyperactivity (HY) and impulsivity (IM) symptoms ( , DSM-5-TR has nine IA and nine HY/IM symptoms, whereas ICD-11 has 11 IA and 11 HY/IM sym-ptoms) (2) the clarity and standardization of diagnostic thresholds ( , the diagnostic thresholds for symptom count in IA and HY/IM domains are explicitly specified in DSM-5-TR, whereas in ICD-11 they are not) and (3) the partitioning of HY and IM symptoms into sub-dimensions ( , difference in partitioning HY and IM symptom domains relates to the differences between the current and previous editions of DSM and ICD, and this has important research implications). Currently, no ICD-11 based ADHD rating scales exist and while this absence represents an obstacle for respective research and clinical practice, it also presents opportunities for research development. This article highlights these challenges, possible remedies and novel research opportunities.
- Murphy, Angela, Ollerenshaw, Alison
- Authors: Murphy, Angela , Ollerenshaw, Alison
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Online Information Review Vol. 47, no. 4 (2023), p. 732-748
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: The impact of innovative web portals on users, from access to application, is gaining interest as the global call for increased data availability gains momentum. This study reports on the perceptions of portal end users about usage and access to digital data across a range of fields of practice. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected and analysed from interviews (n = 132) and email feedback (n = 235) from end users of interoperable spatial knowledge web portals. Findings: Data reveal that users attribute importance to ease of access and applicability, and to confidence and trust in data. The acquisition of data assists with reducing knowledge silos, facilitates knowledge sharing and decision-making. Digital data portals enable the building of stronger collaborations between different groups of individuals and communities leading to improved outcomes and more positive developments across varied discipline and practice areas. Practical implications: Recommendations for developing online portals to optimise knowledge transfer and associated benefits, for users, are offered. Originality/value: By collecting extensive qualitative data drawn from the experiences of end users of digital data portals, this paper provides new insights, thereby addressing a knowledge gap in the published literature about the use of technology uptake and the application of online data for practice and industry benefit. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Digital twin for risk and uncertainty analysis in complex industrial control and automation systems using artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Authors: Siddiqui, Muhammad
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Industrial control systems play a crucial role in enabling advanced manufacturing operations. However, these systems are inherently susceptible to failure. Detecting faults at an early stage is of paramount importance, as it can prevent the occurrence of fatal and catastrophic consequences resulting from equipment failures. Moreover, timely detection and resolution of faults can save significant costs and time for organizations. The failure of these systems not only poses risks to operators but can also lead to substantial delays in the advanced manufacturing process, imposing substantial financial burdens on organizations. Therefore, a methodology is needed that can be used to avoid the adverse effects of equipment failure of industrial control systems to achieve smooth advanced manufacturing operations. To achieve this, the methodology should be able to detect the abnormal behaviour of the system at very early stages for predictive maintenance. This methodology can be designed using an extremely popular concept known as the Digital Twin, which has gained significant importance in the era of Industry 4.0. In this research, artificial intelligence techniques will be employed to develop a highly accurate and detailed digital twin model. This model will serve as a valuable tool for predictive maintenance in complex industrial control systems, facilitating the achievement of smooth and uninterrupted advanced manufacturing processes. Also, the performance of the proposed Digital Twin model will be compared with state-of-the-art anomaly detection approaches. The digital twin, utilizing the proposed algorithms, will not only be able to detect anomalies but also quantify their severity, classifying them into different levels such as minor, severe, and faulty operations. Furthermore, the research addresses the generalization challenges faced by state-of-the-art approaches, showcasing the digital twin's ability to effectively classify unseen data as healthy or anomalous. The results obtained from the analysis and comparison of state-of-the-art approaches with the proposed algorithms clearly demonstrate the methodology's capability to detect anomalies, quantify their level, and classify them accurately and effectively in real-world data. This validation underscores the robustness and reliability of the developed methodology, further solidifying its potential as a valuable tool for predictive maintenance in complex industrial control systems.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Siddiqui, Muhammad
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Industrial control systems play a crucial role in enabling advanced manufacturing operations. However, these systems are inherently susceptible to failure. Detecting faults at an early stage is of paramount importance, as it can prevent the occurrence of fatal and catastrophic consequences resulting from equipment failures. Moreover, timely detection and resolution of faults can save significant costs and time for organizations. The failure of these systems not only poses risks to operators but can also lead to substantial delays in the advanced manufacturing process, imposing substantial financial burdens on organizations. Therefore, a methodology is needed that can be used to avoid the adverse effects of equipment failure of industrial control systems to achieve smooth advanced manufacturing operations. To achieve this, the methodology should be able to detect the abnormal behaviour of the system at very early stages for predictive maintenance. This methodology can be designed using an extremely popular concept known as the Digital Twin, which has gained significant importance in the era of Industry 4.0. In this research, artificial intelligence techniques will be employed to develop a highly accurate and detailed digital twin model. This model will serve as a valuable tool for predictive maintenance in complex industrial control systems, facilitating the achievement of smooth and uninterrupted advanced manufacturing processes. Also, the performance of the proposed Digital Twin model will be compared with state-of-the-art anomaly detection approaches. The digital twin, utilizing the proposed algorithms, will not only be able to detect anomalies but also quantify their severity, classifying them into different levels such as minor, severe, and faulty operations. Furthermore, the research addresses the generalization challenges faced by state-of-the-art approaches, showcasing the digital twin's ability to effectively classify unseen data as healthy or anomalous. The results obtained from the analysis and comparison of state-of-the-art approaches with the proposed algorithms clearly demonstrate the methodology's capability to detect anomalies, quantify their level, and classify them accurately and effectively in real-world data. This validation underscores the robustness and reliability of the developed methodology, further solidifying its potential as a valuable tool for predictive maintenance in complex industrial control systems.
- Description: Masters by Research
Discriminative ability of lower limb strength and power measures in lacrosse athletes
- Talpey, Scott, Axtell, Robert, Gardner, Elizabeth, Maloney, Maggie, Newman, Thomas, Cordone, Jason, O'Grady, Mathew
- Authors: Talpey, Scott , Axtell, Robert , Gardner, Elizabeth , Maloney, Maggie , Newman, Thomas , Cordone, Jason , O'Grady, Mathew
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 44, no. 1 (2023), p. 29-37
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The objective of this investigation was to compare isokinetic strength, countermovement jump and drop jump variables between high-contributors and low-contributors within NCAA Division I Men's and Women's lacrosse athletes. Men's (N=36) and Women's (N=30) NCAA Division I lacrosse athletes completed strength testing of the quadriceps and hamstring across three speeds (60°·s -1, 180°·s -1, 300°·s -1), countermovement and drop jumps. To determine the discriminative ability of select lower-limb strength and power characteristics participants were categorized as high-contributors (Males N=18, age=20.3±0.4 yrs, height=183.9±5.5 cm, mass=90.8±5.8 kg; Females N=15, age=20.8±0.8 yrs, height=169.3±6.7 cm, mass=64.1±7.2 kg) or low-contributors (Males N=18, age=19.5±0.2 yrs, height=184.1±5.6 cm; mass=87.9±8.1 kg; Females N=15, age=19.7±0.2 yrs, height=169.8±7.0 cm, mass=62.9±7.7 kg) based upon the number of games the participants competed in during the regular season. Within the male cohort, moderate significant (p<0.05) differences were observed between high-contributors and low-contributors in isokinetic hamstring strength of the left leg at 300°·s -1(d=0.69) and peak power in countermovement jump (d= 0.68). Within the women's cohort a large (d= 0.87) significant difference (p<0.05) in isokinetic strength of the left hamstring was observed between high-contributors and low-contributors at 60°·s -1. Hamstring strength and lower-limb power are important strength measures for lacrosse performance and should be prioritized in training prescription for lacrosse athletes. © 2023 Georg Thieme Verlag. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Talpey, Scott , Axtell, Robert , Gardner, Elizabeth , Maloney, Maggie , Newman, Thomas , Cordone, Jason , O'Grady, Mathew
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 44, no. 1 (2023), p. 29-37
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The objective of this investigation was to compare isokinetic strength, countermovement jump and drop jump variables between high-contributors and low-contributors within NCAA Division I Men's and Women's lacrosse athletes. Men's (N=36) and Women's (N=30) NCAA Division I lacrosse athletes completed strength testing of the quadriceps and hamstring across three speeds (60°·s -1, 180°·s -1, 300°·s -1), countermovement and drop jumps. To determine the discriminative ability of select lower-limb strength and power characteristics participants were categorized as high-contributors (Males N=18, age=20.3±0.4 yrs, height=183.9±5.5 cm, mass=90.8±5.8 kg; Females N=15, age=20.8±0.8 yrs, height=169.3±6.7 cm, mass=64.1±7.2 kg) or low-contributors (Males N=18, age=19.5±0.2 yrs, height=184.1±5.6 cm; mass=87.9±8.1 kg; Females N=15, age=19.7±0.2 yrs, height=169.8±7.0 cm, mass=62.9±7.7 kg) based upon the number of games the participants competed in during the regular season. Within the male cohort, moderate significant (p<0.05) differences were observed between high-contributors and low-contributors in isokinetic hamstring strength of the left leg at 300°·s -1(d=0.69) and peak power in countermovement jump (d= 0.68). Within the women's cohort a large (d= 0.87) significant difference (p<0.05) in isokinetic strength of the left hamstring was observed between high-contributors and low-contributors at 60°·s -1. Hamstring strength and lower-limb power are important strength measures for lacrosse performance and should be prioritized in training prescription for lacrosse athletes. © 2023 Georg Thieme Verlag. All rights reserved.
Discussion : effects of plastic waste materials on geotechnical properties of clayey soil [doi: 10.1007/s40515-020-00145-4]
- O’Kelly, Brendan, Soltani, Amin
- Authors: O’Kelly, Brendan , Soltani, Amin
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Transportation Infrastructure Geotechnology Vol. 10, no. 2 (2023), p. 359-362
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Authors: O’Kelly, Brendan , Soltani, Amin
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Transportation Infrastructure Geotechnology Vol. 10, no. 2 (2023), p. 359-362
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
Disordered social media use during COVID-19 predicts perceived stress and depression through indirect effects via fear of COVID-19
- Tillman, Gabriel, March, Evita, Lavender, Andrew, Braund, Taylor, Mesagno, Christopher
- Authors: Tillman, Gabriel , March, Evita , Lavender, Andrew , Braund, Taylor , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Behavioral Sciences Vol. 13, no. 9 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global threat that can have an adverse effect on an individuals’ physical and mental health. Here, we investigate if disordered social media use predicts user stress and depression symptoms indirectly via fear of COVID-19. A total of 359 (timepoint 1 = 171, timepoint 2 = 188) participants were recruited via social media and snowball sampling. They completed an online survey that measured disordered social media use, fear of COVID-19, perceived stress, and depression symptomatology at two cross-sectional timepoints. We found that disordered social media use predicts depression indirectly through fear of COVID-19 at both timepoints. We also found that disordered social media use predicts perceived stress indirectly through fear of COVID-19, but only at timepoint 1. Taken together with previous research, our findings indicate that disordered social media use may lead to increased fear of COVID-19, which in turn may lead to poorer psychological wellbeing outcomes. Overall, there is evidence that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the physical, psychological, and emotional health of individuals worldwide. Moreover, this impact may be exacerbated by disordered use of social media. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Tillman, Gabriel , March, Evita , Lavender, Andrew , Braund, Taylor , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Behavioral Sciences Vol. 13, no. 9 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global threat that can have an adverse effect on an individuals’ physical and mental health. Here, we investigate if disordered social media use predicts user stress and depression symptoms indirectly via fear of COVID-19. A total of 359 (timepoint 1 = 171, timepoint 2 = 188) participants were recruited via social media and snowball sampling. They completed an online survey that measured disordered social media use, fear of COVID-19, perceived stress, and depression symptomatology at two cross-sectional timepoints. We found that disordered social media use predicts depression indirectly through fear of COVID-19 at both timepoints. We also found that disordered social media use predicts perceived stress indirectly through fear of COVID-19, but only at timepoint 1. Taken together with previous research, our findings indicate that disordered social media use may lead to increased fear of COVID-19, which in turn may lead to poorer psychological wellbeing outcomes. Overall, there is evidence that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the physical, psychological, and emotional health of individuals worldwide. Moreover, this impact may be exacerbated by disordered use of social media. © 2023 by the authors.
Disseminating sleep education to graduate psychology programs online : a knowledge translation study to improve the management of insomnia
- Meaklim, Hailey, Meltzer, Lisa, Rehm, Imogen, Junge, Moira, Monfries, Melissa, Kennedy, Gerard, Bucks, Romola, Graco, Marnie, Jackson, Melinda
- Authors: Meaklim, Hailey , Meltzer, Lisa , Rehm, Imogen , Junge, Moira , Monfries, Melissa , Kennedy, Gerard , Bucks, Romola , Graco, Marnie , Jackson, Melinda
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sleep Vol. 46, no. 10 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Study Objectives: Despite the negative impact of poor sleep on mental health, evidence-based insomnia management guidelines have not been translated into routine mental healthcare. Here, we evaluate a state-wide knowledge translation effort to disseminate sleep and insomnia education to graduate psychology programs online using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) evaluation framework. Methods: Using a non-randomized waitlist control design, graduate psychology students attended a validated 6-hour online sleep education workshop delivered live as part of their graduate psychology program in Victoria, Australia. Sleep knowledge, attitudes, and practice assessments were conducted pre- and post-program, with long-term feedback collected at 12 months. Results: Seven out of ten graduate psychology programs adopted the workshop (adoption rate = 70%). The workshop reached 313 graduate students, with a research participation rate of 81%. The workshop was effective at improving students’ sleep knowledge and self-efficacy to manage sleep disturbances using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), compared to the waitlist control with medium-to-large effect sizes (all p < .001). Implementation feedback was positive, with 96% of students rating the workshop as very good-to-excellent. Twelve-month maintenance data demonstrated that 83% of students had used the sleep knowledge/skills learned in the workshop in their clinical practice. However, more practical training is required to achieve CBT-I competency. Conclusions: Online sleep education workshops can be scaled to deliver cost-effective foundational sleep training to graduate psychology students. This workshop will accelerate the translation of insomnia management guidelines into psychology practice to improve sleep and mental health outcomes nationwide. © The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Sleep Research Society.
- Authors: Meaklim, Hailey , Meltzer, Lisa , Rehm, Imogen , Junge, Moira , Monfries, Melissa , Kennedy, Gerard , Bucks, Romola , Graco, Marnie , Jackson, Melinda
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sleep Vol. 46, no. 10 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Study Objectives: Despite the negative impact of poor sleep on mental health, evidence-based insomnia management guidelines have not been translated into routine mental healthcare. Here, we evaluate a state-wide knowledge translation effort to disseminate sleep and insomnia education to graduate psychology programs online using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) evaluation framework. Methods: Using a non-randomized waitlist control design, graduate psychology students attended a validated 6-hour online sleep education workshop delivered live as part of their graduate psychology program in Victoria, Australia. Sleep knowledge, attitudes, and practice assessments were conducted pre- and post-program, with long-term feedback collected at 12 months. Results: Seven out of ten graduate psychology programs adopted the workshop (adoption rate = 70%). The workshop reached 313 graduate students, with a research participation rate of 81%. The workshop was effective at improving students’ sleep knowledge and self-efficacy to manage sleep disturbances using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), compared to the waitlist control with medium-to-large effect sizes (all p < .001). Implementation feedback was positive, with 96% of students rating the workshop as very good-to-excellent. Twelve-month maintenance data demonstrated that 83% of students had used the sleep knowledge/skills learned in the workshop in their clinical practice. However, more practical training is required to achieve CBT-I competency. Conclusions: Online sleep education workshops can be scaled to deliver cost-effective foundational sleep training to graduate psychology students. This workshop will accelerate the translation of insomnia management guidelines into psychology practice to improve sleep and mental health outcomes nationwide. © The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Sleep Research Society.
Distinct subpopulations of DN1 thymocytes exhibit preferential gamma delta T lineage potential
- Oh, Seungyoul, Liu, Xin, Tomei, Sara, Luo, Mengxiao, Skinner, Jarrod, Berzins, Stuart, Naik, Shalin, Gray, Daniel, Chong, Mark
- Authors: Oh, Seungyoul , Liu, Xin , Tomei, Sara , Luo, Mengxiao , Skinner, Jarrod , Berzins, Stuart , Naik, Shalin , Gray, Daniel , Chong, Mark
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Immunology Vol. 14, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The
- Authors: Oh, Seungyoul , Liu, Xin , Tomei, Sara , Luo, Mengxiao , Skinner, Jarrod , Berzins, Stuart , Naik, Shalin , Gray, Daniel , Chong, Mark
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Immunology Vol. 14, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The
Distributed formation trajectory planning for multi-vehicle systems
- Nguyen, Binh, Nghiem, Truong, Nguyen, Linh, Nguyen, Tung, La, Hung, Sookhak, Mehdi, Nguyen, Thang
- Authors: Nguyen, Binh , Nghiem, Truong , Nguyen, Linh , Nguyen, Tung , La, Hung , Sookhak, Mehdi , Nguyen, Thang
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 2023 American Control Conference, ACC 2023 Vol. 2023-May, p. 1325-1330
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper addresses the problem of distributed formation trajectory planning for multi-vehicle systems with collision avoidance among vehicles. Unlike some previous distributed formation trajectory planning methods, our proposed approach offers great flexibility in handling computational tasks for each vehicle when the global formation of all the vehicles changes. It affords the system the ability to adapt to the computational capabilities of the vehicles. Furthermore, global formation constraints can be handled at any selected vehicles. Thus, any formation change can be effectively updated without recomputing all local formations at all the vehicles. To guarantee the above features, we first formulate a dynamic consensus-based optimization problem to achieve desired formations while guaranteeing collision avoidance among vehicles. Then, the optimization problem is effectively solved by ADMM-based or alternating projection-based algorithms, which are also presented. Theoretical analysis is provided not only to ensure the convergence of our method but also to show that the proposed algorithm can surely be implemented in a fully distributed manner. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by a numerical example of a 9-vehicle system. © 2023 American Automatic Control Council.
- Authors: Trewarn, Adam
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: Sediments are the ultimate repository of most contaminants that enter Australia's waterways; therefore, it is appropriate that regulatory attention addresses the risks posed by sediment contaminants. The release of elevated levels of heavy metals into the environment is a common by-product of our industrialised way of life. This problem continues to increase throughout the industrial age. We are now only beginning to understand the actual long-term burden that must be managed. Globally, estuaries are a critical focal point for civilisation and development. Owing to their strategic location and abundant resources, they have been utilised as trade hubs and industrial centres, and are often subject to intense industrial and urban development. Because estuaries accommodate large volumes of fine-grained sediments, their capacity to trap and absorb metal pollutants qualifies them as important sinks and receptacles for terrestrial, atmospheric, and oceanic metal input. Estuaries also provide important environmental services. Their protective conditions harbour a diverse range of biota, and the biogeochemical processes they accommodate play a key role in nutrient cycling and metal sequestration. However, contamination of estuaries with heavy metals is an ongoing issue, particularly as they bioaccumulate and transfer from sediments to aquatic organisms through the food chain. The Gippsland Lakes catchment has a 150-year history of a range of industrial activities, including gold and other metal mining, large open-cut brown coal mines and associated coalfired power stations, powering much of the state of Victoria, plantation forests and associated timber and paper mills, and extensive agriculture, including intensive dairy. Many of these activities are potential sources of contamination, particularly in bygone times, when environmental awareness and sound practices were less prevalent. The issue of highly elevated levels of heavy metal contaminants present within the Gippsland Lake sediments was first identified over 35 years ago. This comprehensive study looks to re-evaluate the modern surface sediments from across the Gippsland Lakes to determine, (i) If previously identified elevated Hg levels are still present or can be replicated (ii) If there are other metal contaminants that may warrant further attention, (iii) If possible, contamination is current, historical or a prolonged event (iv) If there are any natural or anthropogenic influences affecting metal concentrations within the sediments (v) What is the impact of heavy metal pollution across the Gippsland Lakes? Surficial grab and consolidated core sediment samples were collected over a period between 2015-2018 from thirteen defined locations across the Gippsland Lakes, representing the major geomorphological features of the area (e.g. major river mouths and lakes). Total metal analysis, sediment grain size, and XRF high-resolution core scanning provided insight into the overall distribution and possible risks of bulk and heavy metals present in the Gippsland Lakes sediment. Elevated concentrations of Cr, Ni, As, Cu, and Hg were found throughout the study area, exceeding the lower SQG trigger values across multiple depths and locations. Of the numerous metals initially investigated (Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) within the surface and core sediments, the findings of this study reiterated that the greatest concern was the degree of contamination and distribution of elevated levels of Hg in the western regions of the Gippsland Lakes. In addition, it highlighted the risks associated with elevated levels of Cr, Ni, and Cu. Cr and Ni have been identified at elevated levels throughout most of the western locations, Lake Victoria and Lake King, while isolated Cu is present at Paynesville. Further analysis into the metals and the interactions with the environment has defined three separate influences contributing to the elevated concentrations of heavy metals present across the study area, (i) Natural sources and cycling (Cr, Ni, and As): Concentrations of Cr, Ni, and As are likely a result of natural sources from the surrounding catchment, rather than a specific anthropogenically derived source. (i) Diffuse anthropogenic sources (Hg): The calculated pollution indices showed little to no natural influence on Hg concentrations; therefore, Hg concentrations were deemed highly likely a result of diffuse anthropogenic origin. (ii) Point source (Cu): Concentrations of Cu were generally very low throughout the study, except at a single location in an urbanised area adjacent to a commercial boatyard. This project has provided the most recent and comprehensive assessment of the presence, distribution, and leading influences on heavy metals present in the Gippsland Lakes, forming a strong foundation for informed management of the area into the future.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
DMD-associated dilated cardiomyopathy : genotypes, phenotypes, and phenocopies
- Johnson, Renee, Otway, Robyn, Chin, Ephrem, Horvat, Claire, Ohanian, Monique, Wilcox, Jon, Su, Zheng, Prestes, Priscilla, Smolnikov, Andrei, Soka, Magdalena, Guo, Guanglan, Rath, Emma, Chakravorty, Samya, Chrzanowski, Lukasz, Hayward, Christopher, Keogh, Anne, MacDonald, Peter, Giannoulatou, Eleni, Chang, Alex, Oates, Emily, Charchar, Fadi, Seidman, Jonathan, Seidman, Christine, Hegde, Madhuri, Fatkin, Diane
- Authors: Johnson, Renee , Otway, Robyn , Chin, Ephrem , Horvat, Claire , Ohanian, Monique , Wilcox, Jon , Su, Zheng , Prestes, Priscilla , Smolnikov, Andrei , Soka, Magdalena , Guo, Guanglan , Rath, Emma , Chakravorty, Samya , Chrzanowski, Lukasz , Hayward, Christopher , Keogh, Anne , MacDonald, Peter , Giannoulatou, Eleni , Chang, Alex , Oates, Emily , Charchar, Fadi , Seidman, Jonathan , Seidman, Christine , Hegde, Madhuri , Fatkin, Diane
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine Vol. 16, no. 5 (2023), p. 421-430
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Variants in the DMD gene, that encodes the cytoskeletal protein, dystrophin, cause a severe form of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) associated with high rates of heart failure, heart transplantation, and ventricular arrhythmias. Improved early detection of individuals at risk is needed. Methods: Genetic testing of 40 male probands with a potential X-linked genetic cause of primary DCM was undertaken using multi-gene panel sequencing, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and array comparative genomic hybridization. Variant location was assessed with respect to dystrophin isoform patterns and exon usage. Telomere length was evaluated as a marker of myocardial dysfunction in left ventricular tissue and blood. Results: Four pathogenic/likely pathogenic DMD variants were found in 5 probands (5/40: 12.5%). Only one rare variant was identified by gene panel testing with 3 additional multi-exon deletion/duplications found following targeted assays for structural variants. All of the pathogenic/likely pathogenic DMD variants involved dystrophin exons that had percent spliced-in scores >90, indicating high levels of constitutive expression in the human adult heart. Fifteen DMD variant-negative probands (15/40: 37.5%) had variants in autosomal genes including TTN, BAG3, LMNA, and RBM20. Myocardial telomere length was reduced in patients with DCM irrespective of genotype. No differences in blood telomere length were observed between genotype-positive family members with/without DCM and controls. Conclusions: Primary genetic testing using multi-gene panels has a low yield and specific assays for structural variants are required if DMD-associated cardiomyopathy is suspected. Distinguishing X-linked causes of DCM from autosomal genes that show sex differences in clinical presentation is crucial for informed family management. © 2023 American Heart Association, Inc.
- Authors: Johnson, Renee , Otway, Robyn , Chin, Ephrem , Horvat, Claire , Ohanian, Monique , Wilcox, Jon , Su, Zheng , Prestes, Priscilla , Smolnikov, Andrei , Soka, Magdalena , Guo, Guanglan , Rath, Emma , Chakravorty, Samya , Chrzanowski, Lukasz , Hayward, Christopher , Keogh, Anne , MacDonald, Peter , Giannoulatou, Eleni , Chang, Alex , Oates, Emily , Charchar, Fadi , Seidman, Jonathan , Seidman, Christine , Hegde, Madhuri , Fatkin, Diane
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine Vol. 16, no. 5 (2023), p. 421-430
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Variants in the DMD gene, that encodes the cytoskeletal protein, dystrophin, cause a severe form of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) associated with high rates of heart failure, heart transplantation, and ventricular arrhythmias. Improved early detection of individuals at risk is needed. Methods: Genetic testing of 40 male probands with a potential X-linked genetic cause of primary DCM was undertaken using multi-gene panel sequencing, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and array comparative genomic hybridization. Variant location was assessed with respect to dystrophin isoform patterns and exon usage. Telomere length was evaluated as a marker of myocardial dysfunction in left ventricular tissue and blood. Results: Four pathogenic/likely pathogenic DMD variants were found in 5 probands (5/40: 12.5%). Only one rare variant was identified by gene panel testing with 3 additional multi-exon deletion/duplications found following targeted assays for structural variants. All of the pathogenic/likely pathogenic DMD variants involved dystrophin exons that had percent spliced-in scores >90, indicating high levels of constitutive expression in the human adult heart. Fifteen DMD variant-negative probands (15/40: 37.5%) had variants in autosomal genes including TTN, BAG3, LMNA, and RBM20. Myocardial telomere length was reduced in patients with DCM irrespective of genotype. No differences in blood telomere length were observed between genotype-positive family members with/without DCM and controls. Conclusions: Primary genetic testing using multi-gene panels has a low yield and specific assays for structural variants are required if DMD-associated cardiomyopathy is suspected. Distinguishing X-linked causes of DCM from autosomal genes that show sex differences in clinical presentation is crucial for informed family management. © 2023 American Heart Association, Inc.
Do health service waiting areas contribute to the health literacy of consumers? A scoping review
- McDonald, Cassie, Voutier, Catherine, Govil, Dhruv, D'Souza, Aruska, Truong, Dominic, Abo, Shaza, Remedios, Louisa, Granger, Catherine
- Authors: McDonald, Cassie , Voutier, Catherine , Govil, Dhruv , D'Souza, Aruska , Truong, Dominic , Abo, Shaza , Remedios, Louisa , Granger, Catherine
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Health Promotion International Vol. 38, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Health service waiting areas commonly provide health information, resources and supports for consumers; however, the effect on health literacy and related outcomes remains unclear. This scoping review of the literature aimed to explore the use of waiting areas as a place to contribute to the health literacy and related outcomes of consumers attending health appointments. Articles were included if they focussed on health literacy or health literacy responsiveness (concept) in outpatient or primary care health service waiting areas (context) for adult consumers (population) and were published after 2010. Ten bibliographic databases, one full-text archive, dissertation repositories and web sources were searched. The search yielded 5095 records. After duplicate removal, 3942 title/abstract records were screened and 360 full-text records assessed. Data were charted into a standardized data extraction tool. A total of 116 unique articles (published empirical and grey literature) were included. Most articles were set in primary and community care (49%) waiting areas. A diverse range of health topics and resource types were available, but results demonstrated they were not always used by consumers. Outcomes measured in intervention studies were health knowledge, intentions and other psychological factors, self-reported and observed behaviours, clinical outcomes and health service utilization. Intervention studies overall demonstrated positive trends in health literacy-related outcomes, although the benefit declined after 3-6 months. Research on using waiting areas for health literacy purposes is increasing globally. Future research investigating the needs of consumers to inform optimal intervention design is needed. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press.
- Authors: McDonald, Cassie , Voutier, Catherine , Govil, Dhruv , D'Souza, Aruska , Truong, Dominic , Abo, Shaza , Remedios, Louisa , Granger, Catherine
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Health Promotion International Vol. 38, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Health service waiting areas commonly provide health information, resources and supports for consumers; however, the effect on health literacy and related outcomes remains unclear. This scoping review of the literature aimed to explore the use of waiting areas as a place to contribute to the health literacy and related outcomes of consumers attending health appointments. Articles were included if they focussed on health literacy or health literacy responsiveness (concept) in outpatient or primary care health service waiting areas (context) for adult consumers (population) and were published after 2010. Ten bibliographic databases, one full-text archive, dissertation repositories and web sources were searched. The search yielded 5095 records. After duplicate removal, 3942 title/abstract records were screened and 360 full-text records assessed. Data were charted into a standardized data extraction tool. A total of 116 unique articles (published empirical and grey literature) were included. Most articles were set in primary and community care (49%) waiting areas. A diverse range of health topics and resource types were available, but results demonstrated they were not always used by consumers. Outcomes measured in intervention studies were health knowledge, intentions and other psychological factors, self-reported and observed behaviours, clinical outcomes and health service utilization. Intervention studies overall demonstrated positive trends in health literacy-related outcomes, although the benefit declined after 3-6 months. Research on using waiting areas for health literacy purposes is increasing globally. Future research investigating the needs of consumers to inform optimal intervention design is needed. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press.
Do maturation, anthropometrics and leg muscle qualities influence repeated change of direction performance in adolescent boys and girls?
- Giuriato, Matteo, Pellino, Vittoria, Lovecchio, Nicola, Codella, Roberto, Vandoni, Matteo, Talpey, Scott
- Authors: Giuriato, Matteo , Pellino, Vittoria , Lovecchio, Nicola , Codella, Roberto , Vandoni, Matteo , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Biology of Sport Vol. 40, no. 4 (2023), p. 1033-1038
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The ability to change direction rapidly is a key fitness quality especially in invasive sports where young players perform approximately 300 changes of direction in a game. There is currently limited understanding of how anthropometric characteristics and maturation status influence change of direction ability in adolescent. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to assess the influence of anthropometrics and maturation status on change of direction ability in young people. The study involved 706 adolescents (367 girls) aged 14-19-year-old attending the same high school in Northern Italy. Stature, body mass, seated height and leg length were measured to determine the anthropometrics and maturation status of the participants. Repeated change of direction ability (10 × 5 m shuttle run test), lower limb power and muscle strength were evaluated using field tests from the Eurofit test battery. Maturity offset was calculated separately for boys and girls, in accord with the equation proposed by Mirwald. Preliminary analysis with 10 × 5 m as a dependent variable and sex and PHV as a fixed factor, suggests a significant difference between sex (p < 0.001; d = 0.35) but not with PHV (p = 0.986; d = 0.000) and interaction PHV × sex (p = 0.836; d = 0.000). Our results suggested that repeated change of direction performance was influenced by anthropometrics, maturation and muscle qualities in adolescent boys and girls. © 2023 Institute of Sport. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Giuriato, Matteo , Pellino, Vittoria , Lovecchio, Nicola , Codella, Roberto , Vandoni, Matteo , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Biology of Sport Vol. 40, no. 4 (2023), p. 1033-1038
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The ability to change direction rapidly is a key fitness quality especially in invasive sports where young players perform approximately 300 changes of direction in a game. There is currently limited understanding of how anthropometric characteristics and maturation status influence change of direction ability in adolescent. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to assess the influence of anthropometrics and maturation status on change of direction ability in young people. The study involved 706 adolescents (367 girls) aged 14-19-year-old attending the same high school in Northern Italy. Stature, body mass, seated height and leg length were measured to determine the anthropometrics and maturation status of the participants. Repeated change of direction ability (10 × 5 m shuttle run test), lower limb power and muscle strength were evaluated using field tests from the Eurofit test battery. Maturity offset was calculated separately for boys and girls, in accord with the equation proposed by Mirwald. Preliminary analysis with 10 × 5 m as a dependent variable and sex and PHV as a fixed factor, suggests a significant difference between sex (p < 0.001; d = 0.35) but not with PHV (p = 0.986; d = 0.000) and interaction PHV × sex (p = 0.836; d = 0.000). Our results suggested that repeated change of direction performance was influenced by anthropometrics, maturation and muscle qualities in adolescent boys and girls. © 2023 Institute of Sport. All rights reserved.
Do the qualifications of vocational teachers make a difference to their teaching?
- Smith, Erica, Tuck, Jacqueline
- Authors: Smith, Erica , Tuck, Jacqueline
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Research in Post-Compulsory Education Vol. 28, no. 1 (2023), p. 1-25
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: A survey of over 500 teachers and trainers in the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector was carried out to examine whether their teaching practices and approaches varied with their qualification levels. The survey, carried out with teachers and trainers from different types of training providers–public and private–formed a major part of a larger research project on the topic. The project was carried out because of an overall decline in the qualification levels of the VET teaching workforce over a 20-year period, and national debate on the appropriate qualification level. Analysis of the survey results showed that those with pedagogical qualifications above the regulatory minimum were more confident overall, and were more able to deal with the demands of different teaching contexts and of diverse learner groups. Teachers with higher level qualifications also reported, in qualitative questions, specific gains from their qualifications. They were also more likely to undertake professional development, challenging an often-cited view that professional development activities can compensate for lower qualification levels. The findings have implications for policy development in Australia and elsewhere. © 2023 Association for Research in Post-Compulsory Education.
Does multisession cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex prime the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on fear of pain, fear of movement, and disability in patients with nonspecific low back pain? A randomized clinical trial study
- Ehsani, Fatemeh, Hafez Yousefi, Mohaddeseh, Jafarzadeh, Abbas, Zoghi, Maryam, Jaberzadeh, Shapour
- Authors: Ehsani, Fatemeh , Hafez Yousefi, Mohaddeseh , Jafarzadeh, Abbas , Zoghi, Maryam , Jaberzadeh, Shapour
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Brain Sciences Vol. 13, no. 10 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Many studies have shown that low back pain (LBP) is associated with psychosomatic symptoms which may lead to brain changes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the concurrent application of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and transcranial direct electrical stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on fear of pain, fear of movement, and disability in patients with nonspecific LBP. This study was performed on 45 LBP patients (23 women, 22 men; mean age 33.00 ± 1.77 years) in three groups: experimental (2 mA cathodal tDCS (c-tDCS)), sham (c-tDCS turned off after 30 s), and control (only received CBT). In all groups, CBT was conducted for 20 min per session, with two sessions per week for four weeks. Fear of pain, fear of movement, and disability were evaluated using questionnaires at baseline, immediately after, and one month after completion of interventions. Results indicated that all three different types of intervention could significantly reduce fear and disability immediately after intervention (p > 0.05). However, improvement in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the other groups immediately after and at the one-month follow-up after interventions (p < 0.05). DLPFC c-tDCS can prime the immediate effects of CBT and also the lasting effects on the reduction in the fear of pain, fear of movement, and disability in LBP patients. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Ehsani, Fatemeh , Hafez Yousefi, Mohaddeseh , Jafarzadeh, Abbas , Zoghi, Maryam , Jaberzadeh, Shapour
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Brain Sciences Vol. 13, no. 10 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Many studies have shown that low back pain (LBP) is associated with psychosomatic symptoms which may lead to brain changes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the concurrent application of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and transcranial direct electrical stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on fear of pain, fear of movement, and disability in patients with nonspecific LBP. This study was performed on 45 LBP patients (23 women, 22 men; mean age 33.00 ± 1.77 years) in three groups: experimental (2 mA cathodal tDCS (c-tDCS)), sham (c-tDCS turned off after 30 s), and control (only received CBT). In all groups, CBT was conducted for 20 min per session, with two sessions per week for four weeks. Fear of pain, fear of movement, and disability were evaluated using questionnaires at baseline, immediately after, and one month after completion of interventions. Results indicated that all three different types of intervention could significantly reduce fear and disability immediately after intervention (p > 0.05). However, improvement in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the other groups immediately after and at the one-month follow-up after interventions (p < 0.05). DLPFC c-tDCS can prime the immediate effects of CBT and also the lasting effects on the reduction in the fear of pain, fear of movement, and disability in LBP patients. © 2023 by the authors.
Domestic load management with coordinated photovoltaics, battery storage and electric vehicle operation
- Das, Narottam, Haque, Akramul, Zaman, Hasneen, Morsalin, Sayidul, Islam, Syed
- Authors: Das, Narottam , Haque, Akramul , Zaman, Hasneen , Morsalin, Sayidul , Islam, Syed
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 11, no. (2023), p. 12075-12087
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Coordinated power demand management at residential or domestic levels allows energy participants to efficiently manage load profiles, increase energy efficiency and reduce operational cost. In this paper, a hierarchical coordination framework to optimally manage domestic load using photovoltaic (PV) units, battery-energy-storage-systems (BESs) and electric vehicles (EVs) is presented. The bidirectional power flow of EV with vehicle to grid (V2G) operation manages real-time domestic load profile and takes appropriate coordinated action using its controller when necessary. The proposed system has been applied to a real power distribution network and tested with real load patterns and load dynamics. This also includes various test scenarios and prosumer's preferences e.g., with or without EVs, number of EV owners, number of households, and prosumer's daily activities. This is a combined hybrid system for hierarchical coordination that consists of PV units, BES systems and EVs. The system performance was analyzed with different commercial EV types with charging/ discharging constraints and the result shows that the domestic load demand on the distribution grid during the peak period has been reduced significantly. In the end, this proposed system's performance was compared with the prediction-based test techniques and the financial benefits were estimated. © 2013 IEEE.
- Authors: Das, Narottam , Haque, Akramul , Zaman, Hasneen , Morsalin, Sayidul , Islam, Syed
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 11, no. (2023), p. 12075-12087
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Coordinated power demand management at residential or domestic levels allows energy participants to efficiently manage load profiles, increase energy efficiency and reduce operational cost. In this paper, a hierarchical coordination framework to optimally manage domestic load using photovoltaic (PV) units, battery-energy-storage-systems (BESs) and electric vehicles (EVs) is presented. The bidirectional power flow of EV with vehicle to grid (V2G) operation manages real-time domestic load profile and takes appropriate coordinated action using its controller when necessary. The proposed system has been applied to a real power distribution network and tested with real load patterns and load dynamics. This also includes various test scenarios and prosumer's preferences e.g., with or without EVs, number of EV owners, number of households, and prosumer's daily activities. This is a combined hybrid system for hierarchical coordination that consists of PV units, BES systems and EVs. The system performance was analyzed with different commercial EV types with charging/ discharging constraints and the result shows that the domestic load demand on the distribution grid during the peak period has been reduced significantly. In the end, this proposed system's performance was compared with the prediction-based test techniques and the financial benefits were estimated. © 2013 IEEE.
DQN-based resource allocation for NOMA-MEC-aided multi-source data stream
- Ling, Jing, Xia, Junjuan, Zhu, Fusheng, Gao, Chongzhi, Lai, Shiwei, Balasubramanian, Venki
- Authors: Ling, Jing , Xia, Junjuan , Zhu, Fusheng , Gao, Chongzhi , Lai, Shiwei , Balasubramanian, Venki
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Eurasip Journal on Advances in Signal Processing Vol. 2023, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper investigates a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-aided mobile edge computing (MEC) network with multiple sources and one computing access point (CAP), in which NOMA technology is applied to transmit multi-source data streams to CAP for computing. To measure the performance of the considered NOMA-aided MEC network, we first design the system cost as a linear weighting function of energy consumption and delay under the NOMA-aided MEC network. Moreover, we propose a deep Q network (DQN)-based offloading strategy to minimize the system cost by jointly optimizing the offloading ratio and transmission power allocation. Finally, we design experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. Specifically, the designed strategy can decrease the system cost by about 15% compared with local computing when the number of sources is 5. © 2023, The Author(s).
- Authors: Ling, Jing , Xia, Junjuan , Zhu, Fusheng , Gao, Chongzhi , Lai, Shiwei , Balasubramanian, Venki
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Eurasip Journal on Advances in Signal Processing Vol. 2023, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper investigates a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-aided mobile edge computing (MEC) network with multiple sources and one computing access point (CAP), in which NOMA technology is applied to transmit multi-source data streams to CAP for computing. To measure the performance of the considered NOMA-aided MEC network, we first design the system cost as a linear weighting function of energy consumption and delay under the NOMA-aided MEC network. Moreover, we propose a deep Q network (DQN)-based offloading strategy to minimize the system cost by jointly optimizing the offloading ratio and transmission power allocation. Finally, we design experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. Specifically, the designed strategy can decrease the system cost by about 15% compared with local computing when the number of sources is 5. © 2023, The Author(s).