bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Neurocognitive Co‐Evolution of Tool Behavior and Language: Insights from the Massive Redeployment Framework
Authors: Osiurak François , Crétel Caroline , Uomini Natalie , Bryche Chloé , Lesourd Mathieu , Reynaud Emanuelle
Published: October 2021

Understanding the link between brain evolution and the evolution of distinctive features of modern human cognition is a fundamental challenge. A still unresolved question concerns the co‐evolution of tool behavior (i.e., tool use or tool making) and language. The shared neurocognitive processes hypothesis suggests that the emergence of the combinatorial component of language skills within the frontal lobe/Broca's area made possible the complexification of tool‐making skills. The importance of the frontal lobe/Broca's area in tool behavior is somewhat surprising with regard to the literature on neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience, which has instead stressed the critical role of the left inferior parietal lobe. Therefore, to be complete, any version of the shared neurocognitive processes hypothesis needs to integrate the potential interactions between the frontal lobe/Broca's area and the left inferior parietal lobe as well as their co‐evolution at a phylogenetic level. Here, we sought to provide the first elements of answer through the use of the massive deployment framework, which posits that evolutionarily older brain areas are deployed in more cognitive functions (i.e., they are less specific). We focused on the left parietal cortex, and particularly the left areas PF, PGI, and anterior intraparietal (AIP), which are known to be involved in tool use, language, and motor control, respectively. The deployment of each brain area in different cognitive functions was measured by conducting a meta‐analysis of neuroimaging studies. Our results confirmed the pattern of specificity for each brain area and also showed that the left area PGI was far less specific than the left areas PF and AIP. From these findings, we discuss the different evolutionary scenarios depicting the potential co‐evolution of the combinatorial and generative components of language and tool behavior in our lineage.
Platelet procoagulant potential is reduced in platelet concentrates ex vivo but appears restored following transfusion
Authors: Tohidi‐Esfahani Ibrahim , Tan Shereen , Tan Chuen Wen , Johnson Lacey , Marks Denese C. , Chen Vivien M.
Published: October 2021

Background

The procoagulant profile of platelet concentrates (PCs) following transfusion has been difficult to evaluate due to lack of specific markers. This study aimed to characterize procoagulant platelets in PCs and the effect of transfusion.

Study design and methods

Buffy coat‐derived PCs from 12 donors were pooled, split, then stored conventionally, cold (2–6°C) or cryopreserved (−80°C). Procoagulant platelet profiles were assessed by flow cytometry (GSAO+/P‐selectin+), lactadherin‐binding, and calibrated automated thrombogram, during storage, unstimulated, or after thrombin and collagen stimulation and compared with blood from healthy volunteers. Platelet activation (P‐selectin) and procoagulant platelet formation potential were measured (flow cytometry) in patients receiving clinically indicated conventional PC transfusion.

Results

Independent of significant increases with storage, procoagulant platelet proportions with and without agonist stimulation were significantly blunted in conventionally stored PCs (stimulated day 5 conventional PC 4.2 ± 1.3%, healthy volunteer blood 11.1 ± 2.9%; p < .0001). Cryopreserved PCs contained the highest proportion of procoagulant platelets (unstimulated: cryopreserved 25.6 ± 1.8% vs. day 5 conventional 0.5 ± 0.1% vs. day 14 cold‐stored 5.8 ± 1.0%, p < .0001), but demonstrated minimal increase with agonist. Transfusion of PCs was associated with an increase in procoagulant platelets (2.2 ± 1.4% vs. 0.6 ± 0.2%; p = .004) and reversal of the blunted agonist response (15.8 ± 5.9% vs. 4.0 ± 1.6%; p < .0001). Procoagulant responses post‐transfusion were significantly higher than healthy controls, suggesting a priming effect. The P‐selectin agonist response was not restored upon transfusion (79.4 ± 13.9% vs. 82.0 ± 2.5%).

Conclusion

Storage blunts the procoagulant platelet response to agonist stimulation in PCs. Despite this, conventionally stored PCs have high procoagulant potential following transfusion, with a discordant, persistent reduction in P‐selectin response.
Development of scour hole depth around setback abutment in a compound channel
Authors: Abouelfetouh Abdelaziz Ahmed , Lim Siow Yong
Published: October 2021

This study focuses on scour depth development around 45° wing‐wall setback abutments in a compound channel. The results show that the scour development curves almost have similar shape and they can be described using exponential function. It is generally observed that the scour hole achieved 80% of the equilibrium scour depth at a scour time equals to 25% of the equilibrium scour time. Additionally, an increase in the relative abutment length and the contraction ratio causes an increase in the equilibrium time. However, this time decrease with increasing flow depth ratio. Finally, new empirical equations are proposed to predict the development of scour depth and the time to reach the equilibrium state. These equations will be useful to predict these characteristics of scour hole especially for setback abutments in compound channel and predict the temporal development scour depth for previous studies that have available data related to maximum scour depth.
Health Students’ Attitudes towards Disability
Authors: Sarantaki Antigoni , Datskovski Anna , Pechlivani Marianna , Gourounti Kleanthi , Diamanti Athina , Nanou Christina , Lykeridou Aikaterini
Published: October 2021

Background: Individuals with disabilities remain one of the most socially excluded segments of the population, constantly fighting for equal rights and social inclusion. Disability is not an easy subject for health professionals to deal with, in part because it crosses many professional and cultural boundaries.Objective: The aim of this research is to analyze and understand the various attitudes toward people with disabilities, amongst the final year medical, midwifery and nursing students and to compare the three health departments on their students’ attitudes.Methods: A questionnaire-based electronic survey was directed to all medical, midwifery and nursing students registered at two big universities in Athens, Greece (n=190). The time frame was decided to encompass a month window (from 2nd May to 2nd June 2021).Results: The Nursing students in the study showed overall a better attitude towards disabled people. Our research mainly indicates the fact that in general, there is need to prioritize training in both theoretical and practical fields through alterations in all three university departments’ curricula.Conclusions: Undergraduates Health Students (of Nursing, Midwifery and Medicine) generally present a lack of awareness, familiarity and experience towards disabled people. Numerous reasons seemed to influence health professional’s attitudes to people with a disability including their age, gender, nationality, education, years of experience, general knowledge regarding a disability and the level and nature of their training. This research clearly illustrates the importance of improving how universities’ undergraduate curricula address disabilities in an effort to inspire upcoming health professionals.
An Investigation on the Discharge Coefficient of Compound Orifices in Rotating Disks
Authors: Yan Jiaxi , Mao Junkui , Wei Song , Sun Zhaolin , Tian Ranran
Published: October 2021

In the modern multishaft gas turbine engines, orifice is an important throttling element, and the discharge coefficient of rotating orifices may vary considerably depending on the operating conditions, the geometry, and surrounding environment. The influences of the rotating number and the pressure ratio on the rotating orifices' flow characteristics are investigated in this study. Besides, the effects of confined space, wall inclination angle (α), and the angle between the axis of orifice and the disk wall normal (β) are also analyzed statistically. It is found that the rotating number has a significant effect on the discharge coefficient. As the rotating number increases from 0 to 0.6, the discharge coefficient reduces by about 47.88%. When rotating number is 0.74 and pressure ratio is 1.10, the discharge coefficient can be improved by 16.88% with α changes from 90 deg to 180 deg. The parameter, β, affects discharge coefficient slightly in rotating condition. However, the maximum discharge coefficient is achieved with β = 0 deg in the static condition. The results also show that a confined space weakens the effect of rotation and changes the air flow direction in the inlet chamber, which also has a positive impact on the discharge coefficient. In the current research, it is found that there is a significant difference between the traditional empirical formulas used in the literature and the fitting result. By modifying the incidence angle and taking account of the influence of the angle of inclination, the maximum error was reduced from 56.79% to 3.16%.
A Block Matrix-Based Precise Integration Algorithm for Solving Nonhomogeneous Dynamic Response
Authors: Zhang Chao , Ling Mingxiang , Tao Meng
Published: October 2021

This article puts forward a computationally efficient block matrix based precise integration algorithm for solving vibration response subjected to time-variable excitation and nonlinearity, especially for nonhomogeneous dynamic response solution with large-scale degrees-of-freedom. In detail, the nonlinear parts and time-varying inputs of a dynamic system are separated from the original dynamic equations and then simulated within a computing time-step by employing a piecewise interpolation function. A novel closed-form iteration formula is presented in conjunction with the block matrix strategy and modified increment-dimensional precise integration technique. Interestingly, the presented approach is essentially a high-accuracy and parallel algorithm, which exhibits a high prediction accuracy without the limitation of matrix inversion, higher-order derivative, periodicity requirement nor cycle oscillation and instability of high-order interpolation. The feasibility and advantage of the proposed method are verified with two numerical examples.
Perspectives on Molecular-Level Understanding of Thermophysics of Liquids and Future Research Directions
Authors: Chen Gang
Published: October 2021

This article provides the author's perspectives on the current molecular-level understanding of thermophysical properties and transport processes in liquids. After illustrating peculiarities of the thermophysical properties of some common liquids using experimental data on their specific heat, thermal conductivity, and viscosity, the article moves on with a summary of existing molecular pictures and theoretical approaches on liquids, followed with elaborations on different models developed for the specific heat, thermal conductivity, and viscosity. The review shows that current understanding of thermophysical properties of liquids is still poor and theoretical tools to study them are not well developed. The article provides personal views of the author on what is missing in current theories. Furthermore, it explains underlying mechanisms for some experimental observations and suggests potential directions of future research.
A Nonhomogeneous Bulk Flow Model for Gas in Liquid Flow Annular Seals: An Effort to Produce Engineering Results
Authors: Lu Xueliang , San Andrés Luis , Yang Jing
Published: October 2021

Seals in multiple-phase rotordynamic pumps must operate without compromising system efficiency and stability. Both field operation and laboratory experiments show that seals supplied with a gas in liquid mixture (bubbly flow) can produce rotordynamic instability and excessive rotor vibrations. This paper advances a nonhomogeneous bulk flow model (NHBFM) for the prediction of the leakage and dynamic force coefficients of uniform clearance annular seals lubricated with gas in liquid mixtures. Compared to a homogeneous bulk flow model (HBFM), the current model includes diffusion coefficients in the momentum transport equations and a field equation for the transport of the gas volume fraction (GVF). Published experimental leakage and dynamic force coefficients for two seals supplied with an air in oil mixture whose GVF varies from 0% (pure liquid) to 20% serve to validate the novel model as well as to benchmark it against predictions from a HBFM. The first seal withstands a large pressure drop (∼38 bar) and the shaft speed equals 7.5 krpm. The second seal restricts a small pressure drop (1.6 bar) as the shaft turns at 3.5 krpm. The first seal is typical as a balance piston whereas the second seal is found as a neck-ring seal in an impeller. For the high pressure seal and inlet GVF = 0.1, the flow is mostly homogeneous as the maximum diffusion velocity at the seal exit plane is just ∼0.1% of the liquid flow velocity. Thus, both the NHBFM and HBFM predict similar flow fields, leakage (mass flow rate), and drag torque. The difference between the predicted leakage and measurement is less than 5%. The NHBFM direct stiffness (K) agrees with the experimental results and reduces faster with inlet GVF than the HBFM K. Both direct damping (C) and cross-coupled stiffness (k) increase with inlet GVF < 0.1. Compared to the test data, the two models generally under predict C and k by ∼25%. Both models deliver a whirl frequency ratio (fw) ∼ 0.3 for the pure liquid seal, hence closely matching the test data. fw raises to ∼0.35 as the GVF approaches 0.1. For the low-pressure seal, the flow is laminar; the experimental results and both NHBFM and HBFM predict a null direct stiffness (K). At an inlet GVF = 0.2, the NHBFM predicted added mass (M) is ∼30% below the experimental result while the HBFM predicts a null M. C and k predicted by both models are within the uncertainty of the experimental results. For operation with either a pure liquid or a mixture (GVF = 0.2), both models deliver fw = 0.5 and equal to the experimental finding. The comparisons of predictions against experimental data demonstrate that the NHBFM offers a marked improvement, in particular for the direct stiffness (K). The predictions reveal that the fluid flow maintains the homogeneous character known at the inlet condition.
Parametric Study of Flexure Pivot Bearing Induced Thermal Bow-Rotor Instability (Morton Effect)
Authors: Shin Dongil , Suh Junho , Palazzolo Alan B.
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the journal asymmetric temperature-induced thermal bow vibration of a rotor, as supported by a flexure pivot journal bearing (FPJB). Thermal bow-induced vibration, known as the Morton effect (ME), is caused by non-uniform viscous heating of the journal, and the resulting thermal bow often causes increasing vibration amplitudes with the time-varying phase. Full FPJB’s structural and thermal finite element models are developed and integrated into the flexible rotor model. The model is validated by comparing its predicted ME response with experimental results. An FPJB model, which uses predicted “equivalent” radial and tilting stiffness of the bearing, is compared with the full finite element method (FEM)-based model. The impact of FPJB’s design parameters such as web thickness, bearing material, and housing thicknesses are investigated with parametric studies. The results show that FPJB parameter values may have a major effect on the speed range of ME vibration, and its severity.
An Evolving Model of Best Practice in a Community Physical Activity Program: A Case Study of “Active Herts”
Authors: Carr Shelby , Burke Amanda , Chater Angel Marie , Howlett Neil , Jones Andy
Published: October 2021

Background: Community-based physical activity programs typically evolve to respond to local conditions and feedback from stakeholders. Process evaluations are essential for capturing how programs are implemented, yet often fail to capture delivery evolution over time, meaning missed opportunities for capturing lessons learned. Methods: This research paper reports on a staged approach to a process evaluation undertaken within a community-based UK 12-month physical activity program that aimed to capture change and adaptation to program implementation. Twenty-five one-to-one interviews and 12 focus groups took place over the 3 years of program delivery. Participants included program participants, management, and service deliverers. Results: Program adaptations that were captured through the ongoing process evaluation included changes to the design of promotional material, program delivery content, ongoing training in behavior change, and the addition of regular participant community events. The authors address how these strands evolved over program delivery, and how the process evaluation was able to capture them. Conclusion: The pragmatic evaluation approach enabled changes in response to the local context, as well as improvements in the program to be captured in a timely manner, allowing the delivery to be responsive and the evaluation flexible.
Ordering Nanoclusters Around
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: October 2021

Advances in creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional arrays of nanoclusters are laying the groundwork for transistors that work with just a single electron, and novel materials whose electrical and optical properties can vary internally, governed by the size of their constituent clusters.
Scant Data Cause Widespread Concern
Authors: O'Brien Claire
Published: October 2021

Cambridge, U.K.—The British government announced last week that 10 anomalous cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) may be linked to an outbreak of “mad cow disease,” a degenerative brain disorder that began to strike cattle in the United Kingdom in the mid-1980s. The announcement, based on findings that have yet to be published, has spread alarm and caused many countries to ban British beef. The 10 anomalous cases occurred in relatively young people and the pathology differs from that of traditional CJD cases, suggesting that a new form of the disease may have arisen.
Sequencers Split Over Data Release
Authors: Kahn Patricia
Published: October 2021

Heidelberg, Germany—Researchers attending the Human Genome Organization meeting here offered different views on whether sequence data should be made available to the community as soon as it is generated. The yeast genome project—which has just finished sequencing the entire genome of bakers' yeast—allowed participants exclusive use of data for some time before it was made public. In contrast, two sequencing powerhouses—the Sanger Center in the United Kingdom and a sequencing group at Washington University—are putting sequence data on the World Wide Web every day. A group of researchers and funding organizations led by Britain's Wellcome Trust is now drafting a statement of principles designed to encourage openness and rapid release of sequence data.
Printing Proteins as Microarrays for High-Throughput Function Determination
Authors: MacBeath Gavin , Schreiber Stuart L.
Published: October 2021

Systematic efforts are currently under way to construct defined sets of cloned genes for high-throughput expression and purification of recombinant proteins. To facilitate subsequent studies of protein function, we have developed miniaturized assays that accommodate extremely low sample volumes and enable the rapid, simultaneous processing of thousands of proteins. A high-precision robot designed to manufacture complementary DNA microarrays was used to spot proteins onto chemically derivatized glass slides at extremely high spatial densities. The proteins attached covalently to the slide surface yet retained their ability to interact specifically with other proteins, or with small molecules, in solution. Three applications for protein microarrays were demonstrated: screening for protein-protein interactions, identifying the substrates of protein kinases, and identifying the protein targets of small molecules.
NASA to fly drone on Titan
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: October 2021

Dragonfly quadcopter will scout saturnian moon for life
Inflammatory monocytes hinder antiviral B cell responses
Authors: Sammicheli Stefano , Kuka Mirela , Di Lucia Pietro , de Oya Nereida Jiménez , De Giovanni Marco , Fioravanti Jessica , Cristofani Claudia , Maganuco Carmela G. , Fallet Benedict , Ganzer Lucia , Sironi Laura , Mainetti Marta , Ostuni Renato , Larimore Kevin , Greenberg Philip D. , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Guidotti Luca G. , Iannacone Matteo
Published: October 2021

LCMV evades B cell responses by recruiting inflammatory monocytes to draining lymph nodes.

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The double life of TLR2
Authors: Mahfoud Samantha , Petrova Tatiana V.
Published: October 2021

TLR2 located in the endothelium promotes angiogenesis and inflammation.
Pazopanib ameliorates acute lung injuries via inhibition of MAP3K2 and MAP3K3
Authors: Yuan Qianying , Basit Abdul , Liang Wenhua , Qu Rihao , Luan Yi , Ren Chunguang , Li Ao , Xu Xin , Liu Xiaoqing , Yang Chun , Kuo Andrew , Pierce Richard , Zhang Longbo , Turk Benjamin , Hu Xin , Li Fangyong , Cui Weixue , Li Run , Huang Danxia , Mo Lili , Sessa William C. , Lee Patty J. , Kluger Yuval , Su Bing , Tang Wenwen , He Jianxing , Wu Dianqing
Published: October 2021

MAP3K inhibition attenuates acute lung injuries in mice and reduced edema in lung transplantation recipients.
Excision of rare adult cervical thymic cyst
Authors: Cromar Zachary J , Shah Viraj N , Kamrava Brandon , Nissim Kenneth R , Velez-Torres Jaylou M
Published: October 2021

Cervical thymic cysts (CTCs) represent 1% of all cervical cystic masses. A review of the literature found that CTCs are typically asymptomatic, with a propensity to be left sided. CTCs often require histological evaluation for diagnosis. A 27-year-old male patient presented to an outpatient otolaryngology clinic with worsening bilateral jaw and neck pain and an incidental right-sided neck mass found on cervical MRI. Preoperative differential diagnosis included venolymphatic malformation versus branchial cleft cyst. Histological examination of the excised specimen provided diagnosis of a CTC. Postoperatively, the patient reported improvement in cervical pain. CTCs are a rare cause of lateral neck mass in young adults. Typical presentation included neck enlargement with no symptoms or in some cases compressive symptoms. It is important to consider CTCs when formulating a differential for a lateral neck mass.
UV/IR mixing in noncommutative SU(N) Yang–Mills theory
Authors: Martin C. P. , Trampetic J. , You J.
Published: October 2021

We show that there are one-loop IR singularities arising from UV/IR mixing in noncommutative SU(N) Yang–Mills theory defined by means of the $$\theta $$
θ
-exact Seiberg–Witten map. This is in spite of the fact that there are no ordinary U(1) gauge fields in the theory and this is at variance with the noncommutative U(N) case, where the two-point part of the effective action involving the ordinary SU(N) fields do not suffer from those one-loop IR singularities.
Pulse-Coupled Synchronization Protocol and Its Optimized Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Shi Chao , Zhang Wei , Zhang Lihong
Published: October 2021

This paper proposed a pulse-coupled synchronization protocol for wireless sensor networks. The time information of the node can be encoded at the Mac layer and then sent and received in the form of pulse waves. During the exchange of time information between a pair of nodes, one node will adjust its own clock information according to certain rules after receiving the pulse time signal of the other node. This process is repeated in the entire wireless sensor network. Under certain environmental and estimated parameter conditions, all nodes in the network can finally converge to a coherent frequency and phase, thus realizing time synchronization. The relationship between time synchronization and coupling coefficient was proved theoretically, and the optimal coupling coefficient was derived. An optimized algorithm was proposed after the optimization of the protocol. Finally, the correctness of the proposed protocol and its optimized algorithm was verified by data simulation.
Free Vibration and Instability Analysis of Sandwich Plates with Carbon Nanotubes-Reinforced Composite Faces and Honeycomb Core
Authors: Chowdhary Sushila , Kassa Mesfin Kebede , Tadesse Yitbarek Gashaw , Arumugam Ananda Babu , Selvaraj Rajeshkumar
Published: October 2021

In this study, the instability regions of a honeycomb sandwich plate are investigated for different end conditions under periodic in-plane loading. The core layer of the sandwich plate is made of carbon nanotube (CNT)/glass fiber-reinforced honeycomb and the face layers of CNT/glass fiber- reinforced laminated composite. The governing equations are derived using classical laminated plate theory (CLPT) and solved numerically by using finite element formulation. The effectiveness of the developed finite element formulation is demonstrated by comparing the results in terms of natural frequencies with those available in the literature. The effects of CNT wt.% on the core material, CNT wt.% on the skin material, ply orientation and various end conditions on the variation of natural frequencies, loss factors and instability regions are studied. Finally, some inferences for the effects of CNT reinforcement on the honeycomb sandwich plate subjected to the periodic in-plane loads are discussed.
Isbell’s Zigzag theorem for permutative orthodox semigroups and clifford semigroups
Authors: Alam Noor , Mohammad Khan Noor
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we prove that the dominion of any full orthodox subsemigroup of a medial orthodox semigroup is described by the Isbell zigzag theorem in the category of medial orthodox semigroups. As a consequence, the dominions of any full completely regular subsemigroup of a medial completely regular semigroup as well as that of any full Clifford subsemigroup of a medial Clifford semigroup are also described by the Isbell zigzag theorem in the categories of all medial completely regular semigroups and of all medial Clifford semigroups, respectively.
On partitioning ideals of (m,n)-semirings
Authors: Chaudhari J. N. , Nemade Harish , Davvaz Bijan
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is a partitioning ideal of an [Formula: see text]-semiring [Formula: see text] with respect to two subsets [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], then the quotient [Formula: see text]-semirings [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are isomorphic. Also, the concepts of maximal homomorphism, steady homomorphism, one-one homomorphism and [Formula: see text]-homomorphism are generalized for [Formula: see text]-semirings and obtained relation between them. Finally, the fundamental theorem of semiring homomorphism is generalized for [Formula: see text]-semirings.
Characteristic and photocatalytic performance of magnetic photocatalyst β-Bi2O3/MnxZn1−xFe2O4synthesized by hydrothermal and calcination method
Authors: Zhang Qiyuan , Yang Yahan , Cheng Yong , Xu Longjun , Liu Chenglun
Published: October 2021

A magnetic photocatalyst [Formula: see text]-Bi2O3/Mn[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]Fe2O4(Bi2O3/MZF) was fabricated by hydrothermal and calcination method, and characterized by XRD, FTIR, XPS and SEM, BET and VSM. The photocatalytic efficiency was measured by the degradation experiment of Rhodamine B (RhB). The degradation rate of the optimum sample Bi2O3/MZF (10 wt.%) could reach 96.8% after 3 h under visible light, and was improved significantly compared with pure [Formula: see text]-Bi2O3due to the larger pore size (11.76 nm) and specific surface area (17.87 m2⋅ g[Formula: see text]. Meanwhile, the Bi2O3/MZF (10 wt.%) could be recovered under the external magnetic field due to its high magnetization saturation (9.22 emu ⋅ g[Formula: see text]. After reusing three times, the Bi2O3/MZF could still maintain the excellent photocatalytic activity and structural stability.
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON REGIONS’ COMPETITIVENESS
Authors: PYANKOVA SVETLANA , TROYANSKAYA MARIJA , TYURINA YULIYA
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to assess the impact of digital development on the competitiveness indicators of countries and regions. The research methodology was based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a structured technique adapted to solve the nonlinear optimization problem by choosing the most suitable scenario for the public administration of regions’ digital development. The analysis of digital competitiveness across European countries revealed that its development is quite uneven. Within the European Union, both digitalization leaders and outsiders were noted. Modeling three digitalization scenarios for Russia, China, the United States and the countries of Europe allowed defining Scenario 3 (accelerated digitalization) as the best way for managing their development in the context of digital transformation. The significance of the conducted research lies in the fact that it distinguished the digital economy components affecting both digital and overall regions’ competitiveness. The results obtained can be taken advantage of by individuals engaged in the field of economic activity to determine the role of various organizations, strategic levers, and indicators that ensure an effective response to challenges of competition in the regional and global markets.
Introduction: India–East Asia Relations in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: KUMAR RAJIV
Published: October 2021

This article argues that India-East Asia relations are likely to enter a new phase in the post-COVID-19 era. The COVID-19 pandemic has hastened the decline of the post-Cold War liberal order that has so far promoted mutual trust and cooperation and underpinned peace and prosperity. This development has enormous implications for East Asia’s international relations. Indeed, significant changes appear to have occurred in the region during the pandemic. On the one hand, the pandemic has accelerated China's growing supremacy, but on the other hand, it has also enhanced its rivalry with all major liberal powers, including the US, India, Japan and Australia. Moreover, the geo-economic front has also witnessed drastic changes as pandemic-induced economic nationalism, economic retaliation, and supply chain restructuring have swept across the region. Hence, it is not premature to proclaim the post-pandemic East Asia will differ from the post-Cold War liberal era. That, in turn, raises important questions: How has the COVID-19 influenced India–East Asia relations? Will the post-COVID-19 era transform India's ties with East Asia? If so, how will this relationship change, and to what extent? This article, and this special issue more broadly, seek to answer these questions. In doing so, we first examine the major geopolitical and geo-economic issues between India and East Asia. Thereafter, we analyze India's relations with South Korea, China, Japan and ASEAN.
Design Guidelines for Cooperative UAV-supported Services and Applications
Authors: Al Ridhawi Ismaeel , Bouachir Ouns , Aloqaily Moayad , Boukerche Azzedine
Published: October 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) systems have advanced greatly in the past few years, especially with the support of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions. Numerous AI-supported IoT devices are playing a significant role in providing complex and user-specific smart city services. Given the multitude of heterogeneous wireless networks, the plethora of computer and storage architectures and paradigms, and the abundance of mobile and vehicular IoT devices, true smart city experiences are only attainable through a cooperative intelligent and secure IoT framework. This article provides an extensive study on different cooperative systems and envisions a cooperative solution that supports the integration and collaboration among both centralized and distributed systems, in which intelligent AI-supported IoT devices such as smart UAVs provide support in the data collection, processing and service provisioning process. Moreover, secure and collaborative decentralized solutions such as Blockchain are considered in the service provisioning process to enable enhanced privacy and authentication features for IoT applications. As such, user-specific complex services and applications within smart city environments will be delivered and made available in a timely, secure, and efficient manner.
A Survey of Deep Active Learning
Authors: Ren Pengzhen , Xiao Yun , Chang Xiaojun , Huang Po-Yao , Li Zhihui , Gupta Brij B. , Chen Xiaojiang , Wang Xin
Published: October 2021

Active learning (AL) attempts to maximize a model’s performance gain while annotating the fewest samples possible. Deep learning (DL) is greedy for data and requires a large amount of data supply to optimize a massive number of parameters if the model is to learn how to extract high-quality features. In recent years, due to the rapid development of internet technology, we have entered an era of information abundance characterized by massive amounts of available data. As a result, DL has attracted significant attention from researchers and has been rapidly developed. Compared with DL, however, researchers have a relatively low interest in AL. This is mainly because before the rise of DL, traditional machine learning requires relatively few labeled samples, meaning that early AL is rarely according the value it deserves. Although DL has made breakthroughs in various fields, most of this success is due to a large number of publicly available annotated datasets. However, the acquisition of a large number of high-quality annotated datasets consumes a lot of manpower, making it unfeasible in fields that require high levels of expertise (such as speech recognition, information extraction, medical images, etc.). Therefore, AL is gradually coming to receive the attention it is due.

It is therefore natural to investigate whether AL can be used to reduce the cost of sample annotation while retaining the powerful learning capabilities of DL. As a result of such investigations, deep active learning (DeepAL) has emerged. Although research on this topic is quite abundant, there has not yet been a comprehensive survey of DeepAL-related works; accordingly, this article aims to fill this gap. We provide a formal classification method for the existing work, along with a comprehensive and systematic overview. In addition, we also analyze and summarize the development of DeepAL from an application perspective. Finally, we discuss the confusion and problems associated with DeepAL and provide some possible development directions.
Firmware Over-the-air Programming Techniques for IoT Networks - A Survey
Authors: Arakadakis Konstantinos , Charalampidis Pavlos , Makrogiannakis Antonis , Fragkiadakis Alexandros
Published: October 2021

The devices forming Internet of Things (IoT) networks need to be re-programmed over the air, so that new features are added, software bugs or security vulnerabilities are resolved, and their applications can be re-purposed. The limitations of IoT devices, such as installation in locations with limited physical access, resource-constrained nature, large scale, and high heterogeneity, should be taken into consideration for designing an efficient and reliable pipeline for over-the-air programming (OTAP). In this work, we present a survey of OTAP techniques, which can be applied to IoT networks. We highlight the main challenges and limitations of OTAP for IoT devices and analyze the essential steps of the firmware update process, along with different approaches and techniques that implement them. In addition, we discuss schemes that focus on securing the OTAP process. Finally, we present a collection of state-of-the-art open-source and commercial platforms that integrate secure and reliable OTAP.
Efficiency and Effectiveness of Web Application Vulnerability Detection Approaches: A Review
Authors: Zhang Bing , Li Jingyue , Ren Jiadong , Huang Guoyan
Published: October 2021

Most existing surveys and reviews on web application vulnerability detection (WAVD) approaches focus on comparing and summarizing the approaches’ technical details. Although some studies have analyzed the efficiency and effectiveness of specific methods, there is a lack of a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of various WAVD approaches. We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of WAVD approaches and analyzed their efficiency and effectiveness. We identified 105 primary studies out of 775 WAVD articles published between January 2008 and June 2019. Our study identified 10 categories of artifacts analyzed by the WAVD approaches and 8 categories of WAVD meta-approaches for analyzing the artifacts. Our study’s results also summarized and compared the effectiveness and efficiency of different WAVD approaches on detecting specific categories of web application vulnerabilities and which web applications and test suites are used to evaluate the WAVD approaches. To our knowledge, this is the first SLR that focuses on summarizing the effectiveness and efficiencies of WAVD approaches. Our study results can help security engineers choose and compare WAVD tools and help researchers identify research gaps.
Handling Iterations in Distributed Dataflow Systems
Authors: Gévay Gábor E. , Soto Juan , Markl Volker
Published: October 2021

Over the past decade, distributed dataflow systems (DDS) have become a standard technology. In these systems, users write programs in restricted dataflow programming models, such as MapReduce, which enable them to scale out program execution to a shared-nothing cluster of machines. Yet, there is no established consensus that prescribes how to extend these programming models to support iterative algorithms. In this survey, we review the research literature and identify how DDS handle control flow, such as iteration, from both the programming model and execution level perspectives. This survey will be of interest for both users and designers of DDS.
Directivity Enhancement of a Broadband Printed Antenna by Using Two Closely Spaced Strips
Authors: Wu Jiangniu , Sun Jing , Fang Jinyong
Published: October 2021

The bandwidth of a printed rectangular loop antenna with two gaps can be enlarged by using the metallic strips as directors. However, the directivity is not good. Because the two closely spaced metallic strips act as a building block, they can be used to block the propagation of electromagnetic waves. Therefore, two closely spaced metallic strips as a new reflector are adopted and investigated in this paper for improving the directivity of antenna. Two arrangement modes of the printed antennas with two closely spaced strips are designed, fabricated, and measured. Experimental results show that the impedance bandwidth of type A antenna (with inner strip) is about 62.5% ranging from 2.3 to 4.39 GHz. In addition, the gain of 3.8–5.2 dBi and 2 dB improvement of F/B ratio are achieved. Type B antenna (with outer strip) can realize a 62% measured bandwidth ranging from 2.29 to 4.35 GHz. Also, about 3.4 to 4.9 dBi of gain with 2.5 dB improvement of F/B ratio is obtained. The measured F/B ratios of the two modified antennas are both better than 10 dB within the operating frequency band. Measured results verified that adopting the two closely spaced metallic strips as a new reflector can both enhance the F/B ratio and gain without changing the overall dimensions and operating frequency.
Application of Image Segmentation Algorithm Based on Partial Differential Equation in Legal Case Text Classification
Authors: Sun Jingliang
Published: October 2021

As a means of regulating people’s code of conduct, law has a close relationship with text, and text data has been growing exponentially. Managing and classifying huge text data have become a huge challenge. The PDES image segmentation algorithm is an effective natural language processing method for text classification management. Based on the study of image segmentation algorithm and legal case text classification theory, an image segmentation model based on partial differential equation is proposed, in which diffusion indirectly acts on level set function through auxiliary function. The software architecture of image segmentation algorithm text classification system is proposed by using computer technology and three-layer architecture model, which can improve the classification ability of text classification algorithm. The validity of pDE image segmentation model is verified by experiments. The experimental results show that the model completes the legal case text classification, the performance of each functional module of the legal case text classification system is good, and the efficiency and quality of the legal case text classification are improved.
ceRNAs in Cancer: Mechanism and Functions in a Comprehensive Regulatory Network
Authors: Yang Ni , Liu Kuo , Yang Mengxuan , Gao Xiang
Published: October 2021

Noncoding RNAs have been shown with powerful ability in post-transcriptional regulation, enabling intertwined RNA crosstalk and global molecular interaction in a large amount of dysfunctional conditions including cancer. Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are those competitively binding with shared microRNAs (miRNAs), freeing their counterparts from miRNA-induced degradation, thus actively influencing and connecting with each other. Constantly updated analytical approaches boost outstanding advancement achieved in this burgeoning hotspot in multilayered intracellular communication, providing new insights into pathogenesis and clinical treatment. Here, we summarize the mechanisms and correlated factors under this RNA interplay and deregulated transcription profile in neoplasm and tumor progression, underscoring the great significance of ceRNAs for diagnostic values, monitoring biomarkers, and prognosis evaluation in cancer.
Elevator Running Fault Monitoring Method Based on Vibration Signal
Authors: Jia Mingxing , Gao Xiongfei , Li Hongru , Pang Hali
Published: October 2021

According to the one‐dimensional characteristics of the vibration signal, this paper proposes an elevator operation fault monitoring method based on one‐dimensional convolutional neural network (1‐DCNN). It can solve the problems of traditional elevator fault monitoring methods that require complex feature extraction processes and a large amount of diagnostic experience. Because the elevator fault monitoring field has less fault information, it is different from the large sample situation in the field of face recognition. Aiming at the problem of small samples, this paper first preprocesses elevator vibration signals through singular value decomposition (SVD) and wavelet transform, then uses wavelet transform to extract wavelet energy features of the original vibration signals, and then use PCA to reduce the feature data to the dimension with a cumulative contribution rate of greater than 85%. When reducing the dimensionality, the original characteristics of the features are preserved as much as possible. When designing the 1‐CNN, the K‐fold cross‐validation method is added to obtain as many abnormalities from the sample set as possible. The information is finally trained using the 1‐CNN and classified by softmax regression. In order to verify the performance of the algorithm, the original vibration signal was used as the input of the 1‐CNN, and the wavelet energy feature without PCA dimensionality reduction was used as the input of the 1‐CNN. The experimental results showed that the 1‐DCNN model with PCA dimension‐reduced feature data as input can effectively extract and identify the features of normal and abnormal states and has high fault identification accuracy, and good results have been obtained.
Clinical Diagnosis of Endometrial Polyps Using Multioperator Algorithm Combined with Hysteroscopy
Authors: Han Dongfang , Wang Dajun , Sangzeren Ba , Li Xiaomei
Published: October 2021

Exploring the effects of uterine imaging and hysteroscopy of endometrial polyps, this article has chosen the treatment effect of 50 cases of intrauterine polyps to observe hysteroscopy. The results showed that the diagnosis and sensitivity, specificity, positive, negative, and consistency were passed through various diagnostic methods (

P
<
0.05

). The diagnostic sensitivity of antidiagnosis combination and series combination was 90.0%, 64.0%, 96.0%, 92.0%, 80.0%, 80.0%, 88.0%, and 92.0%, parallel diagnosis with high sensitivity, significantly higher than simple diagnosis (

P
<
0.05

). Therefore, in the clinical treatment of endometrial polyps, hysteroscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment, which can remove endometrial quality, improve the clinical symptoms of patients, and reduce the interference and postoperative recovery process of surgical trauma.
Pediatric Extramedullary Epidural Spinal Teratomas: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Deckey David G. , Fernandez Andrea , Lara Nina J. , Taylor Steve , McClendon Jamal , Bennett David M.
Published: October 2021

Background. Teratomas in the pediatric population are most commonly found in the sacrococcygeal region. Pediatric intraspinal teratomas, however, are an exceedingly rare central nervous system (CNS) neoplasm. The clinical presentation of these intraspinal neoplasms can vary significantly and thus can be difficult to identify in infants less than one year of age where verbal expression and motor development are still lacking. Case Description. A 7-month-old, previously healthy male presented with a thoracic scoliosis and an asymptomatic right midupper thoracic spinal prominence present since birth. MRI revealed an extensive heterogenous mass in the right epidural space from T5-T6 and the right paravertebral space, resulting in severe spinal stenosis. Outcome. Complete resection of the tumor, including a three-level neurotomy, was achieved by posterior decompression/laminectomy. The final tumor was consistent with a mature teratoma. The surgical resection was performed without any immediate complications. Conclusions. Extramedullary epidural teratomas are exceptionally rare tumors in the pediatric population. Clinical presentation can be ambiguous, particularly in an infant. MRI was useful in suggesting a teratoma as a potential diagnosis and for postoperative surveillance for recurrence. However, histopathological analysis remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, especially in the setting of cord compression and progressive loss of motor function. Close follow-up is crucial to monitor for progressive spinal deformity or recurrence.
Generalised Presic Type Operators in Modular Metric Space and an Application to Integral Equations of Caratheodory Type Functions
Authors: Alshammari Fahad Sameer , Reshma K. P. , R. Rajagopalan , George Reny
Published: October 2021

Extending the Presic type operators to modular spaces, we introduce generalised Presic typew-contractive mappings and stronglyw-contractive mappings in a modular metric space and establish fixed-point theorems for such contractions in modular spaces. Ulam–Hyers stability of the fixed-point equation involving Presic type operators is also discussed. Our results extend and generalise some known results in the literature. The results are supported by appropriate example and an application to Caratheodory type integral equation.