54 research outputs found
sj-docx-1-anp-10.1177_00048674231219593 – Supplemental material for Is cognitive behavioral therapy more effective than pharmacotherapy for binge spectrum disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textSupplemental material, sj-docx-1-anp-10.1177_00048674231219593 for Is cognitive behavioral therapy more effective than pharmacotherapy for binge spectrum disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis by Myrto T Samara, Niki Michou, Andreas S Lappas, Aikaterini Argyrou, Elissavet Mathioudaki, Dimitra Rafailia Bakaloudi, Eirini Tsekitsidi, Zoi A Polyzopoulou, Nikos Christodoulou, Georgios Papazisis and Michail Chourdakis in Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry</p
Automatic melody transcription to music notation: pedagogical applications
No full textThis PhD Dissertation achieves 3 purposes: a) The creation of a mathematical and PC software algorithm which is capable of transcribing a monophonic music melody to music notation, b) the creation of a new music notation system, capable of presenting the microtonal distances which are detected by the algorithm and c) the study of the applications of the above, mainly to software engineering and education and, secondary, to other scientific fields which involve similar sinusoid signals.
The Dissertation combines knowledge, experiments and results from Music, Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science.
The first purpose is achieved by a) the extensive analysis of existing pitch recognition algorithms, their features, their advantages, their disadvantages and their applications, b) the implementation of a new algorithm, which combines other algorithms with our new methods, in order to detect the pitch in a human - perception mode.
The second purpose is achieved by a) the studying of existing notation proposals (which may contain data about microtonal symbols) and b) the implementation of a new notation, capable of presenting the results of our algorithms and also appropriate for pedagogical applications.
The third purpose is achieved by implementing the above two aims, from theory to practice, in PC Software. A variety of advanced tools were used to accomplish this, including C++, Flash, DSP tools, Assembly, etc.
The results are quite satisfying. This PhD Dissertation also contains demonstration videos, used to present the capabilities of the algorithms.Η παρούσα Διδακτορική Διατριβή έχει 3 στόχους: α) Την υλοποίηση αλγορίθμου ο οποίος να επιτρέπει την αυτόματη καταγραφή μονοφωνικής μελωδίας σε σημειογραφία, δηλαδή την δυνατότητα ενός υπολογιστή να ηχογραφεί μία μελωδία και στη συνέχεια να την μετατρέπει σε νότες, β) την υλοποίηση σημειογραφίας ικανής να αποδώσει τα μικροδιαστήματα που προκύπτουν από την αναγνώριση και γ) την μελέτη των εφαρμογών των αλγορίθμων, πρωτίστως στην πληροφορική και στην εκπαίδευση και στη συνέχεια, σε άλλες επιστήμες που χρησιμοποιούν παρόμοια ηχητικά ή μη σήματα.
Η Διατριβή συνδυάζει γνώσεις, πειράματα, μελέτες και συμπεράσματα από τέσσερις διαφορετικές επιστήμες: Μουσική, Μαθηματικά, Φυσική και Πληροφορική.
Ο πρώτος στόχος επιτυγχάνεται α) με τη μελέτη των υπαρχόντων αλγορίθμων ανάλυσης συχνότητας, τα χαρακτηριστικά τους, τις αδυναμίες τους και γενικά, τις εφαρμογές τους, β) με την υλοποίηση αλγορίθμου που προκύπτει από συνδυασμούς των υπαρχόντων αλγορίθμων με νέες τεχνικές, τις οποίες αναπτύσσουμε. Η μελέτη έγινε με την βοήθεια της μαθηματικής ανάλυσης (τριγωνομετρία, στατιστική, πιθανότητες κλπ) . Η υλοποίηση των αλγορίθμων έγινε με προγραμματισμό στην γλώσσα C++ και Assembly.
Ο δεύτερος στόχος επιτυγχάνεται α) με τη μελέτη των υπαρχουσών προτάσεων σημειογραφίας και β) την υλοποίηση μίας νέας μορφής σημειογραφίας, ικανής να παρουσιάσει τα αποτελέσματα των αλγορίθμων μας και να συμβάλλει στην παιδαγωγική εφαρμογή τους.
Ο τρίτος στόχος επιτυγχάνεται με την μεταφορά των ανωτέρω 2 στόχων, από την θεωρία στην πράξη, μέσω της επιστήμης της Πληροφορικής. Για να επιτευχθεί αυτό χρησιμοποιήθηκε μία σειρά από εργαλεία της Πληροφορικής όπως η C++, το Flash.
Τα συμπεράσματα που προκύπτουν από την μελέτη κρίνονται πολύ ικανοποιητικά. Την Διδακτορική Διατριβή συνοδεύουν videos που περιέχουν πειραματική επίδειξη των δυνατοτήτων των αλγορίθμων
Special Issue “Mediterranean Diet and Metabolic Diseases”
No full textThe Mediterranean diet (MD) has been considered among the healthiest dietary patterns since a little over 50 years ago, Ancel Keys—as the key figure—provided evidence for the beneficial effects of the MD [...
Continuous versus Intermittent Enteral Feeding in Critically Ill Children: A Systematic Review
No full textAdministration of enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill pediatric patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) constitutes a major challenge due to the increased risk of complications, as well as the lack of well-trained healthcare professionals. EN is usually delivered via cyclic, continuous, or intermittent feeding; however, a number of potential barriers have been reported in the literature regarding different feeding regimens. The purpose of this review was to assess the effectiveness of continuous and intermittent bolus feeding on critically ill children. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and a clinical trial registry up to September 2022, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the English language. Four studies met the inclusion criteria with a total population of 288 patients admitted to the PICU. Three studies were rated with a high risk of bias and one with some concerns. There was high heterogeneity between the studies in regard to the reporting of outcomes. Three studies measured the total time needed to reach prescribed caloric intake with conflicting results, while two studies evaluated the length of stay (LOS) in PICU with no difference between the two arms. One study assessed the time weaning from mechanical ventilation, favoring the bolus group. No data were provided for gastric residual volume (GRV), anthropometric measurements, and biochemical markers. Additional randomized trials with better methodology are needed to assess the efficacy of the two enteral feeding regimens in critically ill PICU patients
Is the Proportion of Per Capita Fat Supply Associated With the Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity? An Ecological Analysis
No full textBackground: Although it is reported in numerous interventional and observational studies, that a low-fat diet consists an effective method to combat overweight and obesity,the relationship at the global population level is not well established. This study aimed to quantify the associations between worldwide per capita fat supply and prevalence of overweight and obesity and further classify this association based on per capita Gross National Income (GNI).
Methods: A total of 93 countries from four GNI groups were selected. Country-specific overweight and obesity prevalence data were retrieved from the most recent WHO Global Health Observatory database. Per capita supply of fat and calorieswere obtained from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization database; FAOSTAT, Food Balance Sheet for years 2014-2016. The categorizations of countries weredone based on GNI based classification by theWorld Bank.
Results: Among the selected countries, the overweight prevalence ranged from 3.9% (India) to 78.8% (Kiribati), while obesity prevalence ranged from 3.6% (Bangladesh) to 46.0% (Kiribati). The highest and the lowest per capita fat supplyfrom total calorie supplywas documented in Australia (41.2%) and Madagascar (10.5%) respectively. A significant strong positive correlationwas observed between the prevalence of overweight (r=0.64, p<0.001) and obesity (r=0.59, p<0.001) with per capita fat supply. The lower ends of both trendlines were densely populated by the low- and lower-middle-income countries and the upper ends of both lines were greatly populated by the high-income countries.
Conclusions: Per capita fat supply per country is significantly associated with both prevalences of overweight and obesity
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
No full text(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
Impact of Crocus sativus L. on Metabolic Profile in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus or Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground: Experimental studies demonstrated a positive effect of administration of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) and its bioactive ingredients on metabolic profile through their antioxidant capacity. Purpose: To determine if the use of saffron in humans is beneficial to patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) or metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: This systematic review includes 14 randomized control trials that investigated the impact of saffron administration and its bioactive ingredient crocin on the metabolic profile of patients with DM, MS, prediabetes, and coronary artery disease. We documented the following clinical outcomes: fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure. Results: Eight studies examined the efficacy of saffron in patients with DM, four with the metabolic syndrome, one with prediabetes and one with coronary artery disease. A favorable effect on FBG was observed. The results regarding blood lipids and blood pressure were inconclusive in the current review. Conclusions: According to the available limited evidence, saffron may have a favorable effect on FBG. Many of the studies in the reviewed literature are of poor quality, and more research is needed in this direction to confirm and establish the above findings
Fluid structure interaction modelling on flapping wings
No full textFlapping wings display complex flows which can be used to generate large lift forces. Flexibility in wings is widely used by natural flyers to increase the aerodynamic performance. The influence of wing flexibility on the flow can be computed using numerical analysis with Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI). The influence of inertial, elastic and aerodynamic forces is quantified using a 2D wing. A sinusoidal flapping motion is imposed on the leading edge of the vertical wing. The inertial force on the wing dominates for high mass ratios and the wing deflection is rather independent of the flow. For a low mass ratio, the wing deformation scales with the increasing elasticity. The maximum lift and lowest drag were found for the wing with large flexibility and low mass so the passive deformation by aerodynamic forces creates a favourable shape for lift production. Flexible translating and revolving wings at an angle of attack of 45 degrees show that chordwise flexibility decreases both lift and drag, however the lift over drag ratio is increased. The flow around both wings forms a coherent structure with a Root Vortex (RV), Tip Vortex (TV), Leading Edge Vortex (LEV) and Trailing Edge Vortex (TEV). The LEV on the revolving wing is stable for approximately up to half the span because vorticity is transported outward in the vortex core. The flowfield and LEV breakdown are consistent with experimental data of the same wing. The translating wing builds up circulation but the LEV detaches quickly near the centre of the wing. Chordwise bending reduces the angle of attack which decreases the distance to the core of the shed LEVs.Aerodynamic
Association Between Carbohydrate Quality Index During Pregnancy and Risk for Large-for-Gestational-Age Neonates: Results from the BORN 2020 Study
No full textBackground/Objectives: To assess the association between early pregnancy carbohydrate quality, as measured by the Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI), and the risk of delivering a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infant in a Mediterranean pregnant cohort of northern Greece. Methods: We analyzed singleton pregnancies from the BORN 2020 prospective cohort in Greece. Dietary intake was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire, and CQI was computed from glycemic index, fiber density, whole-to-refined grain ratio, and solid-to-liquid carbohydrate ratio. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between CQI (in tertiles) and LGA risk, defined as birthweight >90th percentile. Results: Among the 797 participants, 152 (19.1%) delivered LGA infants, and 117 (14.7%) were diagnosed with GDM. Of those with GDM, 23 (19.7%) delivered LGA infants. In the total population, higher maternal weight (p < 0.001), height (p = 0.006), and pre-pregnancy BMI (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with LGA. A greater proportion of women with LGA had a BMI > 25 (p = 0.007). In the GDM subgroup, maternal height remained significantly higher in those who delivered LGA infants (p = 0.017). In multivariable models, moderate CQI was consistently associated with increased odds of LGA across all models (Model 1: aOR = 1.60 (95% CI: 1.03–2.50), p = 0.037, Model 2: aOR = 1.57 (95% CI: 1.01–2.46), p = 0.046, Model 3: aOR = 1.58 (95% CI: 1.01–2.47), p = 0.044, Model 4 aOR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.08–2.72; p = 0.023), whereas high CQI was not. In the GDM subgroup, a significant association between high CQI and increased LGA risk was observed in less adjusted models (Model 1 aOR: 6.74; 95% CI: 1.32–56.66; p = 0.039, Model 2 aOR: 6.64; 95% CI: 1.27–57.48; p = 0.044), but this was attenuated and became non-significant in the fully adjusted model (aOR: 3.05; 95% CI: 0.47–30.22; p = 0.28). When examining CQI components individually, no consistent associations were observed. Notably, a higher intake of low-quality carbohydrates (≥50% of energy intake) was significantly associated with increased LGA risk in the total population (aOR: 4.25; 95% CI: 1.53–11.67; p = 0.005). Conclusions: Higher early pregnancy intake of low-quality carbohydrates was associated with an elevated risk of LGA in the general population. However, CQI itself showed a non-linear and inconsistent relationship with LGA, with moderate, but not high, CQI linked to increased risk, particularly in GDM pregnancies, where associations were lost after adjustment. Both carbohydrate quality and quantity evaluations are essential, particularly in high-risk groups, to inform dietary guidance in pregnancy
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