bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive cruise control system with fractional order ANFIS PD+I controller: optimization and validation
Authors: Gunasekaran Prabhakar , Sivasubramanian Rajaram , Periyasamy Karuppasamy , Muthusamy Suresh , Mishra Om Prava , Ramamoorthi Ponarun , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Geetha Mithra
Published: March 2024

Designing the control structures of fractional order PID controllers has proven to be effective in providing adaptability in set point tracing the performance of a nonlinear cruise control system. Wheel rolling resistance, wind drag force, and road gradient are incorporated into the design to better describe the system under consideration and to show how the nonlinear cruise control system behaves. This study presents a comparative investigation using simulation between control structures such as fractional order proportional–integral–derivative, fractional order integral minus proportional derivative, and fractional order proportional integral minus derivative. By preserving integral error indices as the goal function, a genetic algorithm is used to improve the controller gain parameters and fractional scaling values. To prevent integral windup conflicts and derivative boost issues, both traditional fractional order structures and adaptive neuro-fuzzy-based fractional order structures were used to create the adaptive cruise control system. The FO ANFIS PD plus I controller for the cruise control system exceeds the competition in servo and regulatory difficulties.
Structure and properties of wet-spun nylon/graphene nanocomposite fibers
Authors: Wang Zhengyang , Kinloch Ian , Vallés Cristina
Published: March 2024

Due to an increasing demand for more portable and intelligent electronic devices, strong and flexible fibers which are also electrically conductive and thermally stable are currently on demand. Herein, wet-spun nylon/graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and nylon/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite fibers were fabricated in a range of filler loadings and the effect of the type of graphene employed and the presence/absence of ions absorbed into the fibers during coagulation on their structure, processing and properties was evaluated. The diameters were homogenous along the fibers and similar for identical loadings of both fillers. The increasing viscosities of the dopes with increasing filler loadings were, however, reducing progressively the processability of the systems, leading to increasingly thicker and more defective fibers. The nanocomposite fibers behaved as electrically percolated systems, with considerably lower percolation threshold found for the rGO based fibers relative to the GNPs based ones due to the higher aspect ratio of rGO relative to GNPs. The richer surface chemistry of the rGO flakes provided stronger filler–polymer interfaces, leading to a higher optimal loading and effective modulus relative to the GNPs system. Whereas the presence of ions from the coagulation bath did not affect the diameters, microstructure or electrical properties of the fibers, it was found to have an impact on their mechanical properties, thermal stability and melting and crystallization behavior. This knowledge is key to gain control on the design of nanostructured fibers with specific structure and properties that meet the requirements for particular applications in the field of multifunctional textiles.
1-DNJ Alleviates Obesity-Induced Testicular Inflammation in Mice Model by Inhibiting IKKβ/ NF-kB Pathway
Authors: Mai Wenli , Shang Yi , Wang Yibin , Chen Ying , Mu Bo , Zheng Qian , Liu Hua
Published: March 2024

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation that affects various organs in the body, including the reproductive system, which is a key factor in male infertility. 1-Deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) is a natural alkaloid in mulberry leaves, which has anti-inflammatory capabilities, yet, it’s effects on obesity-induced inflammation-related male infertility remain unclear. Therefore, this research investigates the underlying mechanism by which 1-DNJ may mitigate fertility impairment in male mice caused by obesity-related inflammation. Male mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity were treated with 1-DNJ or metformin for 8 weeks. Metabolic profiles were evaluated by enzyme method. Reproductive capacity was assessed by sperm viability, motility and counts, immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the testicular damage caused by obesity and inflammation. The inflammation was assessed by measuring the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The activation of IκB kinase β (IKKβ) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) was examined using western blot and immunohistochemistry. HFD induced obesity in mice with obvious lipid metabolism disorder. The obese male mice had a decreased testosterone level, impaired sperm motility, and increased inflammatory factors. 1-DNJ treatment improved the testosterone level in the obese mice, ameliorated the testicular structure damage and improve sperm viability. In addition, 1-DNJ treatment inhibited IKKβ/NF-kB signaling pathway and reduced inflammation in obese mice. 1-DNJ can improve the fertility of obese men by reducing obesity as well as obesity-induced inflammation. These findings provide new insights for 1-DNJ to alleviate inflammation caused by obesity and provide future possibilities for treating male infertility.
Spatiotemporal evolution of coastal wetland resources in northern Rizhao under the influence of human activities
Authors: Li Anlong , Yuan Lin , He Dongxiao , Ji Xiangkun , Shen Gunming , Guo Xijun , Yan Zhichao
Published: March 2024

Coastal wetlands are a vital resource for the sustainable development of coastal areas. This paper presents a comprehensive monitoring of coastal wetland resources and their evolution in the northern region of Rizhao using multi-period remote sensing data and field investigations. The results show that as of the 2020s, wetland resources in northern Rizhao include subtidal wetlands, artificial wetlands, and intertidal wetlands, accounting for 38.5%, 34.2%, and 26.7% of the total wetland resources, respectively. Over the past 35 years, the evolution of wetlands has been divided into two stages according to the impact of human activities. Before 2000, the wetland area expanded rapidly due to beach aquaculture development. Subsequently, after 2000, the beach wetland area experienced a decline, whereas the landscape wetland area increased. The reason for the change in the wetland area in the later stage was the artificial change in wetland type and beach erosion. By 2020, coastal erosion gradually became the main factor driving the change in wetlands. Therefore, strategies and measures aimed at promoting natural beach growth should be implemented by regulating coastal engineering activities.
Turbulent–turbulent transient concept in pulsating flows
Authors: Taylor P.S. , Seddighi M.
Published: March 2024

The turbulence behaviour of current-dominated pulsating flows has been investigated. Direct numerical simulations have been carried out for Stokes lengths over a range of

$l_s^+=5\unicode{x2013}26$

, and amplitudes spanning 90 % of the current-dominated regime, about a mean flow of

$\overline {Re}=6275$

. The results show that the turbulence response in intermediate and low-frequency pulsations is governed by a multistage turbulent–turbulent transition process, which bears a strong similarity to the multistage response of non-periodic acceleration. During the early acceleration period, the flow enters a pretransition stage, in which a new laminar perturbation boundary layer forms at the wall, and the streamwise velocity streaks are stretched. If the low-speed streaks destabilise prior to the deceleration period, then the flow enters a transition stage in which the perturbation boundary layer undergoes a bypass-like transition process. A unique feature of pulsating flows is the ongoing mechanism of turbulence decay, which initiates during the deceleration period and constitutes the main transient turbulence mechanism for much of the cycle. For high-frequency pulsations, the perturbation boundary layer fails to reach the pretransition stage prior to the deceleration period. Instead, the flow alternates between two inertial stages which are characterised by two layers of amplified viscous force; one growing at the wall, and one detached and moving towards the core.
An Imperial Adventus into a City of Warehouses: History, Modernity, and Urbanity in the Symbolic and Material Construction of Hamburg's Free Port
Authors: Heerten Lasse
Published: March 2024

The article analyzes the contemporary material, political, and symbolic construction of Hamburg's free port, zooming in on its festive opening in 1888, when Kaiser Wilhelm II visited to perform this ceremonious act. Asking why the “Speicherstadt” (warehouse city) was right away dubbed a “city” even though this was an exclusively commercial space devoid of inhabitants, the article uses this case study to argue that process concepts like “urbanization” frame our perspectives in ways that eclipse how older ideas about urbanity still defined a late-nineteenth-century political imaginary. The article shows how the opening ceremony, staged as an imperial adventus, alongside the “Speicherstadt's” neo-Gothic red-brick architecture, made recourse to established cultural forms that historians and other commentators often deem premodern. To counteract the prospect that port expansion could turn Hamburg into a working-class city, Hamburg's bourgeois merchant elite tried to construct the free port as a global urban bourgeois space embodying the city's history and its longevity as a space of urban trade privilege. The latter had erstwhile been defined by Hamburg's city walls, which, as the article argues, were symbolically rebuilt in the form of the Speicherstadt. The latter was the “city” into which this modern-day imperial adventus led.
Islands in Global History
Authors: Dierksmeier Laura
Published: March 2024

Islands have played a much larger role in global history than their small size may suggest. The study of islands, once a part of maritime history, has since 2006 grown into its own interdisciplinary field of “island studies.” The three books analysed in this review all stand to contribute to the new field. The books under review are The Boundless Sea (2019), A World at Sea (2020), and África y sus islas (2021). Island-specific topics advanced by these books include islands as nodes in trade networks, the detrimental influence of colonisation on island environments, the use of islands as locations to escape from slavery, ethnographic descriptions of islands, and indigenous knowledge produced by islanders.
Modality-general and modality-specific bilingual control mechanisms in spoken and written productions
Authors: Yang Tingting , Cai Zhenguang G. , Lin Weihao , Wang Ruiming
Published: March 2024

Do bilinguals have similar bilingual control mechanisms in speaking and writing? The present study investigated the patterns of switch costs (reflecting reactive language control) and mixing costs (reflecting proactive language control) between Chinese (L1) and English (L2) in spoken and written productions and whether these patterns could be modulated by response-stimulus intervals (RSIs). In two experiments, unbalanced Chinese–English bilinguals completed a cued language switching task in spoken naming (Experiment 1) and written naming (Experiment 2), respectively. The results revealed asymmetrical switch costs (i.e., the larger cost in L1 than in L2) in spoken and written productions in the short RSI condition. However, there were asymmetrical mixing costs in spoken production and symmetrical mixing costs in written production both in the short and long RSIs. These findings suggest that for spoken and written productions, reactive language control operates in similar mechanisms, while proactive language control operates in specific mechanisms.
Long-term catheter management in the community: a population-based analysis of user characteristics, service utilisation and costs in England
Authors: Gage Heather , Williams Peter , Avery Miriam , Murphy Catherine , Fader Mandy
Published: March 2024

Background:

Long-term urinary catheters are problematic and burdensome for patients, carers and health services. Nursing practice to improve the management of long-term urinary catheters has been held back by a lack of evidence to support policy and practice. Little is known about who uses a catheter long term and the resources and costs needed for their management. Understanding these costs will help to target innovations to improve care. There have been no substantial innovations to urinary catheters or their management recently and no publications to characterise users and costs.

Aim:

To describe long-term catheter users and explore catheter-related service use and costs in England.

Methods:

Descriptive information on the characteristics of catheter users and their use of services was obtained from: General Practice records (n = 607), district nursing records (n = 303), questionnaires to patients (n = 333) and triangulated, 2009–2012. Annual service costs (British pounds 2011) were computed.

Findings:

Most catheter users (59.6%) were men, nearly three-quarters (71.2%) were over 70 years and 60.8% used a urethral catheter. Women tended to be younger than men and more likely to use a suprapubic catheter. The services used most frequently over 12 months were general practitioner (by 63.1%) and out of hours services (43.0%); 15.5% accessed Accident and Emergency services for urgent catheter-related care. Hospital use accounted for nearly half (48.9%) of total health service costs (mainly due to inpatient stays by 13.6% of participants); catheter supplies/medications were next most costly (25.7%). Half of all costs were accounted for by 14.2% of users. The median annual cost of services used was £6.38, IQR: £344–£1324; district nursing services added approximately a further £200 per annum.

Conclusions:

Finding better ways to reduce catheter problems (e.g. blockage, infection) that cause unplanned visits, urgent or hospital care should be a priority to improve quality of life for long-term catheter users and reduce health service expenditure.
Social Policy Responses to Rising Inflation in Southern Europe
Authors: Moreira Amílcar , Roumpakis Antonios , Coda Moscarola Flavia , Cantó Olga
Published: March 2024

As they were just coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Southern European nations were confronted with a new shock to their economies – this time in the form of a steep rise in prices. This article describes and typifies the social policy responses and measures adopted in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain in response to rising inflation. We find that Southern European (SE) governments have put forward a substantive fiscal response – which compares well with that of its neighbours, and even with the previous crisis. The thrust of the response was targeted at limiting the pass-through of international energy prices to consumers. This was complemented, albeit to a lesser degree, with direct support to families. Nevertheless, we do find important differences concerning the weight given to (traditional) welfare transfers, and the role given to indexation mechanisms and wage increases. We also find important continuities with the model of crisis-response adopted during the pandemic.
Assessing forage research and education needs of organic dairy farms in the United States
Authors: Hatungimana Eric , Darby Heather M. , Soder Kathy J. , Ziegler Sara E. , Brito Andre F. , Kissing Kucek Lisa , Riday Heathcliffe , Brummer E. Charles
Published: March 2024

The viability of organic dairy operations in the United States (US) relies on forage production. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess producer and farm information regarding current forage production practices and producer knowledge gaps and (2) identify forage research and educational needs of organic dairy producers across the US. A survey was distributed to 643 organic dairy producers across the US, with 165 respondents (26% response rate). A focus group consisting of extension professionals, university researchers and staff, consultants, dairy industry representatives and organic dairy producers was also consulted for forage research needs. Results showed that approximately half (51%) of surveyed producers were somewhat satisfied with their forage production systems and sometimes experienced negative weather-related impacts on forage yield and quality. A majority (64%) of producers felt their knowledge to meet farm goals was adequate but they reported a lack of resources to implement this knowledge especially for balancing high-forage diets and selecting soil amendments. This study revealed that 54% of producers rely on peer experiences as information resources to make decisions on forage programs. Producer knowledge gaps included pasture renovation with reduced or no-tillage, forage mixtures that match their needs, and forage management practices aiming for high-quality forage. Based on the survey and focus group findings, forage research and educational activities should foster climate change resilience regarding forage diversity adapted to local and regional climatic conditions, improve forage quality, enhance economic returns from soil fertility amendments and pasture renovation, and introduce new forages and forage mixtures that suit economical, agronomical, and environmental needs.
Erfahrungen eingewanderter Pflegefachpersonen mit Diskriminierung durch Pflegebedürftige
Authors: Ulusoy Nazan , Nienhaus Albert , Brzoska Patrick
Published: March 2024

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund und Ziel: Eingewanderte Pflegefachpersonen füllen in vielen Ländern den Fachkräftemangel aus. Studien deuten darauf hin, dass sie in den Einwanderungsländern oft mit Diskriminierung konfrontiert werden. Ziel des vorliegenden narrativen Reviews ist es, einen Überblick über die Diskriminierungserfahrungen von eingewanderten Pflegefachpersonen zu geben. Methode: Es wurde eine systematische Literatursuche in den Datenbanken PubMed und CINAHL durchgeführt. Weitere Artikel wurden durch eine Suche in Google Scholar und anhand von Referenzlisten identifiziert. Eingeschlossen wurden Studien, die zwischen 1/2013 und 3/2023 erschienen sind. Ergebnisse: Von 103 Artikeln wurden 18 in das narrative Review eingeschlossen. Die Übersichtsarbeit hat gezeigt, dass eingewanderte Pflegefachpersonen vonseiten der Pflegebedürftigen Diskriminierung in Form von Ablehnung, der Infragestellung ihrer Qualifikationen, Ungleichbehandlung, abfälligen Äußerungen und Kommentaren sowie Drohungen und physischer Gewalt erleben können. Ihr Herkunftsland, ihre ethnische Herkunft, ihre äußeren Merkmale (z.B. Hautfarbe), ihre sprachlichen Unterschiede sowie ihr Akzent bilden die Grundlage dafür. Schlussfolgerungen: Auch wenn die Datenlage insgesamt eingeschränkt ist, können die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit als Grundlage für weitere Studien dienen sowie Führungskräften und politischen Entscheidungsträger_innen dabei helfen, die Diskriminierung von eingewanderten Pflegefachpersonen besser zu verstehen, Strategien zur Unterstützung Betroffener zu entwickeln und entsprechende Präventionsmaßnahmen umzusetzen.
Decreasing Photoreactivity and Concurrent Change in Dissolved Organic Matter Composition With Increasing Inland Water Residence Time
Authors: Grasset C. , Einarsdottir K. , Catalán N. , Tranvik L. J. , Groeneveld M. , Hawkes J. A. , Attermeyer K.
Published: March 2024

Photochemical degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) has been the subject of numerous studies; however, its regulation along the inland water continuum is still unclear. We aimed to unravel the DOM photoreactivity and concurrent DOM compositional changes across 30 boreal aquatic ecosystems including peat waters, streams, rivers, and lakes distributed along a water residence time (WRT) gradient. Samples were subjected to a standardized exposure of simulated sunlight. We measured the apparent quantum yield (AQY), which corresponds to DOM photomineralization per photon absorbed, and the compositional change in DOM at bulk and individual compound levels in the original samples and after irradiation. AQY increased with the abundance of terrestrially derived DOM and decreased at higher WRT. Additionally, the photochemical changes in both DOM optical properties and molecular composition resembled changes along the natural boreal WRT gradient at low WRT (<3 years). Accordingly, mass spectrometry revealed that the abundance of photolabile and photoproduced molecules decreased with WRT along the boreal aquatic continuum. Our study highlights the tight link between DOM composition and DOM photodegradation. We suggest that photodegradation is an important driver of DOM composition change in waters with low WRT, where DOM is highly photoreactive.
Controls on the Leeside Angle of Dunes in Shallow Unidirectional Flows
Authors: Cisneros Julia , Best Jim
Published: March 2024

Dunes are ubiquitous features in alluvial channels, serve as major agents of sediment transport and contribute significantly to flow resistance. Research in the past decade has illustrated the complexity of dune geometry and widespread occurrence of dunes that have a low leeside angle. However, there is a debate concerning the occurrence of such dunes and their formative processes. This paper seeks to further our understanding of low‐angle dunes by utilizing data from a robust set of shallow flow laboratory experiments detailing equilibrium bedform morphology across a range of sediment transport conditions. Analysis of bedform morphology demonstrates that dunes with low‐angle leesides are generated in shallow laboratory flows and are not restricted to deep rivers. Of the possible processes that have been proposed to explain the formation of low‐angle dunes, this finding unequivocally shows that liquefied leeside avalanches, which rely on deep flows for their generation, are not a controlling mechanism. In addition, dunes formed under suspension‐dominated conditions possess lower leeside angles compared with those formed under bedload‐dominated conditions. However, where bedload transport dominates and sediment suspension is likely of lesser importance, low‐angle dunes are still present, and preliminary analysis shows that bedform superimposition can result in lowering of the dune leeside angle. Low and intermediate angle dunes formed under these various conditions also have a lower potential for large‐scale, permanent, leeside flow separation compared with angle‐of‐repose dunes, confirming the need to account for these differences in predictions of flow resistance associated with dune form roughness.
Coming to a Consensus on Carbon
Authors: Owen Rebecca
Published: March 2024

A new study describes inconsistencies in how different Earth system models predict soil carbon levels in a warming climate.
The learning curve for robotic-assisted transperineal MRI/US fusion-guided prostate biopsy
Authors: Alargkof Viktor , Engesser Christian , Breit Hanns Christian , Winkel David Jean , Seifert Helge , Trotsenko Pawel , Wetterauer Christian
Published: March 2024

Transperineal fusion prostate biopsy has a considerable learning curve (LC). Robotic-assisted transperineal MRI/Ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy (RA-TP-FBx) may have an easier LC due to automatization. We aimed to assess the LC of RA-TP-FBx and analyze its most difficult steps. We prospectively analyzed cases randomized to a biopsy-naïve urology resident, the chief resident, and an expert urologist in RA-TP-FBx (controls). We also analyzed consecutive cases in the LC of the expert. The LC was defined by procedure time, PCa detection rate (including stratification by PI-RADS), entrustable professional activities (EPA) assessment scores, and the NASA task load index. We collectively performed 246 RA-TP-FBx with the Mona Lisa device. Procedure time for residents decreased steeply from maximum 53 min to minimum 10 min, while the mean procedure time for the expert was 9 min (range 17–5 min). PCa detection for PI-RADS-4 lesions was 57% for the naïve resident, 61% for the chief resident and 62% for the expert. There was also no difference in Pca detection for PI-RADS-4 lesions when comparing the first and second half of the experts’ biopsies (p = 0.8). Maximum EPA score was registered after 22 cases. Workload steeply declined. Proficient RA-TP-FBx performance appears feasible after 22 cases regardless of previous experience.
Line-wave waveguide engineering using Hermitian and non-Hermitian metasurfaces
Authors: Ahmadi Haddi , Ahmadi Zahra , Razmjooei Nasrin , Pasdari-Kia Mohammad , Bagheri Amirmasood , Saghaei Hamed , Arik Kamalodin , Oraizi Homayoon
Published: March 2024

Line waves (LWs) refer to confined edge modes that propagate along the interface of dual electromagnetic metasurfaces while maintaining mirror reflection symmetries. Previous research has both theoretically and experimentally investigated these waves, revealing their presence in the microwave and terahertz frequency ranges. In addition, a comprehensive exploration has been conducted on the implementation of non-Hermitian LWs by establishing the parity-time symmetry. This study introduces a cutting-edge dual-band line-wave waveguide, enabling the realization of LWs within the terahertz and infrared spectrums. Our work is centered around analyzing the functionalities of existing applications of LWs within a specific field. In addition, a novel non-Hermitian platform is proposed. We address feasible practical implementations of non-Hermitian LWs by placing a graphene-based metasurface on an epsilon-near-zero material. This study delves into the advantages of the proposed framework compared to previously examined structures, involving both analytical and numerical examinations of how these waves propagate and the underlying physical mechanisms.
Progress in site-specific cancer mortality in Canada over the last 70 years
Authors: Warkentin Matthew T. , Ruan Yibing , Ellison Larry F. , Billette Jean-Michel , Demers Alain , Liu Fei-Fei , Brenner Darren R.
Published: March 2024

In Canada, the absolute number of cancer deaths has been steadily increasing, however, age-standardized cancer mortality rates peaked decades ago for most cancers. The objective of this study was to estimate the reduction in deaths for each cancer type under the scenario where peak mortality rates had remained stable in Canada. Data for this study were obtained the Global Cancer Observatory and Statistics Canada. We estimated age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR, per 100,000) from 1950 to 2022, standardized to the 2011 Canadian standard population. We identified peak mortality rates and applied the age-specific mortality rates from the peak year to the age-specific Canadian population estimates for subsequent years (up to 2022) to estimate the number of expected deaths. Avoided cancer deaths were the difference between the observed and expected number of cancer deaths. There have been major reductions in deaths among cancers related to tobacco consumption and other modifiable lifestyle habits (417,561 stomach; 218,244 colorectal; 186,553 lung; 66,281 cervix; 32,732 head and neck; 27,713 bladder; 22,464 leukemia; 20,428 pancreas; 8863 kidney; 3876 esophagus; 290 liver). There have been 201,979 deaths avoided for female-specific cancers (breast, cervix, ovary, uterus). Overall, there has been a 34% reduction in mortality for lung cancer among males and a 9% reduction among females. There has been a significant reduction in cancer mortality in Canada since site-specific cancer mortality rates peaked decades ago for many cancers. This shows the exceptional progress made in cancer control in Canada due to substantial improvements in prevention, screening, and treatment. This study highlights priority areas where more attention and investment are needed to achieve progress.
Evaluation of urinary trace element levels in patients with opioid use disorder undergoing methadone treatment in western Iran
Authors: Nakhaee Samaneh , Zadeh Alireza Amirabadi , Madadjoo Yazdan , Azadi Nammam Ali , Mansouri Borhan
Published: March 2024

The monitoring of essential and toxic elements in patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) undergoing methadone treatment (MT) is important, and there is limited previous research on the urinary levels of these elements in MT patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze certain elements in the context of methadone treatment compared to a healthy group. In this study, patients with opioid use disorder undergoing MT (n = 67) were compared with a healthy group of companions (n = 62) in terms of urinary concentrations of some essential elements (selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca)) and toxic elements (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr)). Urine samples were prepared using the acid digestion method with a mixture of nitric acid and perchloric acid and assessed using the ICP-MS method. Our results showed that the two groups had no significant differences in terms of gender, education level, occupation, and smoking status. Urinary concentrations of Se, Cu, and Fe levels were significantly lower in the MT group compared to the healthy subjects. However, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Mn, Cr, and Ca in the MT group were higher than in the healthy group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was established between the levels of Zn in the two groups (p = 0.232). The results of regression analysis revealed that the differences between the concentration levels of all metals (except Zn) between two groups were still remained significant after adjusting for all variables (p < 0.05). The data obtained in the current study showed lower urinary concentrations of some essential elements and higher levels of some toxic elements in the MT group compared to the healthy subjects. These findings should be incorporated into harm-reduction interventions.
Factors predicting lower limb alignment after Oxford medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Shih Han-Ting , Chen Kun-Hui , Lee Cheng-Hung , Tu Kao-Chang , Wang Shun-Ping
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to identify the factors affecting hip−knee−ankle (HKA) angle following Oxford medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (MUKA). A retrospective analysis of 200 patients who underwent Oxford MUKA from June 2018 to October 2020 was conducted. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the impact of surgical and radiographic characteristics on the postoperative HKA angle. The mean HKA angle was 9.5 ± 4.3° before surgery and 3.6 ± 3.7° after surgery (p < 0.001). The postoperative HKA angle significantly correlated with the preoperative HKA angle, bearing size, tibial component alignment angle, and BMI (r = 0.71, p < 0.001; r =  − 0.24, p = 0.001; r = 0.21, p = 0.004; r =  − 0.18, p = 0.011). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the preoperative HKA angle (β = 0.68, p < 0.001), bearing size (β =  − 0.31, p < 0.001), tibial component alignment angle (β = 0.14, p = 0.003), and BMI (β =  − 0.09, p = 0.047) significantly affected the postoperative HKA angle. In conclusion, larger preoperative varus deformity, smaller bearing size, greater varus alignment of the tibial component, and lower BMI lead to greater postoperative varus alignment of the lower limb in Oxford MUKA. With this concept, surgeons can more accurately predict postoperative lower limb alignment and avoid malalignment in Oxford MUKA.
Impact of electronic cigarette usage on the onset of respiratory symptoms and COPD among Chinese adults
Authors: Song Beibei , Li Honglin , Zhang Huiran , Jiao Libin , Wu Siyu
Published: March 2024

The prevalence of dual usage and the relatively low cessation rate among e-cigarette (EC) users suggest that ECs have not demonstrated significant effectiveness as a smoking cessation tool. Furthermore, there has been a substantial increase in the prevalence of EC usage in recent years. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the association between EC use and the incidence of respiratory symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 10,326 participants aged between 20 and 55 years, without any respiratory diseases or COPD, were recruited for the study. These individuals attended employee physical examinations conducted at 16 public hospitals in Hebei province, China from 2015 to 2020. Logistic regression models were utilized to assess the association between EC use and the risk of respiratory symptoms and COPD using risk ratios along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Restricted cubic spline functions were employed to investigate the dose–response non-linear relationship. The robustness of the logistic regression models was evaluated through subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses. During the 5-year follow-up period, a total of 1071 incident cases of respiratory symptoms and 146 incident cases of COPD were identified in this cohort study. After adjusting for relevant confounding factors, EC users demonstrated a respective increase in the risk of reporting respiratory symptoms and COPD by 28% and 8%. Furthermore, dual users who used both ECs and combustible cigarettes exhibited an elevated risk of incident respiratory symptoms and COPD by 41% and 18%, respectively, compared to those who had never used non-users of any cigarette products. The association between daily EC consumption and the development of respiratory symptoms, as well as COPD, demonstrated a significant J-shaped pattern. The potential adverse association between the consumption of ECs, particularly when used in combination with combustible cigarettes, and the development of respiratory symptoms and COPD necessitates careful consideration. Policymakers should approach ECs cautiously as a prospective smoking cessation tool.
Design of robot grippers for binder jet products handling
Authors: Muktadir MA , Yi Sun , Elliott Amelia M.
Published: March 2024

Dimension accuracy, damage minimization, and defect detection are essential in manufacturing processes, especially additive manufacturing. These types of challenges may arise either during the manufacture of a product or its use. The repeatability of the process is vital in additive manufacturing systems. However, human users may lose concentration and, thus, would be a great alternative as an assistant. Depending on the nature of work, a robot’s fingers might vary, for example, mechanical, electrical, vacuum, two-fingers, and three-fingers. In addition, the end effector plays a vital role in picking up an object in the advanced manufacturing process. However, inbuilt robotic fingers may not be appropriate in different production environments. In this research presented here considering metal binder jet additive manufacturing, the two-finger end- effectors are proposed design, analysis, and experiment to pick up an object after completing the production process from a specific location. The final designs were further printed by using a 3D metal printer and installed in the existing robotic systems. These new designs are used successfully to hold the object from the specific location by reducing the contact force that was not possible with the previously installed end effector's finger. In addition, a numerical study was conducted in order to compare the flowability of the geometric shape of finger's free areas.
Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, and the Production of Disfluencies in Children Who Do and Do Not Stutter
Authors: Paphiti Maria , Talias Michael A. , Eggers Kurt
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

Differences in inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility between children who stutter (CWS) and children who do not stutter (CWNS) have been previously demonstrated. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether the previously reported inhibitory control– and cognitive flexibility–related performance costs for CWS are associated with the number of speech disfluencies that they produce.

Method:

Participants were 19 CWS (
M
age
= 7.58 years, range: 6.08–9.17) and 19 CWNS matched on age and gender (
M
age
= 7.58 years, range: 6.08–9.33). Gamma regression models were used to investigate possible associations between performance costs in speed and accuracy measured during a computer task evaluating inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility and the number of speech disfluencies during video-recorded speech samples (story retelling and casual conversation).

Results:

Two significant interactions were observed. For both inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, we identified a significant group and inhibitory control/cognitive flexibility performance–cost interaction in stuttering-like disfluencies (SLDs), indicating that the performance–cost effects on SLD production were significantly higher in the CWS group, compared to the CWNS group.

Conclusions:

CWS with reduced inhibitory control or cognitive flexibility produce more SLDs, but not other disfluencies. These results are partly in line with some previous findings in nonstuttering and stuttering populations linking inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility weaknesses to the production of speech disfluencies.
Mathematical and simulation modeling of a synchronous generator for micro hydroelectric and low-speed wind power plants
Authors: Toshev Sherzod , Tosheva Shaxnoza , Saodullaev Abror , Tengelova Sevara
Published: March 2024

In this article, in conditions where environmental deterioration and energy shortages are observed throughout the world, a mathematical model for improving and developing new types of synchronous generators for low-speed wind power plants and micro-hydroelectric power plants is developed free of charge extraction of running water and simulation processes. As a result of mathematical and simulation modeling of a synchronous generator, it is based on the analysis of electromagnetic processes and the study of improvement issues to ensure its efficient operation at low speeds. In mathematical modeling, the electromagnetic processes of a low-speed synchronous generator were analyzed using mathematical equations. For this purpose, mathematical and simulation models of an improved generator designed for low speed were developed and research was carried out. The article creates a mathematical model based on the Park-Gorev equations of asymmetric modes of a synchronous generator designed to generate electricity from low-speed wind and freely flowing water. The mathematical model of the generator was expressed in the Simulink package and a simulation model was built, research was carried out and characteristics were obtained.
Simulation study on capacity planning and allocation of island microgrid
Authors: Liuming Jing , Qinghua Liu , Shukuraliev Abrorbek , Donyorbek Alijanov
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the energy storage capacity planning problem of a real island microgrid is deeply simulated. In the beginning, the overview and basic data of the island microgrid are described in detail, including the composition of the grid and its key parameters. Then, with the help of modeling and simulation technology, the operation of microgrid in various scenarios is comprehensively simulated and analyzed, focusing on how to optimize energy storage planning in the case of wind energy removal to ensure the smooth operation of the grid. The research deeply reveals the core role of stable power system in ensuring the reliability of power supply and the normal operation of the system. Among them, frequency stability is regarded as the cornerstone of power system operation, which is indispensable for maintaining the overall stability of the power grid and ensuring the continuous and stable power supply of users.Through this simulation study, we not only provide feasible schemes and suggestions for the energy storage capacity planning and allocation of island microgrids, but also verify that reasonable energy storage schemes have a positive effect on the overall stability and reliability of the power system.
Determining the optimal steps of the number of fields with variable windings
Authors: Bobojanov Makhsud , Furkat Tuychiev , Hamid Nurov , Torayev Sardor , Husen Achilov , Javahir Holliyev
Published: March 2024

In the article, the issue of saving electricity and natural resources by applying two-speed motors with a variable number of poles to electric drives, together with the measures to meet the need for electricity and water resources in the world, is considered in the article. Together with the analysis of the electromagnetic properties of the circuit of the chulgam with the ratio of poles 6/8, the exact values were obtained by using the formulas, and suggestions and recommendations were given for determining the optimal step of the chulgam.
Uzbek energy reform: Policy implications for renewables and new regulations
Authors: Zoilboev Javlon
Published: March 2024

This article provides, according to the Uzbek energy reform and comparative analysis, policy implications for renewables and new regulations. The current condition of the use and application of renewable energy sources (RES) in Uzbekistan is analyzed using statistical data. The conditions for annual energy capacity, import and export of energy products, as well as the construction of the RES are analyzed within the framework of 14 administrative territorial units. The article provides a complete analysis of how the field of energy is regulated using state-acceptable regulatory legal acts. The main subject of research of the article is what benefits are provided in the legislation to individuals and legal entities that have established the use of the RES.
Pertinent Emplacement of Shear Walls to Diminish the Torsional Effects in Asymmetric-RC Framed Buildings
Authors: Shinwari Zabihullah Dalil , Yousufi Elyas , Haqbani Mujeeb Rahman , Safi Najiullah
Published: March 2024

In seismic conditions, asymmetric structures typically experience lateral deflection. The magnitude of this deflection is dependent on various factors, including the configuration of the structural system, the mass of the structure, and the mechanical properties of the materials used. One critical factor that can reduce a structure's seismic resistance is torsion irregularity. To combat this, shear walls can be installed in the pertinent location to provide stability and stiffness to the structure. This study explores the seismic analysis of a G+10 storey asymmetric RC frame-shear wall structure using the response spectrum method as per ASCE7-16. The study encompasses six models with varying shear wall placements, with the initial model lacking a shear wall. The results are compared, and recommendations are made to avoid torsional irregularity destruction under seismic loads. Based on the analysis, Model-2 (shear wall in the periphery) shows the worst condition from the 1st storey through the 11th storey, possibly due to maximum eccentricity in upper storeys. In contrast, Model-5 (shear wall in core and corners) shows the best performance among all models, likely due to increased stiffness in the corners and core of the structure. Overall, this study contributes to the advancement of structural engineering practices by enhancing the understanding of complex interplay between torsional irregularity, shear wall placement, and structural asymmetry.
Coupled Problem on Thermo-Elasticity in Strains for an Isotropic Parallelepiped
Authors: Djumayozov Umidjon , Eshmanova Nigora
Published: March 2024

This work is devoted to mathematical and numerical modeling of the coupled dynamic problem of thermoelasticity in deformations. A numerically related boundary value problem of thermoelasticity in deformations for a parallelepiped with the corresponding initial and boundary conditions is formulated and solved. Grid equations are constructed using the finite-difference method in the form of explicit and implicit schemes. In this case, the solution of the explicit scheme is reduced to recurrent relations with respect to deformations and temperature. In the case of implicit difference schemes, the equations are solved by sequential application of the sweep method. The validity of the formulated boundary value problems is justified by comparing the numerical results obtained with different methods based on two different models.
Comparative evaluation of UAV photogrammetry and mobile laser scanner for flexible pavement failure detection in developing countries
Authors: Portocarrero Euler , Huaman Rocio , Flores Victor Andre Ariza
Published: March 2024

Flexible pavements constitute a critical infrastructure that, throughout its life cycle, faces degradation caused by climatic variables and traffic loads. This deterioration affects their mechanical properties, leading to cracks and failures that reduce their functionality and longevity. It is therefore imperative that advanced analytical methodologies are applied to identify the appropriate level of intervention to ensure their optimal serviceability. Recently, technological innovations have emerged that allow the detailed assessment of flexible pavements in an efficient manner, covering large areas in a short time. This research focuses on whether drone photogrammetry (UAV) or mobile laser scanning (MLS) is more appropriate for the diagnosis of surface imperfections in flexible pavements in the context of developing countries, as well as the impacts that its adoption could have on road assessment. The qualitative study is based on a literature review and uses the Choosing by Advantages (CBA) method to evaluate and compare the decisive qualities in the selection of technologies. The results indicate that the mobile laser scanner provides accurate topographic and geometric characterisation at the millimetre level. However, drone photogrammetry, standing out for its high flexibility, low cost and ease of operation, presents itself as the most viable solution for continuous road condition monitoring.
Mapping the relief and other objects of the Aral Sea (as it dries out) using satellite images
Authors: Minashkina Natalia , Ten Yuri , Valieva Albina
Published: March 2024

This article discusses cartographic work on creating maps of the territory of the dry bottom of the Aral Sea using conventional signs and showing the bottom with contour lines. As the sea dried up, the need arose to create topographic maps of the resulting land based on aerial and satellite images. In addition to the relief, it was necessary to show on the map the types of soils, sands, and types of vegetation. As a result of the retreat of the sea, it is necessary to identify the dynamics of the development of the land bottom and monitor the relief, how it changed in connection with this process. For such work, it is necessary to use satellite images using GIS technologies, as well as data from remote sensing of the Earth and create a digital model of the relief of the dried bottom of the Aral Sea. Based on this digital terrain model, it is possible to predict the state of the area in order to develop measures to increase the level of environmental stability and the ability to plan for the future.