bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular RNA circPIKfyve Acts as a Sponge of miR-21-3p To Enhance Antiviral Immunity through Regulation of MAVS in Teleost Fish
Authors: Su Hui , Chu Qing , Zheng Weiwei , Chang Renjie , Gao Wenya , Zhang Lei , Xu Tianjun
Published: January 2021

Here, we identified a novel circRNA, namely, circPIKfyve, that can act as a key regulator of the innate immune response in teleost fish. circPIKfyve acts as a molecular sponge by competitive adsorbing of miR-21-3p, thereby increasing the abundance of MAVS and activating the downstream NF-κB/IRF3 pathway to enhance the antiviral response. In addition, this study was the first to find that QKI protein is involved in regulating the formation of circPIKfyve in fish.
SARS-CoV-2 Triggers an MDA-5-Dependent Interferon Response Which Is Unable To Control Replication in Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: Rebendenne Antoine , Chaves Valadão Ana Luiza , Tauziet Marine , Maarifi Ghizlane , Bonaventure Boris , McKellar Joe , Planès Rémi , Nisole Sébastien , Arnaud-Arnould Mary , Moncorgé Olivier , Goujon Caroline
Published: January 2021

Mammalian cells express sensors able to detect specific features of pathogens and induce the interferon response, which is one of the first lines of defense against viruses and helps in controlling viral replication. The mechanisms and impact of SARS-CoV-2 sensing in lung epithelial cells remain to be deciphered.
Three-dimensional geometry and growth of a basement-involved fault network developed during multiphase extension, Enderby Terrace, North West Shelf of Australia
Authors: Deng Hongdan , McClay Ken
Published: January 2021

Basement fault reactivation, and the growth, interaction, and linkage with new fault segments are fundamentally three-dimensional and critical for understanding the evolution of fault network development in sedimentary basins. This paper analyzes the evolution of a complex, basement-involved extensional fault network on the Enderby Terrace on the eastern margin of the Dampier sub-basin, North West Shelf of Australia. A high-resolution, depth-converted, 3-D seismic reflection data volume is used to show that multiphase, oblique extensional reactivation of basement-involved faults controlled the development of the fault network in the overlying strata. Reactivation of the pre-existing faults initially led to the formation of overlying, en échelon Late Triassic–Middle Jurassic fault segments that, as WNW-directed rifting progressed on the margin, linked by breaching of relay zones to form two intersecting fault systems (F1 and F2–F4). Further reactivation in the latest Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (NNW-SSE extension) produced an additional set of en échelon fault arrays in the cover strata. The final fault network consists of main or principal faults and subordinate or splay faults, together with branch lines that link the various components. Our study shows that breaching of relay ramps and/or vertical linkages produces vertical and horizontal branch lines giving complex final fault geometries. We find that repeated activity of the basement-involved faults tends to form continuous and planar fault architectures that favor displacement transfer between the main constituent segments along strike and with depth.
Supplemental Material: Marine sedimentary records of chemical weathering evolution in the western Himalaya since 17 Ma
Authors: Zhou P. , al. et
Published: January 2021

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) data from IODP Sites U1456 and U1457 were collected at the Gulf Coast Repository (GCR) in College Station, Texas (USA) using a hand-held Minolta CM-2002 Spectrophotometer.
Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for forgotten and retained stent in renal allograft recipient: an interesting case report and lessons learnt
Authors: Alam Shanawaz , Ramasamy Neelakandan , Thirunavukkarasu Chandru , Kumaresan Natarajan
Published: January 2021

Complications after renal allograft transplantation are not so uncommon. Most complications are related to graft rejection, immune-suppressive drug toxicity and the operative procedure. Stents are placed after a transplant to prevent urine leak at the site of ureteric reimplantation, to facilitate an early healing in immune-suppressed individuals and to prevent obstruction at the site of ureteral anastomosis. We report a case of a renal allograft recipient with a forgotten ureteral double J stent. where the stent remained in situ for more than 4 years and further complicated by encrustation and stone formation at both the bladder and renal pelvic ends. The stone over the bladder coil was removed by holmium laser cystolithotripsy while the encrusted renal pelvic coil was removed by percutaneous approach. This case is presented for its rarity and also to emphasise on the need for maintenance of a stent register in order to ensure avoidance of such preventable complications.
Scleral buckling versus pars plana vitrectomy in simple phakic macula-on retinal detachment: a propensity score-matched, registry-based study
Authors: Kawano Sumihiro , Imai Takumi , Sakamoto Taiji
Published: January 2021

Background/Aims

To assess the anatomical and visual results of uncomplicated phakic macula-on retinal detachment (RD) in patients treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or scleral buckling (SB).

Methods

A retrospective cohort of patients aged <65 years and diagnosed with uncomplicated phakic macula-on primary RD, who were registered in the Japan-Retinal Detachment Registry, was compiled between February 2016 and March 2017. We performed propensity score matching using preoperative findings and surgeon-related factors as covariates to account for relevant confounders. The primary outcome was anatomical failures at 6 months postoperatively, classified as follows: level 1, an inoperable state; level 2, anatomical recovery with silicone oil tamponade; and level 3, need for additional surgery to repair the detachments. The secondary outcome was change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results

Of the 822 included patients, 552 underwent PPV and 270 underwent SB. After propensity score matching, 137 matched cases between the PPV and SB groups were analysed. The total proportion of surgical failures in the PPV group was higher than that in the SB group (risk difference, 0.10 (0.02 to 0.18), p=0.011, McNemar’s test). Conversely, the change in BCVA was not significantly different between the two groups (logMAR units, −0.015 (−0.084 to 0.053), p=0.66, paired samples t-test).

Conclusions

Although the indications for PPV are becoming broader, PPV may not be the optimal approach for repairing all types of RD. Therefore, careful consideration is needed when selecting the right surgical technique for treating uncomplicated phakic macula-on RD cases.
Time in range–A1c hemoglobin relationship in continuous glucose monitoring of type 1 diabetes: a real-world study
Authors: Valenzano Marina , Cibrario Bertolotti Ivan , Valenzano Adriano , Grassi Giorgio
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The availability of easily accessible continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics can improve glycemic control in diabetes, and they may even become a viable alternative to hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) laboratory tests in the next years. The REALISM-T1D study (REAl-Life glucoSe Monitoring in Type 1 Diabetes) was aimed at contributing, with real-world data, to a deeper understanding of these metrics, including the time in range (TIR)–HbA1c relationship, to facilitate their adoption by diabetologists in everyday practice.

Research design and methods

70 adults affected by type 1 diabetes were monitored for 1 year by means of either flash (FGM) or real-time (rtCGM) glucose monitoring devices. Follow-up visits were performed after 90, 180 and 365 days from baseline and percentage TIR70–180evaluated for the 90-day time period preceding each visit. HbA1c tests were also carried out in the same occasions and measured values paired with the corresponding TIR data.

Results

A monovariate linear regression analysis confirms a strong correlation between TIR and HbA1c as found in previous studies, but leveraging more homogeneous data (n=146) collected in real-life conditions. Differences were determined between FGM and rtCGM devices in Pearson’s correlation (rFGM=0.703, rrtCGM=0.739), slope (β1,FGM=−11.77, β1,rtCGM=−10.74) and intercept (β0,FGM=141.19, β0,rtCGM=140.77) coefficients. Normality of residuals and homoscedasticity were successfully verified in both cases.

Conclusions

Regression lines for two patient groups monitored through FGM and rtCGM devices, respectively, while confirming a linear relationship between TIR and A1c hemoglobin (A1C) in good accordance with previous studies, also show a statistically significant difference in the regression intercept, thus suggesting the need for different models tailored to device characteristics. The predictive power of A1C as a TIR estimator also deserves further investigations.
Clusters of people with type 2 diabetes in the general population: unsupervised machine learning approach using national surveys in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M , Castillo-Cara Manuel , Anza-Ramirez Cecilia , Bernabé-Ortiz Antonio
Published: January 2021

Introduction

We aimed to identify clusters of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to assess whether the frequency of these clusters was consistent across selected countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Research design and methods

We analyzed 13 population-based national surveys in nine countries (n=8361). We used k-means to develop a clustering model; predictors were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), and T2DM family history. The training data set included all surveys, and the clusters were then predicted in each country-year data set. We used Euclidean distance, elbow and silhouette plots to select the optimal number of clusters and described each cluster according to the underlying predictors (mean and proportions).

Results

The optimal number of clusters was 4. Cluster 0 grouped more men and those with the highest mean SBP/DBP. Cluster 1 had the highest mean BMI and WC, as well as the largest proportion of T2DM family history. We observed the smallest values of all predictors in cluster 2. Cluster 3 had the highest mean age. When we reflected the four clusters in each country-year data set, a different distribution was observed. For example, cluster 3 was the most frequent in the training data set, and so it was in 7 out of 13 other country-year data sets.

Conclusions

Using unsupervised machine learning algorithms, it was possible to cluster people with T2DM from the general population in LAC; clusters showed unique profiles that could be used to identify the underlying characteristics of the T2DM population in LAC.
Evaluating the impact of prehospital care on mortality following major trauma in New Zealand: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kool Bridget , Lilley Rebbecca , Davie Gabrielle , Reid Papaarangi , Civil Ian , Branas Charles , de Graaf Brandon , Dicker Bridget , Ameratunga Shanthi N
Published: January 2021

Background

Injury is a leading cause of death and health loss in New Zealand and internationally. The potentially fatal or severe consequences of many injuries can be reduced through an optimally structured prehospital trauma care system that can provide timely and appropriate care.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between emergency medical services (EMS) care and survival to hospital for major trauma cases in New Zealand.

Methods

This project is a retrospective cohort study of New Zealand major trauma cases attended by EMS providers over a 2-year period. Outcomes include survival to hospital and survival in hospital for at least 24 hours. The project has three phases: (1) identification of the cohort and assembling a bespoke longitudinal dataset linking EMS, New Zealand Major Trauma Registry and Coronial data; (2) describing the pathways and processes of care to inform an investigation of the relationships between types of EMS care and survival using propensity score modelling to adjust for case-mix differences; (3) assessment of the implications for future practice, policy and research.

Discussion

The study findings will help identify opportunities to optimise the delivery of EMS care in New Zealand by informing the development or revision of existing major trauma EMS policies and guidelines, and to provide a baseline for monitoring the impact of future initiatives. Establishing an evidence-base will support a whole-of-system appraisal that could include broader complex variables relating to healthcare services throughout the continuum of trauma care.
Targeting lung cancer screening to individuals at greatest risk: the role of genetic factors
Authors: Lebrett Mikey B , Crosbie Emma J , Smith Miriam J , Woodward Emma R , Evans D Gareth , Crosbie Philip A J
Published: January 2021

Lung cancer (LC) is the most common global cancer. An individual’s risk of developing LC is mediated by an array of factors, including family history of the disease. Considerable research into genetic risk factors for LC has taken place in recent years, with both low-penetrance and high-penetrance variants implicated in increasing or decreasing a person’s risk of the disease. LC is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide; poor survival is driven by late onset of non-specific symptoms, resulting in late-stage diagnoses. Evidence for the efficacy of screening in detecting cancer earlier, thereby reducing lung-cancer specific mortality, is now well established. To ensure the cost-effectiveness of a screening programme and to limit the potential harms to participants, a risk threshold for screening eligibility is required. Risk prediction models (RPMs), which provide an individual’s personal risk of LC over a particular period based on a large number of risk factors, may improve the selection of high-risk individuals for LC screening when compared with generalised eligibility criteria that only consider smoking history and age. No currently used RPM integrates genetic risk factors into its calculation of risk. This review provides an overview of the evidence for LC screening, screening related harms and the use of RPMs in screening cohort selection. It gives a synopsis of the known genetic risk factors for lung cancer and discusses the evidence for including them in RPMs, focusing in particular on the use of polygenic risk scores to increase the accuracy of targeted lung cancer screening.
Association of medical futility with do-not-resuscitate (DNR) code status in hospitalised patients
Authors: Becker Christoph , Manzelli Alessandra , Marti Alexander , Cam Hasret , Beck Katharina , Vincent Alessia , Keller Annalena , Bassetti Stefano , Rikli Daniel , Schaefert Rainer , Tisljar Kai , Sutter Raoul , Hunziker Sabina
Published: January 2021

Guidelines recommend a ‘do-not-resuscitate’ (DNR) code status for inpatients in which cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts are considered futile because of low probability of survival with good neurological outcome. We retrospectively assessed the prevalence of DNR code status and its association with presumed CPR futility defined by the Good Outcome Following Attempted Resuscitation score and the Clinical Frailty Scale in patients hospitalised in the Divisions of Internal Medicine and Traumatology/Orthopedics at the University Hospital of Basel between September 2018 and June 2019. The definition of presumed CPR futility was met in 467 (16.2%) of 2889 patients. 866 (30.0%) patients had a DNR code status. In a regression model adjusted for age, gender, main diagnosis, nationality, language and religion, presumed CPR futility was associated with a higher likelihood of a DNR code status (37.3% vs 7.1%, adjusted OR 2.99, 95% CI 2.31 to 3.88, p<0.001). In the subgroup of patients with presumed futile CPR, 144 of 467 (30.8%) had a full code status, which was independently associated with younger age, male gender, non-Christian religion and non-Swiss citizenship. We found a significant proportion of hospitalised patients to have a full code status despite the fact that CPR had to be considered futile according to an established definition. Whether these decisions were based on patient preferences or whether there was a lack of patient involvement in decision-making needs further investigation.
Suction force rather than aspiration flow correlates with recanalization in hard clots: an in vitro study model
Authors: Fernandez-Sanchez David , Garcia-Sabido Daniel , Jovin Tudor G , Villanova Helena , Andersson Tommy , Nogueira Raul G , Cognard Cristophe , Ribo Marc , Siddiqui Adnan H , Galve Iñaki , Arad Ofir , Salmon François
Published: January 2021

Background

ANA Advanced Neurovascular Access provides a novel funnel component designed to reduce clot fragmentation and facilitate retrieval in combination with stent-retrievers (SRs) in stroke patients by restricting flow and limiting clot shaving. In previous publications ANA presented excellent in vitro/in vivo efficacy data, especially with fibrin-rich hard clots. We aimed to determine the main physical property responsible for these results, namely suction force versus aspiration flow.

Methods

We evaluated in a bench model the suction force and flow generated by ANA and compared them to other neurovascular catheters combined with a SR (Solitaire). Aspiration flow was evaluated with a flow rate sensor while applying vacuum pressure with a pump. Suction force was determined using a tensile strength testing machine and a purposely designed tool that completely seals the device tip simulating complete occlusion by a hard clot. Suction force was defined as the force needed to separate the device from the clot under aspiration. All experiments were repeated five times, and mean values used for comparisons.

Results

Aspiration flow increased with the inner diameter of the device: ANA 1.85±0.04 mL/s, ACE68 3.74±0.05 mL/s, and 8F-Flowgate2 5.96±0.30 mL/s (P<0.001). After introducing the SR, the flow was reduced by an average of 0.57±0.12 mL/s. Due to its larger distal surface, ANA suction force (1.69±0.40 N) was significantly higher than ACE68 (0.26±0.04 N) and 8F-Flowgate2 (0.42±0.06 N) (P<0.001). After introducing the SR, suction force variation was not relevant except for ANA that increased to 2.64±0.41 N.

Conclusion

Despite lower in vitro aspiration flow, the ANA design showed a substantially higher suction force than other thrombectomy devices.
Lesson of the month: management for aspiration of a silver nitrate pencil tip during tracheostomy care
Authors: Deshayes Simon , Magnier Romain , Rault Frédérick , Teulier Sylvain , Fouquet Helen , Bergot Emmanuel , Justet Aurélien
Published: January 2021

We present the cases of two laryngectomised patients who were treated for granulomas of the tracheostomy orifice with a silver nitrate pencil. During tracheostomy care, the tip broke off, was aspirated and fell into the bronchial tree. Necrotising ulcerative injuries of the right bronchial tree with clear delineation were found without lesions in the subsegmental division. To prevent the risk of secondary stenosis of the small airways induced by the spread of silver nitrate, we did not irrigate with saline solution as previously reported. Antibiotherapy and endoscopic monitoring were performed. Complete healing in 4–6 weeks was found without stenosis of the bronchial tree or bleeding.
Long-term ice-rich permafrost coast sensitivity to air temperatures and storm influence: lessons from Pullen Island, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Berry H. Bay , Whalen Dustin , Lim Michael
Published: January 2021

Response of erosive mechanisms to climate change is of mounting concern on Beaufort Sea coasts, which experience some of the highest erosion rates in the Arctic. Collapse of intact permafrost blocks and slumping within sprawling retrogressive thaw complexes are two predominant mechanisms that manifest as cliff retreat in this region. Using aerial imagery and ground survey data from Pullen Island, Northwest Territories., Canada, from 13 time points between 1947 and 2018, we observe increasing mean retreat rates from 0 ± 4.8 m a−1 in 1947 to 12 ± 0.3 m a−1 in 2018. Mean summer air temperature was positively correlated with cliff retreat over each time step via block failure (r2 = 0.08; p = 0.5) and slumping (r2 = 0.41; p = 0.05), as was mean storm duration with cliff retreat via block failure (r2 = 0.84; p = 0.0002) and slumping (r2 = 0.34; p = 0.08). These data indicate that air temperature has a greater impact in slump-dominated areas, whereas storm duration has greater control in areas of block failure. Increasingly, heterogeneous cliff retreat rates are likely resulting from different magnitudes of response to climate trends depending on mechanism, and on geomorphological variations that prescribe occurrences of retrogressive thaw slumps.
Localwasbest: sourcing tree seed for future climates
Authors: O’Neill Greg A. , Gómez-Pineda Erika
Published: January 2021

As climate change accelerates, foresters are looking to ever warmer climates to secure sources of climatically adapted tree seed with which to establish healthy and productive plantations. However, as seed procurement areas approach jurisdictional boundaries (states, provinces, nations), across which seed and seed transfer systems are not typically shared, innovative approaches are required to identify those plantation areas for which suitable domestic provenances will be lacking, as well as areas in neighbouring jurisdictions with matching warmer, future climates that could fill domestic seed supply gaps. We describe a straightforward, climate envelope approach to locate these areas, using British Columbia (BC), Canada, and the Pacific Northwest (PNW), USA, to illustrate the analysis. We find that 21% of BC’s ecosystems (seed zones) will be at moderate or high risk of lacking adapted domestic provenances for plantation establishment by 2040. Importantly, however, we find large areas in the PNW that should be able to fill most of BC’s domestic seed supply gaps. Spatial analyses of this type will inform seed suppliers, managers, and policymakers where alternative seed procurement arrangements are needed and underscore the operational and policy barriers to acquiring seed from warmer jurisdictions. More broadly, they also highlight the need for interjurisdictional cooperation in matters pertaining to resource management.
Parallel Binary Image Cryptosystem Via Spiking Neural Networks Variants
Authors: Liu Mingzhe , Zhao Feixiang , Jiang Xin , Zhang Hong , Zhou Helen
Published: January 2021

Due to the inefficiency of multiple binary images encryption, a parallel binary image encryption framework based on the typical variants of spiking neural networks, spiking neural P (SNP) systems is proposed in this paper. More specifically, the two basic units in the proposed image cryptosystem, the permutation unit and the diffusion unit, are designed through SNP systems with multiple channels and polarizations (SNP-MCP systems), and SNP systems with astrocyte-like control (SNP-ALC systems), respectively. Different from the serial computing of the traditional image permutation/diffusion unit, SNP-MCP-based permutation/SNP-ALC-based diffusion unit can realize parallel computing through the parallel use of rules inside the neurons. Theoretical analysis results confirm the high efficiency of the binary image proposed cryptosystem. Security analysis experiments demonstrate the security of the proposed cryptosystem.
Polyrhythmic multifrequency synchronization in coupled oscillators with exactly solvable attractors
Authors: Frank Till D.
Published: January 2021

While stable polyrhythmic multifrequency [Formula: see text] dynamics has traditionally been an important element in music performance, recently, this type of dynamics has been discovered in the human brain in terms of elementary temporal neural activity patterns. In this context, the canonical-dissipative systems framework is a promising modeling approach due to its two key features to bridge the gap between classical mechanics and life sciences, on the one hand, and to provide analytical or semi-analytical solutions, on the other hand. Within this framework, a family of testbed models is constructed that exhibit [Formula: see text] multifrequency limit cycle attractors describing two components oscillating with frequencies at [Formula: see text] ratios and stable polyrhythmic phase relationships. The attractors are super-integrable due to the existence of third invariants of motion for all [Formula: see text] ratios. Strikingly, all [Formula: see text] attractors models satisfy the same generic bifurcation diagram. The study generalizes earlier work on super-integrable systems, on the one hand, and canonical-dissipative limit cycle oscillators, on the other hand. Explicit worked-out models for 1[Formula: see text]:[Formula: see text]4 and 2[Formula: see text]:[Formula: see text]3 frequency ratios are presented.
Lump, rogue wave, multi-waves and Homoclinic breather solutions for (2+1)-Modified Veronese Web equation
Authors: Rizvi S. T. R. , Seadawy Aly R. , Ahmed S. , Younis M. , Ali K.
Published: January 2021

This work addresses the four main inducements: Lump, rogue wave, Homoclinic breather and multi-wave solutions for (2+1)-Modified Veronese Web (MVW) equation via Hirota bilinear approach and the ansatz technique. This model is a linearly degenerate integrable nonlinear partial differential equation (NLPDE) and can also be used to admit a differential covering with nonremoval physical parameters. By assuming the function [Formula: see text] in the Hirota bilinear form of the presented model as the general quadratic function, trigonometric function and exponential function form, also with appropriate set of parameters, we have prevented the lump, rogue wave, breather and multi-wave solutions successfully. A precise compatible wave transformation is utilized to obtain multi-wave solutions of governing model. Also, the motion track of the lump, Rogue wave and multi-waves is also explained both physically and theoretically. These new results contain some special arbitrary constants that can be useful to spell out diversity in qualitative features of wave phenomena.
Dynamical decoupling with initial system-environment correlations
Authors: Hu Juju , Ke Qiang , Ji Yinghua
Published: January 2021

Dynamical decoupling (DD) technique is one of the most successful methods to suppress decoherence in qubit systems. In this paper, we studied a solvable pure dephasing model and investigated how DD sequences and initial correlations affect this system. We gave the analytical expressions of decoherence functions and compared the decoherence suppression effects of DD pulses in Ohmic, sub-Ohmic and super-Ohmic environments. Our results show that (1) The initial system-environment correlation will cause additional decoherence. In order to control the dynamic process of open quantum system more accurately and effectively, the initial correlation between the system and reservoir must be considered. (2) High frequency DD pulses can significantly reduce the amplitude of the decoherence function even in the presence of initial system-environment correlations.
Cascade ADRC Speed Control Base on FCS-MPC for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Zhang Jinliang , Chen Yufeng , Gao Yun , Wang Zhihu , Peng Guosheng
Published: January 2021

Due to the complication control structure and heavy burden in computation of the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) control strategy, a new cascade control strategy is proposed, which is combined with advanced control algorithm of Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC), Finite Control Set Model Predictive Control (FCS-MPC) and Kalman filtering. ADRC is designed in detail for speed control, in order to reduce the burden of Extended State Observer (ESO) in ADRC, a Kalman filter is designed to simultaneously observe load disturbance and back Electromotive Force (EMF), which can also reduce influence of the noise. While the estimated EMF is used for the current loop FCS-MPC control, it is improved with a method of best vector selection and duty cycle optimization. The proposed combined control scheme is verified in MATLAB simulation environment, through detailed analysis, it shows both good performance in steady state and dynamic response.
An Efficient Neurodynamic Approach to Fuzzy Chance-constrained Programming
Authors: Ma Litao , Chen Jiqiang , Qin Sitian , Zhang Lina , Zhang Feng
Published: January 2021

In both practical applications and theoretical analysis, there are many fuzzy chance-constrained optimization problems. Currently, there is short of real-time algorithms for solving such problems. Therefore, in this paper, a continuous-time neurodynamic approach is proposed for solving a class of fuzzy chance-constrained optimization problems. Firstly, an equivalent deterministic problem with inequality constraint is discussed, and then a continuous-time neurodynamic approach is proposed. Secondly, a sufficient and necessary optimality condition of the considered optimization problem is obtained. Thirdly, the boundedness, global existence and Lyapunov stability of the state solution to the proposed approach are proved. Moreover, the convergence to the optimal solution of considered problem is studied. Finally, several experiments are provided to show the performance of proposed approach.
An Intelligent Mobile Application for Assisting Visually Impaired in Daily Consumption Based on Machine Learning with Assistive Technology
Authors: Ng Sin-Chun , Kwok Chok-Pang , Chung Sin-Hang , Leung Yuen-Yan , Pang Hoi-Shan , Lam Chun-Yip , Lau Ka-Chun , Tang Chung-Man
Published: January 2021

Visually impaired people are facing many difficulties in daily life because of the disability in visual sensation. In daily consumption, they are hard to perform the transactions solely. They need to be assisted by other people in daily life, especially in purchasing, since they cannot recognize the different products with similar shapes and sizes. Also, in processing payment, visually impaired people are hard to differentiate the denominations (values) of banknotes. And many derived problems, such as cheating and providing the improper products, are being occurred. In this paper, an intelligent recognition system has been developed for visually impaired people in Hong Kong. The application system can help the users recognize canned foods and differentiate the nominal values of the banknotes so as to complete the monetary transactions efficiently and effectively. The application can be installed in smartphones with voice and vibration. By applying neural networks with assistive technology, the accuracies of recognizing banknotes and canned food are over 95% and 75%, respectively.
Pointer Network Based Deep Learning Algorithm for the Maximum Clique Problem
Authors: Gu Shenshen , Yao Hanmei
Published: January 2021

The maximum clique problem (MCP) is a famous NP-hard problem, which is difficult for the exact algorithm to solve when the dimension is large. In this paper, we applied the pointer network based method to solve this problem. First, we illustrated how to train the network with supervised learning strategy to obtain the solution to the maximum clique problem. We then further trained the pointer network with reinforcement learning strategy to obtain the vertices from the graph. For both strategies, backtracking algorithm is used to reselect the vertices. From the experimental results, we can see that both supervised learning and reinforcement learning work well. Promising results can be obtained up to 100 dimensions. This illustrates that the deep neural network based algorithms have great potentials for solving the maximum clique problem effectively and efficiently.
Classification Method for Network Security Data Based on Multi-featured Extraction
Authors: Kang Yunchuan , Zhong Jing , Li Ruofeng , Liang Yuqiao , Zhang Nian
Published: January 2021

A method of classifying network security data based on multi-featured extraction is proposed to address instability of a nonlinear time series in a network security threat. Cybersecurity information is divided in line with the principle of acquiring multiple attributes. On this basis, an adaptive adaptation estimation technology is optimized in analogue. With the proposed method, a cybersecurity information classification system is constructed according to the phase interval reconstruction principle so that a dynamic and autonomous adaptation estimation of the cybersecurity threat can be completed to ensure the feasibility of cybersecurity information classification. The experimental result proves that the cybersecurity information classification technology based on multi-attribute extraction can effectively guide chaos into adjacent orbits and reasonably control the training scale. Moreover, the accuracy of the estimation is guaranteed and the cybersecurity threat is estimated because of its high-speed convergence and strong proximity. Therefore, the proposed classification technology can assist professionals and backstage managers in guaranteeing security by facilitating receipt of information in a timely manner.
A Feature Driven Intelligent System for Neurodegenerative Disorder Detection: An Application on Speech Dataset for Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Cantürk İsmail
Published: January 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent, and progressive neurological disorder. Due to the motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease, it lowers life quality of the patients. Tremor, rigidity, depression, anxiety etc. are among the symptoms. Clinical diagnosis of PD is usually based on appearance of motor features. Additionally, different empirical tests were proposed by scholars for early detection of the disease.

It is known that people with PD have speech impairments. Therefore, voice tests are used for early detection of the disease. In this study, an automated machine learning system was proposed for high accuracy classification of the speech signals of PD patients. The system includes feature reduction methods and classification algorithms. Feature reductions and classifications were performed for all participants, males, and females separately. Contributions of feature sets to classification accuracy were discussed. Experimental results were evaluated with different performance metrics. The proposed system obtained state of the art results in all categories. We acquired better performances for gender based classifications.
EFFECTS OF PULSE WIDTH ON CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON COATINGS PREPARED ON THE SURFACE OF HIGH NITROGEN NICKEL-FREE STAINLESS STEEL
Authors: QI JILONG , CHEN DONGXU , WANG YANAN , ZHOU YANWEN , GAO PENG
Published: January 2021

Effects of different pulse widths on morphologies and corrosion resistance of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings prepared on the surface of high nitrogen nickel-free stainless steel (HNSS) were investigated. It was found that different pulse widths of 10, 15 and 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s mainly affect the porosity and internal stress within the coatings. The energies of the implantation ions were decreased as the pulse width increase. The growth mechanism of the coating with the pulse width of 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s was mainly surface diffusion, in which the coating was porous and prone to corrosion. With the decrease of pulse width, the growth mechanism was mainly sub-plantation. The DLC coating became dense and the corrosion resistance was improved significantly. However, with further decrease of pulse width, internal stress within the coating was also increased. The effect of stress corrosion cracking may decrease the corrosion resistance of the DLC coating with the pulse width of 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s. The influencing mechanisms of the pulse width on corrosion resistance and growth mechanism of DLC coating on the surface of HNSS are also discussed.
The Folk Rule for Minimum Cost Spanning Tree Problems with Multiple Sources
Authors: Bergantiños Gustavo , Chun Youngsub , Lee Eunju , Lorenzo Leticia
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we introduce minimum cost spanning tree problems with multiple sources. This new setting is an extension of the classical model where there is a single source. We extend several definitions of the folk rule, the most prominent rule in the classical model, to this new context: first as the Shapley value of the irreducible game; second as an obligation rule; third as a partition rule and finally through a cone-wise decomposition. We prove that all the definitions provide the same cost allocation and present two axiomatic characterizations.
A Dimensionless Number for Response of Blast Loaded Steel Plates
Authors: Zhou Hongyuan , Cong Pengli , Wang Xiaojuan , Song Tianyi , Huang Xin
Published: January 2021

The response of monolithic steel plates subjected to blast was extensively studied, and dozens of dimensionless numbers were proposed to predict the response. While the existing dimensionless numbers are not convenient to use in some scenarios with relatively complicated conditions, the dimensionless number proposed for blast loaded steel plates based on dimensional analysis extends the range of application. Different from other dimensionless numbers, the properties of medium with which the blast load transmits are incorporated to extend the application range to more general scenarios. The responses of the plate subjected to both near-field blast with non-uniform load and far-field blast with uniform load, i.e. both the external and internal blasts (for steel boxes), are reasonably predicted. The physical implication of the proposed dimensionless number is clear in that the media properties, geometrical features, characteristics of material, and loading are incorporated, which are readily available in test. A variety of test data are used to validate the applicability and versatility of the proposed dimensionless number.
Cooperation University–Industry: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Figueiredo Natalia , Fernandes Cristina
Published: January 2021

Knowledge and its transference are increasingly viewed as key factors of companies’ competitiveness. In this sense, our research aims to analyze how the knowledge transfer takes place between the higher education sector and the companies. Although there has been an increase in research related to University–Industry (U–I) cooperation, the existing literature is still relatively fragmented and lacks a comprehensive view. In this way, this study aims to fill this gap by reducing the existing gap in the literature. Thus, this study aims at identifying the different trends and themes prevailing in the literature on U–I cooperation. Through a systematic literature review, using a bibliometric analysis, we identify four themes: (1) Triple Helix, (2) Knowledge Transfer, (3) Determinants of Cooperation and (4) Strategic Alliances. This research makes several important contributions: this review helps highlight not only what the previous literature has analyzed about cooperation between U–I but also prepares the ground for the second wave of research on this topic, synthesizing the main gaps in knowledge and the emerging trends in studies. Another contribution is the challenge of several prevailing theoretical/conceptual assumptions in cooperation between U–I and offering new theoretical/conceptual perspectives that may shape future research on this topic. Last but not the least, this paper defines a roadmap for a future research agenda by proposing multiple directions that can open new avenues for future research and the construction of relevant and appropriate theories for measuring the contributions of cooperation between U–I.
Experimental and numerical investigations on thermal expansion and thermal conductivity properties of Al 6061-SIC-GR hybrid metal matrix composites
Authors: Mohan Krishna S. A. , Vinay K. B. , Ashok B. C. , Naveen Prakash G. V. , Nithyananda B. S.
Published: January 2021

In this research paper, the determination of thermal expansivity and thermal conductivity has been accomplished for Al 6061, Silicon Carbide and Graphite hybrid metal matrix composites from room temperature to [Formula: see text]C. Aluminium-based composites reinforced with Silicon Carbide and Graphite particles have been prepared by stir casting technique. The thermal expansion and thermal conductivity properties of hybrid composites with different percentage compositions of reinforcements have been investigated. The results have indicated that the thermal expansivity and thermal conductivity of the different compositions of hybrid MMCs decrease by the addition of Graphite with Silicon Carbide and Al 6061. Few empirical models have been validated for the evaluation of thermal expansivity and thermal conductivity of hybrid composites. Using the experimental values, namely modulus of elasticity, Poisson ratio and thermal expansivity, computational investigation has been carried out to evaluate the thermal parameters, namely thermal displacement, thermal strain and thermal stress. Similarly, using the experimental values, namely density, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and enthalpy at varying temperature ranges, computational investigation has been carried out to evaluate thermal gradient and thermal flux.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Debates on the Design of Operating Theatre Ventilation Systems in Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Jaly Ibrahim , Iyengar Karthikeyan P , Bahl Shashi , Jain Vijay , Vaishya Raju
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on providing Trauma and Orthopedic surgery around the world. The orthopedic community had to reconfigure emergency and urgent trauma services safely but also support strategies to prevent person-to-person coronavirus transmission. Various organizations including British Orthopedic Association (BOA), American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and Public Health England (PHE) have provided guidelines for conducting safe essential surgery in operating theatres. One of the areas that have not been debated enough is the type of ventilation systems that should be used in operating theatres during this global pandemic. We review the current evidence in the literature particularly in the challenges faced by health care professionals in current COVID-19 pandemic in deciding and implementing an effective operating theatre ventilation system protecting both our patients and operating room personnel.
Significant Role of Modern Technologies for COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Vaishya Raju , Javaid Mohd , Khan Ibrahim Haleem , Vaish Abhishek , Iyengar Karthikeyan P
Published: January 2021

Modern technologies are now available to provide appropriate information and improved services in healthcare delivery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these technologies have played a vital role in providing advanced and digital solutions. The main objective of this paper is to explore various modern technologies. This study further describes the significant applications of these technologies for the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we have identified research papers on modern technologies applications for COVID-19 from the databases of Scopus, Google Scholar, Science direct, and Research Gate. In this paper, we have provided the significant challenges faced during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the role of various modern technologies that can be used to take the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The substantial benefits and limitations of these technologies are briefly discussed. Finally, the paper would provide essential details of these technologies and their significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic. These technological innovations are increasing rapidly to save human beings’ lives by providing innovative solutions that can convert doctors’ and researchers’ ideas into reality. Various software and digital applications are now available to manage these technologies to provide better healthcare services digitally.
Simple and Efficient Budget Feasible Mechanisms for Monotone Submodular Valuations
Authors: Jalaly Pooya , Tardos Éva
Published: January 2021

We study the problem of a budget limited buyer who wants to buy a set of items, each from a different seller, to maximize her value. The budget feasible mechanism design problem requires the design a mechanism that incentivizes the sellers to truthfully report their cost and maximizes the buyer’s value while guaranteeing that the total payment does not exceed her budget. Such budget feasible mechanisms can model a buyer in a crowdsourcing market interested in recruiting a set of workers (sellers) to accomplish a task for her.

This budget feasible mechanism design problem was introduced by Singer in 2010. We consider the general case where the buyer’s valuation is a monotone submodular function. There are a number of truthful mechanisms known for this problem. We offer two general frameworks for simple mechanisms, and by combining these frameworks, we significantly improve on the best known results, while also simplifying the analysis. For example, we improve the approximation guarantee for the general monotone submodular case from 7.91 to 5 and for the case of large markets (where each individual item has negligible value) from 3 to 2.58. More generally, given an
r
approximation algorithm for the optimization problem (ignoring incentives), our mechanism is a
r
+ 1 approximation mechanism for large markets, an improvement from 2
r
2
. We also provide a mechanism without the large market assumption, where we achieve a 4
r
+ 1 approximation guarantee. We also show how our results can be used for the problem of a principal hiring in a Crowdsourcing Market to select a set of tasks subject to a total budget.
Kinetic-Controlled Growth of Bi Nanostructures for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Dong Wan Jae , Hong Dae Myung , Park Jae Yong , Kim Sungjoo , Yoo Chul Jong , Lee Jong-Lam
Published: January 2021

Bi-based catalysts have attracted great attention for efficient electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction to formic acid (HCOOH). However, the effect of the growth kinetics of Bi nanostructures on morphology and their catalytic performance has not been studied. Here, we varied the Bi3+ precursor concentration in the electrolyte to control the electrochemical growth rate of Bi nanostructures. It was found that the growth rate determines not only the geometric structure but also the microstructure of Bi nanostructures. The slow growth with a low precursor concentration (1 mM) produced Bi nano-sheet (NS) with high crystallinity in (012) preferred orientation. But, the polycrystalline Bi nano-branch (NB) with a larger surface area was formed by a faster growth condition (precursor concentration = 30 mM). As a result, Bi NB achieved a higher FEHCOOH of 97.1% than Bi NS (FEHCOOH = 81.5%) at −1.0 VRHE. This work reveals that the growth condition of the Bi nanostructures plays a significant role in designing the catalysts for the efficient CO2 reduction reaction.