bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Irradiation-Induced Nanoscale Surface Transformations in Strontium Titanate
Authors: Gupta Ashish Kumar , Gupta Siddharth , Mandal Soumya , Sachan Ritesh
Published: April 2022

We studied the structural transformations and atomic rearrangements in strontium titanate (SrTiO3) via nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation-induced melting and ultrafast quenching. Using scanning transmission electron microscopy, we determine that the laser-irradiated surface in single-crystalline SrTiO3 transforms into an amorphous phase with an interposing disordered crystalline region between amorphous and ordered phases. The formation of disordered phase is attributed to the rapid recrystallization of SrTiO3 from the melt phase constrained by an epitaxial relation with the pristine region, which eases up on the surface, leading to amorphous phase formation. With electron energy-loss spectroscopic analysis, we confirm the transformation of Ti+4 to Ti+3 due to oxygen vacancy formation as a result of laser irradiation. In the disordered region, the maximum transformation of Ti+4 is observed to be 16.2 ± 0.2%, whereas it is observed to be 20.2 ± 0.2% in the amorphous region. Finally, we deduce that the degree of the disorder increases from atomically disordered to amorphous transition in SrTiO3 under laser-irradiation. The signatures of short-range ordering remain similar, leading to a comparable fingerprint of electronic structure. With these results, this study addresses the gap in understanding the atomic and electronic structure modified by pulsed laser irradiation and functionalizing pristine SrTiO3 for electronic, magnetic, and optical applications.
The Growth of High-Quality Hexagonal GaTe Nanosheets Induced by ZnO Nanocrystals
Authors: Chen Quan , Chen Yu , Wang Jun , Liu Meizhuang , Chen Zuxin
Published: April 2022

The monoclinic and hexagonal gallium tellurides (m-GaTe and h-GaTe) show different applications in optoelectronic devices. Compared to the m-GaTe, the h-GaTe is a metastable phase, which generally exists in ultrathin samples and is difficult to obtain by direct chemical reaction. Herein, a hexagonal ZnO-induced crystal growth strategy was used for the design and fabrication of h-GaTe. The high-quality h-GaTe nanosheets were successfully grown on the (001) surface of hexagonal ZnO by the chemical vapor deposition method under ambient pressure. The SEM, XPS, XRD, and HRTEM characterizations uncovered a flower-like nanosheet morphology and a hexagonal crystal structure for the obtained GaTe samples. Meanwhile, the conductive atomic force microscope measurement indicates that the obtained h-GaTe nanosheet is a p-type semiconductor. Based on the electron localization function simulation, the lattice-induced crystal growth of h-GaTe was demonstrated. The results give an insight into the synthesis of metastable phase crystal and open an avenue for fabricating new two-dimensional devices by p-type h-GaTe.
Analytical and Numerical Analyses of Multilayer Photonic Metamaterial Slab Optical Waveguide Structures with Kerr-Type Nonlinear Cladding and Substrate
Authors: Wu Yaw-Dong , Xu Yi-Jun , Shih Tien-Tsorng , Cheng Ming-Hsiung
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we propose the analytical and numerical analyses of multilayer photonic metamaterial slab optical waveguide structures with Kerr-type nonlinear cladding and substrate. The multiple-quantum-well (MQW) photonic metamaterial optical waveguide structure with Kerr-type nonlinear cladding and substrate was also analyzed. We can use the proposed method to study the multilayer optical metamaterial slab optical waveguide structure with the linear cladding and substrate.
Microstructure and Properties after Friction Stir Processing of Twin-Roll Cast Al–Mn–Cu–Be Alloy
Authors: Macerl Matjaž , Zupanič Franc , Hočuršćak Lara , Klobčar Damjan , Kovács András , Bončina Tonica
Published: April 2022

We studied the effect of friction stir processing (FSP) on the microstructure and properties of high-speed twin-roll cast strips made of an experimental Al–Mn–Cu–Be alloy. The samples were examined using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, microchemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, and indentation testing. During FSP, the rotational speed varied, while other parameters remained constant. The uniformity of the microstructure increased with the growing rotational speed. In the stir zone, several processes took place, and the most important were: recrystallisation of the matrix grains, fragmentation of the primary intermetallic particles Al15Mn3Be2 and their more uniform distribution in the stir zone, fracture, and dispersion of the eutectic icosahedral quasicrystalline phase (IQC), transformation of tiny Al15Mn3Be2 and IQC particles into the τ1-Al26Mn6Cu4 phase and precipitation of Al–Mn–Cu precipitates. In the thermomechanically affected zone, new dislocations formed as well as dispersion of the IQC eutectic phase and recrystallisation of the matrix grains. In the heat-affected zone, dissolution of θ’-Al2Cu precipitates occurred. The hardness variation was not severe between the stir and heat-affected zones.
Spatio-Temporal Variation in Bird Assemblages in a Subtropical Urban Ecosystem
Authors: Xie Shilin , Han Baolong , Zhou Weiqi , Xian Chaofan , Ouyang Zhiyun
Published: April 2022

Background: Being an excellent indicator of habitat quality, birds are more and more popular in urban studies. Selective impacts of urban environments on avian communities have been repeatedly demonstrated, however, limited information is available under a spatial-temporal perspective, especially for subtropical young cities. Methods: Bird communities were surveyed and environmental data were collected in different types of urban green spaces surrounded by urban matrix during 2018 and 2019. Various statistical analyses were used to describe avian communities residing in different habitats and evaluate bird–environment relationships. Results: Avian community structure differed between major habitat types. At intensely urbanized roadside green spaces sites, omnivores dominated over insectivores, which were regional dominators. Woodland area was key in all urban habitat types, however, the importance decreased with increasing woodland size. Bird species richness in residential parks and individual abundance in roadside green spaces were negatively influenced by environmental noise and visitor density, respectively. Resident bird species and individuals dominated over migrants, and municipal parks presented higher species richness and abundance than other habitat types during winter. Conclusions: Highly simplified habitats in urban areas represent poor wintering habitats, whereas municipal parks served as key refugia. Continued urbanization will place further pressure on habitats which are more natural; thus, municipal parks and other natural habitats must be protected to construct sustainable human-coupled ecosystems.
Molecular Diagnostic Review of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Its Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Ta Robert , Yang David , Hirt Christian , Drago Thomas , Flavin Richard
Published: April 2022

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is a clinically and morphologically heterogeneous entity that has continued to resist complete subtyping. Molecular subtyping efforts emerged in earnest with the advent of gene expression profiling (GEP). This molecular subtyping approach has continued to evolve simultaneously with others including immunohistochemistry and more modern genomic approaches. Recently, the veritable explosion of genomic data availability and evolving computational methodologies have provided additional avenues, by which further understanding and subclassification of DBLCLs is possible. The goal of this review is to provide a historical overview of the major classification timepoints in the molecular subtyping of DLBCL, from gene expression profiling to present day understanding.
The Prevalence and Characteristics of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH): A Cross-Sectional Study of 1519 Japanese Individuals
Authors: Ikuma Hisanori , Hirose Tomohiko , Nakamura Dai , Yamashita Kazutaka , Ueda Masataka , Sasaki Kazuhiro , Kawasaki Keisuke
Published: April 2022

Background: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a pathology characterized by enthesis ossification, but there have been few reports on epidemiological surveys. This report presents a cross-sectional survey of DISH from thoracic to sacral spine in patients at the tertiary emergency medical center. Methods: The patients were divided into DISH (+) group and DISH (−) group for a retrospective comparative study. The primary outcome measures were the frequency of DISH and the patient demographic data, the secondary outcome measures were the previous medical history (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease), the extent of aortic calcification, the frequency of hyperostosis around the costovertebral joint and the mortality rate within 3 months of the initial examination. Results: This survey examined a total of 1519 patients. There were 265 cases (17.4%) in the DISH (+) group and 1254 cases in DISH (−) group. The prevalence of DISH was concentrated at the thoracolumbar junction, particularly at T9. The mean age, ratio of male and hyperostosis around the costovertebral joint were significantly higher in the DISH (+) group (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in other variables. Conclusions: The pathology of DISH might involve the effects of age-related changes or biomechanical effects.
Separating Patients with SEID from Those with CFS in the French ME/CFS Association, with Some Thoughts on Nomenclature
Authors: Campagne Julien , Fornasieri Isabelle , Andreani Barbara , Eginard Monique , de Korwin Jean-Dominique
Published: April 2022

In 2015, the American Institute of Medicine, now called the National Academy of Medicine, (IOM/NAM) proposed new diagnostic criteria for both Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and a new label: Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID). This study aimed to evaluate the SEID criteria among members of the French Association of ME/CFS (ASFC) and their opinion about this new name. We sent an anonymous questionnaire to 494 ASFC members, using French-translated questions derived from the IOM/NAM tool kit. Among the 178/231 responding subjects who reported ME/CFS diagnosis, 150 (84%) met the criteria of SEID. For each set of questions, we identified some of them that significantly distinguished SEID from non-SEID patients concerning unrefreshing sleep, cognitive disorders, and orthostatic intolerance items. Forty-six percent of the respondents considered the “SEID” terminology as more appropriate than “CFS”, 39% considered it inappropriate, and 15% had no opinion. Some questions better identified the SEID criteria. The IOM/NAM SEID criteria captured a large part of ASFC members suffering from ME/CFS. However, this new SEID label was not well accepted by the subjects, nor were the other denominations, suggesting that a better term should be found. Pending development of specific markers, further work with patient communities is needed to find a more suitable label.
Betablockers and Ivabradine Titration According to Exercise Test in LV Only Fusion CRT Pacing
Authors: Vacarescu Cristina , Luca Constantin-Tudor , Feier Horea , Gaiță Dan , Crișan Simina , Negru Alina-Gabriela , Iurciuc Stela , Goanță Emilia-Violeta , Mornos Cristian , Lazăr Mihai-Andrei , Streian Caius-Glad , Arnăutu Diana-Aurora , Turi Vladiana-Romina , Cozma Dragos
Published: April 2022

Background: Betablockers (BB)/ivabradine titration in fusion CRT pacing (CRTP) is understudied. Aim: To assess drug optimization using systematic exercise tests (ET) in fusion CRTP with preserved atrioventricular conduction (AVc). Methods: Changes in drug management were assessed during systematic follow-ups in CRTP patients without right ventricle lead. Shorter AVc (PR interval) allowed BB up-titration, while longer AVc needed BB down-titration, favoring ivabradine. Constant fusion pacing was the goal to improve outcomes. Results: 64 patients, 62.5 ± 9.5 y.o divided into three groups: shorter PR (<160 ms), normal (160–200 ms), longer (200–240 ms); follow-up 59 ± 26 months. Drugs were titrated in case of: capture loss due to AVc shortening (14%), AVc lengthening (5%), chronotropic incompetence (11%), maximum tracking rate issues (9%), brady/tachyarrhythmias (8%). Interventions: BB up-titration (78% shorter PR, 19% normal PR, 5% longer PR), BB down-titration (22% shorter PR, 14% normal PR), BB exclusion (16% longer PR), adding/up-titration ivabradine (22% shorter PR, 19% normal PR, 5% longer PR), ivabradine down-titration (22% shorter PR, 3% normal PR), ivabradine exclusion (11% normal PR, 5% longer PR). Drug strategy was changed in 165 follow-ups from 371 recorded (42% patients). Conclusions: BBs/ivabradine titration and routine ET during follow-ups in patients with fusion CRTP should be a standard approach to maximize resynchronization response. Fusion CRTP showed a positive outcome with important LV reverse remodeling and significant LVEF improvement in carefully selected patients.
PDK4 Constitutes a Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Zimu , Han Shiyuan , Ouyang Siwen , Zeng Ziyang , Liu Zhen , Sun Juan , Kang Weiming
Published: April 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent and deadly malignancies worldwide. We aimed to assess the functional role and clinical significance of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) in GC and explored the underlying mechanisms. The bioinformatics method was used to investigate the expression of PDKs in GC, the effect on clinical outcomes, enriched pathways, interactive network, and the correlation between PDK4 and immune infiltration. Next, PDK expression in the GC cells and tissues were verified by qRT-PCR and western blotting. A Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), colony-formation, Flow cytometry, Transwell and wound healing assays were carried out to evaluate the influence of PDK4 on cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Among PDKs, PDK4 expression was aberrant in GC and identified as an independent prognostic factor. GO analysis, GSEA, and PPI showed that PDK4 expression may regulate cell adhesion, metal ion transport, synaptic activity, and cancer cell metabolism in GC. Analyses of immune infiltration showed that PDK4 correlated with the abundant expression of various immunocytes. Finally, we verified that upregulation of PDK4 expression enhanced the ability of GC cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade. In conclusion, PDK4 was identified as a potential candidate diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC patients.
Lightweight Detection Network for Arbitrary-Oriented Vehicles in UAV Imagery via Global Attentive Relation and Multi-Path Fusion
Authors: Feng Jiangfan , Yi Chengjie
Published: April 2022

Recent advances in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have increased altitude capability in road-traffic monitoring. However, state-of-the-art vehicle detection methods still lack accurate abilities and lightweight structures in the UAV platform due to the background uncertainties, scales, densities, shapes, and directions of objects resulting from the UAV imagery’s shooting angle. We propose a lightweight solution to detect arbitrary-oriented vehicles under uncertain backgrounds, varied resolutions, and illumination conditions. We first present a cross-stage partial bottleneck transformer (CSP BoT) module to exploit the global spatial relationship captured by multi-head self-attention, validating its implication in recessive dependencies. We then propose an angle classification prediction branch in the YOLO head network to detect arbitrarily oriented vehicles in UAV images and employ a circular smooth label (CSL) to reduce the classification loss. We further improve the multi-scale feature maps by combining the prediction head network with the adaptive spatial feature fusion block (ASFF-Head), which adapts the spatial variation of prediction uncertainties. Our method features a compact, lightweight design that automatically recognizes key geometric factors in the UAV images. It demonstrates superior performance under environmental changes while it is also easy to train and highly generalizable. This remarkable learning ability makes the proposed method applicable to geometric structure and uncertainty estimates. Extensive experiments on the UAV vehicle dataset UAV-ROD and remote sensing dataset UACS-AOD demonstrate the superiority and cost-effectiveness of the proposed method, making it practical for urban traffic and public security.
Cluster-Based Improved Isolation Forest
Authors: Shao Chen , Du Xusheng , Yu Jiong , Chen Jiaying
Published: April 2022

Outlier detection is an important research direction in the field of data mining. Aiming at the problem of unstable detection results and low efficiency caused by randomly dividing features of the data set in the Isolation Forest algorithm in outlier detection, an algorithm CIIF (Cluster-based Improved Isolation Forest) that combines clustering and Isolation Forest is proposed. CIIF first uses the k-means method to cluster the data set, selects a specific cluster to construct a selection matrix based on the results of the clustering, and implements the selection mechanism of the algorithm through the selection matrix; then builds multiple isolation trees. Finally, the outliers are calculated according to the average search length of each sample in different isolation trees, and the Top-n objects with the highest outlier scores are regarded as outliers. Through comparative experiments with six algorithms in eleven real data sets, the results show that the CIIF algorithm has better performance. Compared to the Isolation Forest algorithm, the average AUC (Area under the Curve of ROC) value of our proposed CIIF algorithm is improved by 7%.
Designing Multi-Modal Embedding Fusion-Based Recommender
Authors: Wróblewska Anna , Dąbrowski Jacek , Pastuszak Michał , Michałowski Andrzej , Daniluk Michał , Rychalska Barbara , Wieczorek Mikołaj , Sysko-Romańczuk Sylwia
Published: April 2022

Recommendation systems have lately been popularised globally. However, often they need to be adapted to particular data and the use case. We have developed a machine learning-based recommendation system, which can be easily applied to almost any items and/or actions domain. Contrary to existing recommendation systems, our system supports multiple types of interaction data with various modalities of metadata through a multi-modal fusion of different data representations. We deployed the system into numerous e-commerce stores, e.g., food and beverages, shoes, fashion items, and telecom operators. We present our system and its main algorithms for data representations and multi-modal fusion. We show benchmark results on open datasets that outperform the state-of-the-art prior work. We also demonstrate use cases for different e-commerce sites.
Neuron Circuit Failure and Pattern Learning in Electronic Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Gandharava Sumedha , Ivans Robert C. , Etcheverry Benjamin R. , Cantley Kurtis D.
Published: April 2022

Biological neural networks demonstrate remarkable resilience and the ability to compensate for neuron losses over time. Thus, the effects of neural/synaptic losses in the brain go mostly unnoticed until the loss becomes profound. This study analyses the capacity of electronic spiking networks to compensate for the sudden, random neuron failure (“death”) due to reliability degradation or other external factors such as exposure to ionizing radiation. Electronic spiking neural networks with memristive synapses are designed to learn spatio-temporal patterns representing 25 or 100-pixel characters. The change in the pattern learning ability of the neural networks is observed as the afferents (input layer neurons) in the network fail/die during network training. Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) learning behavior is implemented using shaped action potentials with a realistic, non-linear memristor model. This work focuses on three cases: (1) when only neurons participating in the pattern are affected, (2) when non-participating neurons (those that never present spatio-temporal patterns) are disabled, and (3) when random/non-selective neuron death occurs in the network (the most realistic scenario). Case 3 is further analyzed to compare what happens when neuron death occurs over time versus when multiple afferents fail simultaneously. Simulation results emphasize the importance of non-participating neurons during the learning process, concluding that non-participating afferents contribute to improving the learning ability and stability of the neural network. Instantaneous neuron death proves to be more detrimental for the network compared to when afferents fail over time. To a surprising degree, the electronic spiking neural networks can sometimes retain their pattern recognition capability even in the case of significant neuron death.
Resonance-Enhanced Quantum Well Micropillar Array with Ultra-Narrow Bandwidth and Ultra-High Peak Quantum Efficiency
Authors: Shao Hanxiao , Xu Yun , Lv Longfeng , Cheng Bo , Song Guofeng
Published: April 2022

Infrared cameras with narrow-band detection capability are widely used for SF6 gas detection, which is an essential part of power equipment inspection. Narrow-band detection is usually achieved by a combination of quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) and narrow-band filters. Improving the quantum efficiency of QWIPs and reducing the detection bandwidth are important ways to improve camera performance. In this study, a back-incident-type device of quantum well micropillar array targeting at a 10.5 μm central wavelength is designed and studied by three-dimensional simulation. The operating mechanism of the device was determined by investigating the effect of the device geometry on the quantum efficiency. The enhanced absorption capability of the device mainly comes from the Fabry–Pérot resonance and the antireflection effect. The final device exhibits a remarkable peak quantum efficiency of 83% at 10.5 μm and an ultra-narrow spectral bandwidth of 0.2 μm. These excellent properties are achieved without an antireflective film and narrow-band filter, which can significantly improve the narrow-band capability and integration of the system; the dark current reduces to be 0.2762 times due to the low-duty cycle. These properties indicate that the structure of the quantum well micropillar array is of great significance to the development of QWIPs used in gas detection.
A Novel Metasurface Lens Design for Synthesizing Plane Waves in Millimeter-Wave Bands
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Zhiqin , Ren Yuxin , Pan Chong , Zhang Jinling , Jia Lifei , Zhu Xiongzhi
Published: April 2022

With the development of communication technology has come several measurement applications requiring plane-wave conditions for wireless-device characterizations in anechoic chambers. In this paper, a metasurface lens with a 2 × 2 feeding-antenna array is proposed and characterized to synthesize a plane wave in a near field for a fifth-generation (5G) millimeter-wave radio-frequency (RF) devices test. The metasurface lens, based on Jerusalem-cross elements printed on a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate, is used for controlling the phase-shift distribution of incident spherical waves. The lens has a size of 0.4 × 0.4 m and is designed to operate at a range from 24.25 GHz to 27.5 GHz, and its feeding-antenna array is located at a focal plane of the lens, which is parallel to the metasurface lens. The lens is studied and verified through simulations and experiments, and a uniform amplitude and phase-field distribution at a reduced distance of 1.2 m generated by the metasurface lens throughout a QZ are achieved. The worst-case amplitude and phase variation of the designed metasurface lens are ±0.75 dB and ±7.5°, respectively. The results show a plane-wave condition can be achieved in 5G millimeter bands through the proposed compact and effective metasurface lens. Moreover, the proposed metasurface lens is shown to be capable of reducing the plane-wave synthesizing distance compared to the compact antenna test range (CATR) with a significantly reduced system cost, making it an attractive alternative to antenna testing in 5G millimeter-wave frequency bands.
Special Issue “Emerging Materials and Fabrication Methods for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)”
Authors: Amini Horri Bahman
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, the ever-growing energy demands, the associated greenhouse gas emissions, and the exhaustible nature of fossil fuels are the biggest challenges of our industrial world [...]
Study on the Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of Arsenic in Permian Coals: Focusing on the Coalfields of Shanxi Formation in Northern China
Authors: Zhang Liqun , Zheng Liugen , Liu Meng
Published: April 2022

The Huainan Coalfield is a typical multi-coal seam coalfield. In order to systematically investigate the distribution, occurrence, and integration of arsenic (As) in Shanxi coal, 26 coal samples and three rock samples were collected in the No. 1 coal seam of Huainan coalfield. The minerals, major element oxides, and As were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polarized light microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results indicated that the coals of Shanxi Formation were characterized by very low ash yields and low total sulfur contents. The identified minerals by XRD in the studied coals are dominated by kaolinite, quartz, calcite, and a lesser amount of pyrite. The As content ranges from 10.33 mg/kg to 95.03 mg/kg, with an average of 44.74 mg/kg. Compared with world coals, the studied coals have higher contents of As, which are characterized by enrichment. Based on statistical analyses, As shows an affinity to ash yield and possible association with silicate minerals. The contents of As in all occurrence fractions were ranked from high to low as follows: residual > Fe-Mn oxides > organic > exchangeable > carbonate. Using B, w(Sr)/w(Ba) and w(B)/w(Ga) geochemical parameter results to invert the depositional environment of the Huainan Shanxi Formation, a suitable coal-forming environment can cause relatively enriched As in coal.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Characterization of High-Temperature Superconductor Bulks Subjected to Rotating Magnetic Fields
Authors: Soomro Wafa Ali , Guo Youguang , Lu Haiyan , Zhu Jianguo , Jin Jianxun , Shen Boyang
Published: April 2022

High-temperature superconductor (HTS) bulks have shown very promising potential for industrial applications due to the ability to trap much higher magnetic fields compared to traditional permanent magnets. In rotating electrical machines, the magnetic field is a combination of alternating and rotating fields. On the contrary, all studies on electromagnetic characterization of HTS presented in the literature so far have only focused on alternating AC magnetic fields and alternating AC loss due to the unavailability of robust experimental techniques and analytical models. This paper presents a numerical investigation on the characterization of HTS bulks subjected to rotating magnetic fields showing AC loss, current density distribution in three-dimensional axes, and trapped field analysis. A three-dimensional numerical model has been developed using H-formulation based on finite element analysis. An HTS cubic sample is magnetized and demagnetized with two-dimensional magnetic flux density vectors rotating in circular orientation around the XOY, XOZ, and YOZ planes.
A Novel Adaptive Equivalence Fuel Consumption Minimisation Strategy for a Hybrid Electric Two-Wheeler
Authors: Kommuri Naga , McGordon Andrew , Allen Antony , Truong Dinh
Published: April 2022

One of the major challenges in implementing the equivalent fuel consumption minimisation strategy in hybrid electric vehicles is the adaptation of the equivalence factor to real-world driving. In this paper, a novel adaptive equivalent fuel consumption minimisation strategy (A-ECMS) has been developed for a hybrid two-wheeler to further improve fuel savings by predicting the drive cycles and thereby estimating and adapting the equivalence factor online for the ECMS energy management control. A learning vector quantitative neural network (LVQNN)-based classifier was first proposed to recognise the real-world driving cycle based on a fixed time window of past driving information. Along with standardised drive cycles, real-world driving data were used in the learning process to increase the robustness of the learning. The A-ECMS is then capable of regulating its equivalence factors online based on the LVQNN controller output. Numerical simulation results indicated that there was considerable improvement in fuel economy of the vehicle with the proposed methodology, up to 10.7%, compared to the use of traditional ECMS which was manually optimised for a single drive cycle. The average improvement in fuel economy over the ten drive cycles considered for testing is 3.93%.
Parasitic Capacitance Effects on Active Clamp Flyback Output Characteristics: Application to IPOP Connection
Authors: Jiménez-Martínez Jacinto M. , de Jódar Esther , Villarejo José
Published: April 2022

Different mechanisms for balancing power between parallel connected modules have been presented in recent years. They have been broadly classified into active and passive methods. The high output impedance of topologies, including active clamp networks, suggests that they can achieve output current sharing passively when they are connected in parallel. However, some parasitic elements, such as stray capacitances and leakage inductances, have not been considered in the theoretical analyses. Moreover, these need to be taken into account when a high step-up ratio is required because they modify the behavior and output impedance of a module, which changes the current balance. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the influence of parasitic capacitances on active clamp flyback converters that were parallel connected, using the output impedance as a current self-balance method. The proposed solution to alleviate the negative effects on current balance was also studied and validated as a successful method that did not increase the complexity of the controller. Finally, the results that were obtained using an experimental prototype with two 100W modules helped to verify the theoretical results.
SST-Based Grid Reinforcement for Electromobility Integration in Distribution Grids
Authors: Joglekar Charukeshi , Mortimer Benedict , Ponci Ferdinanda , Monti Antonello , De Doncker Rik W.
Published: April 2022

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are gaining acceptance due to the advantages they offer in the reduction of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions. The need for emission reduction and the potential of EVs for these reductions is reflected in the current sustainable mobility policies of the EU as well as the German government. Increasing the penetration of EVs in the grid requires an expansion of EV charging infrastructure, which in turn requires either grid reinforcement or solutions for more efficient use of existing infrastructure to avoid or postpone grid reinforcement. Distribution transformers face increased loading due to EV charging and need to be protected from overloading during peak load periods to ensure continuity of service. Therefore, transformers are one of the components that are upgraded or replaced as a part of grid reinforcement. In this paper, we propose the connection of a Solid-State Transformers (SST) between two buses operating at the same-voltage level as an alternative to replacement or upgrading of conventional transformer as well as to prevent their overloading. We analyse how the proposed topology can be useful to reduce the impact of EV integration on the overloading of distribution transformers and node voltage violations in the distribution grid.
Dual-Modular Stems for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Zajc Jan , Fokter Samo Karel
Published: April 2022

In primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), dual-modular stems were introduced to better restore hip stability, femoral offset, and leg length. This entry highlights the gathered knowledge about dual-modular stems and related complications in combinations with titanium (Ti) and cobalt-chrome (CoCr) exchangeable necks. The reasons for a modular neck failure are multifactorial. Some of the dual-modular stems are still on the market despite the fact th these designs have neither been proven for durability nor have shown any clinical benefits for the patients as compared to monolithic stems. Apart from very limited indications, orthopaedic surgeons should not use dual-modular stem designs for primary THA.
Shifting Importance of Abiotic versus Biotic Filtering from Intact Mature Forests to Post-Clearcut Secondary Forests
Authors: Ouyang Junkang , Biswas Shekhar R. , Yin Chaoqin , Qing Yanxia , Biswas Prity L.
Published: April 2022

Although ecologists often emphasize the roles of environmental- versus biotic-filtering in structuring forest communities, the relative importance of these processes could vary among undisturbed versus disturbed forests. To test this assumption, we gathered leaf traits and site conditions data from intact mature forests (control), moderately disturbed shrublands, and severely disturbed plantations from subtropical China. We found that plantations had higher leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations but lower leaf thickness, dry matter content, and C:N than the shrubland or mature forest, suggesting the dominance of resource acquisition strategy in plantations versus conservation strategy in the mature forests. Plantations also had significantly lower trait ranges than mature forest or shrubland, suggesting the play of stringent environmental filtering in the plantation. However, intraspecific trait variations in leaf dry matter content and C:N were substantial in plantation, while interspecific variation in leaf thickness was high in mature forests, suggesting the importance of intra- versus inter-specific competition in plantation versus mature forests. Results from our species-level analysis were consistent with the community-level results mentioned above. Overall, our study demonstrates the shifting importance of environmental and biotic filtering from disturbed to undisturbed forests.
Changes in Soil Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Community in Oak Forests along the Urban–Rural Gradient
Authors: Shen Hongyan , Yang Baoshan , Wang Hui , Sun Wen , Jiao Keqin , Qin Guanghua
Published: April 2022

The ectomycorrhizal fungi communities of forests are closely correlated with forest health and ecosystem functions. To investigate the structure and composition of ectomycorrhizal fungi communities in oak forest soil and their driving factors along the urban–rural gradient, we set up a Quercus acutissima forest transect and collected samples from the center to the edge of Jinan city (urban, suburban, rural). The results showed that the ectomycorrhizal fungal community composition at the phyla level mainly included Basidiomycota and Ascomycota in three sites. At the genus level, the community compositions of ectomycorrhizal fungi, along the urban–rural gradient, exhibited significant differences. Inocybe, Russula, Scleroderma, Tomentella, Amanita and Tuber were the dominant genera in these Quercus acutissima forests. Additionally, the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi was the highest in rural Quercus acutissima forest, followed by urban and suburban areas. Key ectomycorrhizal fungi species, such as Tuber, Russula and Sordariales, were identified among three forests. We also found that pH, soil organic matter and ammonium nitrogen were the main driving factors of the differences in ectomycorrhizal fungi community composition and diversity along the urban–rural gradient. Overall, the differences in composition and diversity in urban–rural gradient forest were driven by the differences in soil physicochemical properties resulting from the forest location.
Finding Closure Models to Match the Time Evolution of Coarse Grained 2D Turbulence Flows Using Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Xianyang , Lu Jiacai , Tryggvason Grétar
Published: April 2022

Machine learning is used to develop closure terms for coarse grained model of two-dimensional turbulent flow directly from the coarse grained data by ensuring that the coarse-grained flow evolves in the correct way, with no need for the exact form of the filters or an explicit expression of the subgrid terms. The closure terms are calculated to match the time evolution of the coarse field and related to the average flow using a Neural Network with a relatively simple structure. The time dependent coarse grained flow field is generated by filtering fully resolved results and the predicted coarse field evolution agrees well with the filtered results in terms of instantaneous vorticity field in the short term and statistical quantities (energy spectrum, structure function and enstropy) in the long term, both for the flow used to learn the closure terms and for flows not used for the learning. This work shows the potential of using data-driven method to predict the time evolution of the large scales, in a complex situation where the closure terms may not have an explicit expression and the original fully resolved field is not available.
What Intentions and Interesting Information Can Attract Consumers to Scan QR Code While Buying Eggs?
Authors: Yang Shang-Ho , Phan Huong Thi Thu , Hsieh Chi-Ming , Li Tzu-Ning
Published: April 2022

A Quick Response Code (QR Code) aims to provide accurate and traceable information to consumers wanting to verify the quality of agri-food products. This study aimed to investigate the experiences and intentions of scanning QR Code in traditional markets and supermarkets. Furthermore, the types of egg information in the QR Code were explored to identify consumer interests when purchasing eggs. The empirical data were collected from 1112 valid responses throughout Taiwan from July to September, 2020. The Logit, Probit models, and the Bivariate Probit model were used to examine the data. Results showed that shoppers’ propensity to scan QR Code revealed a significant difference between traditional markets and supermarkets, i.e., supermarket shoppers having higher a propensity to scan a QR Code. Of the 10 types of potential egg information in the QR Code, over half of respondents said that the production certificate label and inspection information were the top reasons that they would be interested in scanning a QR Code. This was particularly the case for homemakers aged between 51 and 60 years old and those who had scanned QR Code before and would like to pursue more egg information. Since the egg producers have resisted joining the traceability system, the implication of this study provides very practical strategies for government, policy makers, and producers in Taiwan.
Particle Size Effect of Integral Carob Flour on Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds during Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors: Vilas-Boas Ana M. , Brassesco María E. , Quintino Andreia C. , Vieira Margarida C. , Brandão Teresa R. S. , Silva Cristina L. M. , Azevedo Miguel , Pintado Manuela
Published: April 2022

Carob fruit is native to the Mediterranean region and produced mainly in Portugal, Italy, Morocco and Turkey. The production of the carob fruit in Portugal is highly extensive and sustainable. Currently, carob flour (CF) production is mainly achieved after pulp separation, despite it having been demonstrated that the seeds improve the extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, promoting human health. This study aimed to produce an integral CF through an innovative process and assess its physicochemical and bioactive properties at different particle sizes throughout simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion. The sugar content profile obtained throughout GIT digestion indicated that sucrose, the sugar present at the highest concentration in undigested CF, was digested and broken down into simple sugars, namely glucose and fructose. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity obtained for the ≤100 µm fraction were in accordance and gastric digestion promoted an increase in the TPC value compared to the undigested sample. The >100 µm fractions displayed a distinct profile from the ≤100 µm fraction. This study showed that the particle size affects the sugar, antioxidant and total phenolic content of CFs and also their gastrointestinal tract digestion. The ≤100 µm fraction demonstrated the most suitable profile as a functional food ingredient.
Average Process of Fractional Navier–Stokes Equations with Singularly Oscillating Force
Authors: Han Chunjiao , Cheng Yi , Ma Ranzhuo , Zhao Zhenhua
Published: April 2022

The averaging process between two-dimensional fractional Navier–Stokes equations driven by a singularly oscillating external force and the averaged equations corresponding to the limiting case are investigated. The uniform boundedness of the global attractors for a fractional Navier–Stokes equation with a singularly external force is established. Furthermore, these global attractors converge uniformly to the attractor of the averaged equations under suitable assumptions on the singularly external force, and the explicit convergence rate of the global attractors is guaranteed.
Inferring Potential Cancer Driving Synonymous Variants
Authors: Zeng Zishuo , Bromberg Yana
Published: April 2022

Synonymous single nucleotide variants (sSNVs) are often considered functionally silent, but a few cases of cancer-causing sSNVs have been reported. From available databases, we collected four categories of sSNVs: germline, somatic in normal tissues, somatic in cancerous tissues, and putative cancer drivers. We found that screening sSNVs for recurrence among patients, conservation of the affected genomic position, and synVep prediction (synVep is a machine learning-based sSNV effect predictor) recovers cancer driver variants (termed proposed drivers) and previously unknown putative cancer genes. Of the 2.9 million somatic sSNVs found in the COSMIC database, we identified 2111 proposed cancer driver sSNVs. Of these, 326 sSNVs could be further tagged for possible RNA splicing effects, RNA structural changes, and affected RBP motifs. This list of proposed cancer driver sSNVs provides computational guidance in prioritizing the experimental evaluation of synonymous mutations found in cancers. Furthermore, our list of novel potential cancer genes, galvanized by synonymous mutations, may highlight yet unexplored cancer mechanisms.
How Different Is the Annual Physical Examination of Older Migrants than That of Older Nonmigrants? A Coarsened Exact Matching Study from China
Authors: Dong Wanyue , Gao Jianmin , Wu Yue , Shen Chi , Bai Ruhai
Published: April 2022

It has become a top priority to ensure equal rights for older migrants in China. This study aims to explore how different the annual physical examination of older migrants is compared to that of older nonmigrants in China by using a coarsened exact matching method, and to explore the factors affecting annual physical examination among older migrants in China. Data were drawn from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey 2015 and China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey 2015. The coarsened exact matching method was used to analyse the difference in the annual physical examination of older migrants and nonmigrants. A logistic regression was used to analyse the factors affecting annual physical examination among older migrants. The annual physical examination of older migrants was 35.6%, which was significantly lower than that of older nonmigrants after matching (Odds ratios = 0.91, p < 0.05). It was affected by education, employment, hukou, household economic status, health, health insurance, main source of income, type of migration, range of migration, years of migration, having health records in local community and number of local friends among older migrants in China. Older migrants adopted negative strategies in annual physical examination compared to older nonmigrants. Active strategies should be made to improve the equity of annual physical examination for older migrants in China.
Deep Learning-Assisted Smart Process Planning, Robotic Wireless Sensor Networks, and Geospatial Big Data Management Algorithms in the Internet of Manufacturing Things
Authors: Lăzăroiu George , Andronie Mihai , Iatagan Mariana , Geamănu Marinela , Ștefănescu Roxana , Dijmărescu Irina
Published: April 2022

The purpose of our systematic review is to examine the recently published literature on the Internet of Manufacturing Things (IoMT), and integrate the insights it configures on deep learning-assisted smart process planning, robotic wireless sensor networks, and geospatial big data management algorithms by employing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Throughout October 2021 and January 2022, a quantitative literature review of aggregators such as ProQuest, Scopus, and the Web of Science was carried out, with search terms including “deep learning-assisted smart process planning + IoMT”, “robotic wireless sensor networks + IoMT”, and “geospatial big data management algorithms + IoMT”. As the analyzed research was published between 2018 and 2022, only 346 sources satisfied the eligibility criteria. A Shiny app was leveraged for the PRISMA flow diagram to comprise evidence-based collected and handled data. Major difficulties and challenges comprised identification of robust correlations among the inspected topics, but focusing on the most recent and relevant sources and deploying screening and quality assessment tools such as the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies, Dedoose, Distiller SR, the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool, and the Systematic Review Data Repository we integrated the core outcomes related to the IoMT. Future research should investigate dynamic scheduling and production execution systems advanced by deep learning-assisted smart process planning, data-driven decision making, and robotic wireless sensor networks.
Linking Autophagy to Potential Agronomic Trait Improvement in Crops
Authors: Wang Jingran , Miao Shulei , Liu Yule , Wang Yan
Published: April 2022

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process in eukaryotic cells, by which the superfluous or damaged cytoplasmic components can be delivered into vacuoles or lysosomes for degradation and recycling. Two decades of autophagy research in plants uncovers the important roles of autophagy during diverse biological processes, including development, metabolism, and various stress responses. Additionally, molecular machineries contributing to plant autophagy onset and regulation have also gradually come into people’s sights. With the advancement of our knowledge of autophagy from model plants, autophagy research has expanded to include crops in recent years, for a better understanding of autophagy engagement in crop biology and its potentials in improving agricultural performance. In this review, we summarize the current research progress of autophagy in crops and discuss the autophagy-related approaches for potential agronomic trait improvement in crop plants.
Aptamers: Functional-Structural Studies and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Troisi Romualdo , Sica Filomena
Published: April 2022

Aptamers are synthetic molecules of different natures (mostly, DNA or RNA) that recognize a target molecule with high affinity and specificity [...]