Measures Of Parameters Research Articles

Inertial measurement unit sensor-based gait analysis in adults and older adults: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundGait assessment has been used in a wide range of clinical applications, and gait velocity is also a leading predictor of disease and physical functional aspects in older adults. Research questionThe study aim to examine the changes in IMU-based gait parameters according to age in healthy adults aged 50 and older, to analyze differences between aging patients. MethodsA total of 296 healthy adults (65.32 ± 6.74 yrs; 83.10 % female) were recruited. Gait assessment was performed using an IMU sensor-based gait analysis system, and 3D motion information of hip and knee joints was obtained using magnetic sensors. The basic characteristics of the study sample were stratified by age category, and the baseline characteristics between the groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Pearson's correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between age as the dependent variable and several measures of gait parameters and joint angles as independent variables. ResultsThe results of this study found that there were significant differences in gait velocity and both terminal double support in the three groups according to age, and statistically significant differences in the three groups in hip joint angle and knee joints angle. In addition, it was found that the gait velocity and knee/hip joint angle changed with age, and the gait velocity and knee/hip joint angle were also different in the elderly and adult groups. ConclusionsWe found changes in gait parameters and joint angles according to age in healthy adults and older adults and confirmed the difference in gait velocity and joint angles between adults and older adults.

Impact of fluid and haemodynamic management in cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on postoperative outcomes - A systematic review.

Cytoreduction surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an extensive surgery associated with significant fluid shift and blood loss. The haemodynamic management and fluid therapy protocol may impact postoperative outcomes. This systematic review was conducted to find the effect of haemodynamic monitoring and perioperative fluid therapy in CRS-HIPEC on postoperative outcomes. We searched PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. All studies published between 2010 and 2022 involving CRS-HIPEC surgeries that compared the effect of fluid therapy and haemodynamic monitoring on postoperative outcomes were included. Keywords for database searches included a combination of Medical Subject Headings terms and plain text related to the CRS-HIPEC procedure. The risk of bias and the certainty assessment were done by Risk of Bias-2 and the methodological index for non-randomised studies. The review included 16 published studies out of 388 articles. The studies were heterogeneous concerning the design type and parameter measures. The studies with goal-directed fluid therapy protocol had a duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay that varied from 1 to 20 days, while mortality varied from 0% to 9.5%. The choice of fluid, crystalloid versus colloid, remains inconclusive. The studies that compared crystalloids and colloids for perioperative fluid management did not show a difference in clinical outcomes. The interpretation of the available literature is challenging because the definitions of various fluid regimens and haemodynamic goals are not uniform among studies. An individualised approach to perioperative fluid therapy and a justified dynamic index cut-off for haemodynamic monitoring seem reasonable for CRS-HIPEC procedures.

Feasibility study on evaluating right ventricular diastolic function by new Tei’-Index

ObjectiveDoppler-derived myocardial performance index (Tei) has been used in the evaluation of right ventricular (RV) function. However, the usage in isolated diastolic dysfunction is limited.We sought to find a new Tei’-index that is more appropriate for evaluating isolated diastolic dysfunction (IDD) based on the symmetry of cardiac structure and function. Methods21 patients with impaired RV relaxation were compared to 44 control subjects. Tei and Tei’ including their components, isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), the ejection time (ET), and RV rapid filling time (RFT) were measured from RV outflow and tricuspid inflow Doppler velocity profiles. ResultsTei-index have no change between IDD group and control subjects (0.21 ± 0.08 vs 0.23 ± 0.07 PNS). The Tei’-index was significantly shortened in IDD group(0.24 ± 0.09 vs 0.32 ± 0.12,p＜0.05).The decrease in Tei’-index was due to the prolongation of both IRT and RFT, and in the abbreviation of ICT. Tei’-index cutoff value of ≥0.31 identified impaired RV relaxation with a sensitivity of 50 % and specificity of 86 %.We also find that the Tei’-index correlated well with doppler measures of diastolic parameters like E/A, E/e’, DT, which suggests its potential use as a noninvasive indicator of the right ventricular (RV) relaxation in patients with heart failure of different causes. ConclusionNew Tei's index is highly effective and specific in the evaluation of early diastolic dysfunction of right ventricle, and can be used as an indicator for the detection of IDD in clinic.

Associations between urinary biomarkers of exposure to disinfection byproducts and semen parameters: A repeated measures analysis

Toxicological studies have demonstrated that disinfection byproducts (DBPs), particularly haloacetic acids, cause testicular toxicity. However, evidence from human studies is sparse and inconclusive. This study included 1230 reproductive-aged men from the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) cohort to investigate the associations between repeated measures of DBP exposures and semen parameters. Urinary dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) as biomarkers of DBP exposures and semen parameters in up to three samples from each man were assessed. The linear mixed effect models were applied to explore the associations between urinary biomarkers of DBP exposures and semen parameters. We found inverse associations of urinary DCAA with sperm count, progressive motility, and total motility (e.g., −14.86%; 95% CI: −19.33%, −10.15% in sperm total motility for the highest vs. lowest quartiles; all P for trends < 0.05). Moreover, urinary TCAA modeled as a continuous variable was negatively associated with sperm progressive motility and total motility, while the inverse associations across increasing urinary TCAA quartiles were seen among leaner men (BMI < 25 kg/m2). Exposure to DBPs reflected by urinary DCAA and TCAA was inversely associated with sperm motility and such effects were more evident among leaner men.

A Fractional (q,q′) Non-Extensive Information Dimension for Complex Networks

This article introduces a new fractional approach to the concept of information dimensions in complex networks based on the (q,q′)-entropy proposed in the literature. The q parameter measures how far the number of sub-systems (for a given size ε) is from the mean number of overall sizes, whereas q′ (the interaction index) measures when the interactions between sub-systems are greater (q′&gt;1), lesser (q′&lt;1), or equal to the interactions into these sub-systems. Computation of the proposed information dimension is carried out on several real-world and synthetic complex networks. The results for the proposed information dimension are compared with those from the classic information dimension based on Shannon entropy. The obtained results support the conjecture that the fractional (q,q′)-information dimension captures the complexity of the topology of the network better than the information dimension.

Effect of Empagliflozin and Pioglitazone on left ventricular function in patients with type two diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease without established cardiovascular disease: a randomized single-blind clinical trial

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex metabolic disorder that increases the risk for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is an indicator of left ventricular (LV) mechanics and can detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction. We compared the effects of pioglitazone and empagliflozin on GLS in patients with T2DM and NAFLD without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.MethodsThis study was a 24-week randomized, single-blind, and parallel-group (1: 1 ratio) clinical trial. Seventy-three participants with T2DM (being treated with metformin) and NAFLD but without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) were randomized to empagliflozin or pioglitazone. Liver steatosis and fibrosis were measured using transient elastography, and GLS was measured by echocardiography. The primary endpoint was the change in GLS from baseline to week 24. Secondary end points include changes in controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and Liver stiffness measure (LSM).ResultsIn this study, GLS improved by 1.56 ± 2.34% (P < 0.01) in the pioglitazone group and 1.06 ± 1.83% (P < 0.01) in the empagliflozin group without a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.31). At baseline, GLS was inversely associated with the severity of liver fibrosis: r = − 0.311, P = 0.007. LSM in the pioglitazone and empagliflozin group [(-0.73 ± 1.59) and (-1.11 ± 1.33)] kpa (P < 0.01) decreased significantly. It was without substantial difference between the two groups (P = 0.26). Empagliflozin and pioglitazone both improved controlled attenuation parameter. The improvement was more critical in the empagliflozin group: -48.22 + 35.02 dB/m vs. -25.67 + 41.50 dB/m, P = 0.01.ConclusionSubclinical cardiac dysfunction is highly important in patients with T2DM and with NAFLD. Empagliflozin and Pioglitazone improve LV mechanics and fibrosis in patients without established ASCVD. This has a prognostic importance on cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients with T2DM. Moreover, empagliflozin ameliorates liver steatosis more effectively them pioglitazone. This study can serve as a start point hypothesis for the future. Further studies are needed to explore the concept in larger populations.Trial registration: This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): “A Comparison between the Effect of Empagliflozin and Pioglitazone on Echocardiographic Indices in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease” IRCT20190122042450N5, 29 November 2020. https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20190122042450N5.

A risk‐adjusted exponentially weighted moving average control chart for detection of the scale parameter in surgical quality monitoring

AbstractRisk‐adjusted control charts have been widely used in monitoring surgical quality in detecting risks of surgical performance. Most of the previous approaches focus on shifts in the location parameter as well as the existence of the scale parameter, which cannot get the full measure of the scale parameter under different levels. Ignoring the magnitude of the scale parameter, the monitoring methods cannot detect different variations of surgical mortality that is measured by scale parameter and required to reflect surgical quality improvement. The method of detecting variations in surgical quality is of interest in surgical quality improvement. This paper uses a new weighted h‐likelihood method to obtain a weighted score test for the surgical risks from the logistic model. Then an exponentially weighted moving average chart can be constructed to monitor the changes in the variance of risks, which could be of interest in practical surgical monitoring programs. Simulation results indicate that the proposed approach performs more efficiently than existing methods under various magnitudes of shifts in scale parameters on top of different pre‐set threshold stability. In addition, the application of the proposed method to real surgical data from the Surgical Outcome Monitoring and Improvement Program in Hong Kong shows the improvement and deterioration in a hospital's outcomes.

Distributed sub-Nyquist sampling and parameters measurement of common frequency support MEDS signals

Parameters measurement of multiple exponentially damped sinusoids (MEDS) signals is of great significance in many areas. However, recent technologies are most based on Nyquist sampling theory and thus require very high sampling rate for wide band signals. In this paper, a distributed sub-Nyquist sampling and parameters measurement method is proposed for common frequency support MEDS signals. The proposed method can measure the parameters of P common frequency support MEDS signals by P+1 distributed sub-Nyquist sampling channels. A subspace based parameters estimation algorithm is proposed to estimate the unknown amplitudes, frequencies and damping factors of the measured MEDS signals. It can be determined that K(P+1)+P⌈K/P⌉ samples are sufficient for parameters measuring of P MEDS signals with K common frequency components, which is much smaller than previous works. Finally, we design a hardware prototype to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Simulation and hardware experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness and noise robustness of the proposed method.

A systematic review on the influence factors, measurement, and effect of driver workload

Driver workload (DWL) is an important factor that needs to be considered in the study of traffic safety. The research focus on DWL has undergone certain shifts with the rapid development of scientific and technological advancements in the field of transportation in recent years. This study aims to grasp the state of research on DWL by both bibliometric analysis and individual critical literature review. The knowledge structure and development trend are described using bibliometric analysis. The knowledge mapping method is applied to mine the available literature in depth. It is discovered that one of the current research focus on DWL has shifted towards investigating its application in the field of autonomous driving. Subjective questionnaires and experimental tests (including both simulation technology and field study) are the main approaches to analyze DWL. An individual critical literature review of the influencing factors, measurement, and performance of DWL is provided. Research findings have shown that DWL was highly impacted by both intrinsic (e.g., age, temperament, driving experience) and external factors (e.g., vehicles, roads, tasks, environments). Scholars are actively exploring the combined effects of various factors and the level of vehicle automation on DWL. In addition to assess DWL by using subjective measures or physiological parameter measures separately, studies have started to improve classification accuracy by combining multiple measurement methods. Safety thresholds of DWL are not sufficiently studied due to the various interference items corresponding to different scenarios, but it is expected to quantify the DWL and find the threshold by establishing assessment models considering these intrinsic and external multiple-factors simultaneously. Driver or vehicle performance indicators are controversial to measure DWL directly, but they were suitable to reflect the impact of DWL in different driving conditions.

Environmental Challenges of Groundwater Contamination: An Assessment of Boreholes Water Quality in Ovom, Yenibebel and Yenaka Axis of Attisa Clan, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

Groundwater and surface water pollution are among the prominent environmental challenges facing humanity globally in this 21 st century. Groundwater is vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic pollution. In this study, groundwater collected from selected boreholes in Ovom, Yenibebel and Yenaka communities in Attisa Clan within Yenagoa metropolis were assessed for their physicochemical and heavy metals qualities, using standard analytical procedures of the World Health Organisation guidelines. The aim of the study was to determine the suitability of the boreholes water for human consumption with view to protecting public health and wellbeing. The physical parameters measured include; Electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solid (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS) and total hardness (TH). Chemical parameters analysed include; total alkalinity (TA), pH, Dissolved oxygen (DO), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chloride (Cl), Fluoride (F), Nitrate (NO 3 ), Phosphate (PO 4 ), Sulphate (SO 4 ). Heavy metals analysed include; Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg). Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu) Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb). The results of the analysis of the water quality parameters are presented in Table 3.1. The results indicate that the physical parameters measurements were lower than the limits set in the Nigeria standard quality for drinking water (NSDQW) and the world Health Organisation (WHO) standard, in all the sampling points. However HPI evaluation revealed that water samples collected from Ovom and Yenibebel are unsafe for human consumption due to high Cadmium concentration above the recommended level of (0.003mg/l).while the boreholes water from Yenaka are safe for human consumption. It is recommended that quality of boreholes water In Yenagoa should be monitored regularly in order to protect public health.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OF TEENAGE GIRL IN THE BERENG BENGKEL VILLAGE

Adolescence is a period of change or transition from childhood to adulthood. WHO defines adolescents as individuals who experience a transitional period gradually reaching sexual maturity. BPS 2022 data estimates that youth in Indonesia is equivalent to 24% of the total population. Healthy adolescents are an investment for the nation's future to meet the demographic bonus in 2030. Young women must be introduced to reproductive health so that adolescents know what is happening to themselves, especially those related to the reproductive organs which are used as determinants of size. a measure of health parameters and used as an indicator of the success or failure of programs to reduce stunting and reduce maternal and infant mortality. This study aims to determine the description of the health of Teenage Girl in the Bereng Bengkel Village. This type of research is descriptive with a quantitative approach. A total of 61 teenage girl aged 10-20 years as a population and the sampling technique was "Accidental sampling" and found 37 teenager. Data analysis using SPSS, obtained the results of Teenage Girl behavior (consumption of FE tablets 64,9%), information on reproductive health (reproductive organs 67,6%, characteristics of puberty 86,5%, pregnancy 48,7%, impact of free sex 62,1%, STI 64,9%, HIV 51,3% , and Personal Hygiene 75,7%). Regarding menstruation (menarche at the age of 11-16 years 73%, regular menstrual cycles 86,5%, no dysmenorrhea 81,1%, and no reproductive health problems such as vaginal discharge, etc. 73%). Furthermore, Teenage Girl plan to marry at the age of 20-35 years (73%), and participate in PKPR activities (81,1%). Reproductive health for teenage girl in the Bereng Bengkel Village is a responsibility and needs an important role from the family, school, government, to related stakeholders.

Wheat Yield and Important Traits Influenced by Interaction of Potassium and Irrigation Levels Evaluated at Number of Locations in the Country by AMMI Analysis and Non-Parametric Measures

AMMI analysis of treatments consisted of levels of potassium with irrigations observed highly significant effects of locations, treatments, and T×L interactions for wheat yield. About 53.4% of the total variations in yield values was due to locations followed by 26.3% and 10.8% by treatments and interactions effects. Further analysis found 59.7% contributed by AMMI1 while 17.2% and 9.4% by AMMI2 and AMMI3 components for thousands grain weight as total of first two components cumulative to 76.9% of the total variation. The sums of squares for G×E signal and noise were 56.7% and 43.3% of interaction effects for grains per spike as the sum of squares of T×L signal was 2.58 times of treatments effects and IPC1 alone was 3.54 times the treatments effects. Measures ASV and ASV1 recommended T6, T5, T4 for wheat yield while measures utilized 81.6% of interaction sum of squares whereas MASV and MASV1 measures based on 98.4% identified T3, T5, T8, T4 treatments. Maximum average for thousands grains weight; GAI selected T8, T9, T6 whereas as per HM values treatments T5, T2, T8 would be more desirable. Grains per spike found the measures RPGV and HMRPGV settled for T8, T9, T5 treatments. Non parametric measures for yield observed Si1 selected T3, T2, T5 as opposed to T6, T4, T1 by Si2 values. T6, T4, T1 genotypes considered by Si3 Si4 measure considered T6, T4, T1 next Si5 for T6, T3, T4 and Si6 pointed towards T6, T4, T8 genotypes while Si7 favored T6, T1, T4 genotypes. Composite measures for thousands grains weight found NPi(1) for T3,T4,T7 while as per NPi(2) for T4,T3,T7, NPi(3) T4,T3,T2, NPi (4) found T4, T5, T7 as suitable treatment combinations. Multivariate hierarchical clustering as per Ward’s method for wheat yield observed first irrigation level with three potassium levels formed a cluster and other irrigation levels with potassium application remained in other one. At the first node of demarcation for thousands grains weight IPC5 exhibited MASV with MASV1, ASV1, IPC4, ASV, Si1 Si2 Si3 Si4 Si5 Si6 Si7 NPi(1), CV in one side and mean, GAI, PRVG, IPC1, HM, IPC1, NPi(2) NPi(3) NPi (4) on other side. The performance of treatments based on AMMI and non-parametric measures would be more meaningful for identification of suitable irrigation and potassium levels for wheat sustainable production.

Adaptive FDA Radar Transmit Power Allocation for Target Detection Enhancement in Clutter Environment

The detection of static targets in clutter environments has been an active topic in radar community, which is also a difficult problem, since there is no Doppler information that can be used to distinguish the target from clutter. Aiming at this problem, in this article, we develop an adaptive approach based on frequency diverse array (FDA) radar to enhance the detection performance. First, a parametric measurement model that incorporates the practical dependence of the clutter responses on transmit frequencies is introduced. Then, based on the generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) test, an adaptive detector that requires no training data is developed to determine the existence of a target in a specific cell under test, where the scattering features of the target and clutter are assumed unknown. In addition, the detector has the property of constant false alarm rate (CFAR) with respect to the clutter. Moreover, under the criterion of maximizing the detection probability, we propose an adaptive scheme in which the collected data are utilized to select the transmit weights for power allocation to improve the detection. Numerical simulations are conducted to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed detector and demonstrate the performance improvement owing to the adaptive power allocation design.

Consignment Inventory System and Entrepreneurial Success among Micro Warehousing Firms

This study investigated the consignment inventory system and entrepreneurial success among micro warehousing firms. The study adopted cross sectional design and correlation design. Warehousing entrepreneurs practicing consignment inventory system with systemization of passion on micro firms from five south-south states were selected on basis of convenience sampling techniques. A total population of 1000 and sample size of 286 was determined using Slovin's Formula at 0.05 level of significance. The 286 copies of questionnaire were administered, only 257 was deem fit after processing, retriever, coding and cleansing. Three research questions and three hypotheses were raised which was tested with parametric measurement using Pearson Product Moment Correlation because of its bivariate function via SPSS 25 version. From the findings, consignment inventory system strongly correlates with the entrepreneurial success of the micro firms. Hence, the maximum stock level, re-order stock level and minimum stock level has significant influence on the success of the micro firms. Hence, it was revealed that the alternate hypotheses were accepted. Based on the findings and conclusion, it could be recommended that entrepreneurs should design and construct credible validated stock level to ascertain long term success in the enterprise. Also entrepreneur should avoid danger stock level and stock out that would ruins the enterprise ability to achieve her success.

Consignment Inventory System and Entrepreneurial Survival in Lagos State

This study investigated consignment inventory system and entrepreneurial survival in Lagos State. The study adopted cross-sectional survey and quasi-experimental method. With the aid of accidental sampling technique andproportionate stratified random sampling technique, the total population of 98 and sample size of 83 was determined using Slovin's Formula at 0.05 level of significance. The 83 copies of questionnaire were administered, only 72 was deem fit after processing, retriever, coding and cleansing. The Split-half method of reliability accompany with Spearman Brown Prophesy formula. Two research questions and two hypotheses were raised which was tested with parametric measurement using Pearson Product Moment Correlation because of its monotonic function via SPSS 25 version. From the findings, consignment inventory system aligned corporate bond with innovation and adaptability. Hence, inventory control strongly correlates significantly entrepreneurial survival. Hence, it was revealed that the alternate hypotheses were accepted. It could be recommended that employee at all level should be train on innovative skills on how to control inventory in the long run and short run. The consciousness on the philosophy of survival should be the spirit of leadership in the enterprise.

The Effectiveness of a Low Glycemic Index/Load Diet on Cardiometabolic, Glucometabolic, and Anthropometric Indices in Children with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of a low glycemic index (LGI) and low glycemic load (LGL) diet on children with overweight and obesity, analyzing any changes in anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and glucometabolic parameters. (2) Methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL), as well as clinical trial registries and reference lists of the included studies, were searched for eligible randomized control trials (RCTs). Two independent reviewers performed the screening of the studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random effects model were calculated for each outcome. (3) Results: Eleven RCTs (n = 634) examining the effect of LGI diet versus control were identified. The synthesized data provided from the RCTs indicate no difference between intervention and control groups regarding primary outcomes (body weight (MD: -0.14; 95% CI -1.93 to 1.64, 5 trials), body mass index (BMI) (MD: -0.31; 95% CI -0.85 to 0.23, 6 trials), BMI z-score (MD: -0.03; 95% CI -0.09 to 0.02, 5 trials), and waist circumference (MD: -0.52; 95% CI -2.35 to 1.31, 5 trials)) and other measures of cardiometabolic and glucometabolic parameters. The majority of trials were classified as "some concerns". (4) Conclusions: LGI and LGL diets do not seem to be associated with changes in adiposity, cardiometabolic or glucometabolic markers in children with overweight or obesity. Further research comparing the LGI diet to a high glycemic index diet, with proper methodological standards, is required to clarify the benefits of a LGI diet in this population.

The pregnancy research on inflammation, nutrition, & city environment: systematic analyses study (PRINCESA) cohort, 2009-2015.

The Pregnancy Research on Inflammation, Nutrition, & City Environment: Systematic Analyses Study (PRINCESA) cohort was set up to evaluate associations between air pollution and birth outcomes among pregnant persons in Mexico City. Specifically, the study was designed to improve air pollution exposure assessment and elucidate biological mechanisms underlying associations between maternal exposures and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant persons (all women) (N = 935) between ages 18-45 who lived and/or worked in metropolitan Mexico City, Mexico, from 2009 to 2015 and liveborn singleton infants (N = 815) of participants who completed follow-up were enrolled in the cohort. We followed participants monthly from enrollment to delivery and the following categories of data were obtained: demographic, medical and obstetric history, geo-referenced data, repeated measures on daily activity patterns, reported food intake, anthropometric, clinical and obstetric data, 20 serum and 20 cervicovaginal cytokines, and lower reproductive tract infection. Repeated ultrasound measures of fetal parameters and infant birth data are also included in the study's database. In addition, PRINCESA investigators calculated air pollution exposure measures for six pollutants measured by the Mexico City Atmospheric Monitoring System (SIMAT). These estimates utilize participants' addresses to account for spatial variation in exposure (nearest monitor, inverse distance weighting, and kriging) and are available daily during pregnancy for participants. To date, associations between environmental and nutritional impacts on maternal and child health outcomes have been evaluated. PRINCESA has a comprehensive database of maternal and infant data and biological samples and offers collaboration opportunities to study associations between environmental and other factors, including nutrition and pregnancy outcomes.

A two-stage uncertainty quantification framework for reliability and sensitivity analysis of structures using the probability density evolution method integrated with the Fréchet-derivative-based method

In this work, a novel Fréchet-derivative-based global sensitivity analysis is incorporated into the probability density evolution method for the simultaneous reliability and sensitivity analysis of structures. The two methods are synthesized and realized under a two-stage uncertainty quantification framework. Fundamental and numerical algorithms of the method are described, which is validated by a benchmark problem with theoretical solutions. Then it is applied on studying stochastic seismic responses of a real-world reinforced concrete structure of 288 m high. Results demonstrate that the response characteristics of the structure will be greatly changed when both uncertainties from the ground motions and structural parameters are considered, e.g., the failure probability will be enlarged by 1∼2 orders of magnitude. Besides, contrary to the popular opinion that the uncertainty of structural parameters is trivial compared to that of parameters in the ground-motion model, the importance measures of the structural parameters can be greater than those of the parameters in the ground-motion model by a factor of 2. when the coupling effect of randomness and nonlinearity of structural materials becomes dramatic. Some issues to be further outlined are also discussed.

Nonlinear strict distance and similarity measures for intuitionistic fuzzy sets with applications to pattern classification and medical diagnosis

In this paper, we propose a new type of nonlinear strict distance and similarity measures for intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs). Our proposed methods not only have good properties, but also improve the drawbacks proposed by Mahanta and Panda (Int J Intell Syst 36(2):615–627, 2021) in which, for example, their distance value of d_{_{textrm{MP}}}(langle mu , nu rangle , langle 0, 0rangle ) is always equal to the maximum value 1 for any intuitionistic fuzzy number langle mu , nu rangle ne langle 0, 0rangle . To resolve these problems in Mahanta and Panda (Int J Intell Syst 36(2):615–627, 2021), we establish a nonlinear parametric distance measure for IFSs and prove that it satisfies the axiomatic definition of strict intuitionistic fuzzy distances and preserves all advantages of distance measures. In particular, our proposed distance measure can effectively distinguish different IFSs with high hesitancy. Meanwhile, we obtain that the dual similarity measure and the induced entropy of our proposed distance measure satisfy the axiomatic definitions of strict intuitionistic fuzzy similarity measure and intuitionistic fuzzy entropy. Finally, we apply our proposed distance and similarity measures to pattern classification, decision making on the choice of a proper antivirus face mask for COVID-19, and medical diagnosis problems, to illustrate the effectiveness of the new methods.

Psychosocial characteristics and quality of life among sexual and gender minority patients with cancer.

Underserved and minoritized patients with cancer often experience more psychosocial concerns and inferior quality of life (QOL) compared with majority populations. This study compared patient-reported psychosocial characteristics and QOL among self-identified sexual and gender minority patients with cancer vs cisgender-heterosexual patients with cancer treated at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the United States. Self-report data from 51 503 patients were obtained from an institutional standard-of-care electronic patient questionnaire that was completed prior to, or on the day of, the patient's initial visit. The electronic patient questionnaire collects demographic information, including sexual orientation and gender identity, psychosocial variables, and QOL using the validated Short Form Health Survey-12. Sexual orientation and gender identity information was used to identify self-identified sexual and gender minority and cisgender-heterosexual persons (ie, non-self-identified sexual and gender minority). Using parametric analyses, psychosocial variables and QOL measures were compared for self-identified sexual and gender minority vs non-self-identified sexual and gender minority patients with cancer. Compared with non-self-identified sexual and gender minority patients (n = 50 116), self-identified sexual and gender minority patients (n = 1387, 2.7%) reported statistically significantly greater concerns regarding getting help during treatment (2.6% vs 4.3%, respectively; P = .001) and concerns with ability to seek care (16.7% vs 21.6%, respectively, P < .001). Self-identified sexual and gender minority patients reported statistically significantly elevated mental health concerns and daily emotional and pain interference (all P < .001), whereas there was no statistically significant difference in daily interference due to physical functioning. These data reveal real-world disparities among self-identified sexual and gender minority patients with cancer, which can be used to develop psychosocial interventions tailored to address the unique psychosocial and QOL needs of this underserved and minoritized population and to ultimately improve cancer care.