bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurology care and the long-term outcomes of atrial fibrillation-related ischaemic stroke in China: median 3-year outcome from a high volume academic tertiary hospital
Authors: Wang Zidun , Wu Nan , Wu Fengming , Zhang Lian , Gao Xiaoyuan , Yang Yilan , Li Mingfang , Wan Qi , Chen Minglong
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The initial medical contact of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischaemic stroke is often performed by neurologists. However, when stand care with oral anticoagulants (OACs) adherence and persistence was emphasised by cardiologists, data regarding the gap between current neurology care and standard care from Chinese tertiary hospitals is scarce and the long-term outcome is unknown. This study was to investigate the AF detection rate, the use of anticoagulation therapy and posthospital clinical outcomes associated with neurology care in patients with AF and ischaemic stroke in China.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Clinical data of all patients who had an ischaemic stroke discharged from the neurologic department of a high-volume academic hospital from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017 were analysed and patients were followed.

Participants

Patients diagnosed with ischaemic stroke and AF were included.

Main outcome measures

The usage of anticoagulation at discharge, the posthospital restroke rate and all-cause mortality.

Results

Among 5797 patients who had an ischaemic stroke, 373 (6.43%) patients were diagnosed with AF during hospitalisation. Among them, only 198 (53.66%) patients were on anticoagulation therapy at discharge. A total of 325 (88.08%) patients were accessible and received follow-up. After a median 3-year follow-up, 103 (31.69%) patients died due to all causes. Among them, 53 (16.31%) patients died from recurrent stroke. And 86 (26.46%) patients restroked. In multivariable analysis, patients without anticoagulation therapy, muscle strength<grade 3 at discharge, coronary artery disease and advanced age predicted the recurrent stroke.

Conclusions

Secondary stroke prevention in AF patients associated with neurology care is challenging in China, as manifested by a lower AF detection rate, significant underuse of OACs, high mortality and recurrent stroke rate. Efforts to increasing the AF detection rate and reinforce education on neurologists should be made to improve neurology care and intensify posthospital management in such patients.
Demographic characteristics, long-term health conditions and healthcare experiences of 6333 trans and non-binary adults in England: nationally representative evidence from the 2021 GP Patient Survey
Authors: Saunders Catherine L , Berner Alison , Lund Jenny , Mason Amy M , Oakes-Monger Tash , Roberts Meg , Smith Jack , Duschinsky Robbie
Published: February 2023

Objective

In order to address the lack of data on the health and healthcare needs of trans and non-binary adults, NHS England includes questions asking about both gender and trans status in its surveys to support quality improvement programmes.

We used self-reported data from the GP Patient Survey to answer the research question: what are the demographic characteristics, health conditions and healthcare experiences of trans and non-binary adults in England?

Design/setting

Nationally representative, population-based cross-sectional survey in England with survey data collection from January to March 2021.

Participants

840 691 survey respondents including 6333 trans and non-binary adults.

Outcomes

We calculated weighted descriptive statistics, and using logistic regression explored 15 long-term physical and mental health conditions, and 18 patient experience items, covering overall experience, access, communication and continuity.

Results

Trans and non-binary adults were younger, more likely to be from Asian, black, mixed or other ethnic groups and more likely to live in more deprived parts of the country. Age-specific patterns of long-term conditions were broadly similar among trans and non-binary adults compared with all other survey respondents, with some variation by condition. Overall, inequalities in long-term health conditions were largest for autism: OR (95% CI), 5.8 (5.0 to 6.6), dementia: 3.1 (2.5 to 3.9), learning disabilities: 2.8 (2.4 to 3.2) and mental health: 2.0 (1.9 to 2.2), with variation by age. In healthcare experience, disparities are much greater for interpersonal communication (OR for reporting a positive experience, range 0.4 to 0.7 across items) than access (OR range 0.8 to 1.2). Additionally, trans and non-binary adults report much higher preference for continuity 1.7 (1.6 to 1.8), with no evidence of any differences in being able to see or speak to a preferred general practitioner.

Conclusion

This research adds up to date evidence about population demographics, health and healthcare needs to support healthcare improvement for trans and non-binary adults.
Musculoskeletal health state and physical function of intensive care unit survivors: protocol for a UK multicentre prospective cohort study (the MSK-ICU study)
Authors: Gustafson Owen , King Elizabeth , Schlussel Michael , Rowland Matthew , Dawes Helen , Williams Mark A
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Survivors of critical illness frequently experience long-term physical impairment, decreased health-related quality of life and low rates of return to employment. There has been limited investigation of the underlying problems affecting physical function post-intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions may be complex in presentation, with ICU survivors potentially at greater risk of their development due to the rapid muscle mass loss seen in ICU. The MSK health state of ICU survivors and its impact on physical function remain largely unknown. The aim of the MSK-ICU study is to determine and characterise the MSK health state of ICU survivors 6 months following admission to ICU, in order to inform development of targeted rehabilitation interventions.

Methods and analysis

The MSK-ICU study is a multicentre prospective longitudinal cohort study, evaluating the MSK health state of ICU survivors 6 months after admission to ICU. The study consists of a primary study and two substudies. The primary study will be a telephone follow-up of adults admitted to ICU for more than 48 hours, collecting data on MSK health state, quality of life, employment, anxiety and depression and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The planned sample size is 334 participants. Multivariable regression will be used to identify prognostic factors for a worse MSK health state, as measured by the MSK-Health Questionnaire. In substudy 1, participants who self-report any MSK problem will undergo a detailed, in-person MSK physical assessment of pain, peripheral joint range of movement and strength. In substudy 2, participants reporting a severe MSK problem will undergo a detailed physical assessment of mobility, function and muscle architecture.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained through the North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2 (21/NS/0143). We aim to disseminate the findings through international conferences, international peer-reviewed journals and social media.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN24998809.
Minimally invasive endoscopic therapies for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Aslam Nasar , Telese Andrea , Sehgal Vinay , Sweis Rami , Lovat Laurence B , Haidry Rehan
Published: February 2023

The prevalence of the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in the western world is increasing. Uncontrolled GORD can lead to harmful long-term sequela such as oesophagitis, stricture formation, Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Moreover, GORD has been shown to negatively impact quality of life. The current treatment paradigm for GORD consists of lifestyle modification, pharmacological control of gastric acid secretion or antireflux surgery. In recent years, several minimally invasive antireflux endoscopic therapies (ARET) have been developed which may play a role in bridging the unmet therapeutic gap between the medical and surgical treatment options. To ensure optimal patient outcomes following ARET, considered patient selection is crucial, which requires a mechanistic understanding of individual ARET options. Here, we will discuss the differences between ARETs along with an overview of the current evidence base. We also outline future research priorities that will help refine the future role of ARET.
Newly self-administered two-step tool for screening cognitive function in an ageing Chinese population: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Authors: Nie Jing , Yang Yang , Gao Yining , Jiang Wenwen , Aidina Aisikeer , Sun Fei , Prieto Lucas R , Yu Jie , Ju Kang , Song Lisheng , Li Xia
Published: February 2023

Background

Early screening of cognitive function is critical to dementia treatment and care. However, traditional tests require face-to-face administration and are often limited by implementation costs and biases.

Aims

This study aimed to assess whether the Thoven Cognitive Self-Assessment (TCSA), a novel, innovative two-step touchscreen-based cognition assessment tool, could identify early cognitive impairment due to dementia in older adults.

Methods

The TCSA was administered to 61 healthy controls (HCs), 46 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 44 participants diagnosed with dementia recruited from Shanghai. Two outcome measures were generated from the TCSA test: the TCSAprimary taskscore and the TCSAsecondary taskscore.

Results

The total average scores in the control group for the TCSAprimary taskand TCSAsecondary taskwere significantly higher than those in the MCI and dementia groups (TCSAprimary task: HCs vs MCI group vs dementia group, 8.58±1.76 vs 5.40±2.67 vs 2.74±2.11, F=75.40, p<0.001; TCSAsecondary task: HCs vs MCI group vs dementia group, 23.02±3.31 vs 17.95±4.93 vs 11.93±5.50, F=76.46, p<0.001). Moreover, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a score below 7.5 for the TCSAprimary taskand a score below 22.5 for the TCSAsecondary taskwere indicators of MCI.

Conclusions

The TCSA appears to be efficacious for the detection of cognitive impairment in older adults. It demonstrates the potential for large-scale cognition screening in community service settings.
Dose escalation randomised study of efmarodocokin alfa in healthy volunteers and patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Wagner Frank , Mansfield John C , Lekkerkerker Annemarie N , Wang Yehong , Keir Mary , Dash Ajit , Butcher Brandon , Harder Brandon , Orozco Luz D , Mar Jordan S , Chen Hao , Rothenberg Michael E
Published: February 2023

Background

The interleukin-22 cytokine (IL-22) has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical colitis models with non-immunosuppressive mechanism of action. Efmarodocokin alfa (UTTR1147A) is a fusion protein agonist that links IL-22 to the crystallisable fragment (Fc) of human IgG4for improved pharmacokinetic characteristics, but with a mutation to minimise Fc effector functions.

Methods

This randomised, phase 1b study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of repeat intravenous dosing of efmarodocokin alfa in healthy volunteers (HVs; n=32) and patients with ulcerative colitis (n=24) at 30–90 µg/kg doses given once every 2 weeks or monthly (every 4 weeks) for 12 weeks (6:2 active:placebo per cohort).

Results

The most common adverse events (AEs) were on-target, reversible, dermatological effects (dry skin, erythema and pruritus). Dose-limiting non-serious dermatological AEs (severe dry skin, erythema, exfoliation and discomfort) were seen at 90 μg/kg once every 2 weeks (HVs, n=2; patients, n=1). Pharmacokinetics were generally dose-proportional across the dose levels, but patients demonstrated lower drug exposures relative to HVs at the same dose. IL-22 serum biomarkers and IL-22-responsive genes in colon biopsies were induced with active treatment, and microbiota composition changed consistent with a reversal in baseline dysbiosis. As a phase 1b study, efficacy endpoints were exploratory only. Clinical response was observed in 7/18 active-treated and 1/6 placebo-treated patients; clinical remission was observed in 5/18 active-treated and 0/6 placebo-treated patients.

Conclusion

Efmarodocokin alfa had an adequate safety and pharmacokinetic profile in HVs and patients. Biomarker data confirmed IL-22R pathway activation in the colonic epithelium. Results support further investigation of this non-immunosuppressive potential inflammatory bowel disease therapeutic.

Trial registration number

NCT02749630.
Clinical outcome in patients with suspected inflammatory neuropsychiatric lupus treated with immunosuppression: an observational cohort study
Authors: Monahan Rory C , Beaart-van de Voorde Liesbeth J J , Fronczek Rolf , de Bresser Jeroen , Eikenboom Jeroen , Kloppenburg Margreet , Middelkoop Huub A M , Terwindt Gisela M , van der Wee Nic J A , Huizinga Tom W J , Steup-Beekman Gerda M
Published: February 2023

Background

The short-term and long-term outcome of inflammatory neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) with immunosuppressive treatment is largely unknown. We used clinical data from our tertiary referral centre for NPSLE to investigate the type of inflammatory NPSLE manifestations, type of immunosuppressive treatment prescribed for these manifestations and clinical outcomes.

Methods

All patients with SLE visiting the Leiden University Medical Centre NPSLE clinic between 2007 and 2021 receiving immunosuppressive therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms were included. Clinical, immunological and radiological information was collected in as standardised way during a 1-day multidisciplinary assessment. In a multidisciplinary consensus meeting, the presence of NPSLE and the type of NPSLE manifestations and treatment were determined. For this study, short-term (0–6 months) and long-term outcomes (7–24 months) of the NP symptoms were assessed by two independent readers and scored on a 7-point Likert scale, ranging from death to resolved.

Results

In total, 95 out of 398 (24%) patients visiting the NPSLE clinic between 2007 and 2021 received any form of immunosuppressive treatment for 101 separate NPSLE events. The most common NP manifestation was cognitive dysfunction (50%) as identified by formal cognitive assessment, often present in combination with other NPSLE manifestations. Treatment modalities were induction (24%), induction and maintenance (73%) and other therapy (3%). The treatments mostly consisted of (combinations of) prednisone (97%), methylprednisolone (53%), azathioprine (generally 2 mg/kg daily) (49%) and cyclophosphamide (generally induction 750 mg/m2every 4 weeks for 24 weeks or 500mg biweekly for 12 weeks) (42%). Short-term outcome showed improvement on the Likert scale in 73% (improved: 22%, much improved: 29%, resolved: 22%), no change in 21% and worsening in 6% of patients. Long-term outcome was available for 78 out of 101 events and showed improvement in 70% (improved: 14%, much improved: 28%, resolved: 28%), no change in 17%, worsening in 10% and death in 3% of patients (none directly NPSLE-related).

Conclusion

The outcome of inflammatory NPSLE after immunosuppressive treatment is generally good, with improvement of neuropsychiatric symptoms occuring in approximately 70% of events.
Peptide-based vaccine targeting IL17A attenuates experimental spondyloarthritis in HLA-B27 transgenic rats
Authors: Hayashi Hiroki , Sun Jiao , Yanagida Yuka , Yoshida Shota , Baba Satoshi , Tenma Akiko , Toyoura Masayoshi , Kawabata Sotaro , Ehara Takako , Asaki Ryoko , Sakaguchi Makoto , Tomioka Hideki , Shimamura Munehisa , Morishita Ryuichi , Rakugi Hiromi , Tomita Tetsuya , Nakagami Hironori
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is known as series of immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the axial and peripheral joints. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 is a genetic risk factor for SpA. Recent evidence suggests that the interleukin −17 (IL17) axis strongly contributes to SpA. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an IL17A peptide-based vaccine on SpA manifestations in model rats.

Methods

HLA-B27/human β2-microglobulin (hβ2M) transgenic rats were immunised with heat-inactivatedMycobacterium tuberculosis(MT) to develop spondylitis and arthritis as an experimental SpA model after immunisation with a keyhole limpet hemocyanin-conjugated IL17A peptide-based vaccine with an alum adjuvant three times. The IL17A antibody titre was assessed using ELISA, and arthritis score and joint thickness were monitored two times a week. Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assays for IL4- and interferon-γ-secreting splenocytes were conducted to evaluate IL17A-specific T cell activation. We also evaluated the effect of IL17A vaccine in SpA therapeutic model.

Results

The IL17A peptide-based vaccine with alum adjuvant successfully induced antibody production and suppressed the arthritis score and joint thickness. X-ray and histological analyses showed that enthesitis, bone destruction and new bone formation were inhibited by the IL17A vaccine. The ELISpot assay showed that the IL17A peptide-based vaccine did not elicit any IL17A-reactive T cell responses. IL17A vaccine tends to mitigate, but not significant, in SpA treatment model. These data showed that the peptide-based vaccine targeting IL17A alleviated the SpA phenotype in a heat-inactivated MT-induced SpA model in HLA-B27/hβ2M transgenic rats.

Conclusions

IL17A peptide-based vaccine may be a therapeutic option for SpA treatment.
Detecting neutrino-boosted axion dark matter in the MeV gap
Authors: Carenza Pierluca , De la Torre Luque Pedro
Published: February 2023

The elusive nature of Dark Matter (DM) remains a mystery far from being solved. A vast effort is dedicated to search for signatures of feeble DM interactions with Standard Model particles. In this work, we explore the signatures of axion DM boosted by interactions with Supernova neutrinos: Neutrino-Boosted Axion DM ($$\nu $$
ν
BADM). We focus on $$\nu $$
ν
BADM converting into photons in the Galactic magnetic field, generating a peculiar gamma-ray flux. This signal falls in the poorly explored MeV energy range, that will be probed by next generation gamma-ray missions. Once more, astrophysical searches might act as a probe of fundamental physics, unveiling the nature and properties of DM.
$$\sqrt{T\overline{T}}$$-deformed oscillator inspired by ModMax
Authors: García J. Antonio , Sánchez-Isidro R. Abraham
Published: February 2023

Inspired by a recently proposed Duality and Conformal invariant modification of Maxwell theory (ModMax), we construct a one-parameter family of two-dimensional dynamical systems in classical mechanics that share many features with the ModMax theory. It consists of a couple of $$\sqrt{T\overline{T}}$$

T

T
¯

-deformed oscillators that nevertheless preserves duality $$(q \rightarrow p,p \rightarrow -q)$$

(
q
→
p
,
p
→
-
q
)

and depends on a continuous parameter $$\gamma$$
γ
, as in the ModMax case. Despite its nonlinear features, the system is integrable. Remarkably, it can be interpreted as a pair of two coupled oscillators whose frequencies depend on some basic invariants that correspond to the duality symmetry and rotational symmetry. Based on the properties of the model, we can construct a nonlinear map dependent on $$\gamma$$
γ
that maps the oscillator in 2D to the nonlinear one, but with parameter $$2\gamma$$

2
γ

. The reason behind the existence of such map can be revealed through a construction of two Lax pairs associated with the system. The dynamics also shows the phenomenon of energy transfer and we calculate a Hannay angle associated to geometric phases and holonomies.
Numerical simulation of binary component separation with perforated-on sheets of the structured packing
Authors: Abdollahi Seyyed Amirreza , Mahmoudi Meysam , Karimi Amir , Alibak Ali Hosin , Nikbakht Maryam , Hassanvand Amin , Jazi S.
Published: February 2023

In this research work, we proposed a modern structured packing (SP) with perforated sheets with a specific surface area of 860[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text], which was determined using numerical techniques. This work aims to evaluate the major characteristics of PACK-860 for instance, height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP), dry pressure drop (DPD) and wet pressure drop (WPD). Additionally, the flow construction was defined for specific packing via computational simulation. To evaluate the value of HETP, DPD and WPD, the three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation with the Eulerian–Eulerian (EE) multi-phase method applied in this paper. According to the findings of this research, the performance of the mass transfer (MT), WPD and DPD was enhanced with the perforated-on sheets of packing. Based on the observation, numerical results are consistent well with the theoretical data which reveals the consistency of CFD tools for modeling methods to separation applications.
EXPLORING RESIDENTS’ PREFERENCES FOR E-WASTE RECYCLING SCENARIOS IN VIETNAM — A CHOICE EXPERIMENT STUDY
Authors: NGUYEN HONG THI THU , LEE CHUN-HUNG , HUNG RERN-JAY
Published: February 2023

Increasing levels of waste from electrical and electronic devices (e-waste) not only harms human health and the environment but also hampers the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to such threats, emphasis should be placed on improving waste collection rate, which requires a great deal of resident participation. This research adopts a choice experiment analysis regarding the residents’ preferences toward some proposed e-waste recycling services in Vietnam. Using a sample of 531 respondents, the empirical analysis derived from multinomial logit (MNL) models and random parameter logit (RPL) models yields estimates of the residents’ willingness to pay for the two modes of e-waste collection and three levels of environmental benefit. The findings pinpoint that residents have preferences for the door-to-door pick-up and the higher percentage of waste reduction and material conservation. Of socio-demographic variables, only age and location are significant factors in the choice of e-waste recycling scenarios in the extended RPL model. Estimations of marginal willingness to pay for future recycling options show that on average residents are willing to pay the additional fees that are equal to 2.620% and 0.173% on top of the new product value per purchase in return for convenience of pick-up collection services and an improved percentage of waste avoided as well as materials recovered, respectively. The findings showing the residents’ demand for future e-waste recycling scheme provide crucial information for both government and stakeholders in strategizing implementable and acceptable e-waste recycling policies, thereby progressively achieving the SDGs.
NEW EVIDENCE ON THE HUMAN CAPITAL DYNAMICS WITHIN CHINA: IS THERE A HUMAN CAPITAL TRAP?
Authors: GLAWE LINDA , WAGNER HELMUT
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the human capital convergence dynamics within China over the period 1985–2018 using a nonlinear dynamic factor model. Our results indicate that there exist multiple human capital clubs, and the heterogeneity between those clusters is increasing over time. Moreover, we detect a core–periphery division with several provinces located in Western, Northeastern, and Southern China being located in lower human capital clubs. Population and transportation density as well as the initial level of human capital appear to be most decisive for determining whether a province is on a high or low human capital development trajectory.
Airy function, mass spectra and decay constants of pseudo-scalar heavy-flavor mesons at N3LO level in a perturbative approach
Authors: Hoque Rashidul , Hazarika B. J. , Choudhury D. K.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we incorporate three-loop contributions in the strong coupling constant and study their effects in the wave functions, masses and decay constants of heavy–light pseudo-scalar mesons (PSM) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in V-scheme. In this work, we use the standard linear plus inverse distance QCD potential in association with Dalgarno’s method of perturbation theory for linear parent option. Detailed comparison is done with the results from Lattice QCD, QCD sum rules, light-front quark model (LFQM), relativistic harmonic confinement model (RHCM) and recent PDG data.
Deep Learning for Drawing Numbering in Engineering Drawing Management: A Case Study for Refrigerated Compartment Product
Authors: Zhang Hui , Luo Ruixv , Luo Lanzhen , Li Kun , Fang Xifeng , Zhang Shengwen
Published: February 2023

Engineering drawing numbering (DN) is one of the most essential procedures for seamless platform integration towards intelligent manufacturing. In spite of this, it is difficult to handle the numbering work in an appropriate and effective manner. This is due to the unpredictability of the names of the manufactured parts and the ineffable relationship between the number and the shape of the parts. This paper proposes a method for numbering items based on historical numbering records based on deep learning. First, name-number (NN) duplexes are generated by retrieving the records. [Formula: see text]-means[Formula: see text] is then used to cluster these NN duplexes. Second, it involves looking up the names of the newly designed items using KNN in order to generate an initial numbering system. Third, a modified multi-view convolutional neural network (MVCNN) is utilized for numbering in situations where the same name is different from the previous number (SNDN). Finally, the most recent sequence numbers are appended to complete the numbering. When the system based on the proposed scheme for authentic engineering application is implemented on a refrigerated compartment, the correctness obtained is over 95%, and the efficiency is increased by 5–6 times.
Microscopic formulation of the interacting boson model for reflection asymmetric nuclei
Authors: Nomura Kosuke
Published: February 2023

Reflection asymmetric, octupole shapes in nuclei are a prominent aspect of nuclear structure, and have been recurrently studied over the decades. Recent experiments using radioactive-ion beams have provided evidence for stable octupole shapes. A variety of nuclear models have been employed for the related theoretical analyses. We review recent studies on the nuclear octupole shapes and collective excitations within the interacting boson model. A special focus is placed on the microscopic formulation of this model by using the mean-field method that is based on the framework of nuclear density functional theory. As an illustrative example, a stable octupole deformation, and a shape phase transition as a function of nucleon number that involves both quadrupole and octupole degrees of freedom are shown to occur in light actinides. Systematic spectroscopic studies indicate enhancement of the octupole collectivity in a wide mass region. Couplings between the octupole and additional degrees of freedom are incorporated in a microscopic manner in the boson system, and shown to play a crucial role in the description of the related intriguing nuclear structure phenomena such as the shape coexistence.
Reflection-asymmetric mode in the structure of heavy nuclei
Authors: Jolos R. V. , Kolganova E. A. , Mardyban E. V. , Shneidman T. M.
Published: February 2023

The properties and description of the reflection-asymmetric mode in heavy nuclei are discussed. Two approaches based on the collective octupole degree of freedom and the mass asymmetry mode are presented. Angular momentum dependence of the parity splitting, phase transition in alternating parity rotational band, stabilization of the reflection-asymmetric deformation with angular momentum increase and the rigidity of the reflection-asymmetric deformation are considered.
Analytical Wave Propagation Method for Free and Forced Transverse Vibration Analysis of a System of Multiple Elastically Connected Beams
Authors: Ma Yongbin , Wang Boping
Published: February 2023

An analytical wave propagation approach is developed in this paper for the free and forced vibration of a system of multiple elastically connected beams for the first time. The beams of the system are continuously joined by a massless, linear, elastic layer which can be regarded as continuous spring. The coupled partial differential equations governing the vibration of the multi-beam system are established and decoupled by using a technic developed based on matrix theory. For the decoupled equations, a general “vibration” state is introduced into the symplectic dual system. By solving the symplectic eigenproblem and utilizing the wave propagation theory, the general “vibration” state can be analytically described in symplectic space. By using these analytical expressions and satisfying the physical boundary conditions of the system, the natural frequencies, mode shapes and forced responses can be obtained analytically and explicitly. In the numerical examples, free and forced transverse vibration of the two- and three-beam system with various combinations of boundary conditions are considered. The effectiveness of the present method is validated by comparing the present results with the analytical results from the literature and the results calculated by the finite element method.
Right Clifford restriction semigroups
Authors: Duan Jiajia , Guo Junying , Guo Xiaojiang , Shum K. P.
Published: February 2023

Right C-restriction semigroups are the common generalizations of right C-rpp semigroups and right C-lpp semigroups. The structure of such a semigroup is established in terms of the [Formula: see text]-product of a right regular band and a C-restriction semigroup. As its applications, we give the structures of right C-rpp semigroups and right C-lpp semigroups. Also, we give the dual wreath product structure of right C-restriction semigroups. These results extend the related results in (Semigroup Forum 68 (2004) 280–292) and (Algebra Colloquium 14 (2007) 285–294).
A Schreier-type property for modules
Authors: Dumitrescu Tiberiu , Epure Mihai
Published: February 2023

We extend to torsion-free modules over integral domains the theory of (pre)-Schreier domains initiated by Cohn and Zafrullah.
On induced graded simple modules over graded Steinberg algebras with applications to Leavitt path algebras
Authors: Loc Nguyen Quang , Van Nguyen Bich
Published: February 2023

For an ample groupoid [Formula: see text] and a unit [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], Steinberg constructed the induction and restriction functors between the category of modules over the Steinberg algebra [Formula: see text] and the category of modules over the isotropy group algebra [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove a graded version of these functors and give a description of spectral graded simple modules over the graded Steinberg algebra [Formula: see text]. As an application, the spectral simple and graded simple modules over the Leavitt path algebra [Formula: see text] are classified. In particular, we show that many of previously known simple and graded simple [Formula: see text]-modules, including the Chen simple modules, are induced from (ungraded or graded) simple modules over isotropy group algebras.
An investigation of continuous-time quantum walk on hypercube in view of Cartesian product structure
Authors: Han Qi , Kou Yaxin , Wang Huan , Bai Ning
Published: February 2023

In this paper, continuous-time quantum walk on hypercube is discussed in view of Cartesian product structure. We find that the [Formula: see text]-fold Cartesian power of the complete graph [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]-dimensional hypercube, which give us new ideas for the study of quantum walk on hypercube. Combining the product structure, the spectral distribution of the graph and the quantum decomposition of the adjacency matrix, the probability amplitudes of the continuous-time quantum walker’s position at time [Formula: see text] are given, and it is discussed that the probability distribution for the continuous-time case is uniform when [Formula: see text]. The application of this product structure greatly improves the study of quantum walk on complex graphs, which has far-reaching influence and great significance.
How Tourism Development Affects Carbon Emissions and Ecological Efficiency? The Case of China
Authors: Li Jiaman , Dong Kangyin
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to determine the dynamic influence of provincial tourism development on carbon emissions and ecological efficiency in China. For this purpose, the paper first develops a new index to evaluate the ecological efficiency and then utilises the SYS-GMM method by using the provincial data during 2004–2017. Besides, we explore the heterogeneous, asymmetric, and mediating impact effect in the tourism–carbon–ecological efficiency nexus. The following findings are highlighted: (1) An inverted U-shaped nexus exists between tourism development and carbon emissions, which confirms the existence of the tourism–environment Kuznets curve; (2) tourism development can promote ecological efficiency, and this positive impact of tourism on the economy is enhanced by the tourism infrastructure; (3) the impact of tourism development on carbon emissions is heterogeneous and asymmetric, while its influence on ecological efficiency is consistent; and (4) investment effect is the significant mediator. This paper puts forward several policy suggestions based on the conclusion.
A Modified Constitutive Model for Shape Memory Polymers Based on Nonlinear Thermo-Visco-Hyperelasticity with Application to Multi-Physics Problems
Authors: Bakhtiyari Arman , Baniasadi Mahdi , Baghani Mostafa
Published: February 2023

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) as a class of smart material have provided diverse attributes recently used in different applications. Raising the usage of SMPs, especially in more sensitive environments, such as the human body or similar high-risk circumstances, highlights the necessity of more accurate simulations. Suitable constitutive modeling is the foundation of an accurate simulation. Not only should such modeling consider precise details to diminish errors, but also it must provide a robust and powerful procedure to calibrate the material parameters. To achieve these goals, in this paper a modified constitutive model for SMPs based on the concept of internal state variables and rational thermodynamics is proposed in large deformation. Taking its basis from the nonlinear hyperelasticity and viscoelasticity, the model can provide a more accurate prediction of SMPs response. In comparison to other available constitutive models based on viscoelastic approach, the number of material parameters is smaller. Furthermore, performing a new approach for material parameters extraction, two different SMP materials were calibrated. The proposed model’s capability was assessed by comparing the model outputs with experimental results in diverse conditions such as different temperature rates and applied stretch ratios. The user-friendly implementation process of this model in multi-physics software based on the finite element method can be counted as another advantage of the proposed model. Hence, to simulate smart systems containing SMP elements, three multi-physics analyses in various fields and conditions were performed, and the importance of conducting such multi-physics phenomena has been discussed.
Applications of surface modification trititanate nanotubes as PEC and hydrogen production device material
Authors: Cheng Xiaorong , Fu Xuejian , Zhao Shiqi , Liu Ruochen , Dawson Graham
Published: February 2023

Herein, we report that self-assembled surface modification of 4-hydroxy thiophenol and gold nanoparticles imparted trititanate nanotubes (TiNTs) with stable, highly efficient hydrogen production and Photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties. After gold nanoparticles decoration, the modified TiNTs exhibited the photocurrent density of 232 [Formula: see text]A/cm2 at 0 V versus Ag/AgCl, with onset potentials ([Formula: see text]) of −0.4 V versus Ag/AgCl. Our process uses 4-hydroxy thiophenol to achieve control over the bond between gold particles and TiNTs, and improves the distribution uniformity of gold nanoparticles on the surface of TiNTs, which leads to above 90% Faradaic efficiency during 3 h water splitting reaction for hydrogen production.
A Review on the Truck and Drone Cooperative Delivery Problem
Authors: Zhang Ruowei , Dou Lihua , Xin Bin , Chen Chen , Deng Fang , Chen Jie
Published: February 2023

As an emerging delivery style in logistics, the cooperation between trucks and drones can significantly improve the efficiency of parcel delivery, especially in some typical scenes, such as mountainous areas, high buildings, or post-disaster material delivery. In recent years, the truck and drone cooperative delivery problem (TDCDP) has attracted more and more attention from logistic research and commercial sectors. This paper proposes a taxonomy for TDCDP and systematically summarizes the related research. First, the impacts of changes in customers and environments on truck and drone delivery modes are analyzed in detail. Second, by using the proposed taxonomy, the delivery modes in TDCDP are classified into four types: parallel delivery, mixed delivery, drone delivery with truck-assisting, and truck delivery with drone-assisting. The roles of trucks and drones are analyzed in different scenes. Then, for different delivery modes, this paper summarizes the TDCDP models and analyzes the common assumptions, constraints, and objective functions. This paper also combs the exact algorithms, heuristic algorithms, and hybrid algorithms used to solve different kinds of TDCDP. Finally, the current research status and future research trends are discussed, and the challenges of TDCDP are highlighted.
Contribution of stratigraphy to groundwater motion understanding in chalk: examples of karstogenic horizons of the Pointe de Caux, France
Authors: Gaillard T. , Hoyez B. , Hauchard E.
Published: February 2023

Chalk groundwater is the main renewable drinking water resource for many cities of the Paris–London Basin. Understanding karst groundwater motion enhancement appears to be a major issue in order to better protect drinking water, to define hydrogeological surveys and to explore the aquifer. In Normandy, the stratigraphy of chalk was investigated in the 1970s and 1980s but this newly developed stratigraphy was not introduced to hydrogeology where chalk aquifers are studied without considering the sequence boundaries and key event surfaces. Upper Normandy is a unique hydrogeological region where both stratigraphy and hydrogeology can be studied together. In this article we focus on field observations and their direct application to scientific theory. Eight hydrogeological surfaces, linked to sequence boundaries or key event surfaces, are identified. They increase porosity and permeability sufficiently to develop karstic features, hereafter called karstogenic horizons. These field observations lead us to propose a new stratified chalk groundwater model. Palaeokarsts and perched springs not aligned to the current base level can be explained from a geodynamic perspective. Global eustatism and regional uplift during the Quaternary Period have to be taken into account with the hydrogeological stratified model, as the controlling factors of the groundwater motion and the karstogenic horizon development. This theory will help hydrogeologists to determine the probability of encountering palaeokarsts above the piezometric level and thereby define well locations with a greater degree of confidence according to the karstogenic horizon drilled. Chemical studies may also be applied to show if this stratified model can enhance water quality by a new well design.
Generalized Zero-Shot Activity Recognition with Embedding-Based Method
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Qingzhong
Published: February 2023

Sensor-based human activity recognition aims to recognize the activities performed by people with the sensor readings. Most of existing works in this area rely on supervised classification algorithms, and can only recognize activities covered by the training data. Whereas, in many practical applications, while performing activity recognition, not only the activities covered by the training data, but also some previously unseen activities need to be recognized. In this paper, we study the problem of generalized zero-shot activity recognition. In this problem, the activities that need to be recognized contain both the activities covered by the training data and the previously unseen activities. We firstly give a formulation of this problem, and then propose an embedding-based method to address it. In this method, an embedding-compatibility model is learned. When performing activity recognition, the learned model and the calibrated stacking mechanism are employed. Extensive experiments on publicly available datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
On Understanding Context Modelling for Adaptive Authentication Systems
Authors: Bumiller Anne , Challita Stéphanie , Combemale Benoit , Barais Olivier , Aillery Nicolas , Le Lan Gael
Published: February 2023

In many situations, it is of interest for authentication systems to adapt to context (e.g., when the user’s behavior differs from the previous behavior). Hence, representing the context with appropriate and well-designed models is crucial. We provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of research work on
C
ontext
M
odelling
f
or
A
daptive
A
uthentication systems
(CM4AA). To this end, we pursue three goals based on the
Systematic Mapping Study (SMS)
and
Systematic Literature Review (SLR)
research methodologies. We first present a SMS to structure the research area of CM4AA (
goal 1
). We complement the SMS with an SLR to gather and synthesise evidence about context information and its modelling for adaptive authentication systems (
goal 2
). From the knowledge gained from goal 2, we determine the desired properties of the context information model and its use for adaptive authentication systems (
goal 3
). Motivated to find out how to model context information for adaptive authentication, we provide a structured survey of the literature to date on CM4AA and a classification of existing proposals according to several analysis metrics. We demonstrate the ability of capturing a common set of contextual features that are relevant for adaptive authentication systems independent from the application domain. We emphasise that despite the possibility of a unified framework, no standard for CM4AA exists.
Understanding the Usages, Lifecycle, and Opportunities of Screen Readers’ Plugins
Authors: Momotaz Farhani , Ehtesham-Ul-Haque Md , Billah Syed Masum
Published: February 2023

Screen reader plugins are small pieces of code that blind users can download and install to enhance the capabilities of their screen readers. This article aims to understand why blind users use these plugins, as well as how these plugins are developed, deployed, and maintained. To this end, we conducted an interview study with 14 blind users to gain individual perspectives and analyzed 2,000 online posts scraped from three plugin-related forums to gain the community perspective. Our study revealed that screen reader users rely on plugins for various reasons, such as to improve the usability of screen readers and application software, to make partially accessible applications accessible, and to receive custom auditory feedback. Furthermore, installing plugins is easy; uninstalling them is unlikely; and finding them online is ad hoc, challenging, and sometimes poses security threats. In addition, developing screen reader plugins is technically demanding; only a handful of people develop plugins. Unfortunately, most plugins do not receive updates once distributed and become obsolete. The lack of financial incentives plays in the slow growth of the plugin ecosystem. Further, we outlined the complex, tripartite collaboration among individual blind users, their online communities, and developer communities in creating a plugin. Additionally, we reported several phenomena within and between these communities that are likely to influence a plugin’s development. Based on our findings, we recommend creating a community-driven repository for all plugins hosted on a peer-to-peer infrastructure, engaging third-party developers, and raising general awareness about the benefits and dangers of plugins. We believe our findings will inspire HCI researchers to embrace the plugin-based distribution model as an effective way to combat accessibility and usability problems in non-visual interaction and to investigate potential ways to improve the collaboration between blind users and developer communities.
A High-Speed Low-Energy One-Trit Ternary Multiplier Circuit Design in CNTFET Technology
Authors: Abbasian Erfan , Nayeri Mahdieh
Published: February 2023

Contemporary system-on-chip-based applications are battery-powered. To increase the operation time, they need various low-power/energy circuits. Carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (CNTFET) is a potential alternative to complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor for power/energy-efficient circuits implementation due to offering high performance. Another way to reduce power/energy consumption in a circuit is to use multiple-valued logic, especially ternary logic, which has three logical states. This paper presents a novel 1-trit ternary multiplier circuit with 23 transistors based on only unary operators of the ternary logic system and the dual-supply voltages technique. The proposed design does not use the ternary decoder/encoder, logic gates, cascading transmission gates, and ternary multiplexer to reduce the transistors count, delay, power, and energy. The Stanford CNTFET model in the 32 nm technology node is used to simulate the proposed design. The delay, power, and delay-power-product (PDP) of the proposed design at 0.9 V are 0.026 ns, 0.139 μW, and 3.614 aJ, respectively. It offers improvements between 50% and 61.19% in delay and between 52.72% and 59.75% in PDP compared to previously published multiplier circuits, which are based on the dual-supply voltages and use 23 transistors. These improvements make the proposed design a good candidate for the design of the next generation of multiplier circuits in arithmetic blocks.
Oaks to arteries: the Physiology Core Concept of flow down gradients supports transfer of student reasoning
Authors: Doherty Jennifer H. , Cerchiara Jack A. , Scott Emily E. , Jescovitch Lauren N. , McFarland Jenny L. , Haudek Kevin C. , Wenderoth Mary Pat
Published: February 2023

These findings are the first empirical evidence to support the claim that using Physiology Core Concept reasoning supports transfer of knowledge across different physiological systems.
Ubiquitination of NKCC2 by the cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase family in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle
Authors: Ares Gustavo R.
Published: February 2023

The Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter (NKCC2) reabsorbs NaCl by the thick ascending limb. Nitric oxide and atrial natriuretic peptide decrease NaCl reabsorption in thick ascending limbs by increasing the second messenger cGMP. The present findings indicate that cGMP increases NKCC2 ubiquitination via a cullin-RING ligase complex and regulates in part surface NKCC2 levels. Identifying the E3 ubiquitin ligases that regulate NKCC2 expression and activity may provide new targets for the development of specific loop diuretics.