High Quality Research Articles

Neural Style Transfer, Creating Art with Deep Learning

Abstract—Neural style transfer is a deep learning technique that is the topic of study in this research paper. In NST two images are combined, a content and a style image. Where, while retaining the content image the artistic style of style image is imposed on the content image. In this research, a series of ways are explored to improve the efficiency and visual quality of the generated image. This research is about improvising and molding the existing losses, to improve the existing methodologies. Key contributions are dynamic weighting of content and style losses, multi scale loss computation for preserving the details in a better way. This kind of loss improvisation and changing is being used, so that not only the high-level structures and fine details are maintained in the image generated. These dynamic and multiple kind of losses will be implemented to retain the essence of the content in the content image. While generating a new image the content or style is overcompensated and most of the time one of these is having a stronger effect on the final image in most of the techniques, our motive is to eradicate the same and generate an excellent image. Along with this, various optimization techniques are studied in the underlying paper to compensate this computation cost of the newly introduced losses. The ways provide a framework for a neural style transfer with a higher quality and efficient combining of images. Index Terms—NST (Neural style transfer), dynamic weighting, multi-scale losses.

Design Thinking

In today’s increasingly competitive Higher Education (HE) market, academic jobs are more precarious than ever. The way academics do their day-to-day job is under increasing scrutiny, with their outputs measured through the rigid lens of performativity and financial profit. Professional Learning (PL) is an institutional approach aimed towards achieving and sustaining high quality teaching and innovation among academic staff. The significance of PL to developing academics’ skills and fostering their professional identity has been confirmed by peer reviewed research. However, how to design and deliver PL that is meaningful to academic workforce, while empowering academics and supporting them in finding solutions to their teaching and learning problems, remains up for debate. This paper offers a conceptual way forward; arguing for a complete re-think of the predominant way of doing PL in universities in favour of placing Design Thinking (DT) at the heart of the matter. Grounded within a robust theoretical approach and scaffolded with a practical toolkit, DT can enable a nurturing environment to engage and empower academics, building their confidence and equipping them with a methodology for problem solving into the future.

Interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with type 2 diabetes that modify its management and cardiometabolic risk factors: asystematic review.

To review studies of interventions for reducing the impact of type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The primary aim was to review and summarise the characteristics and findings of the interventions. The secondary aims were to assess their effects on diabetes and cardiometabolic risk factors, and the proportions of people with type 2 diabetes who achieved therapeutic targets with each intervention. We searched eight electronic databases for publications of studies including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years or older with diagnoses of type 2 diabetes, describing one or more diabetes interventions, and published in English during 1 January 2000 - 31 December 2020. Reference lists in the assessed articles were checked for further relevant publications. MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science (Clarivate), the Cochrane Library, Global Health (EBSCO), Indigenous Collection and Indigenous Australia (Informit), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO-ICTRP). The database searches yielded 1424 unique records; after screening by title and abstract, the full text of 55 potentially relevant articles were screened, of which seventeen met our eligibility criteria: eleven cohort studies (seven retrospective audits and four prospective studies), three randomised controlled trials, and three observational, non-randomised follow-up studies. Twelve publications reported site-based (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health service or diabetes clinic) rather than individual-based diabetes interventions. Interventions with statistically significant effects on mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, a 5-day diabetes self-management camp, treatment of Strongyloides stercoralis infections, community-based health worker-led management, point-of-care testing, and self-management approaches. Few interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with type 2 diabetes have been reported in peer-reviewed publications. Improving diabetes care services resulted in larger proportions of people achieving therapeutic HbA1c targets. Outcomes were better when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities were involved at all levels of an intervention. High quality studies of holistic, culturally safe and accessible interventions should be the focus of research.

Impact of Information Characteristics on Information Adoption and Public Sector Organizations Success in the China

The quality of information is a significant feature for organizational success which policymakers and researchers must emphasize in building up strategies. The present study examines information characteristics such as information quality, information quantity and information credibility on public sector organizations success in China. The study also investigates the mediating role of information adoption among information quality, information quantity, information credibility and public sector organizations success in China. The survey questionnaires were used to gather the primary data from the respondents. The respondents comprised a sample size of 357 employees of Chinese public sector organizations, chosen through random sampling technique. Smart-PLS was used to measure data validity and nexus among constructs. The results revealed that the information quality, information quantity and information credibility have a positive association with public sector organizations success in China. The outcomes also exposed that the information adoption significantly mediates among information quality, information quantity, information credibility and public sector organizations success in China. It is hoped that the findings of this study will help policymakers and strategists to frame policies and guidelines to achieve the organization success by using high quality information.

“It’s a Circus”: Family Caregivers’ Perceptions on Accessing Mental Health Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

ABSTRACT Background Previous research has demonstrated that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience a variety of barriers in accessing mental health care and that family caregivers often play an integral role in helping individuals with IDD navigate these systems. However, little research has focused on family caregivers’ perceptions of accessing mental health services. Methods To better understand their perspectives, we analyzed responses to an open-ended question about challenges to accessing mental health resources for adults with IDD from 208 family caregivers. Responses were analyzed using a team-based approach to qualitative data analysis. Results We identified five themes that capture both systematic issues and personal or interpersonal challenges that reduce access to high quality mental health care among adults with IDD. In addition to the barriers, we also identified some accounts of families succeeding in accessing adequate mental health care. Conclusions We offer practical implications for research, policy, and practice that can help reduce barriers to mental health care for adults with IDD.

Clinical practice guidelines for the care of patients with a chronic subdural haematoma: multidisciplinary recommendations from presentation to recovery

Introduction A chronic subdural haematoma (cSDH) is an encapsulated collection of fluid and blood degradation products in the subdural space. It is increasingly common, affecting older people and those living with frailty. Currently, no guidance exists to define optimal care from onset of symptoms through to recovery. This paper presents the first consensus-built recommendations for best practice in the care of cSDH, co-designed to support each stage of the patient pathway. Methods Guideline development was led by a multidisciplinary Steering Committee with representation from diverse clinical groups, professional associations, patients, and carers. Literature searching to identify relevant evidence was guided by core clinical questions formulated through facilitated discussion with specially convened working groups. A modified Delphi exercise was undertaken to build consensus on draft statements for inclusion in the guideline using survey methodology and an in-person meeting. The proposed guideline was subsequently endorsed by the Society for British Neurological Surgeons, Neuroanaesthesia and Critical Care Society, Association of Anaesthetists, British Association of Neuroscience Nurses, British Geriatric Society, and Centre for Perioperative Care. Results We identified that high quality evidence was generally lacking in the literature, although randomised controlled trial (RCT) data were available to inform specific recommendations on aspects of surgical technique and use of corticosteroids. The final guideline represents the outcome of synthesising available evidence, consensus-built expert opinion and patient involvement. The guideline comprises 67 recommendations across eight major themes, covering: presentation and diagnosis, neurosurgical triage and shared decision-making, non-operative management, perioperative management (including anticoagulation), timing of surgery, intraoperative and postoperative care, rehabilitation and recovery. Conclusions We present the first multidisciplinary guideline for the care of patients with cSDH. The recommendations reflect a paradigm shift in the care of cSDH, recognising and formalising the need for multidisciplinary and collaborative clinical management, communication and decision-making delivered effectively across secondary and tertiary care.

Polysaccharide Functionality in Wine-like Model Systems with Oat and Egg White Model Proteins

Interactions between wine proteins and polysaccharides have the capacity to regulate the stability, shelf-life, and turbidity of red wines. Understanding these macromolecular interactions helps with maintaining stability and reproducing high quality wines. Model polysaccharides (carboxymethyl cellulose, mannoproteins, and fruit pectin) and model proteins (egg white and oat protein) were selected to assess protein–polysaccharide interactions within a model wine solution. The wine-like solution was created to simulate the correct pH, ethanol strength, and pigment content. Any interactions with polymeric pigments—anthocyanins and tannins—can also be investigated in this matrix. To analyze the aggregative potential of the macromolecules, particle size and Zeta-potential (ζ-potential) measurements were recorded for the samples with increasingly complex compositions. Carboxymethyl cellulose was found to increase particle sizes, likely binding more than proteins, but also improved the overall stability of the solution. Fruit pectin and mannoprotein were effective at causing precipitation while not removing the color of the model wine. The use of mannoprotein ensued in overall smaller particles for both suspended aggregate and precipitate sizes, indicating higher selectivity. Fruit pectin increased precipitate sizes and decreased suspended aggregate sizes. This study implements model proteins to evaluate complex macromolecular interactions using measurements of ζ-potential and particle size.

A kinematic dataset of locomotion with gait and sit-to-stand movements of young adults

Kinematic data is a valuable source of movement information that provides insights into the health status, mental state, and motor skills of individuals. Additionally, kinematic data can serve as biometric data, enabling the identification of personal characteristics such as height, weight, and sex. In CeTI-Locomotion, four types of walking tasks and the 5 times sit-to-stand test (5RSTST) were recorded from 50 young adults wearing motion capture (mocap) suits equipped with Inertia-Measurement-Units (IMU). Our dataset is unique in that it allows the study of both intra- and inter-participant variability with high quality kinematic motion data for different motion tasks. Along with the raw kinematic data, we provide the source code for phase segmentation and the processed data, which has been segmented into a total of 4672 individual motion repetitions. To validate the data, we conducted visual inspection as well as machine-learning based identity and action recognition tests, achieving 97% and 84% accuracy, respectively. The data can serve as a normative reference of gait and sit-to-stand movements in healthy young adults and as training data for biometric recognition.

Theory Development and Crime Prevention Insights From the NCVS

The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) has furnished U.S. crime statistics and high quality data for theory development and policy insights for over 50 years. This article highlights few of these achievements drawing on the development of criminological thinking with regard to measurement, and explanation of victimization and its concentration on a small minority of the population. It overviews lifestyle and the more encompassing environmental criminology theory for victimization, and explanations of multiple victimization, and the international crime drop that relied on NCVS data. Selected crime prevention insight and few recommendations for future research conclude the article.

Assembly and characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of the Colombian coffee varieties Caturra Chiroso, Bourbon Chiroso and Chiroso, Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae), with insights on their phylogenetic relationships

AbstractVarieties represent a defined group with differentiated characteristics derived through natural selection and/or selective breeding from within a species. In the Central-Andean region of Colombia (Urrao) there are three endemic varieties of the species Coffea arabica L [“Caturra Chiroso” (CCH), “Bourbon Chiroso” (BCH), and “Chiroso” (CHCH)], known as “Chiroso” group, globally renowned for their high quality and distinctive cup profile. Despite its significance, there is a lack of reported genomic resources or basic biological information for these. In this study, we conducted the first assembly and characterization of the complete chloroplast (Cp) genomes of these varieties and reconstructed their ancestry relationships. The Cp genomes were 155,188 bp in length (A = 30.93%; C = 19.06%; G = 18.37%; T = 31.64%); containing 131 genes, comprising 86 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. They consisted of four subregions: the large single-copy (LSC) region (85,159 bp; 83 genes), the short single-copy (SSC) region (18,136 bp; 12 genes), and the inverted repeats IRA (25,944 bp; 18 genes) and IRB (25,945 bp; 18 genes). Likewise, among 26 intraspecific varieties analyzed, CCH + BCH formed a unique haplotype, and CHCH + Bourbon + Caturra formed another. CCH and BCH featured an exclusive Cytosine mutation (SNP: C/A), position 47,413 bp (intergenic spacer region trnT(UGU)-trnL(UAA)]. Likewise, a total of 445 short tandem repeats were found in the Cp genomes (dinucleotides: 370; trinucleotides: 71; tetranucleotides: 1). Finally, the three formed a well-supported monophyletic group with conspecific varieties, being more closely related to Eastern Ethiopian-origin varieties [e.g. Berbere region], as well as with traditional ones like Typica, Bourbon, and Caturra. These coffee varieties are a valuable new genetic resource for use as a gene source for genetic improvement, biotechnology, direct exploitation and cultivation worldwide.

Research on automated defect detection system based on computer vision

Abstract. With the intensification of market competition and consumer demand for product quality enhancement, people's development of industrialization is also more and more in-depth, the production scale and complexity of a variety of products is also increasing. However, in the process of automated production, product defects are unavoidable due to various factors such as equipment, environment, and human influence. The traditional human inspection method is inefficient, costly, and subjective, making it difficult to meet the needs of modern industrial production. Therefore, the need for an efficient, accurate and automated inspection system is urgent. Based on the current social situation, this paper will introduce the automated defect detection system based on computer vision, which is widely used in many fields, and has a great guarantee for people in the production of products with high quality and low cost, based on the needs in these areas, this paper will firstly introduce the relevant algorithms and their main contributions to the application scenarios of computer vision technology, and then introduce the key technologies of computer vision in defect detection in the key technology.

Does intraoperative wound irrigation with diluted povidone-iodine prevent surgical site infection in spine surgery?

This study employed meta-analysis to evaluate whether the application of intraoperative wound irrigation (IOWI) with povidone-iodine (PI) in spine surgery effectively reduces the incidence of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI). The present study was conducted strictly following the methodological guidance provided by the Cochrane Handbook. The protocol of this work was registered with PROSPERO. Two researchers independently conducted electronic searches in Medline via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The bias risk of each included study was evaluated by two assessors. We performed statistical analysis on the dataset using STATA software. Fourteen studies involving a total of 6777 patients were included in the present work. The risk of bias of six included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was considered as low-to-moderate risk, and the quality scores of the eight included retrospective cohort studies were rated as high quality. The results of this meta-analysis indicated a significant difference in the incidence of postoperative SSI between the two groups (RR = 0.29, 95% CI: (0.18, 0.47)). Moreover, patients who underwent IOWI with PI had lower rates of deep and superficial infections after spine surgery compared with the controlled group (superficial infection: RR = 0.28, 95%CI: (0.14, 0.54); Deep infection: RR = 0.24, 95%CI: (0.10, 0.60)). The sensitivity analysis results indicated good robustness and high evidence strength after data consolidation in the overall rate of postoperative SSI and the incidence of deep/superficial infection. IOWI with PI solution during spinal surgery can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative SSI.

Experience of physical activity in patients with stroke: A qualitative meta-synthesis.

Inadequate physical activity (PA) is increasingly common among stroke patients, we aim to comprehensively analyze the experience of stroke patients delivering physical activity, understand the obstacles and promoting factors of physical activity, and summarize clinical management strategies. An electronic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, SinoMed, CNKI, and WanFang Database was conducted for qualitative studies on the experience of PA in stroke patients. The review was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, the subsequent findings were synthesized via the Thomas and Harden approach and the credibility of the research results was evaluated by the CERqual tool. Six thousand five hundred forty-nine findings were yielded through the search, ultimately 11 studies were included through screening, a total of 194 stroke patients participated in the study, and 3 synthesized themes that emerged were identified: barriers to PA, facilitators to PA, and strategies to improve compliance with physical activity in stroke patients. All selected articles were of medium quality and all themes were of medium or high quality. The experience of PA among stroke patients should be given more attention. Healthcare professionals should provide physical activity-related knowledge education, social support, personalized care, improved environments, and create more opportunities for PA. In the future, more tailored interventions should be carried out to develop PA habits and improve compliance.

Herbal medicine for the treatment of non-erosive reflux disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) is the most prevalent gastroesophageal reflux disease. Currently, proton pump inhibitors are the most commonly used treatment for NERD. Recently, the demand for herbal medicines with relatively few side effects is increasing and trials confirming the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for the treatment of NERD have been conducted. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicine in the treatment of NERD through published randomized-controlled trials. Ten electronic databases were searched from inception until May 2023. Disease, intervention-related terms, and publication type keywords were combined as search terms. Studies designed as randomized controlled trials, including participants diagnosed with NERD with any type of herbal medicine as a treatment intervention were included. Data extraction and analysis were conducted by 2 independent reviewers. The total clinical efficacy rate was assessed as a primary outcome, while the secondary outcomes were recurrence rate, reflux diagnostic questionnaire score, short-form 36 health survey score, and serum motilin level. The risk of bias in each study and quality of evidence were assessed. Thirty-four randomized controlled trials involving 3759 patients were analyzed. Herbal medicine was significantly more effective in improving total clinical efficacy, recurrence rate, reflux diagnostic questionnaire score, some domains of short-form 36 health survey, and serum motilin levels in patients with NERD than conventional medical therapy. No severe intervention-related adverse effects were observed. Regarding the quality of evidence, most outcomes were revealed to have moderate to low levels of evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that herbal medicine can be an effective and safe therapy for NERD; however, there are several limitations regarding the methodological quality of the included studies. Further research with high methodological quality is necessary to improve the quality of evidence.

On the issue of impact of income inequality on the socio-economic development of territories

The issues of economic inequality and justice were considered in the works of the philosophers of Ancient Greece. Over time, the problem of income inequality has not lost its relevance, which is confirmed by domestic and foreign studies. Until 2015, the capital of the Russian Federation had the highest value of the Gini index, which indicates a high degree of inequality in income distribution in the territory of this subject. Over time, the situation has changed, in particular, by increasing the incomes of the least well-off groups of the population, providing them with subsidies and payments. The purpose of the study is to analyse to what extent these changes have an impact on the socio-economic development of the region. With the help of econometric calculations, the degree of dependence between the equity index and the value of the gross regional product per capita has been determined. It is revealed that there is an inverse relationship between the considered indicators, that is, a reduction in income inequality has an impact on the growth of regional production. The high value of the coefficient of determination indicates the high quality of the constructed model. The possibility of using the simulation results in practice is confirmed by calculations of the average approximation error and the Fisher criterion.

The centrality of nursing in realizing high quality palliative care: Exploring Canada’s framework on palliative care priorities

BackgroundFollowing an earlier mixed-method survey in which we asked stakeholders to report on their perceptions of the progress made in relation to Canada’s Framework on Palliative Care and Action Plan, the purpose of this study was to conduct an in-depth qualitative exploration of the factors influencing that progress, or lack thereof.MethodsThis was a qualitative interview study conducted in Canada. Inclusion criteria included experience with palliative care in Canada in a professional or volunteer capacity. Interviews were conducted by telephone using an interview guide that asked specific questions in relation to the Framework on palliative care priorities (e.g., education, caregiver support, and equitable access). Data was analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods.ResultsThirty-five diverse stakeholders with extensive experience in palliative care were interviewed. In relation to palliative education, participants indicated that although there were excellent palliative care resources available across the country there was further need for embedding palliative care in undergraduate education and for mentored opportunities to engage in care across diverse contexts. The identification, development, and strategic positioning of champions was an important strategy for improving palliative care knowledge and capacity. The development of standard competencies was viewed as an important step forward; although, there was a need to include more members of the care-team and to create pathways for life-long learning. In relation to support for family caregivers, even as participants cited numerous community-based resources offered by not-for-profit organizations, they described significant barriers including a shortage of in-home support, lack of understanding of what caregivers do, and policy-based contractual and privacy issues. In relation to palliative care access, participants described a nurse-centered, consult-based, multi-site and multi-provider model of care that was facilitated by technology. Barriers to this model were systemic healthcare issues of siloed, fragmented, and for-profit care.ConclusionParticipants in this study had clear insights into the factors that would support or impede progress to the development of palliative care in Canada. Some of those factors were achievable within current health and educational systems. Other factors were going to require longer term and more comprehensive solutions.

Comparative analysis of armid fiber reinforced polymer for strengthening reinforced concrete beam‐column joints under cyclic loading

AbstractThis research investigates the structural performance and failure mechanisms of beam‐column joints reinforced with aramid fiber‐reinforced polymer to bolster the durability and seismic resilience of concrete structures. It meticulously selects and proportions materials such as ordinary Portland cement Grade 53 cement, fine and coarse aggregates meeting IS: 383–1970 standards, and water conforming to IS: 456–2000 specifications. Tests confirm the high quality of ordinary Portland cement, crucial for optimal beam‐column joint performance, while carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer enhances structural integrity with its lightweight composition and substantial tensile strength (3800 MPa–4200 MPa). Failure analysis reveals that non‐aramid fiber reinforced polymer wrapped beam‐column joint specimens predominantly failed due to concrete crushing, whereas aramid fiber‐reinforced polymer‐wrapped specimens failed due to fracture in the aramid fiber‐reinforced polymer composite, emphasizing stress concentration areas. This study underscores the pivotal role of stress distribution in failure mechanisms and underscores the significance of robust reinforcement design in bolstering structural resilience. These insights advance retrofitting strategies and reinforce techniques aimed at enhancing the longevity and seismic resistance of concrete structures.

The reaction of the social security systems of the European Union and the united states of America to financial crises: proposals for using the experience in Russia

In the context of accelerated transformation of the domestic economy, attempts at economic and socio-political isolation of the Russian Federation (hereinafter referred to as RF, Russia), the question of rethinking the role of social protection in the development of the RF arises. The purpose of the work is to develop recommendations for increasing the adaptability of the domestic social protection system to future possible shocks, with consideration to modern practices used in developed economies. The object of the study is social protection systems. The subject is measures of adaption of these systems to consequences of financial crises. When conducting the study, the following methods have been used: analysis, induction, measurement, comparison, computational and constructive, statistical and economic. The main results of the study include identification of the basic channels for the transition of a financial crisis into a social one, and assessment of the fiscal impulses of the European Union countries, United States of America, and Russia in order to mitigate the negative shocks of financial crises. The practical significance of the work is due to the possibility of using the results in the activities of government bodies as part of improving the domestic social protection system. The similar nature of consequences of global financial crises has allowed us to draw a number of conclusions. Firstly, job retention schemes and social support measures for the unemployed population make it possible to create an effective system of income support for workers, especially for vulnerable groups. Secondly, increasing the targeting of social support measures will lead to the performance growth of social protection system, allowing for a more rational distribution of limited budget resources. Finally, this social system can effectively reach the target segment of beneficiaries only if means-testing information systems are of high quality.

Research on the Application of Smart Home in Interior Design

Abstract: With the rapid development of science and technology, the smart home in the field of interior design came to prominence. This paper discusses the application of smart home in interior design in the current environment. Smart home integration of advanced technology, covering intelligent lighting, home appliances, security, and environmental control systems. It provides designers with new creative ideas, challenges the traditional design mode, and promotes the perfect combination of technology, and art to meet people's pursuit of a high quality of life. For the residents, a smart home brings a new life experience, providing a comfortable, convenient, safe and personalized living environment. Therefore, this paper combines the new concepts, methods, and elements brought by smart home to interior design, analyses how smart home injects new vitality and innovative elements into interior design, and finds that the smart home opens up new dimensions, enriches the functional connotation, provides aesthetic inspiration, and changes the design process and method for interior design, that smart home is of great significance in promoting interior design innovation and change.

Analysis and optimization of the efficient press shop operation

Abstract. In the last decade, stamping and forming manufacturing methods have been widely used in the manufacturing industry, and the stamping and forming industry has gradually shifted from the competition of scale and quantity to the competition of high quality, cost-effectiveness, and multi-category. Therefore, it is of far-reaching significance to study the efficient operation method of the press shop. In this paper, the efficient operation modeling method, digital simulation platform, and production line improvement of the press shop are reviewed. According to analysis, it can be concluded that the dynamic data-driven modeling method is perfect, but the theoretical basis involved in the practical application process is too complicated, therefore, press shop managers may be required to have a certain degree of theoretical basis so that the method can be effectively realized. Besides, the virtual-real combination of digital simulation platforms is easy to operate in the press shop, but the model assumptions analyzed in this paper are too idealized, and potential unresolved problems may arise in the practical application of the press shop with a larger scope and wider coverage. Finally, the production-based transformation of the shop floor production line is a more suitable management method for older factories that are ready for upgrading.