Towards next generation digital twin in robotics: Trends, scopes, challenges, and future.

With the advent of Industry 4.0, several cutting-edge technologies such as cyber-physical systems, digital twins, IoT, robots, big data, cloud computation have emerged. However, how these technologies are interconnected or fused for collaborative and increased functionality is what elevates 4.0 to a grand scale. Among these fusions, the digital twin (DT) in robotics is relatively new but has unrivaled possibilities. In order to move forward with DT-integrated robotics research, a complete evaluation of the literature and the creation of a framework are now required. Given the importance of this research, the paper seeks to explore the trends of DT incorporated robotics in both high and low research saturated robotic domains in order to discover the gap, rising and dying trends, potential scopes, challenges, and viable solutions. Finally, considering the findings, the study proposes a framework based on a hypothesis for the future paradigm of DT incorporated robotics.

Geographical variation in case fatality rate and doubling time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Case fatality rate (CFR) and doubling time are important characteristics of any epidemic. For coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), wide variations in the CFR and doubling time have been noted among various countries. Early in the epidemic, CFR calculations involving all patients as denominator do not account for the hospitalised patients who are ill and will die in the future. Hence, we calculated cumulative CFR (cCFR) using only patients whose final clinical outcomes were known at a certain time point. We also estimated the daily average doubling time. Calculating CFR using this method leads to temporal stability in the fatality rates, the cCFR stabilises at different values for different countries. The possible reasons for this are an improved outcome rate by the end of the epidemic and a wider testing strategy. The United States, France, Turkey and China had high cCFR at the start due to low outcome rate. By 22 April, Germany, China and South Korea had a low cCFR. China and South Korea controlled the epidemic and achieved high doubling times. The doubling time in Russia did not cross 10 days during the study period.

In-situ electrochemical Fe(VI) for removal of microcystin-LR from drinking water: comparing dosing of the ferrate ion by electrochemical and chemical means.

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) release microtoxins that contaminate drinking water supplies and risk the health of millions annually. Crystalline ferrate(VI) is a powerful oxidant capable of removing algal microtoxins. We investigate in-situ electrochemically produced ferrate from common carbon steel as an on-demand alternative to crystalline ferrate for the removal of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and compare the removal efficacy for both electrochemical (EC) and chemical dosing methodologies. We report that a very low dose of EC-ferrate in deionized water (0.5 mg FeO42- L-1) oxidizes MC-LR (MC-LR0 = 10 µg L-1) to below the guideline limit (1.0 µg L-1) within 10 minutes' contact time. With bicarbonate or natural organic matter (NOM), doses of 2.0-5.0 mg FeO42- L-1 are required, with lower efficacy of EC-ferrate than crystalline ferrate due to loss of EC-ferrate by water oxidation. To evaluate the EC-ferrate process to concurrently oxidize micropollutants, coagulate NOM, and disinfect drinking water, we spiked NOM-containing real water with MC-LR and Escherichia coli, finding that EC-ferrate is effective at 10.0 mg FeO42- L-1 under normal operation or 2.0 mg FeO42- L-1 if the test water has initial pH optimized. We suggest in-situ EC-ferrate may be appropriate for sporadic HAB events in small water systems as a primary or back-up technology.

Task experience influences coordinative structures and performance variables in learning a slalom ski-simulator task.

The experiment investigated the progressions of the qualitative and quantitative changes in the movement dynamics of learning the ski-simulator as a function of prior-related task experience. The focus was the differential timescales of change in the candidate collective variable, neuromuscular synergies, joint motions, and task outcome as a function of learning over 7 days of practice. Half of the novice participants revealed in day 1 a transition of in-phase to anti-phase coupling of center of mass (CoM)-platform motion whereas the remaining novices and experienced group all produced on the first trial an anti-phase CoM-platform coupling. The experienced group also had initially greater amplitude and velocity of platform motion-a performance advantage over the novice group that was reduced but not eliminated with 7 days of practice. The novice participants who had an in-phase CoM-platform coupling on the initial trials of day 1 also showed the most restricted platform motion in those trials. Prior-related practice experience differentially influenced the learning of the task as evidenced by both the qualitative organization and the quantitative motion properties of the individual degrees of freedom (dof) to meet the task demands. The findings provide further evidence to the proposition that CoM-platform coupling is a candidate collective variable in the ski-simulator task that provides organization and boundary conditions to the motions of the individual joint dof and their couplings.

Second primary malignancies in multiple myeloma: an overview and IMWG consensus.

Background: Therapeutic advancements following the introduction of autologous stem cell transplantation and 'novel' agents have significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Increased life expectancy, however, has led to renewed concerns about the long-term risk of second primary malignancies (SPMs). This review outlines the most up-to-date knowledge of possible host-, disease-, and treatment-related risk factors for the development of SPMs in patients with MM, and provides practical recommendations to assist physicians. Design: A Panel of International Myeloma Working Group members reviewed the most relevant data published in the literature as full papers, or presented at meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, European Hematology Association, or International Myeloma Workshops, up to June 2016. Here, we present the recommendations of the Panel, based on this literature review. Results: Overall, the risk of SPMs in MM is low, multifactorial, and partially related to the length of patients' survival and MM intrinsic susceptibility. Studies suggest a significantly increased incidence of SPMs when lenalidomide is administered either following, or concurrently with, oral melphalan. Increased SPM incidence has also been reported with lenalidomide maintenance following high-dose melphalan, albeit to a lesser degree. In both cases, the risk of death from MM was significantly higher than the risk of death from SPMs, with lenalidomide possibly providing a survival benefit. No increase in SPM incidence was reported with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (without melphalan), or with bortezomib plus oral melphalan, dexamethasone, or thalidomide. Conclusion: In general, the risk of SPMs should not alter the current therapeutic decision-making process in MM. However, regimens such as lenalidomide plus dexamethasone should be preferred to prolonged exposure to lenalidomide plus oral melphalan. SPM risk should be carefully discussed with the patient in the context of benefits and risks of different treatment options.

Management of relapsed multiple myeloma: recommendations of the International Myeloma Working Group.

The prognosis for patients multiple myeloma (MM) has improved substantially over the past decade with the development of new, more effective chemotherapeutic agents and regimens that possess a high level of anti-tumor activity. In spite of this important progress, however, nearly all MM patients ultimately relapse, even those who experience a complete response to initial therapy. Management of relapsed MM thus represents a vital aspect of the overall care for patients with MM and a critical area of ongoing scientific and clinical research. This comprehensive manuscript from the International Myeloma Working Group provides detailed recommendations on management of relapsed disease, with sections dedicated to diagnostic evaluation, determinants of therapy, and general approach to patients with specific disease characteristics. In addition, the manuscript provides a summary of evidence from clinical trials that have significantly impacted the field, including those evaluating conventional dose therapies, as well as both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Specific recommendations are offered for management of first and second relapse, relapsed and refractory disease, and both autologous and allogeneic transplant. Finally, perspective is provided regarding new agents and promising directions in management of relapsed MM.

Investigation on the temporal variation and source tracking of faecal bacteria in a forest dominated watershed (Comox Lake), British Columbia, Canada.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to investigate the temporal variation in Escherichia coli density and its sources at the drinking water intake of Comox Lake for a period of 3 years (2011-2013). METHODS AND RESULTS: Density of E. coli was assessed by standard membrane filtration method. Source tracking of E. coli were done by using BOX-A1R-based rep-PCR DNA fingerprinting method. Over the years, the mean E. coli density ranged from nondetectable to 9·8 CFU 100 ml(-1) . The density of E. coli in each of the years did not show any significant difference (P > 0·05); however, a comparatively higher density was observed during the fall. Wildlife was (64·28%, 153/238) identified as the major contributing source of E. coli, followed by human (18·06%, 43/238) and unknown sources (17·64%, 42/238). Although the sources were varied by year and season, over all, the predominant contributing sources were black bear, human, unknown, elk, horse and gull. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this investigation identified the multiple animal sources contributing faecal bacteria into the drinking water intake of Comox Lake and their varying temporal occurrence. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results of this study can reliably inform the authorities about the most vulnerable period (season) of faecal bacterial loading and their potential sources in the lake for improving risk assessment and pollution mitigation.

Pathotypic and genotypic characterization of two Bangladeshi isolates of Newcastle disease virus of chicken and pigeon origin.

Two Bangladeshi isolates of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), one from a chicken and one from a pigeon, were characterized in this study. Pathogenicity of the isolates was evaluated on the basis of intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI). Both the isolates were found to be of velogenic pathotype having ICPI of 1.83 and 1.51 for the chicken and pigeon isolate, respectively. Genotype of the isolates was determined by phylogenetic analysis based on partial F gene sequences. A 766-bp genome fragment spanning partial M and F gene was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. The first 354 bp of the coding region of F gene and corresponding deduced amino acid sequences (residues 1-118) of these two NDV isolates were aligned with that of other NDV strains retrieved from GenBank. A phylogenetic tree constructed from the alignment showed that the chicken isolate (BD-C162) belonged to the newly described genotype XIII and the pigeon isolate (BD-P01) to genotype VI. Both the chicken and pigeon isolates possessed a virulent-like fusion protein cleavage site (112) RRQKRF(117) .

Carfilzomib for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Carfilzomib is a second-generation selective proteasome inhibitor that has been recently approved in the use for refractory multiple myeloma. It has been shown to be beneficial in both bortezomib-resistant and bortezomib-naive patients, with a tolerable side effect profile. Peripheral neuropathy is less common in patients receiving carfilzomib compared to bortezomib. Recent and ongoing clinical trials are establishing the role of carfilzomib in the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma.

Management of treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma.

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is one of the most important complications of multiple myeloma (MM) treatment. PN can be caused by MM itself, either by the effects of the monoclonal protein or in the form of radiculopathy from direct compression, and particularly by certain therapies, including bortezomib, thalidomide, vinca alkaloids and cisplatin. Clinical evaluation has shown that up to 20% of MM patients have PN at diagnosis and as many as 75% may experience treatment-emergent PN during therapy. The incidence, symptoms, reversibility, predisposing factors and etiology of treatment-emergent PN vary among MM therapies, with PN incidence also affected by the dose, schedule and combinations of potentially neurotoxic agents. Effective management of treatment-emergent PN is critical to minimize the incidence and severity of this complication, while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Herein, the state of knowledge regarding treatment-emergent PN in MM patients and current management practices are outlined, and recommendations regarding optimal strategies for PN management during MM treatment are provided. These strategies include early and regular monitoring with neurological evaluation, with dose modification and treatment discontinuation as indicated. Areas requiring further research include the development of MM-specific, patient-focused assessment tools, pharmacogenomic analysis of patient DNA, and trials to assess the efficacy of pharmacological interventions.

Multivariate, longitudinal analysis of the impact of changes in office work environments on surface electromyography measures.

PURPOSE: To detect impacts of changes in work environment and worker-equipment interface variables upon surface electromyography (EMG) measures using multivariate, longitudinal analysis. METHODS: For 33 office workers, yearly measurements (1999-2001) were taken during normal work. Independent variables were related to work environment (expert-observed equipment dimensions, work organization on questionnaire) and interface (expert-observed postures, self-reported workstation-equipment relative fit i.e. inside or outside guidelines-informed location, and 30 min video-based task analysis). Internal mechanical exposure (EMG) was recorded bilaterally from extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and upper trapezius sites, each side, also for 30 min. Dependent variables were amplitude probability distribution functions (APDF 50 and 90%) and gaptime for entire record EMG (over all tasks) and task-specific EMG (for four separate tasks). Multivariate mixed models used independent variables to predict EMG measures (4 muscle sites × (1 entire record + 4 task specific) = 20 models total). RESULTS: Among EMG measures, 9/16 means and 2/16 variances were significantly different across years (p < 0.1). Environment and interface variables explained part of the variation in EMG measures in 13/20 models. The most consistent predictors included: (1) increased monitor distance predicted reduced APDFs and increased gaptimes; (2) wrist extension <20° predicted decreases in left ECRB APDFs; (3) keyboard location within guidelines predicted improvements in all right ECRB EMG measures during keyboarding; and (4) longer task duration predicted higher APDFs and lower gaptimes. CONCLUSION: Longitudinal analysis with multivariate models can detect the impacts of changes in environment and interface exposures on EMG measures among office workers.

Potential public health significance of faecal contamination and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella serotypes in a lake in India.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of faecal coliform bacteria and multiple drug resistance among Escherichia coli and Salmonella serotypes from Vembanadu Lake. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic microbiological testing. METHODS: Monthly collection of water samples were made from ten stations on the southern and northern parts of a salt water regulator constructed in Vembanadu Lake in order to prevent incursion of seawater during certain periods of the year. Density of faecal colifrom bacteria was estimated. E. coli and Salmonella were isolated and their different serotypes were identified. Antibiotic resistance analysis of E. coli and Salmonella serotypes was done and the MAR index of individual isolates was calculated. RESULTS: Density of faecal coliform bacteria ranged from mean MPN value 2900 -7100/100ml. Results showed multiple drug resistance pattern among the bacterial isolates. E. coli showed more than 50% resistance to amickacin, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, tetracycline and kanamycin while Salmonella showed high resistance to oxytetracycline, streptomycin, tetracycline and ampicillin. The MAR indexing of the isolates showed that they have originated from high risk source such as humans, poultry and dairy cows. CONCLUSIONS: The high density of faecal coliform bacteria and prevalence of multi drug resistant E. coli and Salmonella serotypes in the lake may pose severe public health risk through related water borne and food borne outbreaks.

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Evaluation of the leaves of Bauhinia purpurea Linn.

Various pharmacognostic parameters including macroscopy, microscopy, chemomicroscopy and behaviour of powdered drug on treatment with different chemical reagents were studied on the leaves of Bauhinia purpurea Linn. (Family Caesalpinaceae). Phytochemical screening of the plant part with various solvents revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, phytosterols, saponins and glycosides in it.

Comparative efficacy of five different rep-PCR methods to discriminate Escherichia coli populations in aquatic environments.

Development of efficient techniques to discriminate the sources of E. coli in aquatic environments is essential to improve the surveillance of fecal pollution indicators, to develop strategies to identify the sources of fecal contamination, and to implement appropriate management practices to minimize gastrointestinal disease transmission. In this study the robustness of five different rep-PCR methods, such as REP-PCR, ERIC-PCR, ERIC2-PCR, BOX-PCR and (GTG)(5)-PCR were evaluated to discriminate 271 E. coli strains isolated from two watersheds (Lakelse Lake and Okanagan Lake) located in British Columbia, Canada. Cluster analysis of (GTG)(5)-PCR, BOX-PCR, REP-PCR, ERIC-PCR and ERIC2-PCR profiles of 271 E. coli revealed 43 clusters, 35 clusters, 28 clusters, 23 clusters and 14 clusters, respectively. The discriminant analysis of rep-PCR genomic fingerprints of 271 E. coli isolates yielded an average rate of correct classification (watershed-specific) of 86.8%, 82.3%, 78.4%, 72.6% and 55.8% for (GTG)(5)-PCR, BOX-PCR, REP-PCR, ERIC-PCR and ERIC2-PCR, respectively. Based on the results of cluster analysis and discriminant function analysis, (GTG)(5)-PCR was found to be the most robust molecular tool for differentiation of E. coli populations in aquatic environments.

Modeling of trihalomethane (THM) formation via chlorination of the water from Dongjiang River (source water for Hong Kong's drinking water).

The Dongjiang River is the major source of drinking water supply for Hong Kong. The deterioration of the water quality of the Dongjiang River and excessive trihalomethanes (THMs) in the tap water of some districts in Hong Kong have become causes for public concern. The main objective of the present study is to investigate and model THM formation due to the chlorination of the Dongjiang River water under different chlorination conditions. The results showed that the total THM formation ranged between 11.7 and 91.8 mg L(-1) and that control of the levels was primarily due to the reaction time and the Br(-) level in the water. Bromide concentration was a key factor in determining bromine-containing THM formation and consequently the speciation of THMs. Higher concentrations of bromide shifted THM species to more-bromine-containing ones, while the kinetics reflected the competing halogenation reactions. As the two mixed-halogen THMs had high cancer potency, the cancer risk of total THMs appeared to reach a peak at a bromide concentration ranging between 218 and 262 mg L(-1) (with a bromide to dissolved organic carbon molar ratio (Br(-)/DOC) ranging between 15 and 18 mM/mM).