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• Remote testing is suitable when performing complex tests requiring careful training. • One-solution test is reliable to assess PROP status in live remote condition. • PROP impregnated paper disks are a valid alternative to solutions in lab setting. • PROP disks can be used out-of-lab if a strict control is provided by the personnel. • Reliable remote testing procedures will promote research in vulnerable populations. Solutions and paper disks are widely used methods for classifying people by their ability to perceive 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP). Recently, remote sensory testing carried out under the supervision of the panel leader, has been found to be a valid alternative to the traditional lab-setting, offering several practical advantages. This study aimed to validate a protocol for PROP status assessment in remote condition and to compare the results obtained using solutions and paper disks. Individual differences in bitterness responsiveness and the relative classification between two different testing conditions (remote and laboratory) and two stimuli (solutions and disks) were compared. 77 subjects (18–30 years; 60 % women) participated in two sessions (one in laboratory and one in remote setting) and rated the perceived intensity of PROP solutions and disks. Mean PROP ratings did not vary across remote and lab conditions (p = 0.844). PROP phenotype classifications in remote-solution and lab-disk conditions were comparable to lab-solution reference condition (with a misclassification rate of 27 % and 31 % respectively, all occurring within contiguous groups). In contrast, the classification in remote-disk condition was not fully comparable (misclassification in respect to lab-solution of 48 % in contiguous groups, and 1.3 % in non-contiguous groups). One-solution test appears as a reliable procedure for PROP status assessment in live remote testing. Also, impregnated paper disks represent a suitable alternative to solution testing in conventional lab setting for practical reasons. However, paper disks could represent a valid option for data collection outside the lab, but they require rigorous in-person control by the sensory personnel when used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The requirement for medical services fluctuates. This study was carried out in order to attempt to extrapolate the service requirements for various cardiology services at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta over the coming five years, based on service demands from previous years.Methods: Past annual data was obtained from hospital records for various services (to 2017). Linear regression was carried out using a bespoke Excel™ spreadsheet in order to extrapolate possible services requirements up to 2022.Results: All services are expected to increase, with forecasts ranging between 41 and 354%, depending on services being considered.Discussion: It is easy to "get on with it" and perform the work required at the workplace but this study has shown that it is equally important to anticipate demands lest lack of planning leads to long and important waiting lists for critical diagnostics and treatments. Health care provision requirements are increasing worldwide. Even using conservative estimates and in the absence of the creation of new services, the demands for extant services are likely to continue to grow. Unless medium term plans are made for hardware, software, physical space and staffing, and the funding thereof, waiting lists for investigations in this speciality are bound to rise. This may be mitigated by novel treatments but since these cannot be predicted, it would be safer and wiser to plan ahead lest we are overwhelmed. This paper has also shown how WASP (Write a Scientific Paper) precepts can be applied to elegantly study a problem and write up a paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Effect of scanner parameters on colorimetric detection of μPADs was evaluated. • Scanner settings, blank colour and image acquisition mode had the greatest effect. • Effect of the main μPAD characteristics on its colorimetric detection was studied. • μPAD covering (e.g., lamination) had the greatest effect. • Guidelines for optimal data acquisition and µPAD manipulation were proposed. Office style scanners are often used by researchers for the colorimetric detection in the development of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs). However, little attention has been paid to nuances in calibration curve responses caused by varying settings of a single image-capturing device. Hence, in this study, the effect of parameters, such as the scanner operation conditions, the method of data analysis used (e.g., choice of colour space system, suitable channel), and the influence of the physical characteristics of the µPAD (e.g., template colour, type of lamination pouches used) on the colorimetric detection were evaluated for the first time. Combinations of the scanning parameters were thoroughly examined and their impact on the quality of a mock calibration curve assessed. The most sensitive calibration curve was achieved only by the selection of the optimal scanning conditions combined with an appropriate choice of colorimetric system. A flatbed scanner, used in this study, showed greater variation of signal with varying scanning setup, whereas a portable scanner provided nearly identical responses under diverse scanning conditions. Gamma correction, scanning resolution, region of interest (ROI) surrounding colour (i.e., template colour), bit-depth, image file type, and the number of analysed pixels were found not to markedly affect the dynamics of the calibration curve when colour in the ROI is homogeneous. Parameters that had an effect on the colorimetric detection were the scanner settings, colour of the blank, image acquisition mode (colour vs greyscale), and µPAD covering (e.g., lamination). Based on these findings, generic guidelines for optimal data acquisition and µPAD manipulation with respect to µPAD calibration have been formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As the industrial systems are growing complex these-days and data related to the system performance are recorded/collected from various resources under various practical constraints. If the collected data are used as such in the analysis, then they have high range of uncertainties occurred in the analysis and hence performance of the system cannot be done up to desired levels. Thus the main objective of the present work is to remove the uncertainties in the data up to a desired degree of accuracy by utilizing the uncertain, vague and limited data. For analysis of this, an artificial bee colony based Lambda–Tau (ABCBLT) methodology has been used in which expression of the reliability parameters are computed by using Lambda–Tau methodology and their membership functions are formulated by solving a nonlinear optimization problem with artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm. A time varying failure rate has been used in the analysis instead of constant failure rate. A new RAM-Index has been proposed for ranking the systems’ components based on its performance. The technique has been demonstrated through a case study of press unit of a paper industry, situated in Northern part of India, producing 200tons of paper per day. The results computed by the proposed approach are compared with the Lambda–Tau methodology and concluded that they have a reduced region of prediction in comparison of existing technique region, i.e. uncertainties involved in the analysis are reduced. Thus, it may be a more useful analysis tool to assess the current system conditions and involved uncertainties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Internet data collection is becoming increasingly popular in all research fields dealing with human perceptions, behaviors and opinions. Advantages of internet data collection, when compared to the traditional paper-and-pencil format, include reduced costs, automatic database creation, and the absence of researcher-related bias effects, such as availability and complete anonymity. However, the validity and reliability of internet gathered data must be established, in comparison to the usual paper-and-pencil accepted formats, before an inferential analysis can be done. In this study, we compared questionnaire data gathered from the internet with that from the traditional paper-and-pencil in a sample of college students. The questionnaires used were the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Student Survey (MBI-SS), the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OBI-SS) and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI-SS). Data was gathered through a within-subject cross randomized and counterbalanced design, on both internet and paper-and-pencil formats. The results showed no interference in the application order, and a good reliability for both formats. However, concordance between answers was generally higher in the paper-and-pencil format than on the internet. The factorial structure was invariant in the three burnout inventories. Data gathered in this study supports the Internet as a convenient, user-friendly, comfortable and secure data gathering method which does not affect the accepted factorial structures existent in the paper format of the three burnout inventories used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Low cost disposable working electrodes are specifically desired for practical applications of electrochemical detection considering maturity of electrochemical stations and data collection protocols. In this paper double-sided conductive adhesive carbon tape with nanostructure was applied to fabricate disposable working electrodes. Being supported by indium tin oxide glass, the prepared carbon tape electrodes were coated with bismuth film for stripping analysis of heavy metal ions. By integrating the bismuth modified electrodes with paper-based analytical devices, we were able to differentiate Zn, Cd and Pb ions with the sample volume of around 15μL. After the optimization of parameters, including modification of bismuth film and the area of the electrodes, etc., Pb ions could be measured in the linear range from 10 to 500μg/L with the detection limit of 2μg/L. Our experimental results revealed that the disposable modified electrodes could be used to quantify migrated lead from toys with the results agreed well with that using atomic absorption spectrometry. Although bismuth modification and stripping analysis could be influenced by the low conductivity of the carbon tape, the low cost disposable carbon tape electrodes take the advantages of large-scaled produced double-sided carbon tape, including its reproducible nanostructure and scaled-up fabrication process. In addition, the preparation of disposable electrodes avoids time-consuming pretreatment and experienced operation. This study implied that the carbon tape might be an alternative candidate for practical applications of electrochemical detection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using procedural scaffoldings in fostering students’ group discourse levels and learning outcomes in a paper-plus-smartphone collaborative learning context. All participants used built-in camera smartphones to learn new knowledge by scanning Quick Response (QR) codes, a type of two-dimensional barcode, embedded in paper-based learning materials in this study. Sixty undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at a four-year university in southern Taiwan participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into two different groups, using procedural scaffoldings learning and non-procedural scaffoldings learning. The learning unit about the Long Tail, an important concept used in products sales, was the learning task that participants were expected to complete. During the experiment, pretest–posttest and the completed group worksheets were used to collect data. The researchers applied content analyses, chi-square test, t-test, and ANCOVA to answer research questions. The findings indicated that participants in the experimental group using procedural scaffoldings achieved better learning outcomes than their counterparts in the control group in terms of group discourse levels, group learning, and individual learning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: The goal of this study was to provide recommended steps to assess measurement comparability using a crossover study design and to demonstrate these steps using a short patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument as an example. Methods: The example PRO instrument was administered via paper, Web, interactive voice response system, and interview; a randomized crossover design was used to gather data across the multiple administration types. Participants completed the PRO instrument, demographic and health questions, and a short preference questionnaire. Evaluation included comparisons of the item-level responses and agreement, comparison of mean scale scores, score classifications, and questions designed to collect usability and administration preference. Here the authors provide a four-step evaluation guide to evaluate measurement comparability and illustrate these steps using a case-finding tool. Results: In the example, item-level kappa statistics between the paper and the alternate versions ranged from good to excellent, intraclass correlation coefficient for mean scores were above 0.70, and the rate of disagreement ranged from 2% to 14%. In addition, although participants had an administration preference, they reported few difficulties with the versions they were assigned. Conclusions: The steps described in this article provide a guide for evaluating whether to combine scores across administration versions to simplify analyses and interpretation under a crossover design. The guide recommends the investigation of item-level responses, summary scores, and participant usability/preference when comparing versions, with each step providing unique information to support comprehensive evaluation and informed decisions regarding whether to combine data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) using carbon isotopes has previously been shown to be a robust and discriminating technique for the comparison of document papers. This study aims to examine the inter and intra sample variability for oxygen isotopes measured in standard 80gsm white document papers, to inform the comparison of document papers in forensic casework. 123 paper samples collected from Australia and New Zealand over a 24-month period were measured for their bulk oxygen isotopic abundance and were found to sit within a range of 15‰. A homogeneity study was undertaken which included examining the variability of samples at the sheet, ream and brand source levels. The results of this study were used to construct guidelines for sample comparison and as such, 95% confidence intervals were observed to be inappropriate for use given the high intra sample variability. Instead, a 1.4‰ discrimination range (0.7‰ either side of the measured value) was defined for use as a benchmark for discrimination when samples were measured in the same sequence. Utilising this value, 82% of the samples could be discriminated using a paired comparison, demonstrating a strong potential for use within forensic casework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over a period of the past 15–20 years, the Russian Government implemented the Arctic Mega Project for geological and comprehensive study of the Arctic Ocean. In this paper we discuss the methods that were used in the implementation of this project. In the course of several expeditions, multiple types of data were acquired, which included: (1) seismic data of different types, (2) subbottom profiler data, (3) geological sampling on slopes of the Mendeleev Rise with the use of special equipment, (4) borehole drilling, (5) gravity and magnetic anomalies, (6) offshore geodetic data, (7) multi-beam bathymetry surveys, and (8) field surveys on multiple Arctic islands. Several nuclear icebreakers and a scientific research submarine were deployed in these operations. Specifically, more than 23,000 km of 2D multi-channel seismic lines and more than 4000 km of wide-angle refraction/reflection seismic lines were acquired, in addition to subbottom profiles for the Eurasia Basin and new bathymetric data of the Arctic Ocean. The new database is intended to facilitate the development of new insights into Arctic geology and geodynamics and contribute to a better understanding of the structure and tectonic evolution of the Arctic Ocean as a whole. • Arctic Ocean mega project in geosciences. • Geological sampling on slopes of the Mendeleev Rise. • New and improved geophysical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies published in the last year in the field of cystic fibrosis have provided more data on the safety and efficacy of a number of therapies, including mutation-specific drugs. There have also been a number of publications on monitoring of early lung disease including the use of lung clearance index and magnetic resonance scanning. Evidence suggests early lung changes may remain relatively static over the first year of life. There are important outcome differences across national patient registries and there is also the increasing recognition of psychological illnesses and possible drug interactions as treatment becomes more complicated and survival improves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper utilizes novel connected vehicle (CV) emulated data to predict real-time crash potential for arterials. • The CV emulated data are flexible to obtain. Different speed-related variables are estimated based on the CV emulated data to depict continuous traffic conditions • The results proved the feasibility of using CV emulated data for real-time crash potential prediction • The proposed methods can be applied to other types of vehicles Real-time crash potential prediction could provide valuable information for Active Traffic Management Systems. Fixed infrastructure-based vehicle detection devices were widely used in the previous studies to obtain different types of data for crash potential prediction. However, it was difficult to obtain data in large range through these devices due to the costs of installation and maintenance. This paper introduced a novel connected vehicle (CV) emulated data for real-time crash potential prediction. Different from the fixed devices' data, CV emulated data have high flexibility and can be obtained continuously with relatively low cost. Crash and CV emulated data were collected from two urban arterials in Orlando, USA. Crash data were archived by the Signal for Analytics system (S4A), while the CV emulated data were obtained through the data collection API with a high frequency. Different data cleaning and preparation techniques were implemented, while various speed-related variables were generated from the CV emulated data. A Long Short-term Memory (LSTM) neural network was trained to predict the crash potential in the next 5−10 min. The results from the model illustrated the feasibility of using a novel CV emulated data to predict real-time crash potential. The average and 50th percentile speed were the two most important variables for the crash potential prediction. In addition, the proposed LSTM outperformed Bayesian logistics regression and XGBoost in terms of sensitivity, Area under Curve (AUC), and false alarm rate. With the rapid development of the connected vehicle systems, the results from this paper can be extended to other types of vehicles and data, which can significantly enhance traffic safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electronic data collection is increasingly being used for discrete choice experiments (DCEs).Objectives: To study whether paper or electronic administration results in measurement effects.Methods: Respondents were drawn from the same sample frame (an Internet panel) and completed a nearly identical DCE survey either online or on paper during the same period. A DCE on preferences for basic health insurance served as a case study. We used panel mixed logit models for the analysis.Results: In total, 898 respondents completed the survey: 533 respondents completed the survey online, whereas 365 respondents returned the paper survey. There were no significant differences with respect to sociodemographic characteristics between the respondents in both samples. The median response time was shorter for the online sample than for the paper sample, and a smaller proportion of respondents from the online sample were satisfied with the number of choice sets. Although some willingness- to-pay estimates were higher for the online sample, the elicited preferences for basic health insurance characteristics were similar between both modes of administration.Conclusions: We find no indication that online surveys yield inferior results compared with paper-based surveys, whereas the price per respondent is lower for online surveys. Researchers might want to include fewer choice sets per respondent when collecting DCE data online. Because our findings are based on a nonrandomized DCE that covers one health domain only, research in other domains is needed to support our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examines the impact of data collection method on the sociodemographic and health profile of samples of people with diabetes who complete either an online or postal patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) validation survey.Methods: A longitudinal survey of people with diabetes was conducted using online and postal survey versions. The survey consisted of sociodemographic and health questions, a health and self-management PROM (Health and Self-Management in Diabetes [HASMID]), and 5-level version of EQ-5D. Dose adjustment for normal eating Online, Diabetes UK, and social media were used to recruit online survey participants. A panel of patients at a local National Health Service Trust was randomly allocated to participate in either survey version (two-thirds to postal version). Participants were asked to complete the survey again approximately 3 months later.Results: A total of 2784 participants completed the survey (1908 online, 876 postal). The samples (online versus postal) differed; the online sample was younger, with a larger proportion of women and respondents with type 1 diabetes. There were significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics by type of diabetes across data collection mode. The proportion of respondents who responded again at point 2 was higher in the postal sample (525 postal, 698 online).Conclusion: The sociodemographic and health profile of samples of people with diabetes differed depending on whether they completed the online or postal survey. Differences are likely due to different recruitment methods and differences in those choosing to respond to different survey versions. Future PROM validation surveys should select data collection methods carefully because these can affect sample characteristics and results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Bleeding data in contraceptive trials are often collected using daily diaries, but data quality may vary due to compliance and recall bias. Text messaging is a widespread and promising modality for data collection.Study Design: This trial randomized participants 1:1 to use text messages or paper diaries to report on bleeding experienced during the 90 days after intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. Participants chose either the copper T380A or the 52-mg levonorgestrel IUD. Our primary outcome was number of days of reported bleeding data. We hypothesized that data gathered with daily text messages would have fewer missing values than paper diaries. Intention to treat analyses used the rank-sum test to compare medians.Results: Two hundred thirty women enrolled, and randomization yielded groups similar in baseline characteristics. Twenty percent of participants provided no bleeding data; of these, 77% were assigned to paper diaries. With 90 days of reporting, approximately 20% in each group provided complete bleeding data. The text group reported a median of 82 days [interquartile range (IQR) 40-89] and the paper group reported a median of 36 days (IQR 0-88) (p≤.001). The number of responses received decreased gradually over the 90-day period but was always higher in the text group. Women who had attained higher levels of education did well regardless of data collection modality, while response rates of text messages were greater among those with a high school education or less (p<.01).Conclusions: Participants reporting bleeding via text messages provided more complete data than women using paper diaries.Implications: Depending on resources and population of interest, text messages may be a useful modality to improve data collection for patient-reported outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel agent marketplace is built on top of blockchain-based Smart Contracts. • The agent marketplace is integrated into an agent composition framework, to support automated agent selection and payment. The chemical industry is increasingly relying on agents for data acquisition, optimization, and simulation. In order to enable efficient management of agents, Knowledge Graphs (KG) together with agent composition frameworks are therefore applied. However, a method to assess the reliability of agents for such systems is absent. Therefore, this paper proposes a Smart Contract-based agent marketplace for composition frameworks to estimate the reliability of agents. In this agent marketplace, we improved the feedback-based reputation system by leveraging Smart Contracts to eliminate fraudulent ratings and to enable automation. The marketplace incorporates a rating-dependent payment mechanism as well, to further enhance trust. The paper also illustrates how this marketplace is integrated into the J-Park Simulator (JPS) agent composition framework for the automated agent selection and transaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold is a biological biomarker of deficits in motor control. • The Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold indicates the joint angle at and beyond which spasticity will be manifest in the muscle. • To avoid errors in evaluations of spasticity and effects of its treatment, it is necessary to use a standard methodology. The Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold (TSRT) is the joint angle or muscle length (λ) at which muscle activation begins. In spasticity, the TSRT abnormally lies inside the biomechanical joint range. It is determined by measuring the Dynamic Stretch Reflex Thresholds (DSRTs) by stretching the resting muscle at different velocities. The metric μ , characterizes the velocity-sensitivity of the DSRTs and is expressed as the time required to lengthen the passive muscles from DSRT to TSRT at the respective stretch velocity. The original formulation of the TSRT, DSRT and μ is summarized. Then, a thorough search of literature prior to December 2023 was conducted that returned 25 papers that have used the technique. Eleven of these papers come from the research group of the authors, including 1 reporting on treatment effects. Of the remaining 14 papers, 11 report variations of the methodology with different populations and 3 report on the effects of an intervention. The review discusses how specific modifications to data collection and analysis procedures have either improved the methodology or, in some cases, led to uninterpretable results. The influence of modifications to the data collection and analysis procedures is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A research study cannot commence without a proposal. This paper highlights the preparatory steps and details the individual sections of a research proposal. The importance of the proposal toward the research project and the eventual writing of a thesis or dissertation is also emphasised. The implications of using human subjects are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND CONTEXT One concern expressed about lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) has been safety. One measure of safety is the need for subsequent surgery to removal or revise an implant. This may be of particular importance considering TDR removal or revision generally requires re-operation through the anterior approach with the corresponding increased risk of vascular injury. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of, and reasons for, removal or revision of lumbar TDR devices. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Data were collected from a multi-site spine specialty practice. PATIENT SAMPLE A consecutive series of 1,707 lumbar TDR patients, beginning with the first case experience in 2000, was reviewed to identify those undergoing re-operation for TDR removal or revision. Only patients who were at least 6 months postoperative were included. Among the 1,707 patients, the mean follow-up was 42.7 months with a median of 30 months and a maximum of 195 months. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of a surgery for the revision or removal of a lumbar TDR. METHODS For each case of device removal/revision, the reason, duration from index surgery, and procedure performed were recorded. Six different devices were used in the series. RESULTS In the series of 1,707 patients, there were 17 patients who underwent TDR removal (0.99%) and three additional patients underwent TDR revision (0.17%). The rates based on the total number of 2,023 TDR devices implanted in the 1,707 patients, were 0.89% removals and 0.15% revisions. The reasons and timing of removal/revisions were analyzed. Removals included: eight for migration and/or loosening, three developed problems after a trauma, one had vertebral body fractures (osteoporosis), one TDR was too large and replaced with smaller device, one had ongoing pain, and one had an infection seeded from a chest infection at 146 month post-TDR. Revisions included one repositioning the core (technique error), one repositioned device after displacement, and one core replacement due to wear or failure. With respect to timing, 40% of removals or revisions occurred within one month after the index surgery, and a total of 85% occurred within 2 years. Of note, 40% of the revisions/removals occurred in the first 25 TDR cases performed by individual surgeons. There were no vascular complications causing clinical sequelae during the removal or revision surgeries. CONCLUSIONS In this large patient series, 1% of lumbar TDRs were removed or revised. Only one revision was related to device failure or wear. Many of the subsequent procedures were performed within a month of implantation. Also of note, many occurred within the first 25 TDR cases for individual surgeons, suggesting a learning curve. In cases of TDR removal or revision, as with any repeat anterior spine surgery, one should be acutely aware and prepared for vascular injury should it occur. The low rate of removal or revision in this large institutional experience over a 17 year period provides support for the safety of these devices. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS Charite, ProDisc-L, and activL approved for single-level use; Kineflex-L, Freedom, and Flexicore investigational; and Charite, ProDisc-L, and activL off-label for multi-level and hybrid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a trending mobility choice, e-scooters have become popular in many cities. A number of authorities have initiated shared e-scooter trial schemes to assess the feasibility of the vehicles prior to enacting official legalisation. This paper aims to provide an evidence review of shared e-scooters and investigate how existing evidence may inform long-term policies. This carries significant relevance for jurisdictions that are in a conflicting position with e-scooters, such as New South Wales (NSW), Australia whose context motivates this study. The evidence review focuses on three themes derived from experience with shared e-scooters within the broader micromobility landscape, namely: safety; where shared e-scooters fit into the modal landscape; and the environmental impacts. Findings confirm that ensuring the safety of shared e-scooters requires complex solutions, which may include a clear regulatory framework for e-scooters, safety education and skill training, innovative data collection and analysis methods, and an approach to safety management that is user-based, location-based, and time-based. In terms of modal fit policymakers should encourage first and last-mile combinations with public transport, with consideration of user characteristics; while climate impact is strongly correlated to the mode replaced by e-scooter trips. The paper provides insights for policymakers on the regulation and positioning of shared e-scooters. • Many jurisdictions are struggling to determine policies for e-scooters. • Existing e-scooter evidence sheds light on possible long-term policies. • Safety management should consider different users, locations, and times. • First and last-mile combinations with public transport should be encouraged. • Climate impact is strongly correlated to the mode replaced by e-scooter trips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper scrutinizes smart mobility project expecations' knowledge claims. • Smart knowledge claims present datafication as a producer of neutral knowledge. • Expectations based on datafication carry strong inherent legitimacy. • Expectations on societal benefits disappear from view when projects materialize. • Smart knowledge-claims risk excluding non-smart alternatives. This paper studies the performativity of smart mobility expectations in envisioning urban futures. Smart mobility, or ICT-enabled transport services, are increasingly considered a necessary ingredient for sustainability transitions in cities. Expectations of smart mobility's contribution to such a transition are constituted by a strong belief in the transformative potential of data collection and use. These knowledge claims embedded in smart mobility expectations tend to be unchallenged, yet contribute to a particular future vision of urban mobility. Our empirical analysis, which draws on two empirical smart cycling case studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and Bordeaux, France, underlines the politics of such smart knowledge claims in two smart cycling projects and identifies distinct processes as to how such claims may shape and structure mobility futures. We observe intimate entanglements between what is being developed in terms of technologies and services; and the societal needs that the projects' expectations promise to fulfil. At the same time, we witness a disentanglement of these interconnected knowledge claims when projects unfold, leaving the promise of (un)achieved societal benefits out of view. Indeed, smart knowledge claims carried strong inherent legitimacy in the cases studied, thereby risking to exclude non-smart alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is a shift from a perspective biased towards visual methods to a broader understanding of the multisensory phenomenon known as "sensescape". Yet, the interplay among senses remains underexplored. • There is a lack of a universally agreed-upon definition for certain affects which are often characterized by their longer durations, ambiguity, and irreducibility. • Some functional studies explore attitudes to enhance cycling rates, while identity research emphasizes local context. Identities of cyclists in our sample face marginalization, stigma, disadvantage, and invisibility. • Retrospective surveys and interviews are dominant, but growing interest in mobile methods enhances real-time and context-specific data collection. • The positive values of cycling experiences have been largely ignored in our sample of studies, suggesting that the dominant narrative is still guided by the assumption that mobility is a disutility. When evaluating cycling subjective experiences (CSE), mobility researchers have questioned the depictions of cycling as an efficient, fast, and solitary mobility mode. By reframing cycling in terms of its emotional impact on the cyclist, research to date has explored dimensions such as fun, relaxation, and sociability of cycling experiences. Yet, these insights have not been integrated into a holistic understanding of CSE. Addressing this gap, this paper asks: what is the CSE exactly and how do we measure it? We selected and analysed in-depth 50 articles with the aim of unpacking the innate characteristics of CSE. The paper makes a contribution to the research on CSE by presenting a novel framework that clarifies the relationships within existing literature, and identifies measurement methods aligned with this framework. The three interrelated core aspects of CSE are 1) sensory interpretation, 2) affective states, and 3) cognitive construction. Additionally, the three identified methods are 1) retrospective, 2) interceptive, and 3) mobile methods. Notably, retrospective surveys and interviews emerged as the dominant methods employed in the field. However, there has been a growing interest in mobile methods, which enable the collection of real-time and context-specific data, thereby enhancing the generalizability of research findings. Through our analysis we have found that the positive values of cycling experiences have been largely ignored in our sample of studies, revealing a bias of researchers to focus on mobility as a disutility. Based on our findings, we urge planners and scholars to rethink their implicit efforts to mitigate the negative effects of cycling experiences and look for opportunities to optimize for positive cycling experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spreadsheet analysis software allows easy data management, as has been shown by the WASP (Write a Scientific Paper) sets of papers in these Best Practice Guidelines (BGP) in the previous issues. However, commonly available spreadsheet software, such as Excel, is weaker on the more advanced statistical techniques. Potential alternatives include the creation of custom macros, the utilisation of an Excel add-in, or using a standard, stand-alone, dedicated statistics package. This does not imply that Excel need be abandoned. Indeed, many users prepare their data in Excel and later transfer it into a statistical package for advanced analysis. Results may then potentially be returned into Excel for graphical depiction. Some examples of such advanced statistical techniques are given in this Best Practice Guideline (BPG) collection. The upcoming non-statistics papers in the WASP BPG series should be found equally useful to researchers who are new to paper writing, such as the one included in this particular set which outlines the writing of a research proposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve intelligent operation of subway transportation, this paper proposed a dual-function system integrating human kinetic energy harvesting and passenger sensing for self-powered subway pedestrian flow diversion. The proposed dual-function system mainly includes the energy harvesting module, the data acquisition and processing module, and the information transmission module. The most important module is the energy harvesting subsystem, which is a pacemaker for the dual-function system to work successfully. Therefore, this paper focuses on the structure, dynamics, electricity, and parameter analysis of the energy harvesting module. First, mechanical motion rectifier-based vibration energy harvester (MMR-based VEH) is designed to scavenging the stepping energy of passengers. Secondly, the parameter analysis of the proposed MMR-based VEH is carried out. Finally, the prototype of the dual-function system is fabricated to test the energy output and passenger sensing performance. The results showed that the dual-function system can output a voltage of up to 18.5V and a power of approximately 1.8W. Simultaneously, the proposed dual-function system can accurately sense the human step and calculate the number of passenger. • A dual-function system integrating passenger sensing and energy harvesting is proposed. • Vibration-rotation-electric coupling model of vibration energy harvester is established. • The influence of structural parameters on power output performance is analyzed. • Prototype of the dual-function system with certain configuration is fabricated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse TSA (rTSA) being fundamentally different procedures, and indicated in different pathologies (rTSA for rotator cuff deficiency [RCD] and proximal humeral fractures [PHFx] and anatomic TSA [aTSA] for glenohumeral osteoarthritis [GHOA]), they have the same Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code (23472). This paper's aim is to investigate differences in operative time and work-related value units (wRVUs) per hour among these pathologies, and ultimately determine if there is a need to assign separate CPTs for aTSA and rTSA. A retrospective cohort of data from the American College of Surgeons–National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was collected, all patients who underwent aTSA or rTSA (CPT: 23472) between the years of 2006 and 2019 for diagnoses of GHOA, RCD, and PHFx were included. Data collected included patient age, body mass index, operative time, and wRVUs per hour. Compared to GHOA (reference group), the average operative time for the RCD cohort was 12.242 minutes shorter (P <.001), while the wRVUs were higher by 1.627 (P <.001). The average operative time for rTSAs in the PHFx cohort were 17.615 minutes longer (P <.001), while the wRVUs were lower by 2.205 (P <.001). The average operative time for rTSAs for both RCDs and PHFx were longer than that for aTSAs for GHOA. Additionally, wRVUs were lower for rTSAs for RCD and PHFx compared to aTSAs for GHOA. This elucidates inconsistency in reimbursement structure for the procedures, which should be revisited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3D thermography from MWIR reflectography images obtained with the same IR camera. • Creation of a 4D model of the manuscript, explorable in real time, including visible and invisible elements. • Integration of the results of chemical and biological investigations into the model. • Semantic annotations of the manuscript 4D model. • Virtual reality environments in the web and engaging holographic showcase for museum. In an effort to try and improve the dissemination of cultural heritage, in this paper a novel method for the four-dimensional (4D) digitization of artefacts, based on images recorded in the mid-wave infrared spectral range, is presented. Such a method is here applied to ancient manuscripts in the frame of the "Codex 4D: journey in four dimensions into the manuscript" project. In the proposed approach, the three-dimensional geometry of the manuscript is reconstructed by processing the reflectographic images, obtained from different points of view with respect to the artefact, through Structure from Motion techniques. Thermograms obtained by means of Pulsed Thermography are also recorded since they provide a depth-resolved characterization of the artefact that is also integrated into the digital reconstruction along the orthogonal direction to the surface, hereafter referred to as the fourth dimension. The results gathered from humanities and scientific studies, are also mapped onto the 4D model in the form of interactive semantic annotations. The goal of such a reconstruction is to allow users to browse the subsurface elements into the 4D model, thus facilitating the study and the exploration of the manuscripts through the inclusion of information about their literary and art-historical contents, materials, execution techniques, and state of conservation. In addition, virtual and mixed reality environments have been developed for different kind of audience such as expert users and museum public. Despite the experimentation presented here was carried out exclusively on manuscripts, in our opinion the methodology can be successfully applied to other types of artefacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When investigating supermarket refrigeration systems, it is essential to consider the refrigeration load as it directly affects the required compressor capacity and energy consumption. Therefore, it is important to have knowledge of the refrigeration load and its main influencing factors. Direct usage of data for the refrigeration load in a whole-year energy simulation can present significant challenges. This is partly due to long lead times for data collection and the challenges posed by missing data. As a result, often there is no complete data set of the refrigeration load for the whole-year. Therefore, a mathematical model can serve as a tool to interpolate and extrapolate the refrigeration load over the course of a year. The model is not intended for transfer to other locations. This paper begins with a overview of correlations found in the literature, followed by the development of an improved model that accounts for the impact of ambient temperature and time on the refrigeration load. Additionally, a novel approach using a neural network is proposed as a second model. Both models are then applied to data from three supermarkets in Europe and the model performance is evaluated. Both models performed acceptably in representing the refrigeration load of all three supermarkets. Especially including the influence of time of day into the first model significantly improves the prediction accuracy. The neural network has the highest prediction performance and can improve the prediction performance by 40% over the improved literature model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acromion and scapular spine fractures (ASFs) after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty have been reported at a rate of 3.9 percent. Radiographs have been shown to be unreliable at identifying these fractures, with an estimated 20% false negative rate. A computed tomography (CT) scan is typically performed when initial radiographs are inconclusive and clinical suspicion for ASF remains high. However, the accuracy of identifying ASF fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with CT has not been studied. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the ability of CT scans to detect clinically suspected ASF fractures after RSA when initial radiographs are inconclusive. A retrospective review of our institution's shoulder and elbow repository identified 111 patients treated with RSA from 2006 to 2022 that subsequently sustained an ASF. Upon clinical suspicion of an ASF, a 4-view radiographic series was obtained. If no fracture was clearly identified, a thin-cut CT was obtained. Additional four-view radiographic series were taken at each subsequent follow-up. Rate of detection by CT scan was defined using the number of cases with positive scans out of the number in which both a CT scan was performed, and a fracture was identified on either CT scan or other additional follow-up imaging. After inconclusive radiographs, a CT was ordered for 61 patients (55%) at a median of 1.3 weeks after the onset of signs/symptoms suspicious for ASF. Fractures were identified in 52 cases (85.2%) at a median of 1.6 weeks after the onset of sign/symptoms. The fracture was not seen on CT in 9 cases at a median of 0.9 week after the onset of sign/symptoms, representing a false negative rate of 14.8%. These fractures were later identified on radiographs at a median of 5.9 weeks following the CT scan. No statistical differences were observed in sensitivity of CT scan between fracture types. Fractures initially missed on CT scan eventually displaced and became nonunions. CT scans can be helpful in identifying and characterizing ASF following RSA, with an overall rate of detection (sensitivity) of 85%. Consideration of alternative advanced imaging may be needed for patients with negative CT scans and a high index of clinical suspicion for ASF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality-relevant process monitoring provides important guarantees for the safety of industrial operation, which is based on the assumption that data collection is complete and low-order autocorrelated. However, real industrial processes always exhibit complex characteristics such as multi-rate sampling and high-order dynamic, which pose great challenges for process monitoring. To this end, a multi-rate high-order dynamic twin-latent-variable probabilistic (MHDTVP) model is presented in this paper to extract data correlations among multi-rate measurements from quality-relevant and irrelevant perspectives. Moreover, to reveal the dynamics in the multi-rate sampling process, an autoregressive twin-latent-variable structure is designed to extract both quality-relevant and quality-irrelevant high-order dynamic features. In the MHDTVP model, parameters are trained through an efficient expectation maximization (EM) iteration framework. Finally, the performance conclusions of MHDTVP are validated with the Tennessee Eastman process (TEP) and Thermal Power Plant (TPP). The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits superior monitoring efficiency for multi-rate dynamic processes compared to similar approaches. [Display omitted] • A novel twin-latent-variable probabilistic model is proposed for the purpose of addressing quality-relevant and quality-irrelevant dynamic process monitoring. • To handle measurements with multiple sampling rates, a multi-rate strategy is designed based on the proposed model. • To reveal high-order autocorrelation, the model breaks the bottleneck of traditional first-order dynamic modeling in multi-rate processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New developments make practice-based research more feasible than before. • Data collected during measurement-based care can contribute to research. • A primer for conducting research in private practice is provided. Mental health professionals who work in private practice and other clinical settings have huge opportunities to contribute to the science of our field. But they rarely do so. This article describes ways that practitioners who have research training can capitalize on recent developments in practice, science, and technology to conduct research in their private practice. I describe a model for conducting research as a practitioner that entails tightly integrating the research into clinical practice, and I point out why conducting research in your private practice is worth doing. The remainder of the paper provides a primer, describing strategies for implementing in a clinical setting all the elements of the research enterprise: addressing ethical and legal issues, keeping up to date with the scientific literature, selecting a good research question, conducting a single-case experimental design, finding collaborators and assistants, collecting the data, analyzing the data, writing the paper and getting it published, and handling time and money. Although this paper focuses on research in a solo or group private practice setting, many of the strategies described here can also prove useful in the conduct of research in hospital or community settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collecting and utilizing data in industrial production are becoming increasingly important. One promising approach to utilize data is the concept of digital twin (DT). DTs are virtual representations of physical assets, updated by real data and enhanced by models. This paper provides an overview of DTs for cutting processes. After giving a definition, we discuss requirements derived from representative use cases. As process models are central for DT creation, we present an overview of the latest research as well as conditions for how it can be implemented in industrial environments. The paper concludes with main challenges for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents scientific merits and design challenges associated with a novel idea to perform rocket sounding of the Martian atmosphere. Limited data sets of the Mars atmosphere profile are available, while ambitious exploration plans for the next years and decades require achieving game-changing capabilities in terms of extensive atmospheric data acquisition. Planetary landers, orbiters or rovers have limited capabilities regarding gathering data of the atmosphere. Aircraft and rotorcraft are among other solutions for Mars exploration, but they enable conducting soundings only at relatively low altitudes. It is therefore of uttermost importance to ensure the capability for further data acquisition supporting safe and sustainable exploration of Mars. This paper proposes the concept of use of Mars-dedicated sounding rockets. Unlike other concepts, considering rocket propulsion on vehicles capable of doing tasks including i.e. descent and landing, bringing samples of Martian soil to orbit and serving as a long-range Mars surface transportation system, the proposed concept is focused only on conducting ballistic flights with the main purpose of atmospheric research, aiding exploration and potential future activities. Rocket design drivers are discussed and compared with the state-of-the-art approach regarding Earth atmospheric sounding. Means for propelling suborbital flights on Mars are discussed. Optimization of vehicles for a reference mission is described and effects of sizing rockets for Martian application instead of Terrestrial utilization are given. Finally, recommendations for future dedicated Martian sounding rocket developments and a technical scenarios outlook are provided. • Mars atmospheric research history and its current exploration-related objectives. • Growing need of Martian atmospheric research using in-situ measurements. • Rocket payload mass fractions and propulsion system trade offs. • Performance of dedicated sounding vehicles on Mars and on Earth. • Mars mission concept utilizing dozens of sounding rockets within a single lander. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Participating in research and teaching activities of universities, and then providing valuable information and policy suggestions are an important task of academic librarians. This paper demonstrates systematically in practice that how academic librarians can involve and contribute in the research activities of universities. Our demonstration is launched through comparative studies of research productivities and research impacts among universities. These universities are divided into two counterparts. One is the Chinese universities which aim to construct the world-class mathematics discipline, and the other is the university which already owns the world-class mathematics discipline. During these comparative studies, we demonstrate in practice that how to seek the research question, how to collect and process the data, how to design the research methods, how to analyze the data, and how to propose policy suggestions. Contributions of this paper are twofold. The first aspect is a systematic demonstration in practice. This demonstration shows to academic librarians that how to involve and contribute in the research activities of universities. The academic librarianship thus can be strengthened, as it provides a way for us academic librarians to promote our roles in teaching and research activities of universities. The second aspect is to gain insights in the research productivities and research impacts of Chinese universities which aim to construct the world-class mathematics discipline. During this process, we design a bibliometric indicator for evaluating the research impacts of universities based on academic papers, launch comparative studies with the university that already owns the world-class mathematics discipline, and propose policy suggestions for China to scientifically achieve its goal. This also provides references for other countries to launch similar studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EU-funded project FRANCIS focuses on involving citizens in the development of so-called Frugal Innovations, i.e. simple, affordable and sustainable solutions. It does so by organising open-innovations challenges that are managed through an IT-platform and supported by various recruitment and ideation formats. Usually, Citizen Science only involves citizens for minor tasks such as data collection. FRANCIS jump ahead in science is that the project invites them to propose and work on new solutions that have a real chance to enter the market. Before starting the challenges, the team of FRANCIS already made some assumptions about how to encourage and support participants in the best possible way based on existing publications and first findings from primary research. Now that the first challenge is running, the team had the opportunity to check whether they have proven to be true so far. This paper presents the interim lessons learned and details the way forward [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collecting and structuring data on which to perform specific data analyses is a long and complicated process. It requires substantial advanced planning of what data and what data characteristics will be needed for the study. It is important to specify in what format they should be collected. On the other side, there are huge amounts of data stored in a variety of applications. This data is clean and consistent. In many cases, it can be used for new analyses, different from the original purposes for which the information was collected. This is particularly true for data in healthcare. Medical information accumulated in multiple systems can be used for further research and analysis. This paper presents a methodology, appropriate data models, and relevant software decisions that support the reuse and explorations of medical data for specific treatment assessments based on data routinely collected from clinical systems. Some initial results are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic detection and prediction of falls specifically in elderly population who live alone can prevent untoward incidents by taking action at appropriate time. Validating these automated systems requires a labeled dataset. The available datasets are mostly based on inertial features. A health-related concern may also be a reason behind a fall. Considering physiological features along with inertial features can increase the accuracy of the system. In this paper, a labeled multiclass dataset is presented based on physiological and Inertial features of the body (PIF v2). Two trials are performed by each participant. The participants are young as well as elderly performing activities and falls in real-time using the prototype containing various sensors designed for collecting inertial as well as physiological features. Two trials are performed by each participant. 27 subjects (15 males and 12 females) between the age 10 years to 75 years participated in data collection. A detailed comparison between PIF v1 where the data were collected individually using each sensor and PIF v2 is given along with statistical analysis of PIF v2. The statistical analysis of various features with a t-test shows that the different activities and falls can be differentiated using inertial as well as physiological features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to recent regulatory guidance, clinical trial objectives should be translated into estimands, i.e., precise descriptions of that what is to be estimated. Hence, estimands are to be formulated for influenza vaccine immunogenicity (IVI) trials, notably for one of the most popular immunogenicity trials, the non-inferiority trial. In this paper an estimand for this trial design is proposed. An estimand should state how intercurrent events are handled. Intercurrent events are events that occur after the start of the trial and that affect the endpoint's measurement or interpretation or prevent its observation. In IVI trials the intercurrent events of interest are immunological intercurrent events (IIEs). Major IIEs are identified, i.e., protocol deviations occurring during the trial that affect immunogenicity endpoints, and the consequences for the trial data collection are discussed. In the statistical analysis endpoint values that are missing or excluded from the analysis due to IIEs are to be substituted by plausible values, by means of multiple imputing. Replacing values are based on predictors of the endpoint. A distinction is made between mandatory and non-mandatory predictors. Mandatory predictors are predictors necessary to prevent biased prediction. Non-mandatory predictors are predictors that limit the additional variance due to the imputing. The four steps of the multiple imputing are explained, and available software is listed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the representation of vehicle lights in computer vision and its implications for various pattern recognition tasks in autonomous driving. Different representations for vehicle lights, including bounding boxes, center points, corner points, and segmentation masks, are discussed in terms of their strengths and weaknesses toward a variety of domain tasks, as well as associated data collection and annotation challenges. This leads to the introduction of the LISA Vehicle Lights Dataset, providing light annotations related to position, state, color, and signal, specifically designed for downstream applications in vehicle detection, intent and trajectory prediction, and safe path planning. A comparison of existing vehicle light datasets is provided, highlighting the unique features and limitations of each dataset. Because occlusions from vehicle pose and passing objects can limit camera observation, we introduce a group of Light Visibility neural networks, which take as input a detected vehicle image and return as output whether a corresponding vehicle light is present in the image. This is especially important for the evaluation of light localizations, states, and signals, as systems decisions should account for differences of lights being in unknown states due to occlusion versus model uncertainty. We show that our trained Light Visibility Models achieve over 90% accuracy on each of the four light classes. Our dataset and model are made available at https://cvrr.ucsd.edu/vehicle-lights-dataset. • Discussion of tradeoffs in representations of vehicle lights for data-driven models. • Introduction of the LISA Vehicle Lights Dataset. • Light visibility classification results for downstream tasks in pattern recognition. • Description of pattern recognition tasks which rely on light detection. • Discussion of importance of association of lights to particular vehicle instances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's dynamic business environment, achieving and sustaining operational efficiency is paramount for organizations. To remain competitive and meet evolving customer demands, companies strive to optimize their operations and enhance efficiency. Over time, various indicators have been developed to assess efficiency across multiple operational dimensions, aligning with technological advancements and industrial practices. One such indicator is Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), which evaluates equipment efficiency based on availability, performance, and quality. However, with the advent of the digital industry, the management of data for efficiency calculations has become increasingly complex. In this context, this paper proposes a digitized, real-time OEE calculation system that leverages advanced technologies to continuously monitor OEE, enable real-time decision-making, and drive performance improvements. Harnessing the potential of digitalization, the system facilitates seamless data collection, analysis, and reporting while automating manual processes. By focusing on OEE as a comprehensive efficiency indicator, the proposed system aims to enhance organizational performance and establish a foundation for calculating other efficiency measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of intelligent techniques produces good results in automating fault finding and predicting future outcomes. These approaches have been on the increase in the past years, especially so to detect faults within Compressed Air Systems (CASs). With the use of intelligent techniques, one could minimise the manual and time-consuming aspect of CAS maintenance, improve the environmental impact of the system, while minimising downtime. This paper proposes a general framework for the implementation of intelligent analysis techniques within a real-world system. Such an approach has been implemented on the demand-side of a CAS. In literature, no open datasets are available for use by artificial intelligence models. Hence, as part of this research, a fault generating and monitoring system has been connected to an existing production machine in a manufacturing site to collect the required data. Two classification machine learning methods were implemented and compared across a number of performance metrics. Both the general framework, and its implementation, provide a stepping stone in integrating smart systems with real-time intelligent data analytics for the demand-side of a CAS. These systems would provide a sustainable CAS operation through the effective detection of anomalies and their timely repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel control strategy to minimize residual vibrations and overshoot using inertial dampers in repetitive tasks. In this work, vibration data collected during repeating task is utilized to generate a fully pre-scheduled feedforward compensation signal that assists the inertial damper's original feedback controller to further enhance its vibration mitigation capability. Optimal feedforward signal is determined iteratively over successive operations considering the actuator stroke and force limits. Numerical and experimental results validate the approach demonstrating significant (up to 87%) reduction in peak vibration while using equal or less actuator force as compared to the conventional control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IoT devices which include wireless sensors, software, actuators, and computer devices operated through the Internet, enable the transfer of data among objects or people automatically without human intervention. Since these devices are resource constraint embedded devices, security policies are not implemented adequately upon these devices. The connectivity with the Internet, diversity of hardware, varied operating platforms, and surge in attack surface increases the target space for malicious cyber actors. The threat probability increases substantially since the attacker takes advantage of less secure, vulnerable devices to perform the massive-scale attack on the critical infrastructure. It has been observed that the majority of embedded IoT devices operate upon Linux-flavoured operating environments. This paper reviews the Linux-based IoT malware analysis techniques and tools employed for malware detection, analysis, and classification. Various threat data collection methods have been discussed at length and a thorough study of tools and techniques used in static and dynamic analysis of the Linux malware has been provided. A review of the machine learning methods developed using discrete features to classify the malicious program is one of the essential components of this paper. The paper concluded with a discussion on various open issues and challenges that need to be addressed by the research community at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive informative path planning (AIPP) is important to many robotics applications, enabling mobile robots to efficiently collect useful data about initially unknown environments. In addition, learning-based methods are increasingly used in robotics to enhance adaptability, versatility, and robustness across diverse and complex tasks. Our survey explores research on applying robotic learning to AIPP, bridging the gap between these two research fields. We begin by providing a unified mathematical problem definition for general AIPP problems. Next, we establish two complementary taxonomies of current work from the perspectives of (i) learning algorithms and (ii) robotic applications. We explore synergies, recent trends, and highlight the benefits of learning-based methods in AIPP frameworks. Finally, we discuss key challenges and promising future directions to enable more generally applicable and robust robotic data-gathering systems through learning. We provide a comprehensive catalog of papers reviewed in our survey, including publicly available repositories, to facilitate future studies in the field. • We survey learning-based methods for robotic adaptive informative path planning. • We introduce a mathematical framework for general informative path planning problems. • We establish taxonomies to overview the state-of-the-art in a structured way. • We discuss limitations and directions for future research. • We provide a comprehensive paper catalog with publicly available repositories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• system identification method based on hysteresis loop bias relay feedback without using excitation is designed • hysteresis loop bias relay instead of a controller is proposed • a parameter scheme for the hysteresis loop bias relay to guide the selection of parameters is proposed This paper proposes a closed-loop system identification method based on hysteresis loop bias relay feedback without using excitation. The method utilizes hysteresis loop bias relay instead of a controller to ensure the informativity of data without external excitation and with only noisy feedback. Additionally, this paper proposes a parameter scheme for the hysteresis loop bias relay to guide the selection of parameters more rationally, thus improving the accuracy of the identification model. Compared to recently proposed switching controller methods, the advantage of this method lies in the fact that it requires fewer samples and shortens data collection time. The method's effectiveness is verified through simulation comparisons with typical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this paper, a videogrammetric method using four high-speed cameras is proposed to measure the full-field 3D dynamic deformation for evaluating the impact response characteristics of the test article in the full-scale crash test. • A global calibration method based on the high-precision total station is proposed to unify the data of multi-camera videogrammetric system. • The implementation of the proposed method is illustrated through a 6.0 m/s full-scale crash test using a typical civil aircraft approximately 24 m in length. • The results show that the test data are complete and reliable. After the vertical crash at 5.71 m/s, the lower structure of the cabin floor is seriously deformed, and the upper structure of the fuselage in the central wing area is obviously deformed due to the inertia effect of the wing. The stiffness difference of the different fuselage segments results in significant differences in dynamic response. Crashworthiness has been and will continue to be the main concern in aircraft design. Crash tests are essential approaches to investigate the crashworthiness of civil aircraft. Videogrammetric methods have been employed in crash tests to overcome the disadvantages of laborious, time-consuming measurement data collection using contact sensors. However, previous methods using a single pair of cameras still face challenges in large-scale applications due to the inherent contradiction between measurement range and accuracy. In this paper, a videogrammetric method using four high-speed cameras is proposed to measure the full-field three-dimensional (3D) dynamic deformation for evaluating the impact response characteristics of the full-scale crash test aircraft. Increasing the number of high-speed cameras not only can enhance the resolution and then measurement accuracy of object, but also expands the measurement range significantly. To ensure the performance of digital image correlation (DIC) used for large-scale measurement range, a speckle pattern optimization design and fabrication method is presented to generate the random speckle with uniform spraying size and density. A global calibration method based on the high-precision total station is proposed to unify the data of different stereovision subsystems. The implementation of the proposed method is illustrated through a 6.0 m/s full-scale crash test using a civil aircraft approximately 24 m in length. The impact velocity, full-field displacement and strain of the fuselage structure are measured. The results show that the test data are complete and reliable. After the vertical crash at 5.71 m/s, the lower structure of the cabin floor is seriously deformed, and the upper structure of the fuselage in the central wing area is obviously deformed due to the inertia effect of the wing. The stiffness difference of the different fuselage segments results in significant differences in dynamic response. The higher the stiffness is, the smaller the deformation. This work may provide some valuable technical insights that could support the crashworthy design, verification, and certification of civil aircraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magneto acoustic emission (MAE) technique is an emerging non-destructive testing (NDT) method that has shown potential for defect detection in the bulk of material, proven vital for the safety and integrity of the material. The MAE technique has shown promising results among modern non-destructive testing techniques for ferromagnetic materials. Although MAE technique is a long-established NDT method, it has the potential for further development. This paper provides an in-depth review of MAE signals' physical origin and characteristics, compares them with their counterpart, Magneto Barkhausen Noise (MBN), and explores data acquisition methods and applications, including specific case studies in material defect detection. The research gaps in the MAE technique are discussed, and the paper explores potential developments, highlighting future perspectives and possible improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotion recognition based on electroencephalography (EEG) signal features is now one of the booming big data research areas. As the number of commercial EEG devices in the current market increases, there is a need to understand current trends and provide researchers and young practitioners with insights into future investigations of emotion recognition systems. This paper aims to evaluate popular consumer-grade EEG devices' status and review relevant studies that examined the reliability of these low-cost devices for emotion recognition over the last five years. Additionally, a comparison with research-grade devices is conducted. This paper also highlights EEG-based emotion recognition research's key areas, including different feature extraction capabilities, characteristics, and machine learning algorithms. Finally, the main challenges for building an EEG-based emotion recognition system, focusing on the data collection process with commercial EEG devices and machine learning algorithms' performance, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]