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This paper proposes the Set-Membership sign-NLMS (SM-sign-NLMS) adaptive filter, which combines the ability for data censoring (offered by Set-Membership schemes) with robustness against impulsive noise (provided by signed schemes). The algorithm can present a much lower steady-state probability of update than the standard SM-NLMS algorithm when impulsive noise is present in the system. It is derived from a local deterministic optimization problem modulated by a minimum disturbance cost function combined with a bounded error criterion. Several stochastic models are proposed in order to extract insights and a time-variant step size extension of the algorithm. The first of them, based on energy conservation arguments, leads to a fixed-point analytic equation whose solution predicts the asymptotic performance of the algorithm. Further, a transient analysis based on a statistical decoupling of the radial and (discrete) angular distributions of the input vector is derived. Based on such an analysis, an efficient time-variant step-size version of the algorithm is proposed. Additionally, such an analysis is also utilized to obtain a fixed-point formula whose solution describes the asymptotic performance when the unknown plant that the filter intends to match varies according to a first-order Markovian model. Lastly, a novel stochastic model is advanced for the description of the algorithm learning behavior under a deficient-length scenario for a white input signal, which provides some insights about the asymptotic performance of the algorithm. The findings are confirmed by extensive simulations.

In applications where large-order filters are needed, the computational load of adaptive filtering algorithms can become prohibitively expensive. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis of a selective partial-update least mean squares, named SPU-LMS-M-min, is developed. By employing the partial-update strategy for a non-normalized adaptive scheme, the designer can choose an appropriate number of update blocks considering a trade-off between convergence rate and computational complexity, which can result in a more than 40% reduction in the number of multiplications in some configurations compared to the traditional LMS algorithm. Based on the principle of minimum distortion, a selection criterion is proposed that is based on the input signal’s blocks with the lowest energy, whereas typical Selective Partial Update (SPU) algorithms use a selection criterion based on blocks with highest energy. Stochastic models are developed for the mean weights and mean and mean squared behaviour of the proposed algorithm, which are further extended to accommodate scenarios involving time-varying dynamics and suboptimal filter lengths. Simulation results show that the theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the experimental outcomes. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the proposed selection criterion can be easily extended to active noise cancellation algorithms as well as algorithms utilizing variable filter length. This allows for the reduction of computational costs for these algorithms without compromising their asymptotic performance.

Lucinda Grummitt, Emma Barrett, Erin Kelly, Nicola Newton The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, AustraliaCorrespondence: Lucinda Grummitt, The Matilda Centre, Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia, Tel +61 423 864 931, Email lucinda.grummitt@sydney.edu.auBackground and Objectives: A wealth of research has identified adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; abuse, neglect, violence or disorder in the home) as a strong risk factor for substance misuse. Synthesis of the existing evidence is critical to shape policy and inform directions for future research. Existing reviews have focused on specific substances or substance use outcomes (eg, disorder), and do not include discussion of the mechanisms that operate between ACEs and substance misuse. The current umbrella review aims to synthesize reviews on the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse, review the evidence on the mechanisms linking these, identify existing gaps in our knowledge, and discuss critical directions for future research, practice, and public policy.Methods: Two electronic databases (PsycINFO and Medline) were searched for reviews published between 1998 and 2022 on the link between ACEs and substance misuse. Twenty articles met eligibility criteria and were qualitatively synthesized.Results: Results overwhelmingly demonstrated an elevated risk of substance misuse or disorder, among adolescents and adults exposed to ACEs. Research on the mechanisms that explain this link highlights a multitude of potential intervention targets, with childhood stress propelling a cascade of effects across neurobiological, endocrine, immune, metabolic, and nervous systems, impacting psychosocial and cognitive functioning. Nonetheless, the literature is subject to limitations surrounding potential unmeasured cofounders and causality, as well as decontextualizing childhood adversity from broader structural issues that influence the link between ACEs and substance misuse. Research, policy, and practice that seek to holistically understand and address the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse within the broader social determinants of health is crucial.Keywords: adverse childhood experiences, substance misuse, umbrella review, social determinants of health

The aim of the study was to evaluate the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of 20 strains of S. Heidelberg (SH) isolated from broilers produced in southern Brazil. The similarity and presence of genetic determinants linked to virulence, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and in silico-predicted metabolic interactions revealed this serovar as a threat to public health. The presence of the ompC, invA, sodC, avrA, lpfA, and agfA genes was detected in 100% of the strains and the luxS gene in 70% of them. None of the strains carries the blaSHV, mcr-1, qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS genes. All strains showed a multidrug-resistant profile to at least three non-β-lactam drugs, which include colistin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. Resistance to penicillin, ceftriaxone (90%), meropenem (25%), and cefoxitin (25%) were associated with the presence of blaCTX–M and blaCMY–2 genes. Biofilm formation reached a mature stage at 25 and 37°C, especially with chicken juice (CJ) addition. The sodium hypochlorite 1% was the least efficient in controlling the sessile cells. Genomic analysis of two strains identified more than 100 virulence genes and the presence of resistance to 24 classes of antibiotics correlated to phenotypic tests. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) prediction shows two metabolic pathways correlation with biofilm formation. Virulence, resistance, and biofilm determinants must be constant monitoring in SH, due to the possibility of occurring infections extremely difficult to cure and due risk of the maintenance of the bacterium in production environments.

For hundreds of years, Taiwan has been famous for its various specialty teas. The sensory features of these teas have been well specialized and standardized through sensory evaluations performed by tea experts in yearly competitions throughout history. However, the question arises of whether young Taiwanese consumers, whose dietary behaviors have become Westernized, agree with the conventional sensory standards and association/postprandial concepts in the traditional tea market of Taiwan. To study young Taiwanese consumers’ ideas towards traditional specialty teas, this research recruited 109 respondents, younger than the age of 30, to taste seven Taiwanese specialty tea infusions of various degrees of fermentation, and their opinions were gathered by questionnaires composed of check-all-that-apply (CATA) questions and hedonic scales. Through statistical analyses, we found that several tea sensory attributes which were emphasized in experts’ descriptive sensory evaluations were not appreciated by the young Taiwanese people. Instead, tea aroma and late sweetness/palatable/smooth/refreshing mouthfeels were the most important sensory attributes contributing to their tea preference. Overall, there would generally be no problem in serving young Taiwanese consumers lightly-fermented oolong teas that generate the highest digestive and lowest heartburn postprandial perceptions.

Os autores analisam pormenorizadamente o sistema soro-hematia formolizada no qual se processa a aglutino-sedimentação (Fenômeno de Rubino). Cada fase do referido sistema é investigada do ponto de vista físico-químico. Os dados obtidos são aproveitados pelos autores na elaboração de um sistema análogo, porém, com parâmetros próprios diferentes dos fixados por Rubino. Escolheu-se como evidência do fenômeno não a alutino-sedimentação função do tempo, porém, o aspecto da massa globular sedimentada após 24 horas a ± 10ºC (Hemodispersão sedimentar). A nova técnica proposta, aplicada sistematicamente, permitiu aos autores concluírem a) não há 'especificidade" correlacionada com enfermidades; b) o fenômeno resulta da atividade combinada de gamaglobulinas como dipolos, íons positivos do meio e polaridade propícia das hematias formolizadas; c)o aumento das gamaglobulinas séricas, sobretudo daquelas de ponto iso-elétrico do pH sanguíneo, determina o fenômeno, independentemente da causa mórbida que originou a hipergamaglobulinemia; d) sobretudo na lepra lepromatosa, o aumento das referidas gamaglobulinas é muito freqüente, e mantém-se muito tempo mesmo após regressão clínica da doença. É sugerida uma explicação para este último fato; e)os autores também referem uma atividade especial do formol sobre os soros reatores, propondo uma hipótese para a mesma.The authors investigated in detail the serum-formolized erythrocyte system in which the agglutino-sedimentation (Rubino phenomenon) takes place. Each phase of this system is investigated from the physico-chemical view point. The authors took advantage of the data obtained for the elaboration of an analogous system with its proper parameters, different from those established by Rubino. As evidence of the phenomenon the aspect of the globules mass sedimented after 24 hours at ± 10ºC (Sedimentary Hemodispersion) was choosen instead of the agglutino-sedimentation rate. The new proposed technic, systematically applied allowed the authors to draw the following conclusions: a) there is no "specificity" correlated to diseases; b) the phenomenon in question results from the combined activity of gammaglobulines as dipoles, positive ions in the medium and propitious polarity of the formolized erythrocytes; c0 the raise of seric gammaglobulines, especially those with isoeletrical point at same level as blood pH, is responsable for the phenomenon, independently of the morbid cause that originated the hypergammaglobulinemia; d) mainly in lepromatous leprosy, in increase of the mentioned gammaglobulines is very frequent and lasts a long time even after clinical regression of the disease An explanation for such fact is suggested; e) the authors have repport also an special activity of the formaldehyde upon the reacting sera and build up a hypothesis for this fact.

Abstract Solar nuclear reactions can occasionally produce sub-MeV elusive beyond the Standard Model particles that escape the solar interior without further interactions. This study focuses on massive spin-one particles. We construct the general theoretical framework and identify two crucial mixing sources involving the photon, which facilitate communication between the hidden and visible sectors: kinetic mixing with the photon, and plasma-induced mixing due to thermal electron loops. For both cases, we focus on the second stage of the solar proton-proton chain and evaluate the fluxes of monochromatic 5.49 MeV hidden vectors produced by the p(d,3 He)γ′ nuclear reaction. We then investigate their terrestrial detection via Compton-like scatterings. The incoming fluxes are polarized, and we evaluate the cross sections for Compton-like scatterings for transverse and longitudinal vectors. Finally, we apply this framework to a concrete case by investigating the sensitivity of the forthcoming Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) experiment and identifying parameter space where current terrestrial bounds will be improved.

One of the main challenges of the health sector is to reconcile the increase in demand with the installed capacity while maintaining the quality of service. Many of the reasons that prevent a quality treatment have their origin in problems related to the flow, management, and misuse of resources. Based on the above, this article aims to present a guide to evaluating the stages to implement and manage the SMED in the health context based on the Toyota Kata. To achieve this objective, a base method was developed for the implementation of the aforementioned tools, through a literature review and content analysis. It is expected that this study will be able to assist in the evaluation of the waste found in the UPAs and, consequently, in its mitigation.