bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Study on Type Annotations
Authors: Ore John-Paul , Detweiler Carrick , Elbaum Sebastian
Published: February 2021

Type annotations connect variables to domain-specific types. They enable the power of type checking and can detect faults early. In practice, type annotations have a reputation of being burdensome to developers. We lack, however, an empirical understanding of how and why they are burdensome. Hence, we seek to measure the baseline accuracy and speed for developers making type annotations to previously unseen code. We also study the impact of one or more type suggestions. We conduct an empirical study of 97 developers using 20 randomly selected code artifacts from the robotics domain containing physical unit types. We find that subjects select the correct physical type with just 51% accuracy, and a single correct annotation takes about 2 minutes on average. Showing subjects a single suggestion has a strong and significant impact on accuracy both when correct and incorrect, while showing three suggestions retains the significant benefits without the negative effects. We also find that suggestions do not come with a time penalty. We require subjects to explain their annotation choices, and we qualitatively analyze their explanations. We find that identifier names and reasoning about code operations are the primary clues for selecting a type. We also examine two state-of-the-art automated type annotation systems and find opportunities for their improvement.
Fluid Approximation–based Analysis for Mode-switching Population Dynamics
Authors: Piho Paul , Hillston Jane
Published: February 2021

Fluid approximation results provide powerful methods for scalable analysis of models of population dynamics with large numbers of discrete states and have seen wide-ranging applications in modelling biological and computer-based systems and model checking. However, the applicability of these methods relies on assumptions that are not easily met in a number of modelling scenarios. This article focuses on one particular class of scenarios in which rapid information propagation in the system is considered. In particular, we study the case where changes in population dynamics are induced by information about the environment being communicated between components of the population via broadcast communication. We see how existing hybrid fluid limit results, resulting in piecewise deterministic Markov processes, can be adapted to such models. Finally, we propose heuristic constructions for extracting the mean behaviour from the resulting approximations without the need to simulate individual trajectories.
GRAM
Authors: Ho Nhut-Minh , silva Himeshi De , Wong Weng-Fai
Published: February 2021

This article presents GRAM (GPU-based Runtime Adaption for Mixed-precision) a framework for the effective use of mixed precision arithmetic for CUDA programs. Our method provides a fine-grain tradeoff between output error and performance. It can create many variants that satisfy different accuracy requirements by assigning different groups of threads to different precision levels
adaptively at runtime
. To widen the range of applications that can benefit from its approximation, GRAM comes with an optional half-precision approximate math library. Using GRAM, we can trade off precision for any performance improvement of up to 540%, depending on the application and accuracy requirement.
AI policy matters
Authors: Medsker Larry
Published: February 2021

AI Policy Matters is a regular column in AI Matters featuring summaries and commentary based on postings that appear twice a month in the AI Matters blog (https://sigai.acm.org/aimatters/blog/). We welcome everyone to make blog comments so we can develop a rich knowledge base of information and ideas representing the SIGAI members.
Quantifying Alloy 625 Crevice Corrosion Using an Image Differencing Technique: Part III. The Transition from Diffusion to Activation Control and the Implications for the Measured Electrochemical Potentials
Authors: Lillard R. S. , Mehrazi S.
Published: February 2021

An image differencing technique was used to calculate crevice area and, subsequently, surface current density, solution resistance and wall potential in an alloy 625 crevice during repassivation experiments. In these experiments, crevices were immersed in ASTM artificial ocean water and held potentiostatically in the passive region while the current was monitored with time. Once initiated, the crevice was allowed to propagate for various times, equivalent to increasing charge passed. During this period, an active front was observed to initiate and move from the tip towards the mouth. As the front moved towards the mouth, the wall potential decreased while the surface current density increased. After a fixed time, the applied potential was decreased in a stepwise fashion. At a critical potential, forward movement of the active corrosion front stopped, though crevice propagation continued in place resulting in an increase in damage depth. This potential is referred to here as ETHE. Transport calculations revealed that propagation occurs under diffusion control and ETHE is likely associated with salt film dissolution and a transition to activation/ohmic control, consistent with this being the transition potential ET (also referred to as Esat) reported for one dimensional pitting experiments (pencil electrodes). A mechanism for crevice growth and the transition to repassivation that is similar to that believed to controlled pit propagation and repassivation is proposed.
Statistical Method and Non-Destructive Analytical Tools in the Failure Analysis of LED Array
Authors: Singh Preetpal , Tan Cher Ming
Published: February 2021

When several units failed during operation or reliability test, and their failure modes are the same, it is difficult to examine if there are multiple failure mechanisms unless destructive analysis is performed on every units. However, this can be very time and resource consuming. This work demonstrates a method that combine statistical method and non-destructive analytical tools to determine various failure mechanisms where their failure modes are the same. The sample examined in this work is an array of LEDs assembly which consists of 20 lED chips. The sample is subjected to a standard 85 °C and 85%RH test for 1000 h, and all of them have the same failure mode of high forward voltage. We determine the number of possible degradation mechanisms using statistical method and find that there are three different mechanisms. Series resistance increase is found to be the dominant mechanism behind this high forward voltage rise. Non-destructive tools are used to confirm the three different mechanisms and identify their underlying physics.
Amylin antibodies frequently display cross-reactivity with CGRP: characterization of eight amylin antibodies
Authors: Rees Tayla A. , Hay Debbie L. , Walker Christopher S.
Published: February 2021

Amylin is a 37-amino acid endocrine hormone secreted from the pancreas in response to nutrient intake, acting centrally to promote meal-ending satiation. With many studies linking amylin action to the nervous system, determining the distribution or expression of amylin in the nervous system is critical. However, amylin shares sequence identity and structural homology to the related neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). This creates challenges in identifying selective amylin antibodies that do not cross-react with CGRP, especially in neural tissues, where CGRP is densely packed into secretory vesicles. Here, we characterized eight amylin antibodies to determine their ability to detect amylin and cross-react with rat or human αCGRP, using immunoblots and preabsorption controls in rat pancreas. We observed that amylin antibodies frequently cross-reacted with αCGRP and are therefore not suitable for use in tissues that highly express CGRP. Earlier work using these antibodies should be revisited in light of our findings.
Ngaa-bi-nya-nhumi-nya (to Test First): Piloting the Feasibility of Using the Growth and Empowerment Measure with Aboriginal Pregnant Women Who Smoke
Authors: Bovill Michelle , Bar-Zeev Yael , Bonevski Billie , Reath Jennifer , Oldmeadow Christopher , Hall Alix ,   I. C. A. N. Q. U. I. T. in Pregnancy Pilot Group, Gould Gillian S. , DiGiacomo Michelle
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Aboriginal pregnant women who smoke experience barriers to quitting, including challenges to social and emotional well-being, but these are infrequently quantified. Finding an appropriate measurement tool in this setting is crucial to increase knowledge for holistic smoking cessation interventions. Aims. To pilot the Growth and Empowerment Measure (GEM) with a sample of pregnant Aboriginal women who smoke. Methods. Aboriginal women participating in the step-wedge ICAN QUIT in Pregnancy pilot study completed the GEM comprised of 14-item Emotional Empowerment Scale (EES14), 12 Scenarios (12S), and K6 items at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Qualitative interviews with service staff were held at the end of the study to assess feasibility. Results. 15 pregnant Aboriginal women took part between November 2016 and July 2017. At 12 weeks, n=8/12 (67%) of women reported an increase in both the EES14 and 12S scores. Total 12S scores were significantly higher at 12 weeks (p=0.0186). Total K6 had a nonsignificant trend for reduction (p=0.0547). Staff reported that the length of the survey presents challenges in this setting. Conclusions. A shortened, modified GEM is recommended in this setting. We recommend the GEM to be tested in a larger study, powered to assess its associations with smoking behaviours.
Numerical Simulation Study on Distribution of Bubble in Flow near Aerator Based on CFD-PBM Coupled Model in Tunnel
Authors: Lei Jiaming , Zhang Jianmin , Zhang Lifang
Published: February 2021

The aerator can reduce erosion by mixing a large amount of air into the water in the solid wall area. The effectiveness of erosion reduction is mainly based on air concentration and its bubble size distribution. However, simultaneous simulation of the air concentration and its bubble size distribution in numerical simulations is still a hot and difficult area of research. Aiming at the downstream aerated flow of hydraulic aeration facilities, several numerical models, such as VOF, mixture, Euler, and Population Balance Model (PBM), are compared and verified by experiments. The results show that the CFD-PBM coupled model performs well compared to other conventional multiphase models. It can not only obtain the evolution law of the bubble distribution downstream of the aerator but also accurately simulate the recombination and evolution process of bubble aggregation and breakage. The Sauter mean diameter of the air bubbles in the aerated flow decreases along the way and eventually reaches a stable value. The bubble breakage is the main process in the development of the bubbles. It reveals the aeration law that the small air bubbles are closer to the bottom plate, while the large bubbles float up along the aerated flow, which provides a powerful support for the basic research on the mechanism of aeration and erosion reduction.
The Clinical Manifestation Variety and Management Choice of Meckel’s Diverticulum with Complication: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Fu Tingliang , Xu Xiaoliang , Geng Lei , Huang Yanli , Ding Guojian , Ji Hong
Published: February 2021

Background. The study was to analyze the clinical manifestation variety and management choices of symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum in children. Methods. From July 2008 to October 2018, 28 cases of Meckel’s diverticulum with a variety of complications were admitted to our hospital. The clinical data included age, gender, symptoms and signs, investigations, intraoperative and pathological findings, and outcome. Results. The ratio of males to females was 2.5 : 1. The diagnoses were made by 99mTc-pertechnetate scan (in 5 cases) and by exploratory laparotomy (in 2 cases). The initial diagnosis in the other cases includes intussusception (in 4 cases), acute appendicitis (in 5 cases), intestinal obstruction (unknown origin), peritonitis, and even shock in 12 cases. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 8 cases; 18 cases underwent open surgery. Excision of partial bowel segment with diverticulum and primary anastomosis was done in 22 cases and wedge resection of diverticulum in 4 cases. Two other cases received nonoperative therapy and went to other hospitals to receive surgical management. Ectopic gastric mucosa in the diverticulum was found in 9 cases, including 6 cases with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusion. The clinical characteristics of Meckel’s diverticulum varied. Children with hematochezia, peritonitis, and intestinal obstruction without history of prior abdominal operation should be suspected with this disease until proven otherwise. Hematochezia is often associated with ectopic gastric mucosa in the diverticulum. Laparoscopic surgery should be one of the choices for the diagnosis and treatment of Meckel’s diverticulum with complications.
Lower Limb Joint Nursing and Rehabilitation System Based on Intelligent Medical Treatment
Authors: Geng Tianjun , Jia Xiaoqian , Guo Yanli
Published: February 2021

With the aggravation of the problem of aging population, all kinds of lower limb paralysis caused by various diseases occur frequently. People’s demand for lower limb nursing and rehabilitation treatment is growing. In this paper, combined with intelligent medical technology and lower limb kinematics model, this paper proposes to build a lower limb joint nursing and rehabilitation system based on intelligent medical treatment. It is expected that, through the following limb joint rehabilitation robot as the main rehabilitation means, a smart nursing rehabilitation system which can quickly respond to users and realize remote rehabilitation nursing can be designed. First of all, it is clear that the main body of the lower limb joint rehabilitation system consists of the robot body and the state display system. Then, the sensor, amplifier, and data acquisition card are set in the data acquisition system, and the plantar balance force is detected using a FlexiForce film pressure sensor. The final control system mainly includes the main control module program and the lower limb action recognition program. The motor control software adopts PID regulation method, and the lower limb action recognition adopts SVM one-to-one classification method. After the construction of lower limb joint nursing and rehabilitation system, the accuracy rate of action recognition and classification was tested. In the third experiment, the accuracy of all the movements was 100%. Then, the joint displacement and angle changes of the experimenter assisted by the system were analyzed. The experimenter’s knee joint and hip joint show a normal walking state, and the joint angle changes tend to be normal. Ten out of 55 rehabilitation system users were randomly selected for interview survey. The total scores of operation convenience, wearing comfort, intensity suitability, and movement science of the system were 90, 83, 84, and 91, respectively. This shows that the rehabilitation action designed by the system is scientific and easy to operate and can be put into use in rehabilitation training after improving the wearing comfort.
Design of English Diagnostic Practice Sentence Repetition Recognition System Based on Matching Tree and Edge Computing
Authors: Xi Tanping
Published: February 2021

English reading ability is an important indicator to measure learners’ English ability. However, because reading ability cannot be directly observed, people usually take tests to judge the reading ability of learners. Therefore, it is very necessary to design a reasonable diagnostic practice sentence repetition recognition system to analyze and test, inform learners of the advantages and disadvantages in reading, and give corresponding countermeasures. In order to properly solve the problem of repeated recognition of English diagnostic sentences, we have developed a new recognition system combined with matching tree and edge computing technology. First, the matching tree algorithm is used for the repetitive diagnosis of English sentences. The algorithm has achieved good results in the repetitive diagnosis and matching. Secondly, an English diagnostic practice sentence repetition recognition system architecture is built through edge computing algorithms, which improves the efficiency of the English diagnostic system. Finally, through the simulation test of the English diagnostic practice system, the applicability of the established repeated recognition model is verified.
Polynomials and General Degree‐Based Topological Indices of Generalized Sierpinski Networks
Authors: Fan Chengmei , Munir M. Mobeen , Hussain Zafar , Athar Muhammad , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: February 2021

Sierpinski networks are networks of fractal nature having several applications in computer science, music, chemistry, and mathematics. These networks are commonly used in chaos, fractals, recursive sequences, and complex systems. In this article, we compute various connectivity polynomials such as M‐polynomial, Zagreb polynomials, and forgotten polynomial of generalized Sierpinski networks and recover some well‐known degree‐based topological indices from these. We also compute the most general Zagreb index known as (α, β)‐Zagreb index and several other general indices of similar nature for this network. Our results are the natural generalizations of already available results for particular classes of such type of networks.
Chaotic Oscillation of Satellite due to Aerodynamic Torque
Authors: Bhardwaj Rashmi , Sajid Mohammad
Published: February 2021

This study presents the chaotic oscillation of the satellite around the Earth due to aerodynamic torque. The orbital plane of the satellite concurs is same as the tropical plane of Earth. The half-width of riotous separatrix is assessed utilizing Chirikov’s measure. Variety of boundary techniques shows that streamlined force boundary (ɛ), unpredictability of circle (e), and mass-proportion (ω0) convert normal wavering to the disorganized one. We studied the behavior of trajectories due to change in parameters with Lyapunov exponents and time series plots. The theory is applied to Resourcesat-1, an artificial satellite of the Earth.
Flexible Optimization of International Shipping Routes considering Carbon Emission Cost
Authors: Yu Yao , Tu Jincheng , Shi Kun , Liu Mei , Chen Jihong
Published: February 2021

Carbon emissions cost is a potential effective measure to restrict hydrocarbon pollution in the international shipping trade. The minimization of the total cost is pursued by ship operators, whereas voyage cost is increasingly involving the replacement of clean fuel and changing the cost of the shipping route. A flexible optimization method focusing on maximizing the total profit is developed in terms of sailing speed optimization and single port skips integrate carbon emission influence. An actual ocean shipping route from Shanghai to Rotterdam is applied to validate the effectiveness of the proposed models. The results have shown that the shipping route profit is volatile along with the sailing speed and the number of port calls. However, the profit will be maximized when applying the single port skip and will slow down the sailing speed at the same time. The demand of planned skip port can be supported by a short line container. A system composed of ocean container liner and short line container can improve the profit by 4.05% and reduce the carbon emission by 19.70%. Furthermore, sensitive results show that the profit is less affected by the changing of the carbon emission cost. A small size container has enough ability to solve the short transportation demand in adjacent ports and convert extraberthing cost into profit. These findings can provide reliable support for the shipping route decision process considering future carbon emission costs.
Study on the Mathematical Model and Propagation Characteristics of AE Waveform Signals during Rock Fracture
Authors: You Xun , Gong Bin , Lv Xin , Hu Longfei
Published: February 2021

Rock deformation or fracture is accompanied by the phenomenon of acoustic emission (AE). Due to the heterogeneity and anisotropy of rock materials as well as the complexity of their fracture, AE signals recorded by sensors at different positions have different characteristics. To explore factors influencing these differences, this study examines the effects of the physical properties of rocks, such as heterogeneity, anisotropy, and viscosity, on AE waveform signals from the perspective of the rock material and its fracture characteristics as well as the characteristics of the propagation of different AE waveform signals. The results show that the frequency (f) of the AE signals generated by rock fracture is inversely proportional to crack length (c) and directly proportional to the rate of crack growth (v). During signal propagation, the comprehensive effects of such factors as the heterogeneity, anisotropy, and viscosity of rocks as well as environmental noise weaken the energy of the signals and enhance the distribution of signal frequency. Each factor differently influences the time frequency of AE. A model for the propagation of AE signals was built and verified. Finally, as for on‐site rock mass engineering, the low‐frequency signals should be analysed prior to analysis in rock mass disaster monitoring.
Ecotypic Variations Affected the Biological Effectiveness of Thymus daenensis Celak Essential Oil
Authors: Elahian Fatemeh , Garshasbi Maryam , Mehri Asiabar Zahra , Gholamian Dehkordi Neda , Yazdinezhad Alireza , Mirzaei Seyed Abbas
Published: February 2021

Thymus (Lamiaceae) is famous for its pharmacological properties. Thymus daenensis Celak (Avishan-e-denaee in Persian) is an endemic Thymus species in Iran and is traditionally used for its digestive, carminative, antitussive, antispasmodic, and expectorant attributes in folk medicine. Ecotypic oils were extracted and analyzed with the GC-MS. Their biological properties in terms of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antigenotoxic activities were evaluated using the minimal inhibitory concentration, minimal bactericidal concentration, and DPPH, β-carotene, and comet assays. The GC-MS results for Thymus daenensis Celak oils revealed thymol (73.86%) and carvacrol (51.89%) as the most abundant components. Due to the results, reasonable bactericidal activity values range from 0.14 to 5.00 mg/ml, and fungicidal activity ranges from 0.17 to 0.58 mg/ml. The necessary oil free radical scavenging capacity (0.41–1.79 mg/ml), bleaching inhibitory activity (0.01–1.06 mg/ml), and genoprotective potential (1.04–7.78 mg/ml) indicated the dose-dependent activity. The results suggest that Thymus daenensis is an important antibacterial and antifungal bioresource. Additionally, the antioxidant and radical scavenging capacity suggests this species has a role as a natural preservative in oxidative diseases and in the prevention of food spoilage.
MAC Layer Energy Consumption and Routing Protocol Optimization Algorithm for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Chen Yaohua , Liu Waixi
Published: February 2021

Mobile ad hoc network is a network composed of mobile terminals without infrastructure. Due to its fast‐networking ability, it is widely used in smart cities, car networking, military, agriculture, medicine, and other fields. Routing technology is a key technology in the field of MANET (mobile ad hoc network). The energy consumption is optimized through the technical network simulator NS‐3, and the nodes in the MANET routing protocol can accurately simulate the problem, thereby optimizing the MAC layer of important research tools. This article combines the advantages of the lithium‐ion (lithium) battery model. Compared with the KiBaM battery model, the effective charge in the KiBaM model simulates the output voltage well, which can reflect the battery capacity effect rate and the recovery effect of the lithium‐ion‐KiBaM battery model. The model can respond to the characteristics of the output voltage as the society gets lower and lower. In order to solve the problem that the analytic solution of differential equations cannot be obtained in the model, a numerical solution of the optimization algorithm is proposed based on the implicit Runge–Kutta method. The MAC layer energy consumption and routing protocol optimization algorithm proposed in this paper can be applied well in various fields.
Assessing Markers of Reproducibility and Transparency in Smoking Behaviour Change Intervention Evaluations
Authors: Norris Emma , He Yiwei , Loh Rachel , West Robert , Michie Susan , Ward Kenneth
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Activities promoting research reproducibility and transparency are crucial for generating trustworthy evidence. Evaluation of smoking interventions is one area where vested interests may motivate reduced reproducibility and transparency. Aims. Assess markers of transparency and reproducibility in smoking behaviour change intervention evaluation reports. Methods. One hundred evaluation reports of smoking behaviour change intervention randomised controlled trials published in 2018-2019 were identified. Reproducibility markers of pre-registration; protocol sharing; data, material, and analysis script sharing; replication of a previous study; and open access publication were coded in identified reports. Transparency markers of funding and conflict of interest declarations were also coded. Coding was performed by two researchers, with inter-rater reliability calculated using Krippendorff’s alpha. Results. Seventy-one percent of reports were open access, and 73% were pre-registered. However, there are only 13% provided accessible materials, 7% accessible data, and 1% accessible analysis scripts. No reports were replication studies. Ninety-four percent of reports provided a funding source statement, and eighty-eight percent of reports provided a conflict of interest statement. Conclusions. Open data, materials, analysis, and replications are rare in smoking behaviour change interventions, whereas funding source and conflict of interest declarations are common. Future smoking research should be more reproducible to enable knowledge accumulation. This study was pre-registered: https://osf.io/yqj5p.
A Hybrid Cellular Genetic Algorithm for the Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Deng Yanlan , Xiong Juxia , Wang Qiuhong
Published: February 2021

The traveling salesman problem (TSP), a typical non-deterministic polynomial (NP) hard problem, has been used in many engineering applications. Genetic algorithms are useful for NP-hard problems, especially the traveling salesman problem. However, it has some issues for solving TSP, including quickly falling into the local optimum and an insufficient optimization precision. To address TSP effectively, this paper proposes a hybrid Cellular Genetic Algorithm with Simulated Annealing (SA) Algorithm (SCGA). Firstly, SCGA is an improved Genetic Algorithm (GA) based on the Cellular Automata (CA). The selection operation in SCGA is performed according to the state of the cell. Secondly, SCGA, combined with SA, introduces an elitist strategy to improve the speed of the convergence. Finally, the proposed algorithm is tested against 13 standard benchmark instances from the TSPLIB to confirm the performance of the three cellular automata rules. The experimental results show that, in most instances, the results obtained by SCGA using rule 2 are better and more stable than the results of using rule 1 and rule 3. At the same time, we compared the experimental results with GA, SA, and Cellular Genetic Algorithm (CGA) to verify the performance of SCGA. The comparison results show that the distance obtained by the proposed algorithm is shortened by a mean of 7% compared with the other three algorithms, which is closer to the theoretical optimal value and has good robustness.
Field Investigation of Blasting‐Induced Vibration in Concrete Linings during Expansion of Old Highway Tunnel
Authors: Wang Ya-Qiong , Gong Lin-Jin , An Nan-Nan , Peng Xing-Bin , Wang Wei , Wang Zhi-Feng
Published: February 2021

Numerous mountain highway tunnels in China do not satisfy the current traffic design standards and therefore need to be rebuilt or expanded. The drilling‐blasting method is the primary method employed in China for expanding mountain highway tunnels, and it is crucial to monitor the vibrations caused by blasting. This study conducted a field investigation of the vibrations caused by blasting during the expansion of Yujiaya tunnel, which was built in 1999. The blasting‐induced vibrations in the new and old concrete linings were monitored and analyzed during the expansion. The measured values of the peak particle velocity (PPV) varied within the range of 0.097–8.246 cm/s. The attenuation law of the PPV was determined via a regression analysis using Sadovsky’s empirical formula. The relationship between the main vibration frequency and the distance from the blasting source was expressed as a power function. Finally, the safety distances of the concrete linings subject to blasting vibrations were analyzed and discussed.
Mechanical Behavior of the Reinforced Retaining Wall Subjected to Static Load
Authors: Liu Yong , Yao Zhanyong , Liu Hongzhe , Shao Mingxia , Zhao Yulong
Published: February 2021

To study the mechanical behavior and influence factors of the reinforced retaining wall under the static load, numerical simulation of the reinforced retaining wall is conducted by finite element analysis, and its mechanical behavior and influencing methods are studied in accordance with relevant theories. The results showed that the properties of back fill, reinforced spacing, reinforced stiffness, reinforced length, and panel stiffness all affect the mechanical behavior of retaining walls. According to the example calculations of different wall heights, the distribution of panel horizontal displacement and maximum tensile stress are analyzed. The gravel with good gradation has better durability and can reduce the amount of reinforcing steel; with the decrease of the reinforcement spacing, the deformation of the wall panel will become smaller, and the reinforcement effect will be improved; the length of reinforcement is not the longer the better, and the deformation of wall panel can be minimized at the suitable length; the larger the elastic modulus of the wall panel, the smaller the deformation of the wall panel will be.
The Film-Forming Characterization and Structural Analysis of Pectin from Sunflower Heads
Authors: Peng Xiaoxia , Yang Guang , Yue Qi , Ren Xiaomeng , Zhou Yifa , Zhang Mengshan
Published: February 2021

A natural low-methoxyl pectin (termed AHP,DM=25.9%) was extracted from dried heads of sunflower and showed better film-forming performance blended with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The solutions and films of different HPMC/AHP blends were characterized by viscosity, transparency, mechanical properties, loss on drying, water drop penetration time (WDPT), disintegration and SEM. In order to analyze the structure-property relationship of film forming, AHP was separated by ion-exchange chromatography and characterized. The results showed that the blends were immiscible, but the formation of AHP gel would give the blended film better mechanical properties. AHP was fractionated into one neutral fraction and two acidic fractions (AHPA-1 and AHPA-2). The analytical results showed that AHPA-1 and AHPA-2 were identified to be homogalacturonan- (HG-) rich pectins with low DM, and the molecular weights of them were estimated to be 106 kDa and 226 kDa, respectively. Due to the high content of the HG domain, low DM and high molecular weights, AHP had excellent gelling properties induced by Ca2+ and was added to improve the film-forming properties of HPMC and to develop plant hollow capsules.
Exclusivity or Competitor Retail? Impacts of Channel Structures on Multinational Supply Chains considering Green Manufacturing
Authors: Rong Luqing , Xu Maozeng , Chen Xiaofeng , Wen Qian
Published: February 2021

The development of green supply chains by multinational manufacturers (MNMs) in emerging markets promotes a better corporate reputation and competitive advantage. Selecting viable marketing channels will help reduce risks in overseas markets while positively impacting the green level and the stakeholders. This paper analyzes channel decisions under different scenarios in a game analytical framework and identifies that both exclusive and competitive channels promote the green supply chain, and that the latter leads to a higher green level and benefits the local manufacturer. Whatever profit-seeking or corporate social responsibility- (CSR-) seeking follows, the MNM prefers the competitive channel when the green research and development (R&D) investment coefficient is relatively low and vice versa for the exclusive channel. Moreover, transaction cost undermines the green supply chain, the competitive structure lowers the loss of greenness, and the exclusionary mode raises the MNM’s profits. Another interesting finding is when subsidies are offered by the importing country, the competitive structure is more conducive to the green and the participant’s gains, while the exclusive structure is detrimental to the green and only advantageous for the domestic manufacturer’s benefits. Besides, the revenue-sharing contract results in a higher green level of the supply chain in the channels than before, but the MNM tends to select the exclusive marketing channel with a relatively lower green level due to the profits. Subject to the findings, we propose an improved revenue-sharing contract that achieves the MNM’s competitive retailing option and ensures the emergence of the manufacturers’ win-win solution.
ChaiQi Decoction Alleviates Vascular Endothelial Injury by Downregulating the Inflammatory Response in ApoE-Model Mice
Authors: Wang Bingran , Zhang Jiayan , Lu Yuhong , Peng Long , Yuan Wenling , Zhao Yuqing , Zhang Liping
Published: February 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a pathological state of metabolic disorders that primarily occur in human proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It is a complex cluster of core metabolic disorder syndromes including obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, and vascular endothelial injury, occurring over time. The currently available treatment options cannot effectively manage MetS. In our previous research, we revealed ChaiQi decoction (CQD) as an effective prescription for improving MetS; however, the specific mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we assessed the efficacy and mechanism of CQD in ApoE gene knockout (ApoE-) mice. Mice were administered with CQD daily for 12 weeks, and the measurement of their body weight was taken monthly. To evaluate the metabolic levels of mice, we determined the fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin (FINS), insulin resistance index (IRI), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis was adopted to determine the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in vascular endothelium, while an optical microscope was adopted to observe the pathological morphology of abdominal aorta in mice. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels were determined using the ELISA method, whereas Western blotting was used to determine nuclear factor- (NF-) κB p65. Of note, intragastric CQD administration ameliorated ApoE-model mice, as evidenced by reduced levels of FBG, FINS, IRI, TG, TC, and LDL-C. Furthermore, CQD alleviated vascular endothelial injury and regularized the structure of the abdominal aorta by downregulating the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and NF-κB p65. Overall, these findings advocated that CQD ameliorates metabolic levels and vascular endothelial injury in mice by downregulating the inflammatory response and thus may be utilized as a novel MetS therapy.
A Randomized Trial of Combined PD-L1 and CTLA-4 Inhibition with Targeted Low-Dose or Hypofractionated Radiation for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Monjazeb Arta M. , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Lako Ana , Thrash Emily M. , Brennick Ryan C. , Kao Katrina Z. , Manuszak Claire , Gentzler Ryan D. , Tesfaye Anteneh , Jabbour Salma K. , Alese Olatunji B. , Rahma Osama E. , Cleary James M. , Sharon Elad , Mamon Harvey J. , Cho May , Streicher Howard , Chen Helen X. , Ahmed Mansoor M. , Mariño-Enríquez Adrian , Kim-Schulze Seunghee , Gnjatic Sacha , Maverakis Emanual , Marusina Alina I. , Merleev Alexander A. , Severgnini Mariano , Pfaff Kathleen L. , Lindsay James , Weirather Jason L. , Ranasinghe Srinika , Spektor Alexander , Rodig Scott J. , Hodi F. Stephen , Schoenfeld Jonathan D.
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

Prospective human data are lacking regarding safety, efficacy, and immunologic impacts of different radiation doses administered with combined PD-L1/CTLA-4 blockade.

Patients and Methods:

We performed a multicenter phase II study randomly assigning patients with metastatic microsatellite stable colorectal cancer to repeated low-dose fractionated radiation (LDFRT) or hypofractionated radiation (HFRT) with PD-L1/CTLA-4 inhibition. The primary endpoint was response outside the radiation field. Correlative samples were analyzed using multiplex immunofluorescence (IF), IHC, RNA/T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF), and Olink.

Results:

Eighteen patients were evaluable for response. Median lines of prior therapy were four (range, 1–7). Sixteen patients demonstrated toxicity potentially related to treatment (84%), and 8 patients had grade 3–4 toxicity (42%). Best response was stable disease in 1 patient with out-of-field tumor shrinkage. Median overall survival was 3.8 months (90% confidence interval, 2.3–5.7 months). Correlative IF and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed increased infiltration of CD8+ and CD8+/PD-1+/Ki-67+ T cells in the radiation field after HFRT. LDFRT increased foci of micronuclei/primary nuclear rupture in two subjects. CyTOF and RNA-seq demonstrated significant declines in multiple circulating immune populations, particularly in patients receiving HFRT. TCR sequencing revealed treatment-associated changes in T-cell repertoire in the tumor and peripheral blood.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate the feasibility and safety of adding LDFRT and HFRT to PD-L1/CTLA-4 blockade. Although the best response of stable disease does not support the use of concurrent PD-L1/CTLA-4 inhibition with HFRT or LDFRT in this population, biomarkers provide support that both LDFRT and HFRT impact the local immune microenvironment and systemic immunogenicity that can help guide future studies.
Leader-Follower Tracking System for Agricultural Vehicles: Fusion of Laser and Odometry Positioning Using Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Huan Zhang Lin , Tomohiro Takigawa , Tofael Ahamed
Published: February 2021

The aim of this research was to develop a safe human-driven and autonomous leader-follower tracking system for an autonomous tractor. To enable the tracking system, a laser range finder (LRF)-based landmark detection system was designed to observe the relative position between a leader and a follower used in agricultural operations. The virtual follower-based formation-tracking algorithm was developed to minimize tracking errors and ensure safety. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) was implemented for fusing LRF and odometry position to ensure stability of tracking in noisy farmland conditions. Simulations were conducted for tracking the leader in small and large sinusoidal curved paths. Simulated results verified high accuracy of formation tracking, stable velocity, and regulated steering angle of the follower. The tracking method confirmed the follower could follow the leader with a required formation safely and steadily in noisy conditions. The EKF helped to improve observation accuracy, velocity, and steering angle stability of the follower. As a result of the improved accuracy of observation and motion action, the tracking performance for lateral, longitudinal, and heading were also improved after the EKF was implemented in the tracking system.
The Control Design of Ship Formation with the Presence of a Leader
Authors: Miswanto M. , Pranoto I. , Mhammad H. Muhammad , Mahayana D.
Published: February 2021

Formation control is an important behavior for multi-agents system (swarm). This paper addresses the optimal tracking control problem for swarm whose agents are ships moving together in a specific geometry formation. We study formation control of the swarm model which consists of three agents and one agent has a role as a leader. The agents of swarm are moving to follow the leader path. First, we design the control of the leader with Pontryagin Maximum Principle. The control of the leader is designed for tracking the desired path. We show that the tracking error of the path of the leader tracing a desired path is sufficiently small. After that, geometry approach is used to design the control of the other. We show that the positioning and the orientation of each agent can be controlled dependent on the leader. The simulation results show to illustrate of this method at the last section of this paper.
Fractional order PID Design using the Taguchi method
Authors: Nouruzi Ghazbi Somayeh , Akbarzadeh Alireza
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a gain-tuning scheme for Fractional order PID control systems using the Taguchi method. A prismatic series elastic actuator is selected as an experimental set-up. An optimal controller gains has been obtained through a series of experiments suggested by the Taguchi method. Four stages of tuning are performed in order to accurately tune the controller gains. It is shown that when performance of the proposed controller is compared with two additional controllers: a traditional FOPID tuned with Ziegler-Nichols (Z-N) method and a PID tunned with genetic algorithm, a 94% and 84% improvements in position error is observed, respectively.
Integration and Simulations of INS/GNSS System using the Approach of Carrier Phase Measurements
Authors: Badshah Khan , Yongyuan Qin
Published: February 2021

This paper discusses the techniques of attitude, velocity ad position estimation from GNSS carrier phase measurements, and investigates the performance of the lower precision MEMS-based INS/GNSS system based on carrier phase measurements. Double differenced carrier phase measurements provide more accurate velocity and position estimation compared to code and Doppler measurements. However, integer ambiguity is required to be removed for precise positioning. Multiples antennae approach is used to derive the attitude information from carrier phase measurements in order to control the large initial misalignment angles for initialization of the integration process or to utilize during benign dynamics. Lever arm effect is considered to compensate for the separation of GNSS antenna and IMU location. The derived three GNSS observables are used to correct the INS through optimal Kalman filtering in a closed loop. Simulation results indicates the effectiveness of the integrated system for airborne as well as for land navigation vehicles.

This paper discusses the techniques of attitude, velocity ad position estimation from GNSS carrier phase measurements, and investigates the performance of the lower precision MEMS based INS/GNSS system based on carrier phase measurements. Double differenced carrier phase measurements provide more accurate velocity and position estimation compared to code and Doppler measurements. However, integer ambiguity is required to be removed for precise positioning. Multiples antennae approach is used to derive the attitude information from carrier phase measurements in order to control the large initial misalignment angles for initialization of the integration process or to utilize during benign dynamics. Lever arm effect is considered to compensate for the separation of GNSS antenna and IMU location. The derived three GNSS observables are used to correct the INS through optimal Kalman filtering in a closed loop. Simulation results indicates the effectiveness of the integrated system for airborne as well as for land navigation vehicles.
OPP approach for multi degree of freedom robotic arm Based on Kinematics and Dynamics of Robot
Authors: Dutta Praneet , Das Rashmi Ranjan , Mathur Rupali , Sona Deepika Rani
Published: February 2021

This paper deals with the trajectory and path generation of the industrial manipulator. The trajectory is obtained using the equations of motion and also the optimal path planning (OPP) approach under kinodynamic constraints. The optimal control problem is defined for the minimum cost function and to obtain the necessary conditions. Here we have used pontrygain’s minimum principle to obtain the limiting value of joint angle and also  the joint velocity and torque. In this paper we have used the “Two degree of freedom (DOF) manipulator” for analysis and designing the optimal control for multi link and multi degree of freedom manipulator. For analysis purposes,  simulation software has been used to formulate the trajectory and minimize the cost function involved.
Using Deep Learning for Human Computer Interface via Electroencephalography
Authors: Redkar Sangram
Published: February 2021

In this paper, several techniques used to perform EEG signal pre-processing, feature extraction and signal classification have been discussed, implemented, validated and verified; efficient supervised and unsupervised machine learning models, for the EEG motor imagery classification are identified. Brain Computer Interfaces are becoming the next generation controllers not only in the medical devices for disabled individuals but also in the gaming and entertainment industries. In order to build an effective Brain Computer Interface, it is important to have robust signal processing and machine learning modules which operate on the EEG signals and estimate the current thought or intent of the user. Motor Imagery (imaginary hand and leg movements) signals are acquired using the Emotiv EEG headset. The signal have been extracted and supplied to the machine learning (ML) stage, wherein, several ML techniques are applied and validated. The performances of various ML techniques are compared and some important observations are reported. Further, Deep Learning techniques like autoencoding have been used to perform unsupervised feature learning. The reliability of the features is presented and analyzed by performing classification by using the ML techniques. It is shown that hand engineered ‘ad-hoc’ feature extraction techniques are less reliable than the automated (‘Deep Learning’) feature learning techniques. All the findings in this research, can be used by the BCI research community for building motor imagery based BCI applications such as Gaming, Robot control and autonomous vehicles.