bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified body mass index z‐scores in children in New York City during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Miller Assia , Bochner Risa , Sohler Nancy , Calixte Rose , Chan Cameron , Umpaichitra Vatcharapan , Shalmiyev Elman , Novikova Natalia , Desai Ninad , Seigel Warren , Chin Vivian , Periasamy Sundari , Waldman Lee , Bamji Mahrukh , Nagpal Nikita , Duh‐Leong Carol , Reznik Makhmood , Messito Mary , Bargman Renee
Published: June 2022

Abstarct

Objectives

Determine whether the negative impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on weight gain trajectories among children attending well‐child visits in New York City persisted after the public health restrictions were reduced.

Study Design

Multicenter retrospective chart review study of 7150 children aged 3–19 years seen for well‐child care between 1 January 2018 and 4 December 2021 in the NYC Health and Hospitals system. Primary outcome was the difference in annual change of modified body mass index z‐score (mBMIz) between the pre‐pandemic and early‐ and late‐pandemic periods. The mBMIz allows for tracking of a greater range of BMI values than the traditional BMI z‐score. The secondary outcome was odds of overweight, obesity, or severe obesity. Multivariable analyses were conducted with each outcome as the dependent variable, and year, age category, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, NYC borough, and baseline weight category as independent variables.

Results

The difference in annual mBMIz change for pre‐pandemic to early‐pandemic = 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15, 0.20) and for pre‐pandemic to late‐pandemic = 0.04 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.06). There was a statistically significant interaction between period and baseline weight category. Those with severe obesity at baseline had the greatest mBMIz increase during both pandemic periods and those with underweight at baseline had the lowest mBMIz increase during both pandemic periods.

Conclusion

In NYC, the worsening mBMIz trajectories for children associated with COVID‐19 restrictions did not reverse by 2021. Decisions about continuing restrictions, such as school closures, should carefully weigh the negative health impact of these policies.
Nondestructive detection for adulteration of panax notoginseng powder based on hyperspectral imaging combined with arithmetic optimization algorithm‐support vector regression
Authors: Zhang Fujie , Shi Lei , Li Lixia , Zhou Yufeng , Tian Liquan , Cui Xiuming , Gao Yongping
Published: June 2022

Illegal merchants adulterate the powder of panax notoginseng rhizome and main root with the powder of panax notoginseng fibrous root, which reduces the efficacy and hygiene of panax notoginseng powder. To detect the adulteration of panax notoginseng powder nondestructively and rapidly, in this study, the hyperspectral images of 80 samples of adulterated rhizome powder and adulterated main root powder (AR & AM) were collected by using a hyperspectral image acquisition system (400–1000 nm). Then, Savitzky–Golay and standard normalized variable (SG‐SNV) were used to preprocess the spectrum and improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the data. Next, competitive adaptive reweighed sampling (CARS) and iteratively retains informative variables (IRIV) methods were respectively adopted to select feature wavelengths from the spectra data after pretreatment. Subsequently, support vector regression (SVR) was used to establish the prediction models based on the selected variables and the full spectra data. Also, the arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA) was used to optimize the parameters of the SVR model. The results showed that CARS‐AOA‐SVR was the optimal model for AR & AM, achieving of .9693 and .9667, RMSEP of .0266 and .0264, respectively. Therefore, the hyperspectral imaging combined with the CARS‐AOA‐SVR is a feasible method to detect the adulteration concentration of panax notoginseng powder.

Practical Applications

The traditional detection methods for adulteration of panax notoginseng powder depended on manual detection and chemical analysis. In order to detect the adulterated concentration of panax notoginseng powder rapidly and accurately, the adulterated panax notoginseng powder was studied based on hyperspectral imaging. The results showed that hyperspectral imaging combined with CARS‐AOA‐SVR model could be used to quantitatively detect the adulteration concentration of panax notoginseng powder, which could be a fast, accurate, and nondestructive method for adulteration detection of panax notoginseng powder and other powdery materials.
A Brief Depression Screening Tool for Perinatal Clinical Practice: The Performance of the PHQ‐2 Compared with the PHQ‐9
Authors: Gigantesco Antonella , Palumbo Gabriella , Cena Loredana , Camoni Laura , Trainini Alice , Stefana Alberto , Mirabella Fiorino
Published: June 2022

Introduction

There is ongoing interest in using brief screening instruments to identify perinatal depression in clinical practice. One ultra‐brief screening instrument for depression is the Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 (PHQ‐2), but thus far its accuracy in perinatal clinical practice has been barely researched. In the present study, we aimed to assess the screening accuracy of the PHQ‐2 against the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) in a large sample of perinatal women.

Methods

A total of 1155 consecutive women attending 11 health care centers throughout Italy completed the PHQ‐9 (which includes the PHQ‐2) during pregnancy (27‐40 weeks) or postpartum (1‐13 weeks). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, likelihood ratio positive, likelihood ratio negative, and overall accuracy were calculated using cut points 3 or greater and 2 or greater.

Results

During pregnancy, PHQ‐2 greater than or equal to 3 revealed low sensitivity (38.4%‐44.7%) but high specificity (97.8%‐99.3%). In postpartum, it revealed moderate sensitivity (56.9%‐70.6%), high specificity (95.8%‐99.8%), and fair overall accuracy in pregnancy (70%). The alternative threshold greater than or equal to 2 revealed very high sensitivity (pregnancy: 92.1%‐95.2%; postpartum: 87.1%‐95.2%), moderate specificity (pregnancy: 78.1%‐83.2%; postpartum: 68.8%‐81.1%) and good overall accuracy, both during pregnancy (87%) and postpartum (84%).

Discussion

The PHQ‐2 provided acceptable accuracy for screening for depression compared with the PHQ‐9. In perinatal screening practice, a threshold of 2 or greater should be preferred as this ensures high sensitivity, missing only approximately 6% to 8% of cases, and a false‐positive rate (percentage of women classified as affected with depressive symptoms when they are not) of 19% to 25%.
Effects of telehealth intervention for people with dementia and their carers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Saragih Ita Daryanti , Tonapa Santo Imanuel , Porta Carolyn M. , Lee Bih‐O
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Interventions delivered using telehealth modalities are becoming standard practice with patient populations around the world, partly because of innovation necessitated by the COVID‐19 pandemic and partly due to improved infrastructure and comfort of providers, patients, and families, through technology. Though increasingly utilized, the effectiveness of telehealth interventions with families with dementia remains unclear. This gives rise to the need for investigation to develop telehealth interventions that are evidence based and not merely convenient tools. This current study is designed to systematically examine the impact and effectiveness of telehealth‐delivered psychoeducational and behavioral interventions among persons with dementia and their caregivers.

Design

The design combines systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A total of eight databases were electronically accessed and searched as of November 16, 2021. Experimental studies identifying the results of telehealth interventions for persons with dementia and associated caregivers published in English have been reviewed in this study. Standardized mean differences (SMD) offering 95% confidence intervals (CI) were developed to pool the effect size using a random effects model (in this case, Stata 16.0). The Revised Cochrane Risk‐of‐Bias Tool for Randomized Trials (RoB‐2) was used to analyze the study's methodological soundness.

Findings

Nineteen cases met the eligibility criteria (including 1379 persons with dementia and 1339 caregivers). Overall, telehealth interventions demonstrated effects in the expected directions on depression (SMD −0.63; 95% degree of confidence intervals (CI) −0.88 to −0.38, p < 0.001); and caregivers' perceived competency (SMD 0.27; 95% CI −0.05 to 0.50, p = 0.02). There were, however, no statistically significant effects observed on cognitive function or multiple aspects of quality of life for subjects.

Conclusions

Telehealth interventions appear to effect a reduction in depression among persons diagnosed with dementia while improving the perceived competency of caregivers.

Clinical Relevance

The study's results could be used as evidence of the effectiveness of using telehealth for persons with dementia and their caregivers, including contextualizing where they are used (i.e., long‐term care facilities, private homes, etc.), understanding the mechanisms in play (including intervention delivery and systems), and isolating and identifying mediating influences.
Systemic isotretinoin has an impact on hemoglobin, ferritin, urea, ceruloplasmin, albumin, uric acid levels, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in acne patients
Authors: Hareedy Mohammad Salem , Tawfik Khaled Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Background

Patients suffering from moderate‐to‐severe acne are commonly treated with systemin isotretinoin; however, a great controverse about its safety had been raised. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of isotretinoin on hepatic, renal, and hematologic functions and to evaluate the potential oxidative stress in relation to isotretinoin therapy.

Methods

Fifty‐three female patients, treated from moderate–severe acne with isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg/day), were included. Blood samples were taken for measuring low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin, blood urea nitrogen, ferritin, uric acid, creatinine, C‐reactive protein (CRP), ceruloplasmin, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, and red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelet counts before starting isotretinoin treatment and 6 months later.

Results

Isotretinoin was associated with increased levels of triglycerides, LDL, ESR, CRP, uric acid, and ferritin after 6 months of therapy (p < 0.0001), blood urea levels were significantly elevated from 3.681 ± 0.91 to 3.838 ± 0.877 (p = 0.014), ALT, AST, hemoglobin, globulin, and total proteins were significantly elevated after 6 months. Platelets, WBCs, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, copper, ceruloplasmin, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were significantly decreased after 6 months.

Conclusion

Isotretinoin therapy could be associated with oxidative stress and hepatic, lipid, and blood abnormalities in patients with acne. Serum ferritin was elevated while serum ceruloplasmin was decreased. Isotretinoin could also affect immune regulation (decreasing neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio), isotretinoin was associated with a possible positive nitrogen balance (increasing proteins) and with elevations of blood urea nitrogen and uric acid levels.
The names of Dipterygium glaucum and Rorida cornus‐africani in Cleome (Cleomaceae), and on the identity of Forsskålʼs Bunias orientalis
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: June 2022

Cleome pallida is the name to be used for Dipterygium glaucum, widespread in desert habitats of northeastern Africa and southwestern Asia, when this species is treated as a Cleome. A comprehensive synonymy is provided and all names are typified. The record of Bunias orientalis made by Forsskål in Yemen is shown to be based on misidentified material of C. pallida. The new combination C. cornus‐africani is made for a species endemic to northeastern Somalia that was first described as a Rorida.
Electromagnetic interference induced ventricular tachycardia in left ventricular assist device
Authors: Chatta Payush , Grewal Dennis , Ali Saif , Garg Jalaj , Mandapati Ravi , Contractor Tahmeed , Bhardwaj Rahul
Published: June 2022

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have been increasingly utilized end‐stage heart failure despite guidelinedirected medical therapy (due to limited organ availability) as a bridge to transplant or destination therapy, with improved overall survival.Majority of patients undergoing LVAD implantation have pre‐existing implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) in‐situ.We present a case of device‐device interaction resulting in EMI inducing recurrent inappropriate device therapies inducing ventricular arrhythmia followed by the inappropriate triggering of noise reversion mode, thereby inhibiting device therapies.With the increase in number of end‐stage heart failure patients with ICDs in situ (and limited organ availability) undergoing LVAD implantation, it is imperative to recognize potential device‐device interactions to avoid unwarranted invasive interventions.
Ovarian follicular dynamics, hormonal profiles and ovulation time in Mithun cows (Bos frontalis)
Authors: Ramesh Vikram , Devi Laishram S. , Joshi Vivek , Mech Moonmoon , Khate Kobu , Khan Meraj H.
Published: June 2022

The study aimed to evaluate follicular dynamics and concentrations of estradiol‐17β (E2), progesterone (P4), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) during the oestrous cycle and to determine ovulation time in Mithun cows. Ovaries of experimental cows (n = 7) were examined daily by transrectal‐ultrasonography for three consecutive oestrous cycles (n = 21). The characteristics of follicular waves, dominant follicle, largest subordinate follicle and corpus luteum and ovulation time were evaluated. The plasma samples were analysed throughout the interovulatory interval to determine the differences in the hormonal profiles (E2, P4, FSH and LH) between different follicular wave cycles. Out of eighteen oestrous cycles analysed, three‐wave follicular cycles were maximum (n = 12: 66.66%) followed by two (n = 4: 22.22%) and four waves (n = 2: 11.11%). The two and three waves were statistically compared, and no significant (p > .05) differences were observed in day of wave emergence, number of follicles (≥3 mm) recruited, maximum diameter of the ovulatory dominant follicle, growth rates of ovulatory and anovulatory dominant follicles and maximum diameter of corpus luteum. The diameter of dominant follicles was significantly (p < .05) greater than subordinate follicles in both ovulatory and anovulatory waves. No significant differences were observed in peak concentrations of estradiol‐17β and follicle stimulating hormone between ovulatory and anovulatory waves in all wave cycles. A preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge was observed a day before ovulation in all wave cycles. Progesterone concentrations were lower than 0.5 ng/ml during oestrus and increased sharply to the maximum levels of ≥3.8 ng/ml in all wave cycles. Ovulation time (mean ± SEM), irrespective of follicular waves was 10.5 ± 0.64 h after the end of oestrus. It was concluded that Mithun cows have a preponderance of three follicular waves with little difference between the two‐ and three‐follicular waves and ovulation occurred 10.5 h after the end of oestrus.
Between Enlightenment and Madness: The Culture of Sensory Disruptions
Authors: Duran Eduardo
Published: June 2022

This study explores the experiences of people affected by symptoms associated with depersonalization/derealization disorder. This condition entails sensorial alterations resulting in a defamiliarization with the world and their bodies. The American Psychiatric Association, however, admits that depersonalization/derealization may be a part of meditative practices and should not, in certain cultural contexts, be diagnosed as a psychological disorder. Through a comparison of two distinct sensory cultures—communities of Vipassana meditation practitioners and patient‐led communities—I explore the sense‐making work that people perform to render destabilizing somatic sensations congruent with either medical or spiritual cultural worldviews. Drawing from personal narratives, online data, and psychiatric case studies, I argue that a sociocultural cosmic order, in which people ongoingly appraise sensory experiences in terms of their potential to foster “self‐actualization,” largely determines whether social actors interpret these dissociative destabilizations as either pathological or aspirational—a process I term “sensory instrumentalization.”
Vacuum-Assisted Multistage Membrane Distillation With Bubble Column Dehumidifier for Efficient Water Production
Authors: Khalifa Atia E. , Alawad Suhaib M. , Hussein Adel , Antar Mohamed A.
Published: June 2022

An experimental investigation of a novel integrated system of a multistage sweeping gas (air) membrane distillation module and a bubble column dehumidifier (BCD) is presented for an energy-efficient high production water desalination system. The sweeping air stream is created using a vacuum pump installed between the membrane distillation unit and the BCD to apply a degree of vacuum behind the membrane in the air channel of the membrane cell to reduce the vapor mass transfer resistance through the membrane pores. Performance metrics of the system include the measurement of permeate flux and the calculations of energy consumption at various operating conditions in a comprehensive manner. The system performance is mainly controlled by feed temperature and flowrate and the sweeping air flowrate. The dehumidifier water level and its temperature have moderate impacts in the tested ranges. A permeate flux of 18 kg/m2 . h was measured with a relatively high gained output ratio of 0.62, low specific energy consumption of 1120 kWh/m3 when the feed temperature is 80 °C, and the dehumidifier column height of 4.5 cm. The study results revealed an enhanced system’s performance compared to other sweeping gas membrane distillation systems in the literature, which is very promising.
Theoretical–Experimental Evaluation of Partially Shaded Solar Photovoltaic Arrays Through Methodological Framework: A Case Study Involving Two Identical 1.5 kWp Photovoltaic Generators
Authors: Rodrigues Marinaldo de Jesus dos Santos , Torres Pedro Ferreira , Galhardo Marcos André Barros , Chase Otavio Andre , Amorim Alan Souza , Leão Weslley Monteiro , Macêdo Wilson Negrão
Published: June 2022

This paper applies different methodologies through measurement and simulation for the partial shading analysis of solar photovoltaic (SPV) arrays. A two-diode photovoltaic solar cell model evaluates SPV arrays under shading conditions. Experimental data from two identical 1.5 kWp PV generators were used as a study case. One is subjected to shading caused by the branches of a tree, resulting in its electricity production being affected for several days, and the other is shadow-free. The authors use a methodology based on short circuit of the solar cells to determine the different irradiance levels. It was considered because it avoids using several irradiance sensors to map the shaded and unshaded regions in a shadow SPV array. The two-diode photovoltaic solar cell model used was developed in matlab/simulink. The applied model and the map irradiance methodology can be used to represent current–voltage (IV) curves in complex shading. For example, what could help identify if a given SPV array is working on a global maximum power point or a local maximum power point. Furthermore, the experimental results demonstrated that the model and methodology are useful in understanding what happens with SPV arrays in very complex shadow situations.
Power Over CTC, A Novel Way to Control Signal Power Supplies
Authors: Thurston David F.
Published: June 2022

The electrical energy that powers the signal systems for railways is typically provided by commercial services adjacent or near the enclosures housing the signal equipment. In remote or areas of challenging terrain, railways have installed their own signal power lines to maintain a high level of reliability while lowering the cost of energy supply. These power lines are typically fed from a commercial power source and fed to the railway at a lower voltage (< 1KV). These lines are controlled from local manipulation of fuse cutouts and do not provide for any redundancy. When there is trouble on the signal power line, the response requires railway staff to go to each site on the line to investigate the trouble and provide corrective or temporary measures to restore service.

This paper proposes to utilize existing infrastructure to control and indicate the signal power lines that includes sectionalization, remote stop/start of standby generators, and other function. Most signal power lines are concentrated at Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) points. These locations have connectivity to the central dispatching office via “Code Line” that can be expanded to incorporate a separate controls and indications for the signal power systems. Just as Dispatchers have software to help manage traffic on the railway; the new separate controls for the power system can be created to mimic safety protocols for system operation.
Experimental Flexural Testing of Virgin and Post-Service Concrete Monoblock Tie for Computational Tool Development
Authors: Chen Yu-Szu , Peterman Robert J. , Jones Christopher A.
Published: June 2022

An experimental testing of prestressed concrete monoblock ties was conducted at Kansas State University to collect load-deflection data. The experimental results were used to validate the developed tie analysis and design computational tool. Present prestressed concrete monoblock tie design specification, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance -of-Way Association (AREMA), recommends flexural test method for critical locations (rail-seat and rail-center). As commonly known that rail-seat positive and rail-center negative are the governing cases in flexural design of monoblock ties. Considering the cross-section is generally reduced at center region of tie, the capacity that could be sustained is relatively smaller compared to rail-seat. Additionally, the center bound boundary condition induces large negative bending moment at center region of the tie. Thus, rail-center negative bending test was selected.

A four-point bending testing setup followed AREAMA 2020 Chapter 30 Part 4 Section 4.9.1.6 [2]. In total 10 tests were conducted, ties selected for the test include three ties that were retired from service and seven virgin ties. The vertical deformation was measured, collecting by Keithley series 2750 data acquisition system. A 5-power magnifying glass was recommended to observed crack. Load control loads were applied until first crack, and the displacement control loads were applied.

The load-deflection results at rail-center were used to compare with the estimation computed by developed computational tool. A total of 9 comparisons were made. There were seven virgin ties (CXT type) and two post-service ties (Type-F). To eliminate uncertainties resulting in discrepancy, it is desired that the program inputs follows as closely as possible to the validation benchmarks. Cross-section properties of CXT type tie used in the analysis program, and it was measured by previous researcher at K-state. Type-F tie cross-section were measured at each shape change point. The concrete compressive strength was determined by conducting experiments following ASTM C42/C42M 2020 standards. Additionally, the Young’s modulus of elasticity was defined through best fitting to the elastic region of experimental load-deflection results at rail-center. Then, the load-deflection curves were computed and compared with experimental outcomes.
Conductive Polymer Pad for Use in Freight Railcar Bearing Adapters
Authors: Aguilera Jesse , Tarawneh Constantine , Siegel Harry , Jones Robert , Gutierrez Santana
Published: June 2022

Many freight railcars rest on polymer adapter pads made of injection-molded Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) polymers which feature two copper studs to provide electrical conductivity through the pad. This design feature allows signal transmission from the track to the onboard systems, including cargo gates and pneumatic actuators. While in service, the polymer pads experience impact and cyclic loading that produce shear, resulting in the abrasive wear and plastic compression of the copper studs which leads to signal interruptions and loss of function requiring the periodic replacement of these polymer pads. This causes increased downtime due to maintenance and reduced reliability in the automated systems since pad failure is unpredictable. This limitation in current designs is the driving concern behind the effort to create an electrically conductive polymer adapter pad that would provide a durable conductive path between the rail and freight car side-frame.

To that end, the University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) has been working on developing a conductive composite blend of TPU and Carbon Nano Fibers (CNF) to create injection-molded polymer composite inserts that can provide the necessary conductivity without the need for the copper studs that are susceptible to wear. Previous work done on this project was successful in creating a TPU-CNF composite insert that provided the required electrical conductivity at full railcar loads but was inconsistent at empty railcar loads. Thus, current work presented here focused on studying the fiber orientation that would produce consistent conductivity at all railcar loads. Based on these findings, a new mold was fabricated to create injection-molded polymer composite inserts with the effective fiber orientation. Laboratory test results show that the newly created composite inserts provide approximately double the needed conductivity required for a 24-Volt railcar valve to actuate when tested under the minimum load conditions an adapter would experience in field service. This paper summarizes the work done on fiber alignment and the results of the testing performed on the UTCRS dynamic bearing test rigs.
Development of Track Geometry Degradation Model & Review of Recovery Models
Authors: Wordofa Daniel Hailemichael
Published: June 2022

Former works on railway track geometry degradation are reviewed and their advantage and dis-advantages discussed. Railway track degradation can be geometry or structural degradation. This paper focuses on track geometry degradation and tries to propose additional railway track geometry degradation models based on real data on existing operational line.

The case study is a conventional railway line in Ethiopia “Ethio-Djibouti standard gauge railway line”. Track geometry data collected by track geometry measuring vehicle for 156 weeks and for a length of 323 kilometers is taken for analysis. 114km is a double track line and the rest is a single line track. Models are developed for both single and double track lines.

Degradation models developed are statistical probabilistic models which can be used for prediction purpose with the accuracy in need. The probabilistic nature allows having marginal values for confidence interval in need. Effects of some factors on track geometry degradation are also analyzed. Most of the results show similar results to former studies but the effect of speed on track geometry degradation is different.
Development and Verification of a Moment-Curvature Based Railroad Tie Analysis Program
Authors: Chen Yu-Szu , Jones Christopher A. , Peterman Robert J.
Published: June 2022

A study was conducted to estimate the flexural capacity of monoblock tie under practical load and various ballast support conditions through a numerical approach. The current recommended design approach is maximum allowable stresses by American Railway Engineering and Maintenance -of-Way Association (AREMA) [1]. The recommended design standard includes general design aspects (material, dimensions and loads) and structural strength and testing method for prestressed concrete monoblock tie. Considering the complexity of the tie behavior especially post-cracking and varying ballast support conditions, it is desired to capture tie performance under cyclic train traffic load. Furthermore, the effects of changes in tie geometry should be incorporated into tie design and analysis. Thus, a numerical approach based on Moment-Curvature (M-C) principle is employed for design and analysis of the flexural behavior of prestressed concrete monoblock ties.

The computational tool is computing M-C curve for each slice of tie where the tie can be divided into minimum half inch slice. At this stage, the crack propagation can be observed on concrete strain diagram. Then repeating the same process of computing M-C curve along the tie, and the rotation can be determined at a particular moment. Finally, deflection of tie is calculated by using moment-area method, additionally changes in rail-seat center-to-center spacing can be defined.

A verification and validation approach are employed to establish accuracy and reliability of the developed numerical program. In this paper, the program verification will be discussed. The developed code was compared with corresponding analytical solution or numerical solution at each intermediate step. There are three benchmarks used to verify the code, including hand solution, commercial finite element result, and existing tie analysis example. A small discrepancy was noted in the third case, however, the comparisons had good agreement overall.
Development of a Mobile Robot System for the Visual Inspection of Railcar Undercarriage Equipment
Authors: Molzon Michael , Ahmadian Mehdi
Published: June 2022

This study explores the design and feasibility of using a mobile robotic platform, equipped with digital cameras, thermal imaging, and similar systems for visual inspection of rolling-stock undercarriage while stationary. Condition monitoring and modern inspection methods are important parts for ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation of railroad equipment. Although the current wayside imaging inspection systems have proven to be effective, they are stationary and costly. The system cost, complexity, and inability to transport them to where the needs may exist have limited their widespread adaptation by the railroads. Manual train-side inspections are limited to what the train inspector can see from the side. They do not allow inspecting the undercarriage components without extending inspection time and potentially exposing personnel to safety hazards. This study presents a functional system capable of traversing over and in between the rails, as the means for cost-effective train undercarriage inspection in places such as railyards or sidings. The ability to scan railcars safely will enable detecting and documenting their condition for improved maintenance diagnostics and preventing maintenance. The results of preliminary tests with off-the-shelf cameras capable of 120 FPS recording are also included. The tests indicate that the close proximity between the cameras and the undercarriage components pose a challenge in ensuring that clear and visible images can be captured, especially when moving at higher speeds (say, more than 5 mph) and in low lighting. Traveling on ballasts and ties also poses challenges in terms of the vibrations caused by the rough terrain. The image stabilization feature that is present in most modern cameras is particularly helpful with reducing some of the blurring effects from the vibrations.
Applying the Principles of Motor Learning in Preventative Programs of Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes: A Scoping Review
Authors: Shafizadeh Mohsen , Parvinpour Shahab , Barnes Andrew
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to review the scope of overuse injury prevention programs in young players through the lens of application of motor learning principles. From 280 studies found in the initial search, 13 studies were selected based on a series of inclusion criteria. The selected studies were categorized based on the type of intervention resulting in multicomponent (two studies), Fédération Internationale de Football Association 11+ (five studies), neuromuscular training (two studies), Fédération Internationale de Football Association Medical Assessment and Research Center (two studies), educational (one study), and stability (one study). The studies that had an effective preventative role to reduce overuse injuries applied some principles of motor learning to their intervention, such as contextual interference, variability of practice, task constraints, the power law of practice, transfer of learning, and explicit methods. There is a gap in the literature related to explicit applications of motor learning principles in the design of preventative interventions for overuse injury.
“Behind the Scenes”: The Secret Life of Harry Bosco
Authors: Fair John D.
Published: June 2022

From 1914 to 1957, athlete, author, and artist Harry Paschall entertained physical culturists with his striking images, wisdom, and wit. As a columnist and editor for Strength & Health, he gained notoriety for his pungent writing style and controversial views, enhanced by cartoons of Bosco, a superstrong hero who defends Paschall’s views on health, fitness, and weight training. Behind the scenes, however, suspicions always lurked that Paschall’s idealistic portrayals were not reality-based. Some suspected that Paschall harbored anti-Semitic sentiments and his articles were as much political statements as physical culture contributions. This perspective stems largely from Harry’s scathing portrayal of Bosco’s antithesis, Weedy Man, a caricature of training methods espoused by the rival Weider organization which stressed form rather function. By unpacking evidence of Harry Bosco’s life, it is possible to determine how much anti-Semitism, alcoholism, homophobia, and an unhealthy lifestyle played a role in his intemperate actions and death.
WHO holds off on global alarm for monkeypox
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: June 2022

Critics blast agency for not declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
Near-Complete Genome Sequence of an Avian Orthoavulavirus Type 13 Strain Isolated in South Korea in 2020
Authors: Cho Andrew Y. , Youk Sungsu , Lee Sun-Hak , Kim Tae-Hyeon , Jeong Sol , Kim Yu-jin , Song Chang-Seon
Published: June 2022

We report the near-complete genome sequence of an avian orthoavulavirus 13 (AOAV-13) strain isolated from a wild goose fecal sample collected in South Korea in early 2020. The AOAV-13 sequence had a unique 3′ trailer region, including an 84-nucleotide (nt) deletion and a 24-nt insertion, compared to the most closely related Chinese genome sequence from 2015.
Surrogacy and the law in the UK
Authors: Olaye-Felix Bianca , Allen Deborah Emma , Metcalfe Neil H
Published: June 2022

Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction in which a woman bears a child on behalf of a couple or individual with the intention of handing over care of the child to the intending parent(s) at or soon after birth. The law surrounding surrogacy is complex for healthcare professionals, surrogates and intending parent(s) to navigate. This review article summarises the laws and potential legal complications of surrogacy in the UK.

While altruistic surrogacy is permitted, commercial surrogacy is outlawed in this country. Both traditional and gestational surrogacy may be performed and UK law now also permits surrogacy for same sex couples, unmarried couples and single individuals as intending parent(s). Legal parenthood of the child is transferred from the surrogate to the intending parent(s) via application for a parental order between 6 weeks and 6 months after birth. Legal complications include time restrictions for parental order applications and breaches of reasonable payments to surrogates.
Islands Supporting ACIM for Two-Dimensional Map
Authors: Góra Paweł , Szylowiec Ted
Published: June 2022

We present strong numerical evidence for the existence of “islands” (small, localized, disjoint regions of support) for a two-dimensional map which was studied before for various ranges of parameters. Once this evidence is accepted, it leads to a combinatorial computer-assisted proof for the existence of an ACIM supported on all 175 of these islands.
Chaotic Oscillations of 1D Wave Equation Due to a Generalized Nonlinear Energy-Decay Boundary Condition
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Jun-Min , Li Liangliang
Published: June 2022

The study of spatio-temporal chaos in a system governed by PDEs is interesting but challenging. For the past two decades, the interactions of energy-injection and self-regulation are a practical approach to generate chaos in the system governed by 1D wave equation. In this paper, we introduce a different way to ensure the onset of chaos. More specifically, we consider the initial-boundary value problem described by 1D wave equation [Formula: see text] on an interval. The boundary condition at the left endpoint is linear homogeneous, injecting energy into the system, while the boundary condition at the other side has generalized nonlinearity that causes the energy to decay. We show that the interactions of these linear and generalized nonlinear boundary conditions can generate chaos when some parameter enters a certain regime.
Dynamical Maps and Symmetroids
Authors: Ciaglia Florio M. , Di Cosmo Fabio , Ibort Alberto , Marmo Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

Starting from the canonical symmetroid [Formula: see text] associated with a groupoid [Formula: see text], the issue of describing dynamical maps in the groupoidal approach to quantum mechanics is addressed. After inducing a Haar measure on the canonical symmetroid [Formula: see text], the associated von Neumann groupoid algebra is constructed. It is shown that the left-regular representation allows to define linear maps on the groupoid-algebra of the groupoid [Formula: see text] and given subsets of functions are associated with completely positive maps. Some simple examples are also presented.
SAM: Multi-turn Response Selection Based on Semantic Awareness Matching
Authors: Zhang Rongjunchen , Wu Tingmin , Wen Sheng , Nepal Surya , Paris Cecile , Xiang Yang
Published: June 2022

Multi-turn response selection is a key issue in retrieval-based chatbots and has attracted considerable attention in the NLP (Natural Language processing) field. So far, researchers have developed many solutions that can select appropriate responses for multi-turn conversations. However, these works are still suffering from the semantic mismatch problem when responses and context share similar words with different meanings. In this article, we propose a novel chatbot model based on Semantic Awareness Matching, called SAM. SAM can capture both similarity and semantic features in the context by a two-layer matching network. Appropriate responses are selected according to the matching probability made through the aggregation of the two feature types. In the evaluation, we pick 4 widely used datasets and compare SAM’s performance to that of 12 other models. Experiment results show that SAM achieves substantial improvements, with up to 1.5%
R
10
@1 on Ubuntu Dialogue Corpus V2, 0.5%
R
10
@1 on Douban Conversation Corpus, and 1.3%
R
10
@1 on E-commerce Corpus.
The Antisenescence Effect of Exosomes from Human Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells on Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Guo Ji-An , Yu Pi-Jun , Yang Dong-Qin , Chen Wei
Published: June 2022

Human adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) have become a promising therapeutic approach against skin aging. Recent studies confirm that exosomes partially mediate the therapeutic effect of stem cells. This study successfully isolated exosomes from the ADSC culture medium and discovered that ADSC‐derived exosomes (ADSC‐Exos) could alleviate human dermal fibroblast (HDF) senescence and stimulate HDF migration. Moreover, ADSC‐Exos increased the type I collagen expression level and reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐Gal) activity in HDFs. In addition, we demonstrated that ADSC‐Exos significantly inhibited senescence‐related protein expression levels of p53, p21, and p16. In conclusion, our results have revealed the antisenescence effects of ADSC‐Exos on HDFs and ADSC‐Exos may be a novel cell‐free therapeutic tool for antiaging.
Research on Music Emotional Expression Based on Reinforcement Learning and Multimodal Information
Authors: Zhang Lige , Tian Zhen
Published: June 2022

With the continuous development of the research in the field of emotion analysis, music, as a common multimodal information carrier in people’s daily life, often transmits emotion through lyrics and melody, so it has been gradually incorporated into the research category of emotion analysis. The fusion classification model based on CNN-LSTM proposed in this paper effectively improves the accuracy of emotional classification of audio and lyrics. At the same time, in view of the problem that the traditional decision-level fusion method ignores the correlation between modes and the limitations of dataset, this paper further improves the existing Thayer dimension emotional decision fusion method, takes the audio energy axis data as the main discrimination basis, and improves the accuracy of decision fusion classification. Based on the results of music emotion analysis, this paper further carries out the task of music generation. Based on the feature that there is often consistent emotional expression between music words and songs, a dual Seq2Seq framework based on reinforcement learning is constructed. By introducing the reward value of emotional consistency and content fidelity, the output melody has the same emotion with the input lyrics and good results are achieved. Compared with the ordinary Seq2Seq, the accuracy of our proposed model is improved by about 1.1%. This shows that the accuracy of the model can be effectively improved by using reinforcement learning.
Visual Management of Sports Based on Intelligent Analysis of Big Data
Authors: Yang Danya , Wang Jianfang , Liu Longlong
Published: June 2022

After years of development, big data technology has become more mature and reliable in its application in various fields. With the explosive growth of data and the rise of data complexity, the processing and application of data have actually changed our daily life. The development of data in sports is very active in recent years, and the natural dependence of sports on data determines that the visualization of sports has a great creative space in data sports. Therefore, it is necessary to deeply study the visual management of sports under the background of big data technology. As we all know, in sports, competitive games occupy the vast majority, and the data generated by this is not limited to the score of the game. People are paying more and more attention to information related to sports, but these information are generally very complicated and huge. This is also an area with the widest audience, and the core of competitive sports is data. The final results and progress of most sports competitions are reflected through changes and comparisons of data. With the continuous development of big data information collection technology, the available sports data are more detailed, which also makes sports develop toward visualization. Therefore, with the help of the excellent ability of big data in screening data, this article proposes algorithms such as DTW and recurrent neural networks to reasonably and reliably analyze and process a large number of data generated in the process of sports and embeds an error analysis module in the designed model to ensure the accuracy requirements in data processing to a greater extent. The model designed in this article has been able to improve the accuracy by more than 86%. This will greatly facilitate our management and have a far-reaching impact on sports visualization.
A Bayesian Multiobjective Approach Based on GMPPT for PV Arrays
Authors: Noroozi Sharareh , Shayanfar Heidarali , Nasirian Mehrzad
Published: June 2022

This paper considers the problem of tracking the global maximum power point (GMPP) in partially shaded conditions (PSCs) as a multiobjective optimization problem and solves it using a novel multiobjective optimization algorithm on the basis of Bayesian optimization formulation. Bayesian optimization is a metamodel-based global optimization method that is able to balance exploration and exploitation. The Pareto solutions are obtained by using a multiobjective Bayesian optimization algorithm. Also, a new acquisition function is proposed to improve the diversity and convergence of the Pareto solutions. Two objective functions are introduced to remove the large tracking errors and oscillations of the operating point around the GMPP. The suggested method is implemented online for GMPP tracking so that the suggested method monitors any change in environmental conditions and generates the optimal duty cycle for the DC-DC converter for the GMPP tracking (GMPPT) by the PV array. Several multipeak PSC scenarios are implemented and simulated to show efficiency of the suggested approach. The MATLAB/SIMULINK is employed to implement a photovoltaic (PV) system comprising a PV array, a boost converter, and the proposed multiobjective Bayesian optimization algorithm (MOBOA). The simulation results show a very satisfactory performance of the MOBOA in terms of transient state and steady-state oscillations and tracking speed.
Correlation of Inpatients Suffering from Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis during ICU Treatment with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II Score, Duration of Ventilator Use, and Time on Total Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Zhang Yunfeng , Wang Kaixian , Wang Yuhui , Liu Yang
Published: June 2022

Objective. To explore the correlation of inpatients suffering from acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) during ICU treatment with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score, duration of ventilator use, and time on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Methods. From March 2016 to March 2022, the clinical data of 47 patients with AAC who received ICU treatment in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed, and these patients were included in the AAC group. Another 36 patients treated in the ICU in the same period with age and gender matching with those in the AAC group were selected as the non-AAC group. Patients’ various clinical data were recorded to analyze the correlation of AAC with APACHE-II score, duration of ventilator use, and time on TPN. Results. The shock time, duration of ventilator usage, and duration of sedative medicine use were all substantially longer in the AAC group than in the non-AAC group, according to the univariate analysis (

P
<
0.05

); the amount of norepinephrine used, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP) amount, and APACHE-II score were significantly higher in the AAC group than in the non-AAC group (

P
<
0.05

); between the two groups, the time on TPN and fasting time were different, but with no statistical significance (

P
>
0.05

); after performing Spearman’s correlation with the significantly between-group different indicators, the result showed that the amount of norepinephrine used, duration of ventilator use, white blood cell count, and CRP amount were significantly correlated with the occurrence of AAC, and the correlation was positive (

P

all <0.001). Conclusion. The APACHE-II score and time on TPN are not significantly correlated with the occurrence of AAC; and the amount of norepinephrine used, duration of ventilator use, white blood cell count, and serum CRP are positively correlated with the occurrence of AAC. Measuring the variations in the levels of various markers can signal the onset of AAC or reflect the state and prognosis, suggesting a possible application in clinic-based targeted prevention and treatment of AAC.