bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigations and Characterization of Alkaline Protease-Producing Fermentibacillus sp. RSCVS-HS3
Authors: Chauhan Rakesh Singh , Mishra Rahasya Mani
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT: The study's goal was to investigate and characterize alkaline protease-producing Fermentibacillus sp. RSCVS-HS3. The bacterium Fermentibacillus sp. RSCVS-HS3 was isolated from Vindhya region (Rewa division) of Madhya Pradesh of central India. It grew on casein-containing media at pH 12 and protease activity was found positive. . The enzyme was in a stable state in its crude form at 50℃ and pH 12, indicating thermal stability and the alkaline nature of the enzyme. It was rod-shaped, long, filamentous, gram-positive bacterium and was positive for casein hydrolysis. Based on NCBI BLAST and Phylogenetic Analysis of 16s rRNA, it was identified as Fermentibacillus sp. RSCVS-HS3. This is probably the first study to date, stating the alkaline protease synthesis from any Fermentibacillus species. It was closest to Fermentibacilolus polygoni IEB3 but in contrast to this, the identified bacterium showed casein hydrolysis. This is probably the first study to date, stating the alkaline protease synthesis from any Fermentibacillus species.
Assessment of Risk Factors for Developing Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Among Women at Various Age Groups
Authors: V.R Irene , Sajeeth C. I. , Karthikeyan V. , Sabitha J Sabitha J
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most frequent vaginal infection in women and occurs as an opportunistic infection generally caused by Candida albicans.The objective of the research is to determine the risk factors for developing VVC in women of reproductive age, pregnancy, and postmenopausal age. A 6-month prospective study was carried out in pregnant women, post-menopausal women, and women of reproductive age. In MS Excel 2007, the obtained cases were entered, and descriptive statistics were utilized to calculate the percentage of various parameters.The research consisted of a total of 90 individuals, whose participants ranged in age from 18 to 65. VVC was more common (40%) among females there in the reproductive ages of 18 to 35 (86.7%) of the 90 patients who don't follow regular exercise and 54.4 % have a BMI range (of 25-29.9) Overweight. Obesity, past medical and medication history such as Diabetes mellitus (27.7%), and antibiotic usage (23.3%) were major risk factors for acquiring VVC. Co-morbidities like diabetic mellitus, hypothyroidism, urinary tract infections, obesity, as well as PCOD are the main risk factors to cause VVC. Antibiotic usage in the past, the consumption of steroids, and an absence of regular exercise all contribute to the emergence of VVC.
Performance Analysis of Continuous Casting System of Steel Industry
Authors: Saini Sapna , Kumar Jitender , Kadyan M. S.
Published: April 2023

The continuous casting system is the most important to solidify the liquid steel in the steel industry. Steel is the backbone of civilization and modernization. So, there is a need to optimize the performance of continuous casting system of steel industry. Continuous casting system has six subsystems: “Pouring turret ladle”, “Tundish”, “Mold”, “Water spray chamber”, “Support roller” and “Torch cutter”. Series configuration is used to arrange these subsystems. The subsystem “Pouring turret ladle” is having three similar units. These units are operating in parallel. The subsystems “Tundish”, “Mold”, “Water spray chamber” and “Support roller” have a single unit. The subsystem “Torch cutter” contains two identical units: one is operative and other keep in cold standby. For all subsystems, the distribution of repair rates and failure rates of continuous casting system are taken as arbitrary distributions. Analysis of continuous casting system has been done by using supplementary variable technique. The numerical results of reliability measure of continuous casting system in terms of availability and profit have been computed by assuming exponential, Rayleigh and Weibull distributions.
Distal femur AO type A fractures – Surgical options, techniques, results and complications
Authors: Agrawal Anuj
Published: April 2023

Background: Distal femur fractures are challenging injuries, frequently resulting in complications like non-unions, malunions, knee stiffness and infections. This article reviews the current concepts in the surgical management of extra-articular (AO/OTA type A) fractures of the distal femur, with an evidence-based approach. The role of newer and emerging techniques is also briefly discussed. Keywords: Supracondylar fractures of femur, AO type A fractures of distal femur, extra-articular fractures of distal femur, current concepts in distal femur fractures, recent advances in distal femur fractures.
Distal Femur AO type 33 B – Surgical options, Results and Complications (including Hoffa’s fracture)
Authors: Jain Sachin
Published: April 2023

Background: Distal femur AO type 33 B fractures are partial articular fractures. It also includes Hoffa’s fracture which is a relatively rare injury and requires always operative management even with no displacement. Approach to these fracture depend on the condyle involved also various quadriceps sparing approach like swashbuckler approach has been described in the literature. Surgical treatment of these fractures involves anatomical reduction, compression, stable fixation and early mobilization. Treatment modalities such as cancellous screws, pre-contoured anatomical locked plate, posterior condylar buttress plating, distal retrograde interlocking nailing, angled blade plate fixation, dynamic condylar screw may be considered. Each implant is associated with advantages and disadvantages which is discussed here.
Distal Femoral Fractures: Complications and How to Avoid them?
Authors: Bagaria Vaibhav , Shah Smit , Sharma Gaurav
Published: April 2023

Distal femur fractures are common but complex fractures and often are associated with complications. The cases of failure may be secondary to mechanical failure or biological failure. The current review offers overview of these complications and tips and tricks on how to manage these complications. Keywords: Distal Femur Fractures, Complications, Surgical management
Hip Instability following DHS Fixation Surgery for Unstable Four Part Per-Trochanteric Fracture Femur
Authors: Mahale Yashwant J. , Kadu Vikram V. , Deshmukh Abhijeet
Published: April 2023

Background: In an ageing population, with resultant osteoporosis hip fractures are common indication for per-trochanteric fracture hip repairs. Various modalities of surgical treatment basically emphasis fracture reduction, fracture immobilization, and rehabilitation as a guide to treatment. Subluxation or dislocation following operative treatment of four part unstable per-trochanteric fracture with Sliding Hip Screw is rare and occasional cases have been reported. Material and Methods: An observational prospective study carried out at tertiary care hospital from Jan 1997 – Dec 2014. Our operative experience of total 510 patients of which 480 underwent DHS fixation surgery for unstable four part per-trochanteric fracture showed 6 cases of instability as subluxation and dislocation. Results: We report 6 cases out of 480 DHS fixation showing instability in 3 cases and subluxation and dislocation in 3 cases after 6 weeks of follow-up. These patients were offered arthroplasty and the follow-up results were evaluated after 8 months. Among 6 cases, four had instability after six weeks and remaining two developed dislocation after eight months which were associated with infection. 1 patient refused further investigations & treatment, 3 other died with due course of time, 1 lost to follow -up and One patient with infection underwent excision arthroplasty. Conclusion: Hip instability following DHS fixation surgery for four part Per-trochanteric fracture femur is a rare complication. Cause of this complication could be mechanical factors (excessive collapse, rotational torque) and infection (superficial or deep) may serve as a contributing factor. Diagnosis was done mainly on the basis of clinical examination and investigations such as X-rays, USG and blood tests. Treatment for such complications consists of Hip arthroplasty. These complications can be prevented with the use of TFN or cemented bipolar prosthesis primarily for treating these type of fractures. Keywords: Intertrochanteric fracture, hip instability, surgical fixation
Classification of Pelvis and Aetabulum Injuries
Authors: Aggarwal Sameer , Bachhal Vikas
Published: April 2023

Classifications are meant for easier academic communication as well as predict prognosis and outcome. The importance of classification is best stressed in case of pelvis and acetabular fracture. the complex anatomy of the area and complexity of the injuries makes it difficult to standardise a classification that will easily predict the management protocol and outcomes. Various attempts have been made over the years to find the best classification system for these complex injuries and this review takes the readers through these many classifications and also presents the currently acceptable classification. Keywords: Hip fractures – complication – salvage procedure – therapeutic algorithm.
Understanding Clinical Radiology of Fracture Acetabulum
Authors: Sadhoo U K
Published: April 2023

Acetabulum is one of the most anatomically complex regions of the body. Fractures in this area are difficult to visualise due to complex anatomy and overlaping of radiological shadows. Plain radiology od acetabular and pelvis fractures require detailied understanding of the imaging techniques and anatomy. Newer advances like 3-D CT etc have added new dimensions to the radiological assessment of acetabular fractures. Current review focusses on basic radiological principles to help the readers understand and categorised acetabulam fractures an also plan the surgical intervention. Keywords: Acetabular fractures, radiological asessement, CT Scan.
Management of Acetabulum Fractures – Basic Principles and Tips and Tricks
Authors: Patil Atul , Shyam Ashok , Sancheti Parag K
Published: April 2023

Acetabulum fractures require systematic approach for understanding the fracture pattern and also for planning the treatment plan. The fractures have to be correctly identified radiologically and clear definition of fracture patterns should be made before planning. The radiological parameters must be kept in mind in planning of surgical approach and also the fixation method. This may require a long learning curve but these basics have to be kept in mind while dealing with acetabulum fractures. There are new techniques like 3d CT, virtual assessment of the fracture, 3D print modelling of the fractures that may help in complex fractures, but the basic principles remain the same. Advancements in technology simply refines the ways and means of interpretation and implementation of the basic principles. The current article is compilation of experience gathered over a period of time. The entire article emphasizes on the basics of understanding and managing acetabular fractures and also includes important tips and tricks that facilitate the treatment. Keywords: Acetabulum fractures, surgical management, Letournal and judet.
A Unique Modality for treating Open Supracondylar fracture Femur with Bone Loss. (Gustillo Anderson – 3B)
Authors: Mahale Yashwant J. , Kadu Vikram V.
Published: April 2023

Background: Various treatment modalities are used for the treatment of GA-3B injury, yet determining the choice of treatment is difficult. We report fifteen such cases, of which twelve were treated with DCS and 950 plate and three with LCP because of minimal bone stock at the distal end (condyles) along with non- vascularised dual ipsilateral fibular strut graft and cancellous bone grafts from iliac crest. Materials and Methods: We performed this study from 2000 – 2014. We studied Total 1176 cases of supracondylar fracture femur of which 15 were of type GA-3B. The study consisted of eight males and seven females, eleven were right sided and four left sided. Fifteen patients underwent surgery (twelve were treated with DCS and 950 plate, three with LCP plate) with dual ipsilateral fibular strut graft and cancellous bone graft from iliac crest. Thirteen had functional range of movement (avg 0-1170), one had range of movement 0-70o and one had range of movement 0-15o at knee joint. Fractures united in all fifteen patients with average period of union twelve weeks and all returned to previous work. Immediate treatment consisted of debridement, primary closure, proximal tibial skeletal traction and broad spectrum i/v antibiotics. Once the wound was healed, surgery (open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with plating with ipsilateral dual fibular strut grafts and cancellous graft) was performed. Result and Conclusion: We performed two-stage surgery in all the cases. First in the form of debridement and skeletal traction and secondly, definitive fixation was carried out. The current study demonstrated that ORIF with (DCS and 950 / LCP) plate with dual ipsilateral non-vascularised fibular strut graft and cancellous bone grafts from iliac crest is a good modality for open supracondylar fracture femur with bone loss with good results and functional range of movement. This is a small study with favorable results. However, it requires large study group to prove this technique beneficial for treating such fractures. Keywords: GA-3B, bone loss, fibular strut graft, iliac graft, 95 DCS, LCP.
Fixation of Inter-condylar Eminence fragment in Bi-condylar Tibial plateau fracture – Technical note
Authors: Chandak RM
Published: April 2023

http://traumainternational.co.in/fixation-inter-condylar-eminence-fragment-bi-condylar-tibial-plateau-fracture-technical-note/
PREDICTIVE VALIDITY OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF ADOLESCENTS PLANNING TO START AVIATION TRAINING. PRELIMINARY STUDY
Authors:   Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Zieliński Piotr
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Cognitive and psychomotor skills as well as selected personality traits are important factors determining success in aviation training. Many people decide to take the aviation career at an early age, so the question arises whether the psychological features visible in developmental age can be a basis for predicting success in adulthood. Methods: The analysis took into account the results of psychological tests of 97 people (15-16 years old) who were enrolled in the Aviation High School, then after graduation again tested as candidates for aviation studies. Measurements of the stability of the psychological variables were calculated, as well as the factor structure of the results. Then, the predictive value of factors distinguished in this analysis was determined. Results: Despite the visible developmental changes in cognitive functions (higher results in the second assessment), most of the indicators are characterized by a satisfactory stability. In the structure of the results, six relatively independent factors were distinguished, one of which, defined as general intellectual ability, turned out to be the best predictor of a positive qualification in later assessment. Discussion and Conclusions: The obtained results allow us to conclude that the psychological tests and indicators used in the study of adolescents seem to be adequate and guarantee high stability of measurements, even over a period of several years. As predicted, the greatest predictive power has the general intellectual ability, which is the basic property that allows the acquisition and consolidation of other skills.
Photonic generation of dual-band dual-chirp waveforms with anti-dispersion transmission
Authors: Yang Shuna , Zhu Wenjie , Chi Hao , Yang Bo , Ou Jun , Zhai Yanrong
Published: April 2023

A photonic approach for generating dual-band dual-chirp waveforms with the capability of anti-dispersion transmission is proposed. In this approach, an integrated dual-drive dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator (DD-DPMZM) is adopted to realize single-sideband modulation of a RF input and double-sideband modulation of baseband signal-chirped RF signals. By properly presetting the central frequencies of the RF input and the bias voltages of DD-DPMZM, dual-band dual-chirp waveforms with anti-dispersion transmission can be achieved after photoelectronic conversion. A complete theoretical analysis of the operation principle is presented. Full experimental verification of the generation and anti-dispersion transmission of dual-chirp waveforms centered at 2.5 and 7.5 GHz as well as 2 and 6 GHz over two dispersion compensating modules with dispersion values equivalent to 120 km or 100 km standard single-mode fiber is successfully carried out. The proposed system features a simple architecture, excellent reconfigurability, and immunity to dispersion-induced power fading, which are highly desired in distributed multi-band radar networks with optical-fiber-based transmission.
Ripple phenomenon and artifact elimination in millimeter-wave imaging of a hidden target
Authors: Zhang Yongshen , Zhou Jiaheng , Zhao Ziran
Published: April 2023

In millimeter-wave imaging of a hidden target, the effect of the dielectric cover before the target is typically ignored. This results in ripple-corrupted images that pose challenges for target recognition. In this paper, we provide a perspective for understanding the image of the hidden target, which clearly reveals the origin of the ripples, and propose a separation method that not only gets rid of ripples, but also obtains the target’s depth map. Reflections and transmissions during imaging are considered and decoupled to separately form images corresponding to each real or virtual object. An algorithm based on the range-direction spread function is developed to iteratively estimate the depth and reflectivity of the target. Imaging experiments with and without a cover are conducted to demonstrate the formation and influence of ripples and to verify the proposed algorithm. Our work deepens the comprehension of covered target imaging. Benefited fields might include non-destructive testing, through-wall imaging, subsurface imaging, and security screening.
A deep learning network with differentiable dynamic programming for retina OCT surface segmentation
Authors: Xie Hui , Xu Weiyu , Wu Xiaodong
Published: April 2023

Multiple-surface segmentation in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images is a challenging problem, further complicated by the frequent presence of weak image boundaries. Recently, many deep learning (DL) based methods have been developed for this task and yield remarkable performance. Unfortunately, due to the scarcity of training data in medical imaging, it is challenging for DL networks to learn the global structure of the target surfaces, including surface smoothness. To bridge this gap, this study proposes to seamlessly unify a U-Net for feature learning with a constrained differentiable dynamic programming module to achieve end-to-end learning for retina OCT surface segmentation to explicitly enforce surface smoothness. It effectively utilizes the feedback from the downstream model optimization module to guide feature learning, yielding better enforcement of global structures of the target surfaces. Experiments on Duke AMD (age-related macular degeneration) and JHU MS (multiple sclerosis) OCT data sets for retinal layer segmentation demonstrated very promising segmentation accuracy.
Electro-optically programmable photonic circuits enabled by wafer-scale integration on thin-film lithium niobate
Authors: Wu Rongbo , zheng yong , Zhang Haisu , Zhong Haozong , Liang Youting , Song LvBin , liu zhaoxiang , Chen Jinming , Zhou Junxia , Liu Jian , Fang Zhiwei , Wang Min , Cheng Ya
Published: April 2023

Programmable photonic circuits performing universal linear-optical transformations underpin vital functions in photonic quantum information processing, quantum-enhanced sensor networks, machine learning and many other intriguing applications. Recent advances in photonic integrated circuits facilitate monolithic integration of externally controlled Mach-Zehnder interferometers which can implement arbitrary unitary transformation on a large number of input/output modes. In this work, we demonstrate a 4x4 programmable linear photonic circuit on lithium niobate on insulator platform employing fast, power-efficient and low-loss electro-optical phase shifters, showing enormous advantages in terms of configuration rate and power consumption. Our device is capable of fast switching with 500 ps rise time and 1.7 ns fall time, and possesses a total on-chip power dissipation of only 0.015 mW when operated at 1 MHz modulation, and an insertion loss of 0.15 dB for each modulator and an on-chip extinction ratio of -34 dB for both cross and bar routes.
Development of Mixed Pitch Grating for the Optical Addressing of Trapped Sr+ Ion with Data Analysis Techniques
Authors: Lim Yu Dian , Zhao Peng , Hu Liangxing , Guidoni Luca , Likforman Jean-Pierre , Tan Chuan Seng
Published: April 2023

Mixed pitch gratings are developed for the optical addressing of trapped 88Sr+ ion by means of simulation and experimental-measurement approaches. Meanwhile, Python-based data analysis techniques were developed to analyze simulated and measured beam profiles. A fixed pitch grating with a pitch of 1.2 µm was used as a reference, and a mixed pitch grating with pitches of 1.1/1.2 µm of various ratios are investigated. The Python-based data analysis codes demonstrates highly-automated capability in processing both simulated and measured beam profile data to compute key parameters, including beam waist and Gaussian fitting. Mixed pitch grating delivers light beam with smaller beam waist (17.4 µm) compared to the fixed pitch grating (26.4 µm), exhibiting ~34% beam waist reduction.
Household energy use response to extreme heat with a biophysical model of temperature regulation: An Arizona case study
Authors: Hughes Halley B. , Breshears David D. , Cook Kimberly J. , Keith Ladd , Burger Joseph R.
Published: April 2023

Rising temperatures associated with climate change are impacting household energy use. Many of today’s industrial-technological-urban humans thermoregulate in the face of varying temperatures using extra-metabolic energy use for heating and cooling our indoor microclimates. Previously, household energy use as a function of temperature change over seasons and time has been described using a three-part model of thermoregulation, the Extra-Metabolic Scholander-Irving model (EMSI), where energy use is lowest in the thermal neutral zone around room temperature and increases in colder and hotter temperatures. However, the EMSI model has only been evaluated for moderately warm cities to date, covering only two parts of the three-part model and lacking evaluation of data for extremely hot temperatures. We show that household energy use in Arizona, a U.S. state that includes hot semi-arid environments, varies across topography, and increases in response to the hottest summer months–exemplifying the third part of the EMSI model. Additionally, household energy use is lowest in the spring and fall and increases in response to colder temperatures in the winter. This relationship has hysteresis related to differences in household income; service regions with lower-income households delay the onset of extra-metabolic energy use for cooling. We use this model to gain predictive insights into energy use demand due to ongoing warming in the context of the desert city of Yuma, Arizona, where a relatively small increase in mean temperatures of ~1.5°C since the Industrial Revolution produced a 20-day increase (6%) in cooling days annually. Our study expands the EMSI model of thermal regulation to the previously missing hot part of the model, thereby gaining insights into the unique challenges of sustaining extra-metabolic thermoregulation in the face of global warming.
Feasibility and patient acceptability of a commercially available wearable and a smart phone application in identification of motor states in parkinson’s disease
Authors: Liikkanen Sammeli , Sinkkonen Janne , Suorsa Joni , Kaasinen Valtteri , Pekkonen Eero , Kärppä Mikko , Scheperjans Filip , Huttunen Teppo , Sarapohja Toni , Pesonen Ullamari , Kuoppamäki Mikko , Keränen Tapani
Published: April 2023

In the quantification of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), healthcare professional assessments, patient reported outcomes (PRO), and medical device grade wearables are currently used. Recently, also commercially available smartphones and wearable devices have been actively researched in the detection of PD symptoms. The continuous, longitudinal, and automated detection of motor and especially non-motor symptoms with these devices is still a challenge that requires more research. The data collected from everyday life can be noisy and frequently contains artefacts, and novel detection methods and algorithms are therefore needed. 42 PD patients and 23 control subjects were monitored with Garmin Vivosmart 4 wearable device and asked to fill a symptom and medication diary with a mobile application, at home, for about four weeks. Subsequent analyses are based on continuous accelerometer data from the device. Accelerometer data from the Levodopa Response Study (MJFFd) were reanalyzed, with symptoms quantified with linear spectral models trained on expert evaluations present in the data. Variational autoencoders (VAE) were trained on both our study accelerometer data and on MJFFd to detect movement states (e.g., walking, standing). A total of 7590 self-reported symptoms were recorded during the study. 88.9% (32/36) of PD patients, 80.0% (4/5) of DBS PD patients and 95.5% (21/22) of control subjects reported that using the wearable device was very easy or easy. Recording a symptom at the time of the event was assessed as very easy or easy by 70.1% (29/41) of subjects with PD. Aggregated spectrograms of the collected accelerometer data show relative attenuation of low (<5Hz) frequencies in patients. Similar spectral patterns also separate symptom periods from immediately adjacent non-symptomatic periods. Discriminative power of linear models to separate symptoms from adjacent periods is weak, but aggregates show partial separability of patients vs. controls. The analysis reveals differential symptom detectability across movement tasks, motivating the third part of the study. VAEs trained on either dataset produced embedding from which movement states in MJFFd could be predicted. A VAE model was able to detect the movement states. Thus, a pre-detection of these states with a VAE from accelerometer data with good S/N ratio, and subsequent quantification of PD symptoms is a feasible strategy. The usability of the data collection method is important to enable the collection of self-reported symptom data by PD patients. Finally, the usability of the data collection method is important to enable the collection of self-reported symptom data by PD patients.
Storage strategy of outbound containers with uncertain weight by data-driven hybrid genetic simulated annealing algorithm
Authors: Wang Ruoqi , Li Jiawei , Bai Ruibin , Wang Lei
Published: April 2023

It is necessary to ensure the ship’s stability in container ship stowage and loading and unloading containers. This work aims to reduce the container dumping operation at the midway port and improve the efficiency of ship transportation. Firstly, the constraint problem of the traditional container ship stacking is introduced to realize the multi-condition mathematical model of the container ship, container, and wharf. Secondly, a Hybrid Genetic and Simulated Annealing Algorithm (HGSAA) model is proposed for the container stacking and loading stacking in the yard. The specific container space allocation and multi-yard crane adjustment scheme are studied. Finally, the effectiveness of the multi-condition container ship stowage model is verified by numerical experiments by changing the number of outbound containers, storage strategies, storage yards, and bridges. The experimental results show that the HGSAA mode converges to 106.1min at the 751st iteration. Of these, the non-loading and unloading time of yard bridge 1 is 3.43min. The number of operating boxes is 25. The non-loading and unloading time of yard bridge 2 is 3.2min, and the operating box volume is 25 boxes. The objective function of the genetic algorithm converges when it iterates to generation 903 and 107.9min. Among them, the non-loading and unloading time of yard bridge 1 is 4.1min. The non-loading and unloading time of yard bridge 2 is 3.1min. Therefore, the proposed HGSAA has a faster convergence speed than the genetic algorithm and can obtain relatively good results. The proposed container stacking strategy can effectively solve the specific container allocation and multi-yard crane scheduling problems. The finding provides a reference for optimizing container scheduling and improving shipping transportation efficiency.
Dynamic three-sided matching model for personnel–robot-position matching problem in intelligent environments
Authors: Liang Zhi-chao , Yang Yu , Xie Qiu , Wang Jing , Zhang Xue-jiao , Li Bao-dong
Published: April 2023

In recent years, intelligent robots have facilitated intelligent production, and a new type of problem (personnel–robot-position matching (PRPM)) has been encountered in personnel–position matching (PPM). In this study, a dynamic three-sided matching model is proposed to solve the PRPM problem in an intelligent production line based on man–machine collaboration. The first issue considered is setting the dynamic reference point, which is addressed in the information evaluation phase by proposing a method for setting the dynamic reference point based on the prospect theory. Another important issue involves multistage preference information integration, wherein a probability density function and a value function are introduced. Considering the attenuation of preference information in a time series, the attenuation index model is introduced to calculate the satisfaction matrix. Furthermore, a dynamic three-sided matching model is established. Additionally, a multi-objective decision-making model is established to optimize the matching of multiple sides (personnel, intelligent robots, and positions). Subsequently, the model is transformed into a single objective model using the triangular balance principle, which is introduced to obtain the final optimisation results in this modelling process. A case study is presented to illustrate the practicality of the dynamic three-sided matching model in intelligent environments. The results indicate that this model can solve the PRPM problem in an intelligent production line.
#StudentsToo. prevalence of sexual assault reports among students of three European universities and their actions post-assault
Authors: Boskovic Irena , Orthey Robin , Otgaar Henry , Mangiulli Ivan , Rassin Eric
Published: April 2023

Objective

Previous research has indicated high rates of sexual assault (SA) among US students (> 25%). Yet this type of investigation has been less frequent at European universities.

Methods

We conducted an investigation at three universities, two Dutch universities (N = 95 and N = 305) and one university in Belgium (N = 307). Students were asked to estimate the prevalence of SA, and to report about their personal experience. We defined SA as any situation in which students were inappropriately touched, forced to a sexual act without their consent, or were (sexually) verbally intimidated.

Results

56% of students (Location 1: n = 54/95; Location 2: n = 172/305; Location 3: n = 172/307) across all three samples reported experiencing SA. The disclosed assaults were mostly unwanted sexual contact (i.e., groping) by male strangers aged 18–35 years. One-third of the sample reported to have done nothing post-assault, and among those who took actions, the majority disclosed the assault to friends, but rarely to family members. Also, 3–5% of students (Location 1: n = 3; Location 2: n = 11; Location 3: n = 11) (falsely) denied the assault. Seeking justice and needing support were important motivators of action, whereas psychological factors (i.e., memory distrust) were antagonists of this. Finally, besides psychological factors, fear of interpersonal consequences (e.g., being labelled as a “drama queen”) was a strong influence to either deny or try to forget the assault.

Conclusion

SA appears to be frequent among European students and further investigation including other European universities is warranted.
Personality traits and occupational status-evidence from China
Authors: Liu Yanrong
Published: April 2023

This paper estimates the relationship between personality traits measured by the “Big Five Model” and occupational status with a nationally representative household survey from China. I find that four of the five personality traits except extraversion are significantly associated with occupational status in terms of occupational choices, occupational prestige, and socioeconomic status. In particular, conscientiousness is the most important predictor among the five dimensions of personality traits. The findings also suggest that the returns of personality traits to occupational status are higher for females.
The effect of the mindfulness-based interventions on inflammaging: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Jing , Peng Haining , Yu Tengbo , Huang Xiaohong
Published: April 2023

Background

Inflammaging, a chronic low-grade inflammation, is considered as the basis of age-related diseases. Mindfulness is involved in protecting telomeres, whose shortening causes aging. This paper reports a protocol for the meta-analysis and systematic review to bond the causality between the mindfulness practices and inflammaging responses according to the data collected from the relevant observational studies.

Methods and analysis

The published studies during 2006–2023 will be identified from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Global. The retrieved records will be screened independently by two researchers, and the relevant data will be extracted after reaching an agreement. The eligible studies will be analyzed with both of a meta-analysis and a narrative review. The risk of bias will be evaluated according to the Cochrane assessment for risk of biases. In the meta-analysis, random models will be applied to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on inflammaging due to the variation among studies. The dppc2 and Cohen’s d will be calculated for synthesizing the evidences from the randomized controlled trials and intervention programs without a pretest-posttest design, respectively. The interstudy heterogeneity will be assessed with the Q test and quantified using I2 statistic. The subgroup analyses will be conducted against the categorical moderators and meta-regressions against the continuous ones. A narrative review will be recruited to deepen the understanding of the primary outcomes, in which consequential covariates with limited data in the bulk of reports will be included.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42022321766.
Minor matters of major importance:1 On the vicissitudes of minor painting
Authors: Chilver John
Published: April 2023

This introductory editorial surveys a range of minor painting practices. It considers how minor painting might be defined, not in order to fix its designation, but to assess its implications, especially in relation to institutional authority, art’s historicity, art education and the authorial subject. There are discussions of Jim Shaw, Henry Darger, contributors to the current issue and others. These lead on to questions about art education. Rather than propose resolutions, the text instead traces the frictions between minor painting and institutional renderings of art education. The text emphasizes the ultimate inability of minor painting to escape or resist the institutional framing of painting. In reading Deleuze and Guattari’s Minor Literature book, the voice of community, rather than the individual subject, becomes important. Taking up the figure of community, the essay ends by placing the painter Norman Lewis in relation to a minor intervention within the milieu of Abstract Expressionism.
The peasant paints: Minor painting and peasant cosmopolitics
Authors: Holmwood Sigrid
Published: April 2023

This article discusses the idea of ‘peasant-painting’ as minor painting, playing with the contrast between ‘paintings-of-peasants’ and ‘paintings-by-peasants’. I argue that the appearance of the figure of the peasant as a genre of Western European painting is inextricably linked with the rise of capitalism and the construction of the modern individualized self, separate from nature. Through ‘naturalistic’ images of peasants in landscapes this in turn enabled the bourgeois gaze to naturalize unequal capitalistic relations. I shall then contrast these paintings-of-peasants, with paintings-by-peasants in the Southwest of Sweden. By examining the conditions of their emergence and circulation, and their use and meaning, we can see that these peasants had an alternative conception of the self and a peasant cosmopolitics which did not separate humans from non-humans. I argue that their practice was a minor painting which formed a communal resistance to the modernizing project in the mid-eighteenth to mid-nineteenth centuries.
Paradise Edict, Michael Armitage, Curated by Anna Schneider
Authors: Garnett Robert
Published: April 2023

Review of: Paradise Edict, Michael Armitage, Curated by Anna Schneider

Haus der Kunst, Munich, 4 September 2020–18 April 20
Changes in food habits and food-related satisfaction before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in dual-earner families with adolescents
Authors:   Centro de Excelencia en Psicología Económica y del Consumo, Núcleo de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile, Orellana Ligia , Schnettler Berta ,   Centro de Excelencia en Psicología Económica y del Consumo, Núcleo de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile,   Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile,   Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile,   Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador, Poblete Héctor ,   Programa de Doctorado en Ingeniería, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile, Jara-Gavilán Karen ,   Centro de Excelencia en Psicología Económica y del Consumo, Núcleo de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile, Miranda-Zapata Edgardo ,   Universidad Católica de Temuco, Facultad de Educación, Centro de Investigación Escolar y Desarrollo (Cied-UCT), Manuel Montt 56, Temuco, Chile
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Food habits have been associated with positive outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Family members may share protective factors, but each member may also respond differently to the pandemic. Aim: To examine food habits in different-sex dual-earner parents with adolescents, comparing reports from late 2019 before the pandemic (T1) and mid- 2020 during the pandemic (T2) in Temuco, Chile. Method: A sample of 193 families composed of mother, father, and one adolescent aged 10 to 15 responded to a questionnaire at T1 and T2. Non-parametric tests were used to compare family food-related habits and the satisfaction with food-related life of each family member at T1 and T2. An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model was conducted to explore relations between T1 and T2 variables and between family members. Results: Frequency of family meals increased during the pandemic, and mothers increased their cooking hours. All family members improved their diet quality during the pandemic. Perceived family meal atmosphere and satisfaction with food-related life did not change. T1 food habits were not associated with T2 satisfaction with food-related life. Conclusion: These families changed their food-related habits during the pandemic, but their food-related life assessment was similar before and during the pandemic.
Improvement of Plastic Manufacturing Processes by Six Sigma and DMAIC Methods
Authors: Seham Ismail Alhatem Satta , As'arry Azizan , Sapuan Salit Mohd , Tarique Jamal
Published: April 2023

Improvements are required in any industry to maximize productivity by reducing faults in any method and removing overall waste produced within the manufacturing facility. This study examines the problems faced by some leading companies in the plastic manufacturing industry, such as Motorola, General Electric, and Zamil Plastic and how to solve them. In this study, the key difficulty in this plastic manufacturing industry was black dots, which can be seen in injection molding operations. When compared to other faults, the injection molding technique result shows that black dot defects are the main reason for rejects in May, making up almost 41% of all rejects. Because, Defectives Per Million Opportunities (DPMO) of products in Plastic Remote Controls (PRC) result in numerous wastes, statistical quality control (SQC) methods, such as the Pareto chart, cause-effect diagram, and control chart were utilized to examine the data. Also, this study shows that the time necessary for tool changeover was extremely long, resulting in a significant wait for manufacturing because multiple dies and molds were required for production (types of plastic fuel tanks). The novelty of this research is that it clarifies when the company uses six sigma and the DMAIC method to rapidly discover the problem in the products and find a suitable solution to save time, effort, and cost. Run charts and the layout of mold storage are used to solve the problem and ensure that the process is truly improved by reducing the time it takes to change over for tools and dies.
Analyzing track management strategies for multi object tracking in cooperative autonomous driving scenarios
Authors: Gamerdinger Jörg , Teufel Sven , Volk Georg , Rüeck Anna-Lisa , Bringmann Oliver
Published: April 2023

For autonomous driving to operate safely it is crucial to perceive surrounding objects correctly. Not only detection but also state estimation (track) of a perceived object is urgent. The state is required to enable a safe motion planning, since it allows to predict the future position of an object. To include only valid information, the state estimations must be maintained to determine which track is active and which is not. Mostly, a simple count-based approach is used. For this, we present an investigation of two common approaches from non-cooperative track management in comparison to two new management strategies to maintain tracks in a cooperative scenario. We evaluate them using three simulated scenarios with a varying rate of cooperative vehicles. A confidence-based approach was able to increase the average precision by up to 9 percentage points.
Evaluation of the communication means of lateral driving dynamics at motorway slip roads
Authors: Ehrhardt Sofie , Graeber Daniel , Strelau Nadine-Rebecca , Deml Barbara
Published: April 2023

Modelling the behaviour of automated vehicles requires an understanding of the acceptance towards certain behaviours by the human cooperation partners. This work addresses the evaluation of two communication means on the motorway slip road from the perspective of drivers in the target lane. In a video study (N = 68) two implicit communication means (position and duration of lane change) were investigated. The cooperation partner is either a manual vehicle or a car labelled as automated by a status eHMI. The results show no significant differences in the cooperation and criticality ratings between non-automated or automated cooperation partners. A slow lane change is rated as less critical and more cooperative. A non-linear relationship emerges for the position of the change. A change in the middle of the slip road is rated most cooperative and least critical.
Sorption of alkylphenols and estrogens on microplastics in marine conditions
Authors: Phuong Ngoc Nam , Zalouk-Vergnoux Aurore , Duong Thi Thuy , Le Thi Phuong Quynh , Poirier Laurence
Published: April 2023

In marine ecosystems, living organisms are continuously exposed to a cocktail of anthropogenic contaminants, such as microplastics (MPs) and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). Being able to adsorb organic compounds, MPs would act as an additional contamination vector for aquatic organisms. To support this hypothesis, the sorption of six EDCs on MPs, including 4-t-butylphenol, 4-t-octylphenol, 4-n-octylphenol, 4-n-nonylphenol, 17β-estradiol and its synthetic analog 17α-ethinylestradiol, has been investigated. These compounds belong to two contaminant families, alkylphenols and estrogens, included in the EU priority and watch lists of the Water Framework Directive. Sorption kinetics were studied onto polyethylene and polypropylene MPs under seawater conditions. MPs at a concentration of 0.400 mg mL−1 were added to a mix of the six EDCs, each at the individual concentration of 100 ng mL−1. The concentrations of contaminants were chosen to be close to environmental ones and comparable with those found in literature. The results demonstrated that the hydrophobicity of the compounds and the MP type are the two factors influencing the sorption capacity. The distribution coefficient (K
d) of each compound was determined and compared to others found in the literature. A high affinity was demonstrated between 4-n-NP and PE, with a sorption reaching up to 2,200 ng mg−1.
Conception of Human Being in Analytical Idealism: How Human and Cosmos are Interlinked Through Consciousness
Authors: Popovič Juraj
Published: April 2023

The relationship between human and cosmos is still quite a mystery. The ancient intuition about interconnectedness of human and cosmos was replaced by a worldview in which human is part of nature primarily through the continuity of the body with the outer nature. The mind is seen as a unique phenomenon mysteriously emerging from matter. To this mystery responds philosopher Bernardo Kastrup by proposing an ontology that turns the mind-matter relationship on its head: the matter is part of the mind, and not vice versa. This article briefly examines the historical evolution of understanding of the relationship between human and cosmos, introduces the ontology called analytical idealism by B. Kastrup and discusses how idealistic ontology can help us understand our relationship with the cosmos on a deeper level.