bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual and Augmented Reality in Serious Tourism Games: Opportunities, Tourist Motives, and Challenges
Authors: Triantafillidou Amalia , Lappas Georgios
Published: May 2022

Using prior models regarding online consumer behavior and adoption of technological innovations the present study aims at identifying various factors that might impact on tourists’ intention to adopt mobile augmented reality gamified applications for tourism destinations and to decipher the impact of serious tourism games on tourists’ perceptions and behaviors towards a destination. Based on a literature review the present study developed a conceptual model that considers important antecedents that could impact tourists’ intention to adopt a mobile augmented reality gamified applications for a tourism destination. Moreover, tourists’ responses to usage of serious tourism games were also identified. The hypothesized model suggests that tourists’ intention to use augmented reality serious games for tourism could be influenced by environmental factors concerning the design of the application, the technical characteristics of the application as well as the features of smart mobile devices of users. Tourist characteristics related to personal traits and demographics, perceived benefits (enjoyment, ease of use and usefulness), and motivations (entertainment, knowledge, curiosity, exploration, immersion, escapism, physical activity, social interaction) were also found to be important antecedents of tourists’ intentions towards mobile augmented reality serious tourism games. Furthermore, this study shed light on the impact of tourism gamified applications on tourist behavior. Analysis of prior studies indicates that tourists’ usage of these applications can influence their perceived utilitarian and hedonic value and in turn result in increased levels of awareness, loyalty, word-of-mouth communication, and engagement of tourists with the destination. Results will help researchers test empirically the impact of the identified factors on tourists’ usage intentions and subsequent responses. Moreover, practitioners and game developers could design user centered gamified applications that enhance tourists’ satisfaction with the application and the destination as well.
Particle System Parametrization with Bimanual Hand Gestures
Authors: Satō Rintarō , Cohen Michael
Published: May 2022

General approaches in computer graphics to compose visual effects (VFX) usually involve editing textual modules and parameters or constructing procedural node networks. These techniques are used in many game engine editors and digital contents creation (DCC) tools. However, contemporary interfaces arc not intuitive, especially for inexperienced users. Therefore, the main aim of this research is to develop an intuitive interface for visual effects design which is easy to use for beginners of design and creating DCC but still useful for advanced and expert VFX artists. In this project, we developed a particle system parametrization (to define a particle system) and instantiation interface with a hand gesture recognition system in a VR (virtual reality) environment. This project uses an HMD (head-mounted display) device that supports 6 degrees-of-frcedom (DoFs) and hand gesture recognition via its front cameras. In an immersive environment, the user composes a visual effect by answering questions shown on GUI with hand gestures. As a result of this project, we succeeded in developing an application, deployablc to Android-based HMDs, to compose visual effects in VR scenes. The application features an archiving system, so that an exported visual efTect can be imported into Unity Editor to use in other projects or game compositions. Therefore, our application can be easily integrated into a DCC production workflow (“pipeline”).
A systematic review of the effect of robot mediated interventions in challenging behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Zygopoulou Maria
Published: May 2022

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social and communication skills as well as restrictive and repetitive behavioral patterns. A variety of challenging behaviors in children with ASD and persistent non-compliance with daily requirements may be associated with delay in the development of social skills and impairing social relations, with an adverse effect on the educational process and on the self-esteem of individuals. To this aim, there is a need for appropriate interventions, targeted at reducing these behaviors. Robot-mediated interventions (ROMI) can be advantageous for children with ASD, who often show an increased interest in technology enhanced interventions. Research focusing on the effect of ROMI on challenging behaviors in children with ASD has been limited. For this purpose, it was conducted a review of studies that empirically tested the usefulness of ROMI in managing challenging behaviors in children with ASD. A literature search was made in five databases using keywords pertaining to robots, ASD, challenging behaviors, and interventions. Nine studies were reviewed which met the inclusion criteria. The findings of these studies indicate that ROMI show promise in reducing challenging behaviors such as tantrums, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, inappropriate behaviors in transitions. In terms of noncompliance, mixed results were presented. Further research is needed to explore the usefulness of robots both in reducing challenging behaviors of children with ASD and in preventive exercises in early intervention programs for this population.
International multicenter study comparing demographics, therapy and outcomes in bleeding from Mallory Weiss tears and peptic ulcers
Authors: Tham Jennifer E. , Lynch Lucy , Laursen Stig B. , Laine Loren , Dalton Harry R. , Ngu Jeffrey , Redondo-Cerezo Eduardo , Schultz Michael , Murray Iain , Michell Nick , Morris Alan J. , Nielsen Michael M. , Stanley Adrian J.
Published: May 2022

Background and study aims Mallory Weiss tears (MWTs) are relatively uncommon causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), and patients are generally considered at low risk of poor outcome, although data are limited. There is uncertainty about use of endoscopic therapy. We aimed to describe and compare an international cohort of patients presenting with UGIB secondary to MWT and peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).

Patients and methods From an international dataset of patients undergoing endoscopy for acute UGIB at seven hospitals, we assessed patients with MWT bleeding, including the endoscopic stigmata and endoscopic therapy applied. We compared baseline parameters, rebleeding rate, and 30-day mortality between patients with MWT and PUB.

Results A total of 3648 patients presented with UGIB, 125 of whom (3.4 %) had bleeding from a MWT. Those patients were younger (61 vs 69 years, P < 0.0001) and more likely to be men (66 % vs 53 %, P = 0.006) compared to the patients PUB. The most common endoscopic stigmata seen in MWTs were oozing blood (26 %) or clean base (26 %). Of the patients with MWT, 53 (42 %) received endoscopic therapy. Forty-eight of them (90 %) had epinephrine injections and 25 (48 %) had through-the-scope clips. The rebleeding rate was lower in MWT patients compared with PUB patients (4.9 % vs 12 %, P = 0.016), but mortality was similar (5.7 vs 7.0 %, P = 0.71).

Conclusions Although patients presenting with MWT were younger, with a lower rebleeding rate, their mortality was similar to that of patients with PUB. Endoscopic therapy was applied to 42 % MWT patients, with epinephrine injection as the most common modality.
Cognitive Profile of Large-Vessel Vascular Dementia—An Observational Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Kolkata
Authors: Bhat Ashwani , Biswas Atanu
Published: May 2022

Introduction Vascular dementia is the second leading cause of dementia worldwide. Its heterogenous presentation along with potential for reversibility at earlier stages makes it unique among all dementias.

Objectives We aimed to study the cognitive dysfunction in large-vessel vascular dementia. Second, we tried to study the cognitive dysfunction in large-vessel vascular dementia as per the arterial territory involvement. Additionally, we also tried to study the contribution of hemispheric involvement to the dementia severity as evidenced by clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale.

Materials and Methods We recruited 28 patients of large-vessel vascular dementia and categorized them on the basis of the arterial territories and hemisphere involved. The groups were later studied for the type of cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions as well as the dementia severity.

Results Among 28 patients of large-vessel vascular dementia, attention (100%), executive function (100%), and behavior (100%) were more impaired in anterior cerebral artery territory infarcts (p < 0.05). Language (53.8%) and memory (53.8%) were more impaired in middle cerebral artery territory infarcts, while visuoperceptual (33.3%) domains were more impaired in posterior cerebral artery territory infarcts (p > 0.05). The mean CDR was lower in patients of right-sided lesions (1.292) than in those with left-sided (1.750) or bilateral lesions (2.000).

Conclusion Different arterial territory lesions have different patterns of cognitive impairment in large-vessel vascular dementia. The dementia severity is less in right-sided lesions when compared with left-sided or bilateral lesions.
From Power Imbalance to Interdependence: A Case Study of the Chadian Sesame Supply Chain
Authors: Corsi Stefano , Filippini Rosalia
Published: May 2022

Smallholder farmers are crucial actors for rural development in Africa. Their participation in global agro-food chains assures a source of revenues and agricultural development. Nevertheless, their position is still marginal. Moreover, there is a lack of data about the participation of smallholder farmers in African supply chains. The paper aims to identify the power regime between farmers, processors, middlemen and exporters and analyse how collective actions and external players’ intervention may modify the bargaining power in the sesame value chain in Eastern Chad. The analysis is based on qualitative data gathered from semi-structured interviews with 98 farmers and 41 stakeholders. The study applies a netchain perspective, analysing the vertical relationships along the food chain in terms of power regime and the horizontal relationships of farmers by observing the first impact of collective actions. The results reveal that the dyadic ties are characterised only by supplier and buyer dominance, and there are no relationships characterised by independence and interdependence along the food chain. Especially, farmers suffer from both buyer and supplier dominance. The analysis of the horizontal relationships reveals that only middlemen organise horizontal agreements to improve their benefit in the commercialisation. The introduction of collective actions for farmers improves their horizontal relationships with potential positive impact on the farmers’ vertical relationships along the supply chain. Thus, their bargaining power may be further developed. This study offers a diagnosis of the farmers’ participation in value chain and future perspectives on the collective actions.
More than the Sum of Its Parts: Donor-Sponsored Cash-for-Work Programmes and Social Cohesion in Jordanian Communities Hosting Syrian Refugees
Authors: Zintl Tina , Loewe Markus
Published: May 2022

Cash-for-Work (CfW)/public works programmes have gained great interest recently because they can deliver employment and income for vulnerable households, in addition to dearly needed infrastructure. Studying donor-funded CfW programmes for Syrian refugees and their local neighbours in Jordan we show that CfW can also improve social cohesion, which is particularly important in the context of state fragility and migration. The studied programmes strengthen the sense of belonging and horizontal trust of participants and non-participants, refugees and locals, and in particular women. Their effect on vertical trust, however, is more ambiguous because many Syrians and Jordanians attribute positive effects to donor support rather than to Jordanian authorities. We use a mixed method approach including semi-structured interviews with 390 CfW participants, other community members and neutral observers and a quantitative analysis of a survey covering all 1847 participants of one CfW programme.
Synchronizing large eddy simulations with direct numerical simulations via data assimilation
Authors: Li Jian , Tian Mengdan , Li Yi
Published: May 2022

The synchronization of large eddy simulations to direct numerical simulations via a data assimilation scheme is investigated in Kolmogorov flows, where the large scales of the velocity field in large eddy simulations are replaced by those in the direct numerical simulations. We show that, when the amount of assimilated data exceeds a threshold given by a threshold wavenumber, all large eddy simulations with the same subgrid-scale model converge to an orbit that is synchronized with the direct numerical simulations in phase. The threshold wavenumbers for the standard and dynamic Smagorinsky models are smaller than those for the dynamic mixed model and are reduced when the filter scale increases. The error in the synchronized large eddy simulations is examined in detail. We reveal that for larger filter scales, unexpectedly, the velocity simulated with the standard and the dynamic Smagorinsky models can be more accurate than the one calculated with the dynamic mixed model. The robustness of the results is assessed in simulations where the assimilated data are perturbed by random noise and in homogeneous turbulence which is driven by a linear forcing term. Good synchronization is still obtained in both cases. The Smagorinsky models still display better performance than the dynamic mixed model.
First principles study on structure and mechanical properties of Cr2AlC
Authors: Zhang JianRong , Tao KeWei , Ma LiDong , Yang YangYang , Yang Lei , Duan WenShan
Published: May 2022

The first principles method is used to study the intrinsic vacancy of Cr, Al, and C in Cr2AlC materials with formation energies of 1.89, 1.95, and 1.07 eV, respectively. It has been proven in previous research that Al layers could be easily removed from Cr2AlC, and the formation energies of Cr2AlC are, therefore, calculated in this study after removing two layers of Al atoms to form Cr2C. The formation energies of the H, He, and O atoms that replace the Al atoms are also calculated to be −2.83, 90.73, and −47.81 eV, respectively. It shows that under irradiation or a high temperature environment, Cr2AlC is easily oxidized to form Cr2C materials. Furthermore, the density of states of Cr2AlC with an Al layer substituted by H, He, and O atoms, as well as the phonon properties of Cr2AlC and Cr2C, are calculated. The results show that the Cr–C metal bond is dominant in Cr2AlC materials to maintain the stability of the structure. The calculation results of mechanical properties show that the presence of Al atoms enhances the plasticity of Cr2AlC.
Reconstructing seasonal fire danger in southeastern Australia using tree rings
Authors: Allen Kathryn , Stewart Stephen B. , Tozer Carly , Richardson Doug , Nitschke Craig , Risbey James , Dowdy Andrew , Brookhouse Matthew , Fox-Hughes Paul , Peterson Mike , Baker Patrick J.
Published: May 2022

Climate projections indicate that dangerous fire weather will become more common over the coming century. We examine the potential of a network of temperature- and moisture-sensitive tree-ring sites in southeastern Australia to reconstruct the number of high fire-danger days for the January–March season. Using the Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI), we show that modestly statistically skilful reconstructions for the far southeast of Australia (western Tasmania), where the majority of tree-ring predictors are located, can be developed. According to the averaged reconstructions for the 1590–2008 period, there have been 16 years prior to the start of the FFDI records (1950), and 7 years since 1950, with >48 (mean + 1σ) high fire-danger days in the 3-month season. The western Tasmanian reconstructions indicate extended relatively high fire-danger periods in the 1650s–1660s and 1880s–1890s. Fire danger has also been relatively high since 2000 CE. A persistent increase in the number of high fire-danger days over the past four decades has not been matched over the previous 390 years. This work indicates it is possible to produce statistically useful reconstructions of high seasonal fire danger – as opposed to fire occurrence – but that availability of local proxy records is key.
Vaccine-induced systemic and mucosal T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 viral variants
Authors: Kingstad-Bakke Brock , Lee Woojong , Chandrasekar Shaswath S. , Gasper David J. , Salas-Quinchucua Cristhian , Cleven Thomas , Sullivan Jeremy A. , Talaat Adel , Osorio Jorge E. , Suresh M.
Published: May 2022

Significance

Immunity induced by the first-generation COVID-19 vaccines may not provide effective and durable protection, either due to waning immunity or due to poor antibody cross-reactivity to new variants. Typically, T cells recognize conserved nonmutable viral epitopes and development of T cell–based vaccines might provide broad immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this study, we show that adjuvanted spike protein–based experimental vaccines elicited potent respiratory or systemic CD4 and CD8 T cell memory and protected against SARS-CoV-2, in the absence of virus-neutralizing antibodies. Thus, development of T cell–based vaccines might be key to protect against antibody-escape SARS-CoV-2 variants that can potentially overcome immunity induced by current vaccines.
SHAPE-enabled fragment-based ligand discovery for RNA
Authors: Zeller Meredith J. , Favorov Oleg , Li Kelin , Nuthanakanti Ashok , Hussein Dina , Michaud Auréliane , Lafontaine Daniel A. , Busan Steven , Serganov Alexander , Aubé Jeffrey , Weeks Kevin M.
Published: May 2022

Significance

RNA molecules encode proteins and play numerous regulatory roles in cells. Targeting RNA with small molecules, as is routine with proteins, would create broad opportunities for modulating biology and creating new drugs. However, this opportunity has been difficult to realize because creating novel small molecules that bind RNA, especially using modest resources, is challenging. This study integrates two widely used technologies, SHAPE chemical probing of RNA and fragment-based ligand discovery, to craft an innovative strategy for creating small molecules that bind to and modulate the activity of a structured RNA. The anticipated impact is high because the methods are simple, can be implemented in diverse research and discovery contexts, and lead to realistic druglike molecules.
SNAT7 regulates mTORC1 via macropinocytosis
Authors: Meng Delong , Yang Qianmei , Jeong Mi-Hyeon , Curukovic Adna , Tiwary Shweta , Melick Chase H. , Lama-Sherpa Tshering D. , Wang Huanyu , Huerta-Rosario Mariela , Urquhart Greg , Zacharias Lauren G. , Lewis Cheryl , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Jewell Jenna L.
Published: May 2022

Significance

The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway is frequently elevated in human disease, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, and neurodegeneration. We identify SNAT7 as an important regulator of mTORC1. We believe this research will provide valuable insight about mTORC1 biology and may uncover novel therapeutic targets for patients.
Investigation of a non-Newtonian MR fluid flow between parallel plates by developed CFD code for different numerical schemes
Authors: Önen Murat Can , Parlak Zekeriya
Published: May 2022

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are composed of a solution of micron-sized magnetizable particles dispersed in a carrier fluid, typically oil. Thus, the MR fluids are classified as smart fluids by showing variable apparent viscosity under a precisely controllable external magnetic field. This feature of the MR fluids gave the possibility to use them in the MR dampers to control variational damping forces. In this work, an MR damper on relatively small scales is considered to investigate the MR fluid flow behavior through the piston annuli where the magnetic field exists. This work mainly focuses on the numerical solutions of the flow variables in a magnetically excited non-Newtonian flow medium by comparing analytical results for various Reynolds numbers. The Herschel–Bulkley (HB) viscous model is used for the non-Newtonian characteristic of the MR fluid. For the numerical modeling of the HB viscous model, the regularized approaches are used to avoid numerical errors. However, contrary to the actual HB model, the regularized models can be incapable to give true apparent viscous values at very low shear rates depending on the regularization parameters. Thus, the present study aims to give a better understanding of choosing the optimal regularization parameters for the studied flow conditions. The second part of the study discusses the numerical discretization schemes aiming to present their performances while changing the Reynolds number between 0.002 and 1. In this manner, a Computational Fluid Mechanics (CFD) solver has been developed for two-dimensional geometries which are meshed with structured grids by using six different discretization schemes including two of the most known total variation diminishing (TVD) schemes. For simplicity of the problem, a two-dimensional parallel plates geometry and a constant magnitude of the magnetic field intensity along the piston annuli are assumed. The study also summarizes the CFD technique by evaluating the physical meaning of the flow field variables.
Introspection dynamics: a simple model of counterfactual learning in asymmetric games
Authors: Couto M C , Giaimo S , Hilbe C
Published: May 2022

Social behavior in human and animal populations can be studied as an evolutionary process. Individuals often make decisions between different strategies, and those strategies that yield a fitness advantage tend to spread. Traditionally, much work in evolutionary game theory considers symmetric games: individuals are assumed to have access to the same set of strategies, and they experience the same payoff consequences. As a result, they can learn more profitable strategies by imitation. However, interactions are oftentimes asymmetric. In that case, imitation may be infeasible (because individuals differ in the strategies they are able to use), or it may be undesirable (because individuals differ in their incentives to use a strategy). Here, we consider an alternative learning process which applies to arbitrary asymmetric games, introspection dynamics. According to this dynamics, individuals regularly compare their present strategy to a randomly chosen alternative strategy. If the alternative strategy yields a payoff advantage, it is more likely adopted. In this work, we formalize introspection dynamics for pairwise games. We derive simple and explicit formulas for the abundance of each strategy over time and apply these results to several well-known social dilemmas. In particular, for the volunteer’s timing dilemma, we show that the player with the lowest cooperation cost learns to cooperate without delay.
Numerical solution and mathematical modelling of mass transport from medicated stent
Authors: Ali Akhtar , Hussain Majid , Inc Mustafa , Hussan Muhammad , Rahman Jamshaid Ul
Published: May 2022

Restenosis in arteries is a major problem which can be controlled by using medicated stents. The controlled drug transport from medicated stents has a great effect in decreasing restenosis in arteries. Drug is coated on stents to keep away from the re-narrowing of the artery wall. This device has an advantage of a flexible time delivery of a curative drug to the adjoining blood vessel tissues. The aim of this study is to formulate a mathematical model which describe the process of drug transport from arterial wall and medicated stent. For this purpose, a 3D model is investigated to measure the impact of mass transport from drug eluting stent. The blood flow is modelled by dimensionless Navier stokes equations and the concentration of drug is driven by dimensionless’ convection diffusion equation. The effect of diffusive and advective forces are discovered and these forces can be used to control the drug mass transport. Moreover, the effect of dimensionless parameters such as Peclet numberPe,porositykandReon mass transport from medicated stent and tissue layers is investigated. Characteristic Based Split Galerkin (CBSG) technique is applied to solve the dimensionless equations. In the application of stent-based drug delivery, the governing equations in this exploration give the premise of a plan for examining and computing mass transport in medicated stent and artery wall. The numerical results support to offer a good insight into the possible impacts of various parameters.
Study of electron acceleration induced by ultrashort and ultraintense x-ray free electron laser pulse in the presence of uniform axial magnetic field
Authors: Singh Amit Pratap , Gaur Shiv Shankar
Published: May 2022

There is a great interest in the application of ultraintense and ultrashort lasers in the area of accelerator physics. Recent advances in attosecond pulsed lasers have generated a new possibility in the production of high quality and high energy electron beams. The present work investigates the attosecond laser induced electron acceleration in the presence of an external magnetic field. The electron dynamics is studied with the help of linearly and circularly polarized light in vacuum medium. A similar trend in electron trajectory is observed in both polarizations with relatively more energetic electrons in circular polarization. It is found that the external magnetic field plays an important role to confine the electron motion in the laser field and increase the energy of accelerating electrons considerably.
Effect of electron temperature anisotropy on TEM in reversed-field-pinch plasmas
Authors: Yao Y. , Liu T.C. , Liu S.F. , Zhu K.E. , Kong W. , Li J.C. , Dong J.Q.
Published: May 2022

For the first time in the reversed-field-pinch configuration, trapped electron mode (TEM) with anisotropies of electron temperature and its gradient is studied by solving the gyrokinetic integral eigenmode equation. Detailed numerical analyses indicate that TEM is enhanced by the anisotropy with temperature in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field that is higher than that in the direction parallel to the magnetic field when the latter is kept constant. However, the enhancement is limited, such that TEM is weakened and even stabilized when the anisotropy is higher than a critical value, due to strong Landau damping. In comparison with the isotropic case, the lower Landau damping with the higher parallel electron temperature makes TEM instability easier to excite, which expands the TEM unstable region in the diagram of density and temperature scale lengths. In addition, it is found that the electron temperature gradient in the perpendicular direction offers a stronger driving force on TEM instability than that in the parallel direction. The overall effects of the temperature gradients of electrons and ions, magnetic shear, safety factor and density gradient on TEM in the presence of the anisotropies are presented in detail.
Uncovering the non-equilibrium stationary properties in sparse Boolean networks
Authors: Torrisi Giuseppe , Kühn Reimer , Annibale Alessia
Published: May 2022

Dynamic processes of interacting units on a network are out of equilibrium in general. In the case of a directed tree, the dynamic cavity method provides an efficient tool that characterises the dynamic trajectory of the process for the linear threshold model. However, because of the computational complexity of the method, the analysis has been limited to systems where the largest number of neighbours is small. We devise an efficient implementation of the dynamic cavity method which substantially reduces the computational complexity of the method for systems with discrete couplings. Our approach opens up the possibility to investigate the dynamic properties of networks with fat-tailed degree distribution. We exploit this new implementation to study properties of the non-equilibrium steady-state. We extend the dynamic cavity approach to calculate the pairwise correlations induced by different motifs in the network. Our results suggest that just two basic motifs of the network are able to accurately describe the entire statistics of observed correlations. Finally, we investigate models defined on networks containing bi-directional interactions. We observe that the stationary state associated with networks with symmetric or anti-symmetric interactions is biased towards the active or inactive state respectively, even if independent interaction entries are drawn from a symmetric distribution. This phenomenon, which can be regarded as a form of spontaneous symmetry-breaking, is peculiar to systems formulated in terms of Boolean variables, as opposed to Ising spins.
Top-down design methodology for a 2 ps rms Jitter at 2.56 GHz of an analog PLL based on Ring and LC Tank Oscillators
Authors: Bechetoille E. , Joly B. , Lemaire O. , Laktineh I. , Manen S. , Mathez H. , Russo P. , Vallerand P. , Vandaele R.
Published: May 2022

A top-down methodology is proposed to design
Phase-Locked-Loops (PLL) using behavioural and transistor-level
simulation in two cases: Ring-Oscillator (RO) and LC Tank Oscillator
(LCTO) with the aim to achieve a low-jitter PLL clock generator in
130 nm process. The optimization of these two PLLs is obtained in
three steps. The first one is to design a model in Verilog-A of each
block with its intrinsic jitter parameter. Each block is simulated
alone to verify the nature of its intrinsic jitter: Frequency
Modulation jitter (FM jitter) or Phase Modulation jitter (PM
jitter). The second step is to place each of these blocks in a
global schematic to obtain a full behavioural PLL. In this way, one
can study the PLL operation and check the effect of each block's
jitter on the PLL output. The third step is to use the intrinsic FM
jitter or PM jitter values to simulate at the transistor level of
each block individually and then all of them together. To evaluate
the loop bandwidth and the loop stability of each of the two PLLs, a
linearized PLL is designed using ideal sources. This approach is
important to check the compatibility of each block in terms of
jitter and bandwidth with respect to the target PLL performance. The
optimization results are used to design and produce two
PLLs. Measurements of these two are found to have an absolute time
jitter of the order of 2 ps rms.
Enhanced optical and electrical properties of CeO2NPs/chitosan nanocomposites
Authors: Ahmed Emad M , Alkathiri Ali A
Published: May 2022

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) of different ratios (x = 5, 10, 15, and 20 in wt%) are successfully incorporated into chitosan (CS) to synthesize CeO2NPs/CS nanocomposites by solution cast method. FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed the effective incorporation of CeO2NPs into chitosan nanocomposites. TGA and DTG showed that the thermal stability of the as-prepared nanocomposites is improved. The CeO2NPs/CS nanocomposites exhibited enhanced light absorption capacity in the UV-visible range as x increases, owing to the CeO2NPs’ large bandgap. The transmittance of UV decreased for x = 10 and 15 nanocomposites. Light scattering enhanced for x = 5 and 10 nanocomposites, increasing reflectance. Compared to CS (5.3 eV), the optical energy bandgap lowers to 4.94 eV and 5.1 eV, respectively. Impedance spectroscopy research validates the impedance spectroscopy parameters’ dependency on CeO2NPs concentrations. Because of the growth of multiple polarization types, generating interfaces of numerous defects, and space charge polarization, the dielectric constant increases with increasing x (up to x = 15). The dc conductivity (σ
DC) and the frequency exponent (S) are estimated using the universal Josher’s power law and applied to the ac conductivity data (σ
AC). Obviously, (S) decreases with increasing temperature, which refers to the electrical conductivity that follows the hopping mechanism. In addition, according to the CBH model, the Coulomb barrier of charge carriers (Um) is estimated, showing decreasing values as increasing x and recording the lowest value for x = 15 nanocomposites. Nyquist plots (Z″&Z′) indicate one semicircle arc behavior for all samples. As x rises, the radius of semicircular arcs reduces, suggesting that (σ
DC) increases. The enhanced characteristics of CeO2NPs/CS nanocomposites make them suitable for future bio-applications.
Degradation of Yb–Gd–Ti-Si middle entropy silicides in oxidizing atmosphere
Authors: Arai Yutaro , Inoue Ryo
Published: May 2022

Using arc melting, a novel rare-earth silicide, middle entropy Yb–Gd–Ti-Si, was fabricated for high-temperature material applications. The oxidation behavior of the Yb–Gd–Ti-Si was evaluated through oxidation tests conducted at 1200 °C for 1, 2, 4, and 8 h in air. The oxidation rate at 1200 °C was almost the same, regardless of the addition of Ti. The oxidation rate of Yb–Gd–Ti-Si at lower temperatures (600 °C to 900 °C) was lower than that of Yb–Gd–Si. In addition, detailed microstructural observations indicate that the formation of TiO2 and other oxides in the Yb-Ti–O (Yb–Ti–Si–O) phase suppresses the formation of Yb2O3, causing a drastic oxidation at intermediate temperatures (600 °C to 900 °C). These results indicate that the addition of Ti to Yb–Gd–Si is effective at preventing the preferential oxidation of the grain boundaries at 600 °C to 900 °C, which is commonly observed in metal silicides.
Simulations of energetic alpha particle loss in the presence of toroidal field ripple in the CFETR tokamak
Authors: XU Yingfeng , ZHANG Debing , CHEN Jiale , ZHONG Fangchuan
Published: May 2022

Energetic alpha particle losses with the toroidal field ripple and the Coulomb collision in the CFETR tokamak have been simulated by using the orbit-following code GYCAVA for the steady-state and hybrid scenarios. The effects of the outer boundary and the ripple amplitude on alpha particle losses have been investigated. The loss fractions and heat loads of alpha particles in the hybrid scenario are much smaller than those in the steady-state scenario for a significant ripple amplitude. Some alpha particles in the plasma core are lost due to the ripple stochastic transport for a large ripple amplitude parameter. The heat loads with the last closed flux surface boundary are different from those with the wall boundary for the CFETR tokamak, which can be explained by typical alpha particle orbits. Discrete heat load spots have been observed in alpha particle loss simulations, which is due to the ripple well loss. The transition of the lost alpha particle behavior from the ripple stochastic diffusion to the ripple well trapping has been identified in our CFETR simulations. The Coulomb collision effect is responsible for this transition.
Motivation, benefits, and challenges for new photovoltaic material & module developments
Authors: Oreski G , Stein J S , Eder G C , Berger K , Bruckman L , French R , Vedde J , Weiß K A
Published: May 2022

In the last decade and longer, photovoltaic module manufacturers have experienced a rapidly growing market along with a dramatic decrease in module prices. Such cost pressures have resulted in a drive to develop and implement new module designs, which either increase performance and/or lifetime of the modules or decrease the cost to produce them. In this paper, the main motivations and benefits but also challenges for material innovations will be discussed. Many of these innovations include the use of new and novel materials in place of more conventional materials or designs. As a result, modules are being produced and sold without a long-term understanding about the performance and reliability of these new materials. This has led to unexpected new failure mechanisms occurring few years after deployment, such as potential induced degradation or backsheet cracking. None of these failure modes have been detected after the back then common single stress tests. New accelerated test approaches are based on a combination or sequence of multiple stressors that better reflect outdoor conditions. That allows for identification of new degradation modes linked to new module materials or module designs.
Nondegenerate locally tame complete intersection varieties and geometry of nonisolated hypersurface singularities
Authors: Eyral Christophe , Oka Mutsuo
Published: May 2022

We give a criterion to test geometric properties such as Whitney equisingularity and Thom’s

a
f

a_f

condition for new families of (possibly nonisolated) hypersurface singularities that “behave well” with respect to their Newton diagrams. As an important corollary, we obtain that in such families all members have isomorphic Milnor fibrations.
Ante-mortem plasma phosphorylated tau (181) predicts Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology and regional tau at autopsy
Authors: Morrison Madeline S , Aparicio Hugo J , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Ashton Nicholas J , Karikari Thomas K , Tripodis Yorghos , Martin Brett , Palmisano Joseph N , Sugarman Michael A , Frank Brandon , Steinberg Eric G , Turk Katherine W , Budson Andrew E , Au Rhoda , Goldstein Lee E , Jun Gyungah R , Kowall Neil W , Killiany Ronald , Qiu Wei Qiao , Stern Robert A , Mez Jesse , McKee Ann C , Stein Thor D , Alosco Michael L
Published: May 2022

Blood-based biomarkers such as tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (phosphorylated-tau181) represent an accessible, cost-effective and scalable approach for the in vivo detection of Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology. Plasma-pathological correlation studies are needed to validate plasma phosphorylated-tau181 as an accurate and reliable biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease neuropathological changes.

This plasma-to-autopsy correlation study included participants from the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center who had a plasma sample analysed for phosphorylated-tau181 between 2008 and 2018 and donated their brain for neuropathological examination. Plasma phosphorelated-tau181 was measured with single molecule array technology.

Of 103 participants, 62 (60.2%) had autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer’s disease. Average time between blood draw and death was 5.6 years (standard deviation = 3.1 years). Multivariable analyses showed higher plasma phosphorylated-tau181 concentrations were associated with increased odds for having autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer’s disease [AUC = 0.82, OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.03–1.11, P < 0.01; phosphorylated-tau standardized (z-transformed): OR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.50–5.93, P < 0.01]. Higher plasma phosphorylated-tau181 levels were associated with increased odds for having a higher Braak stage (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02–1.09, P < 0.01) and more severe phosphorylated-tau across six cortical and subcortical brain regions (ORs = 1.03–1.06, P < 0.05). The association between plasma phosphorylated-tau181 and Alzheimer’s disease was strongest in those who were demented at time of blood draw (OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 1.02–1.53), but an effect existed among the non-demented (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.10). There was higher discrimination accuracy for Alzheimer’s disease when blood draw occurred in years closer to death; however, higher plasma phosphorylated-tau181 levels were associated with Alzheimer’s disease even when blood draw occurred >5 years from death.

Ante-mortem plasma phosphorylated-tau181 concentrations were associated with Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology and accurately differentiated brain donors with and without autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer’s disease. These findings support plasma phosphorylated-tau181 as a scalable biomarker for the detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
Performance and Kinematic Differences Between Terrestrial and Aquatic Running inAnolis Sagrei
Authors: Cheu Amy Y , Reed Samantha A , Mann Sara D , Bergmann Philip J
Published: May 2022

Many animals frequently transition between different media while navigating their heterogeneous environments. These media vary in compliance, moisture content, and other characteristics that affect their physical properties. As a result, animals may need to alter their kinematics to adapt to potential changes in media while maintaining performance during predator escape and foraging. Due to its fluid nature, water is highly compliant, and although usually associated with swimming, water running has evolved in a variety of animals ranging from insects to mammals. While the best studied large water runners are the bipedal basilisk lizards (Basiliscus spp.), other lizards have also been observed to run across the surface of water, namely, Hemidactylus platyurus, a house gecko, and in this study, Anolis sagrei, the brown anole. Unlike the basilisk lizard, the primarily arboreal Anolis sagrei is not adapted for water running. Moreover, water running in A. sagrei, similar to that of the house gecko, was primarily quadrupedal. Here, we tested for performance and kinematic differences between aquatic and terrestrial running and if the variance in performance and kinematic variables differed between the two media. We found no difference in average and maximum velocity between running on land and water. We also found that Anolis sagrei had higher hindlimb stride frequencies, decreased duty factor, and shorter stride lengths on water, as well as more erect postures. Finally, we found that most kinematics did not differ in variance between the two media, but of those that were different, almost all were more variable during terrestrial running. Our findings show that animals may be capable of specialized modes of locomotion, even if they are not obviously adapted for them, and that they may do this by modulating their kinematics to facilitate locomotion through novel environments.
Turing Talk 2022
Authors: Cooper Martin
Published: May 2022

What makes a city smart? Prof Julie A McCann, Professor of Computer Systems at Imperial College London, spoke to Martin Cooper MBCS, about the role of the internet of things and sensor-based technologies ahead of her 2022 Turing Talk on the subject.
Obituary: Mary Coombes
Authors: Land Frank , Aeberhard John
Published: May 2022

Mary Coombs, the first woman to write programs for Lyons Electronic Office (LEO), the world’s first business computer, has died at the age of 93.
Genomic evaluation and genome-wide association studies for total number of teats in a combined American and Danish Yorkshire pig populations selected in China
Authors: Fang Fang , Li Jielin , Guo Meng , Mei Quanshun , Yu Mei , Liu Huiming , Legarra Andres , Xiang Tao
Published: May 2022

Joint genomic evaluation by combining data recordings and genomic information from different pig herds and populations is of interest for pig breeding companies because the efficiency of genomic selection (GS) could be further improved. In this work, an efficient strategy of joint genomic evaluation combining data from multiple pig populations is investigated. Total teat number (TTN), a trait that is equally recorded on 13,060 American Yorkshire (AY) populations (~14.68 teats) and 10,060 Danish Yorkshire (DY) pigs (~14.29 teats), was used to explore the feasibility and accuracy of GS combining datasets from different populations. We first estimated the genetic correlation (rg) of TTN between AY and DY pig populations (rg = 0.79, se = 0.23). Then we employed the genome-wide association study to identify quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions that are significantly associated with TTN and investigate the genetic architecture of TTN in different populations. Our results suggested that the genomic regions controlling TTN are slightly different in the two Yorkshire populations, where the candidate QTL regions were on SSC 7 and SSC 8 for the AY population and on SSC 7 for the DY population. Finally, we explored an optimal way of genomic prediction for TTN via three different genomic best linear unbiased prediction models and we concluded that when TTN across populations are regarded as different, but correlated, traits in a multitrait model, predictive abilities for both Yorkshire populations improve. As a conclusion, joint genomic evaluation for target traits in multiple pig populations is feasible in practice and more accurate, provided a proper model is used.
Transmission Potential of the Omicron Variant of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in South Korea, 25 November 2021–8 January 2022
Authors: Shim Eunha , Choi Wongyeong , Kwon Donghyok , Kim Taeyoung , Song Youngji
Published: May 2022

Our study indicates sustained transmission (effective reproduction number, 1.3; serial interval, 4.2 days; regional doubling times, 3.3–11.4 days) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant (N = 2351) in South Korea (25 November 2021–8 January 2022), implicating insufficient protection through vaccination and supporting nonpharmaceutical control measures.
Loss of hepatic Drp1 contributes to alcohol‐induced megamitochondria and exacerbates alcoholic hepatitis via impaired mitophagy and mitochondrial lipid oxidation
Authors: Ma Xiaowen , Sun Zhaoli , Sesaki Hiromi , Li Tiangang , Ni Hongmin , Ding Wen‐Xing
Published: May 2022

Alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) is a worldwide health issue that claims two million lives in the U.S. each year. Increased megamitochondria and impaired mitophagy in hepatocytes have been linked to the pathogenesis of ALD. However, the exact mechanisms by which alcohol increases megamitochondria and impairs mitophagy and how this contributes to the pathogenesis of ALD remain largely unknown. Here we showed that dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1), the key mitochondrial fission protein, decreased at both mRNA and protein levels in human alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and an experimental ALD mouse model. Electron microscopy studies revealed increased number of megamitochondria in human AH and experimental mouse ALD. Liver‐specific Drp1 knockout mice had increased megamitochondria and decreased mitophagy with increased liver injury, inflammation and pre‐fibrotic conditions, which were further exacerbated by chronic plus binge alcohol feeding. RNAseq and q‐PCR analysis revealed increased gene expression in the cGAS‐STING‐Interferon signaling pathway in liver‐specific Drp1 KO mice regardless of alcohol feeding. Unbiased metabolomics studies showed accumulation of acylcarnitine fatty acids and decreased both oxidized and reduced glutathione metabolites in ethanol fed mice regardless of Drp1 genotypes. However, the levels of itaconate, a metabolite associated with inflammation and TCA cycle increased in Drp1 KO mice regardless of ethanol feeding. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the transcription factor EB (TFEB) bound to the promoter region of Drp1, and overexpression or knockout of TFEB increased or decreased Drp1 expression in hepatocytes, respectively. Ethanol fed liver‐specific Drp1 KO mice had increased cytosolic mtDNA release, decreased mitophagy and increased mitochondrial dysfunction, which may account for the increased activation of cGAS‐STING‐Interferon signaling pathways and liver injury. In conclusion, alcohol consumption decreases hepatic Drp1 resulting in increased megamitochondria and impaired mitophagy that promotes alcoholic hepatitis by mitochondria‐mediated inflammation and cell injury.