bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuation resuscitation training on deployed contingency operations
Authors: Mitchell G , Smith J E
Published: November 2020

Background

Resuscitation training is conducted prior to operational deployment. During prolonged deployments, continuation training may be necessary to ensure skills are maintained. The aim of this study was to identify the continuation training needs of deployed medical personnel.

Methods

A survey was distributed to all personnel of the Level 2 Hospital in Bentiu, South Sudan, during Op TRENTON 4.

Results

63 questionnaires were distributed with a response rate of 87%. The majority (84%) of deployed hospital personnel felt that continuation training would be beneficial.

Conclusion

Continuation training is desirable and possible in the deployed operational environment, but the fidelity of the training will depend on the equipment and training personnel available.
Role 2 Afloat support to the QUEEN ELIZABETH (QE) Class – an update from WESTLANT 18
Authors: Matthews J J
Published: November 2020

WESTLANT 18 saw a Role 2 Afloat (R2A) team deploy on HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH (QNLZ) to support the First of Class Flying Trials for the F-35 Lightning 2 aircraft. This team established the R2A capability onboard QNLZ and began the process of developing R2A support to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) operations. The deployment was a great success and many lessons were identified. The experience from this deployment is summarised and the current R2A support to CSG is described.
Medicine and critical care in contingency operations in the resource-limited environment: a case study
Authors: O’Brien D , Jeyanathan J , Berry R , Houlberg K
Published: November 2020

This paper highlights the key lessons learned in the care of a critically unwell patient during a contingency operation in a resource-limited environment. These include dealing with vulnerabilities in the re-supply of medications and equipment, treating pathology that is not often seen in young, fit UK military personnel and force protection issues to ensure the maintenance of operational capability. It also highlights the rapid United Nations (UN) response to aeromedical evacuation and some of the challenges of performing a critical care transfer in this environment.
Marmaduke Philip Smyth Ward (1825-1885): Nelson’s grandson and naval surgeon
Authors: Fraser I D
Published: November 2020

As a naval hero Vice-Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson holds a special place in the affections of the British people. Any expectation that his country would provide for Lady Emma Hamilton and his daughter, Horatia, was almost forgotten when he died. However, following Emma’s death, Nelson’s family shaped Horatia’s destiny, which resulted in a happy marriage and a large family. Her second son, Marmaduke, was influenced by an uncle, a surgeon, who trained and guided him towards a surgical qualification and a life at sea as a surgeon in the Royal Navy. Despite a paucity of documentary evidence, it has been possible to trace his progress by analysing his Admiralty service record and abstracting information from an extensive biography of his mother. As another piece in the Nelson narrative, this account adds a medical perspective.
Lessons identified in delivering an orthopaedic training course in Freetown, Sierra Leone as part of the NIHR Global Health Research Group FIXT trial
Authors: Bolton W S , Howard A J H , Santos A C W , Chippendale T J , Bundu I , Jayne D G , Wood A M
Published: November 2020

Aims

There are many challenges in delivering an orthopaedic training programme in Sierra Leone, West Africa, including human resource and equipment constraints. We provide a reflective analysis of adaptive strategies to overcome these.

Methods

An orthopaedic surgical training course was delivered in preparation for a clinical trial in Connaught Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone. The trial examines the implementation of Ilizarov frame fixation for tibia fractures in adults.

Results

Whilst it is possible to deliver a high-quality course in Sierra Leone, a significant amount of prior planning and preparation, including adaptive and contingency strategies, is required to achieve the desired outcome.

Conclusions

With the Royal Navy increasing its global reach, including deployment of new aircraft carriers, there are increasing opportunities to deliver medical training in low and middle-income countries in both the military and civilian sector. We believe this article may be useful for service and civilian practitioners intending to deliver education and training around the world.
Popliteal cystic adventitial disease: a rare case of calf claudication in a young man
Authors: Collingwood A J , Ablett D J
Published: November 2020

Popliteal cystic adventitial disease is a rare arterial condition characterised by mucinous cyst formation in the adventitia of the popliteal artery producing stenosis or occlusion of the arterial lumen. It predominantly affects males and typically presents in the thirties with disabling intermittent calf claudication. Because of the demographic it affects it is of relevance to military medical practitioners. We present such a case and describe the presentation, clinical features, differential diagnoses and imaging findings as well as the theories surrounding pathogenesis, clinical management and surgical treatment options.
Armed Forces personnel flying with respiratory disease: am I fit to fly?
Authors: Minnis P , Stait G
Published: November 2020

Respiratory problems account for 10% of inflight medical emergencies; this is usually due to the acute physiological stress induced by hypobaric hypoxia on board aircraft. During a typical commercial flight, the cabin pressure is the equivalent of breathing 15% oxygen at sea level, as opposed to 21% (~ 15.2 kPa versus 21.2 kPa FiO2). The response to this hypobaric hypoxia is mediated by the autonomic nervous system; it is characterised by an increased rate and depth of breathing, mild tachycardia, and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Patients who are able to walk 50 metres without developing shortness of breath are generally “fit to fly” from a respiratory perspective, and those with resolved pneumonia may fly if they are clinically stable. Military patients with asthma and COPD are generally safe to fly, as they must have stable airways disease to remain medically fit for service. A recent or unresolved pneumothorax is an absolute contraindication to air travel. Other absolute contraindications for air travel include tuberculosis, major haemoptysis and an oxygen requirement of ≥4 l/min. If there is any doubt regarding a patient’s fitness to fly, an opinion from a respiratory physician should be sought. All patients flying with a respiratory condition must carry their medications onboard, have up-to-date vaccinations and seek advice from their doctor should they have any concerns over their fitness to fly. This review article will explore the effect of air travel on the respiratory diseases most likely to be seen in the UK military population: airways disease (COPD and asthma), respiratory infections, pneumothorax, and spontaneous pulmonary embolism.
Care and Diligence - the professional life of James Pearse, sea surgeon, courtier and the founder of naval medicine
Authors: Willoughby C P
Published: November 2020

James Pearse was the most distinguished English military surgeon of the late 17th century. He established the basic principles of naval surgical care and was a notable innovator and administrator during the Second and Third Dutch wars. He was a friend and colleague of Samuel Pepys, a courtier, a gossip and a royal confidant. His work, though now largely forgotten, had a profound influence on the development of the Royal Naval Medical Service during the following two centuries.
The effects of barotrauma on the ear
Authors: Roocroft N , Hogg E , Williams R
Published: November 2020

Ear barotrauma represents a spectrum of pathology ranging from a mild, self-limiting condition, to significant morbidity with occupational implications. This article describes the anatomy of a normal functioning ear and how this function is disrupted in patients with ear barotrauma. It will discuss the clinical features of the condition, as well as how to investigate and manage a patient presenting with ear barotrauma, including the occupational considerations that should be made.
Measurement of atmospheric oxides of nitrogen and a preliminary investigation of their source
Authors: King S D
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Maintenance of a breathable atmosphere is a core tenet of dived submarine operations, and the responsibility for this falls to the medical department. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are atmospheric contaminants from a currently unconfirmed source. If not controlled, these contaminants can act as respiratory irritants and asphyxiants which may endanger health and threaten sustained dived operations.

Methods

Using the issued Dräger Short Term Detection Tubes (STDTs) to sample strategic locations, the relationship between atmospheric contaminants and NOx was investigated in an attempt to determine the source of NOx formation. Interventions were implemented to reduce NOx by reducing leakage of monoethanolamine (MEA) from carbon dioxide (CO2) scrubbing equipment, a known potential source of NOx if oxidised (combusted). Dräger STDTs for NH3demonstrate cross-reactivity with MEA, these levels being referred to as NH3/MEA.

Results

A relationship was demonstrated between elevated readings for atmospheric NH3/MEA and elevated readings for NOx, with a variable lag period. Findings suggest that NOx production may be reduced by control of atmospheric NH3/MEA. Of the control measures examined, replacement of resin filter bags was noted to reduce atmospheric NH3/MEA, while replenishment of CO2scrubber MEA was noted to increase it, with a resultant increase in NOx production.

Conclusions

Elevated NH3atmospheric readings may in fact be due to MEA from CO2scrubbers. This, when catalytically oxidised by CO/H2burners, produces NOx. Management of MEA egress from CO2scrubbers (carryover) represents a potential target for NOx control interventions. Specific MEA detection equipment is required to demonstrate whether MEA or NH3is the progenitor species for NOx. Furthermore, controlled trials are required to prove a definitive relationship between MEA and NOx and to evaluate the best control measures.
Global equitable access to vaccines, medicines and diagnostics for COVID-19: The role of patents as private governance
Authors: McMahon Aisling
Published: November 2020

In June 2020, Gilead agreed to provide the USA with 500 000 doses of remdesivir—an antiviral drug which at that time was percieved to show promise in reducing the recovery time for patients with COVID-19. This quantity represented Gilead’s then full production capacity for July and 90% of its capacity for August and September. Similar deals are evident around access to proposed vaccines for COVID-19, and such deals are only likely to increase. These attempts to secure preferential access to medicines and vaccines, so-called vaccine/treatment nationalism, jeopardise supplies of life-saving treatments and vaccines available elsewhere, and jeopardise global equitable distribution of such vaccines/treatments more generally. Much of the focus to date has been on States’ role in negotiating such deals. However, such developments also demonstrate the power patent holders have in controlling access to life-saving healthcare, determining who obtains access first and at what price. This article argues that the extent of control currently given to patent holders for COVID-19 must be questioned. This article demonstrates that patents have significant implications for healthcare acting as private governance tools over patented inventions. It is only by greater probing of patent holders’ role in delivering access to medicines, diagnostics and vaccines for COVID-19 that equitable global equitable access can be achieved.
Transverse energy–energy correlations of jets in the electron–proton deep inelastic scattering at HERA
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Li Gang , Wang Wei , Xing Zhi-Peng
Published: November 2020

We study the event shape variables, transverse energy–energy correlation TEEC $$(\cos \phi )$$

(
cos
ϕ
)

and its asymmetry ATEEC $$(\cos \phi )$$

(
cos
ϕ
)

in deep inelastic scattering (DIS) at the electron–proton collider HERA, where $$\phi $$
ϕ
is the angle between two jets defined using a transverse-momentum $$(k_T)$$

(

k
T

)

jet algorithm. At HERA, jets are defined in the Breit frame, and the leading nontrivial transverse energy–energy correlations arise from the 3-jet configurations. With the help of the NLOJET++, these functions are calculated in the leading order (LO) and the next-to-leading order (NLO) approximations in QCD at the electron–proton center-of-mass energy $$\sqrt{s}=314$$

s

=
314

GeV. We restrict the angular region to $$-0.8 \le \cos \phi \le 0.8$$

-
0.8
≤
cos
ϕ
≤
0.8

, as the forward- and backward-angular regions require resummed logarithmic corrections, which we have neglected in this work. Following experimental jet-analysis at HERA, we restrict the DIS-variables x, $$y=Q^2/(x s)$$

y
=

Q
2

/

(
x
s
)

, where $$Q^2=-q^2$$

Q
2

=
-

q
2

is the negative of the momentum transfer squared $$q^2$$

q
2

, to $$0 \le x \le 1$$

0
≤
x
≤
1

, $$0.2 \le y \le 0.6$$

0.2
≤
y
≤
0.6

, and the pseudo-rapidity variable in the laboratory frame $$(\eta ^\mathrm{{lab}})$$

(

η
lab

)

to the range $$-1 \le \eta ^\mathrm{{lab}} \le 2.5$$

-
1
≤

η
lab

≤
2.5

. The TEEC and ATEEC functions are worked out for two ranges in $$Q^2$$

Q
2

, defined by $$5.5\,\mathrm{GeV}^2 \le Q^2 \le 80\,\mathrm{GeV}^2$$

5.5

GeV

2

≤

Q
2

≤
80

GeV

2

, called the low-$$Q^2$$

Q
2

-range, and $$150\,\mathrm{GeV}^2 \le Q^2 \le 1000\,\mathrm{GeV}^2$$

150

GeV

2

≤

Q
2

≤
1000

GeV

2

, called the high-$$Q^2$$

Q
2

-range. We show the sensitivity of these functions on the parton distribution functions (PDFs), the factorization $$(\mu _F)$$

(

μ
F

)

and renormalization $$(\mu _R)$$

(

μ
R

)

scales, and on $$\alpha _s(M_Z^2)$$

α
s

(

M
Z
2

)

. Of these the correlations are stable against varying the scale $$\mu _F$$

μ
F

and the PDFs, but they do depend on $$\mu _R$$

μ
R

. For the choice of the scale $$\mu _R= \sqrt{\langle E_T\rangle ^2 +Q^2}$$

μ
R

=

⟨

E
T

⟩

2

+

Q
2

, advocated in earlier jet analysis at HERA, the shape variables TEEC and ATEEC are found perturbatively robust. These studies are useful in the analysis of the HERA data, including the determination of $$\alpha _s(M_Z^2)$$

α
s

(

M
Z
2

)

from the shape variables.
Hunting for $$B^+\rightarrow K^+ \tau ^+\tau ^-$$ imprints on the $$B^+ \rightarrow K^+ \mu ^+\mu ^-$$ dimuon spectrum
Authors: Cornella C. , Isidori G. , König M. , Liechti S. , Owen P. , Serra N.
Published: November 2020

We investigate the possibility of indirectly constraining the $$B^{+}\rightarrow K^{+}\tau ^+\tau ^-$$

B
+

→

K
+

τ
+

τ
-

decay rate using precise data on the $$B^{+}\rightarrow K^{+}\mu ^+\mu ^-$$

B
+

→

K
+

μ
+

μ
-

dimuon spectrum. To this end, we estimate the distortion of the spectrum induced by the $$B^{+}\rightarrow K^{+}\tau ^+\tau ^-\rightarrow K^{+} \mu ^+\mu ^-$$

B
+

→

K
+

τ
+

τ
-

→

K
+

μ
+

μ
-

re-scattering process, and propose a method to simultaneously constrain this (non-standard) contribution and the long-distance effects associated to hadronic intermediate states. The latter are constrained using the analytic properties of the amplitude combined with data and perturbative calculations. Finally, we estimate the sensitivity expected at the LHCb experiment with present and future datasets. We find that constraints on the branching fraction of $$O(10^{-3})$$

O
(

10

-
3

)

, competitive with current direct bounds, can be achieved with the current dataset, while bounds of $$O(10^{-4})$$

O
(

10

-
4

)

could be obtained with the LHCb upgrade-II luminosity.
On Fox’s trapezoidal conjecture for closed 3-braids
Authors: Alrefai Marwa E. , Chbili Nafaa
Published: November 2020

An old and challenging conjecture proposed by Fox in 1962 states that the coefficients of the Alexander polynomial of any alternating knot are trapezoidal. In other words, these coefficients, increase, stabilize then decrease in a symmetrical way. This curious behavior of the Alexander polynomial has been confirmed in several special cases of alternating knots. The purpose of this paper is to prove that the conjecture holds for some families of alternating knots of braid index 3.
GRU-corr Neural Network Optimized by Improved PSO Algorithm for Time Series Prediction
Authors: Ji Shao-Pei , Meng Yu-Long , Yan Liang , Dong Gui-Shan , Liu Dong
Published: November 2020

Time series data from real problems have nonlinear, non-smooth, and multi-scale composite characteristics. This paper first proposes a gated recurrent unit-correction (GRU-corr) network model, which adds a correction layer to the GRU neural network. Then, a adaptive staged variation PSO (ASPSO) is proposed. Finally, to overcome the drawbacks of the imprecise selection of the GRU-corr network parameters and obtain the high-precision global optimization of network parameters, weight parameters and the hidden nodes number of GRU-corr is optimized by ASPSO, and a time series prediction model (ASPSO-GRU-corr) is proposed based on the GRU-corr optimized by ASPSO. In the experiment, a comparative analysis of the optimization performance of ASPSO on a benchmark function was performed to verify its validity, and then the ASPSO-GRU-corr model is used to predict the ship motion cross-sway angle data. The results show that, ASPSO has better optimization performance and convergence speed compared with other algorithms, while the ASPSO-GRU-corr has higher generalization performance and lower architecture complexity. The ASPSO-GRU-corr can reveal the intrinsic multi-scale composite features of the time series, which is a reliable nonlinear and non-steady time series prediction method.
A Redundant Manipulator Joint Torque Estimation Method Based on Disturbance Observer
Authors: Liu Xun , Liu Yaqiu , Zhao Hanchen
Published: November 2020

With the continuous development of the robot industry, both industrial robots and collaborative robots are developing towards light type and intelligence. The core issue is that how to improve the dynamic control performance of robots and reduce costs. The accurate torque feedback control can be achieved by introducing a joint torque sensor. The disadvantages brought by it are higher cost and the limited performance of the torque sensor. Therefore, on the basis of the traditional current estimated torque, combined with the accurate joint torque data fed back by the torque sensor, a method to estimate the harmonic transmission torque in the joint based on the disturbance observer is proposed, and a joint torque model is constructed. At the same time, the compensation factor is introduced to improve the accuracy of torque estimation. In the method proposed in this paper, the theoretical position and actual position, speed difference and motor current of the dual encoder on the motor side and the link side are used to estimate the harmonic transmission torque through the disturbance observer, and the corresponding coefficient is identified. By calibrating the transmission error compensation term and friction force with the torque sensor, the joint torque estimation model is obtained, and the sensorless joint torque estimation can be realized. This method does not require additional torque error compensation caused by harmonic drive deformation in the controller. Therefore, the torque control method without torque sensor is adopted in batch, which is not affected by the configuration and dynamic parameters of the manipulator. In the experiment, the output data of the joint torque sensor is used for testing and comparison. Through the single joint and redundant robot manipulator integration testing, the effectiveness of the proposed joint torque estimation method is verified.
A Key Node Optimization Scheme for Public Bicycles Based on Wavefront Theory
Authors: Peng Yali , Liang Ting , Yang Yuxin , Yin Hong , Li Ping , Deng Jiangang
Published: November 2020

Considering the functional attributes of public bicycle outlets, users’ travel destinations and travel distances, this paper proposes a key node optimization scheme for urban public bicycle networks based on the combination of key nodes and wavefront theory. First analyze the net wave surface flow during peak hours to determine key nodes, then schedule or add nodes to achieve normal diversion in the area, and finally introduce betweenness indicators to evaluate the diversion effect. Through an example analysis of the operation data of a city’s public bicycle system, the research results show that the optimization scheme can better meet the dynamic needs of users of the public bicycle system, improve the user’s rental experience, increase user stickiness, and ensure maximum revenue and operating efficiency. It can provide a theoretical basis for the reasonable dispatch of public bicycles at the outlets.
The Internet of Things Based Fault Tolerant Redundancy for Energy Router in the Interacted and Interconnected Micro Grid
Authors: Sang Zixia , Fang Rengcun , Lei He , Yan Jiong , Yang Dongjun , Wang Yicong
Published: November 2020

The distribution energy router (DER) is the core of the interacted and interconnected micro grid in future distribution network, which fully meets the needs of the ubiquitous power internet of things (IOT) based future distribution network. The reliability of micro grid which applies the DER is highly related to its cascaded full-bridge converters. With the redundant full-bridge converters and IOT technology, the DER can stand the component failures, hence improve the robustness of the DER as well as the future interacted and interconnected micro grid. For a ubiquitous power IOT technology based DER, this paper proposes a redundancy design for fault tolerant strategy. Several redundancy designs are discussed in detail with operational principles and control strategies. The proposed redundancy design is implemented on the power circuit of one phase for DER consists of a nine-level cascaded full-bridge converter in Saber simulation platform, and the simulation results prove that the redundancy design can minimize the customer’s power interrupt time and the consequent damages to the system.
Language Model Pre-training Method in Machine Translation Based on Named Entity Recognition
Authors: Li Zhen , Qu Dan , Xie Chaojie , Zhang Wenlin , Li Yanxia
Published: November 2020

Neural Machine Translation (NMT) model has become the mainstream technology in machine translation. The supervised neural machine translation model trains with abundant of sentence-level parallel corpora. But for low-resources language or dialect with no such corpus available, it is difficult to achieve good performance. Researchers began to focus on unsupervised neural machine translation (UNMT) that monolingual corpus as training data. UNMT need to construct the language model (LM) which learns semantic information from the monolingual corpus. This paper focuses on the pre-training of LM in unsupervised machine translation and proposes a pre-training method, NER-MLM (named entity recognition masked language model). Through performing NER, the proposed method can obtain better semantic information and language model parameters with better training results. In the unsupervised machine translation task, the BLEU scores on the WMT’16 English–French, English–German, data sets are 35.30, 27.30 respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest results in the field of UNMT reported so far.
Gödel and Gödel-type solutions in the Palatini f(R,T) gravity theory
Authors: Gonçalves J. S. , Santos A. F.
Published: November 2020

The Palatini [Formula: see text] gravity theory is considered. The standard Einstein–Hilbert action is replaced by an arbitrary function of the Ricci scalar [Formula: see text] and of the trace [Formula: see text] of the energy-momentum tensor. In the Palatini approach, the Ricci scalar is a function of the metric and the connection. These two quantities, metric and connection, are taken as independent variables. Then, it is examined whether Palatini [Formula: see text] gravity theory allows solutions in which lead to violation of causality. The Gödel and Gödel-type spacetimes are considered. In addition, a critical radius, which permits to examine limits for violation of causality, is calculated. It is shown that, for different matter contents, noncausal solutions can be avoided in this Palatini gravitational theory.
Voltage Regulation using Probabilistic and Fuzzy Controlled Dynamic Voltage Restorer for Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Gupta Monika , Srivastava Smriti , Chaudhary Gopal , Khari Manju , Fuente Javier Parra
Published: November 2020

In a power distribution system, faults occurring can cause voltage sag that can affect critical loads connected in the power network which can cause serious effects in the oil and gas industry. The objective of this paper is to design and implement an efficient and economical dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) to compensate for voltage sag conditions in the oil and gas industry. Due to the complexity and sensitivity of loads, a short voltage sag duration can still cause severe power quality problems to the entire system. Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) is a static series compensating type custom power device. The overall efficiency of the DVR largely relies on the effectiveness of the control strategy governing the switching of the inverters. It can be said that the heart of the DVR control strategy is the derivation of reference currents. This paper deals with the extraction of reference current values using a controller based on a combination of probabilistic and fuzzy set theory. The basis of the proposed controller is that Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) which is a probabilistic approach can be translated to an additive fuzzy interface system i.e. Generalized Fuzzy Model (GFM). The proposed controller (GMM-GFM) initially optimizes the membership functions using GMM and the final output is calculated using GFM in a single iteration i.e. with no recursions. In the control scheme two control loops are used: a feed-forward loop that uses the Proportional and Integral (PI) controller and the feedback loop uses GMM-GFM based controller. The controller is implemented and respective simulations are performed in the MATLAB SIMULINK environment for three-phase, three-wire distribution system with various issues. A comparative analysis is then done amongst all the three controllers which are based on the T-S, ML, and GMM-GFM modes respectively. The simulation results of this comparison rank the DVR with the GMM-GFM controller first, followed by the fuzzy logic Mamdani model and then with the fuzzy logic T-S model.
A Comparative Study of SME Policies: Bangladesh and Pakistan
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Muhammad Nabeel , Dana Léo-Paul
Published: November 2020

This article attempts to understand the developments in policy making and financing for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of Bangladesh and Pakistan. From 1947–1971, Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan, as East Pakistan, while the remaining current Pakistan, is referred as West Pakistan. However, in 1971 a political turmoil resulted in a separation of two parts into two different nations. Since then, both have taken different routes to develop their economies along with heavy reliance on SMEs. This paper explores the key differences in financing and policy for SMEs in Bangladesh and Pakistan with a comparative study based on literature, empirical case studies and analysis of government policies and regulations, trying to identify some main takeaways from Bangladesh and Pakistan’s market for entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers.
An Improvement of Probabilistic Feasible Region Method for Reliablity-Based Design Optimization
Authors: Wu Zihao , Chen Zhenzhong , Chen Ge , Li Xiaoke , Gan Xuehui , Wang Shenze
Published: November 2020

The decoupled methods for reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) problems are efficient and accurate. Sequential optimization and reliability analysis (SORA) method and probabilistic feasible region (PFR) approach are typical decoupled methods. When there are multiple constraints in RBDO problem, PFR method improves the efficiency of solving this problem by establishing the PFR to reduce the number of unnecessary reliability analysis loops. If the constraint boundary is not fixed in RBDO problem, PFR method may fail to solve and give the wrong result. Based on PFR method, this paper proposed an improvement of PFR method to solve the unfixed constraint boundary problems. The improvement of PFR method may not be efficient as the PFR method in solving the common RBDO problems. But, the improvement of PFR method can solve the RBDO problem with unfixed constraint boundary and has better adaptability. Three applications, a nonlinear mathematical problem, a highly nonlinear mathematical problem and an engineering design problem, are presented to illustrate the accuracy of the improvement of PFR method.
A novel colorimetric label based on ZnTPPS4/AG indicating pork freshness
Authors: Chen Liangzhe , Chen Lu , Hu Xiaolin , Cai Shaoyong , Fu Zhiqiang , Feng Weiqiang , Li Houbin , Liu Xinghai
Published: November 2020

A novel colorimetric indicator for pork freshness composed of agar, ZnTPPS4and glycerin was designed and developed by casting/solvent evaporation method. The FT-IR, UV-vis, XRD and SEM were employed to analyze the structure and valence bonds of ZnTPPS4/AG compound, and the results showed good compatibility between agar and ZnTPPS4. The tensile strength and elongation at the breaking point of indicator films increased slightly with increase of porphyrin, which may have been a contributing factor of H-bonds. After 7 days of placement, the total color variation ([Formula: see text]E) of major films was less than 5, manifesting in the color stability being sufficient enough to act as a color indicator, and the mechanism for color variation was explained therein. Furthermore, the prepared films were utilized as indicators for monitoring the freshness of lean meat at room temperature (25[Formula: see text]C). The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) of pork and [Formula: see text]E of the labels were recorded simultaneously. The trials demonstrated that ZnTPPS4/AG with higher content of ZnTPPS4had the superior sensitivity and the color changes of labels in pork packaging changed according to the decay threshold of TVB-N, which implied that ZnTPPS4/AG was able to indicate the spoilage via colorimetric method. Therefore, these novel indication labels could be used to monitor the pork freshness in a real-time, nondestructive and inexpensive way.
Some results on strong conflict-free connection number of graphs
Authors: Ji Meng , Wang Jing
Published: November 2020

A path in an edge-colored graph is called a conflict-free path if there exists a color used on only one of its edges. An edge-colored graph is called conflict-free connected if there is a conflict-free path between each pair of distinct vertices. We call the graph [Formula: see text] strongly conflict-free connectedif there exists a conflict-free path of length [Formula: see text] for every two vertices [Formula: see text]. The strong conflict-free connection number of a connected graph [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is defined as the smallest number of colors that are required to make [Formula: see text] strongly conflict-free connected. The authors in [M. Ji, X. Li and X. Zhu, (Strong) Conflict-free connectivity: Algorithm and complexity, Theor. Comput. Sci. 804 (2020) 72–80] showed that the problem of deciding whether [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] for a given graph [Formula: see text] is NP-complete. In this paper, we give mainly some bounds of strong conflict-free connection number of graphs and illustrate the difference between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text].
The ‘Michael’ Effect: Risk Perception and Behavioral Intentions Through Varying Lenses
Authors: Armstrong Cory L. , Hou Jue , Towery Nathan
Published: November 2020

This study sought to measure risk perception and behavior intention of residents in coastal counties in Alabama and Florida in areas affected by Hurricane Michael in October 2018. The aim was to examine individual responses to impending disasters in areas that were recently touched by Hurricane Michael. Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) were employed in an experiment testing how visual cues and media messages surrounding an impending hypothetical hurricane were interpreted by residents, and their reported influence on an individual’s risk perception and decision-making in the situation. An analysis of 567 respondents determined that live video was most likely to motivate respondents to prepare activities for the storms.
A FRAMEWORK FOR ENCOURAGING CONSUMER BEHAVIORAL CHANGE BY MODELING SMART METER DATA ENERGY USAGE
Authors: MWANSA MUTINTA , HURST WILLIAM , SHEN YUANYUAN
Published: November 2020

Responding to climate change requires efforts from utility providers for the production of and engagement with more advanced integrated electrical distribution grids. For example, much of the smart grid effort focuses on bridging together renewable energy sources (as well as an increased level of smart monitoring and automation of electrical transmission). Within the smart grid, the smart meter also has the potential to play a role in reducing the level of carbon emissions for all residential customers, as smart meters provide the means for customers to manage and reduce their electricity usage. For example, detailed energy profiles of energy usage patterns can be constructed and reported back to the end-user. As such, this research investigates residential home environments and how the data produced by smart meters can be used to profile energy usage in homes. In particular, this project concerns the design of a system and algorithm to model and predict household behavior patterns from smart meter readings. The aim is to model the behavioral trends in homes to develop an autonomous system that can advise home users on changes that can be adopted to reduce their carbon emissions. The data used for the research were constructed from a digital simulation model of multiple smart home environments. Using a two-class boosted decision tree, the system is able to detect anomalous users with 71.7% AUC.
Quantitative analysis of fault-and-fold growth in a transtensional basin: the Sørvestsnaget Basin, Western Barents Sea
Authors: Kristensen Thomas B. , Rotevatn Atle , Marvik Maria , Henstra Gijs A. , Gawthorpe Rob L. , Ravnås Rodmar
Published: November 2020

The growth of faults and folds in basins formed under transtension has been less studied than that in their extensional counterparts. In this study, we capitalize on 3D seismic reflection data to investigate the evolution of faults and folds that evolved coevally during suborthogonal partitioned extension and shortening, respectively, in the Sørvestsnaget Basin, Western Barents Sea. We use quantitative techniques to constrain the distribution of normal fault throw, shortening accommodated by folds and thrusts, and stratigraphic thickness variations, to analyse the relative temporal and spatial evolution of faults and folds. Our results show that normal faults display a similar evolution to those occurring in extensional basins, where they grew by lateral- and dip-linkage of individual fault segments as well as upward propagation. Notably, we show that shortening-related fold growth affected the fault growth patterns, skewing their throw distributions, and shifting the location of accommodation away from the evolving folds. Thus, fold amplification caused lateral migration of normal fault hanging-wall depocentres. Our results shed new light on fault-and-fold growth processes in transtensional basins and contribute to an improved understanding of the structural evolution of basins forming along sheared continental margins, which has economic implications for sheared-margin basins targeted for hydrocarbon exploration.
Pharmacological modulation of RORα controls fat browning, adaptive thermogenesis, and body weight in mice
Authors: Auclair Martine , Roblot Natacha , Capel Emilie , Fève Bruno , Antoine Bénédicte
Published: November 2020

The regulation of adipose tissue browning was not fully deciphered and required further studies explaining how the regulation of this process may be of interest for tackling obesity and related metabolic disorders. Our data confirmed the involvement of the transcription factor RORα in the regulation of nonshivering thermogenesis, and importantly, revealed the possibility to in vivo modulate its activity by synthetic ligands with beneficial consequences on fat mass and body weight of the mice.
The Importance of the Deep Deltoid Ligament Repair in Treating Supination‐External Rotation Stage IV Ankle Fracture: A Comparative Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Hongfeng , Yang Dongsong , Li Zhen , Niu Junke , Wang Pengru , Li Qidi , He Xishun , Wu Guangliang
Published: November 2020

Background. The necessity of the deep deltoid ligament repair in the treatment of supination‐external rotation (SER) ankle stage IV fracture with deltoid ligament rupture is highly debated. We conducted this retrospective research aimed at exploring the curative effect of the deep deltoid ligament repair in treating SER fracture. Methods. Sixty‐three patients with closed SER stage IV fractures received open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), using either deep deltoid ligament repair (the DDLR group, 31 patients) or nondeep deltoid ligament repair (the NDDLR group, 32 patients). The radiographic parameters examined include the talocrural angle (TA), fibular length (FL), tibiomedial malleolar angle (TMMA), medial clear space (MCS), and tibiofibular clear space (TFCS). The functional performance parameters examined in the study were visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle‐hindfoot scales, and range of motion of bilateral ankles (RMBA). Complications, including bone nonunion, infection, and fragment displacement, were also recorded and compared. Results. Similar basic characteristics were found in both cohorts. All patients completed follow‐up ranging from 12 to 22 months (mean time: 12.41 ± 4.21 months). The DDLR group had significantly reduced VAS score (p < 0.05), with markedly increased RMBA (p < 0.05) compared to the NDDLR group. The two cohorts showed similar follow‐up performance at 3 months (p > 0.05), 6 months (p > 0.05), and 12 months (p > 0.05), in terms of parameters including TA, FL, TMMA, MCS, TCS, and AOFAS ankle‐hindfoot scales. Conclusion. Although similar radiographic performances were achieved in both cohorts, the DDLR group displayed enhanced functional outcome postsurgery, indicating that DDLR may be a better potential for the treatment of SER stage IV fracture with deltoid ligament rupture.
RNA and Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer’s Disease: Focus on microRNAs
Authors: Nunomura Akihiko , Perry George
Published: November 2020

Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the major pathomechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is closely associated with other key events in neurodegeneration such as mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, metal dysregulation, and protein misfolding. Oxidized RNAs are identified in brains of AD patients at the prodromal stage. Indeed, oxidized mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA lead to retarded or aberrant protein synthesis. OS interferes with not only these translational machineries but also regulatory mechanisms of noncoding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs can be oxidized, which causes misrecognizing target mRNAs. Moreover, OS affects the expression of multiple miRNAs, and conversely, miRNAs regulate many genes involved in the OS response. Intriguingly, several miRNAs embedded in upstream regulators or downstream targets of OS are involved also in neurodegenerative pathways in AD. Specifically, seven upregulated miRNAs (miR-125b, miR-146a, miR-200c, miR-26b, miR-30e, miR-34a, miR-34c) and three downregulated miRNAs (miR-107, miR-210, miR-485), all of which are associated with OS, are found in vulnerable brain regions of AD at the prodromal stage. Growing evidence suggests that altered miRNAs may serve as targets for developing diagnostic or therapeutic tools for early-stage AD. Focusing on a neuroprotective transcriptional repressor, REST, and the concept of hormesis that are relevant to the OS response may provide clues to help us understand the role of the miRNA system in cellular and organismal adaptive mechanisms to OS.
Biochemical Constituents of Phaleria macrocarpa (Leaf) Methanolic Extract Inhibit ROS Production in SH-SY5Y Cells Model
Authors: Hassan Ibrahim Maina , Wan Ibrahim Wan Norhamidah , Binti Mohamat Yusuf Ferdaus , Ahmad Siti Aqlima , Ahmad Syahida
Published: November 2020

Background. Reactive oxygen species generation in mammalian cells profoundly affects several critical cellular functions, and the lack of efficient cellular detoxification mechanisms which remove these radicals may lead to several human diseases. Several studies show that ROS is incriminated as destructive agents in the context of the nervous system especially with advance in age leading to neurodegeneration. Current treatments of this disease are not effective and result in several side effects. Thus, the search for alternative medicines is in high demand. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the reactive oxygen inhibitory effect of Phaleria macrocarpa 80% (leaf) extract. Methods. The leaf was extracted with 80% methanol. Cytotoxicity studies were carried out using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), and ROS inhibitory activities were evaluated using dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay in the SH-SY5Y cells model. Results. The result revealed ROS inhibitory activities of the crude extract with highly significant differences at

p
<
0.001

between the group that were treated with crude extract only, the group treated with crude extract and exposed to H2O2, and the group exposed to H2O2 only as well as the group that were maintained in complete media. Bioactive compounds show the presence of vitexin and isovitexin following the HPLC method. Conclusion. High antioxidant activities and low toxicity effect of this crude revealed its high benefit to be used as natural medicine/supplements.
Research of Roof Anchorage Rock Beam Bearing Structure Model of Extra‐Large Width Open‐Off Cut and Its Engineering Application in a Coal Mine, China
Authors: Xie Shengrong , Zhang Qing , Chen Dongdong , Wang En , Zeng Junchao , Ji Chunwei , Wu Xiaoyu , Jiang Zaisheng , Chen Feng , Qiao Shunxing
Published: November 2020

The stability of the extra‐large width open‐off cut of a longwall panel has been a major concern in underground solid backfill mining. In this study, a numerical model was built with FLAC3D for analyzing the characteristics of the effective prestressed field distribution in the extra‐large width open‐off cut roof in Xingdong coal mine, China. The numerical results obtained in this study demonstrate that an anchorage rock beam bearing structure (ARBBS) can be formed. Additionally, the ARBBS model was also constructed. The analytical expression of the maximum shear stress (MSS) in the model was obtained under the functions of composite influencing factors. Then, the MSS evolution laws in ARBBS with different thicknesses and spans were investigated using MATLAB software. The stress changes in ARBBS with a span of 15 m were compared and analyzed under the functions of single and composite influencing factors. The cooperative control principle of the roof ARBBS and two rib anchorage bearing structures was also clarified. Accordingly, a combined support scheme for an 11.5 m‐wide open‐off cut was proposed. The field applications demonstrated that the scheme successfully controlled the failure and deformation of the surrounding rock, thus contributing to the fast development of the open‐off cut and the quick and timely installations of the backfill mining equipment. This validated the results of the ARBBS model. This study is expected to provide helpful references for other extra‐large width open‐off cut or roadway stability investigations and rock support design under similar engineering and geological conditions.
Increased Circulating Th1 and Tfh1 Cell Numbers Are Associated with Disease Activity in Glucocorticoid-Treated Patients with IgG4-Related Disease
Authors: Xia Changsheng , Liu Caoyi , Liu Yanying , Long Yan , Xu Lijuan , Liu Chen
Published: November 2020

Background. This study is aimed at exploring the changes and significance of circulating Th and Tfh cell subsets in glucocorticoid-treated IgG4-RD patients. Methods. 39 glucocorticoid-treated IgG4-RD patients and 22 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated, and circulating Th and Tfh cell subsets were examined by flow cytometry according to the surface and intranuclear markers. Disease activity was accessed by the IgG4-RD responder index (RI) score. Correlation analyses were conducted between Th/Tfh subset numbers and clinical indicators. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of Th and Tfh subsets to distinguish active IgG4-RD patients from remission IgG4-RD patients. Results. Circulating Th1, Th17, Tfh1, and Tfh17 cells were significantly increased in active IgG4-RD patients compared with HC. Th1 and Tfh1 numbers were positively correlated with serum IgG4 levels in patients with IgG4-RD. Meanwhile, the absolute numbers of circulating Th1 and Tfh1 cells were positively correlated with IgG4-RD RI scores. The areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.8276 for Th1 and 0.7310 for Tfh1, 0.5862 for Tfh2, and 0.6810 for Tfh17. Conclusion. Increased circulating Th1 and Tfh1 subsets are related to elevated serum IgG4 levels in active IgG4-RD patients during glucocorticoid treatment, which may play an important role in the course of IgG4-RD disease, and could be potential biomarkers for monitoring disease activity of IgG4-RD.