bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis Combined With Therapeutic Exercise May Add Benefit in the Management of Soleus Injury in Female Soccer Players: A Pilot Study
Authors: De-la-Cruz-Torres Blanca , Romero-Rodríguez Beatriz , Romero-Morales Carlos
Published: November 2022

Context: The performance of sprints during male soccer matches usually is slow medium paced, where the soleus and gastrocnemius (ankle plantar flexors) play a very important role. As in male soccer, soleus injuries should be considered in female soccer; but the scientific evidence is very limited in this case. Design: Pilot clinical trial study. Objective: To determine whether adding an ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis (US-guided PNE) technique to a specific exercise program improved perceived pain at stretching and at palpation, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, muscle fatigue, and sport performance in women soccer players with soleus injury. Methods: This pilot study recruited 20 female players with chronic soleus injury (type 1, characterized by hypoechoic image) who were assigned to one of 2 groups: an experimental group (exercise program + US-guided PNE; n = 10) or a control group (exercise program + sham stimulation; n = 10). Pain intensity, dorsiflexion range of motion, knee-flexion heel raise test, curve sprint test, and the global rating of change scale were analyzed at baseline and after treatment (4 wk) and there was no further follow-up. Results: Pain intensity at palpation and at stretching, dorsiflexion range of motion, and heel raise test values showed significant improvements (P < .05) between pretreatment and posttreatment for both groups, however, no significant differences were observed between groups. Curve sprint tests did not show significant differences between pretreatment and posttreatment for either group or between groups. However, the percentage of changes always revealed better values in favor of the PNE group. Both groups showed good player satisfaction with the therapies. Conclusion: The application of the US-guided PNE combined with a specific exercise program may cause clinical benefits in the treatment of female soccer players with soleus injury.
Characterization of Multiple Alginate Lyases in a Highly Efficient Alginate-Degrading
Vibrio
Strain and Its Degradation Strategy
Authors: He Xinxin , Zhang Yunhui , Wang Xiaolei , Zhu Xiaoyu , Chen Leiran , Liu Weizhi , Lyu Qianqian , Ran Lingman , Cheng Haojin , Zhang Xiao-Hua
Published: November 2022

Alginate is an important carbon source in the marine environment, and vibrios are major alginate utilizers. Previous studies focused only on the characteristics of individual alginate lyases in vibrios, but few of them discussed the comprehensive alginate-degrading strategy.
Knockout of
ykcB
, a Putative Glycosyltransferase, Leads to Reduced Susceptibility to Vancomycin in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Ishikawa Kazuya , Shirakawa Riko , Takano Daiki , Kosaki Tomoki , Furuta Kazuyuki , Kaito Chikara
Published: November 2022

Although vancomycin is effective against Gram-positive bacteria, vancomycin-resistant bacteria are a major public health concern. While the vancomycin-resistance mechanisms of clinically important bacteria such as
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Enterococcus faecium
, and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
are well studied, they remain unclear in other Gram-positive bacteria.
Comparison of the BioFire Joint Infection Panel to 16S Ribosomal RNA Gene-Based Targeted Metagenomic Sequencing for Testing Synovial Fluid from Patients with Knee Arthroplasty Failure
Authors: Azad Marisa A. , Wolf Matthew J. , Strasburg Angela P. , Daniels Matthew L. , Starkey Jordan C. , Donadio Alexander D. , Abdel Matthew P. , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Patel Robin
Published: November 2022

The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is challenging, often requiring multiple clinical specimens and diagnostic techniques, some with prolonged result turnaround times. Here, the diagnostic performance of the Investigational Use Only (IUO) BioFire Joint Infection (JI) Panel was compared to 16S rRNA gene-based targeted metagenomic sequencing (tMGS) applied to synovial fluid for PJI diagnosis.
Bacillus subtilis Stressosome Sensor Protein Sequences Govern the Ability To Distinguish among Environmental Stressors and Elicit Different σ
B
Response Profiles
Authors: Hamm Christopher W. , Butler Daxton R. , Cabeen Matthew T.
Published: November 2022

Bacterial survival depends on appropriate responses to diverse stressors. The general stress-response system in the environmental model bacterium
Bacillus subtilis
is constantly poised for an immediate response and uses unusual stress-sensing protein complexes called stressosomes.
Metagenome-Assembled Genomes for “
Candidatus
Phormidium sp. Strain AB48” and Co-occurring Microorganisms from an Industrial Photobioreactor Environment
Authors: Noonan Avery J. C. , Qiu Yilin , Kieft Brandon , Formby Sean , Liu Tony , Dofher Kalen , Koch Moritz , Hallam Steven J.
Published: November 2022

Here, we report metagenome-assembled genomes for “
Candidatus
Phormidium sp. strain AB48” and three cooccurring microorganisms from a biofilm-forming industrial photobioreactor environment, using the PacBio sequencing platform. Several mobile genetic elements, including a double-stranded DNA phage and plasmids, were also recovered, with the potential to mediate gene transfer within the biofilm community.
Genome Sequences of Two Lytic Staphylococcus aureus Bacteriophages Isolated from Wastewater
Authors: Iszatt Joshua J. , Larcombe Alexander N. , Garratt Luke W. , Stick Stephen M. , Agudelo-Romero Patricia , Kicic Anthony ,   WAERP,   AREST CF
Published: November 2022

Two lytic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) bacteriophages, belonging to the family
Herelleviridae
, were isolated from wastewater in Western Australia. Biyabeda-mokiny 2 appears to belong to the genus
Kayvirus
, and Koomba-kaat 1 to
Silviavirus
.
Impact of Temporary Storage Conditions on the Viability of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Saliva
Authors: Allicock Orchid M. , York Anna , Waghela Pari , Yolda-Carr Devyn , Weinberger Daniel M. , Wyllie Anne L.
Published: November 2022

For pneumococcal carriage studies, saliva is a sample type that can overcome some of the issues typically seen with nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. Understanding the limitations of saliva as a sample type is important for maximizing its use.
Phenotypic and Genomic Comparison of Staphylococcus aureus Highlight Virulence and Host Adaptation Favoring the Success of Epidemic Clones
Authors: Chen Fengning , Yin Yuyao , Chen Hongbin , Jin Longyang , Li Shuguang , Wang Ruobing , Wang Shuyi , Wang Qi , Sun Shijun , Wang Hui
Published: November 2022

Considerable efforts have been exerted to identify factors contributing to the success of epidemic
Staphylococcus aureus
clones, however, comparative phenotypic studies lack representation owing to the small number of strains. Large-scale strain collections focused on the description of genomic characteristics.
Global Phylogeny and F Virulence Plasmid Carriage in Pandemic Escherichia coli ST1193
Authors: Wyrsch Ethan R. , Bushell Rhys N. , Marenda Marc S. , Browning Glenn F. , Djordjevic Steven P.
Published: November 2022

We have generated an updated ST1193 phylogeny using publicly available sequences, reinforcing previous assertions that
Escherichia coli
ST1193 is a human-associated lineage, with many examples sourced from human extraintestinal infections. ST1193 from urban-adapted birds, wastewater, and companion animals are frequent, but isolates from animal agriculture are notably absent.
Identification and Mechanism of Action of the Global Secondary Metabolism Regulator SaraC in
Stereum hirsutum
Authors: Hu Qian-Yi , Pu Xue-Juan , Li Guo-Hong , Li Chun-Qiang , Lei Hong-Mei , Zhang Ke-Qin , Zhao Pei-Ji
Published: November 2022

Fungi are one of the important sources of active compounds. However, in fungi, most of the secondary metabolic biosynthetic gene clusters are weakly expressed or silenced under conventional culture conditions.
Symbiotic Microorganisms and Their Different Association Types in Aquatic and Semiaquatic Bugs
Authors: Men Yu , Yang Zi-wen , Luo Jiu-yang , Chen Ping-ping , Moreira Felipe Ferraz Figueiredo , Liu Zhi-hui , Yin Jia-dong , Xie Bao-jun , Wang Yan-hui , Xie Qiang
Published: November 2022

Symbiotic bacteria and fungi generally colonize insects and provide various benefits for hosts. Although numerous studies have investigated symbionts in terrestrial plant-feeding insects, explorations of symbiotic bacterial and fungal communities in aquatic and semiaquatic insects are rare.
Multiplex PCR Assay for Clade Typing of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis
Authors: Gallichan Sarah , Perez-Sepulveda Blanca M. , Feasey Nicholas A. , Hinton Jay C. D. , Thomas Juno , Smith Anthony Marius
Published: November 2022

Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive
Salmonella
Enteritidis bloodstream infections in sub-Saharan Africa are responsible for a case fatality rate of approximately 15%. It is important to identify distinct clades of
S.
Enteritidis in diagnostic laboratories in the African setting to determine the different health outcomes associated with particular outbreaks.
Microbiological Characterization of Actinotignum schaalii Strains Causing Invasive Infections during a Multiyear Period in a Large Canadian Health Care Region
Authors: Lieu Anthony , Mah Jordan , Peirano Gisele , Somayaji Ranjani , Church Deirdre
Published: November 2022

Actinotignum schaalii
is an underrecognized Gram-positive bacillus due to its special growth requirements and prior phenotypic identification methods, and it is often mistaken as a contaminant. It has been associated with various clinical syndromes, from urinary tract infections to cutaneous infections.
Environmental Persistence of Staphylococcus capitis NRCS-A in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Role of Biofilm Formation, Desiccation, and Disinfectant Tolerance
Authors: Chavignon Marie , Coignet Ludivine , Bonhomme Mélanie , Bergot Marine , Tristan Anne , Verhoeven Paul , Josse Jérôme , Laurent Frédéric , Butin Marine
Published: November 2022

Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) host extremely fragile newborns, including preterm neonates. These patients are very susceptible to nosocomial infections, with coagulase-negative staphylococci being the species most frequently involved.
Supplemental Material: Apatite records metamorphic and hydrothermal fluid evolution at the large Shuangqishan orogenic gold deposit, SE China
Authors: Ma Ying , Jiang Shao-Yong , et al.
Published: November 2022

Text: Analytical methods and analytical data. Table S1: LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Th-Pb isotope data of ore-hosting metamorphic rocks of the Shuangqishan gold deposit. Table S2: LA-ICP-MS U-Th-Pb isotope data for zircon grains from the diorite and granite porphyry dikes in the Shuangqishan gold deposit. Table S3: LA-ICP-MS apatite (Ap1 and Ap2) U-Th-Pb data of metamorphic and auriferous quartz veins from the Shuangqishan gold deposit. Table S4: Trace-element concentrations in multiple-generation apatite from the Shuangqishan gold deposit, analyzed by LA-ICP-MS. Table S5: In-situ Sr isotopic compositions of multiple-generation apatite from the Shuangqishan gold deposit, analyzed by LA-MC-ICP-MS. Table S6: Electron microprobe geochemical data for hydrothermal xenotime from the Shuangqishan gold deposit. Table S7: SHRIMP U-Th-Pb isotope data for hydrothermal xenotime from the sub-stage IIb gold ores in the Shuangqishan gold deposit.
Supplemental Material: New geochronological results from late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic successions in the eastern North China Craton and implications for the reconstruction of Rodinia
Authors: Liu Chaohui , al. et
Published: November 2022

Figure S1: Cathodoluminescence images of all the analyzed detrital zircon grains from the Penglai Group in this study. Figure S2: Cathodoluminescence images of all the analyzed detrital zircon grains from the Tumen Group in this study. Figure S3: Cathodoluminescence images of all the analyzed detrital zircon grains from the Huaibei Group in this study. Figure S4: Probability density plots of single sample of the Penglai Group in this study. Figure S5: Probability density plots of single sample of the Tumen Group in this study. Figure S6: Probability density plots of single sample of the Huaibei Group in this study. Figure S7: εHf(t) versus age for detrital zircon of the individual sample in this study. Table S1: LA-ICPMS detrital zircon U–Pb dating results. Table S2: MC-LA-ICPMS detrital zircon Lu-Hf isotopic results. Table S3: Detrital zircon U-Pb age summary of the samples from the late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic strta in the eastern North China Craton.
Reducing post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage: a multicentre quality improvement programme incorporating video-based cold technique instruction
Authors: Bugten Vegard , Wennberg Siri , Amundsen Marit Furre , Blindheimsvik Martin Andre Brevik
Published: November 2022

Objective

Data from the Norwegian Tonsil Surgery Register (NTSR) showed large differences between the hospitals in Norway in the readmission rate due to post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage (rrPTH; range, 0%–25%; national average, 8%). Because of these large variations in the rrPTH, we conducted a quality improvement project involving hospitals with good and bad readmission rates.

Methods

Seven hospitals with readmission rates greater than 10% and four with rates lower than 5% participated in this project. We recorded videos of ear, nose and throat surgeons from the hospitals with low readmission rates when they performed extracapsular tonsillectomy, and these videos of cold dissection tonsillectomy were used as teaching material for examples of good surgical skills for the other hospitals. After a 2-day workshop, all participants from the hospitals went back to their institutions and prepared local plans to improve their results. We used the Plan–Do–Study–Act model. The primary outcome variable was the patient-reported rrPTH in the NTSR. As secondary goal, we aimed to identify aspects of the tonsillectomy procedure that could help achieve a lower rrPTH.

Results

The participating hospitals reduced their rrPTH from 18% at baseline (2017/2018) to 7% in 2020. Six of seven hospitals changed their dissection technique significantly to more use of cold dissection.

Conclusion

By learning cold dissection tonsillectomy from surgeons with low rrPTH, it seems possible to decrease the rates of bleeding complications after tonsillectomy. A combination of videos as a teaching tool, new treatment plans, and focus on quality and improvement may effectively improve surgical results. The videos can show details that are difficult to convey in the literature. Quality registers can be used to identify areas requiring improvement and evaluate the effects of changes in practice.
Diagnostic yield of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients attending a UK centre with symptoms compatible with Rome IV functional dyspepsia
Authors: Lorraine-Francis Hannah , Newberry Ellen , Aziz Imran
Published: November 2022

Background

Dyspeptic symptoms are common and mainly due to functional dyspepsia (FD). The Rome IV criteria mandate a normal upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy before diagnosing FD. However, endoscopies are costly, resource-intensive procedures that generate substantial waste. Hence, simpler means of diagnosing FD are desirable.

Objectives

To determine what proportion of UGI endoscopies are represented by patients with symptoms compatible with Rome IV FD, and the diagnostic yield in this cohort stratified according to alarm features.

Methods

Adult patients attending a UK centre for outpatient UGI endoscopy completed a preprocedure questionnaire on demographics, medical history, alarm features, mood, somatisation and GI symptoms. Alarm features were defined as age ≥55 years, dysphagia, anaemia, unintentional weight loss, UGI bleed or a family history of UGI cancer. Clinically significant endoscopic findings were cancers, Barrett’s oesophagus, erosive oesophagitis, peptic ulcers or strictures.

Results

Of 387 patients attending for an outpatient non-surveillance diagnostic UGI endoscopy, 221 had symptoms compatible with FD whereas 166 did not. Approximately 80% in both groups had alarm features, with a similar prevalence of clinically significant endoscopic findings at ~10%. UGI endoscopy was normal in a cohort of 9% (n=35) with symptoms compatible with FD and no alarm features, while benign peptic ulcer was noted in two of 29 cases without FD symptoms and no alarm features.

Conclusion

1-in-10 UGI endoscopies are performed in patients with symptoms compatible with FD and no alarm features, in whom there is no diagnostic yield. We recommend such patients receive a positive diagnosis of FD without endoscopy.
Efficacy and drug persistence of baricitinib monotherapy is similar to combination therapy in patients with active RA: a prospective observational study
Authors: Bayat Sara , Tascilar Koray , Bohr Daniela , Krönke Gerhard , Simon David , Knitza Johannes , Hartmann Fabian , Schett Georg , Kleyer Arnd
Published: November 2022

Background

Baricitinib (BARI) is approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after failure of conventional synthetic and biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cs/bDMARDs) in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or as monotherapy. However, real-world data are scarce regarding efficacy and drug persistence for BARI monotherapy (BARI-mono) versus its combination with MTX (BARI-combo).

Objective

To evaluate efficacy and drug persistence of BARImono compared with BARI-combo in routine clinical practice

Methods

Patients with RA who were switched to BARI were included in a prospective, monocentric cohort. Demographics, clinical outcomes, adverse events and medication were prospectively recorded every 3 months. Clinical efficacy was measured by DAS-28 ESR while drug persistence was measured as the time on drug. We estimated least-square mean DAS-28 scores over time using linear mixed effects models including time-group interactions. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate BARI survival and probability of remission over time.

Results

139 patients (98 women; aged 58.4 (12.8) years; mean disease duration of 9.7 years) were included between 2017 and 2021. 46 patients received BARI-combo, 93 patients received BARI-mono. Mean DAS-28 ESR were not significantly but only numerically different between both groups at baseline and multiple timepoints over follow-up. DAS-28 ESR remission was attained at least once upto 48 weeks in 62% and 51% patients in BARI-combo versus BARI-mono group (log-rank p=0.64). Drug persistence was high (69 vs 67% at 48 weeks and 62% vs 56% at 96 weeks) and similar in BARI-combo-treated and BARI-mono-treated patients. b/ts DMARD naïve patients had lower mean DAS-28 scores over the follow-up and attained DAS-28 ESR remission earlier than patients with inadequate response to b/ts DMARDs (p=0.11). BARI was discontinued in 11/139 patients (7.9%) due to adverse effects.

Conclusion

In routine practice, BARI is effective as monotherapy in case of MTX intolerance with overall high drug persistence rates. No new safety signals were observed.
Prevention of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in the surgical ICU: an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Critical Care Committee Clinical Consensus Document
Authors: Seshadri Anupamaa , Appelbaum Rachel , Carmichael Samuel P , Farrell Michael Steven , Filiberto Dina M , Jawa Randeep , Kodadek Lisa , Mandell Samuel , Miles M Victoria P , Paul Jasmeet , Robinson Bryce , Michetti Christopher P
Published: November 2022

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a common and challenging clinical entity present in trauma and surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The screening tools, assessment strategies, and pharmacological methods for preventing alcohol withdrawal have significantly changed during the past 20 years. This Clinical Consensus Document created by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Critical Care Committee reviews the best practices for screening, monitoring, and prophylactic treatment of alcohol withdrawal in the surgical ICU.
Sources of rare earth elements in the environment and their impact on living organisms
Authors: Sysolyatina M.A. , Olkova A.S.
Published: November 2022

This review paper aims at understanding natural and anthropogenic sources of rare earth elements (REEs) in the environment, their mechanisms of action, individual toxicity of REEs, and individual toxicity of their mixtures, including with other toxicants. We also summarized the scientific knowledge on REE bioaccumulation by plants, animals, and fungi. The purpose of the work was to analyze published scientific information and identify unsolved scientific issues in the selected areas. At present, both natural positive geochemical anomalies of REEs and “spots” of anthropogenic origin are discovered. There is a relationship between natural and anthropogenic sources of REEs in the environment. Increasing REE mining leads to the exposure of rock layers rich in target elements, which are then leached from natural and waste rocks. As a result, the total content of REEs in soils of their extraction areas reaches 2.3 µg/kg, and in the snow of cities it ranges from 0.411  to 1.463 µg/kg, which is comparable with natural anomalies of elements. Most often such levels of REE accumulation are not dangerous for biota. REEs, like many trace elements, have an essential effect in low concentrations and have harmful effects only when the dose is increased. However, stimulation effects proven for agricultural plants and animals in the natural environment can influence the change in population and community structures. The effects of REE compounds have many uncertainties under the conditions of their joint action with each other and with other substances containing biogenic or potentially toxic elements. The article provides examples of additive, synergistic, and antagonistic actions of a mixture of elements. Further, it is shown that the bioaccumulation of REEs is comparable to the accumulation of heavy metals in living organisms. Data on the transfer of REEs along trophic chains are single and contradictory. Thus, REEs contribute to the toxic load on living organisms. The main “blank spots” in knowledge about the action of REEs that require further research are identification of the most sensitive and vulnerable species, establishment of long-term effects and clarification of the joint action of REEs with other substances.
Single particle electronic voting scheme based on quantum ring signature
Authors: Xiong Zihao , Yin Aihan
Published: November 2022

Based on the ring signature approach, this paper proposes a quantum voting protocol using single-particle states where voters can choose their voters from among the candidates without revealing their identities. In this protocol, voters hide their voting information into the envelope prepared by the voting center and the vote-counter through the quantum Fourier transform and the unitary operation, the voting center and the vote-counter will each generate only half of the voter’s identity information, and the voter’s identity information is secured by the mutual supervision of the voting center and the vote-counter. Because the protocol uses single particle states, which effectively reduces the difficulty of implementing this protocol, the security analysis shows that the protocol is secure.
On some soliton structures to the Schamel–Korteweg-de Vries model via two analytical approaches
Authors: Tariq Kalim U. , Ahmed Arslan , Ma Wen-Xiu
Published: November 2022

The Schamel–Korteweg-de Vries (S-KdV) model is used to predict the influence of surface for deep water in the presence of solitary waves. The aim of the study is to study the governing model analytically by employing the extended modified auxiliary equation mapping approach and the extended FAN sub-equation method. The 3D, 2D and contour plots are drawn to demonstrate the physical nature of the nonlinear model for a set of parameters. As a result, dark solitons, light solitons, solitary waves, periodic solitary waves, rational functions, and elliptic function solutions are established. Furthermore, the the developed results are verified with the aid of latest computing tool such as Mathematica or Maple. The applied strategy appears to be a more powerful and efficient scheme for achieving exact solutions to a number of diversified contemporary models of recent eras.
Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Based Preprocessing of Multi-Class Extremely Imbalanced Datasets
Authors: Devi Priya R. , Sivaraj R. , Abraham Ajith , Pravin T. , Sivasankar P. , Anitha N.
Published: November 2022

Today’s datasets are usually very large with many features and making analysis on such datasets is really a tedious task. Especially when performing classification, selecting attributes that are salient for the process is a brainstorming task. It is more difficult when there are many class labels for the target class attribute and hence many researchers have introduced methods to select features for performing classification on multi-class attributes. The process becomes more tedious when the attribute values are imbalanced for which researchers have contributed many methods. But, there is no sufficient research to handle extreme imbalance and feature selection together and hence this paper aims to bridge this gap. Here Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), an efficient evolutionary algorithm is used to handle imbalanced dataset and feature selection process is also enhanced with the required functionalities. First, Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization is used to transform the imbalanced datasets into balanced one and then another version of Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization is used to select the significant features. The proposed methodology is applied on eight multi-class extremely imbalanced datasets and the experimental results are found to be better than other existing methods in terms of classification accuracy, G mean, F measure. The results validated by using Friedman test also confirm that the proposed methodology effectively balances the dataset with less number of features than other methods.
Solving a Mathematical Model for Small Vegetable Sellers in India by a Stochastic Knapsack Problem: An Advanced Genetic Algorithm Based Approach
Authors: Changdar Chiranjit , Giri Pravash Kumar , Pal Rajat Kumar , Haldar Alok , Acharyya Samiran , Dhal Debasis , Khowas Moumita , Sahana Sudip Kumar
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we have proposed a stochastic Knapsack Problem (KP) based mathematical model for small-scale vegetable sellers in India and solved it by an advanced Genetic Algorithm. The knapsack problem considered here is a bounded one, where vegetables are the objects. In this model, we have assumed that different available vegetables (objects) have different weights (that are available), purchase costs, and profits. The maximum weight of vegetables that can be transported by a seller is limited by the carrying capacity of the vegetable carrier and the business capital of the seller is also limited. The aim of the proposed mathematical model is to maximize the total profit of the loaded/traded items, with a set of predefined constraints on the part of the vegetable seller or retailer. This problem has been solved in a Type-2 fuzzy environment and the Critical Value (CV) reduction method is utilized to defuzzify the objective value. We have projected an improved genetic algorithm based approach, where we have incorporated two features, namely refinement and immigration. We have initially considered benchmark instances and subsequently some redefined cases for experimentation. Moreover, we have solved some randomly generated proposed KP instances in Type-2 fuzzy environment.
THERMAL BARRIER COATINGS: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, CHALLENGES, AND PROBABLE SOLUTIONS
Authors: PRASHAR GAURAV , VASUDEV HITESH
Published: November 2022

The lifespan and performance of the industrial components used in aero engine’s and IC engines can be considerably increased by depositing thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). High-pressure gas turbines’ rotor blades and stator vanes are some of the world’s most heavily loaded engineering parts. In order to safeguard such components, more research is being conducted on TBCs, since the size of deployment and the production techniques used lead to improved life, economics, efficiency, and durability. This paper concentrates on the technological developments in the field of TBCs over the past few years in order to achieve maximum output. Current coating R&D has also placed an emphasis on the factors that contributed to the development of cutting-edge advanced coating-fabrication techniques, such as electron-beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD), suspension plasma spray (SPS), additive manufacturing (AM), functionally graded material (FGM) and incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing of TBCs. This paper examines the current state of TBCs, including the most recent developments in terms of their performance and manufacturing, associated challenges, and suggestions for their potential usage in high temperature sector.
Vibration Analysis of Bistable Unsymmetric Laminates with Curvilinear Fiber Paths
Authors: Akhil K. S. , Anilkumar P. M. , Haldar A. , Rao B. N.
Published: November 2022

Multistable laminates have been actively studied in recent years due to its potential applications in morphing and energy harvesting devices. Variable stiffness (VS) bistable laminates provide opportunities for further improvements in design space in comparison with constant stiffness bistable laminates. The snap-through process involving shape transition between the stable configurations is highly nonlinear in nature and exhibits rich dynamics. Exploiting the dynamic characteristics during the snap-through transition is of considerable interest in designing the morphing structural components. In this paper, we present a semi-analytical model based on Rayleigh–Ritz approach in conjunction with Hamilton’s principle to predict the natural frequencies of bistable VS laminates. The obtained results are compared with the results from the full geometrically nonlinear finite element (FE) model. The proposed FE model is further extended to study the dynamics of VS laminates subjected to external forces with different amplitudes. Subsequently, a parametric study is performed to explore the effect of different curvilinear fiber alignments on natural frequencies, mode shapes, free vibration characteristics and forced vibration characteristics (single-well and cross-well vibrations).
The Application of Interactive Humanoid Robots in the History Education of Museums Under Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Yang Kuan , Wang Hongkai
Published: November 2022

The purpose is to improve the application of museum robots in museum scenes, enhance the service capabilities of robots in museums, break tourists’ boring concepts of museum environment, manual explanation, services, etc., and promote tourists’ exhibition experience. A method for sentiment analysis of humanoid robots in museums is proposed by studying the transformation of museums with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, as well as the function and significance of museums in history education. First, the function of museums in history education and the role of AI in constructing intelligent museums are described. Second, on account of the multimodal sentiment analysis method of speech and emotion, a scenario model of the visitor museum is established. An uncertain reasoning method for robot service tasks based on Multi-entity Bayesian network (MEBN) is also proposed. Finally, the proposed model is validated by experiments. The results show that compared with the recognition rates of Arousal and Valence dimensions, the consistency correlation coefficient value of the Kalman filter is higher. The Consistency Correlation Coefficient (CCC) value of the Arousal dimension is 0.703, and the CCC value of the Valence dimension is 0.766. Besides, in different tour times, the proportion of services that tourists want to be provided with varies in different emotional states. From time t1 to time t2, the proportion of tourists who want to hear explanations of cultural relics dropped by 11.5%, while the proportion of tourists who want to be provided with tea service increased by 24%. This indicates that when the Kalman filter algorithm performs continuous emotion recognition of a multimodal fusion, the final emotion recognition accuracy is higher, and emotion analysis can help humanoid robots to be more intelligent and humanized. The proposed sentiment analysis based on the multimodal analysis and MEBN’s uncertainty reasoning method for robot service tasks not only broadens the practical application field of intelligent robots under human–computer interaction technology but also has important research significance for the innovative education development of museum history education.
Virtual Reality — Substitute for a Real Experience? The Role of User Motivation, Expectations and Experience Type
Authors: Israel Kai , Zerres Christopher , Tscheulin Dieter K.
Published: November 2022

Virtual reality (VR) offers the opportunity to create virtual worlds that could replace real experiences. This research investigates the influence of user motivation, temporal distance and experience type on the satisfaction with the VR experience, and the degree of acceptance of a VR experience as a substitute for a real experience. The results suggest that the degree of acceptance of a VR experience as a substitute for a real experience is higher for passive VR experiences compared to active VR experiences. Furthermore, the results support the assumption that users are more satisfied with passive VR experiences.
Ultra High Luminous Efficiency p-Type Surface Defect Structure GaN LED
Authors: Zhu Jun , Ying Bishi
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose a double-layer SiO2 photonic crystal LED with a linear defect structure in the [Formula: see text]-GaN layer, the purpose is to solve the problem of low light extraction efficiency caused by diffusion scattering effect. We used FDTD modeling to analyze the light-emitting characteristics of GaN LED, after optimizing the structural parameters of two-dimensional photonic crystals, the light extraction efficiency is improved from 19.4% to 35.2%, the light extraction efficiency is increased by 1.8 times, meanwhile the light output power is also increased by 1.86 times. The introduction of the defect structure does not affect the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] characteristics of the LED, and the output power of the LED is increased by 11% under the current of 300[Formula: see text]mA.
Designing Peak Detector and Zero Crossing Detector for Asymmetric Synchronous Electric Charge Extraction
Authors: Gaur Anudita , Khanna Gargi , Asthana Prateek
Published: November 2022

Piezoelectric energy harvesters are used to extract and generate electrical energy from ambient vibration sources. Under low excitation, the efficiency of the rectifier plays an important role in determining the efficiency of energy harvesters. Asymmetric Synchronous Electric Charge Extraction (ASECE) has higher efficiency compared to other conventional rectifiers. In this paper, the subcircuits of ASECE, i.e., peak detector and zero crossing detector, are designed. The proposed detectors can operate even at minimum frequency of 10[Formula: see text]Hz and in the temperature range of 0–125∘C. The proposed peak detector has shown detection in subthreshold region also. The performance of these detectors at different temperatures, supply voltages and frequencies has been reported in this paper. The detectors are designed using Tanner (2019.2) EDA tool at 180[Formula: see text]nm CMOS technology.
Optimizing Long-Term Irrigation of Areas Above an Unconfined Aquifer: Quantity and Quality Considerations
Authors: Erlichman Hagit
Published: November 2022

Groundwater use is likely to be inefficient in the absence of regulation and there is therefore substantial interest in optimal groundwater withdrawals over time. Under an optimal withdrawal regime, agriculture above the aquifer and profits converge to steady-state levels. We combine, in one endogenous system, the economic and environmental aspects of optimal aquifer management with not only surface water, groundwater and wastewater for irrigation, but also desalinated groundwater. Empirical estimates of a steady-state solution in which the quantity and quality of the groundwater are fixed at optimal levels and the aggregate net present value of the farmer’s profits is maximized are reported for an agricultural area in Israel with heavy reliance on groundwater supply. Our analysis enables the calculation of a Pigovian tax levied on the farmers to internalize the planner’s solution.
U–Pb zircon age and mineralogy of the St Georgen halloysite tuff shed light on the timing of the middle Badenian (mid-Langhian) transgression, ash dispersal and palaeoenvironmental conditions in the southern Vienna Basin, Austria
Authors: Šegvić Branimir , Lukács Réka , Mandic Oleg , Strauss Phillipp , Badurina Luka , Guillong Marcel , Harzhauser Mathias
Published: November 2022

A geochronological study of the St Georgen tuff, favourably positioned within the Middle Miocene marine succession of the Vienna Basin, is essential to our understanding of the timing of the middle Badenian transgression. We report here new data on the separated zircon U–Pb ages/phase chemistry and the clay mineralogy of altered tuffs and then use these data to infer the provenance of the tephra and the palaeoenvironmental conditions. The ages of the tuff range between 15.78 ± 0.27 and 14.36 ± 0.31 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 14.59 ± 0.2 Ma. This defines the onset of the second Badenian transgression in the Central Paratethys region, which was the strongest transgression in the entire Miocene record of the Vienna Basin. The compositional and temporal relationships between the tuff and the neighbouring volcanism suggest that the Harsány eruption in the central Pannonian Basin is the most plausible source region for the tephra. West- and SW-directed tropospheric trade winds or easterlies were responsible for the transport of the Harsány tephra to its present location. The prevalence of halloysite, in addition to post-depositional alteration reactions (glass–smectite–halloysite and kaolinite–halloysite) suggest the fallout of tephra in a very shallow sea, which may have been affected by seasonal wetting and drying cycles at the onset of ash deposition.

Supplementary material:
Halloysite mineralogy, global geochemistry and U-Pb zircon age data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6294944
The provenance of Avalonia and its tectonic implications: a critical reappraisal
Authors: Murphy J. Brendan , Nance R. Damian , Wu Lei
Published: November 2022

The late Neoproterozoic–Cambrian interval is characterized by global-scale orogenesis, rapid continental growth and profound changes in Earth systems. Orogenic activity involved continental collisions spanning more than 100 myr, culminating in Gondwana amalgamation. Avalonia is an example of arc magmatism and accretionary tectonics as subduction zones re-located to Gondwana's periphery in the aftermath of those collisions, and its evolution provides significant constraints for global reconstructions. Comprising late Neoproterozoic (
c.
650–570 Ma) arc-related magmatic and metasedimentary rocks, Avalonia is defined as a composite terrane by its latest Ediacaran–Ordovician overstep sequence: a distinctive, siliciclastic-dominated cover bearing ‘Acado-Baltic’ fauna. This definition implies that Neoproterozoic Avalonia may consist of several terranes, and so precise palaeomagnetic or provenance determination in one locality need not apply to all. On the basis of detrital zircon and Nd isotopic data, Avalonia and other lithotectonically related terranes, such as Cadomia, have long been thought to have resided along the Amazonian–West African margin of Gondwana between
c.
650 and 500 Ma – Avalonia connected to Amazonia, and Cadomia to West Africa. These interpretations have constrained Paleozoic reconstructions, many of which imply that the departure of several peri-Gondwanan terranes led to the Early Paleozoic development of the Rheic Ocean whose subsequent demise in the Late Paleozoic led to Pangaea's amalgamation. Since these ideas were proposed, several new lines of evidence have challenged the Amazonian affinity of Avalonia. First, there is evidence that some Avalonian terranes may have been ‘peri-Baltican’ during the Neoproterozoic. Baltica was originally excluded as a potential source for Avalonia because, unlike Amazonia, arc-related Neoproterozoic rocks were not documented. However, subsequent recognition of Ediacaran arc-related sequences in the Timanides of northeastern Baltica invalidates this assumption. Second, detailed palaeontological and lithostratigraphic studies have been interpreted to reflect an insular Avalonia, well removed from either Gondwana or Baltica during the Ediacaran and early Cambrian. Third, recent palaeomagnetic data have raised the possibility of an ocean (Clymene Ocean) between Amazonia and West Africa in the late Neoproterozoic, thereby challenging conventional reconstructions that show the ‘peri-Gondwanan’ terranes as a contiguous belt straddling the suture zone between these cratons. In this contribution, we critically re-evaluate the provenance of the so-called ‘peri-Gondwanan’ terranes, the contiguity of the so-called ‘Avalonian–Cadomian’ belt and the validity of the various plate tectonic models based on the traditional interpretation of these terranes. In addition, we draw attention to critical uncertainties and the challenges that lie ahead.
Embodied Expressive Gestures in Telerobots: A Tale of Two Users
Authors: Benson William N. , Anderson Zachary , Capelle Evan , Dunlap Maya F. , Dorris Blake , Gorlewicz Jenna L. , Shimizu Mitsuru , Weinberg Jerry B.
Published: November 2022

Despite their technical advancements, commercially available telerobots are limited in social interaction capabilities for both pilot and local users, specifically in nonverbal communication. Our group hypothesizes that the introduction of expressive gesturing and tangible interaction capabilities (e.g., handshakes, fist bumps) will enhance telerobotic interactions and increase social connection between users. To investigate the affordances to social connection that gestures and tangible interactions provide in telerobot-mediated interactions, we designed and integrated a lightweight manipulator terminating in an anthropomorphic end effector onto a commercially available telerobot (Anybots QB 2.0). Through virtual reality tracking of the pilot user’s arm and hand, expressive gestures and social contact interactions are recreated via the manipulator, enabling a pilot user and a local user to engage in a tangible exchange. To assess the usability and effectiveness of the gesturing system, we present evaluations from both the local and pilot user perspectives. First, we present a validation study to assess usability of the control system by the pilot user. Our results demonstrate that pilot user interactions can be replicated with a greater than 80% pass rate and mean ease of use rating of

\(7.08 \pm 1.32\)

(out of 10) with brief training. Finally, we present a user study to assess the social impacts of (1) using the telerobot without the manipulator from both the pilot user and local user perspectives and (2) using the control system and telerobotic manipulator from both the pilot user and local user perspectives. Results demonstrate that the robot with the manipulator elicited a more positive social experience than the robot without the arm for local users but no significant difference in conditions for pilot users. Future work will focus on improving the pilot user experience to support social contact interactions.
Machine Learning in Earthquake Seismology
Authors: Mousavi S. Mostafa , Beroza Gregory C.
Published: November 2022

Machine learning (ML) is a collection of methods used to develop understanding and predictive capability by learning relationships embedded in data. ML methods are becoming the dominant approaches for many tasks in seismology. ML and data mining techniques can significantly improve our capability for seismic data processing. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of ML applications in earthquake seismology, discuss progress and challenges, and offer suggestions for future work.
▪Conceptual, algorithmic, and computational advances have enabled rapid progress in the development of machine learning approaches to earthquake seismology.▪The impact of that progress is most clearly evident in earthquake monitoring and is leading to a new generation of much more comprehensive earthquake catalogs.▪Application of unsupervised approaches for exploratory analysis of these high-dimensional catalogs may reveal new understanding of seismicity.▪Machine learning methods are proving to be effective across a broad range of other seismological tasks, but systematic benchmarking through open source frameworks and benchmark data sets are important to ensure continuing progress.
Fifty Years of the Cox Model
Authors: Kalbfleisch John D. , Schaubel Douglas E.
Published: November 2022

The Cox model is now 50 years old. The seminal paper of Sir David Cox has had an immeasurable impact on the analysis of censored survival data, with applications in many different disciplines. This work has also stimulated much additional research in diverse areas and led to important theoretical and practical advances. These include semiparametric models, nonparametric efficiency, and partial likelihood. In addition to quickly becoming the go-to method for estimating covariate effects, Cox regression has been extended to a vast number of complex data structures, to all of which the central idea of sampling from the set of individuals at risk at time t can be applied. In this article, we review the Cox paper and the evolution of the ideas surrounding it. We then highlight its extensions to competing risks, with attention to models based on cause-specific hazards, and to hazards associated with the subdistribution or cumulative incidence function. We discuss their relative merits and domains of application. The analysis of recurrent events is another major topic of discussion, including an introduction to martingales and complete intensity models as well as the more practical marginal rate models. We include several worked examples to illustrate the main ideas.
Sustainable Low-Temperature Coating of LATP/C Solid Electrolyte Composites on LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 Cathode Based on Lithium Iodide Solvent-Recrystallization for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Tingting , Chin Chi-Te , Li Yingtuo , Cheng Ching-Hsiang
Published: November 2022

A mixed ionic (Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3: LATP) and electronic conductor (porous carbon: C) hybrid layer can effectively enhance the electrochemical performance of cathode materials. In this work, a sustainable low-temperature synthesis strategy (≤200 °C) combining ball milling and solvent-recrystallization of lithium iodide is first proposed to prepare the LATP/C coated LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (LNCMO) material. The characterizations of structures and morphology reveal that LATP and porous carbon powder are mixed into the ethanol dissolved lithium iodide by a simple ball milling process, then the lithium iodide is recrystallized to serve as a binder when ethanol is vaporized at a low temperature to coat uniform thickness and homogeneously distributed LATP/C on the surface of LNCMO cathode. The charge-discharge results illustrate that the cycling performance and rate discharge capability of the active materials coated with LATP/C are significantly superior to the bare LNCMO. AC impedance analysis confirms that lower charge transfer resistance and higher Li+ ion diffusion coefficient are achieved in cathode materials. This work successfully exploited a novel low-temperature cathode coating method based on lithium iodide solvent-recrystallization and obtained results comparable to high-temperature processes without suffering from side reaction problems.