The use of feedback and feedforward functions in the construction of binary machines to generate a given finite or periodic sequence allows us to minimize the expected circuit-size. Using these ...functions a Register with Non-linear Update (RNLUs) is constructed which minimizes the expected circuit-size. However, from the practical standpoint, in order to construct a good stream cipher, the generated sequences must be periodic. It is, therefore, necessary to minimize the expected circuit-size of RNLUs which can generate the given random finite or periodic sequences. In this letter, the properties of feedback shift registers (FSRs) are studied for both random finite and periodic sequences to construct the shortest (minimal variables in the support set of feedback and feedforward functions) RNLUs, which can generate one or more than one-bit output at each clock cycle with asymptotically smaller expected circuit-size from all previously constructed algorithms for generating the given sequences.
Aims:
All five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) have nationwide registries with similar data structure and validity, as well as personal identity numbers enabling ...linkage between registries. These resources provide opportunities for medical research that is based on large registry-based cohort studies with long and complete follow-up. This review describes practical aspects, opportunities and challenges encountered when setting up all-Nordic registry-based cohort studies.
Methods:
Relevant articles describing registries often used for medical research in the Nordic countries were retrieved. Further, our experiences of conducting this type of study, including planning, acquiring permissions, data retrieval and data cleaning and handling, and the possibilities and challenges we have encountered are described.
Results:
Combining data from the Nordic countries makes it possible to create large and powerful cohorts. The main challenges include obtaining all permissions within each country, usually in the local language, and retrieving the data. These challenges emphasise the importance of having experienced collaborators within each country. Following the acquisition of data, data management requires the understanding of the differences between the variables to be used in the various countries. A concern is the long time required between initiation and completion.
Conclusions:
Nationwide Nordic registries can be combined into cohorts with high validity and statistical power, but the considerable expertise, workload and time required to complete such cohorts should not be underestimated.
To determine whether clinical trial register (CTR) searches can accurately identify a greater number of completed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) than electronic bibliographic database (EBD) ...searches for systematic reviews of interventions, and to quantify the number of eligible ongoing trials.
We performed an evaluation study and based our search for RCTs on the eligibility criteria of a systematic review that focused on the underrepresentation of people with chronic kidney disease in cardiovascular RCTs. We conducted a combined search of ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform through the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify eligible RCTs registered up to June 1, 2023. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and MEDLINE for publications of eligible RCTs published up to June 5, 2023. Finally, we compared the search results to determine the extent to which the two sources identified the same RCTs.
We included 92 completed RCTs. Of these, 81 had results available. Sixty-six completed RCTs with available results were identified by both sources (81% agreement 95% CI: 71–88). We identified seven completed RCTs with results exclusively by CTR search (9% 95% CI: 4–17) and eight exclusively by EBD search (10% 95% CI: 5–18). Eleven RCTs were completed but lacked results (four identified by both sources (36% 95% CI: 15–65), one exclusively by EBD search (9% 95% CI: 1–38), and six exclusively by CTR search (55% 95% CI: 28–79)). Also, we identified 42 eligible ongoing RCTs: 16 by both sources (38% 95% CI: 25–53) and 26 exclusively by CTR search (62% 95% CI: 47–75). Lastly, we identified four RCTs of unknown status by both sources.
CTR searches identify a greater number of completed RCTs than EBD searches. Both searches missed some included RCTs. Based on our case study, researchers (eg, information specialists, systematic reviewers) aiming to identify all available RCTs should continue to search both sources. Once the barriers to performing CTR searches alone are targeted, CTR searches may be a suitable alternative.
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Objective To examine the relationship between birth weight, gestational age, small for gestational age (SGA), and 3 of the most common autism spectrum disorder (ASD) subtypes. Study design In this ...population-based case-control study conducted in Finland, 4713 cases born between 1987 and 2005 with International Classification of Diseases -diagnoses of childhood autism, Asperger syndrome, or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), were ascertained from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. Four controls, individually matched on sex, date of birth, and place of birth, were selected from the Finnish Medical Birth Register for each case. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess whether birth weight and gestational age information predicted ASD after controlling for maternal age, parity, smoking during pregnancy, and psychiatric history, as well as for infant's major congenital anomalies. Results Very low (<1500 g) and moderately low (<2500 g) birth weight, very low gestational age (less than 32 weeks), and SGA increased risk of childhood autism (adjusted OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.4-6.5; 1.57, 1.1-2.3; 2.51, 1.3-5.0; and 1.72, 1.1-2.6, respectively). Very low and moderately low birth weight, very low gestational age, and SGA were also associated with increase in PDD risk (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.9-6.3; 1.81, 1.4-2.4; 2.46, 1.4-2.3; and 2.24, 1.7-3.0, respectively). No associations were found between the perinatal characteristics and Asperger syndrome. The increased risks persisted after controlling for selected potential confounders. Conclusions The finding that low birth weight, prematurity, and SGA were related to childhood autism and PDD but not to Asperger syndrome suggests that prenatal factors related to these exposures may differ for these ASD subtypes, which may have preventive implications.
The right of ownership is the broadest and one of the most basic property rights, which allows the owner to use and dispose of possessions without the participation of third parties. Therefore, the ...process of modernising the land and building register (MLBR) is extremely important considering, for example, that the data contained in this register is the basis for the subsequent calculation of public-legal obligations associated with the owned property, such as taxes. According to the current legislation, the data collected in the land and building register (cadastre) on the type of land use in combination with the soil classification of agricultural and forest land, the use of the property, its purpose and other information, are the basis for determining the agricultural, forest and real estate taxes by the competent authority. In Poland, in most cases, we have to deal with a situation in which the data appearing in the register differs from the actual state. Municipal budgets suffer losses because of this, and owners of properties of similar area and value sometimes pay completely different taxes. In this paper, the authors show a practical example of MLBR and the problems existed with it.
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