bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontology modeling and case database construction of subway emergency plan knowledge
Authors: Hongliang Li , Zhenhai Zhang
Published: October 2020

In order to improve the effectiveness and timeliness of the subway emergency plan knowledge, it is necessary to standardize and semantically express the emergency plan knowledge and promote the emergency response work to play a more efficient and timely role. Firstly, an ontology-based emergency planning knowledge modeling is proposed, and a unified and standardized metrology database for the emergency planning ontology is constructed. Secondly, drawing on the case reasoning method MyCBR, combined with the established subway operation accident case knowledge base, a case retrieval method based on semantic similarity is proposed to achieve efficient retrieval of subway emergency accident cases. Finally, Protégé software and MyCBR are used to realize the emergency reasoning knowledge reasoning and case retrieval function, which significantly improves the application efficiency of emergency response knowledge.
Application of Fatigue Simulation Analysis Based on CDTire
Authors: Tang Yan , Xiaobing Bu , Fengling Gao , Bayi Yu , Dongliang Geng , Yuan Wu
Published: October 2020

In order to verify the fatigue-durability performance of chassis components, the simulation and analysis process is established in this paper based on CDTire model. High-accuracy tire model is constructed by CDTire modeling software according to the tire test data. The multi-body dynamics simulation is completed by combining the CDTire model with the vehicle model. The load of chassis components is extracted and imported into fatigue software. The swing arm is taken as an example for calculation. This analysis process can guide the analysis of chassis components and shorten the development cycle.
An Integrated Optimization Approach of p-Hub Median Problem and Service Facility Configuration
Authors: Yu Wang , Shilin Yan , Tong Che , Tong Chen
Published: October 2020

Traditional network design approach neglected the impact of network-wide location of service facility configuration on hub network designing scheme. In order to improve the mutual adaptability between hub network scheme and service facility configuration, the selections including the location of hubs, the itinerary of OD pairs and the allocation of both types and number of service facilities on each link were considered as the decision variables. The limitations of the maximum expected number of service facilities deploying on each link and the total service time of each facility type were treated as constraints. Then an integrated mathematical model of p-hub median problem and service facility configuration was constructed. A numeric example with the scale of 9 cities, 4 types of aircraft and 72 OD pairs in domestic airline industry in 2016 is used to verify the feasibility. The results indicate that the approach can decrease the hub network designing cost by 1.34% and the adaptability of hub network scheme to service facility configuration is significantly raised as compared to the traditional approach.
Analysis of the influence of high-speed railway on economic development
Authors: He Shan , Xu Yuping , Jiang Ruizhi
Published: October 2020

This paper selects the data of 12 years of operation of China’s high-speed railways for empirical analysis. It constructs a VAR model between high-speed railway construction and economic development, and introduces two intermediate variables that make railway transportation capacity and human capital. Through the Johansen cointegration relationship test and Granger causality test, this paper can find that there is a long-term equilibrium relationship between high-speed railway construction and economic development. The construction of high-speed railways promotes economic development through the transmission multiplier effect. Finally, forecast the operating mileage of high-speed railways in the next three years. And then put forward corresponding suggestions for the current interactive relationship between high-speed railway and economic development‥
Analysis on the Trends and Characteristics of Automobile Recalls in China
Authors: Feng Yongqin , Li Wenzhao , Zhang Xiaorui , Liu Le
Published: October 2020

Based on the statistical data provided by the State Administration for Market Regulation, China Automobile Industry Association and China Consumers’ Association, this study analyzes the trends and characteristics of automobile recalls in China from 2008 to 2017. Studies have shown that automobile recalls in China have become a normal trend, there is a recall almost every two days and most recalls are initiated by a few automobile manufacturers. The recall of auto brands such as Volkswagen and Honda usually occur in the first 5 years of the model year. This shows that consumers should pay more attention to the after-sales and maintenance services in this period when buying a car.
Research on Urban Road Traffic Noise Control
Authors: Fang Bo , Chen Li Chun , Xu He , Cai Jie , Li Dong
Published: October 2020

At present, with the steady acceleration of infrastructure construction in the western region and the continuous growth of the urban economy, people’s living standards have been greatly improved, which has driven the development of urban transportation. With the increasing saturation of urban traffic, the problem of noise pollution is becoming more and more prominent. This article takes the Chengdu area as an example. Due to the rapid development of urban construction, the newly built and expanded urban roads pro mote the transformation from remote areas to prosperous and noisy areas. This change has caused serious traffic noise pollution to the surrounding environment to a certain extent. The noise pollution of urban arterial roads has caused a lot of disturbance to urban residents. Therefore, the study attempts to formulate corresponding treatment methods by analyzing the current situation of Chengdu’s road traffic noise and combining with the specific conditions of the region, in order to provide theoretical support for the same type of urban noise treatment.
The Analysis of Socioeconomic Adaptability of China’ s Civil Aviation Development
Authors: He Hang , Han Zhu , He Xiao , Wang Shuai
Published: October 2020

“Transportation service is convenient, comfortable, economical and efficient” is one of the purposes of “ The Program of Building National Strength in Transportation”. The high-capacity and high-efficiency fast passenger and freight services provided by the aviation industry meet this need. Civil aviation industry is not only a social service industry, but also an industry closely related to the economic situation. At present, there is a lack of research on the evaluation of socioeconomic adaptability of civil aviation development. From aspects of civil aviation development and economy and society, this paper constructs the index system of socioeconomic adaptability of civil aviation development. And then in this paper, the method of DEA is used to evaluate its adaptability, and the year with better adaptability is found. At the same time, this paper also briefly analyzes the fluctuation of civil aviation passenger transport market, which lays a theoretical foundation for the subsequent development planning of civil aviation, and promotes the high-quality development of civil aviation to a certain extent. And it will achieve the goal of “people’s aviation for the people”, and then promote the process of building a powerful transportation country.
Research on High-speed Railway Hub Passenger Transport System Planning Evaluation System
Authors: Wei-wen Mao , Shi-wei He
Published: October 2020

China’s high-speed rail is already at the forefront of the world. The layout of the high-speed railway bus terminal is not only related to the construction of the high-speed rail network, but also a major strategic decision for urban development, and it is related to another leap forward development opportunity for the city. At present, the evaluation plan of the railway hub passenger transport system is not perfect, because many aspects of the plan are difficult to quantify, and it is prone to inaccurate judgments of factors that lead to more one-sided conclusion. This paper establishes a comparatively comprehensive set of layout evaluation indicators, advocates selecting or creating a corresponding index construction index system according to the characteristics of the evaluation target, and combines the entropy weighting method and the TOPSIS method to form a new rating method and applies it to the layout evaluation.
Investigations of Flexural and Hardness Behaviour of Graphene Composites
Authors: Vijaya Ramnath B. , Gowtham S. , Melvin Antony J. , Kumaran D. , Lokeshwaran G.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, it was investigated about the flexural and hardness behaviour of graphene reinforced with hemp fiber composites. Hemp fibres with graphene of two different laminates are prepared. Epoxy resin of grade LY556 along with hardener HY 951 is blended with graphene composites through hand layup method. The mechanical properties of graphene reinforced NaOH treated and untreated hemp fibre laminates are tested for their efficiency. Results indicate that Graphene when it is reinforced with hemp fibre, the mechanical properties namely flexural and hardness behaviour are enhanced to a greater extent. These composites have various academic and engineering fields.
Applications of Leagility in Manufacturing and Service Industries
Authors: Vaishnavi V. , Suresh M.
Published: October 2020

Leagility is a new paradigm which combines both lean and agile concepts together. The aim of current study is to constitute a vast literature of leagility in manufacturing and service sectors categorizing the existing studies and to explore the limitations and future research directions. There are 40 research articles selected for this study and classified based on year, research methods, publisher, journal and application on leagility. Then the identification of limitations and future research directions from the articles are reviewed. The finding suggests that leagility is explored more in supply chain and it requirements to be looked into other sectors. The theoretical background is made by developing more conceptual models, frameworks and empirical testing in manufacturing, automobile, healthcare and Information Technology (IT). The validation of the models has been examined by real-time case studies. The reader can understand that leagility is applied mainly in supply chain as decoupling point and emerging concept in market. For researcher, it would have a widespread of ideas for research.
Polyolester Based Lubricant from Waste Feedstock for Sustainable Environment: A Tribological Investigation
Authors: Arumugam S , Baskar S , Sankara Subramanian V , Shivasankaran G
Published: October 2020

This study reported the tribological evaluation of polyolester based lubricant synthesised from waste feedstock. The transesterification process was adopted for the formulation of lubricant from waste mango seed kernel oil. The polyols used in this formulation are neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane and pentaerythritol. The tribological investigation was conducted using four ball tribometer as per ASTM D4172. The frictional and wear behavior of vegetable oil-based polyolester was analysed in addition to the wear morphology of investigated balls. The results indicated that the average frictional torque and mean wear diameter of pentaerythritol ester of waste mango seed oil was 0.12 Nm and 0.403 mm respectively and also found that the pentaerythritol ester showed improved tribological results as compared with other polyolesters say neopentyl glycol ester and trimethylolpropane ester of waste mango seed oil. The waste mange seed oil is found suitable candidate for the formulation of polyolester based sustainable lubricant.
Investigation of mechanical properties on nano cuprous oxide coated/uncoated spur gear
Authors: Kumar K. , Arul S.
Published: October 2020

Metals and their alloys have been widely used in all aspects of science and engineering. However the science of nanotechnology is driving newer demands and requirements for better performance of existing materials and also at a higher level of precision. This is naturally presenting complicated demands on the surface of these metals with a need for surface modification. In the present scenario it is noteworthy that nano scaled particle coatings enhances the mechanical properties in the metals rather than the macro or micro sized particles. Hence an attempt was made to characterize the mechanical properties of cuprous oxide nano particles coated spur gear (Mild Steel). The mechanical properties such as tensile, hardness and corrosion (salt spray) were experimentally investigated at ambient condition. A deep compression had been made between the coated and uncoated gear. The results reveal that the coated gear shows better performance compared with uncoated gears.
An Effect of EDM on AL6061-5% SiC as stir cast MMC
Authors: Bharani Kumar S. , Arul S.
Published: October 2020

Usage of advanced machining method in the formation of composites made of aluminum metal matrix (Al-MMC) has produced substantial ability because the manufacture of intricate die shapes in these tough material is of elevated precision and surface finish Impossible. EDM has proven to be one of the many unorthodox processing techniques that are successful in shaping These materials which are difficult to process. The main aim of this investigation work is to find the outcome of Pulse ON-time (Pon), Current (Cu)and flushing pressure (Fp) on tool wear rate (TWR), metal removal rate (MRR) taper (T), radial overcut (ROC), and surface roughness (SR) on machining Al6061 with 5% SiC reinforcement.[1,2] On this Investigation we are deputed Electronica PSR 35 and dielectric fluid was used as kerosene with the help of flushing machine to pump out the dielectric fluid. Copper is used as the electrode and it also used as a tool of diameter 3mm to pierce the work piece for the required length. Three machining parameter at each having three stages was used to perform the experiment on the orthogonal array of L27 taken into account. The experiments are conducted for three following trails in random order. The maximizing taken into account for optimization and ANOVA statistical tool is used and to find out the surface morphology SEM is taken on different parts of the work piece.[3]
Analysis of Thermal Barrier Coating’s Behaviors on Alloys – A Review
Authors: Muthukumaran K. , Francis Xavier J. , Ramadoss R. , Balu P. , Ezilarasan C.
Published: October 2020

Thermal barrier coatings (TBC) are made from alloys such as super alloys, titanium alloys and advanced steel materials. These alloys are widely used to make parts of aircraft, and these parts are used for in corrosive environments and high temperature operations. TBCs are therefore miserably needed to improve fatigue life, creep strength and corrosion resistance of these alloys. Thermal barrier coating consists of a bond coat and a top coat. The behaviour of the coating, such as oxidation resistance, hardness, microstructure and thermal oxide formation, depends on the coating technique and the bond and top coating materials. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this paper to review recent research on the Thermal Barrier Coating Behavior. Most researchers used NiCoCrAlY as a bond coat and YSZ as a top coat. HVOF and plasma spray techniques were found to be effective than other techniques such as Electron beam physical vapor deposition in this review.
Effect of change of cross section and Frequency Analysis of Anti-Roll Bar Using FEA
Authors: Srinivasan T. , Ram Gopal CH.V.L.N. , Sasidhar P. , Vineeth Kumar P. , Sohail Shaik
Published: October 2020

Anti-roll bars are the suspension system component in automobiles that are used to control the body roll effect. They have a strong impact on the handling functions of the engine. The design effects of the anti-roll bar are normal in different vehicles and the study is mandatory for each design change. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used for an accurate study of the anti-roll bar style. The finite element analysis is carried out in ANSYS. The paper comprises of pre-processing, evaluating, post-processing, and using the work bench to interpret the FEA results. Be that as it may, because of a high number of rehashed plans looks at, deciphering time and cost issues related with the utilization of general FEA bundle projects may create critical inconveniences in utilizing these bundle projects to perform against move bar structure examination. Vibration characteristics such as typical set vibration levels and frequency are varied within the automotive environment. Even if an automobile is driven, the random excitations from road inputs and intermittent vibrations from engine firing are felt by its components and structures. It can sometimes cause problems with reliability if the construction of the components is often not completely evaluated.
Impact of mechanical properties on sheet metal forming processes by using single-point incremental shaping method
Authors: Srinivasan T. , Ramu P. , Suresh G. , Govardhan Y.S. , Srinivasan S.
Published: October 2020

The usage of single tool using Computer numerical control (CNC) machines in processes. These flexible processes satisfying the need of the manufacturer through the Single point incremental forming (SPIF). Modern and die less sheet metal forming technique applied in this technique mainly for small batch and custom made items of different shapes and dimensions. It offers many advantages compared with traditional sheet processes, especially in terms of flexibility and material formability. The basic idea is to build the knowledge about the advanced manufacturing process and do preliminary investigation on the applicability of single point incremental forming process. In obtaining the mechanical properties, two types of tests are being conducted. They are tensile test and composition test. These test conducted according to ASTM E8M and ASTM B209 respectively. The present work is to be carried out on Aluminium alloy which have very important industrial application with a light weight to strength ratio. In this work the stress, strain, formability, wrinkles, deformation will be studied.
Performance and Emission Characteristics of C.I Engine using Jatropha and Pongamia Mixed Biodiesel
Authors: Arunprasad S , Iyer Hari Jagadeesh , Omkaar K , Jayaganth M , Palani K
Published: October 2020

In the present study, experiments were conducted on compression ignition engine and the performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine using jatropha and pongamia mixed biodiesel were observed. The mixed biodiesel was mixed with diesel in different combination of MB25 (25% mixed biodiesel and 75% diesel), MB50 (50% mixed biodiesel and 50% diesel), MB75 (75% mixed biodiesel and 25% diesel), and MB100 (100% mixed biodiesel) and the results were compared with diesel. From the results, it was found that the brake thermal efficiency is increased when increasing diesel amount to mixed biodiesel and it was lower for MB100. The reduction in brake specific fuel consumption has been found for MB25, MB50, MB75 when compared to MB100. The reduction of HC (hydrocarbon), CO (carbon monoxide), smoke emissions, and increase of NOx (nitrogen oxides) for different loads were observed and compared with diesel.
Development of Portable Sugarcane Harvester
Authors: Elanchezhian C , Vijayaramnath B , Nethaji TP , Purusothaman S , Singaaram K , Yogeswaran M
Published: October 2020

The present study is focused on development of sugarcane harvester with less manufacturing cost. Now-a-days, the fast production of agriculture product is needed even though the labour demand increased. In this work, the portable sugarcane harvesting machine is designed instead of manual machine which can cut the two sides from the upper and lower portion of sugarcane. The height of the upper blade is adjustable which is completely with electrical motor. This machine will reduce the harvesting time and labour fatigue efforts with increased productivity to all class farmers. Comparing with manual harvesting only 10% of labour is required for entire operation. Also, it reduces the labour cost with faster process. The machine is used by maximum number of farmers and overcome the labour shortage problem with increased productivity. This work is designed for two important sustainable development goal which are responsible and consumption production industry innovation and infrastructure.
Experimental investigation of radiator heat transfer efficiency using Water + Ethylene Glycol based Al2O3, SiC nanofluids
Authors: SatyaPrasad S. , Rambabu V. , Ravibabu S.
Published: October 2020

The experimental work to boost forced heat transfer performance in an Al2O3, SiC-Water+ ethylene glycol nanofluid radiator was discussed in this paper. In this analysis, different volume fractions of nanofluids in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 percent were prepared and sonicated for 2 hours using an ultrasonic sonicator to achieve stable suspension with the incorporation of Al2O3, Sic nanoparticles into the water. The maxium-performable heat transfer was found to be 50 percent higher than water at a fraction of 0.1 per cent. The effective thermal conductivity of the nanofluid is increased with increased particle concentration, which helps to boost radiator heating efficiency. The rate of heat flow ranges from 3 to 12 lpm. It is noted that the efficiency of heat transfer has increased with an increase in flow rate.
Study of the G-ratio of aluminium silicon carbide nano particles reinforced metal matrix composites
Authors: Nandakumar A. , Rajmohan T. , Sundararajan R. , Venkatesh K. , Muni Deepak N. , Venkateshwaran K.
Published: October 2020

Grinding plays an essential role in obtaining high dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Three types of work pieces were used with different ratios of SiC (1%,2%,3%). When the composition of SiC increases, the G-ratio decreases. This type of material is highly used in aerospace applications due to its low density and good wear and corrosion resistance. It is genuinely believed that Al-SiC has tremendous potential for application in the aerospace industry. A critical role is played by grinding in achieving good surface finish and improved dimensional accuracy. Therefore, a strategy to improve the grinding rate and surface finish is important for economic production. In this research, the various grinding ratio was found out and results show that G-ratio is high when coolant is used and G-ratio is low when coolant is not used.
Hybrid WCMFO algorithm for the optimization of AWJ process parameters
Authors: Tamilarasan A , Rajmohan T , Ashwinkumar KG , Dinesh B , Praveenkumar M , Dinesh Reddy R. , Surya Kiran K V V , Elangumaran R , Krishnamoorthi S
Published: October 2020

Selecting optimal and proper cutting parameters for achieving desired results in the AWJ process is a demanding task. Therefore, the main contribution of this work is to apply a new reliable hybrid WCMFO algorithm for process optimization in the AWJ process. Based on the box-behnken design technique, 17 experimental runs were conducted and quadratic model for surface roughness was developed to fit with experimental data. Then, the WCMFO algorithm is implemented in the consideration of surface roughness as a fitness function. The key advantage of this algorithm is that it does not accumulate to any local optima, and the existence of a hybrid algorithm allows it to store the best solutions available so far. The predicted optimal settings were verified through confirmatory experiments, and the results validated.
Synthesis and Tribological characteristics of a nano CuO particle-filled water-based lubricants
Authors: Rajmohan T. , Hemanth Kumar D. , Nivithetha R. , Elamburthi  , Kalyan Chakravarthy V.V.
Published: October 2020

The oil-based lubricating system tends to produce high cutting temperatures owning to the low cooling capability of oil lubricants. The addition of lubricating additives in nanoscale could increase the tribological and lubrication performance of the water-based lubricants. In this work, nano CuO particle-filled water-based lubricants as cutting fluids were developed using ultrasonication process. The Thermophysical Properties of synthesized nano filled water-based lubricant was tested and analyzed. The tribological characteristics were fairly investigated using four-ball and pin on disc apparatus testing units. The results indicated that nano CuO filled water-based lubricant shows enhanced tribological performance in terms of coefficient of friction (COF) and wear scar diameter (WSD) compared with base coolant. The superior performance of CuO filled water-based lubricant was credited to the detail that CuO nanoparticle additives arrived the rubbing interface and made a tribo-thin layer of CuO. Water-based lubricant showed the highest surface deformation compared to nano-based lubricants which indicate that the damage was due to adhesive wear.
Tribological characteristics of natural fiber composite - Review
Authors: Mohan K. , Rajmohan T.
Published: October 2020

The continuous research into green environment for engineering based applications the present work tasks to dedicate a gathering of improvements in the research of tribological behaviour of natural fibre reinforced polymeric composites. Information on natural fibres, composites and the wear characteristics such as specific wear rate and co efficient of friction were presented with respect to change of fiber weight or volume fraction, addition of nano fillers and fiber treatments. Various operating parameters and wear mechanism for various types of composites and their performance will be discussed.
Analysis of Inertance Pulse Tube Refrigerator using CFD
Authors: Sai Baba M. , Kumar Pankaj
Published: October 2020

The current research focuses on the study of the Inertance pulse tube refrigerator [IPTR] using ANSYS FLUENT code. In the workbench with suitable dimensions, an axis symmetric model is developed, which could then be modeled to determine the validity of the Inertance pulse tube refrigerator. The additional Inertance pulse tube refrigerator is updated, i.e. 2 further reservoirs were attached to above system and they are respectively connected by valves. The efficiency of this new model of pulse tube refrigerator is analyzed and connected with the refrigerator of the Inertance pulse tube.
Effect of retrogression re-aging treatment on corrosion behavior of 7055 Al-Zn-Mg alloy
Authors: Guo Fuqiang , Duan Shuwei , Wu Dongting , Matsuda Kenji , Wang Tao , Zou Yong
Published: October 2020

The effect of retrogression re-aging treatment (RRA) on the corrosion behavior of 7055 Al-Zn-Mg alloy was studied in this paper. Results provided that corrosion resistance could be greatly improved by RRA. After the RRA treatment, the isolated precipitates occurred on grain boundaries (GBs) and the low angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) presented a larger fraction compared to that of single-stage peaking aging treatment. The samples after RRA treatment also show better corrosion resistance than that of single-stage peak aging treatment. In addition, of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis showed that the impedance spectrum was consisted of semi-infinite layer diffusion impedance and stagnant Weber impedance. The semi-infinite layer diffusion impedance corresponded to a limited retention layer on the electrode surface while the Weber impedance represented a stagnant layer of corrosion products generated by the anode branches. The aluminum alloy after RRA treatment achieved higher Rf and low Cf, Cp values and its corrosion current density was ten times smaller compared to the single-stage peak aging samples with the 10% hardness losing.
Automatic lesion detection, segmentation and characterization via 3D multiscale morphological sifting in breast MRI
Authors: Min Hang , McClymont Darryl , Chandra Shekhar S , Crozier Stuart , Bradley Andrew P
Published: October 2020

Previous studies on computer aided detection/diagnosis (CAD) in 4D breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) usually regard lesion detection, segmentation and characterization as separate tasks, and typically require users to manually select 2D MRI slices or regions of interest as the input. In this work, we present a breast MRI CAD system that can handle 4D multimodal breast MRI data, and integrate lesion detection, segmentation and characterization with no user intervention. The proposed CAD system consists of three major stages: region candidate generation, feature extraction and region candidate classification. Breast lesions are firstly extracted as region candidates using the novel 3D multiscale morphological sifting (MMS). The 3D MMS, which uses linear structuring elements to extract lesion-like patterns, can segment lesions from breast images accurately and efficiently. Analytical features are then extracted from all available 4D multimodal breast MRI sequences, including T1-, T2-weighted and DCE sequences, to represent the signal intensity, texture, morphological and enhancement kinetic characteristics of the region candidates. The region candidates are lastly classified as lesion or normal tissue by the random under-sampling boost (RUSboost), and as malignant or benign lesion by the random forest. Evaluated on a breast MRI dataset which contains a total of 117 cases with 141 biopsy-proven lesions (95 malignant and 46 benign lesions), the proposed system achieves a true positive rate (TPR) of 0.90 at 3.19 false positives per patient (FPP) for lesion detection and a TPR of 0.91 at a FPP of 2.95 for identifying malignant lesions without any user intervention. The average dice similarity index (DSI) is

0.72
±
0.15

for lesion segmentation. Compared with previously proposed lesion detection, detection-segmentation and detection-characterization systems evaluated on the same breast MRI dataset, the proposed CAD system achieves a favourable performance in breast lesion detection and characterization.
Fano resonance of air-Si waveguide cavity
Authors: Li Shu , Chen Shuguang , Xiao Shifang , Zhai Xiang , Liu Huangqing , Mao Jingjing , Mao Jianzhong
Published: October 2020

According to simulation results from FDTD, Fano resonance of the air-Si-Si-air combined waveguide cavity was mainly studied, including the distribution of the magnetic field, quality factor, extinction coefficient and transmission efficiency. Fano resonance was related to the height of Si. When the height
H

2 = 140 nm of Si and the height of
H

1
= 300 nm, there was higher extinction coefficient in the resonant cavity and the better quality of the resonator, whose transmission efficiency of surface plasma was up to 89% for 1110 nm. This combined cavity had very good filtering effect.
Does identifying frailty from ICD-10 coded data on hospital admission improve prediction of adverse outcomes in older surgical patients? A population-based study
Authors: Harvey Lara A , Toson Barbara , Norris Christina , Harris Ian A , Gandy Robert C , Close Jacqueline J C T
Published: October 2020

Background

frailty is a major contributor to poor health outcomes in older people, separate from age, sex and comorbidities. This population-based validation study evaluated the performance of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, coded Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) in the prediction of adverse outcomes in an older surgical population and compared its performance against the commonly used Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Methods

hospitalisation and death data for all individuals aged ≥50 admitted for surgery to New South Wales hospitals (2013–17) were linked. HFRS and CCI scores were calculated using both 2- and 5-year lookback periods. To determine the influence of individual explanatory variables, several logistic regression models were fitted for each outcome of interest (30-day mortality, prolonged length of stay (LOS) and 28-day readmission). Area under the receiving operator curve (AUC) and Akaike information criterion (AIC) were assessed.

Results

of the 487,197 patients, 6.8% were classified as high HFRS, and 18.3% as high CCI. Although all models performed better than base model (age and sex) for prediction of 30-day mortality, there was little difference between CCI and HFRS in model discrimination (AUC 0.76 versus 0.75), although CCI provided better model fit (AIC 79,020 versus 79,910). All models had poor ability to predict prolonged LOS (AUC range 0.62–0.63) or readmission (AUC range 0.62–0.65). Using a 5-year lookback period did not improve model discrimination over the 2-year period.

Conclusions

adjusting for HFRS did not improve prediction of 30-mortality over that achieved by the CCI. Neither HFRS nor CCI were useful for predicting prolonged LOS or 28-day unplanned readmission.
The impact of pain on the course of ADL functioning in patients with dementia
Authors: van Dalen-Kok Annelore H , Pieper Marjoleine J C , de Waal Margot W M , van der Steen Jenny T , Scherder Erik J A , Achterberg Wilco P
Published: October 2020

Background

Understanding if and how pain influences activities of daily living (ADL) in dementia is essential to improving pain management and ADL functioning. This study examined the relationship between the course of pain and change in ADL functioning, both generally and regarding specific ADL functions.

Methods

Participants were Dutch nursing home residents (n = 229) with advanced dementia. ADL functioning was assessed with the Katz ADL scale, and pain with the Dutch version of the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate (PACSLAC-D). Changes of PACSLAC-D and Katz ADL scores were computed based on the difference in scores between baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up. Multivariate linear regression models were used to assess the relationships between change in pain score, change in total ADL score and specific ADL item scores during follow-up.

Results

At baseline, residents had a median ADL score of 18 (interquartile range 13–22, range 6–24) and 48% of the residents were in pain (PACSLAC-D ≥ 4). Residents with pain were more ADL dependent than residents without pain. A change in pain score within the first 3 months was a significant predictor for a decline in ADL functioning over the 6-month follow-up (B = 0.10, SE = 0.05, P = 0.045), and specifically, a decline on the items ‘transferring’ over the 6-month follow-up and ‘feeding’ during the first 3 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

Pain is associated with ADL functioning cross-sectionally, and a change in pain score predicts a decline in ADL functioning, independent of dementia severity. Awareness of (changes in) ADL activities is clearly important and might result in both improved recognition of pain and improved pain management.
Flattening the Curve on COVID-19: South Korea’s Measures in Tackling Initial Outbreak of Coronavirus
Authors: Lee Daejoong , Heo Kyungmoo , Seo Yongseok , Ahn Hyerim , Jung Kyungran , Lee Sohyun , Choi Hyeseung
Published: October 2020

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is causing an unprecedented crisis around the world, with South Korea being no exception. South Korea experienced a surge of COVID-19 cases on February 19, 2020, but was able to flatten the COVID-19 curve in only 20 days without enforcing lockdown measures that restrict the freedom and movement of people. The actual field experience of the Korean government’s COVID-19 response team, who participated in drafting the document “Tackling COVID-19: Health, Quarantine, and Economic Measures: Korean experience,” was examined and an in-depth analysis was conducted of the South Korean government’s experience dealing with the Middle East respiratory syndrome of 2015. Three prominent factors were identified behind Korea’s responses against COVID-19. First, it was crucial that the government responded as 1 team efficiently to cooperate and respond to COVID-19. Second, a novel approach was needed to combat COVID-19 spread. Information and communication technology had a key role in South Korea’s strategy to contain COVID-19. Third, an effective response to COVID-19 was possible due to the successful partnership between the general public and state authorities.
‘Green revolution’ dwarf genesd1of rice has gigantic impact
Authors: Gaur Vikram Singh , Channappa Giresh , Chakraborti Mridul , Sharma Tilak Raj , Mondal Tapan Kumar
Published: October 2020

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereal that has fed the world over a longer period. Before green revolution, cultivated rice is believed to have consisted of thousands of landraces each adapted to its specific climatic conditions by surviving against different abiotic and biotic selection pressure. However, owing to the low yield, photo-period sensitivity, late maturity and sensitivity to lodging of these landraces grown world-wide, serious concerns of impending global food crisis was felt during the 1960s because of (i) unprecedented increase of the population and (ii) concomitant decline in the cultivable land. Fortunately, high-yielding varieties developed through the introgression of the semi-dwarf1 gene (popularly known as sd1) during the 1960s led to significant increments in the food grain production that averted the apprehensions of nearing famine. This historical achievement having deep impact in the global agriculture is popularly referred as ‘Green Revolution.’ In this paper, we reviewed, its genetics as well as molecular regulations, evolutionary relationship with orthologous genes from other cereals as well as pseudo-cereals and attempted to provide an up-to-date information about its introgression to different rice cultivars of the world.
The scales of coevolution: comparative phylogeography and genetic demography of a locally adapted venomous predator and its prey
Authors: Holding Matthew L , Sovic Michael G , Colston Timothy J , Gibbs H Lisle
Published: October 2020

Coevolutionary theory predicts that differences in the genetic demography of interacting species can influence patterns of local adaptation by affecting the potential of local populations to respond to selection. We conducted a comparative phylogeographical study of venomous rattlesnakes and their venom-resistant ground squirrel prey across California, and assessed how effective population size (Ne) estimates correspond with a previously documented pattern of rattlesnake local adaptation. Using RAD sequencing markers, we detected lineage relationships among both the rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus ssp.) and ground squirrels (Otospermophilus sp.) that are incongruent with previous phylogenetic hypotheses. Both rattlesnakes and squirrels share a deep divergence at the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. At this broad phylogeographical scale, we found that the locally adapted rattlesnakes had higher Ne than squirrels. At the population scale, snakes also had larger Ne accompanied by larger values of several metrics of population genetic diversity. However, the specific magnitude of local adaptation of venom activity to ground squirrel venom resistance was not significantly correlated with local differences in Ne or other diversity statistics between predator and prey populations, suggesting that other factors in the geographic mosaic of coevolution contribute to the specific local-scale outcomes of this interaction. These results suggest an evolutionary mechanism that may explain some (but clearly not all) of rattlesnake local adaptation in this coevolutionary interaction – larger population sizes raise the adaptive potential of rattlesnakes compared to ground squirrels.
Sustained Response After Remdesivir and Convalescent Plasma Therapy in a B-Cell–Depleted Patient With Protracted Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Malsy Jakob , Veletzky Luzia , Heide Janna , Hennigs Annette , Gil-Ibanez Ines , Stein Alexander , Lütgehetmann Marc , Rosien Ulrich , Jasper Dorothea , Peine Sven , Hiller Jens , Haag Friedrich , Schmiedel Stefan , Huber Samuel , Jordan Sabine , Addo Marylyn M , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian
Published: October 2020

We provide detailed clinical, virological, and immunological data of a B-cell–depleted patient treated with obinutuzumab for follicular lymphoma with protracted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and viremia. A sustained response was achieved after 2 courses of remdesivir and subsequent convalescent plasma therapy. Immunocompromised patients might require combined and prolonged antiviral treatment regimens.
Efficacy and Safety of a 3-Antigen (Pre-S1/Pre-S2/S) Hepatitis B Vaccine: Results of a Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial in the Russian Federation
Authors: Esaulenko Elena V , Yakovlev Aleksey A , Volkov Genady A , Sukhoruk Anastasia A , Surkov Kirill G , Kruglyakov Peter V , Diaz-Mitoma Francisco
Published: October 2020

Background

This study compares the immunogenicity and safety of a 3-antigen (S/pre-S1/pre-S2) hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine (3AV), to a single antigen vaccine (1AV) in adults to support the registration of 3AV in Russia.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, comparative study of 3-dose regimens of 3AV (10 μg) and 1AV (20 µg) in adults aged 18–45 years. We evaluated immunogenicity based on hepatitis B surface (HBs) antibody titers at days 1, 28, 90, 180, and 210, adverse and serious adverse events (SAEs) to study day 210. The primary outcome was based on the difference in rates of seroconversion at day 210 (lower bound 95% confidence interval [CI]: > − 4%). Secondary outcomes were seroprotection rates (SPR), defined as anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL and anti-HBs geometric mean concentration (GMC).

Results

Rate of seroconversion in 3AV (100%) was noninferior to 1AV (97.9%) at study day 210 (difference: 2.1%, 95% CI: −2.0, 6.3%]) but significantly higher at study day 28. SPR at study day 210 was >97% in both arms. Anti-HBs titers were significantly higher at study days 90 (P = .001) and 180 (P = .0001) with 3AV. Sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) had no impact on anti-HBs titers. The rates of local reactions related to vaccination were similar between vaccine arms (3AV vs 1AV) after the first (30% vs 18.8%, P = .15), second (20.0% vs 14.6%, P = .33), and third vaccination (14.9% vs 23.4%, P = .22). No SAEs were reported.

Conclusions

3AV was noninferior to 1AV. 3AV induced high SPR, and there were no safety concerns.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04209400.
Effect of linagliptin versus placebo on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in nephrotic-range proteinuria and type 2 diabetes: the CARMELINA randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wanner Christoph , Cooper Mark E , Johansen Odd Erik , Toto Robert , Rosenstock Julio , McGuire Darren K , Kahn Steven E , Pfarr Egon , Schnaidt Sven , von Eynatten Maximilian , George Jyothis T , Gollop Nicholas D , Marx Nikolaus , Alexander John H , Zinman Bernard , Perkovic Vlado ,   the CARMELINA investigators
Published: October 2020

Background

Nephrotic-range proteinuria (NRP) is associated with rapid kidney function loss and increased cardiovascular (CV) disease risk. We assessed the effects of linagliptin (LINA) on CV and kidney outcomes in people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) with or without NRP.

Methods

Cardiovascular and renal microvascular outcome study with LINA randomized participants with T2D and CV disease and/or kidney disease to LINA 5 mg or placebo (PBO). The primary endpoint [time to first occurrence of 3-point major adverse cardiac events (3P-MACE)], and kidney outcomes, were evaluated by NRP status [urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥2200 mg/g] at baseline (BL) in participants treated with one or more dose of study medication.

Results

NRP was present in 646/6979 [9.3% (LINA/PBO n = 317/n = 329); median UACR 3486 (Q1: 2746/Q3: 4941) mg/g] participants, who compared with no-NRP were younger (62.3/66.1 years) and had lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (39.9/56.1 mL/min/1.73 m2). Over a median of 2.2 years, 3P-MACE occurred with a 2.0-fold higher rate in NRP versus no-NRP (PBO group), with a neutral LINA effect, regardless of NRP. The composite of time to renal death, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or decrease of ≥40 or ≥50% in eGFR, occurred with 12.3- and 13.6-fold higher rate with NRP (PBO group); evidence of heterogeneity of effects with LINA was observed for the former [NRP yes/no: hazard ratio 0.80 (0.63–1.01)/1.25 (1.02–1.54); P-interaction 0.005], but not the latter [0.83 (0.64–1.09)/1.17 (0.91–1.51), P-interaction 0.07]. No heterogeneity was observed for renal death or ESKD [0.88 (0.64–1.21)/0.94 (0.67–1.31), P-interaction 0.79]. Glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was significantly reduced regardless of NRP, without increasing hypoglycaemia risk. Regression to normoalbuminuria [1.20 (1.07–1.34)] and reduction of UACR ≥50% [1.15 (1.07–1.25)] from BL, occurred more frequently with LINA, regardless of NRP status (P-interactions >0.05).

Conclusions

Individuals with T2D and NRP have a high disease burden. LINA reduces their albuminuria burden and HbA1c, without affecting CV or kidney risk.
Contributions of source population and incubation temperature to phenotypic variation of hatchling Chinese skinks
Authors: Lu Hong-Liang , Qu Yan-Fu , Li Hong , Ji Xiang
Published: October 2020

Phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation are viewed as the main factors that result in between-population variation in phenotypic traits, but contributions of these factors to phenotypic variation vary between traits and between species and have only been explored in a few species of reptiles. Here, we incubated eggs of the Chinese skink (Plestiodon chinensis) from 7 geographically separated populations in Southeast China at 3 constant temperatures (24, 28, and 32 °C) to evaluate the combined effects of clutch origin, source population, and incubation temperature on hatchling traits. The relative importance of these factors varied between traits. Nearly all examined hatchling traits, including body mass, snout–vent length (SVL), tail length, head size, limb length, tympanum diameter, and locomotor speed, varied among populations and were affected by incubation temperature. Measures for hatchling size (body mass and SVL) varied considerably among clutches. Source population explained much of the variation in hatchling body mass, whereas incubation temperature explained much of the variation in other examined traits. Our results indicate that between-population variation in hatchling traits of P. chinensis likely reflects the difference in natural incubation conditions and genetic divergence.
Male pheromones and their reception by females are co-adapted to affect mating success in two subspecies of brown rats
Authors: Zhang Yao-Hua , Zhao Lei , Fu Shi-Hui , Wang Zhen-Shan , Zhang Jian-Xu
Published: October 2020

Pheromonal communication plays a key role in the sociosexual behavior of rodents. The coadaptation between pheromones and chemosensory systems has been well illustrated in insects but poorly investigated in rodents and other mammals. We aimed to investigate whether coadaptation between male pheromones and female reception might have occurred in brown rats Rattus norvegicus. We recently reported that major urinary protein (MUP) pheromones are associated with male mating success in a brown rat subspecies, R. n. humiliatus (Rnh). Here, we discovered that MUPs were less polymorphic and occurred at much lower concentrations in males of a parapatric subspecies, R. n. caraco (Rnc), than in Rnh males, and found no association between pheromones and paternity success. Moreover, the observation of Rnc males that experienced chronic dyadic encounters and established dominance–submission relationships revealed that the dominant males achieved greater mating success than the subordinate males, but their MUP levels did not differ by social status. These findings suggest that male mating success in Rnc rats is related to social rank rather than to pheromone levels and that low concentration of MUPs might not be a reliable signal for mate choice in Rnc rats, which is different from the findings obtained in Rnh rats. In addition, compared with Rnh females, Rnc females exhibited reduced expression of pheromone receptor genes, and a lower number of vomeronasal receptor neurons were activated by MUP pheromones, which imply that the female chemosensory reception of pheromones might be structurally and functionally coadapted with male pheromone signals in brown rats.