Reconfigurable multi-component micromachines driven by optoelectronic tweezers

There is great interest in the development of micromotors which can convert energy to motion in sub-millimeter dimensions. Micromachines take the micromotor concept a step further, comprising complex systems in which multiple components work in concert to effectively realize complex mechanical tasks. Here we introduce light-driven micromotors and micromachines that rely on optoelectronic tweezers (OET). Using a circular micro-gear as a unit component, we demonstrate a range of new functionalities, including a touchless micro-feed-roller that allows the programming of precise three-dimensional particle trajectories, multi-component micro-gear trains that serve as torque- or velocity-amplifiers, and micro-rack-and-pinion systems that serve as microfluidic valves. These sophisticated systems suggest great potential for complex micromachines in the future, for application in microrobotics, micromanipulation, microfluidics, and beyond.

Fuzzy Reliability Appraisal Using Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Hesitant Fuzzy Element and Score Function

Here, we appraise the reliability for numerous complex structures (series structure, parallel structure and bridge structure) using accuracy and score function under fuzzy environment. The main focus of this effort is to address an advanced technique for fuzzy reliability evaluation of various complex systems having different arrangements by treating reliability of the unit/component as an interval valued intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy element. This technique helps to handle uncertainty and hesitancy in multi-attribute group decision-making related issues, specially when information occurs in interval form in fuzzy set. A numerical illustration is also included to demonstrate the proposed technique.

Risk of suicide among U.S. veterans who deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn

Background There has been concern about the risk of suicide among veterans returning from deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND). This study assessed suicide risk among OEF/OIF/OND veterans by gender and unit component. Firearm related suicide was also briefly examined. Findings The study cohort was identified from records of the US Department of Defense. Vital status and cause of death through 2016 was obtained from the Mortality Data Repository, which obtains data from the National Death Index. Suicide risk was first assessed using standardized mortality ratios (SMR)s, comparing the rate of suicide among all veterans, both collectively and separately by gender and unit component (active vs. reserve/National Guard) to the expected based on the US population adjusted for age, race, sex, and calendar year. Risk of suicide among active duty compared to reserve/National Guard veterans and male compared to female veterans was assessed with hazard ratios (HR) s, generated by Cox proportional hazards models, that included the covariates race, age, marital status, rank, and branch of service. There was an increased risk of suicide when all OEF/OIF/OND Veterans were compared to the US population, (SMR = 1.42; 95%, C.I., 1.38,1.46). Both male and female veterans had an increased risk of suicide when compared to their gender specific non-veteran counterparts, (SMR = 1.40; 95%, C.I., 1.36,1.45 and SMR = 1.85; 95%, C.I., 1.60,2.13), respectively. Active duty veterans had an increased risk of suicide compared to reserve/National Guard veterans, (HR = 1.22; 95%, C.I., 1.14,1.30). Male veterans had an almost 3-fold increased risk compared to female veterans, (HR = 2.85; 95%, C.I., 2.47,3.29). Among all veteran suicides 68.3% involved a firearm, including 68.7% among males and 59.5% among females. Conclusions All OEF/OIF/OND veterans have an increased risk of suicide compared to non-veterans. Veterans will benefit from enhanced access to mental health services and initiatives to promote suicide prevention. Strategies that emphasize lethal means safety, an evidence based suicide prevention strategy which includes increasing safe storage practices (i.e., storing firearms unloaded and locked) can help address this increased risk of veteran suicide.

A benchmark for RNA-seq deconvolution analysis under dynamic testing environments

Background Deconvolution analyses have been widely used to track compositional alterations of cell types in gene expression data. Although a large number of novel methods have been developed, due to a lack of understanding of the effects of modeling assumptions and tuning parameters, it is challenging for researchers to select an optimal deconvolution method suitable for the targeted biological conditions. Results To systematically reveal the pitfalls and challenges of deconvolution analyses, we investigate the impact of several technical and biological factors including simulation model, quantification unit, component number, weight matrix, and unknown content by constructing three benchmarking frameworks. These frameworks cover comparative analysis of 11 popular deconvolution methods under 1766 conditions. Conclusions We provide new insights to researchers for future application, standardization, and development of deconvolution tools on RNA-seq data.

Differential surface characterizations of cotton fibers coated with TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles for nano-based analysis of fabrics

Fibers are the unit component for product development. They can be divided into two types: synthetic and natural fibers. Recently, emerging nanotechnology has played a vital role in advancing next-generation fabrics. The nanomaterials provide several unique properties such as higher conductivity, self-cleaning, water-resistant, and others. Owing to their advanced properties, the fabrics are being developed by coating and integrating with nanomaterials. Therefore, in the presented work two cotton samples were modified with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO). These samples were further examined under various techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, these samples were evaluated at varying wavelengths with UV light and the obtained results demonstrated that the nano-coated fiber samples can be differentiated at 365 nm.

A comparative study of deconvolution methods for RNA-seq data under a dynamic testing landscape

Deconvolution analyses have been widely used to track compositional alternations of cell-types in gene expression data. Even though numerous novel methods have been developed in recent years, researchers are still having difficulty selecting optimal deconvolution methods due to the lack of comprehensive benchmarks relative to the newly developed methods. To systematically reveal the pitfalls and challenges of deconvolution analyses, we studied the impact of several technical and biological factors such as simulation model, quantification unit, component number, weight matrix, and unknown content by constructing three benchmarking frameworks that cover comparative analysis of 11 popular deconvolution methods under 1,766 conditions. We hope this study can provide new insights to researchers for future application, standardization, and development of deconvolution tools on RNA-seq data.

Rapid Repurposing of Biorefinery, Pulp & Paper and Breweries for Lignocellulosic Sugar Production in Global Food Shortages

Lignocellulosic sugar for food production has a significant role to play in buildingresilience and responding to global disasters and catastrophes, such as concurrentweather events, pandemics or sun-blocking events such as nuclear war, asteroidimpact, and volcanic eruptions that could cause global agricultural failure.This study examines how quickly edible sugar could be scaled globally from the sugarplatform biorefinery and a brewery by a sub-unit component comparison of the NRELBiochemical Sugar Model. We show that 45% of the world’s current sugar demandcould be produced by repurposing the world’s pulp & paper mills after 5 monthsthrough constructing 24/7. This was estimated to reduce the time of construction to32% of the expected time at an increased cost of 1.5 times, meaning sugar productionwould begin after 5 months at a retail cost of $2.40/kg.

Comprehensive Overview of Neural Networks and Its Applications in Autonomous Vehicles

Deep learning and Artificial intelligence (AI) have been trending these days due to the capability and state-of-the-art results that they provide. They have replaced some highly skilled professionals with neural network-powered AI, also known as deep learning algorithms. Deep learning majorly works on neural networks. This chapter discusses about the working of a neuron, which is a unit component of neural network. There are numerous techniques that can be incorporated while designing a neural network, such as activation functions, training, etc. to improve its features, which will be explained in detail. It has some challenges such as overfitting, which are difficult to neglect but can be overcome using proper techniques and steps that have been discussed. The chapter will help the academician, researchers, and practitioners to further investigate the associated area of deep learning and its applications in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Explaining the Natural Materials of Traditional Kitchen Appliances In the Javanese Coastal Communities Based on Internal Structure Formation of Lingual Units

The purpose of this study is to describe the traditional kitchen appliances used by Javanese women. This explanation is based on deciphering its shape and structure, and semantic deciphering. The natural materials used are always environmentally friendly and have a trustworthy charge that can be delivered transparently or clandestinely, The research method used was descriptive qualitative. The methods of collecting the used data were observation, and in-depth interviews. The method of research analysis was by decomposing the lingual unit component of the traditional kitchen lexicon compiler from the derivative word into a basic form by utilizing the technique direct divide elements in the units of form and meaning. The findings of the research are the rules of forming lingual units for traditional kitchen appliances from the basic forms to derivative forms. The rules of formation in the word formation are produced by lexicon reconstruction, while the rules of formation in the meaning field are generated by semantic developers originating from coastal culture. The description of natural material based on the analysis of the internal structure of lingual units is obtained by the coherence of circular relations: sign-concept-functions-cultural values-sign.