bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cemented Gangue Backfill under Acid Mine Water Erosion
Authors: Liu Dejun , Pu Hai , Ni Hongyang , Zhang Guohui
Published: December 2023

Ensuring the structural safety of cemented gangue backfill (CGB) is crucial for safe mining operations. However, the complex mine water environment makes it susceptible to erosion by chemical ions, which have a significant time dependency. In this study, we evaluated the appearance, mass change, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of CGB during different chemical erosion times. We also determined the effect of chemical ion erosion time on the stress threshold for crack initiation and development in the specimens using acoustic emission (AE). Additionally, we examined the chemical erosion mechanism of CGB by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our results showed that as the erosion time increased, the CGB exhibited a decrease in brittleness and an increase in plasticity. During the first 60 days of CGB, the internal micropores and microfractures of the CGB were filled due to the hydration reaction and SO42− intrusion, resulting in increases in the UCS and the mass of the CGB. However, as the erosion time continued, H+ and SO42− intruded into the interior of the CGB, causing the erosion products of the CGB to expand in volume, leading to a decrease in the strength of the CGB. Our analysis of the stress thresholds for microcrack development and macrocracks initiation in the CGB showed an increase followed by a decline with time. After 60 days of immersion, the stress threshold for microcrack initiation and macrocrack extension increased by 20% and 6%, respectively. However, as the immersion time increased to 150 days, the stress threshold for microcrack initiation and macrocrack extension decreased by 56% and 16%, respectively. Therefore, the design of CGB safety needs to consider the long-term effects of chemical attacks on CGB.
An Exploration of the Pepper Robot’s Capabilities: Unveiling Its Potential
Authors: Mishra Deepti , Romero Guillermo Arroyo , Pande Akshara , Nachenahalli Bhuthegowda Bhavana , Chaskopoulos Dimitrios , Shrestha Bhanu
Published: December 2023

The application of social robots is increasing daily due to their various capabilities. In real settings, social robots have been successfully deployed in multiple domains, such as health, education, and the service industry. However, it is crucial to identify the strengths and limitations of a social robot before it can be employed in a real-life scenario. In this study, we explore and examine the capabilities of a humanoid robot, ‘Pepper’, which can be programmed to interact with humans. The present paper investigates five capabilities of Pepper: mapping and navigation, speech, hearing, object detection, and face detection. We attempt to study each of these capabilities in-depth with the help of experiments conducted in the laboratory. It has been identified that Pepper’s sound and speech recognition capabilities yielded satisfactory results, even with various accents. On the other hand, Pepper’s built-in SLAM navigation is unreliable, making it difficult to reach destinations accurately due to generated maps. Moreover, its object and face detection capabilities delivered inconsistent outcomes. This shows that Pepper has potential for improvement in its current capabilities. However, previous studies showed that with the integration of artificial intelligence techniques, a social robot’s capabilities can be enhanced significantly. In the future, we will focus on such integration in the Pepper robot, and the present study’s exploration will help to establish a baseline comprehension of the in-built artificial intelligence of Pepper. The findings of the present paper provide insights to researchers and practitioners planning to use the Pepper robot in their future work.
ESA-GCN: An Enhanced Graph-Based Node Classification Method for Class Imbalance Using ENN-SMOTE Sampling and an Attention Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Liying , Sun Haihang
Published: December 2023

In recent years, graph neural networks (GNNs) have achieved great success in handling node classification tasks. However, as data explosively grows in various industries, the problem of class imbalance becomes increasingly severe. Traditional GNNs tend to prioritize majority class nodes when dealing with imbalanced class distributions, which fail to adequately capture the features of minority class nodes, leading to significant difficulties and challenges in data classification. To address issues such as inaccurate edge generation during graph data oversampling, insufficient representation of minority classes, and the presence of noisy samples, this paper proposes the ESA-GCN model. The advantages of this model are as follows: (i) it employs the ENN-SMOTE comprehensive sampling method to balance the dataset by reducing majority class nodes and increasing minority class nodes; (ii) the ENN algorithm reduces the classifier’s error rate and improves performance stability by removing low-quality and noisy data; (iii) an attention mechanism is introduced during the edge generation phase between new nodes and original nodes, fully considering the mutual relationships between nodes and concentrating on a subset of key information with high weights, thereby significantly improving classification accuracy while reducing model parameters and computational complexity. Experiments conducted on three public datasets (Cora, Citeseer, and PubMed) demonstrate that the ESA-GCN has achieved significant results in class imbalance node classification tasks.
Periodontal Outcomes and Digital Data Integration of Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Ravera Serena , Castroflorio Tommaso , Mantovani Edoardo , Sedran Ambra , Cugliari Giovanni , Deregibus Andrea
Published: December 2023

Pathologic tooth migration (PTM) is a complication of Stage III and IV periodontitis. This pilot study aims to analyze the periodontal response to orthodontic aligner therapy in stage IV periodontitis patients, by perio charting and digital orthodontic data obtained from intraoral scans. Following periodontal treatment of 21 recruited patients, 11 underwent clear aligner treatment. Periodontal data (Probing Pocket Depth—PPD, Recession Index—REC, Clinical Attachment Loss—CAL) were collected at baseline (T0), after periodontal treatment (T1), and at the end of the orthodontic treatment (T2). Digital data obtained at T1 and T2 were processed with the 3D software Geomagic® Control X™. Occlusograms obtained by the proximity sensors of the scans were converted into differently colored pixelated areas. These results were compared to highlight changes in clinical crown length or occlusal contact areas. The results showed a slight increase in the REC index and a statistically significant reduction of PPD and CAL at T1 and T2. Digital data showed a statistically significant decrease in terms of gingival recessions and clinical crowns at the end of orthodontic treatment. Hard occlusal contacts showed a statistically significant decrease by the end of the orthodontic treatment. The results are comparable to those reported in the scientific literature for fixed orthodontic treatment. Clear aligner treatment could be considered an option in patients with severe periodontitis, promoting final light occlusal contacts.
Enabling Physical Activity with Augmented Reality Gamification for Reducing Internet Gaming Disorder
Authors: Lee Yea Som , Huh Jung Hoon
Published: December 2023

This paper provides an approach that addresses the negative social awareness of games and improves psychological and mental healing effects. It has been perceived that games can lead to reduced physical activity and psychological withdrawal. However, exercise games can simultaneously provide positive aspects of gaming enjoyment and the sensations of physical activities. In this study, we aim to verify a preliminary experiment for treating game-addicted adolescents with exercise games using augmented-reality (AR) technology. In this work, 20 students (average age: 19.5, male: six; female: 14) carried out offline exercise protocols or played an experimental game called AR Earthman with HoloLens2 AR devices. Regarding the measurement tools, a survey and NIRSIT were carried out (game addiction, mood state, and motion recognition), and heart rate and motor awareness were monitored. The experimental results showed no difference in exercise effectiveness between offline and AR exercise. It was confirmed that exercise based on AR technology is effective in treating game-addicted students. The results of this study are as follows: AR exercise games increase a subject’s mental pleasure, and they become satisfied with the exercise’s positive effect. Rather than offline exercise, fun AR exercise games with gamification effects can be suggested as a more helpful method for teenagers. There are differences between game addiction and over-immersion in gaming, but the treatment methods are similar. Therefore, it was confirmed that applying the AR exercise protocol to students who are overly immersed in games could realize psychological and mental healing effects due to excessive immersion in games.
A Single Dose of Microencapsulated Cocoa Supplementation Does Not Speed up Muscle Force Recovery after Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Study
Authors: Junior Olavo João Frederico Ramos , dos Santos Karen Souza , Tavares Isabela Ribeiro Grangeira , de Oliveira Gustavo Vieira , Alvares Thiago Silveira
Published: December 2023

Exercise-induced muscle damage is associated with symptoms such as inflammation, delayed-onset muscle soreness, and impaired muscle performance. The intake of cocoa polyphenols has been suggested to improve muscle recovery due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity. However, their bioavailability presents a challenge. Therefore, food microencapsulation may be an alternative to protect polyphenols, ensuring their biological effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a single dose of microencapsulated cocoa on the changes in muscle damage markers after eccentric exercise. In this randomized, double-blind, crossover study, fourteen healthy volunteers with previous resistance training experience performed 6 × 10 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of their elbow flexors using an isokinetic dynamometer after ingesting 25 g of microencapsulated cocoa or placebo. Peak isometric torque was measured using maximal voluntary isometric contractions, and pain was measured using a visual analogic scale both before and 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the damage protocol. Plasma glutathione and malondialdehyde levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, and concentrations of myoglobin and C-reactive protein were determined using a fluorescence immunoassay analyzer. Significant decreases were seen in the peak isometric torque and pain measures from pre- to 72 h post-eccentric exercise. A significant main effect for time was found only for plasma myoglobin at 2 h, 48 h, and 72 h, and for C-reactive protein at 2 h, compared to the pre-eccentric exercise values. No significant time-treatment effects were observed (all p > 0.05). This study demonstrated that microencapsulated cocoa cannot improve muscle recovery after eccentric exercise, at least when a single dose is consumed.
Intrinsic Geometric Structure of Subcartesian Spaces
Authors: Cushman Richard , Śniatycki Jędrzej
Published: December 2023

Every subset S of a Cartesian space Rd, endowed with differential structure C∞(S) generated by restrictions to S of functions in C∞(Rd), has a canonical partition M(S) by manifolds, which are orbits of the family X(S) of all derivations of C∞(S) that generate local one-parameter groups of local diffeomorphisms of S. This partition satisfies the frontier condition, Whitney’s conditions A and B. If M(S) is locally finite, then it satisfies all definitions of stratification of S. This result extends to Hausdorff locally Euclidean differential spaces. The partition M(S) of a subcartesian space S by smooth manifolds provides a measure for the applicability of differential geometric methods to the study of the geometry of S. If all manifolds in M(S) are single points, we cannot expect differential geometry to be an effective tool in the study of S. On the other extreme, if M(S) contains only one manifold M, then the subcartesian space S is a manifold, S=M, and it is a natural domain for differential geometric techniques.
A Novel Acetone Sensor for Body Fluids
Authors: Osorio Perez Oscar , Nguyen Ngan Anh , Hendricks Asher , Victor Shaun , Mora Sabrina Jimena , Yu Nanxi , Xian Xiaojun , Wang Shaopeng , Kulick Doina , Forzani Erica
Published: December 2023

Ketones are well-known biomarkers of fat oxidation produced in the liver as a result of lipolysis. These biomarkers include acetoacetic acid and β-hydroxybutyric acid in the blood/urine and acetone in our breath and skin. Monitoring ketone production in the body is essential for people who use caloric intake deficit to reduce body weight or use ketogenic diets for wellness or therapeutic treatments. Current methods to monitor ketones include urine dipsticks, capillary blood monitors, and breath analyzers. However, these existing methods have certain disadvantages that preclude them from being used more widely. In this work, we introduce a novel acetone sensor device that can detect acetone levels in breath and overcome the drawbacks of existing sensing approaches. The critical element of the device is a robust sensor with the capability to measure acetone using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip and convenient data analysis from a red, green, and blue deconvolution imaging approach. The acetone sensor device demonstrated sensitivity of detection in the micromolar-concentration range, selectivity for detection of acetone in breath, and a lifetime stability of at least one month. The sensor device utility was probed with real tests on breath samples using an established blood ketone reference method.
Mortality Prediction of Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Using a Deep Learning Model Based on an Initial Brain CT Scan
Authors: García-García Sergio , Cepeda Santiago , Müller Dominik , Mosteiro Alejandra , Torné Ramón , Agudo Silvia , de la Torre Natalia , Arrese Ignacio , Sarabia Rosario
Published: December 2023

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) entails high morbidity and mortality rates. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) are capable of generating highly accurate predictions from imaging data. Our objective was to predict mortality in SAH patients by processing initial CT scans using a CNN-based algorithm. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicentric study of a consecutive cohort of patients with SAH. Demographic, clinical and radiological variables were analyzed. Preprocessed baseline CT scan images were used as the input for training using the AUCMEDI framework. Our model’s architecture leveraged a DenseNet121 structure, employing transfer learning principles. The output variable was mortality in the first three months. Results: Images from 219 patients were processed; 175 for training and validation and 44 for the model’s evaluation. Of the patients, 52% (115/219) were female and the median age was 58 (SD = 13.06) years. In total, 18.5% (39/219) had idiopathic SAH. The mortality rate was 28.5% (63/219). The model showed good accuracy at predicting mortality in SAH patients when exclusively using the images of the initial CT scan (accuracy = 74%, F1 = 75% and AUC = 82%). Conclusion: Modern image processing techniques based on AI and CNN make it possible to predict mortality in SAH patients with high accuracy using CT scan images as the only input. These models might be optimized by including more data and patients, resulting in better training, development and performance on tasks that are beyond the skills of conventional clinical knowledge.
I Do Not Want to Miss a Thing! Consequences of Employees’ Workplace Fear of Missing Out for ICT Use, Well-Being, and Recovery Experiences
Authors: Reimann Linda-Elisabeth , Binnewies Carmen , Ozimek Phillip , Loose Sophie
Published: December 2023

As more and more employees have access to work-related information and communication technologies (ICTs) anywhere and anytime, new challenges arise in terms of well-being and recovery experiences. Feelings of workplace fear of missing Out (wFoMO) and workplace telepressure may be personal demands that add to the literature of the job demands-resources (JD-R) theory. In this study, we proposed a model in which wFoMO and workplace telepressure were associated with employee well-being variables via the use of ICTs during leisure time. Therefore, we analyzed the data of N = 130 employees who answered two questionnaires in the interval of one work week. The results revealed negative indirect effects between wFoMO/workplace telepressure and psychological detachment/perceived stress via ICT use. The results were more ambivalent regarding the dependent variables burnout, relaxation, and control. This strengthens the literature that categorized ICT use as a job demand. However, we also found positive indirect effects on perceived informational benefits, which supports the idea of ICTs being both a job demand and a job resource in light of the JD-R theory. This study contributes to past research on work-related ICT use during leisure time and demonstrates the relevance of personal demands such as wFoMO for employees’ well-being.
Seismic Performance Evaluation and Comparative Study of Reinforced Concrete Building on a Sloped Terrain with Regular Building by Considering the Effect of URM Infill Walls
Authors: Rc Bush , Rani Varsha , Suleiman Mohamed F. , Biradar Bapugouda B. , Vyas Rohit , Ahmad Afaq , Shirkol Anoop I.
Published: December 2023

This paper focuses on the seismic vulnerabilities of multi-storey buildings in hilly regions like Sikkim and Uttarakhand, where rapid construction is driven by population growth and tourism. The study particularly evaluates step-back buildings on hilly slopes, comparing their vulnerability to standard buildings on flat terrain. Using non-linear analysis to assess structural aspects like displacement and storey drift ratio, the research examines the performance of these buildings in both uphill and downhill orientations against typical three-storey and six-storey structures, respectively. The findings indicate that step-back buildings, especially those without infill walls, are more susceptible to seismic damage. For instance, on the uphill side, a step-back building shows a mean drift ratio 15.11% greater in the X direction and 4.57% greater in the Y direction compared to a three-storey regular building (3SR). This vulnerability is exacerbated when infill walls are absent, with mean drift ratios in step-back buildings being 74.75% and 33% higher in the X and Y directions, respectively. Moreover, at a seismic acceleration of 0.36 g, the mean displacement of a step-back building is 83% greater in the X direction and 51% greater in the Y direction than those with infill walls (SBIN), underscoring the significant role of infill walls in enhancing earthquake resilience. The study also highlights that short columns in step-back buildings are particularly prone to severe damage, especially just above the uppermost foundation level. While infill walls offer substantial mitigation of damage at the Design Basis Earthquake (DBE) level, at the Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) level, step-back buildings still endure severe damage compared to regular buildings with infill walls. Consequently, the research establishes that step-back buildings demonstrate greater vulnerability at DBE levels without infill walls and are more susceptible to damage than flat terrain buildings at MCE levels, emphasizing the need for careful design and reinforcement strategies in earthquake-prone hilly areas.
Air-Permeable Building Envelopes for Building Ventilation and Heat Recovery: Research Progress and Future Perspectives
Authors: Zhang Chong , Yu Zhanzhi , Zhu Qiuyuan , Shi Hongqi , Yu Zhongyi , Xu Xinhua
Published: December 2023

Air-permeable building envelopes (APBEs) utilize the infiltrated or exfiltrated airflow within porous materials to directly change their temperature distribution to reduce heat loss/gain. APBEs effectively integrate building ventilation and heat recovery to achieve excellent thermal insulation while improving indoor air quality. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the fundamentals and classifications, historical evolution over time, opportunities and benefits, and future views on APBEs. It can be treated as a responsive building envelope that enables building envelopes to dynamically change the U-values by varying the infiltrated or exfiltrated airflow rate within a porous material. Previous studies have indicated that the U-value of 0.1 W/(m2·K) can be realized by employing APBEs. Moreover, some research demonstrates that APBEs could act as high-performance air filters that reduce over 90% of particulate matter within fresh, ventilated air. Some factors, such as airflow rate, thickness, and thermal conductivity of porous materials, have a significant influence on the effectiveness of APBEs. For practical applications, integrating the APBE with passive building ventilation can help reduce the initial cost and facilitate decarbonization in buildings. Moreover, advanced control strategies could collaboratively optimize the operation of ABPEs and build energy systems to maximize their energy-saving potential.
Treatment Outcomes after Dose-Escalated Moderately Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Frail Patients with High-Grade Glioma
Authors: Kim Nalee , Shin Hyunju , Lim Do Hoon , Nam Do-Hyun , Lee Jung-Il , Seol Ho Jun , Kong Doo-Sik , Choi Jung Won , Chong Kyuha , Lee Won Jae
Published: December 2023

For high-grade glioma (HGG) patients with old age or poor performance status, hypofractionated radiotherapy (hypoRT) in 10–15 fractions is recommended. Also, limited data exist on the impact of salvage treatment after progression in frail patients. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of dose-escalated hypoRT in 40 frail HGG patients who were treated with hypoRT between 2013 and 2021. With a median biologically effective dose of 71.7 Gy, a total dose of 56 Gy in 20 fractions was the most frequently used regimen (53.7%). The median age and Karnofsky Performance Status of patients were 74 years and 70, respectively. Most patients (n = 31, 77.5%) were diagnosed with glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype, CNS WHO grade 4. Only 10 (25.0%) patients underwent surgical resection, and 28 (70.0%) patients received concurrent temozolomide during hypoRT. With a median follow-up of 9.7 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 12.2 months. Of the 30 (75.0%) patients with disease progression, only 12 patients received salvage treatment. The OS after progression differed significantly depending on salvage treatment (median OS, 9.6 vs. 4.6 months, p = 0.032). Dose-escalated hypoRT in 20 fractions produced survival outcomes outperforming historical data for frail patients.
MET Oncogene Enhances Pro-Migratory Functions by Counteracting NMDAR2B Cleavage
Authors: Gallo Simona , Vitacolonna Annapia , Comoglio Paolo Maria , Crepaldi Tiziana
Published: December 2023

The involvement of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), a glutamate-gated ion channel, in promoting the invasive growth of cancer cells is an area of ongoing investigation. Our previous findings revealed a physical interaction between NMDAR and MET, the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this NMDAR/MET interaction remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the NMDAR2B subunit undergoes proteolytic processing, resulting in a low-molecular-weight form of 100 kDa. Interestingly, when the NMDAR2B and MET constructs were co-transfected, the full-size high-molecular-weight NMDAR2B form of 160 kDa was predominantly observed. The protection of NMDAR2B from cleavage was dependent on the kinase activity of MET. We provide the following evidence that MET opposes the autophagic lysosomal proteolysis of NMDAR2B: (i) MET decreased the protein levels of lysosomal cathepsins; (ii) treatment with either an inhibitor of autophagosome formation or the fusion of the autophagosome and lysosome elevated the proportion of the NMDAR2B protein’s uncleaved form; (iii) a specific mTOR inhibitor hindered the anti-autophagic effect of MET. Finally, we demonstrate that MET coopts NMDAR2B to augment cell migration. This implies that MET harnesses the functionality of NMDAR2B to enhance the ability of cancer cells to migrate.
Determination of Binding Affinity of Antibodies to HIV-1 Recombinant Envelope Glycoproteins, Pseudoviruses, Infectious Molecular Clones, and Cell-Expressed Trimeric gp160 Using Microscale Thermophoresis
Authors: Basu Shraddha , Gohain Neelakshi , Kim Jiae , Trinh Hung V. , Choe Misook , Joyce M. Gordon , Rao Mangala
Published: December 2023

Developing a preventative vaccine for HIV-1 has been a global priority. The elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against a broad range of HIV-1 envelopes (Envs) from various strains appears to be a critical requirement for an efficacious HIV-1 vaccine. To understand their ability to neutralize HIV-1, it is important to characterize the binding characteristics of bNAbs. Our work is the first to utilize microscale thermophoresis (MST), a rapid, economical, and flexible in-solution temperature gradient method to quantitatively determine the binding affinities of bNAbs and non-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to HIV-1 recombinant envelope monomer and trimer proteins of different subtypes, pseudoviruses (PVs), infectious molecular clones (IMCs), and cells expressing the trimer. Our results demonstrate that the binding affinities were subtype-dependent. The bNAbs exhibited a higher affinity to IMCs compared to PVs and recombinant proteins. The bNAbs and mAbs bound with high affinity to native-like gp160 trimers expressed on the surface of CEM cells compared to soluble recombinant proteins. Interesting differences were seen with V2-specific mAbs. Although they recognize linear epitopes, one of the antibodies also bound to the Envs on PVs, IMCs, and a recombinant trimer protein, suggesting that the epitope was not occluded. The identification of epitopes on the envelope surface that can bind to high affinity mAbs could be useful for designing HIV-1 vaccines and for down-selecting vaccine candidates that can induce high affinity antibodies to the HIV-1 envelope in their native conformation.
Tuning the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Transparent Lithium Aluminosilicate Glass-Ceramics by a Two-Stage Heat Treatment
Authors: Naumov Andrey S. , Shakhgildyan Georgiy Yu. , Golubev Nikita V. , Lipatiev Alexey S. , Fedotov Sergey S. , Alekseev Roman O. , Ingat’eva Elena S. , Savinkov Vitaliy I. , Sigaev Vladimir N.
Published: December 2023

Transparent glass-ceramics with a Li2O–Al2O3–SiO2 (LAS) system have been extensively utilized in optical systems in which thermal stability is of utmost importance. This study is aimed to develop thermal treatment routes that can effectively control the structure of transparent LAS glass-ceramics and tune its thermal expansion coefficient within a wide range for novel applications in photonics and integrated optics. The optimal conditions for the nucleation and crystallization of LAS glass were determined by means of differential scanning calorimetry and a polythermal analysis. XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and TEM microscopy were employed to examine the structural changes which occurred after heat treatments. It was found that the second stage of heat treatment promotes the formation of β-eucryptite-like solid solution nanocrystals, which enables effective control of the coefficient of thermal expansion of glass-ceramics in a wide temperature range of −120 to 500 °C. This work provides novel insights into structural rearrangement scenarios occurring in LAS glass, which are crucial for accurately predicting its crystallization behavior and ultimately achieving transparent glass-ceramics with desirable properties.
Language Skills in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Developmental Language Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Méndez-Freije Inmaculada , Areces Débora , Rodríguez Celestino
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that affect various areas of children’s development, such as language. It exists an emerging idea that ADHD is characterised by the presence of language difficulties, which can be explained by the high comorbidity between ADHD and DLD. The aim of this review is to analyse the empirical evidence of language competence in children aged 6–17 years old, diagnosed with ADHD and/or DLD. (2) Method: Fifteen studies with experimental designs were identified from Scopus, PsycINFO, and WoS databases, reporting on language skills in children diagnosed with ADHD and/or DLD. Studies relating executive functioning to language skills in this target population were also included. (3) Results: The literature is heterogeneous and different components of language are also examined. Even though the results are contradictory, they convincingly demonstrate there are overlapping symptoms between ADHD and DLD, such as language skills and executive functions. (4) Conclusions: The differences in the samples limit the generalisability of the results. Therefore, this review highlights the importance of considering language skills when designing individualised interventions for the population with ADHD and DLD, both in comorbidity and in isolation.
Highly Collimated Monochromatic X-rays Generated by Collision of High-Energy Electrons with Tightly Focused Linearly Polarized Laser Pulse
Authors: Zeng Mingjing , Zhang Yangyi , Chang Yifan , Tian Youwei
Published: December 2023

This article delves into the generation and modulation process of X-rays as high-energy photon sources. Using the principles of classical electrodynamics, this study enables nonrelativistic short pulse lasers to collide with high-energy electrons while the collision center is away from the focal point. This scattering method may produce X-rays with good collimation and monochromaticity, and it progressively approaches inverse Thomson scattering. We studied and analyzed the effects of different electron characteristics and laser parameter settings on the high-energy angular distribution and spectrum of X-rays, especially the setting of the collision center and initial electron velocity, as well as the setting of laser intensity and pulse width. Linear polarized laser pulses with relativistic intensity can generate discrete supercontinuum X-rays with spectral distortion. In addition, the relationships between electronic and laser properties and radiation energy were also studied. Our research can provide valuable insights for manipulating collimated or distorted, monochromatic, or tunable X-rays, as well as understanding their properties.
Evaluation of Dermatological and Neurological Aspects of the Relationship between Rosacea and Headaches
Authors: Alizada Merve , Sahin Turgut , Sener Ozden , Kocyigit Pelin
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between rosacea and headaches, focusing on different subtypes, as well as the associated clinical features and triggering factors. In this prospective study, 300 patients diagnosed with rosacea and 320 control subjects without rosacea or any connected mast cell activation illness were included. Patients with rosacea were assessed by a dermatologist according to the 2019 updated rosacea classification (ROSCO panel). Accordingly, patients were classified based on their predominant rosacea subtype as follows: erythematotelangiectatic (ETR), papulopustular (PPR), or phymatous (RhR). Patients experiencing headaches were assessed using the International Headache Classification. Headaches were categorized as migraine, tension-type headaches (TTHs), secondary types (STHs), and cluster-type headaches (CTHs). The ratio of headache was 30.3% in the rosacea group, which did not show a significant difference compared to the control group (30.3% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.138). In 81.3% of rosacea patients with headaches, headache onset occurred after the diagnosis of rosacea. The rate of patients with headaches was higher in the ETR group compared to the PPR and RhR groups (35.2% vs. 16.2% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.007, respectively). In terms of headache subtypes, the rates of patients with migraine and STHs were higher in the ETR group compared to the PPR and RhR groups, while the rate of patients with TTHs was higher in the RhR group. A positive correlation was found between rosacea severity and migraine severity (r = 0.284, p < 0.05). Among the triggering factors for rosacea, only sunlight was found to be associated with headaches. Lower age, female gender, and moderate to severe rosacea severity were identified as independent factors increasing the likelihood of headaches. A significant portion of rosacea patients experience headaches. Particularly, different subtypes of rosacea may be associated with various types of headaches. This study, highlighting the connection between migraine and ETR, is a pioneering work that demonstrates common pathogenic mechanisms and potential triggers.
“Giving the People Who Use the Service a Voice”: Student Experiences of University Disability Services
Authors: Witham Beth , Brewer Gayle
Published: December 2023

Disabled students are systematically disadvantaged compared to their non-disabled peers and Disability Services can provide important access to accommodations and support. Such services are not, however, without issues. The present study investigates student experiences with University Disability Services in order to identify shared barriers to inclusion and recommendations for practice. Individual semi-structured online interviews were conducted with twelve female students. Each student discussed their engagement with Disability Services as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, and each student disclosed a long-term, nonvisible condition. A thematic analysis was used to identify three themes. These were (1) Identity and Legitimacy (Identification as Disabled, Perceived Legitimacy, The Importance of Evidence), (2) Knowledge and Understanding (Knowledge of Specific Conditions, Knowledge of Disability Services, Disability Services Staff Knowledge and Understanding, Peer Knowledge and Understanding), and (3) Independence and Support (Desire for Autonomy, The Importance of Self-Advocacy, Additional Support). The findings highlight shared barriers to support experienced by students with different diagnoses who engage with University Disability Services. A range of recommendations are provided to improve Disability Services provision (e.g., universities are advised to review the language used to advertise Disability Services).
Hybrid Z-Source Circuit Breaker with Thomson Coil for MVDC
Authors: Lee Hyun-Seung , Kang Hyung-Wook , Rhee Jae-Ho , Lee Kun-A
Published: December 2023

Hybrid circuit breakers are the most promising circuit breakers among DC circuit breakers. Conventional hybrid circuit breakers complete fault current isolation by converting current to IGBT when fault current occurs. However, in this case, the fault current continues to increase, so the IGBT must be large enough to withstand this current. In addition, in the case of a method of detecting and operating a fault, a delay time of up to hundreds of microseconds occurs, and in a hybrid circuit breaker, this delay time is a very large value. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a hybrid Z-source circuit breaker that operates without delay for low-impedance faults. The proposed breaker is designed to reduce stress on IGBTs and mechanical switches by generating a current zero crossing, as well as to enable the breaker to trip quickly in high-risk cases such as low-impedance fault circuits. Due to the limited environment of the laboratory, we performed 600 V fault isolation experiments. As a result of the experiment, it was confirmed that the proposed circuit breaker successfully isolated the fault within 1.6 ms. The current limiting feature of the Z-source appears to reduce stress on the IGBTs and MOVs used, and it allows for faster fault isolation.
Ensemble Machine Learning Approaches for Prediction of Türkiye’s Energy Demand
Authors: Kayacı Çodur Merve
Published: December 2023

Energy demand forecasting is a fundamental aspect of modern energy management. It impacts resource planning, economic stability, environmental sustainability, and energy security. This importance is making it critical for countries worldwide, particularly in cases like Türkiye, where the energy dependency ratio is notably high. The goal of this study is to propose ensemble machine learning methods such as boosting, bagging, blending, and stacking with hyperparameter tuning and k-fold cross-validation, and investigate the application of these methods for predicting Türkiye’s energy demand. This study utilizes population, GDP per capita, imports, and exports as input parameters based on historical data from 1979 to 2021 in Türkiye. Eleven combinations of all predictor variables were analyzed, and the best one was selected. It was observed that a very high correlation exists among population, GDP, imports, exports, and energy demand. In the first phase, the preliminary performance was investigated of 19 different machine learning algorithms using 5-fold cross-validation, and their performance was measured using five different metrics: MSE, RMSE, MAE, R-squared, and MAPE. Secondly, ensemble models were constructed by utilizing individual machine learning algorithms, and the performance of these ensemble models was compared, both with each other and the best-performing individual machine learning algorithm. The analysis of the results revealed that placing Ridge as the meta-learner and using ET, RF, and Ridge as the base learners in the stacking ensemble model yielded the highest R-squared value, which was 0.9882, indicating its superior performance. It is anticipated that the findings of this research can be applied globally and prove valuable for energy policy planning in any country. The results obtained not only highlight the accuracy and effectiveness of the predictive model but also underscore the broader implications of this study within the framework of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Battery Management Algorithm for Retired Electric Vehicle Batteries with a Heterogeneous State of Health in BESSs
Authors: Doan Nhat Quang , Shahid Syed Maaz , Choi Sung-Jin , Kwon Sungoh
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we propose a battery management algorithm to optimize the lifetimes of retired lithium batteries with heterogeneous states of health in a battery energy storage system under dynamic power demand. A battery energy storage system allows for the use of retired lithium batteries for applications such as backup power in homes, data centers, etc. In a battery energy storage system, a battery pack consists of several retired batteries connected in parallel or in series to fulfill the required power demand. Owing to the retired batteries’ different capacity levels, i.e., states of health, a scheduling strategy is required to turn battery cells inside the battery pack on and off such that the secondary lifetimes of the retired batteries are extended. To establish the optimal scheduling policy, it is necessary to determine the correct states of each battery cell, including the state of charge and the state of health. To that end, the proposed algorithm first estimates the state of charge and state of health for all cells based on data measured using an extended Kalman filter. Then, a deep reinforcement learning scheduling algorithm is implemented to connect/disconnect the battery cells to/from the battery pack based on their states. Via simulation, we show that the proposed algorithm estimates the state of charge and state of health of each battery cell with low error and extends the lifetime of battery packs by 20.6%, compared to methods proposed in previous works.
Different Responses of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Community Compositions in the Soil and Roots to Nitrogen Deposition in a Subtropical Cunninghamia lanceolata Plantation in China
Authors: Han Yu , Liu Zhiyuan , Li Siyao , Lai Faying , Chi Chunghao , Yang Yusheng , Cao Jiling
Published: December 2023

Elevated nitrogen (N) deposition may stimulate a plant’s dependency on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in phosphorus (P)-deficient subtropical forests. However, the ecological assembly processes and the responses of AM fungal diversity and community structure to N deposition in both the roots and rhizosphere are still unclear. We collected root and soil samples from a Cunninghamia lanceolata plantation forest after four years of N addition and examined the community structure and assembly of AM fungi. Elevated N deposition decreased the AM fungal community diversity in both rhizosphere soil and roots. Glomeraceae was the dominant family of the AM fungal community in both soil and roots across all N addition treatments, followed by Gigasporaceae and Ambisporaceae. However, N addition induced differential variation in the community composition of AM fungi between soil and roots. For soil AM fungi, N addition decreased the Glomeraceae abundance and increased the Gigasporaceae and Ambisporaceae abundance. In contrast, the root AM fungal community was dominated by Glomeraceae under N addition treatments. Furthermore, N addition increased the deterministic community assembly that acted as an environmental filter for soil AM fungi. In contrast, N addition decreased the importance of determinism, implying that the selection of plants on root AM fungi decreased with increasing N addition. Altogether, our findings suggest that the community structure of AM fungi responds differently to N deposition in the soil and roots in subtropical forests and highlight the important role of soil AM fungi in helping host plants respond to N deposition.
Estimation of Carbon and Nitrogen Contents in Forest Ecosystems in the Background Areas of the Russian Arctic (Murmansk Region)
Authors: Ershov Vyacheslav , Sukhareva Tatyana , Ryabov Nickolay , Ivanova Ekaterina , Shtabrovskaya Irina
Published: December 2023

In this study, carbon and nitrogen contents in the undisturbed terrestrial ecosystems in the northern taiga zone of Russia’s Murmansk region were estimated. The goal of this study was to examine the carbon and nitrogen dynamics in atmospheric precipitation, assimilating organs of coniferous trees (Picea obovata and Pinus sylvestris), needle litter, soils, and soil water. The objects of our research were the most common dwarf shrub-green moss spruce forests and lichen-dwarf shrub pine forests of the boreal zone. The study was carried out on permanent plots between 1999 and 2020. The long-term dynamics of carbon concentrations in snow demonstrated a trend towards increasing carbon concentrations in forested and treeless areas of the Murmansk region. It was shown that in representative spruce and pine forests, the concentrations and atmospheric precipitation of carbon compounds and carbon leaching with soil water were higher below the tree crowns, compared to between the crowns. In soil water, a decrease was found in carbon concentration with the soil profile depth. For soils, the highest carbon concentrations were found in the organic and illuvial soil horizons. The main soil sinks of carbon and nitrogen in northern taiga forests were found to be located in the organic soil horizon below the crowns. In northern taiga forests, the carbon content of living Picea obovata and Pinus sylvestris needles and Pinus sylvestris needle litter had minor variability; no significant interbiogeocoenotic and age differences were found. We found that the nitrogen content in brown needles and needle litter was significantly lower compared to photosynthetically active needles, probably due to retranslocation processes (withdrawal before needle abscission), corroborating the literature in the results session. The largest stocks of carbon and nitrogen in northern taiga forests are concentrated in the soil organic horizon, and the removal of these elements with soil water is insignificant. Carbon and nitrogen stocks in living and fallen needles are lower than in soil. The least amount of carbon and nitrogen is contained in atmospheric precipitation.
Impact of Climate Change on the Habitat Suitability of Monochamus saltuarius Gebler (Coleoptera; Cerambycidae) and Its Natural Enemies in China
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Zhou Yuting , Xu Tian , Zong Shixiang
Published: December 2023

The longicorn beetle Monochamus saltuarius (Coleoptera; Cerambycidae) is an insect vector that transmits the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a serious issue in pine forests in China, Japan, and South Korea. Dastarcus helophoroides and Scleroderma guani are effective in controlling M. saltuarius. However, the application of these parasites for the direct control of vector insects requires detailed analyses of the suitability of the selected natural enemies in potential pest areas, particularly under climate change. Based on species distribution records as well as the current and projected climate change trends up to 2050, we utilized an optimized Maxent algorithm to predict the potential distribution patterns of M. saltuarius and its natural enemies in China. Furthermore, we estimated Schoener’s D to quantify the overlap in adaptability between M. saltuarius and its natural enemies. The potentially suitable areas predicted under the current climate conditions were concentrated mainly in northeast and north China. Additional suitable areas were detected in central, eastern, northwestern, and southwestern China. Under future climate conditions, the suitable range of M. saltuarius gradually shifted southward, with a tendency to expand into high-altitude and colder regions, such as Sichuan, Qinghai, and Tibet. The potential distribution of the natural enemies D. helophoroides and S. guani continued to expand under climate change. A comparison of the appropriate habitats of M. saltuarius and natural enemy insects indicated that D. helophoroides is more suitable for initial biological control in north, northeast, and central China as well as certain northwest and coastal regions. S. guani could be prioritized for nationwide release, while joint control using both species may be effective in Liaoning, Hebei, and Tianjin provinces. These analyses demonstrate that future climate change is likely to exert adverse effects on the potential distribution of M. saltuarius but is favorable for the potential distributions of natural enemies. This study offers important insights into the effective control of M. saltuarius and provides an experimental basis for the utilization of natural enemies according to the characteristics of different regions.