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Machine learning approaches to code similarity measurement: A systematic review
No full textSource code similarity measurement, which involves assessing the degree of difference between code segments, plays a crucial role in various aspects of the software development cycle. These include but are not limited to code quality assurance, code review processes, code plagiarism detection, security, and vulnerability analysis. Despite the increasing application of ML technique in this domain, a comprehensive synthesis of existing methodologies remains lacking. This paper presents a systematic review of Machine Learning techniques applied to code similarity measurement, aiming to illuminate current methodologies and contribute valuable insights to the research community. Following a rigorous systematic review protocol, we identified and analyzed 84 primary studies on a broad spectrum of dimensions covering application type, devised Machine Learning algorithms, used code representations, datasets, and performance metrics, as well as performance evaluations. A deep investigation reveals that 15 applications for code similarity measurement have utilized 51 different machine learning algorithms. Additionally, the most prevalent code representation is found to be the abstract syntax tree (AST). Furthermore, the most frequently employed dataset across various code similarity research applications is BigCloneBench. Through this comprehensive analysis, the paper not only synthesizes existing research but also identifies prevailing limitations and challenges, shedding light on potential avenues for future work.peer-reviewe
A seasonal assessment of indoor air quality and thermal performance in naturally ventilated airtight energy-efficient dwellings
No full textBackground
Increased building energy performance requires improved thermal performance, elevating the risk of overheating and necessitating cooling strategies. Natural ventilation possesses the advantage of reducing cooling energy consumption in warmer seasons. Nevertheless, a consequence is decreased airflow in energy-efficient structures employing enhanced airtightness.
Aim
This research evaluated the effectiveness of natural ventilation in maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in energy-efficient airtight households with no centralised active ventilation systems.
Methodology
Bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens were monitored for a week during summer and winter. Indoor air pollutants included PM2.5, CO2, TVOCs, NO2, CO, beside temperature and relative humidity. Bedroom air exchange rates were extrapolated based on the metabolic CO2 method. Results: Higher (p < 0.01) concentrations of gaseous pollutants were measured in bedrooms than in living rooms, and in winter than in summer. PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the 24-hour WHO guidelines in kitchens (92% in winter, 51% in summer). CO2 concentrations were above 1000 ppm for 94% of the sleeping time in bedrooms in winter, and 39% in summer. Weekly TVOC concentrations across the bedrooms were 463 ppb in winter and 293 ppb in summer. Temperature and humidity were broadly within acceptable limits. Air exchange rate ranged across the bedrooms from 0.08 to 0.35 h-1 in summer and from 0.09 to 0.26 h-1 in winter.
Conclusions
Ventilation performance gap was identified between the design and operational performance based on the current operational strategy. The findings highlight significant seasonal variations in indoor pollutant concentrations and underscore the need to improve ventilation strategies.This publication has been funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland under the SEAI Research, Development & Demonstration Funding Programme 2019, Grant number 19/RDD/537.peer-reviewe
Breandán Ó hEithir, Reg Hindley agus a gcuid tuartha teangeolaíochta: foinsí agus cartlanna
No full textTháinig dhá chonspóid phoiblí chun cinn maidir le bisiúlacht na Gaeilge sa nGaeltacht le linn na mblianta 1990 agus 1991. Foilsíodh The Death of the Irish Language: A Qualified Obituary le Reg Hindley (1929–2017) in 1990. Bliain ina dhiaidh sin, sceitheadh tuarascáil phríobháideach le Raidió na Gaeltachta a bhí scríofa ag Breandán Ó hEithir (1930–1990) maidir le Staid Láithreach na Gaeltachta a bhí coimisiúnaithe ag Cathaoirleach Bhord na Gaeilge, Proinsias Mac Aonghusa (1933–2003). Féachfaidh an páipéar gairid seo le léiriú a dhéanamh ar an gcaoi a ndearnadh seachadadh agus glacadh ar na teachtaireachtaí dioscúrsa a bhain leis an dá chonspóid i measc an phobail teanga.peer-reviewe
Optimising digital cardiac rehabilitation using the multiphase optimization strategy
No full textBackground. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a complex intervention that seeks to improve the functional capacity, wellbeing, and health-related quality of life of patients with CVD. Despite strong evidence supporting the clinical and cost-effectiveness of CR, its utilisation remains low due to various patient-, clinician-, and service-level barriers. Digital CR offers a promising solution to some of these challenges, yet its components and mechanisms of change are not well-defined. The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) provides a framework that allows the effects of individual components of complex interventions to be studied.
Aims. This research aimed to (1) determine the effectiveness of digital CR and identify the active ingredients in these interventions, (2) qualitatively explore patient experiences of participating in digital CR, (3) develop a conceptual model of digital CR, and (4) explore the feasibility and acceptability of conducting an optimisation randomised controlled trial of a digital CR intervention.
Methods. Four studies were conducted to achieve the aims of this thesis. Study 1 involved a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise the evidence for digital CR interventions and identify the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) associated with effective interventions. In Study 2, thematic analysis was used to explore patient experiences of participating in digital CR programmes. Study 3 aimed to develop a conceptual model of digital CR using used tools and frameworks from behavioural science, including the Behaviour Change Wheel, the Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model, and Theoretical Domains Framework to synthesise the findings from the systematic review, qualitative research, and a review of international guidelines for CR. Study 4 is a protocol for a mixed methods study that will explore the feasibility and acceptability of conducting an optimisation randomised controlled trial of a digital CR intervention. Key stakeholders, including a Patient and Public Involvement panel, were engaged with throughout the programme of research. Findings. Study 1 found that digital CR was associated with significant improvements in daily steps, light physical activity, medication adherence, functional capacity, and low- density lipoprotein-cholesterol when compared to usual care, and was comparable to centre- based CR on all outcomes. More effective interventions included BCTs belonging to the following BCT domains: feedback and monitoring, goals and planning, natural consequences, and social support. Study 2 found that digital CR helped to empower and support participants by providing them with the tools to modify their lifestyle and manage their recovery. However, participants reported challenges when communicating online and expressed a desire for more social interaction with peers. The conceptual model developed in Study 3 outlines the causal process through which digital CR can enhance patient outcomes. It specifies intervention components (e.g., education), targeted outcomes (e.g., physical activity), and theorised mediating variables (e.g., knowledge). Study 4 encountered significant delays due to data protection and intellectual property concerns, highlighting the challenges of conducting research with digital health technology. The findings from this study will provide insights into the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a fully powered optimisation randomised controlled trial of a digital CR intervention.
Conclusions. This thesis applies multiple methods to develop the evidence base for the optimisation of digital CR. It presents evidence supporting the effectiveness of digital CR and offers insights into the design and structure of these interventions that contribute to their success. Additionally, it explores the patient experience of participating in digital CR programmes and identifies the key factors that shaped these experiences. The conceptual model, developed through a synthesis of quantitative and qualitative evidence using behavioural science frameworks, provides a strong foundation for evaluating a digital CR intervention in an optimisation randomised controlled trial. The description of the conceptual model development process serves as an example of the preparatory work that can be conducted within MOST, and demonstrates how behavioural science can enhance this phase. The research makes a significant contribution to the literature on digital CR, the preparation phase of MOST, and the application of tools and frameworks that can support this work. The findings offer important implications for the development and optimisation of effective digital CR programmes.This research was funded by the Health Research Board (HRB) [Ireland Collaborative Doctoral Award 2019 [CDA-2019-001] and is delivered in collaboration with the HRB Structured Population and Health-services Research Education Programme (SPHeRE Programme)
The effect of scopolamine on memory and attention: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground
Scopolamine is a muscarinic receptor antagonist and is widely utilized as a “memory-loss model.” However, its impact across different memory and attention tasks and using different modes of administration has yet to be clearly evaluated. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the effect of scopolamine, across all routes of administration and across different dosages, on memory and attention performance in healthy humans (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024531634).
Methods
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched (on 20 April 2024) for studies that utilized scopolamine and assessed memory and/or attention. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted across a range of memory and attention tasks using “Comprehensive Meta-Analysis,” Version 3, to evaluate differential pharmacological effects on cognitive tasks between the scopolamine and placebo groups.
Results
Forty-six studies fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Scopolamine negatively impaired performance on all memory tasks (immediate memory, delayed recall, digit span, Buschke selective reminding task, and recognition memory) and led to slower reaction times for three of the five attention tasks examined (choice reaction time, simple reaction time, and rapid visual information processing) compared to placebo. Scopolamine’s negative effect on memory and attention was greater with injectable (e.g., intramuscular, intravenous, and subcutaneous) compared to non-injectable routes of administration (e.g., intranasal, oral, and transdermal).
Conclusion
This study supports the use of scopolamine as a “memory-loss model,” particularly when given by an injectable route of administration. Future clinical trials should evaluate the bioavailability of scopolamine across different routes of administration to ensure therapeutic benefits outweigh any potential adverse cognitive effects.This work was supported by the Hardiman Scholarship, awarded by the University of Galway.peer-reviewe
Comparison of in-vitro immunomodulatory capacity between large and small apoptotic bodies from human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells
No full textBackground
Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) apoptosis is essential for their therapeutic effects, including immunomodulation. Previous studies have shown that MSC-derived apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs) also possess immunomodulatory properties. However, compared to small extracellular vesicles, the preparation, characterization, and biological properties of ApoBDs remain underexplored.
Results
ApoBDs were isolated from the conditioned medium of staurosporine-induced apoptotic human MSCs and categorized into large (∼700 nm) and small (∼500 nm) groups. Both types expressed CD90, CD44, and CD73, with low levels of PD-L1, CD11b, and HLA-DR, mirroring their parental MSCs. Functional assays revealed that both ApoBDs inhibited allogeneic T-cell proliferation, with large ApoBDs demonstrating superior efficacy. In macrophage co-culture experiments, both ApoBDs polarized M1 macrophages toward an M2-like phenotype, with large ApoBDs more effectively upregulating CD163 expression. Additionally, both ApoBDs suppressed the proliferation of murine primary T cells. Furthermore, large ApoBDs exhibited enhanced macrophage uptake, as confirmed by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. Importantly, no cytotoxicity was observed for either ApoBD type following staurosporine treatment.
Conclusions
Staurosporine-induced ApoBDs are non-cytotoxic and exhibit significant immunomodulatory potential in vitro. Large ApoBDs are more effective than small ApoBDs in T-cell suppression and M2 macrophage polarization, suggesting their potential as an alternative to MSC-based therapies in future studies.Jiemin Wang acknowledges the financial support from the China Scholarship Council (202006370067). This work was partly funded by the European Union under grant agreement number 101080611 (Restore Vision). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health And Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor HADEA can be held responsible for them. This work has also emanated from research supported in part by a grant from Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under grant number 13/RC/2073_P2 at CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices. Fig. 1A was created by Biorender.peer-reviewe
Taking the ‘-Deoir’ out of ‘Taighdeoir’: ag cruthú chuardaitheoir fotheaghráin agus moirféimí don Ghaeilge
No full textMar gheall ar rabharta iarrachtaí atá déanta in Éirinn agus thar lear leis an Ghaeilge a neartú, ar dhiaspóra beo bríomhar, ar líon mór daoine atá ag foghlaim na Gaeilge, agus ar stádas na nGaeilgeoirí mar luathghlacadóirí teicneolaíochta, is iomaí acmhainn leictreonach atá ar fáil go héasca do chainteoirí agus d’fhoghlaimeoirí na teanga: foclóirí, corpais, agus uirlisí foghlama eile san áireamh. Mar sin féin, tá srianta fós ann i dtaca leis na feidhmchláir atá ábalta cuardach a dhéanamh ar mhíreanna na Gaeilge (réimíreanna, iarmhíreanna, agus táthmhíreanna). Ina theannta sin, níl feidhmchláir ann a chuireann rím san áireamh, agus cé go bhfuil foclóir ríme ann, níl aon fhoclóir ríme láidir ann a chuireann éagsúlachtaí canúna san áireamh ach an oiread.peer-reviewe
Synthesizing public health preparedness mechanisms for high-impact infectious disease threats: A jurisdictional scan
No full textAim
High-impact infectious diseases pose major global health challenges, underscoring the urgent need for robust public health preparedness. Despite efforts to improve global health security, recent pandemics have revealed significant weaknesses in health systems’ preparedness and response capabilities.
Methods
We reviewed and synthesized key strategies and lessons from existing public health preparedness plans for high-impact infectious diseases. This included examining national and global plans, focusing on strategic approaches, evidence integration, and real-world implementation lessons. A narrative synthesis, based on the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) model, identified effective practices and areas needing improvement.
Results
We screened 1987 documents, selecting 38 for detailed analysis. Findings highlighted strategies for long-term health emergency preparedness, workforce development, enhancing global health frameworks, and investing in infrastructure. Challenges included maintaining laboratory detection, managing sentinel surveillance, and logistical issues. Effective approaches emphasized early threat detection, rapid response, healthcare capacity, medical supply management, and strategic communication.
Conclusions
Effective public health preparedness for high-impact infectious diseases requires a coordinated approach, including early threat detection, rapid response, robust healthcare systems, and strategic communication. Past outbreaks show the need for continuous investment, evidence-based policies, and adaptable health systems. Future research should assess ongoing preparedness efforts and implementation challenges.This work was supported by Health Research Board (Ireland) and the HSC Research and Development Division of the Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland) through Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland (Grant ESI-2021-001).peer-reviewe
Trends in health behaviours, outcomes and contexts:1998-2022. The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study
No full text[No abstract available]non-peer-reviewe
A new approach for small-diameter vascular grafts using combined dip-coating of silk fibroin and elastin-like recombinamers
No full textCompliance mismatch and suboptimal hemocompatibility prevent the use of the traditional materials used for vascular prostheses or degradable synthetic polymers as small-diameter vessel bypass grafts. Here, we show the combination of silk fibroin and elastin-like recombinamers in a dip-coating multilayer setup to achieve smooth small-diameter vascular grafts with ultrathin wall thickness. We found in both FTIR and mechanical characterization that the novel material combination was successful through the double crosslinked interpenetrated network formed by elastin-like recombinamers and silk fibroin. This enabled the graft to have mechanical compliance that followed physiological behaviour, differently from the synthetic materials traditionally used in clinics. The mechanical behaviour of these grafts also achieved burst pressure (745.44 ± 102.92 mmHg) and suture retention strength (0.86 ± 0.13 N) required for clinical application. The structure proved to have low platelet adhesion in the thrombogenicity assessment (3.79 ± 3.26 % of platelet area coverage), which is essential for successful outcomes in physiological conditions. Our results demonstrate the successful combination of the two materials in a technology platform that can be adjusted in both diameter and wall thickness and possesses suitable properties as a small-diameter vascular graft. We anticipate these results to be the starting point for more in vitro and in vivo tests possibly transitioning into clinical application.This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 - Research and Innovation Framework Programme under the H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions grant agreement No 956621. A. Fernández-Colino acknowledges the financial support of the NanoMatFutur Program of the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF, grant number 13XP5136).peer-reviewe