bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reassessing and Extending the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health: How to Keep Reference Standards in Line with Current Evidence
Authors: Geiger Isabel , Kostenzer Johanna , Matthäus Valerie ,   on behalf of the ESCNH Chair Committee, Mader Silke , Zimmermann Luc J. I.
Published: February 2024

The European Standards of Care for Newborn Health (ESCNH) were launched in 2018. After three years, the first standards were reassessed and revised to align with current evidence. Moreover, new standards regarding emerging topics were developed. The aim of this paper is to outline the approach adopted for reassessing, revising and developing new standards for the ESCNH. We established a systematic approach to reassess the ESCNH including a public and an expert consultation. The public consultation was open to all stakeholders for feedback whereas the expert consultation followed a targeted consultation method. For developing new standards, a similar process to the original development was implemented. Overall, 20 standards were reassessed and six standards were developed. For the revision process, 23 experts were involved in the targeted consultation method and 253 questionnaires were completed via the open consultation. We demonstrated a systematic approach to update and extend reference standards, which can be applied by other developers of standards. Thereby, we highlighted that including a public and an expert consultation is crucial to improve quality and to ensure that all stakeholder perspectives are integrated.
Gut–Liver Axis as a Therapeutic Target for Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Tao Wenjing , Fan Qiwen , Wei Jintao
Published: February 2024

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a liver disease that remains difficult to predict and diagnose, and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully clarified. The gut–liver axis refers to the reciprocal interactions between the gut and the liver, and its homeostasis plays a prominent role in maintaining liver health. It has been recently reported that patients and animals with DILI have a disrupted gut–liver axis, involving altered gut microbiota composition, increased intestinal permeability and lipopolysaccharide translocation, decreased short-chain fatty acids production, and impaired bile acid metabolism homeostasis. The present review will summarize the evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies about the role of the gut–liver axis in the pathogenesis of DILI. Moreover, we will focus attention on the potential therapeutic strategies for DILI based on improving gut–liver axis function, including herbs and phytochemicals, probiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, postbiotics, bile acids, and Farnesoid X receptor agonists.
Proteome and Peptidome Changes and Zn Concentration in Chicken after In Ovo Stimulation with a Multi-Strain Probiotic and Zn-Gly Chelate: Preliminary Research
Authors: Ciszewski Artur , Jarosz Łukasz S. , Michalak Katarzyna , Marek Agnieszka , Grądzki Zbigniew , Wawrzykowski Jacek , Szymczak Bartłomiej , Rysiak Anna
Published: February 2024

The aim of the study was to determine differences in the proteome and peptidome and zinc concentrations in the serum and tissues of chickens supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic and/or zinc glycine chelate in ovo. A total of 1400 fertilized broiler eggs (Ross × Ross 708) were divided into four groups: a control and experimental groups injected with a multi-strain probiotic, with zinc glycine chelate, and with the multi-strain probiotic and zinc glycine chelate. The proteome and peptidome were analyzed using SDS-PAGE and MALDI—TOF MS, and the zinc concentration was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. We showed that in ovo supplementation with zinc glycine chelate increased the Zn concentration in the serum and yolk sac at 12 h post-hatch. The results of SDS-PAGE and western blot confirmed the presence of Cu/Zn SOD in the liver and in the small and large intestines at 12 h and at 7 days after hatching in all groups. Analysis of the MALDI—TOF MS spectra of chicken tissues showed in all experimental groups the expression of proteins and peptides that regulate immune response, metabolic processes, growth, development, and reproduction.
Targeted Sequencing in Gastric Cancer: Association with Tumor Molecular Characteristics and FLOT Therapy Effectiveness
Authors: Spirina Liudmila V. , Avgustinovich Alexandra V. , Bakina Olga V. , Afanas’ev Sergey G. , Volkov Maxim Yu. , Vtorushin Sergey V. , Kovaleva Irina V. , Klyushina Tatyana S. , Munkuev Igor O.
Published: February 2024

Heterogeneity of gastric cancer (GC) is the main trigger of the disease’s relapse. The aim of this study was to investigate the connections between targeted genes, cancer clinical features, and the effectiveness of FLOT chemotherapy. Twenty-one patients with gastric cancers (GCs) were included in this study. Tumor-targeted sequencing was conducted, and real-time PCR was used to assess the expression of molecular markers in tumors. Seven patients with stabilization had mutations that were related to their response to therapy and were relevant to the tumor phenotype. Two patients had two mutations. The number of patients with TP53 mutations increased in HER2-positive tumor status. PD-L1-positive cancers had mutations in KRAS, TP53, PIK3CA, PTEN, and ERBB, which resulted in an increase in PD-1 expression. TP53 mutation and PTEN mutation are associated with changes in factors associated with neoangiogenesis. In concusion, patients who did not have aggressive growth markers that were verified by molecular features had the best response to treatment, including complete morphologic regression.
Improving Optical and Electrical Characteristics of GaN Films via 3D Island to 2D Growth Mode Transition Using Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Mai Thi Thu , Dai Jin-Ji , Chou Wu-Ching , Wen Hua-Chiang , Hieu Le Trung , Luc Huy Hoang
Published: February 2024

Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is demonstrated as an excellent growth technique for growing a low-defect GaN channel layer, which is crucial for controlling vertical leakage current and improving breakdown voltage (BV) in GaN-based high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). The 3D islands to 2D growth mode transition approach was induced by modulating substrate growth temperature (Tsub), displaying an overall improvement in film quality. A comprehensive investigation was conducted into the effects of Tsub on surface morphologies, crystal quality, and the optical and electrical properties of GaN films. Optimal results were achieved with a strain-relaxed GaN film grown at 690 °C, exhibiting significantly improved surface characteristics (root-mean-square roughness, Rq = 0.3 nm) and impressively reduced edge dislocations. However, the film with the smoothest surface roughness, attributed to the effect of the Ga-rich condition, possessed a high surface pit density, negatively affecting optical and electrical properties. A reduction in defect-related yellow emission further confirmed the enhanced crystalline quality of MBE GaN films. The optimized GaN film demonstrated outstanding electrical properties with a BV of ~1450 V, surpassing that of MOCVD GaN (~1180 V). This research significantly contributes to the advancement of MBE GaN-based high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) applications by ensuring outstanding reliability.
High-Temperature Steam and Atmospheric Oxidation Characteristic of a Heat-Resistant SP2215 Steel
Authors: Xu Liling , Wu Minghua , Huang Jiazhen , Yang Lijing , Zhao Pingping , Chen Genbao , Ding Binhua , Du Wenwen , Lei Jinchang , Song Zhenlun
Published: February 2024

The high-temperature oxidation performance of SP2215 has become an important issue when they were used as superheaters and reheaters exposed to two different high-temperature environments. In this study, the oxidation behavior of SP2215 steel was investigated under steam and an atmosphere of 650–800 °C for 240 h. The microstructural and chemical characterization of the samples were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), a glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GD-OES), and atomic force microscope (AFM). The kinetic curves of oxidation revealed excellent oxidation resistance under both environments, but significant different oxidation characteristics, oxide film composition, and structure were obvious. In the steam experiment, selective intergranular oxidation was evident at relatively low temperatures, which was attributed to the preference absorption of supercritical water molecules at the grain boundary. Conversely, a double-layer structure of outer Fe2O3 and a small amount of Fe3O4 and inner Cr2O3 was formed uniformly at 800 °C. In the high-temperature atmosphere experiment, a protective chromium film was dominant at 650–700 °C, and a loose multicomponent oxide film was formed at 750–800 °C, primarily consisting of Cr2O3, spinel FeCr2O4, and CuO.
Two Iterative Methods for Sizing Pipe Diameters in Gas Distribution Networks with Loops
Authors: Brkić Dejan
Published: February 2024

Closed-loop pipe systems allow the possibility of the flow of gas from both directions across each route, ensuring supply continuity in the event of a failure at one point, but their main shortcoming is in the necessity to model them using iterative methods. Two iterative methods of determining the optimal pipe diameter in a gas distribution network with closed loops are described in this paper, offering the advantage of maintaining the gas velocity within specified technical limits, even during peak demand. They are based on the following: (1) a modified Hardy Cross method with the correction of the diameter in each iteration and (2) the node-loop method, which provides a new diameter directly in each iteration. The calculation of the optimal pipe diameter in such gas distribution networks relies on ensuring mass continuity at nodes, following the first Kirchhoff law, and concluding when the pressure drops in all the closed paths are algebraically balanced, adhering to the second Kirchhoff law for energy equilibrium. The presented optimisation is based on principles developed by Hardy Cross in the 1930s for the moment distribution analysis of statically indeterminate structures. The results are for steady-state conditions and for the highest possible estimated demand of gas, while the distributed gas is treated as a noncompressible fluid due to the relatively small drop in pressure in a typical network of pipes. There is no unique solution; instead, an infinite number of potential outcomes exist, alongside infinite combinations of pipe diameters for a given fixed flow pattern that can satisfy the first and second Kirchhoff laws in the given topology of the particular network at hand.
Influence of the Addition of Carbon Fibres on Gypsum–PCM Mixtures
Authors: Claude Vincent , Charron Stéphane , Hustin Sébastien , de Barquin Fabrice
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the influence of carbon fibre addition on the thermal performances of gypsum compositions doped with 20 wt % of phase-change material (PCM) microspheres. The influences of the length (150 µm/3 mm) and additive amount (0.5/2/4 wt %) of the carbon fibres were investigated. Characterizations were performed throughout the various preparation steps to check that the materials aligned with the construction standards. The consistency of compositions with 3 mm carbon fibres did not seem to be suitable for construction implementation. On the contrary, thanks to an adequate amount of thinning additive, the compositions with 150 µm carbon fibres showed acceptable implementation properties. The materials were tested in a climatic chamber under temperature cycles that were either favourable (15 °C/40 °C) or unfavourable (20 °C/40 °C) for the regeneration process of the PCM. Tests with a plateau at 40 °C/15 °C were also performed to obtain a better understanding of the thermal behaviours. The tests were performed using walls with thicknesses of either 15 mm or 30 mm. The results show that, in all cases, the addition of carbon fibres was not beneficial to the thermal performance of the PCM. These observations were in opposition to those of other studies in the literature. We hypothesized that the performances of these composite materials would be different under convective or conductive fluxes. It was also shown that, in unfavourable conditions (20 °C/40 °C), the large thickness of 30 mm could not be fully regenerated, even in the compositions with carbon fibres. However, the PCM of boxes with 15 mm thick walls was deactivated faster (after ~400 min) than that of those with 30 mm thick walls (after ~700 min). Finally, the laboratory results were compared with the results of a previous large-scale study. It was estimated that, despite a surface-to-volume ratio that was 25 times higher, the energy storage efficiency was only increased by a factor of 2.6 between our laboratory study and the large-scale study. Hence, the PCM storage process seems to be mainly involved in maintaining the temperature of the gypsum walls rather than the temperature of the air.
Comprehensive Exploration of Antinuclear Antibodies (ANAs): Unveiling Clinical Significance, Associations with Cancer, and the Nuances of Differential Diagnosis in Positive ANA Patients
Authors: Kraev Krasimir , Hristov Bozhidar , Uchikov Petar , Kraeva Maria , Basheva-Kraeva Yordanka , Valova Siyana , Koleva-Ivanova Maria , Popova-Belova Stanislava , Sandeva Milena , Chakarov Dzhevdet , Geneva-Popova Mariela
Published: February 2024

This comprehensive review delves into the complex realm of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), expanding beyond their traditional involvement in autoimmune rheumatic disorders. By digging into historical changes, diagnostic complexity, and clinical significance, the debate reveals the shifting relationships between ANAs, particularly with cancer. Specialized studies provide practical insights on ANA testing processes, standardization, and upcoming challenges. Examining prevalence trends in the United States provides a time dimension to ANA dynamics, linking autoimmune and oncological considerations. The debate delves into the complexity of lupus erythematosus, emphasizing ANAs’ diverse presentations and their potential as flexible diagnostic and prognostic indicators. The complex relationship between ANAs and cancer is highlighted, demonstrating their potential as early markers or indicators of malignancies. Looking ahead, this synthesis anticipates advances in personalized medicine and collaborative research, putting ANAs at the forefront of advanced diagnostics and treatments for autoimmune disorders and cancer. This synthesis envisions a future for ANA research in which these antibodies play a critical role in promoting personalized treatment, enhancing diagnostics, and fostering collaborative initiatives that cross traditional boundaries. As ANAs grow more prominent at the junction of autoimmune illnesses and cancer, this synthesis lays the path for further research and novel advances in understanding, diagnosing, and treating complicated medical conditions.
Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Progesterone Receptor (PgR) Expression in Endometrial Cancer—An Immunohistochemical Assessment
Authors: Przewoźny Stanisław , Rogaliński Jan , de Mezer Mateusz , Markowska Anna , Markowska Janina , Żurawski Jakub
Published: February 2024

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common types of cancer in Poland and worldwide. Many risk factors lead to the pathogenesis of this disease, such as lifestyle choices, BMI, the medicines used in breast cancer therapy, and Lynch syndrome. EC cells show the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PgR). These receptors occur in multiple isoforms and have a significant influence on the operation of cells. The loss of ER and PgR expression is associated with a poor prognosis. We assessed tissue slides that were obtained from 103 women with EC diagnoses of various grades, stages, and histological types. In this study, we used computer image analyses to increase the objectivity of the assessment. We proved that, in the tissue of patients with high-grade (G3) EC, the expression of PgR is significantly lower than that in the tissues of patients with low-grade EC. We also observed that PgR is significantly expressed in EC with a low FIGO stage and in the endometroid type of EC (which rarely becomes malignant compared to serous type). The expression of ERb1 was lower in patients with EC at the IV FIGO stage than in patients with stage III EC. These findings confirm that the loss of ER and PgR expression is connected with a poor prognosis.
Optimizing Topology in Satellite–UAV Collaborative IoT: A Graph Partitioning Simulated Annealing Approach
Authors: Zhuo Ming , Feng Yiming , Yang Peng , Tian Zhiwen , Liu Leyuan , Zhou Shijie
Published: February 2024

Currently, space-based information networks, represented by satellite Internet, are rapidly developing. UAVs can serve as airborne mobile terminals, representing a novel node in satellite IoT, offering more accurate and robust data streaming for connecting global satellite–UAV collaborative IoT systems. It is characterized by high-speed dynamics, with node distances and visibility constantly changing over time. Therefore, there is a need for faster and higher-quality topology optimization research. A reliable, secure, and adaptable network topology optimization algorithm has been proposed to handle various complex scenarios. Additionally, considering the dynamic and time-varying nature of these types of networks, the concept of time slices has been introduced to accelerate the iterative efficiency of problem-solving. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is expected to exhibit better convergence and performance in subsequent iterations compared with traditional solutions. Besides being a solution for topology optimization, the proposed algorithm offers a new way of thinking, enabling the handling of larger satellite–UAV collaborative IoT systems.
Analysis of Wind Turbine Wake Dynamics by a Gaussian-Core Vortex Lattice Technique
Authors: Baruah Apurva , Ponta Fernando
Published: February 2024

The development and deployment of the next generation of wind energy systems calls for simulation tools that model the entire wind farm while balancing accuracy and computational cost. A full-system wind farm simulation must consider the atmospheric inflow, the wakes and consequent response of the multiple turbines, and the implementation of the appropriate farm-collective control strategies that optimize the entire wind farm’s output. In this article, we present a novel vortex lattice model that enables the effective representation of the complex vortex wake dynamics of the turbines in a farm subject to transient inflow conditions. This work extends the capabilities of our multi-physics suite, CODEF, to include the capability to simulate the wakes and the high-fidelity aeroelastic response of multiple turbines in a wind farm. Herein, we compare the results of our GVLM technique with the LiDAR measurements obtained at Sandia National Laboratories’ SWiFT facility. The comparison shows remarkable similarities between the simulation and field measurements of the wake velocity. These similarities demonstrate our model’s capabilities in capturing the entire wake of a wind turbine at a significantly reduced computational cost as compared to other techniques.
Exploring Stress Factors and Coping Strategies in Italian Teachers after COVID-19: Evidence from Qualitative Data
Authors: Conte Elisabetta , Cavioni Valeria , Ornaghi Veronica
Published: February 2024

Teaching is a mentally and physically demanding profession that can be a source of stress and burnout. The COVID-19 pandemic put further pressure on teachers who had to face sudden challenges, such as online teaching and difficulties in holding students’ attention in virtual environments. Research has demonstrated that the negative effects of stress factors on teachers’ wellbeing can be modulated by coping strategies. This work explores the main sources of stress that jeopardized Italian teachers’ wellbeing after the COVID-19 pandemic and the coping strategies that they adopted. Eighty-six teachers, belonging to five school institutes located in Northern Italy, took part in three semi-structured group interviews, where their perceptions about wellbeing at school and occupational stress experiences were explored. Furthermore, they completed a survey with questions about recent stressful life events and the coping strategies that they had adopted in the last month. A thematic analysis revealed stressors related to four themes: adverse work conditions, a lack of support (from both school administrators and families), precariousness, and a demanding school system. A total of 22% of teachers experienced stressful events in the last month (e.g., health problems and loss), and 30% reported that they had adopted coping strategies, especially emotion-focused ones. The findings may drive educational policies to enhance protective factors for teachers’ professional wellbeing at school by reinforcing their individual resources and coping strategies, which can help them deal with challenging situations.
Assessing the Linguistic Creativity Domain of Last-Year Compulsory Secondary School Students
Authors: Pont-Niclòs Isabel , Echegoyen-Sanz Yolanda , Martín-Ezpeleta Antonio
Published: February 2024

The importance of creativity in the training of people gained special relevance with the PISA Tests of the OECD, which, for the first time, evaluated the general creativity of 15-year-old students in 2022. This descriptive and quantitative study focuses on the evaluation of linguistic creativity, using different classical instruments to measure divergent thinking and adding new ones, such as metaphorical capacity. Participants were 454 students in their last year of secondary education from eight Spanish educational centers. Results indicate moderate performance in divergent thinking tasks, with students exhibiting limitations in generating novel metaphors, often resorting to literal responses. Statistically significant differences according to gender were found in metaphor generation and in the alternate uses task. A correlation study reveals significant associations between metaphor generation and divergent thinking tasks. These highlight the differential role of semantic memory and cognitive processes involved in metaphor generation and divergent thinking. Finally, this study underlines the complexities and multicomponent nature of creativity as a first step to develop educational policies and interventions targeting creativity. Overall, the importance of addressing creativity in a transdisciplinary way and training teachers on techniques to channel creativity are highlighted, such as through the design of challenges or writing workshops.
Stress and Burnout among Medical Specialists in Romania: A Comparative Study of Clinical and Surgical Physicians
Authors: Silistraru Ioana , Olariu Oana , Ciubara Anamaria , Roșca Ștefan , Alexa Anisia-Iuliana , Severin Florentina , Azoicăi Doina , Dănilă Radu , Timofeiov Sergiu , Ciureanu Ioan-Adrian
Published: February 2024

This study, which focuses on 227 participants (196 females and 31 males) comprising 187 clinical specialists and 40 surgical physicians, examines the prevalence of burnout in medical specialists. We investigate the effects of the emotional exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (D), and personal accomplishment (PA) dimensions on professional satisfaction and plans to change careers using the modified licensed Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS (MP)). High emotional exhaustion is reported by 52.63% of men and 71.28% of women in the clinical medicine group (n = 188). In the surgical specialties (n = 39), scores are significantly higher, with 75% of men and 77.77% of women reporting EE. In our sample group, 71.36% express high levels of emotional exhaustion, with similar patterns across specialization and gender. Clinical medicine respondents report high degrees of depersonalization in 33.13% of females and 21.05% of males, while surgical specialty respondents report high levels in 33.33% of females and 50% of males. Across genders and specializations, 33.03% of all respondents show high levels of depersonalization. Clinical medicine participants report high levels of personal accomplishment (42.60% of females and 42.10% of males), whereas surgical specialties report 44.44% of females and 66.66% of male on the PA dimension. Of the total number of respondents, 44.05% report having a high level of personal accomplishment; differences exist depending on specialty and gender. In addition, questions regarding professional fulfilment and intention to change careers were presented to the participants. A total of 53.40% (16 male and 105 female) of the clinical medicine respondents said they intended to change careers, while 33 participants (9 male, 34 female) doubted if they would remain in the same specialization. Furthermore, 86 individuals (9 male and 77 female) in the surgical specialties said they would never choose to work in healthcare again. Regression analysis suggests that being male, higher in age, and working in surgical specialties with lower job satisfaction and a higher intention to change profession are associated with higher levels of EE. Age and work satisfaction are significant predictors of depersonalization, and higher career satisfaction is associated with increased levels of PA.
Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis on Smart Grids: Key Concepts and Research Trends
Authors: Purna Prakash Kasaraneni , Venkata Pavan Kumar Yellapragada , Himajyothi Kasaraneni , Pradeep Reddy Gogulamudi
Published: February 2024

Over the years, a rapid evolution of smart grids has been witnessed across the world due to their intelligent operations and control, smart characteristics, and benefits, which can overcome several difficulties of traditional electric grids. However, due to multifaceted technological advancements, the development of smart grids is evolving day by day. Thus, smart grid researchers need to understand and adapt to new concepts and research trends. Understanding these new trends in smart grids is essential for several reasons, as the energy sector undergoes a major transformation towards becoming energy efficient and resilient. Moreover, it is imperative to realize the complete potential of modernizing the energy infrastructure. In this regard, this paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of smart grid concepts and research trends. In the initial search, the bibliometric data extracted from the Scopus and Web of Science databases totaled 11,600 and 2846 records, respectively. After thorough scrutiny, 2529 unique records were considered for the bibliometric analysis. Bibliometric analysis is a systematic method used to analyze and evaluate the scholarly literature on a particular topic and provides valuable insights to researchers. The proposed analysis provides key information on emerging research areas, high-impact sources, authors and their collaboration, affiliations, annual production of various countries and their collaboration in smart grids, and topic-wise title count. The information extracted from this bibliometric analysis will help researchers and other stakeholders to thoroughly understand the above-mentioned aspects related to smart grids. This analysis was carried out on smart grid literature by using the bibliometric package in R.
Investigation of Gliding Walled Multilayer Waveguides
Authors: Shah Syed Mohsin Ali , Yu Junsheng , Yao Yuan , Shaikh Shanzah
Published: February 2024

This article suggests a new waveguide design that utilizes a “walled” architecture. Instead of relying on conventional gap waveguide structures to create electronic bandgaps and prevent field leakage, the proposed design introduces a “walled” guiding mechanism. This technique preserves transmission while maintaining the multilayer approach and eliminates the need for nails or chemical bonds to attach the layers. Simulations were carried out in the W-band (75–110 GHz) and D-band (110–170 GHz) using several metals, and measurements were performed in the W-band using aluminum. The simulation results show that the reflection coefficient was less than −40 dB over the entire D-band. At the same time, the average insertion loss was around 0.0054 dB/mm and around 0.0065 dB/mm for silver and gold, respectively. Similarly, the reflection coefficient was less than −45 dB over the 75–110 GHz range, with an average insertion loss of 0.0018 dB/mm for silver and 0.003 dB/mm for gold, respectively. The aluminum model’s reflection coefficient was less than −35 dB, and the average insertion loss was 0.0035 dB/mm. The experimental results achieved a reflection coefficient of less than –30 dB and the average transmission coefficient was −0.2 dB, with an insertion loss of 0.002 dB/mm. The simple stacking ability of the weightless walled metal plates and easy fabrication makes the proposed transmission line a promising technology in mmWave and Terahertz applications.
Entering the Next Dimension: A Review of 3D User Interfaces for Virtual Reality
Authors: Yeo Adriel , Kwok Benjamin W. J. , Joshna Angelene , Chen Kan , Lee Jeannie S. A.
Published: February 2024

In the last decade, the use of virtual reality (VR) technologies has been increasing, as head-mounted display devices, such as the Meta Quest series, have become commercially accessible to everyday consumers. There are plenty of software applications developed for VR, ranging from games to serious training. Despite the fast-growing emergence of novel and natural gesture-based interface components, traditional windows, icons, menus, and pointer user interfaces still remain popular in these implementations. Therefore, navigating and interacting within 3-dimensional environments can still be challenging in virtual reality. This body of work will serve as a reference to the literature survey on 3-dimensional user interfaces and their implementations, and categorize them to reiterate a set of design recommendations for implementing 3-dimensional user interfaces in virtual reality. While questions revolve around the need for a 3-dimensional user interface if a 2-dimensional user interface suffices, we cannot ignore the capabilities and benefits offered when utilising 3-dimensional space. Unlike other work, this work proposes a novel metaphor-guided quadrant model to delineate the 3-dimensional user interface problem in an end-to-end manner. To achieve this, over 30 unique articles selected using a meta-analyses methodology were reviewed. The result highlights the dimensional semantics of the inputs and dimensional outcomes of the virtual targets. Notable reiterated design recommendations would match devices to interaction and then to the tasks in 3-dimensional environments, reducing the degrees of freedom, imposing constraints when possible, and not implementing one single best interaction technique. The results of this survey will be beneficial for virtual reality simulation designers or researchers attempting to determine the appropriate model when developing user interfaces for virtual reality content.
A New Node-Based Algorithm for Identifying the Complete Minimal Cut Set
Authors: Yeh Wei-Chang , Yang Guangyi , Huang Chia-Ling
Published: February 2024

The binary-state network, which is fundamental to several modern systems, only operates in two states: operational or inoperable. Network reliability is crucial in its planning, design, and evaluation, with the minimal cut (MC) being a cornerstone for reliability algorithms. A recursive binary-addition-tree algorithm (BAT) excels in its capacity to promptly eliminate infeasible vectors. However, it relies on a depth-first search (DFS), a technique surpassed in efficiency by BAT. To the best of our knowledge, no exploration into a recursive MC-based BAT for MC identification has been undertaken thus far. Therefore, this manuscript introduces the recursive node-based BAT, devised such that the ith iteration of the jth vector mirrors its progenitor vector, barring its ith coordinate valued at one. This BAT method, paired with rules to eliminate infeasible vectors, demonstrates high efficiency in deriving MCs. This is evident in the time complexity analysis and tests on 20 benchmark binary-state networks. A thorough examination of the empirical findings highlights the distinctive features and benefits of the proposed approach. Specifically, the strategic reordering of node numbers, along with the isolated nodes concept, significantly reduces the occurrence of infeasible vectors. Simultaneously, the inclusion of edge nodes expedites the feasibility verification process for vectors. Ultimately, the proposed recursive node-based BAT algorithm framework ensures a more efficient process for generating vectors.
Full-Custom 90 nm CNTFET Process Design Kit: Characterization, Modeling, and Implementation
Authors: Chen Liming , Zhang Yuyan , Chen Zhifeng , Chen Jiming , Chen Huangwei , Jiang Jianhua , Chen Chengying
Published: February 2024

As the semiconductor industry enters the post-Moore era, the carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (CNTFET) has become a powerful substitute for silicon-based transistors beyond 5 nm process nodes due to its high mobility, low power consumption, and ultra-thin-body electrical advantages. Carbon-based transistor technology has made significant progress in device manufacture and preparation, but carbon-based process design kits (PDKs) that meet the standards of commercial design tools are still an important bottleneck hindering the development of carbon-based integrated circuits. For the first time, a complete full-custom 90 nm CNTFET PDK is proposed in this paper, which includes Pcells for transistors, resistors, and capacitors; a compact model; DRC/LVS/PEX rules; and a standard cell and timing library. It can support the entire design flow of analog, digital, and mixed-signal carbon-based integrated circuits. To achieve an accurate compact model, the back-gate effect of CNTFETs and the influence of gate/drain voltage on transport probability are analyzed. Then the theoretical formulas for mobility and channel current are established. The comparison of the simulation and test results of CNTFET characteristics proves the accuracy of the compact model. Using this PDK, combined with standard IC design tools and design flow, the circuit and layout of an operational amplifier, SRAM, and 8-bit counter are completed. The simulation results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the PDK, laying a solid foundation for the large-scale industrialization of carbon-based integrated circuits.
A Link Status-Based Multipath Scheduling Scheme on Network Nodes
Authors: Liu Hongyu , Ni Hong , Han Rui
Published: February 2024

Traditional internet protocol (IP) networks, adhering to a “best-effort” service model, typically utilize shortest-path routing for data transmission. Nevertheless, this methodology encounters limitations, especially considering the increasing demands for both high reliability and high bandwidth. These demands reveal shortcomings in this routing strategy, notably its inefficient bandwidth utilization and fault recovery capabilities. The method of multipath transmission has been extensively researched as a solution to these challenges. With the emergence of innovative Internet architectures, notably information-centric networking (ICN), network nodes have gained enhanced capabilities, opening new avenues for multipath transmission design. This paper introduces a multipath scheduling approach for network nodes, capitalizing on the advanced features of these modern nodes. It reimagines the conventional next-hop node as a group of potential next-hop nodes based on both global and local routing strategies and assigns traffic shares to each node within this group for balanced traffic distribution. Network nodes are configured to periodically review and adjust traffic shares according to the link statuses. If scheduling cannot be completed within the set, feedback is sent to upstream nodes. Simulations demonstrate that this approach effectively leverages network path variety, improves bandwidth usage and throughput, and minimizes average data transmission time.
Dynamic Traffic Grooming Based on Virtualization-Plane-Aided Optimization for Elastic Optical Satellite Networks
Authors: Yang Mai , Zhang Qi , Yao Haipeng , Xin Xiangjun , Gao Ran , Tian Feng , Zhao Yi , Wang Fu
Published: February 2024

With the increase in global wireless traffic, the use of large-scale satellite networking to provide ubiquitous access is one of the essential trends of future 6G network development. Elastic optical satellite networks (EOSNs) are widely considered a flexible solution for future satellite communication. However, with the continuous proliferation of network devices and users, the growing disparity between user demands and the limited bandwidth and capacity of the network is becoming increasingly noticeable. This has led to issues such as constrained network resource utilization and resource fragmentation. Therefore, EOSNs must efficiently address the challenge of allocating scarce bandwidth resources. Effective traffic grooming methods will be applied to EOSNs to solve the problem of bandwidth shortage. This paper proposed a dynamic traffic grooming algorithm based on virtualization-plane-aided optimization (DTG-VPO) to facilitate the bandwidth allocation for EOSNs. Firstly, the nodes of the alternative paths were graded, and the weights of the subsequent hop links were modified. Then, the path was evaluated using link weights, alternative paths were selected in the virtual and physical topologies, respectively, and a path set was constructed. Finally, a resource block evaluation parameter was designed to quantify the quality of candidate resource blocks and rank them. A series of simulations have evaluated the traffic-blocking probability and wavelength utilization under different traffic loads. The link resource was more fully utilized compared with other traffic grooming algorithms. The blocking probability can be reduced by 75%, while wavelength utilization can be improved by 8.1%.
Efficient Closed-Form Solutions for Visible Light Positioning in Low-Cost IoT Devices
Authors: Zhu Xuefen , Mo Lufeng , Wu Xiaoping
Published: February 2024

Visible light positioning (VLP) has drawn great attention in the field of indoor positioning as light communication has been popularized in low-cost Internet-of-Things (IOT) devices. In this paper, we investigate the VLP problem using the received signal strength (RSS) and by only considering the line-of-slight (LOS) propagation. The RSS-based VLP problem is highly nonlinear, and its solutions may be trapped in local optima without a good initial guess. To circumvent this difficulty, we propose closed-form solutions of the VLP problem considering a known or unknown user orientation. By applying the weighted least squares (WLS) method, the closed-form solutions are divided into two stages. In the stage-one WLS solution, the nonlinear VLP problem is transformed into a pseudo-linear form by introducing some auxiliary variables, which are considered to be independent of each other. The estimates of the stage-one WLS solution are further refined in the stage-two WLS solution by exploiting the constrained relationships among these defined variables. The simulation results show that the stage-two WLS solution provides good estimates for the user position and orientation. The proposed stage-two WLS solution outperforms the existing methods especially at a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Real-Time Traffic Light Recognition with Lightweight State Recognition and Ratio-Preserving Zero Padding
Authors: Choi Jihwan , Lee Harim
Published: February 2024

As online shopping is becoming mainstream, driven by the social impact of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) as well as the development of Internet services, the demand for autonomous delivery mobile robots is rapidly increasing. This trend has brought the autonomous mobile robot market to a new turning point, with expectations that numerous mobile robots will be driving on roads with traffic. To achieve these expectations, autonomous mobile robots should precisely perceive the situation on roads with traffic. In this paper, we revisit and implement a real-time traffic light recognition system with a proposed lightweight state recognition network and ratio-preserving zero padding, which is a two-stage system consisting of a traffic light detection (TLD) module and a traffic light status recognition (TLSR) module. For the TLSR module, this work proposes a lightweight state recognition network with a small number of weight parameters, because the TLD module needs more weight parameters to find the exact location of traffic lights. Then, the proposed effective and lightweight network architecture is constructed by using skip connection, multifeature maps with different sizes, and kernels of appropriately tuned sizes. Therefore, the network has a negligible impact on the overall processing time and minimal weight parameters while maintaining high performance. We also propose to utilize a ratio-preserving zero padding method for data preprocessing for the TLSR module to enhance recognition accuracy. For the TLD module, extensive evaluations with varying input sizes and backbone network types are conducted, and then appropriate values for those factors are determined, which strikes a balance between detection performance and processing time. Finally, we demonstrate that our traffic light recognition system, utilizing the TLD module’s determined parameters, the proposed network architecture for the TLSR module, and the ratio-preserving zero padding method can reliably detect the location and state of traffic lights in real-world videos recorded in Gumi and Deagu, Korea, while maintaining at least 30 frames per second for real-time operation.
Optimization of Topological Reconfiguration in Electric Power Systems Using Genetic Algorithm and Nonlinear Programming with Discontinuous Derivatives
Authors: Vargas Giovanny Andrés Diaz , Mosquera Darin Jairo , Trujillo Edwin Rivas
Published: February 2024

This article addresses a comprehensive analysis of power electrical systems, employing a combined approach of genetic algorithms and mathematical optimization through nonlinear programming with discontinuous derivatives (DNLP) in GAMS. The primary objective is to minimize economic losses and associated costs faced by the network operator following disruptive events. The analysis is divided into two fundamental aspects. Firstly, it addresses the topological reconfiguration of the network, involving the addition of lines and distributed energy resources such as distributed generation. To determine the optimal topological reconfiguration, a genetic algorithm was developed and implemented. This approach aims to restore electrical service to the maximum load within the system. Secondly, an optimal energy dispatch was performed for each generator, considering the variation in load throughout the day. The system’s load curve is taken into account to determine the optimal energy distribution. Thus, the problem of economic losses is approached from two perspectives: the minimization of costs due to nonsupplied electrical energy and the determination of efficient energy dispatch for each generator after network reconfiguration. For the analysis and case studies, simulations were conducted on the IEEE 9- and 30-node test systems. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution, evaluated in terms of reduced load shedding and economic losses.
OctoFAS: A Two-Level Fair Scheduler That Increases Fairness in Network-Based Key-Value Storage
Authors: Park Yeohyeon , Park Junhyeok , Park Junghwan , Khan Awais , Kim Kyeongpyo , Park Sung-Soon , Kim Youngjae
Published: February 2024

We identified a fairness problem in a network-based key-value storage system using Intel Storage Performance Development Kit (SPDK) in a multitenant environment. In such an environment, each tenant’s I/O service rate is not fairly guaranteed compared to that of other tenants. To address the fairness problem, we propose OctoFAS, a two-level fair scheduler designed to improve overall throughput and fairness among tenants. The two-level scheduler of OctoFAS consists of (i) inter-core scheduling and (ii) intra-core scheduling. Through inter-core scheduling, OctoFAS addresses the load imbalance problem that is inherent in SPDK on the storage server by dynamically migrating I/O requests from overloaded cores to underloaded cores, thereby increasing overall throughput. Intra-core scheduling prioritizes handling requests from starving tenants over well-fed tenants within core-specific event queues to ensure fair I/O services among multiple tenants. OctoFAS is deployed on a Linux cluster with SPDK. Through extensive evaluations, we found that OctoFAS ensures that the total system throughput remains high and balanced, while enhancing fairness by approximately 10% compared to the baseline, when both scheduling levels operate in a hybrid fashion.
An Improved Dual-Gate Compact Model for Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistors with a Back-Gate Effect and Circuit Implementation
Authors: Chen Zhifeng , Zhang Yuyan , Jiang Jianhua , Chen Chengying
Published: February 2024

Compared to single-gate CNTFET, dual-gate structures have better electrostatic control over nanowire conductive channels. However, currently, there is insufficient research on the back-gate effect in a compact model of dual-gate CNTFET. This paper presents an improved dual-gate carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) compact model. The functional relationship between the back-gate voltage (Vbg) and threshold voltage (Vth) is derived. And a voltage reference regulation mechanism is adopted so that the back-gate effect can be accurately reflected in the DC transfer characteristics. The influence of gate voltage and drain voltage on transmission probability is analyzed. Meanwhile, the drain current is optimized by modifying the mobility equation. This compact model is built based on Verilog-A hardware language and supports the Hspice simulation tool. Within the supply voltage of 2 V, the simulation results of the proposed compact model are in good agreement with the measurement results. Finally, based on the compact model, an operational amplifier is designed to verify its correctness and feasibility in analog integrated circuits. When the power supply voltage is 1.8 V, and the load capacitance is 2 pF, the gain is 11.8 dB, and the unit-gain-bandwidth (UGB) is 214 kHz, which proves the efficiency of our compact model.
Exploring the Endocrine Mechanisms in Adenomyosis: From Pathogenesis to Therapies
Authors: d’Otreppe Juliette , Patino-García Daniel , Piekos Patryk , de Codt Matthieu , Manavella Diego D. , Courtoy Guillaume E. , Orellana Renan
Published: February 2024

Adenomyosis (ADM) is a multifaceted uterine pathology characterized by the ectopic infiltration of endometrial tissue into the myometrium, affecting approximately 20% of women in the reproductive age group seeking gynecological care. This condition manifests as a range of debilitating symptoms, including dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, impaired fertility, and heightened susceptibility to miscarriage and obstetric complications. Substantial research has been dedicated to exploring its underlying molecular mechanisms and developing non-invasive precision medical therapies. ADM is primarily characterized by a dysregulation in sex steroid hormone homeostasis, particularly estrogen and progesterone. However, emerging evidence suggests that additional endocrine mediators and disruptors may play contributory roles in the etiology of ADM. Genetic and epigenetic alterations of endocrine signaling pathways have been implicated as prevailing mechanisms underlying the development and progression of the disease. The present review aims to provide an updated and comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the pathophysiology of ADM, with a particular emphasis on the dysregulated hormonal milieu and the potential involvement of endocrine disruptors. By elucidating these intricate molecular mechanisms, this review seeks to pave the way for novel research directions in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for ADM management.