bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circuit Rectification for Four Precision Position Synthesis of Four-Bar and Watt Six-Bar Linkages
Authors: Mirth John A. , Chase Thomas R.
Published: March 2021

The circuit defect arises when a linkage can not be moved between all precision positions without disassembly. The synthesis of linkages by precision position methods is simplified by reducing the design space to include only those linkages that are free of the circuit defect. Solutions for four-bar and Watt six-bar mechanisms are developed here.

Multiple circuits in the Watt six-bar chain arise from circuits within a four-bar chain of the linkage or from the limits of motion that are imposed on the entire linkage by the two four-bar subchains. The circuit defects that are introduced by these conditions are eliminated through the sequential analysis of the Burmester curves for four-position synthesis. The points on the Burmester curves where the circuit attributes change are found. The curve segments yielding mechanisms that exhibit the circuit defect are then eliminated from consideration. The process is numerical and based on the complex number formulation of Burmester theory.
A New Approach to the Synthesis of Spherical Mechanisms for Rigid Body Guidance
Authors: Li Can
Published: March 2021

This paper develops a series of formulae for spherical displacement of rigid bodies. With use of these formulae, the problems of synthesizing spherical four-link and six-link mechanisms for rigid body guidance are studied.
Kinematic Analysis of the Generalized Tracta Coupling and its Variant Mechanisms
Authors: Fenton R. G. , Buchal R. O. , Zhou Y. B.
Published: March 2021

The generalized tracta coupling R0-RERR and its variant mechanisms R0-ERRR, R0-RRER and R0-RRRE are all kinematically analyzed by a new Vector Algebraic Method. The input-output displacement equations of these mechanisms are derived as fourth order polynomials. Compared to existing methods, the new approach presented in this paper has standardized analysis steps and compact algebraic expressions. For each of the different variant mechanisms the analysis procedure is the same.
Static Analysis of Spherical nR Kinematic Chains With Joint Friction
Authors: Larochelle Pierre , McCarthy J. M.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the static analysis of general spherical nR simple open or closed kinematic chains with joint friction. The internal loading on each link is found to consist of a bending moment and a torsional moment. The goal of this analysis is to determine these moments which are then used in designing the link.

The moment and force balance equations for each link yields a linear system of equations which define the internal moments of the mechanism and the output torque on the driven crank for a given input torque. A Coulomb model of joint friction is used to determine the friction torque along the axis of a joint. The joint friction model requires an iterative solution.

The purpose of this algorithm is to provide a means of computing the complete internal and external loading on the members of spherical chains while including frictional effects in order to facilitate the design of a functional spherical mechanisms.
Dynamics of a Cross-Slider Mechanism As Used in an Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Nesbit Steven M.
Published: March 2021

A four cylinder internal combustion engine was developed which utilizes a cross-slider as its internal mechanism. The mechanism consists of two perpendicular sliders, each connected at midpoint to a floating gear which mates to two grounded gears pinned off center. A complete kinematic and dynamic analysis was performed to study mechanism behavior in an engine application. As a result of the analysis, the kinematics and dynamics of the mechanism were defined, the engine performance was simulated, the components of the engine were properly sized, and a total force and torque balance was achieved. This article will present the development of the kinematic and dynamic expressions that describe the cross-slider mechanism as used in an internal combustion engine.
Identification of Isomorphism of Kinematic Chains Through Link’s Adjacent-Chain Table
Authors: Chu Jin-Kui , Cao Wei-qing
Published: March 2021

A completely new concept about the kinematic chain, called the link’s adjacent-chain table (shortened as ACT), is originated in this paper. It is an invariant which can be used to describe the topological relationships between links in the kinematic chain (shortened as KC). In comparison with the traditional representation of the KC, i.e. with the adjacent matrix, link’s ACT is much more audio-visual and simpler. Using the link’s ACT, the isomorphism of the KC can be easily determined. Among the existing methods for the identification of the isomorphic graphs, link’s ACT takes the least time in calculation. So it’s introduction of the link’s ACT leads to a effectual solution to identify the isomorphism of the KC.
Automatic Closed-Form Kinematics-Solutions for Recursive Single-Loop Chains
Authors: Kecskeméthy Andrés , Hiller Manfred
Published: March 2021

Described in this paper is a simplified method for the automatic detection and formulation of closed-form solutions for a special class of recursively solvable single-loop mechanisms. The objective is to generate a cascade of scalar equations from the closure condition of the loop, each containing exactly one unknown more than the predecessors, and each being maximally second-order in this unknown. In the proposed method this problem is reduced to the repeated determination of two subchains which are members of the isotropy group of either of the geometric elements point, line and plane and containing as much current unknowns as possible. The scalar equations then arise from unique projection operators applied to unique equation partitionings of the closure condition. This yields a general but easy-to-implement algorithm. The concepts are illustrated with some examples processed with an implementation in Mathematica based on the geometric elements point and plane.
VGT-Based Gimbals: Practical Construction and General Theory
Authors: Padmanabhan B. , Tidwell P. H. , Salerno R. J. , Reinholtz C. F.
Published: March 2021

A gimbal is a device used to precisely control the orientation between two bodies. Conventional gimbals are designed as actuated Hooke’s couplings and are not generally able to support heavy loads. This paper provides the general theory and some construction details of a rigid three-degree-of-freedom, truss-type gimbal. This gimbal can be used to support and position antennae, telescopes and other heavy structures. The forward kinematic, inverse kinematic and workspace analyses are provided, and joint design details are discussed.
Stiffness Mappings Employing Different Frames of Reference
Authors: Pigoski T. , Griffis M. , Duffy J.
Published: March 2021

The stiffness mapping matrix for a planar compliant mechanism is analyzed using two different reference frames. The first is rigidly attached to the fixed body of the coupling, whilst the second is attached to the moving body of the coupling. It was found that, in general, these matrices are asymmetric when the coupling is loaded, and that one is the transpose of the other. This is an important result and can be considered an extension of the work done by Dimentberg[1], who derived a symmetrical stiffness mapping for an unloaded coupling. These new mappings are essential for the control of the coupling as it moves away from its unloaded position. Additionally, a third frame of reference which produces a symmetric mapping is examined and found to be identical to the Hessian matrix obtained from the second differentials of the elastic potential energy of the system. However, this symmetric mapping is not useful for control purposes and is only included to show that such a frame can be realized. Finally, static force loci for each of the reference frames are drawn to support the notion of frame-of-reference dependency.
Integrated Configuration/Design Data Management System
Authors: Gacke Dennis E.
Published: March 2021

With the increased use of computer-aided engineering tools in the development of weapons systems hardware and software, the design of these systems is now represented by a series of design (CAD - computer-aided design/CASE - computer-aided software engineering) data bases as opposed to a collection of documents, listings and drawings. These design data bases are the design masters and other design information can be derived from the data bases via selected automation tools. Effective and efficient design data management is key to the transition of the design information to the factory or the field. The effective management of these electronic “design objects” requires the tight coupling of the design data bases with the configuration identification/management data base. This design management data base, in addition to controlling the system/product definition and configuration, can be thought of as the data dictionary for the design information (the design data base as well as its derived outputs). Electronic and Information System Group (EISG) Paramax Systems Corporation is in the process of developing an integrated system/product configuration management and design data management system. This system will utilize optical storage, imaging, networking, and relational data base technologies: and “open system” architecture and commercial off-the-shelf components. It will also serve as a platform for supporting the government’s computer-aided acquisition and logistics support (CALS)/contractor integrated technical information services (CITIS) initiatives.
The Use of Application Model Validation in Testing a Proposed Standard
Authors: Mitchell Mary J.
Published: March 2021

From an information system development perspective, logical data modeling techniques have traditionally served in two roles. The first role is as a method of describing the information requirements of an application system. The second role is as a mechanism for integrating the requirements from a number of applications into a single logical and consistent schema so that data can be shared by multiple applications. The Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) project is developing an international standard1 which uses data modeling as the basis for a multi-national and multi-enterprise integration effort. STEP is designed to provide a complete, unambiguous, computer-readable definition of the characteristics of a product throughout its life cycle. STEP product definition specifications are implementation independent, though implementation interface techniques provide the communication mechanisms for applications using file exchanges2 or shared databases. Because of the diversity of applications that are within the scope of STEP, the integration generally causes extensive changes but the changes are justified if all of the information requirements are supported.
Information Management to Support Concurrent Engineering Environments
Authors: Morenc Roger , Rangan Ravi
Published: March 2021

The development of products in large industrial organizations involves numerous engineers from different disciplines working on inter-dependent components of the product with objectives that are sometimes in conflict. The need for overall coordination, consistency, control and integrity of data, design ideas and design rationale is critical. The information generated by each designer must be viewed in the context of information generated by other designers, and the enterprise as a whole.

In this paper, we discuss a model of concurrent engineering that focuses on the ability of collaborating designers to proceed independently, co-relate inter-dependencies, utilize existing information (data, knowledge and processes), and negotiate conflicts arising from design inconsistencies. To provide information based support for such environments, we introduce several design schemas to support the concurrent, collaborative and historical aspects of CE environments. The need for a data dictionary that supports these schemas and its different dimensions is also recognized. The dictionary must also provide conceptual centralization of design information relative to the enterprise. This includes data, as well as its definition (meta-data), and must allow the design process to interact with a global enterprise perspective. These discussions lead to a list of research issues that must be addressed by the engineering data management research community.
Bench Press 1-Repetition Maximum Estimation Through the Individualized Load–Velocity Relationship: Comparison of Different Regression Models and Minimal Velocity Thresholds
Authors: Janicijevic Danica , Jukic Ivan , Weakley Jonathon , García-Ramos Amador
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of nine 1-repetition maximum (1RM) prediction methods during the paused and touch-and-go bench press exercises performed in a Smith machine. Method: A total of 86 men performed 2 identical sessions (incremental loading test until reaching the 1RM followed by a set to failure) in a randomized order during the paused and touch-and-go bench press exercises. Individualized load–velocity relationships were modeled by linear and polynomial regression models considering 4 loads (45%–60%–75%–90% of 1RM) (multiple-point methods) and considering only 2 loads (45%–90% of 1RM) by a linear regression (2-point method). Three minimal velocity thresholds were used: the general velocity of 0.17 m·s−1 (general velocity of the 1RM [V1RM]), the velocity obtained when lifting the 1RM load (individual V1RM), and the velocity obtained during the last repetition of a set to failure. Results: The 1RM prediction methods were generally valid (range: r = .96–.99, standard error of the estimate = 2.8–4.9 kg or 4.6%–8.0% of 1RM). The multiple-point linear method (2.79 [2.29] kg) was more precise than the multiple-point polynomial method (3.54 [3.31] kg; P = .013), but no significant differences were observed when compared with the 2-point method (3.09 [2.66] kg, P = .136). The velocity of the last repetition of a set to failure (3.47 [2.97] kg) was significantly less precise than the individual V1RM (2.91 [2.75] kg, P = .009) and general V1RM (3.00 [2.65] kg, P = .010). Conclusions: Linear regression models and a general minimal velocity threshold of 0.17 m·s−1 should be recommended to obtain a quick and precise estimation of the 1RM during the bench press exercise performed in a Smith machine.
Lifestyle Behaviors Associated With Body Fat Percent in 9- to 11-Year-Old Children
Authors: Swindell Nils , Berridge Damon , McNarry Melitta A. , Mackintosh Kelly A. , Boddy Lynne M. , Fairclough Stuart J. , Stratton Gareth
Published: March 2021

Purpose:To examine (1) associations between body fat percent (BF) and lifestyle behaviors in children aged 9–11 years and (2) the consistency of these associations over a 10-year period. Methods: In this repeat, cross-sectional study, 15,977 children aged 9–11 years completed an anthropometric assessment and the SportsLinx Lifestyle survey between 2004 and 2013. Body fat was estimated according to the sum of the triceps and subscapular skinfold measurements. Multilevel models were utilized to examine associations between BF and responses to the lifestyle survey while controlling for known covariates. Results: Lifestyle behaviors explained 8.6% of the total variance in body fat. Specifically, negative associations were found between BF and active transport to school ( β = −0.99 [0.19], P < .001), full-fat milk (−0.07 [0.15], P < .001), and sweetened beverage consumption (−0.40 [0.15], P = .007). Relative to the reference group of ≤8:00 PM, later bedtime was positively associated with BF: 8:00 to 8:59 PM ( β = 1.60 [0.26], P < .001); 9:00 to 10:00 PM ( β = 1.04 [0.24], P < .001); ≥10:00 PM ( β = 1.18 [0.30], P < .001). Two-way interactions revealed opposing associations between BF and the consumption of low-calorie beverages for boys ( β = 0.95 [0.25], P < .001) and girls ( β = −0.85 [0.37], P = .021). There was no significant change in these associations over a 10-year period. Conclusions: In this population-level study covering a decade of data collection, lifestyle behaviors were associated with BF. Policies and interventions targeting population-level behavior change, such as active transport to school, sleep time, and consumption of full-fat milk, may offer an opportunity for improvements in BF.
New problems erode confidence in AstraZeneca's vaccine
Authors: Vogel Gretchen , Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: March 2021

Rare clotting disorders interrupt vaccination in Europe as U.S. expert panel rebukes company over efficacy data
Remains of Moon-forming impact may lie deep in Earth
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: March 2021

Mysterious rocks at mantle's base tied to violent “Theia” strike 4.5 billion years ago
Carbon capture marches toward practical use
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: March 2021

New CO
2
-grabbing materials and policies could cut emissions from fossil fuel plants
Rapid speciation via the evolution of pre-mating isolation in the Iberá Seedeater
Authors: Turbek Sheela P. , Browne Melanie , Di Giacomo Adrián S. , Kopuchian Cecilia , Hochachka Wesley M. , Estalles Cecilia , Lijtmaer Darío A. , Tubaro Pablo L. , Silveira Luís Fábio , Lovette Irby J. , Safran Rebecca J. , Taylor Scott A. , Campagna Leonardo
Published: March 2021

Choosy females drive isolation

Rapid radiations of recently diverged species represent an excellent opportunity for exploring drivers of speciation. The capuchino seedeaters, a group of South American birds, include a number of species that, in the field, are often discernable only through male plumage and song. Turbeket al.used genomes and behavioral experiments to identify potential isolating factors in two members of this group and found that, though entirely sympatric, females mated only with conspecific males and that only a few genes differed between the species (see the Perspective by Jarvis). Thus, a small reshuffling of genes and reinforcement through mate choice has driven divergence in these overlapping and very similar species.

Science, this issue p.eabc0256; see also p.1312
Photochemical intermolecular dearomative cycloaddition of bicyclic azaarenes with alkenes
Authors: Ma Jiajia , Chen Shuming , Bellotti Peter , Guo Renyu , Schäfer Felix , Heusler Arne , Zhang Xiaolong , Daniliuc Constantin , Brown M. Kevin , Houk Kendall N. , Glorius Frank
Published: March 2021

Heteroaromatics lured into cycloadditions

The Diels-Alder reaction is widely used to produce six-membered carbon rings from alkenes and dienes. Heteroaromatics such as quinolines resemble dienes in principle, but in practice their pairs of double bonds are inert toward cycloadditions because of aromatic stabilization. Ma
et al.
report that by using an iridium photosensitizer, they could excite quinolines and related azaarenes to triplet states, thereby disrupting the aromaticity and enabling intermolecular, Diels-Alder–like reactivity toward alkenes (see the Perspective by Schmidt). The reactions proceeded exclusively at the flanking carbons outside the nitrogen-containing ring.

Science
, this issue p.
1338
; see also p.
1313
Unusual T cell receptor in opossum
Authors: Criscitiello Michael F.
Published: March 2021

The structure of a marsupial T cell receptor illustrates the emerging trend of noncanonical antigen binding
Cytomegaloviral determinants of CD8
+
T cell programming and RhCMV/SIV vaccine efficacy
Authors: Malouli Daniel , Hansen Scott G. , Hancock Meaghan H. , Hughes Colette M. , Ford Julia C. , Gilbride Roxanne M. , Ventura Abigail B. , Morrow David , Randall Kurt T. , Taher Husam , Uebelhoer Luke S. , McArdle Matthew R. , Papen Courtney R. , Espinosa Trethewy Renee , Oswald Kelli , Shoemaker Rebecca , Berkemeier Brian , Bosche William J. , Hull Michael , Greene Justin M. , Axthelm Michael K. , Shao Jason , Edlefsen Paul T. , Grey Finn , Nelson Jay A. , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Streblow Daniel , Sacha Jonah B. , Früh Klaus , Picker Louis J.
Published: March 2021

Eight RhCMV gene products control induction of unconventionally restricted CD8
+
T cells and RhCMV/SIV vaccine efficacy.
Quantitative Imaging Analysis of the Spatial Relationship between Antiretrovirals, Reverse Transcriptase Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus RNA, and Collagen in the Mesenteric Lymph Nodes of Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Scholz Erin M. B. , Mwangi Joseph N. , De la Cruz Gabriela , Nekorchuk Michael , Chan Chi Ngai , Busman-Sahay Kathleen , Adamson Lourdes , Luciw Paul , Fedoriw Yuri , Estes Jacob D. , Rosen Elias P. , Kashuba Angela D. M.
Published: March 2021

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) persistence in tissue reservoirs is a major barrier to HIV cure. While antiretrovirals (ARVs) suppress viral replication, antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption results in rapid rebound viremia that may originate from lymphoid tissues.
How should we sustain future forests under extreme risk?
Authors: Nelson Harry , Scorah Hugh
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we examine the implications of managing for sustained yield in a world characterized by growing risk and uncertainty. We review the history of sustained yield (SY) forestry in North America, with an emphasis on economic benefits and the persistence of the SY paradigm today, despite a publicized shift towards managing for a wider range of forest values called sustainable forest management (SFM). We show that current forest management goals around sustainability as well as SFM indicators are still predicated on maximizing harvest levels and timber flows. We build a simple model to explore the implications of SY under extreme (fat-tailed) risk assumptions to show that maximizing a level of harvest without adequately accounting for risk leads towards the depletion of the forest stock with a corresponding decline in the forest economy. We discuss these results in relation to real-world events such as the increase in catastrophic fires and pest outbreaks like the mountain pine beetle in Western Canada. We then examine the theoretical and practical implications that flow from this model and analysis.
Legacy of forest composition and changes over the long-term on tree radial growth
Authors: Gauthray-Guyénet Vincent , Schneider Robert , Achim Alexis , Fortin Mathieu , Paré David , Arseneault Dominique
Published: March 2021

The forests of North America have undergone important changes since European settlement, particularly in terms of stand composition and associated changes in soil properties. While soil nutrients availability is known to influence forest productivity, the causes and consequences of its variation through time remain poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of long-term changes in forest composition and soil properties on the radial growth of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), two important species of northeastern North America’s forests. Using data from 130 plots measured in 1930 and in 2012–2014 and a mixed-effects modelling approach, we studied the links between radial growth, soil nutrients availability, current stand composition, and shifts in vegetation. The radial growth of balsam fir was found to vary with soil available nitrogen and present-day relative basal area of yellow birch in the stand, while that of sugar maple was found to be invariant to soil characteristics, but proportional to present-day spruce (Picea spp.) relative basal area. However, no direct effects of vegetation change on radial growth were detected. Our results suggest that prior stand composition had no influence on radial growth of both studied species, yet vegetation change could indirectly influence balsam fir growth through an improvement of litter quality with an increase in the abundance of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton). Moreover, despite clear differences between the studied species, we conclude that maintaining a certain proportion of compositional diversity may enhance radial growth of both balsam fir and sugar maple.
Simultaneous imaging of magnetic field and temperature using a wide-field quantum diamond microscope
Authors: Chen Yulei , Li Zhonghao , Guo Hao , Wu Dajin , Tang Jun
Published: March 2021

Quantum sensing based on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond has shown excellent properties. Combined with the imaging technique, it shows exciting practicability. Here, we demonstrate the simultaneously imaging technique of magnetic field and temperature using a wide-field quantum diamond microscope. We describe the operating principles of the diamond microscope and report its sensitivity (magnetic field ${\sim}1.8~\mu \mbox{T/Hz}^{1/2}$
∼
1.8

μ

T/Hz

1
/
2

and temperature ${\sim}0.4~\mbox{K/Hz}^{1/2}$
∼
0.4

K/Hz

1
/
2

), spatial resolution (1.3 μm), and field of view ($400 \times 300~\mu \mbox{m}^{2}$
400
×
300

μ

m
2

). Finally, we use the microscope to obtain images of an integrated cell heater and a PCB, demonstrating its ability in the application of magnetic field and temperature simultaneously imaging at wide-field.
The study of structural, electronic and thermoelectric properties of Ca1−xYbxZn2Sb2 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) Zintl compounds
Authors: Mili I. , Latelli H. , Ghellab T. , Charifi Z. , Baaziz H. , Soyalp F.
Published: March 2021

Based on the electronic structure, the physical properties of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text], 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) Zintl compounds are studied. The transport properties can be significantly changed by varying the composition [Formula: see text]. The materials under study are more metallic with increasing [Formula: see text] and behaves like a semiconductor when [Formula: see text] decreases. It is found that [Formula: see text] exhibits a larger thermopower magnitude ([Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text] and the Seebeck coefficient decreases as [Formula: see text] increases. The calculated figure of merit factor of [Formula: see text] is found to be low, this is explained by the fact that its structure is very compact and its bandgap is small which lead to high electrical and thermal conductivity due to high carrier concentration ([Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text]). On other hand a narrow-gap (0.46 eV for [Formula: see text]), provides a balance between a high Seebeck coefficient and low electronic thermal conductivity, with a slight increase in the carrier concentration when the temperature increases ([Formula: see text] at 600 K). As a consequence, [Formula: see text] compound is predicted to have good performance for thermoelectric applications. The electrical [Formula: see text] and the thermal [Formula: see text] conductivity for [Formula: see text] compound in both directions (along [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-axes) are calculated. It is obtained that [Formula: see text] is 120% of [Formula: see text] at high-temperature, whereas [Formula: see text] Seebeck coefficient was higher than [Formula: see text] especially at [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]. The large value of [Formula: see text] showed that the transport is dominated by zz-axis.
HOSMI-LBP-BASED FEATURE EXTRACTION FOR MELANOMA DETECTION USING HYBRID DEEP LEARNING MODELS
Authors: KUMAR TIWARI ABHINANDAN , KUMAR MISHRA MANOJ , RANJAN PANDA AMIYA , PANDA BIKRAMADITYA
Published: March 2021

“Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in cells known as melanocytes and more dangerous due to its spreading ability to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage”. This paper aims to propose a Melanoma detection methodology that includes four major phases: “(i) pre-processing (ii) segmentation (iii) the proposed feature extraction and (iv) classification”. Initially, pre-processing is performed, where the input image is subjected to processing like resizing and edge smoothening. Subsequently, segmentation is carried out by the Otsu thresholding process. In the feature extraction phase, the proposed Higher-Order Standardized Moment Induced-Local Binary Patterns (HOSMI-LBP)-based features are extracted. These features are then subjected to a classification process for classifying the disease. For this, it is planned to use a hybrid classification framework, where the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and the Neural Network (NN) are deployed. Two-phase of classification gets processed: the extracted features are subjected to NN; the input image is directly classified using an optimized CNN framework. Finally, the classified outputs from NN and optimized CNN are averaged and the final output is considered as detected output. Particularly, the weight and initial rate of CNN is optimized using the proposed algorithm known as the Sea Lion Integrated Grey Wolf Algorithm (SLI-GWO) method that hybrid the concepts of both Sea Lion Optimization (SLnO) and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm. At last, the proposed work performance is computed with traditional systems in terms of various measures.
Fail-fast Is Failing... Fast!
Authors: Helland Pat
Published: March 2021

For more than 40 years, fail-fast has been the dominant way of achieving fault tolerance. In this approach, some mechanism is responsible for ensuring that each component is up, functioning, and responding to work. As the industry moves to leverage cloud computing, this is getting more challenging. The way we create robust solutions is under pressure as the individual components don't fail fast but instead, starts running slow, which is far worse The slow component may be healthy enough to say, "I'm still here!" but slow enough to clog up all the work. This makes fail-fast schemes vulnerable.
Electrochemical Investigation of Cathodic Deposition of Mo Coating from Oxofluoride Molten Salt and Characterization
Authors: Ghosh Subir Kumar , Varshney Jalaj , Srivastava Ashutosh , Srivastava Charu
Published: March 2021

Adherent, thick, nonporous metallic molybdenum (Mo) coating was successfully obtained on two different kinds of substrates Cu and 316L stainless steel by molten salt electrolysis from a eutectic mixture containing potassium molybdate (K2MoO4), sodium tetraborate (Na2B4O7) and potassium fluoride (KF). Cyclic voltammetric analysis of the molten mixture in the temperature range 800 °C–920 °C revealed that the presence of both KF and Na2B4O7 were necessary for cathodic discharge of MoO4
−2 to Mo via two-step processes. It also confirmed that the reduction of Mo(VI) species was a diffusion controlled process and higher temperature favored the cathodic deposition up to 860 °C and thereafter it decreased. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of coatings confirmed about the deposition of single phase body centered cubic (bcc) Mo. The Mo coating thickness, microstructure and substrate/coating interface integrity were investigated in detail from cross-section FESEM images.
3D Honey-Comb like Nitrogen Self-Doped Porous Carbon Networks for High-Performance Electrochemical Detection of Antibiotic Drug Furazolidone
Authors: Ramadhass Keerthika Devi , Ganesan Muthusankar , Chen Tse-Wei , Chen Shen-Ming , Ali Mohammad Ajmal , Habila Mohamed A. , El-Marghany Adel , Sheikh Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Herein we report the preparation of porous activated carbon from the biomass waste material, such as Borassus flabellifer (Asian palmyra palm) shell as a carbon precursor. The structural, morphological studies reveal the formation of the 3D-graphene like porous activated carbon nanosheet (3D-PAC) from the Borassus flabellifer. Interestingly, the 3D-PAC was self-doped with nitrogen, which was confirmed from the XPS analysis. The structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of 3D-PAC were analyzed using various physiochemical and electrochemical methods. Then for the first time, we probed the analytical behavior of 3D-PAC modified glassy carbon electrode (3D-PAC/GCE) to detect furazolidone (FZ, antibiotic drug). The effect of experimental parameters like modifier loading concentration/volume, pH, analyte accumulation time, scan rate, and sample concentration was studied based on FZ’s reduction peak current. The developed drug sensor exhibited excellent FZ detection performance, with a wide linear range from 0.5 to 290 μM, a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.5 nM, and appreciable sensitivity of 5.05 μA μM−1 cm−2. Further, the proposed sensor was also well performed in real sample (human urine) analysis with good recovery results.
Plasma gelsolin modulates the production and fate of IL-1β-containing microparticles following high-pressure exposure and decompression
Authors: Bhopale Veena M. , Ruhela Deepa , Brett Kaighley D. , Nugent Nathan Z. , Fraser Noelle K. , Levinson Susan L. , DiNubile Mark J. , Thom Stephen R.
Published: March 2021

Inflammatory microparticles released in response to high pressure and decompression express surface filamentous actin. Infusion of recombinant human plasma gelsolin lyses these particles in decompressed mice and ameliorates particle-associated vascular damage. Human neutrophils also respond to high pressure with an increase in surface filamentous actin and microparticle production, and these events are inhibited by plasma gelsolin. Gelsolin infusion may have benefit as prophylaxis or treatment for decompression sickness.
Quinoline and Quinazoline Alkaloids against COVID-19: An In Silico Multitarget Approach
Authors: Ismail Esraa M. O. A. , Shantier Shaza W. , Mohammed Mona S. , Musa Hassan H. , Osman Wadah , Mothana Ramzi A.
Published: March 2021

The recent outbreak of the highly contagious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has created a global health crisis with socioeconomic impacts. Although, recently, vaccines have been approved for the prevention of COVID-19, there is still an urgent need for the discovery of more efficacious and safer drugs especially from natural sources. In this study, a number of quinoline and quinazoline alkaloids with antiviral and/or antimalarial activity were virtually screened against three potential targets for the development of drugs against COVID-19. Among seventy-one tested compounds, twenty-three were selected for molecular docking based on their pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles. The results identified a number of potential inhibitors. Three of them, namely, norquinadoline A, deoxytryptoquivaline, and deoxynortryptoquivaline, showed strong binding to the three targets, SARS-CoV-2 main protease, spike glycoprotein, and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. These alkaloids therefore have promise for being further investigated as possible multitarget drugs against COVID-19.
Optimal Workload Allocation for Edge Computing Network Using Application Prediction
Authors: Qin Zhenquan , Cheng Zanping , Lin Chuan , Lu Zhaoyi , Wang Lei
Published: March 2021

By deploying edge servers on the network edge, mobile edge computing network strengthens the real‐time processing ability near the end devices and releases the huge load pressure of the core network. Considering the limited computing or storage resources on the edge server side, the workload allocation among edge servers for each Internet of Things (IoT) application affects the response time of the application’s requests. Hence, when the access devices of the edge server are deployed intensively, the workload allocation becomes a key factor affecting the quality of user experience (QoE). To solve this problem, this paper proposes an edge workload allocation scheme, which uses application prediction (AP) algorithm to minimize response delay. This problem has been proved to be a NP hard problem. First, in the application prediction model, long short‐term memory (LSTM) method is proposed to predict the tasks of future access devices. Second, based on the prediction results, the edge workload allocation is divided into two subproblems to solve, which are the task assignment subproblem and the resource allocation subproblem. Using historical execution data, we can solve the problem in linear time. The simulation results show that the proposed AP algorithm can effectively reduce the response delay of the device and the average completion time of the task sequence and approach the theoretical optimal allocation results.
Research on Medical Knowledge Graph for Stroke
Authors: Cheng Binjie , Zhang Jin , Liu Hong , Cai Meiling , Wang Ying
Published: March 2021

Knowledge graph can effectively analyze and construct the essential characteristics of data. At present, scholars have proposed many knowledge graph models from different perspectives, especially in the medical field, but there are still relatively few studies on stroke diseases using medical knowledge graphs. Therefore, this paper will build a medical knowledge graph model for stroke. Firstly, a stroke disease dictionary and an ontology database are built through the international standard medical term sets and semiautomatic extraction-based crowdsourcing website data. Secondly, the external data are linked to the nodes of the existing knowledge graph via the entity similarity measures and the knowledge representation is performed by the knowledge graph embedded model. Thirdly, the structure of the established knowledge graph is modified continuously through iterative updating. Finally, in the experimental part, the proposed stroke medical knowledge graph is applied to the real stroke data and the performance of the proposed knowledge graph approach on the series of Trans

∗

models is compared.
Practical Research on the Application of Sponge City Reconstruction in Pocket Parks Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Ding Kun , Zhang Yuan
Published: March 2021

The rainwater system is an important part of the urban infrastructure as well as a key hub for maintaining the dynamic operation of the city and a clear indicator of the level of urban development. With the rapid development of urbanization, the hardened area of roads and residential areas has increased, and the construction of rainwater systems is so far insufficient, causing the urban waterlogging and water pollution problems to become increasingly serious. Accordingly, combined with the “sponge city” construction concept of the six‐character policy of “seepage, retention, storage, use, purification, and drainage,” we propose to adopt measures for the local conditions and to reasonably select sponge city engineering measures to increase rainwater utilization, effectively reduce rainwater runoff, and alleviate the city waterlogging and water pollution problems. We used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate the effect of a sponge city “pocket park” rainwater system in Chaohu City before and after the transformation. The results showed that the pocket park after the renovation was well controlled, the waterlogging was basically eliminated, the water quality pollution was clearly improved, and the ecological environment was significantly improved.
Exponential Fitted Operator Method for Singularly Perturbed Convection-Diffusion Type Problems with Nonlocal Boundary Condition
Authors: Debela Habtamu Garoma
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the study of singularly perturbed differential equations of convection-diffusion type with nonlocal boundary condition. The proposed numerical scheme is a combination of the classical finite difference method for the boundary conditions and exponential fitted operator method for the differential equations at the interior points. Maximum absolute errors and rates of convergence for different values of perturbation parameter and mesh sizes are tabulated for the numerical examples considered. The method is shown to be first-order accuracy independent of the perturbation parameter

ε

.
The Role of Unfolded Protein Response in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Perk and IRE1‐α as Two Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Wen Tianyong , Xue Peng , Ying Jinwei , Cheng Shi , Liu Yue , Ruan Dike
Published: March 2021

Inflammation plays a key role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The association between inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been observed in many diseases. However, whether ER stress plays an important role in IDD remains unclear. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the expression of ER stress in IDD and at exploring the underlying mechanisms of IDD, ER stress, and inflammation. The expression of ER stress was activated in nucleus pulposus cells from patients who had IDD (D‐NPCs) compared with patients without IDD (N‐NPCs); and both the proliferation and synthesis capacity were decreased by inducer tunicamycin (Tm) and proinflammatory cytokines. Pretreatment of NPCs with 4‐phenyl butyric acid (4‐PBA) prevented the inflammatory cytokine‐induced upregulation of unfolded protein response‐ (UPR‐) related proteins and recovered cell synthetic ability. Furthermore, proinflammatory cytokine treatment significantly upregulated the expression of inositol‐requiring protein 1 (IRE1‐α) and protein kinase RNA‐like ER kinase (PERK), but not activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). Finally, knockdown of IRE1‐α and PERK also restored the biological activity of NPCs. Our findings identified that IRE1‐α and PERK might be the potential targets for IDD treatment, which may help illustrate the underlying mechanism of ER stress in IDD.
A Survey of Bluetongue Infection and Associated Risk Factors among the One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedaries) in Gadarif State, Eastern Sudan
Authors: Abraheem Hatim H. , Elhassan Amira M. , Hussien Mohammed O. , Enan Khalid A. , Musa Azza B. , El Hussein Abdel Rahim M.
Published: March 2021

Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious, noncontagious, vector-borne viral disease that affects wild and domestic ruminants transmitted by Culicoides spp. A cross-sectional study was carried out during the period 2016-2017 in Gadarif state. A total of 276 sera samples were collected from camels in six localities of Gadarif state, eastern Sudan, to investigate bluetongue virus (BTV) seroprevalence and associated risk factors of BTV infection including age, sex, breed, locality, and ecology of the region. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for estimation of BTV seroprevalence rate. The overall BTV seroprevalence rate was 96.7% in the study area ranging from 93.5% to 100% in six screened localities with no significant differences. The findings revealed similar BTV seroprevalence rates in both males and females, but high rates were found in age group of less than one year and two to three years with estimated 100%. However, the lowest seroprevalence was found in the age group of five to four years with estimated BTV to be 92.3%. BTV seropositivity was not found to be statistically associated with examined different camel breeds which revealed 93%, 94.4%, 97.6%, and 97.8% seroprevalence in Bushari, Rashide, Arabi, and Anafi, breeds, respectively. Epidemiology of BTV assessment according to the ecology of the area showed high BTV seroprevalence in desert and savanna with estimated 100% and lower BTV seroprevalence in arid and rich savanna with estimated 94.8% and 95.7%, respectively. There was no significant association between BTV ELISA positivity and sex, breed, and ecology of the area.
Existence of Multiple Solutions for Second-Order Problem with Stieltjes Integral Boundary Condition
Authors: Hu Qing-Qing , Yan Baoqiang
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we consider the existence of multiple solutions for second-order equation with Stieltjes integral boundary condition using the three-critical-point theorem and variational method. Firstly, a novel space is established and proved to be Hilbert one. Secondly, based on the above work, we obtain the existence of multiple solutions for our problem. Finally, in order to illustrate the effectiveness of our problem better, the example is listed.
Expert Consensus on Telemedicine Management of Diabetes (2020 Edition)
Authors: Zhang Bo
Published: March 2021

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is very suitable for telemedicine management. Owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, telemedicine management of diabetes is particularly important. This consensus proposes 38 recommendations for key issues in telemedicine management of diabetes and provides preliminary specifications for diabetes management. It is recommended to use the most current information and communication technologies for telemanagement of patients’ diet, exercise, behavior, and drug therapy. A strategy for drug therapy that is more suitable for telemedicine management of diabetes than previous ones is established. During online follow-up visits, major changes of antihyperglycemic agents must be avoided, and treatment modification should be done in a stepwise manner. Greater attention should be paid to the occurrence and prevention of hypoglycemia, in addition to educating patients about the side effects of the drugs used and encouraging them to actively report adverse drug reactions. Conditions are clarified under which online follow-up visits must be terminated and in-person visits or emergency visits must be initiated. Telemedicine can improve the management level and control rate of diabetes. The present consensus for the standardized diagnosis and treatment of diabetes can reduce the potential risks of telemedicine management, yield great benefits to patients, and reduce chronic complications and comorbidities.
Association between Novel Marker (Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio, Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Delta Neutrophil Index) and Outcomes in Sudden Cardiac Arrest Patients
Authors: Han Sang Il , Cha Kyoung-Chul , Roh Young Il , Hwang Sung Oh , Jung Woo Jin , Kim Tae Youn
Published: March 2021

Purpose. It is important that clinicians accurately predict the outcome of patients with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The complete blood count (CBC) is an easy and inexpensive test that provides information on blood content. Platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and delta neutrophil index (DNI) are relatively novel biomarkers that have been used in the prognosis of various diseases. We aimed to determine the usefulness of PLR, NLR, and DNI in predicting the outcomes of SCA. Materials and Methods. This retrospective observational study was performed on patients with SCA. Patients who visited the tertiary university hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 were targeted. The inclusion criteria were all nontraumatic adult out-hospital cardiac arrest patients. We analyzed DNI, PLR, and NLR based on the CBC results of all enrolled patients. The exclusion criteria were as follows: no data on laboratory study, traumatic arrest, age < 18 years, and a history of leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and myelofibrosis. The primary outcome was assessed as return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), the secondary outcome as survival to discharge, and the tertiary outcome as neurological outcome. Results. From January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, 739 patients were enrolled. ROSC was seen in 324 patients, of whom 60 had survival to discharge and 24 had good neurological outcome at the time of discharge (cerebral performance categories (CPCs) 1-2). The PLR of the ROSC group was 42.41 (range: 4.21–508.7), which was higher than that of the No-ROSC group (

p
=
0.006

). The DNI value of the survival group was 0.00 (range: 0.00–40.9), which was lower than that of the nonsurvival group. Conclusions. Patients with SCA and subsequent ROSC had higher PLR and NLR, while those with survival to discharge had lower DNI values than those with nonsurvival to discharge (

p
=
0.005

).