bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional study on prevalence and risk factors for falls among the elderly in communities of Guangdong province, China
Authors: Lin Xia-zi , Meng Rui-lin , Peng Dan-dan , Li Chuan , Zheng Xue-yan , Xu Hao-feng , Xu Xiao-jun , Lin Li-feng
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of falls among the elderly in Guangdong, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in six communities of Guangdong province. People over 60 years old were selected with multistage random-cluster sampling. Data on falls within the previous 12 months and fall-related risk factors were collected through a face-to-face interview.

Results

The prevalence of falls among older adults was 11.9% (95% CI: 11.0% to 12.8%) among 5374 interviewees. The common injuries caused by falls were bruises/scrapes (40.0%) and fractures (15.5%), and most people fall while doing housework (35.0%). Univariate analysis showed that 14 factors were associated with falls among older adults, including gender, age, residence, occupation, education level, balance ability, situation of cognition, disease, depression, living arrangement, marital status, the behaviour of exercise, drinking and drug use (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the associated factors of falls among older adults included woman (OR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.40 to 2.02), age from 70 to 79 years (OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.58), age over 80 (OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.25 to 2.13), impaired balance ability (OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.75), exercise several times per month (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.53), polypharmacy (OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.00), cognition impairment (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.69), mild depression (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.47 to 2.45) and moderate depression (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.99 to 4.73).

Conclusions

The hazards caused by falls to the elderly in China cannot be ignored. A multidimensional customised fall prevention programme should be considered to reduce the risk of falls among the elderly based on the results above.
Effect of a board game about sexually transmitted infections on imprisoned women’s knowledge: protocol for a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Carvalho Isaiane da Silva , Mendes Ryanne Carolynne Marques Gomes , Souza Soares Lima Laís Helena de , Leal Luciana Pedrosa , Guedes Tatiane Gomes , Linhares Francisca Márcia Pereira
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in imprisoned women is high. In the prison school context, education in health is one of the best strategies to achieve positive indicators in terms of health promotion and disease prevention. The use of educational technologies, such as board games, can aid in the process of knowledge acquisition on a given subject matter. This article describes the protocol of a health educational intervention that addresses content about sexually transmitted infections directed to imprisoned women in a prison school.

Methods and analysis

A quasi-experimental study to test the effect of a board game on 64 imprisoned women’s level of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections. The Previna board game was specifically created and validated for these women. The primary outcome will be the level of knowledge on sexually transmitted infections, measured using a score obtained after the assessment conducted during the initial interview, immediately after the intervention and after 15 days.

Ethics and disclosure

This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Pernambuco (Opinion No. 3 986 050 and CAAE: 30035520.7.0000.5208). The results will be presented to the school and to the Federal University of Pernambuco, as part of the activities of a PhD Thesis in Nursing, and will be disclosed in peer-reviewed journals and scientific events.

Trial registration number

RBR-2JWS7DV.
Accelerated menopausal changes as human disease model ‘FOCUM’ for the development of osteoarthritis and other degenerative disorders: protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Molendijk Eveline , Schiphof Dieuwke , Oei Edwin H G , de Vos Robert-Jan , Bos P Koen , van Meurs Joyce B J , Lubberts Erik , Zillikens M Carola , van der Eerden Bram C J , Kavousi Maryam , Schouten Boris W V , de Rooij-Duran Mariëlla I B , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M A
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The incidence of degenerative disorders, including osteoarthritis (OA), increases rapidly in women after menopause. However, the influence of the menopause is still insufficiently investigated due to the slowness of menopausal transition. In this study, a novel human model is used in which it is expected that menopausal-related changes will occur faster. This is the Females discontinuing Oral Contraceptives Use at Menopausal age model. The ultimate aim is to link these changes to OA and other degenerative disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and tendinopathies.

Methods and analysis

This is a pilot observational prospective cohort study with 2 years of follow-up. Fifty women aged 50–60 who use oral contraceptive (OC) and have the intention to stop are included. Measurements are performed once before stopping OC, and four times thereafter at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. At every time point, a questionnaire is filled in and a sample of blood is drawn. At the first and final time points, a physical examination, hand radiographs and a MRI scan of one knee are performed. The primary OA outcome is progression of the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score. Secondary OA outcomes are the development of clinical knee and hand OA, development of knee OA according to the MRI definition, and progression of radiographic features for hand OA. Principal component analysis will be used to assess which changes occur after stopping OC. Univariate and multivariate generalised estimating equation models will be used to test for associations between these components and OA.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam (MEC-2019-0592). All participants must give informed consent before data collection. Results will be disseminated in national and international journals.

Trial registration number

NL70796.078.19.
Consequences of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on urological surgery in France: a nationwide analysis of the healthcare system database
Authors: Robert Gregoire , Bernhard Jean-Christophe , Capon Grégoire , Alezra Eric , Estrade Vincent , Blanc Peggy , Bladou Franck , Bensadoun Henri
Published: November 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak overwhelmed the healthcare systems worldwide. Saturation of hospitals and the risk of contagion led to a reduction in the care of other diseases.

Objective

To determine the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on urological surgery in France during the year 2020.

Design, setting and participants

An observational descriptive study was conducted on anonymised data collected from the national healthcare database established each year as part of the Program for the Medicalization of Information Systems in Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Odontology.

Intervention

None.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We gathered the number of urology surgical procedures carried out between 2010 and 2019, and we observed the difference between the forecast and actual number of urological surgeries performed in 2020.

Results

Urological surgeries decreased by 11.4%, non-oncological surgeries being more affected (−13.1%) than oncological ones (−4.1%). Among the most relevant surgeries, female urinary incontinence (−44.7%) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (−20.8%) were the most impacted ones, followed by kidney cancer (−9%), urolithiasis (−8.7%), radical cystectomy for bladder cancer (−6.1%), prostate cancer (−3.6%) and transurethral resection of bladder tumour (−2%). Public hospitals had a more reduced activity (−17.7%) than private ones (−9.1%). Finally, the distribution of the reduction in urological activities by region did not correspond to the regional burden of SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions

Urological care was severely affected during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Even if oncological surgeries were prioritised, the longer it takes to receive appropriate care, the greater the risk on survival impact.

Trial registration

The data collection and analysis was authorised by the French Data Protection Authority (CNIL) under the number1 861 282v2.
‘Give me something meaningful’: GPs perspectives on how to improve an audit and feedback report provided by health insurers – an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: de Bekker P J G M , de Weerdt V , Vink M D H , van der Kolk A B , Donker M H , van der Hijden E J E
Published: November 2022

Background

Audit and feedback (A&F) is a valuable quality improvement strategy, which can contribute to de-implementation of low-value care. In the Netherlands, all health insurers collaboratively provide A&F to general practitioners (GPs), the ‘Primary Care Practice Report’ (PCPR). Unfortunately, the use of this report by GPs is limited. This study examined the thoughts of GPs on the usability of the PCPR and GPs recommendations for improving the PCPR.

Method

We used an interpretative qualitative design, with think-aloud tasks to uncover thoughts of GPs on the usability of the PCPR and semistructured interview questions to ask GPs’ recommendations for improvement of the PCPR. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed ad verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results

We identified two main themes: ‘poor usability of the PCPR’, and ‘minimal motivation to change based on the PCPR’. The GPs found the usability of the PCPR poor due to the feedback not being clinically meaningful, the data not being recent, individual and reliable, the performance comparators offer insufficient guidance to assess clinical performance, the results are not discussed with peers and the definitions and visuals are unclear. The GPs recommended improving these issues. The GPs motivation to change based on the PCPR was minimal.

Conclusions

The GPs evaluated the PCPR as poorly usable and were minimally motivated to change. The PCPR seems developed from the perspective of the reports’ commissioners, health insurers, and does not meet known criteria for effective A&F design and user-centred design. Importantly, the GPs did state that well-designed feedback could contribute to their motivation to improve clinical performance.

Furthermore, the GPs stated that they receive a multitude of A&F reports, which they hardly use. Thus, we see a need for policy makers to invest in less, but more usable A&F reports.
Development of a core minimum data set to advance real-world evidence generation for uterine fibroids treatment technologies
Authors: Baird Courtney E , Myers Evan , Jacoby Vanessa , Gressler Laura Elisabeth , Venable Sateria , O'Neill Allison , Price Veronica , Lee Angie , Roberts Jason , Andrews Sharon , Sedrakyan Art , Marinac-Dabic Danica
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The accumulation of data through a prospective, multicenter coordinated registry network (CRN) is a robust and cost-effective way to gather real-world evidence on the performance of uterine fibroids treatment technologies for device-based and intervention-based studies. To develop the CRN, a group of uterine fibroids experts, consisting of representatives from professional societies, the US Food and Drug Administration, academia, industry, and the patient community, was convened to discuss the role and feasibility of the CRN and to identify the core data elements needed to assess uterine fibroid treatment technologies.

Design

A Delphi method approach was employed to achieve consensus on a core minimum data set for the CRN. A series of surveys were sent to the panel and answered by each expert anonymously and individually. Results from the surveys were collected, collated, and analyzed by a study design team from Weill Cornell Medicine. Questions for the next round were based on the analysis process and discussed with group members via a conference call. This process was repeated twice over a 3-month time period until consensus was achieved.

Results

Twenty-nine experts participated in the Delphi surveys, which began with an initial list of 200 data elements. The working group reached final consensus on 97 data elements capturing patient medical history, imaging data, procedure-related data, post-procedure data, and long-term follow-up data.

Conclusions

The CRN successfully convened an expert panel on uterine fibroids treatment technologies and used the Delphi method to produce a consensus-based core set of data elements. These identified data elements include important outcomes related to efficacy and safety and thus, influence patient, provider, and regulatory decision-making about treatments for uterine fibroids. Finally, the core data elements provide the foundation of the infrastructure needed for the CRN that will allow for the comparative study of uterine fibroid treatment devices and technologies.
The ARTI framework: cosmic rays atmospheric background simulations
Authors: Sarmiento-Cano Christian , Suárez-Durán Mauricio , Calderón-Ardila Rolando , Vásquez-Ramírez Adriana , Jaimes-Motta Andrei , Núñez Luis A. , Dasso Sergio , Sidelnik Iván , Asorey Hernán ,   For the LAGO Collaboration
Published: November 2022

ARTI is a complete framework designed to simulate the signals produced by the secondary particles emerging from the interaction of single, multiple, and even from the complete flux of primary cosmic rays with the atmosphere. These signals are simulated for any particle detector located at any place (latitude, longitude and altitude), including the real-time atmospheric, geomagnetic and detector conditions. Formulated through a sequence of codes written in C++, Fortran, Bash and Perl, it provides an easy-to-use integration of three different simulation environments: MagnetoCosmics, CORSIKA and Geant4. These tools evaluate the geomagnetic field effects on the primary flux and simulate atmospheric showers of cosmic rays and the detectors’ response to the secondary flux of particles. In this work, we exhibit the usage of the ARTI framework by calculating the total expected signal flux at eight selected sites of the Latin American Giant Observatory: a cosmic ray Observatory all over Latin America covering a wide range of altitudes, latitudes and geomagnetic rigidities. ARTI will also calculate the signal flux expected during the sudden occurrence of a gamma-ray burst or the flux of energetic photons originating from steady gamma sources. It also compares these fluxes with the expected background when they are detected in a single water Cherenkov detector deployed in a high-altitude site. Furthermore, by using ARTI, it is possible to calculate in a very precise way the expected flux of high-energetic muons and other secondaries at the ground level and to inject them through geological structures for muography applications.
Locally conformal SKT structures
Authors: Djebbar Bachir , Ferreira Ana Cristina , Fino Anna , Youcef Nourhane Zineb Larbi
Published: November 2022

A Hermitian metric on a complex manifold is called SKT (strong Kähler with torsion) if the Bismut torsion 3-form [Formula: see text] is closed. As the conformal generalization of the SKT condition, we introduce a new type of Hermitian structure, called locally conformal SKT (or shortly LCSKT). More precisely, a Hermitian structure [Formula: see text] is said to be LCSKT if there exists a closed nonzero [Formula: see text]-form [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we consider nontrivial LCSKT structures, i.e. we assume that [Formula: see text] and we study their existence on Lie groups and their compact quotients by lattices.

In particular, we classify six-dimensional nilpotent Lie algebras admitting a LCSKT structure and we show that, in contrast to the SKT case, there exists a six-dimensional 3-step nilpotent Lie algebra admitting a nontrivial LCSKT structure. Moreover, we show a characterization of even dimensional almost abelian Lie algebras admitting a nontrivial LCSKT structure, which allows us to construct explicit examples of six-dimensional unimodular almost abelian Lie algebras admitting a nontrivial LCSKT structure. The compatibility between the LCSKT and the balanced condition is also discussed, showing that a Hermitian structure on a six-dimensional nilpotent or a [Formula: see text]-dimensional almost abelian Lie algebra cannot be simultaneously LCSKT and balanced, unless it is Kähler.
1D diffeomorphism invariant model of a free scalar relativistic particle: Supervariable and BRST approaches
Authors: Chauhan B. , Rao A. K. , Tripathi A. , Malik R. P.
Published: November 2022

We apply the supervariable approach to derive the proper quantum Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetries for the 1D diffeomorphism invariant model of a free scalar relativistic particle by exploiting the infinitesimal classical reparameterization (i.e. 1D diffeomorphism) symmetry of this theory. We derive the conserved and off-shell nilpotent (anti-)BRST charges and prove their absolute anticommutativity property by using the virtues of Curci–Ferrari (CF)-type restriction of our present theory. We establish the sanctity of the existence of CF-type restriction (i) by considering the (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations of the coupled (but equivalent) Lagrangians and (ii) by proving the symmetry invariance of the Lagrangians within the framework of supervariable approach. We capture the nilpotency and absolute anticommutativity of the conserved (anti-)BRST charges within the framework of (anti-)chiral supervariable approach (ACSA) to BRST formalism. One of the novel observations of our present endeavor is the derivation of CF-type restriction by using the modified Bonora–Tonin (BT) supervariable approach (while deriving the (anti-)BRST symmetries for the target space–time and/or momenta variables) and by symmetry considerations of the Lagrangians of the theory. The rest of the (anti-)BRST symmetries, for the other variables, are derived by using the newly proposed ACSA. We also demonstrate the existence of CF-type restriction in the proof of absolute anticommutativity of the (anti-)BRST charges.
Possible existence of stable compact stars in κ(ℛ,𝒯) gravity
Authors: Teruel G. R. P. , Singh Ksh. Newton , Rahaman Farook , Chowdhury Tanmoy
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we present the first interior solutions representing compact stars in [Formula: see text] gravity by solving the modified field equations in isotropic coordinates. Further, we have assumed the metric potentials in Schwarzschild’s form and a few parameters along with the isotropic condition of pressure. For solving, we use specific choice of the running gravitational constant as [Formula: see text]. Once arrived at the reduced field equations, we investigate two solutions with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes here another constant that should not be confused with the speed of light. Then, we investigate each solution by determining the thermodynamics variable viz pressure, density, speed of sound and adiabatic index. We found that these solutions satisfy the Bondi criterion, causality condition and energy conditions. We also found that the [Formula: see text] curves generated from these solutions satisfy the stringent constraints provided by the gravitational wave observations due to the neutron star merger GW 170817.
Study of quarkonium properties using SUSYQM method with baryonic chemical potential
Authors: Solanki Siddhartha , Lal Manohar , Sharma Rishabh , Agotiya Vineet Kumar
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we employed the quasi-particle (QP) Debye mass at finite baryonic chemical potential which can be used in the medium modified heavy quark potential to solve the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Schrödinger equation. The bound state solution of the Schrödinger equation using Cornell potential been obtained by Super-Symmetry Quantum Mechanics (SUSYQM) method. The thermodynamical properties of quark matter are calculated by using baryonic chemical potential ([Formula: see text]). We found that the binding energy of quarkonia dissociates more with QP Debye mass in comparison to nonperturbative and leading order Debye mass. The medium modified form of potential (real part) has been used to study the thermodynamical properties of quark matter with different equation of states (EoSs) (i.e. pressure, energy density and speed of sound) with [Formula: see text]. The mass spectra of quarkonia have been also calculated in the [Formula: see text]-dimensional space and compared with the experimental data at [Formula: see text]. We have also calculated the dissociation temperature ([Formula: see text]) for the ground states of quarkonium using the dissociation criteria of thermal width.
Improved Traffic Sign Recognition Algorithm Based on YOLOV4-Tiny
Authors: Zong Haile , Qi Chengming
Published: November 2022

We propose an improved YOLOV4-tiny traffic sign recognition algorithm for easy deployment on mobile or embedded devices to address the problems of a large number of parameters, low recognition accuracy in complex scenarios. The model uses the YOLOV4-tiny network as the basic framework. First, Octave Convolution is introduced into the backbone network to reduce the redundancy of low-frequency features. Second, the convolutional block attention module is used to strengthen the weights of traffic sign regions and reduce the weights of invalid features. Finally, the Feature Pyramid Network structure is replaced by the Simplified Path Aggregation Network structure in the feature fusion stage to enhance the feature information and further reduce the miss detection rate. The experiment proves that our method outperforms YOLOV4-tiny in recognition accuracy and detection speed on the TT100[Formula: see text]K dataset, and can easily meet the requirements of traffic sign recognition.
GPS Receivers Spoofing Detection Based on Subtractive, FCM and DBSCAN Clustering Algorithms
Authors: Sarpanah Z. , Mosavi M. R. , Shafiee E.
Published: November 2022

GPS receivers have a wide range of applications, but are not always secure. A spoofing attack is one source of conscious errors in which the counterfeit signal overcomes the authentic GPS signal and takes control of the receiver’s operation. Recently, GPS spoofing attack detection based on computational algorithms, such as machine learning, classification, wavelet transform and clustering, has been developing. This paper proposes multiple clustering algorithms for accurately clustering the authentic and spoofing signals, called subtractive, FCM and DBSCAN clustering. The spoofing attack is recognized using two distinct features: moving phase detector variance and norms of correlators. Spoofing and authentic signals have different patterns in the proposed features. According to the Dunn and Silhouette indexes, the validation of the results is investigated. The Dunn values for the proposed approaches are 0.8592, 0.5285 and 0.6039 for DBSCAN, FCM and subtractive clustering, respectively. Also, the DBSCAN algorithm is implemented at the RTL level because of its highest value for the Dunn index and algorithm verifiability. Using the Vivado tools, this algorithm is implemented and designed on a Xilinx Virtex 7 xc7vx690tffg1930-3 hardware device for two-dimensional data with 32-bit accuracy and 130 data points.
A Switched-Capacitor, Integrator-Multiplexing, Second-Order Delta-Sigma Modulator Featuring a Single Differential Difference Amplifier for Portable EEG Application
Authors: Duan Quanzhen , Kong Dameng , Lin Chenxi , Huang Shengming , Meng Zhen , Ding Yuemin
Published: November 2022

We present a novel switched-capacitor, integrator-multiplexing, second-order delta-sigma modulator (DSM) featuring a single differential difference amplifier (DDA). Power consumption is low and resolution is high when this DSM is used for portable electroencephalographic applications. A single DDA (rather than a conventional operational transconductance amplifier) with appropriate switch and capacitor architectures is used to create the second-order switched-capacitor DSM. The configuration ensures that the resolution is high. The modulator was implemented using a standard 180 nm complementary metal–oxide–silicon process. At a supply voltage of 1.8 V, a signal bandwidth of 250 Hz and a sampling frequency of 200 kHz, simulations demonstrated that the modulator achieved an 82 dB peak signal-to-noise–distortion ratio and an effective number of bits of 14.
Indirect Spatial Mode Shape Identification of T-Girder Bridges Using Contact-Point Response of a Moving Test Vehicle: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Zhang Fei , Zhan Jiawang , Li Jiantao , Wang Yujie , Wang Chuang
Published: November 2022

Indirect bridge modal parameter identification using vehicle responses has been widely studied for two-dimensional bridge model, while rare work is devoted to the indirect identification of bridge spatial mode shape (BSMS). This paper proposes an effective procedure for BSMS identification of the widely used T-girder bridges, in which the closed-form solution is derived based on the vehicle contact-point response. The BSMS is identified using the bridge related components extracted from contact-point responses of a vehicle running at different transverse positions on the bridge. The detailed procedure for the identification of BSMS is introduced, and the feasibility of the method is analyzed numerically. To verify its applicability, the influences of some key factors in the vehicle–bridge system, such as the vehicle speed, the driving position, and the road surface roughness, on the identification results are analyzed. The effect of the bridge damage conditions on the BSMS identification is also investigated. The results show that the spatial mode shapes of T-girder bridges can be identified using the proposed method with high accuracy and efficiency.
A Composite Vibration Energy-Harvesting Absorber
Authors: Qin Zheng-Qi , Xu Duo , Zang Jian , Zhang Ye-Wei
Published: November 2022

The significant effect of the closed-detached response on the system is often ignored by traditional vibration control and energy-harvesting devices. In this study, we design a composite vibration energy-harvesting damper by combining the lever-type nonlinear energy sink, the three-spring quasi-zero stiffness structure, and the suspended magneto-electric energy harvester. The analytical as well as the numerical solutions are obtained using the harmonic balance method combined with the arc-length extension method as well as the Runge–Kutta method, respectively. Numerical solutions support analytical solutions. The presence of the closed-detached voltage makes composite system voltage harvesting more efficient. In addition, we investigate the performance of vibration control and energy harvesting by changing the dynamic parameters of the system such as attached mass, stiffness, and fulcrum position. Finally, when compared with the traditional absorber, the proposed absorber shows great improvement either in vibration control or in energy harvesting.
Development of Near-Field Earthquake Loading Protocols for the Steel Moment Connections in Iran
Authors: Alizehi Elyas , Ghassemieh Mehdi , Mirghaderi Seyed Rasoul , Ali Mahmoud Ali
Published: November 2022

Steel moment frame buildings are widely used in Iran and around the world. The observations from major earthquakes underscored the importance of the beam-to-column connections in seismic force-resisting systems and their influence on such building’s performance. Since the most catastrophic earthquakes that occurred in Iran contained the characteristics of near-field earthquakes, hence understanding the behavior of these connections under such earthquakes is needed. This study proposed loading protocols for special steel moment-resisting frame systems under near-field earthquakes in Iran. Each of them had 23 damage half-cycles with a maximum inter-story drift of 0.065 radians. The proposed loading protocols were compared numerically to each other. The most influential one was chosen as the main loading protocol since it has the most destructive effect on the connection. The main loading protocol showed a faster rate of increase in the plastic strain and imposed the highest amount of dissipated energy at a former loading stage compared to other near-field earthquake loading protocols related to other countries such as SAC and Fang et al.
Classification of 𝔞𝔣𝔣(3|1)-invariant binary differential operators on weighted densities and cohomology
Authors: Omri Salem , Swilah Wissal
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we consider the [Formula: see text]-module structure on the spaces of differential bilinear operators acting on the superspaces of weighted densities. We classify [Formula: see text]-invariant binary differential operators acting on the spaces of weighted densities. This result allows us to compute the first [Formula: see text]-relative differential cohomology of [Formula: see text] with coefficients in the superspace of linear differential operators acting on the superspaces of weighted densities. Finally, we deduce the classification of the [Formula: see text]-relative extension of [Formula: see text] modules [Formula: see text]
On the finiteness of group of self-homotopy equivalences of a rational elliptic space
Authors: Benkhalifa Mahmoud
Published: November 2022

Let [Formula: see text] denote the group of self-homotopy equivalences of an elliptic space [Formula: see text] of formal dimension [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that if [Formula: see text] is finite, then [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to a certain subgroup of [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we define the subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and we show that [Formula: see text] provided that [Formula: see text] is odd. Here [Formula: see text] denotes the [Formula: see text]-skeleton of [Formula: see text].
Universal adjacency spectrum of the looped zero divisor graph for a finite commutative ring with unity
Authors: Bajaj Saraswati , Panigrahi Pratima
Published: November 2022

For a finite undirected looped graph [Formula: see text], the universal adjacency matrix [Formula: see text] is a linear combination of the adjacency matrix [Formula: see text], the degree matrix [Formula: see text], the identity matrix [Formula: see text] and the all-ones matrix [Formula: see text], that is [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For a finite commutative ring [Formula: see text] with unity, the looped zero divisor graph [Formula: see text] is an undirected graph with the set of all nonzero zero divisors of [Formula: see text] as vertices and two vertices (not necessarily distinct) [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study some structural properties of [Formula: see text] by defining an equivalence relation on its vertex set. Then we obtain the universal adjacency eigenpairs of [Formula: see text], and as a consequence several spectra like the adjacency, Seidel, Laplacian, signless Laplacian, normalized Laplacian, generalized adjacency and convex linear combination of the adjacency and degree matrix of [Formula: see text] can be obtained in a unified way. Moreover, we get the structural properties and the universal adjacency eigenpairs of the looped zero divisor graph of a reduced ring in a simpler form.
Integrated in Silico–in Vitro Rational Design of Osteogenic Peptides derived from the Armpit Epitope of Human Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
Authors: Li Fangguo , Zhang Xi , Lu Yandong , Chen Lei , Sun Jie
Published: November 2022

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multi-functional growth factors that initiate, promote and maintain cartilage and bone morphogenesis, differentiation and regeneration in both the developing embryo and adult. The proteins have a conformational wrist epitope and a linear knuckle epitope responsible for, respectively, type-I and type-II receptor binding, as well as a hybrid armpit epitope targeted by natural BMP antagonists. In this study, the recognition and interaction between human BMPs and their pan-antagonist Crossveinless was investigated systematically at molecular level. It is revealed that the armpit epitope shares a roughly common region over different BMPs, which consists of a loop segment and a turn segment that are sequentially discontinuous but spatially vicinal on these BMP protein surfaces. Turn segment is the primary binding site that can be bound effectively by Crossveinless using a tightly packed mode. The segment was further extended at its two termini to cover a complete double-stranded sheet of BMPs, which was then split from the interfacial context of BMP–Crossveinless complexes to derive a series of osteogenic peptides; they exhibit moderate intrinsic disorder in free state, but can be constrained into a native-like conformation by stapling a disulfide bridge across two strands of the sheet. The disulfide bridge was rationally designed and optimized to avoid disrupting the native interaction of BMP sheet peptides with the active pocket of Crossveinless. Biophysical assays substantiated that the binding affinities of resulting cyclic peptides were improved by 2–6-fold relative to their linear counterpart upon the stapling, in which the cyclic peptide Bmp7-sb1 (S[CLYFDDNSNVILC]K) derived from the double-stranded sheet region of BMP7 armpit epitope was determined to have the highest affinity to Crossveinless in all tested samples. These rationally designed epitope-derived peptides can be used as osteogenic agents to activate the human BMP signaling by competitively targeting their natural antagonist.
Tangible Chromatin: Tangible and Multi-surface Interactions for Exploring Datasets from High-Content Microscopy Experiments
Authors: Manshaei Roozbeh , Mayat Uzair , Imtiaz Syeda Aniqa , Andric Veronica , Aliar Kazeera , Abu Hantash Nour , Masood Kashaf , Resch Gabby , Bakogeorge Alexander , Sabatinos Sarah , Mazalek Ali
Published: November 2022

In biology, microscopy data from thousands of individual cellular events presents challenges for analysis and problem solving. These include a lack of visual analysis tools to complement algorithmic approaches for tracking important but rare cellular events, and a lack of support for collaborative exploration and interpretation. In response to these challenges, we have designed and implemented Tangible Chromatin, a tangible and multi-surface system that promotes novel analysis of complex data generated from high-content microscopy experiments. The system facilitates three specific approaches to analysis: it (1) visualizes the detailed information and results from the image processing algorithms, (2) provides interactive approaches for browsing, selecting, and comparing individual data elements, and (3) expands options for productive collaboration through both independent and joint work. We present three main contributions: (i) design requirements that derive from the analytical goals of DNA replication biology, (ii) tangible and multi-surface interaction techniques to support the exploration and analysis of datasets from high-content microscopy experiments, and (iii) the results of a user study that investigated how the system supports individual and collaborative data analysis and interpretation tasks.
Push, Tap, Dwell, and Pinch: Evaluation of Four Mid-air Selection Methods Augmented with Ultrasonic Haptic Feedback
Authors: Dube Tafadzwa Joseph , Ren Yuan , Limerick Hannah , MacKenzie I. Scott , Arif Ahmed Sabbir
Published: November 2022

This work compares four mid-air target selection methods (Push, Tap, Dwell, Pinch) with two types of ultrasonic haptic feedback (Select, HoverSelect) in a Fitts’ law experiment. Results revealed that Tap is the fastest, the most accurate, and one of the least physically and cognitively demanding selection methods. Pinch is relatively fast but error prone and physically and cognitively demanding. Dwell is slowest by design, yet the most accurate and the least physically and cognitively demanding. Both haptic feedback methods improve selection performance by increasing users’ spatial awareness. Particularly, Push augmented with Hover & Select feedback is comparable to Tap. Besides, participants perceive the selection methods as faster, more accurate, and more physically and cognitively comfortable with the haptic feedback methods.
Investigating the Use of AR Glasses for Content Annotation on Mobile Devices
Authors: Di Gioia Francesco Riccardo , Brasier Eugenie , Pietriga Emmanuel , Appert Caroline
Published: November 2022

Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have limited display size and input capabilities that make a variety of tasks challenging. Coupling the mobile device with Augmented Reality eyewear such as smartglasses can help address some of these challenges. In the specific context of digital content annotation tasks, this combination has the potential to enhance the user experience on two fronts. First, annotations can be offloaded into the air around the mobile device, freeing precious screen real-estate. Second, as smartglasses often come equipped with a variety of sensors including a camera, users can annotate documents with pictures or videos of their environment, captured on the spot, hands-free, and from the wearer's perspective. We present AnnotAR, a prototype that we use as a research probe to assess the viability of this approach to digital content annotation. We use AnnotAR to gather users' preliminary feedback in a laboratory setting, and to showcase how it could support real-world use cases.
VideoPoseVR: Authoring Virtual Reality Character Animations with Online Videos
Authors: Wang Cheng Yao , Zhou Qian , Fitzmaurice George , Anderson Fraser
Published: November 2022

We present VideoPoseVR, a video-based animation authoring workflow using online videos to author character animations in VR. It leverages the state-of-the-art deep learning approach to reconstruct 3D motions from online videos, caption the motions, and store them in a motion dataset. Creators can import the videos, search in the dataset, modify the motion timeline, and combine multiple motions from videos to author character animations in VR. We implemented a proof-of-concept prototype and conducted a user study to evaluate the feasibility of the video-based authoring approach as well as gather initial feedback of the prototype. The study results suggest that VideoPoseVR was easy to learn for novice users to author animations and enable rapid exploration of prototyping for applications such as entertainment, skills training, and crowd simulations.
Reducing the Latency of Touch Tracking on Ad-hoc Surfaces
Authors: Fan Neil Xu , Xiao Robert
Published: November 2022

Touch sensing on ad-hoc surfaces has the potential to transform everyday surfaces in the environment - desks, tables and walls - into tactile, touch-interactive surfaces, creating large, comfortable interactive spaces without the cost of large touch sensors. Depth sensors are a promising way to provide touch sensing on arbitrary surfaces, but past systems have suffered from high latency and poor touch detection accuracy. We apply a novel state machine-based approach to analyzing touch events, combined with a machine-learning approach to predictively classify touch events from depth data with lower latency and higher touch accuracy than previous approaches. Our system can reduce end-to-end touch latency to under 70ms, comparable to conventional capacitive touchscreens. Additionally, we open-source our dataset of over 30,000 touch events recorded in depth, infrared and RGB for the benefit of future researchers.
Extended Mid-air Ultrasound Haptics for Virtual Reality
Authors: Villa Steeven , Mayer Sven , Hartcher-O'Brien Jess , Schmidt Albrecht , Machulla Tonja-Katrin
Published: November 2022

Mid-air haptics allow bare-hand tactile stimulation; however, it has a constrained workspace, making it unsuitable for room-scale haptics. We present a novel approach to rendering mid-air haptic sensations in a large rendering volume by turning a static array into a dynamic array following the user's hand. We used a 6DOF robot to drive a haptic ultrasound array over a large 3D space. Our system enables rendering room-scale mid-air experiences while preserving bare-hand interaction, thus, providing tangibility for virtual environments. To evaluate our approach, we performed three evaluations. First, we performed a technical system evaluation, showcasing the feasibility of such a system. Next, we conducted three psychophysical experiments, showing that the motion does not affect the user's perception with high likelihood. Lastly, we explored seven use cases that showcase our system's potential using a user study. We discuss challenges and opportunities in how large-scale mid-air haptics can contribute toward room-scale haptic feedback. Thus, with our system, we contribute to general haptic mid-air feedback on a large scale.
SaferHome: Interactive Physical and Digital Smart Home Dashboards for Communicating Privacy Assessments to Owners and Bystanders
Authors: Windl Maximiliane , Hiesinger Alexander , Welsch Robin , Schmidt Albrecht , Feger Sebastian S.
Published: November 2022

Private homes are increasingly becoming smart spaces. While smart homes promise comfort, they expose most intimate spaces to security and privacy risks. Unfortunately, most users today are not equipped with the right tools to assess the vulnerabilities or privacy practices of smart devices. Further, users might lose track of the devices installed in their homes or are unaware of devices placed by a partner or host. We developed SaferHome, an interactive digital-physical privacy framework, to provide smart home users with security and privacy assessments and a sense of device location. SaferHome includes a digital list view and physical and digital dashboards that map real floor plans. We evaluated SaferHome with eight households in the wild. We find that users adopted various strategies to integrate the dashboards into their understanding and interpretation of smart home privacy. We present implications for the design of future smart home privacy frameworks that are impacted by technical affinity, device types, device ownership, and tangibility of assessments.
Theoretically-Defined vs. User-Defined Squeeze Gestures
Authors: Villarreal-Narvaez Santiago , Sluÿters Arthur , Vanderdonckt Jean , Mbaki Luzayisu Efrem
Published: November 2022

This paper presents theoretical and empirical results about user-defined gesture preferences for squeezable objects by focusing on a particular object: a deformable cushion. We start with a theoretical analysis of potential gestures for this squeezable object by defining a multi-dimension taxonomy of squeeze gestures composed of 82 gesture classes. We then empirically analyze the results of a gesture elicitation study resulting in a set of N=32 participants X 21 referents = 672 elicited gestures, further classified into 26 gesture classes. We also contribute to the practice of gesture elicitation studies by explaining why we started from a theoretical analysis (by systematically exploring a design space of potential squeeze gestures) to end up with an empirical analysis (by conducting a gesture elicitation study afterward): the intersection of the results from these sources confirm or disconfirm consensus gestures. Based on these findings, we extract from the taxonomy a subset of recommended gestures that give rise to design implications for gesture interaction with squeezable objects.
Experimental Study on the Triaxial Compression Properties of Coarse-Grained Filling Soil under Drying–Wetting Cycles
Authors: Li Shuyi , He Zhilei , Zhu Peng , Mei Longxi , Zeng Shaojun , Wang Siwei
Published: November 2022

To explore the mechanical properties of coarse-grained filling soil in the hydrofluctuation belt of the Baihetan reservoir, a fast drying–wetting cycle method for large-scale triaxial tests was developed and a series of large-scale triaxial compression tests of coarse-grained soil were conducted under drying–wetting cycles. The results show that the drying–wetting cycles and the confining pressure are both important factors affecting the mechanical properties of coarse-grained soil. The influences of the first and second cycles on the deviatoric stress–strain curve of the coarse-grained soil are the greatest, while the influences of the third to seventh cycles tend to be stable. The peak strain is not affected by the drying–wetting cycles but only increases with increasing confining pressure. The axial strain and volumetric strain at the volume expansion point decrease with increasing number of drying–wetting cycles but increase with increasing confining pressure. The secant modulus of the peak point decreases with increasing number of drying–wetting cycles, and the initial tangent modulus decreases slightly. The influence of the drying–wetting cycles on the cohesion of the coarse-grained soil is greater than that on the internal friction angle. The typical “bulging” phenomenon occurred after the specimens were destroyed. A damage constitutive equation was developed by introducing a damage variable into the hyperbolic model to reflect the influence of the number of drying–wetting cycles. The model parameters were obtained and the proposed model was verified by fitting the experimental results.
Wireless Sensor Network Coverage Optimization: Comparison of Local Search-Based Heuristics
Authors: Trojanowski Krzysztof , Mikitiuk Artur
Published: November 2022

The Maximum Lifetime Coverage Problem (MLCP) requires heuristic optimization methods due to its complexity. A real-world problem model determines how a solution is represented and the operators applied in these heuristics. Our paper describes adapting a local search scheme and its operators to MLCP optimization. The operators originate from three local search algorithms we proposed earlier: LSHMA, LSCAIA, and LSRFTA. Two steps of the LS scheme’s main loop can be executed in three different ways each. Hence, nine versions of the LS approach can be obtained. In experimental research, we verified their effectiveness. Test cases come from three benchmarks: SCP1, proposed and used in our earlier research on the three LS algorithms mentioned above, and two others found in the literature. The results obtained with SCP1 showed that the algorithm based on the hypergraph model approach (HMA) is the most effective. The remaining results of the other algorithms divide them into two groups: effective ones and weak ones. However, other benchmarks showed that the more redundant the coverage of points of interest (POIs) by sensors, the more effective the perturbation method from the approach inspired by cellular automata (CAIA). The findings expose the strengths and weaknesses of the problem-specific steps applied in the LS algorithms.