bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Proposal of Resource Allocation Method Based on Combinatorial Double Auction Technique in Crowdsourced Manufacturing
Authors: Kokuryo Daisuke , Harada Yoshiaki , Kaihara Toshiya , Fujii Nobutada
Published: September 2020

With the development of the IoT (Internet of Things), smart manufacturing system with cloud service and computing techniques has gained worldwide attention. Crowdsourced manufacturing system is a production styles that connects among different companies and factories to share the production resources. In this system, it is important to distribute resources appropriately to increase the productivity. In this proceeding, a resource allocation method based on combinatorial double auction technique is proposed. In the computational experiment, a characteristic of the proposed resource allocation method is evaluated.
Transferable Deep Learning for In-Situ Tool Wear Diagnosis
Authors: Russell Matthew , Wang Peng
Published: September 2020

Emerging deep learning (DL) techniques, which have demonstrated the superior capability to learn complex patterns and interrelations from multivariate data, provide promising solutions to characterize and model complex system that cannot be accurately described by conventional machine learning techniques. Hence, DL techniques have been extensively studied for condition monitoring, diagnosis, and remaining life prediction of manufacturing machine and components. One challenge associated with DL techniques is that the accuracy and reliability of DL models would vary significantly with the data amount, variety, and machine operating scenarios that are used to train the models. If the trained model is applied beyond the training scenarios, an internal covariate shift problem would occur and thereby damage the model reliability. To address this challenge, the DL models should not only extract hierarchical features from the input data, but also study the similarities and differences among data collected from different scenarios and include the discovered similarities in the feature extraction mechanism to generalize models to a broad application. This paper presents a trial to develop a transferable convolutional neural network (CNN) for in-situ diagnosis tool wear severity under different operating conditions.
A Digital Twin of Multi-Axis Machine Tool for Micro Process Planning
Authors: Tanaka Fumiki
Published: September 2020

Achieving high performance of machining production systems requires the use of multi-axis machine tools. In order to maximize the performance of multi-axis machine tools, micro process planning for creating machining data is important. Many researches on micro process planning mainly focused on 3-axis machining. As promising approaches among them, a micro process planning system was proposed that reuses actual machining cases and analyzes case data to derive the necessary rules. However, it is not always effective for multi-axis machining, because enough case data are not collected for micro process planning of a specific multi-axis machine tool. In this study, a digital twin of multi-axis machine tool in cyberspace is proposed to collect real and virtual machining case data for micro process planning.
Measurement of 2D Positioning “Error Map” of a SCARA-Type Robot Over the Entire Workspace by Using a Laser Interferometer and a PSD Sensor
Authors: Tomita Masatoshi , Ibaraki Soichi
Published: September 2020

Compared to positioning repeatability, the “absolute” positioning accuracy of an industrial robot is often significantly worse. In this paper, we propose a method to measure the 2D absolute positioning error of a SCARA robot. Over the given laser line, the linear positioning deviation and the straightness deviation are measured by using a laser interferometer and a position sensitive detector (PSD), respectively. Then, multiple laser lines are set up by using an optical square such that the parallelism or the squareness to the original line can be ensured. By similarly measuring linear positioning and straightness deviations over these laser lines, the robot’s 2D positioning error can be visually represented as a two-dimensional error map.
Array configuration optimization of first-order steerable differential arrays with minimum number of microphones
Authors: Tu Quansheng , Chen Huawei
Published: September 2020

The first-order steerable differential arrays (FOSDAs), which have found a variety of applications in speech and audio processing, are usually designed by construction of two orthogonal dipoles using four microphones. Actually, however, three microphones are enough to construct a FOSDA by forming two dipoles with a shared microphone, which is the scheme with the minimum number of microphones and, hence, the most cost-effective. This paper studies the design and analysis of such three-element FOSDAs by using a least-squares method. In particular, the effect of the array configuration on the three-element FOSDA is studied, and optimum array configurations under different steering angle ranges are derived in terms of both beampattern fitting quality and white noise gain. It also reveals that care should be taken to avoid a conservative setting of the steering angle range in order to achieve superior design of the three-element FOSDA.
Seeing around corners: Cells solve mazes and respond at a distance using attractant breakdown
Authors: Tweedy Luke , Thomason Peter A. , Paschke Peggy I. , Martin Kirsty , Machesky Laura M. , Zagnoni Michele , Insall Robert H.
Published: September 2020

You can find your own way

Migration of cells through tissues and embryos is often steered by gradients of attractive chemicals in a process called chemotaxis. Cells are best at navigating complex routes, for which they use “self-generated chemotaxis” and create their own attractant gradients. An example of this is when neutrophils migrate into tissues to attack infection. Using modeling and live-cell data, Tweedy
et al.
found that self-generated chemotaxis allows cells to obtain surprising amounts of information about their environment. Cells of the slime mold
Dictyostelium discoideum
and mouse pancreatic cancer–derived cells were able to use the diffusion of attractants to identify the best route through complex mazes, even when the correct path was long and twisted, without ever entering incorrect paths.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay9792
Closing the gap: data-based decisions in food, nutrition and health systems: proceedings of the Fifth International Summit on Medical and Public Health Nutrition Education and Research
Authors: Laur Celia , Johnsen Jørgen Torgerstuen , Bradfield James , Eden Timothy , Mitra Sucheta , Ray Sumantra
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Like many of the biological sciences, nutrition has rapidly become a science which relies heavily on data collection, analysis and presentation. Knowledge gaps exist where data does not, and so the fifth annual International Summit on Medical and Public Health Nutrition Education and Research was held to address the theme of ‘Closing the Gap: Data-based Decisions in Food, Nutrition and Health Systems’.

Setting

Homerton College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge in July 2019.

Key findings

Data-driven decision making is more likely to lead to positive change in areas such as malnutrition, food insecurity and food production. These decisions must be informed by multiple stakeholders from various backgrounds in multisectorial collaboration. Case examples presented at the Summit contribute to the International Knowledge Application Network in Nutrition 2025, which aims to help identify and close gaps in nutrition and healthcare.

Conclusions

Formation of international networks are required to advance nutrition research, identify gaps and generate high-quality data. These data can be used to adequately train healthcare professionals resulting in positive impact on clinical and public health. Strengthening collaboration between existing networks will be essential in sharing data for better health outcomes.
Underlying contributing conditions to breathlessness among middle-aged individuals in the general population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sandberg Jacob , Ekström Magnus , Börjesson Mats , Bergström Göran , Rosengren Annika , Angerås Oskar , Toren Kjell
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Breathlessness is common in the general population and associated with poorer health. Prevalence, frequencies and overlap of underlying contributing conditions among individuals reporting breathlessness in the general population is unclear. The aim was to evaluate which conditions that were prevalent, overlapping and associated with breathlessness in a middle-aged general population.

Method

Cross-sectional analysis of individuals aged 50–65 years in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study pilot. Data from questionnaire, spirometry testing and fitness testing were used to identify underlying contributing conditions among participants reporting breathlessness (a modified Medical Research Scale (mMRC) score≥1). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent associations with breathlessness.

Results

1097 participants were included; mean age 57.5 years, 50% women and 9.8% (n=108) reported breathlessness (mMRC≥1). Main underlying contributing conditions were respiratory disease (57%), anxiety or depression (52%), obesity (43%) and heart disease or chest pain (35%). At least one contributing condition was found in 99.6% of all participants reporting breathlessness, while two or more conditions were present in 66%.

Conclusion

In a middle-aged general population, the main underlying contributing conditions to breathlessness were respiratory disease, anxiety or depression, obesity and heart disease or chest pain with a high level of overlap.
PP15  Situational awareness in pre-hospital practice – observational study using simulated scenarios
Authors: Scott Chloe , Mitra Suman
Published: September 2020

Background

The concept of situation awareness (SA) has become a core theme throughout human factors research. SA is a cognitive process, put simply, it refers to a person’s ability to be aware of what’s going on and to anticipate what will happen next. In an acute pre-hospital setting, practitioners are required to make decisions quickly and often under pressure, these decisions depend on their SA. However, we do not yet know if the type of incident affects a person’s SA. Despite the importance of SA in medicine, few studies have examined SA in the pre-hospital setting. The aim of this study was to determine whether pre-hospital responders are more situationally aware in a familiar or unfamiliar environment using simulated scenarios.

Method

This observational study recruited 22 pre-hospital responders to participate two simulated scenarios; one familiar and the other unfamiliar. Following completion of the simulation participants individually completed a modified SAGAT questionnaire to quantitively analyse SA across 10 different factors.

Results

The results showed that participants were more situationally aware in an unfamiliar environment (mean familiar: 18.75, mean unfamiliar: 22.75, P value = 0.003). However, participants felt more confident completing the familiar scenario (mean familiar = 4.09 compared to mean unfamiliar=3.87).

Conclusion

Pre-hospital responders were more situationally aware in an unfamiliar environment, one reason for this could be due to the lack of experience in these environments practitioners may be more vigilant. Regardless of whether the environment is familiar or unfamiliar, responders are often exposed to complex environments where patients with serious injuries have to be managed and good SA is essential for safely managing a patient. Due to the small sample size and limited knowledge on this topic there would be a value in conducting more research considering the importance of SA in pre-hospital medicine.
PP16  A review of the annual case epidemiology and clinical exposure of 45 paramedics, in a UK ambulance service: a service evaluation
Authors: Rosser Andy
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Ambulance services are facing increased demand to provide both urgent and emergency care. Details of a paramedic’s case load, patient mix and interventions delivered during patient encounters within contemporary practice are rarely described within the literature. This paper provides insight into the work of paramedics within an NHS ambulance service within the UK; the frequency of low, medium and high acuity clinical presentations, amongst patients they care for and the utilisation of clinical interventions in practice.

Methods

A single site, retrospective service evaluation to describe the case load of 45 operational paramedics within a large regional English NHS ambulance service, over a full calendar year.

Results

A combined caseload of 33649 patients were attended by 45 paramedics. Paramedics attend 748 patients per year (95% CI, 705 –790),91.6% are adults. Aetiology of clinical presentations of patients attended by paramedics are 76.2% medical and 23.8% traumatic. 34.8% of patients receive a clinical intervention or administration of a medicine during their clinical management. Conveyance to hospital occurs in 63% of face to face interactions. Most patient interactions by paramedics are for low acuity clinical presentations. National Early Warning Score calculations of 25678 clinical records demonstrate that 74.1% of patients are LOW RISK, 16.5% are MEDIUM RISK and only 9.4% of patients are categorised as HIGH RISK. The distribution of NEWS seems not to be affected by rurality of the paramedic’s operational base. Musculoskeletal injury is the most common clinical impression with 7.0% of attendances.

Conclusion

Paramedics attend an extremely varied patient case mix; across the full life cycle. Most patients have low acuity clinical presentations. Patients with high acuity illness and in need of life saving critical interventions are seen infrequently, which may have implications for the education, exposure and skill retention in the management of this patient group.
PP19  Paramedic research literature 2011–2019. A bibliographic analysis of the contents of amber, the ambulance research repository
Authors: Holland Matt , Dutton Michelle
Published: September 2020

Background

The data held by amber presents an opportunity to understand the structure of the published paramedic literature, specifically the output of NHS staff working in English ambulance services 2011–2019. This period is of interest because it represents part of the development phase of paramedic research in England. The authors apply a series of bibliometric measures to generate a profile of the published literature.

Method

The metadata was downloaded from amber for the period from 2011–2019. The metadata was used to create a series of tables that describe the contents of amber. The data was augmented by Altmetric Scores and Citation Counts (SCOPUS) to provide a measure of the quality of the articles contained in amber.

Results

The data shows a characteristic long tail with 1) Few very high scoring articles (Altmetric and Citation) and many lower scoring articles, 2) A few journals titles publish the majority of articles in paramedicine with many publishing just 1–3 articles. Altmetric scores do not predict citation counts for this data. Only six of the articles that appear in the top 20 journal articles by Altmetric score also appear in the top 20 journal articles by citation count table. Nearly 50% of article achieve an Altmetric score, only 20% of the research is cited one or more times. 68% of articles are written by more than one author including all the articles included in the top 20 article tables. Only 10 of the top 20 cited articles are published in core emergency medicine journals in this instanceResuscitationandEmergency Medicine Journal.

Conclusions

Broadly, the data describes the body of research in paramedicine growing overtime in volume and quality.
PP23  Soiled airway tracheal intubation and the effectiveness of decontamination by north east paramedics: a randomised controlled manikin study. The satiated2 study
Authors: McClelland Graham , Pilbery Richard , Hepburn Sarah
Published: September 2020

Background

Vomiting and regurgitation are commonly encountered in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, but traditional paramedic suctioning techniques may be insufficient to manage severely soiled airways.

A technique called Suction Assisted Laryngoscopy and Airway Decontamination (SALAD) has been developed to help clinicians manage these difficult airways. The only UK SALAD study (SATIATED) reported improved paramedic first-pass intubation success rate. This study has now been replicated in a different ambulance service.

The primary research question was: Does paramedic first-pass intubation rate in North East Ambulance Service improve following training in SALAD? The secondary research question was: Does training in SALAD affect the time taken to intubate by paramedics?

Methods

A randomised controlled trial of SALAD was conducted using a modified airway manikin capable of vomiting to simulate a soiled airway. The intervention comprised SALAD training and the introduction of the DuCanto catheter for post-training attempts. Participants were randomised into two groups: A01A02B01who made two pre-training intubation attempts and one post-training attempt, and A11B11B12, who made one pre-training and two post-training attempts. Data were collected on length of service, success rates, timings and techniques used.

Results

Paramedics (n=102 participants, n=99 completed the study) were recruited between August and December 2019. First-pass intubation success rates on the second attempts (A02versus B11) were 86% and 96% respectively; a non-significant improvement of 10% (95% CI 1–21%, p=0.09). Both groups intubated faster on third attempts compared to first attempts. A01to B01mean improvement 5 (SD 14) seconds, A11to B12mean improvement 9 (SD 15) seconds. There was no significant difference in improvement between groups (mean difference -4 seconds, 95% CI -11–3 seconds, p=0.22).

Conclusions

North East Ambulance Service paramedics demonstrated improved first-pass intubation success rates in a simulated soiled airway following SALAD training and improved time to intubation. This study supports the findings of the SATIATED study.
PP32  Major trauma triage tools study (MATTS) expert consensus meetings
Authors: Holt Christopher , Fuller Gordon , Keating Samuel , Turner Janette , Goodacre Steve , Smith Jason
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Major trauma triage tools are used to identify patients for bypass to Major Trauma Centres (MTCs). Bypass has been associated with improved patient outcomes following major trauma. The aim of the Major Trauma Triage Tools Study (MATTS) is to produce an evidence-based triage tool to be implemented across UK ambulance services.

Methods

Two independently chaired 1-day expert consensus meetings comprised of senior clinical professionals from specialties relevant to major trauma and prehospital triage were conducted as part of Phase 1 of the MATTS project, each with a distinct focus:

To define a reference standard of major trauma

Produce a new triage tool

Facilitated round table discussions were conducted with consensus developed through arbitration. In the first meeting a multi-domain reference standard defining major trauma patients with the potential to benefit from MTC care was determined. In the subsequent meeting triage tools were developed to select appropriate injured patients meeting this reference standard.

Results

Three tools were produced with a different diagnostic accuracy focus:

Sensitive – Maximising major trauma identification.

Specific – Preserving MTC care for the most severely injured patients

Balanced – A tool balancing sensitivity and specificity

Conclusion

The reference standard will form the basis of data analysis in Phase 2 of the project. The performance of the 3 differing tools will be tested in a dataset of routine ambulance service and TARN data. Following this, the most optimal triage tool will be assessed in clinical practice across 4 ambulance services.
OP5  A two armed, randomised, controlled exploratory study of adding the ambugard cleaning system to normal deep cleaning procedures in a regional ambulance service
Authors: McClelland Graham , Charlton Karl , Mains Jacqueline , Millican Karen , Cullerton Caroline
Published: September 2020

Background

Ambulance services transport patients with infections and diseases and could pose a cross transmission risk to patients and staff through environmental contamination. The literature suggests that environmental pathogens are present on ambulances, cleaning is inconsistent and patient/staff impact is difficult to quantify. Eco-Mist developed a dry misting decontamination system for ambulance use called AmbuGard which works in <30 minutes and is 99.9999% effective against common pathogens. The research question is ‘What pathogens are present on North East Ambulance Service ambulances and what impact does adding the AmbuGard to the deep cleaning process make?’

Methods

A two armed, randomised controlled trial enrolled fourteen ambulances during their regular 24 week deep clean which were 1:1 randomised to deep cleaning (control arm) or deep cleaning plus AmbuGard (intervention arm). Polywipe swabs were taken before and after cleaning from five locations selected for high rates of contact (steering wheel, shelf, side door grab rail, patient seat armrest, rear door handle/grab rail). Microbiology culture methods identified the presence and amount of bacterial organisms present including the selected pathogens:Enterococcusspp.;Enterobacterspp.;Klebsiellaspp.;Staphylococcus aureus; Acinetobacterspp.;Pseudomonasspp.;Clostridium difficile; coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS)). The researcher taking the swabs and the laboratory were blinded to the trial arm.

Results

Pathogens of interest were found on 10 (71%) vehicles. CoNS were found on all vehicles. Pathogens were found on all locations swabbed. Normal deep cleaning was effective at eliminating pathogens and the addition of AmbuGard showed no obvious improvement in effectiveness.

Conclusion

Pathogens associated with healthcare acquired infections were found throughout all ambulances. Normal deep cleaning was effective and adding AmbuGard showed no obvious improvement. This was a small study at a single point in time. Further research is needed into temporal trends, how to reduce pathogens during normal clinical duties and patient/staff impact.
Practical approach to the genetic diagnosis of unsolved dystrophinopathies: a stepwise strategy in the genomic era
Authors: Xie Zhiying , Sun Chengyue , Liu Yilin , Yu Meng , Zheng Yiming , Meng Lingchao , Wang Gao , Cornejo-Sanchez Diana M , Bharadwaj Thashi , Yan Jin , Zhang Lingxiang , Pineda-Trujillo Nicolas , Zhang Wei , Leal Suzanne M. , Schrauwen Isabelle , Wang Zhaoxia , Yuan Yun
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic value of implementing a stepwise genetic testing strategy (SGTS) in genetically unsolved cases with dystrophinopathies.

Methods

After routine genetic testing in 872 male patients with highly suspected dystrophinopathies, we identified 715 patients with a pathogenic DMD variant. Of the 157 patients who had no pathogenic DMD variants and underwent a muscle biopsy, 142 patients were confirmed to have other myopathies, and 15 suspected dystrophinopathies remained genetically undiagnosed. These 15 patients underwent a more comprehensive evaluation as part of the SGTS pipeline, which included the stepwise analysis of dystrophin mRNA, short-read whole-gene DMD sequencing, long-read whole-gene DMD sequencing and in silico bioinformatic analyses.

Results

SGTS successfully yielded a molecular diagnosis of dystrophinopathy in 11 of the 15 genetically unsolved cases. We identified 8 intronic and 2 complex structural variants (SVs) leading to aberrant splicing in 10 of 11 patients, of which 9 variants were novel. In one case, a molecular defect was detected on mRNA and protein level only. Aberrant splicing mechanisms included 6 pseudoexon inclusions and 4 alterations of splice sites and splicing regulatory elements. We showed for the first time the exonisation of a MER48 element as a novel pathogenic mechanism in dystrophinopathies.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the high diagnostic utility of implementing a SGTS pipeline in dystrophinopathies with intronic variants and complex SVs.
Balancing health worker well-being and duty to care: an ethical approach to staff safety in COVID-19 and beyond
Authors: McDougall Rosalind J , Gillam Lynn , Ko Danielle , Holmes Isabella , Delany Clare
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the risks that can be involved in healthcare work. In this paper, we explore the issue of staff safety in clinical work using the example of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the COVID-19 crisis. We articulate some of the specific ethical challenges around PPE currently being faced by front-line clinicians, and develop an approach to staff safety that involves balancing duty to care and personal well-being. We describe each of these values, and present a decision-making framework that integrates the two. The aim of the framework is to guide the process of balancing these two values when staff safety is at stake, by facilitating ethical reflection and/or decision-making that is systematic, specific and transparent. It provides a structure for individual reflection, collaborative staff discussion, and decision-making by those responsible for teams, departments and other groups of healthcare staff. Overall the framework guides the decision maker to characterise the degree of risk to staff, articulate feasible options for staff protection in that specific setting and identify the option that ensures any decrease in patient care is proportionate to the increase in staff well-being. It applies specifically to issues of PPE in COVID-19, and also has potential to assist decision makers in other situations involving protection of healthcare staff.
Light element ($$Z=1,2$$) production from spontaneous ternary fission of $$^{252}$$Cf
Authors: Röpke G. , Natowitz J. B. , Pais H.
Published: September 2020

The yields of light elements ($$Z=1,2$$Z=1,2) obtained from spontaneous ternary fission of$$^{252}$$252Cf are treated within a nonequilibrium approach, and the contribution of unstable nuclei and excited bound states is taken into account. These light cluster yields may be used to probe dense matter, and to infer in-medium corrections such as Pauli blocking which is determined by the nucleon density. Continuum correlations are calculated from scattering phase shifts using the Beth-Uhlenbeck formula, and the effect of medium modification is estimated. The relevant distribution is reconstructed from the measured yields of isotopes. This describes the state of the nucleon system at scission and cluster formation, using only three Lagrange parameters which are the nonequilibrium counterparts of the temperature and chemical potentials, as defined in thermodynamic equilibrium. We concluded that a simple nuclear statistical equilibrium model neglecting continuum correlations and medium effects is not able to describe the measured distribution of H and He isotopes. Moreover, the freeze-out concept may serve as an important ingredient to the nonequilibrium approach using the relevant statistical operator concept.
Generalized Hardy Type and Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg Type Inequalities on Finsler Manifolds
Authors: Wei Shihshu Walter , Wu Bing Ye
Published: September 2020

In this paper we derive both local and global geometric inequalities on general Riemannnian and Finsler manifolds and prove generalized Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg type and Hardy type inequalities on Finsler manifolds, illuminating curvatures of both Riemannian and Finsler manifolds influence geometric inequalities.
TIME-FREQUENCY NEXUS BETWEEN BITCOIN AND DEVELOPED STOCK MARKETS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC
Authors: HUNG NGO THAI
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the connectedness between Bitcoin prices and major stock indices in the Asia-Pacific region from February 2012 to August 2019. Based on the wavelet transform framework, we find evidence of significant unidirectional association from Bitcoin to the selected markets in the short, medium, and long-run in the Asia-Pacific region. Overall, Asia-Pacific equity markets and Bitcoin cryptocurrency are weakly correlated at higher frequencies throughout the sample period, but the dependence of Bitcoin on the equity markets steadily increases at lower frequencies. Further, we construct the wavelet-based Granger causality test at different time scales to provide additional support to our connectedness results. Our findings provide important implications for policymakers, portfolio managers, and investors who are invited to take into account the dynamic linkages between Bitcoin and equity markets.
Construction of potential functions associated with a given energy spectrum — An inverse problem II
Authors: Alhaidari Abdulaziz D. , Aounallah Houcine
Published: September 2020

We continue our solution of the inverse problem started by the first author in [Int. J. Mod. Phys. A 35, 2050104 (2020)]. Additional potential functions for exactly solvable problems that correspond to the same energy spectrum formula but for different energy polynomials and bases are found. In this work, we obtain a class of potential functions associated with the Wilson polynomial and “Jacobi basis.”
Thermal image and phase transitions of charged AdS black holes using shadow analysis
Authors: Belhaj A. , Chakhchi L. , El Moumni H. , Khalloufi J. , Masmar K.
Published: September 2020

We investigate the relations between the black hole shadow and charged AdS black hole critical behavior in the extended phase space. Using the thermo-shadow formalism built in Ref. 1, we reveal that the shadow radius can be considered as an efficient tool to study thermodynamical black hole systems. Based on such arguments, we build a thermal profile by varying the RN–AdS black hole temperature on the shadow silhouette. Among others, the Van der Waals-like phase transition takes place. This could open a new window on the thermal picture of black holes and the corresponding thermodynamics from the observational point of view.
A Multi-Modal Gaze Tracking Algorithm
Authors: Hou Zhenjie , Chao Xin , Liang Jiuzhen , Yang Tianjin
Published: September 2020

A person’s emotional information, needs and cognitive processes can be described by eye movement states and concerns, so gaze tracking was first applied in the field of psychology. With the continuous development of information technology, the application range of gaze tracking has expanded from psychology to medical, military, commercial and many other fields. Aiming at the problem of high misjudgment rate and long time-consuming of traditional iris location methods, this paper proposes a gaze tracking method based on human eye geometric characteristics to improve the tracking accuracy in 2D environment. First, the human face is located by face location algorithm and the position of human eye is estimated roughly. Then the iris template is built by iris image, and the iris center location algorithm is used to locate the iris center position. Finally, the eyes corners and iris center points are extracted to locate the eye area accurately and obtain the binocular image. The binocular images are input into the feature extraction network as multi-modal information in parallel, and the convoluted feature channels are reconstructed using the weight redistribution module in the network. Then the reconstructed features are fused in the full connection layer. Finally, the output layer is used to classify the reconstructed features. Experiments were carried out on a self-built screen block dataset. For 12 classified data, the lowest recognition error rate is 5.34%.
Medium-Frequency Vibration Analysis of Timoshenko Beam Structures
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Yang Bingen
Published: September 2020

Medium-frequency (mid-frequency) vibration analysis of complex structures plays an important role in automotive, aerospace, mechanical, and civil engineering. Flexible beam structures modeled by the classical Euler–Bernoulli beam theory have been widely used in various engineering problems. A kinematic hypothesis made in the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is that the plane sections of a beam normal to its neutral axis remain planes after the beam experiences bending deformation, which neglects shear deformation. However, previous investigations found out that the shear deformation of a beam (even with a large slenderness ratio) becomes noticeable in high-frequency vibrations. The Timoshenko beam theory, which describes both bending deformation and shear deformation, would naturally be more suitable for medium-frequency vibration analysis. Nevertheless, vibrations of Timoshenko beam structures in a medium frequency region have not been well studied in the literature. This paper presents a new method for mid-frequency vibration analysis of two-dimensional Timoshenko beam structures. The proposed method, which is called the augmented Distributed Transfer Function Method (DTFM), models a Timoshenko beam structure by a spatial state-space formulation in the [Formula: see text]-domain. The augmented DTFM determines the frequency response of a beam structure in an exact and analytical form, in any frequency region covering low, middle, or high frequencies. Meanwhile, the proposed method provides the local information of a beam structure, such as displacement, shear deformation, bending moment and shear force at any location, which otherwise would be very difficult with energy-based methods. The medium-frequency analysis by the augmented DTFM is validated in numerical examples, where the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method is demonstrated. Also, the effects of shear deformation on the dynamic behaviors of a beam structure at medium frequencies are examined through comparison of the Timoshenko beam and Euler–Bernoulli beam theories.
The Pandemic and the Economy of Africa
Authors: Mwainyekule Leah H. , Frimpong Francis B.
Published: September 2020

While the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths [35] continues to rise all over the world, the numbers in Africa are not as high as predicted. With the exception of South Africa and Egypt, other countries in the continent seem to be faring well. There are still conflicting reasons as to how Africa has coped well in the face of the pandemic. While some countries, like Ghana, introduced lockdown measures, others, like Tanzania, dismissed the idea of a lockdown. Still, both countries have relatively less confirmed deaths. This article explores how messages conveyed by the Tanzanian and Ghanaian governments have played a role in dealing with the pandemic and the economic impact they face. We argue that the government messages did play a role in the registered confirmed cases. Tanzania, for instance, stopped registering cases and deaths after the president expressed distrust in the cases that were being announced, worried about what it could do to the economy. In Ghana, while the president took a different approach, his messages of hope and care prompted people to be more cautious, worrying about the economy later.
Editors’ Choice—4D Neutron and X-ray Tomography Studies of High Energy Density Primary Batteries: Part I. Dynamic Studies of LiSOCl2 during Discharge
Authors: Ziesche Ralf F. , Robinson James B. , Kok Matthew D. R. , Markötter Henning , Kockelmann Winfried , Kardjilov Nikolay , Manke Ingo , Brett Dan J. L. , Shearing Paul R.
Published: September 2020

The understanding of dynamic processes in Li-metal batteries is an important consideration to enable the full capacity of cells to be utilised. These processes, however, are generally not directly observable using X-ray techniques due to the low attenuation of Li; and are challenging to visualise using neutron imaging due to the low temporal resolution of the technique. In this work, complementary X-ray and neutron imaging are combined to track the dynamics of Li within a primary Li/SOCl2 cell. The temporal challenges posed by neutron imaging are overcome using the golden ratio imaging method which enables the identification of Li diffusion in operando. This combination of techniques has enabled an improved understanding of the processes which limit rate performance in Li/SOCl2 cells and may be applied beyond this chemistry to other Li-metal cells.
Review—Progress of Research on the Preparation of Graphene Oxide via Electrochemical Approaches
Authors: Li Le , Zhang Dan , Deng Jianping , Kang Qin , Liu Zhifeng , Fang Junfei , Gou Yuchun
Published: September 2020

Graphene oxide (GO), a derivative of graphene, has attracted widespread attention due to its easy functionalization and excellent water solubility. Therefore, a method for efficiently producing GO shoule be developed. Although the traditional chemical oxidation method is broadly employed for GO synthesis, it entails problems, such as long time-consuming, explosive danger and easy to pollute the environmental. Recent research on using electrochemical methods for GO synthesis has achieved a breakthrough, that is, the realization of pollution-free, safe and efficient large-scale preparation of high-quality GO within a few hours. This article introduces the principle of electrochemical GO synthesis and summarizes the progress of research on GO preparation via two-electrode, three-electrode and electrolyte exfoliation with focalize on product quality and quantity. The challenges in high-quality electrochemical GO production and future research directions are also presented.
Wireless Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence at a Bipolar Microelectrode in a Solid-State Micropore
Authors: Voci Silvia , Ismail Abdulghani , Pham Pascale , Yu Jing , Maziz Ali , Mesnilgrente Fabien , Reynaud Lucile , Livache Thierry , Mailley Pascal , Buhot Arnaud , Leichle Thierry , Kuhn Alexander , Leroy Loic , Bouchet-Spinelli Aurélie , Sojic Neso
Published: September 2020

The combination of bipolar electrochemistry (BE), as a wireless electrochemical approach, and of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) as an imaging readout is a successful strategy with a wide range of analytical applications. However, small conductive entities such as micrometric and nanometric objects are particularly difficult to polarize by BE since they require extremely high electric fields. In order to circumvent this issue due to intrinsic limitations of BE, we elaborated a solid-state micropore, decorated with a rhombus-shaped gold microelectrode. The electric field strength was concentrated inside the solid-state micropore where the conductive gold microelectrode was precisely located and acted as a bipolar light-emitting device. This original configuration allowed achieving adequate polarization of the gold microelectrode in a wireless manner, which led locally to ECL emission. ECL imaging shows that light was generated by the bipolar microelectrode in the center of the micropore. ECL emission could be achieved by imposing a potential value (10 V) to the feeder electrodes that is more than 2 orders of magnitude lower than those required without the micropore. The reported ECL approach opens exciting perspectives for the development of original wireless bioanalytical applications and dynamic bipolar experiments with small objects passing through the pores.
Relaxation Oscillations and Dynamical Properties in Two Time-Delay Slow-Fast Modified Leslie-Gower Models
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Qian Youhua , Lin Bingwen
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we consider two kinds of time-delay slow-fast modified Leslie-Gower models. For the first system, we prove the existence and uniqueness of relaxation oscillation cycle through the geometric singular perturbation theory and entry-exit function. For the second system, we put forward a conjecture that the relaxation oscillation of the system is unique. Numerical simulation also verifies our results for the systems.
[Retracted] Aberrant Methylation and Differential Expression of SLC2A1, TNS4, GAPDH, ATP8A2, and CASZ1 Are Associated with the Prognosis of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Xia , Shi Dongming , Zhao Dejun , Hu Danping
Published: September 2020

Lung cancer is one of the leading triggers for cancer death worldwide. In this study, the relationship of the aberrantly methylated and differentially expressed genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) with cancer prognosis was investigated, and 5 feature genes were identified eventually. Specifically, we firstly downloaded the LUAD‐related mRNA expression profile (including 57 normal tissue samples and 464 LUAD tissue samples) and Methy450 expression data (including 32 normal tissue samples and 373 LUAD tissue samples) from the TCGA database. The package “limma” was used to screen differentially expressed genes and aberrantly methylated genes, which were intersected for identifying the hypermethylated downregulated genes (DGs Hyper) and the hypomethylated upregulated genes (UGs Hypo). GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were further performed, and it was found that these DGs Hyper and UGs Hypo were predominantly activated in the biological processes and signaling pathways such as the regulation of vasculature development, DNA‐binding transcription activator activity, and Ras signaling pathway, indicating that these genes play a vital role in the initiation and progression of LUAD. Additionally, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to find the genes significantly associated with LUAD prognosis. Five genes including SLC2A1, TNS4, GAPDH, ATP8A2, and CASZ1 were identified, with the former three highly expressed and the latter two poorly expressed in LUAD, indicating poor prognosis of LUAD patients as judged by survival analysis.
Association between Diabetes Knowledge and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Qiu Tieying , Huang Jin , Wang Weixing
Published: September 2020

Objective. This study aimed to explore the association between DM knowledge and self-efficacy in Chinese patients with T2DM. The influence factors for DM knowledge were explored, and evidence on interventions was provided to patients for information. Design. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in various hospitals in Hunan Province, China, from April 2017 to February 2019, by using multistage stratified randomized sampling. DM knowledge and self-efficacy were measured using the Audit of Diabetes Knowledge (ADKnowl) and the General Self-efficacy (GSE) Scale. The relationship between the ADKnowl and the GSE scores was analyzed using the Spearman correlation analysis. Differences in the ADKnowl and GES scores among groups with different sociodemographic characteristics were computed; significant variables and GES scores were input in the multiple stepwise linear regression model to predict the influencing factors of ADKnowl scores. Results. A total of 1,512 eligible patients with T2DM were included in this study, and their mean ADKnowl score was 59.04 ± 16.24. The top score of the eight dimensions in the ADKnowl scale was reducing the complication risk by 71.01%. The mean GSE score was 2.42 ± 0.59. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that the GSE score displayed a significantly positive correlation with DM knowledge at the ADKnowl scale (r = 0.172, P<0.001). The best fit multivariable linear regression analysis revealed eight variables that explained 37.6% of the variance of ADKnowl scores. They were diabetes-learning experience, educational background, complication, therapy, waist-to-hip ratio, diabetes duration, marital status, and GSE (R2 = 0.376, F = 5.971, P=0.015). Conclusions. In Chinese patients with T2DM, the self-efficacy in managing DM positively influenced DM knowledge. DM knowledge, as a protective factor, conversely improved the efficiency of self-management for T2DM. Some ignored influence factors in previous studies can be showed by investigating and analyzing from two scales. Health educators and promoters should help in developing DM knowledge and self-efficacy.
Observer Design for Estimation of Nonobservable States in Buildings
Authors: Długosz M. , Baranowski J.
Published: September 2020

Efficient temperature control requires more than air temperature measurements. Relevant variables, such as wall, ceiling, and other construction temperature evolution are usually unmeasured. Estimation of such quantities is often difficult because they are not observable with respect to available data. Their availability however would allow efficient control design. In this paper, we propose a method for designing state observers that efficiently estimate not only observable but also nonobservable (but detectable) state variables. Our method uses contraction semigroup, to obtain observer with a monotonic error reduction. Proposed approach gives twice as fast estimation as pure simulation and avoids transitional error standard observer would have. Problem of state estimation in building control applications is an important one. Attractiveness of obtaining values of physically unmeasurable variables is easily visible, as it would allow more efficient methods of temperature control. In this paper, authors discuss the problem of such estimation using a lumped capacitance model. This type of model is usually only detectable but not observable. Methods of observer tuning for such systems are not discussed properly in the literature and require special consideration. In this paper, three approaches for estimation are compared: pure model, eigenvalue shifting, and contraction semigroup observer. Results are illustrated with numerical experiments.
Bactericides Properties of Chitosan Metal Quantum Dots Microbial Pathogenicity Against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. Typhi
Authors: Cárdenas-Triviño Galo , Saludes-Betanzo María J. , Vergara-González Luis
Published: September 2020

The nanotechnology is considered as a tool to overcome antibiotic-resistant infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial properties of quantum dots (QDs) of Au, Ag, and Cu supported in chitosan against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), and Salmonella Typhi (ATCC 9993) strains. The QDs were synthesized by the method (Chemical Liquid Deposition, CLD) using 2-ethoxyethanol as solvent (1×10−3 M approximate dispersion concentration). Then, NPs supported in chitosan were synthesized by solvated metal atom dispersion (SMAD) in two concentrations, labelled [A] and [B] (0.05 and 0.1 g/L) for each metal with chitosan resulting in an average size of Au 10±2.0, Ag 6±1.3, and Cu 10±2.4 nm, respectively. Several other techniques were performed such as TEM, SEM/EDX, TGA, DSC, and FT-IR for characterizing QDs. The antibacterial assay was performed with 8 agents on cultures of E. coli, S. aureus, and S. Typhi by disk diffusion, broth macrodilution, and determining death curve to the most sensitive pathogen. The antibacterial effect of the nanoparticles was compared using the diameter of growth inhibition zone by agar disk diffusion and through the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericide concentration (MBC) obtained by macrodilution in batch culture with an initial inoculum of 5×105 CFU/mL. The highest bactericidal effect was obtained with nanoparticles of Au, Ag, and Cu (0.1 g/L) with MIC and MBC of 200 and 400 mg/mL, respectively. The greatest bactericidal effect considering the three pathogens turned out to be Ag QDs (0.05 and 0.1 g/L). A bactericidal effect of metal nanoparticles is affected mainly by the electronegativity, the concentration of nanoparticles, and the bacterial age culture.