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Dynamic Event-Triggered Bipartite Formation for MIMO Multiagent Systems With Quantized Data
No full textThis article deals with fully distributed data-driven bipartite formation control for nonlinear discrete-time multi-input–multi-output multiagent systems (MASs) with unknown dynamics models and quantized information. Initially, a distributed combined measurement error function (DCMEF) is developed for MASs characterized by cooperative and competitive interactions. This function is designed to transform bipartite formation challenges into traditional consensus problems. Subsequently, a distributed compact form dynamic linearization model is established based on the designed DCMEF and input–output data of the MASs, eliminating the need for a strongly connected communication topology. Following this, a logarithmic quantization scheme and a dynamic event-triggered communication mechanism are devised to reduce the communication burden and enhance convergence speed. Finally, a data-driven fully distributed dynamic event-triggered bipartite formation control method is proposed, and its convergence is rigorously proven. Simulation studies and hardware experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method
Characteristics of potential head injury situations at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TM
Get PDFThis exploratory video analysis study aimed to review characteristics of potential head injury situations during a men’s professional international football tournament. For 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ FIFA analysts used match footage to record all potential head injury situations. A potential head injury situation was defined as a player staying down for more than 5 s and/or requesting medical attention, and where the body impact location included the player’s head. Characteristics were further recorded for match, player (i.e. player action including aerial duels), medical assessment, and outcome (e.g. substitution). Descriptive statistics are reported as well as Pearson’s Chi-squared test (or Fisher’s exact test) to explore potential head injury situations more likely to result in medical attention. In total, 149 potential head injury situations occurred in 56 matches (mean 2.33/match, range 0–6) involving 117 players. Eight matches resulted in no incidents. Aerial duels were the most frequent match characteristic leading to a potential head injury situation. Injury stoppage with on-pitch medical assessment occurred in 35 of the 149 potential head injury situations (23%), with pitch-side assessment also occurring in 15 situations (10%), resulting in four concussion substitutions. Players were more likely to require medical attention for potential head injuries sustained when the ball was loose (χ2 = 6.88; p = 0.038) when the injured player was jumping (FET p = 0.044) and for head-to-head contact (FET p = <0.001). Further exploration of aerial duels during match play which do and do not lead to potential and actual head injuries is recommended
Navigating the System of Regulation and Practice in the UK: Towards a Posthuman Institutional Ethnography of Nursing
Get PDFObjectiveTo explore how regulatory frameworks, material constraints, and systemic conditions influence nursing practice, focusing on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (UK) Code, emotional labour, gendered expectations, and healthcare technology.DesignThis qualitative study employed a Posthuman Institutional Ethnography (PIE) approach to understand the material and social dynamics that shape nursing practice.Setting(s)A renal ward in a large acute National Health Service (NHS) hospital in the UK.ParticipantsThe sample consisted of 10 practising nurses, aged from their mid-20s to 50s, with varying lengths of service from 3 to over 30 years, offering diverse perspectives on nursing practice.MethodsData were collected from October 2018 to April 2019 through documentary analysis, participatory ethnography, multimedia diaries, and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis, guided by posthuman and new materialist frameworks, examined how human and non-human actors interact in the production of nurse work.ResultsThe Code's emphasis on individual accountability often clashes with systemic barriers such as staffing shortages, outdated healthcare technology, and limited resources, leading to distress and burnout among nurses. Gendered expectations further exacerbate the burden on nurses, contributing to feelings of inadequacy, exhaustion, and emotional strain. Inefficient electronic health records (EHRs) were identified as significant barriers to effective nursing practice.ConclusionsAddressing systemic barriers is crucial to creating a supportive environment for nurses. Shifting from a model of individual accountability to one of systemic responsibility is vital for enhancing nurse well-being and improving patient care quality. Policy changes must acknowledge systemic factors such as staffing, technology, and resource availability to create a sustainable and effective healthcare system that supports nursing practice.Patient or Public ContributionThe study design includes participatory methods where participants create the framing and context of the data included. However, this study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting
Put the people first: why communities should be central in mangrove conservation
No full textMangroves are often best conceived as socio-ecological systems because their health and survival are usually closely entwined with the fortunes of the human communities that rely upon them. A growing emphasis on the services that they provide to society has helped slow rates of mangrove destruction. There is now welcome legal and procedural emphasis on the rights of indigenous people and local communities in mangrove conservation, and we believe that these trends should be embraced and endorsed by mangrove scientists and conservationists. However, new and emerging policy drivers, particularly those linked to carbon and other markets, could threaten the rights of indigenous people and local communities. There are strong arguments, derived from ethics and efficacy, for ensuring that mangrove conservation is led, or at least heavily influenced, by local communities. Current international and national law and policy is not sufficient to ensure this. We suggest approaches and attitudes that will help keep communities at the centre of conservation efforts and call on mangrove scientists and conservationists to explicitly embrace a community-led mindset
“Can We Trust Them?” An Expert Evaluation of Large Language Models to Provide Sleep and Jet Lag Recommendations for Athletes
No full textBackgroundWith the increasing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and sports science, large language models (LLMs) are being explored as tools for delivering personalized, evidence-based guidance to athletes.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the capabilities of LLMs (ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, and Google Bard) to deliver evidence-based advice on sleep and jet lag for athletes.MethodsConducted in two phases between January and June 2024, the study first identified ten frequently asked questions on these topics with input from experts and LLMs. In the second phase, 20 experts (mean age 43.9 ± 9.0 years; ten females, ten males) assessed LLM responses using Google Forms surveys administered at two intervals (T1 and T2). Inter-rater reliability was evaluated using Fleiss' Kappa, and intra-rater agreement using the Jaccard Similarity Index (JSI), and content validity through the content validity ratio (CVR). Differences among LLMs were analyzed using Friedman and Chi-square tests.ResultsExperts’ response rates were high (100% at T1 and 95% at T2). Inter-rater reliability was minimal (Fleiss' Kappa: 0.21–0.39), while intra-rater agreement was high, with 53% of experts achieving a JSI ≥ 0.75. ChatGPT-4 had the highest CVR for sleep (0.67) and was the only model with a valid CVR for jet lag (0.68). Google Bard showed the lowest CVR for jet lag (0%), with significant differences compared to ChatGPT-3.5 (p = 0.0073) and ChatGPT-4 (p < 0.0001). Reasons for inappropriate responses varied significantly for jet lag (p < 0.0001), with Google Bard criticized for insufficient information and frequent errors. ChatGPT-4 outperformed other models overall.ConclusionsThis study highlights the potential of LLMs, particularly ChatGPT-4, to provide evidence-based advice on sleep but underscores the need for improved accuracy and validation for jet lag recommendations
Post-fire mechanical properties of 3D printed concrete under different cooling methods
Get PDFThis paper presents the mechanical properties of 3D Printed Concrete (3DPC) exposed to different elevated temperatures. After exposure to temperatures ranging from 200°C to 600°C and subsequent cooling by either air or water, the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of 3DPC were evaluated. The results indicate that higher temperatures lead to increased anisotropy in 3DPC. Furthermore, water-cooling results in more severe deterioration of strength compared to air-cooling, with the maximum differences in compressive and splitting tensile strengths between the two methods reaching 23.2 % and 29.8 %, respectively. Additionally, the incorporation of fly ash in 3DPC more effectively improves post-fire strength compared to cast concrete. Comparisons with existing design codes reveal that current codes lack accuracy in predicting the post-fire strength of 3DPC and exhibit relatively large dispersion. Moreover, re-curing of heated specimens after cooling was conducted to assess its effect on post-fire mechanical properties. Test results indicated that compressive strength increased by up to 46.5 %, splitting tensile strength increased by up to 98.2 %, and anisotropy was significantly reduced. This study is the first to quantify the strength recovery effect of re-curing on 3DPC, elucidate the influence of cooling methods on high-temperature deterioration, and provide essential data to support post-fire assessment, repair strategies for 3DPC, and the revision of relevant codes
Mechanisms of the social control of children and young people: From ‘stop and search’ to ‘stop and engage’ in Police Scotland
Get PDFSince the implementation of stop and search reform in Scotland, the volume of this tactic has decreased and proportionality has increased. However, little has been published that has detailed the design, communication and implementation of stop and search reform in Scotland. This article traces the policy intentions of this reform programme and demonstrates that these aligned with central tenets of procedural justice theory. This article then examines ethnographic data regarding the dissemination and implementation of reform into police practice between 2016 and 2018, which demonstrates that the procedural justice intentions of reform to improve the policing of Scotland’s children and young people were not reproduced in practice. Instead, reform paved the way for the emergence of a new and unscrutinised practice that came to be known as ‘stop and engage’ that has enabled the continued antagonistic and over-policing of young people in the post-reform environment
Factors for consideration for haematological cancer patients when planning for place of death: A Constructive Grounded theory study
No full textBackground: Planning place of death is considered’ troublesome for patients with hematological cancer. Qualitative studies have focused on health care professionals and caregivers. To date, no study has been conducted from the patient’s perspective of planning for place of death in the last year of life. Objective: To develop an understanding of the patients with hematological cancer experience in planning place of death in the last year of life. Method: The study used constructivist grounded theory, semi-structured interviews, a constant comparison technique, and memoing to collect and analyze data. The 21 participants were attending a UK cancer center, cancer unit, or hospice. Results: This paper describes one core category,” Factors influencing planning for death, within the incurable hematology cancer illness trajectory through the following two sub-categories: Personal Factors - Driving away, Developing a legacy, Designing a Death Plan, Disease determines. Environment Factors - Dependent determination, Displacement of the home and Discernment of services. Conclusion: This critical study illustrates that planning place of death is complex and multifaceted in conjunction with an unpredictable incurable illness trajectory. Implications for professional and patient care: Preferences for the place at death will change over time depending on the patients with hematological cancer experience illness trajectory experienced and the level of physical and emotional energy and independence afforded to discuss and plan
Cardiovascular Disease and Psoriasis
Get PDFPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery scales that affects 2–3% of the global population. Beyond its dermatological manifestations, psoriasis has recently been recognised as a significant cardiovascular risk factor, patients with psoriasis have an approximately 50% increased relative risk of major cardiovascular events compared with the general population. This review examines the complex relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, exploring the epidemiological evidence, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical implications and therapeutic considerations. The inflammatory milieu characteristic of psoriasis, involving T cell activation, cytokine dysregulation and systemic inflammation, creates a pro-atherogenic environment that accelerates cardiovascular disease development. Understanding the mechanisms of cardiovascular risk is crucial for clinicians managing psoriatic patients, as it necessitates comprehensive risk assessment and preventive strategies beyond traditional dermatological care
Restoration of ecological interactions: The influence of site and landscape factors
Get PDFRestoration has been extensively used in agricultural landscapes as a mitigation measure to reduce biodiversity loss in response to historic habitat destruction. Trophic interactions between insects and plants underpin key ecosystem processes and contribute to system robustness, which is a critical outcome for habitat restoration. We evaluate how restoration age, site size and landscape proximity to similar habitats impact the re-establishment of trophic linkages between empirically measured grassland plant-pollinator (60 sites; 1–76 years) and woodland plant-herbivore networks (60 sites; 13–67 years). In each case, sites were selected along a chronosequence with the goal of maximising variation along these temporal and spatial gradients. For both grassland and woodlands, older and larger sites typically support higher levels of connectance, nestedness and generality of the networks. In contrast, landscape proximity promotes these metrics for woodland webs but has the reverse effect for grassland webs. The similarities show common characteristics of community trophic re-establishment in response to local environmental drivers for these different ecosystems. Focusing on interactions rather than species identity highlights opportunities for targeted policies to restore ecosystem function in wider agricultural landscapes; for example, through increasing site size as well as the need for continuity of older sites
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