bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Disruptive Nature of 3D Printing Technology on Mass Customization and Supply Chain In The Context of Environment and Economy
Authors: BAYRAM Gökçen , ÇETİNER B. Gültekin
Published: March 2023

Today's production paradigm is shaped by mass production, where production processes and tools are standardized, expertise is not taken much into account, and the same products are produced either in batches or massively in small varieties. Production is carried out in factories in certain centers, and the products produced are often distributed all over the world. There is a need for a multi-agent supply chain network and supply chain management with the stages of delivering the products to the final consumer, starting from the pre-production stage. It has become clear that the need for a complex supply chain network by producing products from a single center is no longer economical and environmentally friendly. In recent years, consumers have started to think about the harmful effects of the products they buy. Changing customer needs and demands have also made companies consider the mass customization production model. Recently, three-dimensional printing technologies, also defined as additive manufacturing technology, have emerged as a new production technology. With this disruptive technology, production models and supply chain networks are subject to change and transformation. In this study, the environmental and economic benefits of 3D printing technology are analyzed in the context of mass customization production model and supply chains.
Prediction of the Production Quality During Flat Bottom Drilling of Low Lead Brass Alloy using Fuzzy Logic and Regression models
Authors: ZOGHİPOUR Nima , KAYNAK Yusuf
Published: March 2023

The approved restrictive rules on the containment of Lead element in the chemical composition of the brass alloys which are utilized in drinking water and pumping systems have resulted in developing of new material generations. Neglection or limitation of this element has faced the industry with some serious problems such as lower machinability as compared to the conventional ones. Furthermore, since the most application of the manufactured components from these alloys corresponds to the fluids transfer, the permeability property between the parts and their surface becomes prominent. In other words, any burrs or extra material which are left on the surfaces of manufactured components will make assembly troublesome, causing seals to tear, and permeability problems in the user's hands. In this study, the quality of the machined blind holes with flat bottom drills with various geometries including radial, axial rake angle as well as the cutting edge-radius have been investigated for machining of low-lead brass alloy. Moreover, it has attempted to develop fuzzy logic and regression models in order to predict the machined holes burr height and surface quality. The model predictions have been compared with the experimental data. The obtained results have demonstrated that the developed models are able in predicting of the product quality.
Large-Scale Testing and Long-Term Monitoring of Reinforced Earth Abutment – A Case Study
Authors: Hildebrand Maciej
Published: March 2023

Standard methods of controlling geotechnical structures are based on testing of individual elements (e.g., piles, anchors, barrettes) or on inventory of their displacements (for instance, current control, i.e., monitoring of retaining structures). It is only the bridgework where, due to uniqueness and importance of structures, the examinations are often run for the whole structures. The main problems are then the following: how to ensure proper repeatability of measurement accuracy (for long-term testing), how to establish optimum criteria of assessing the test results, how to use the results to make possible repair actions and how to interpret the obtained results. Based on an example of test of bridge abutment out of reinforced earth, the paper presents the method of displacement testing, basic criteria of assessing the results, measurement results during static load phase, during dynamic phase and results of long-term measurements. Large number of measurements enables for both evaluation of technical condition of the structure under testing (which was the main goal of the procedures performed) and drawing conclusions referring to the methodology of testing the structure out of reinforced earth as concerns the evaluation criteria adopted.
Modified Deflection Theory for Preliminary Design of Self-Anchored Suspension Bridges
Authors: Liao Minmao , Peng Huaili
Published: March 2023

A modified deflection theory is developed for preliminary design of self-anchored suspension bridges. The proposed theory modifies the questionable approach of the existing theory considering the initial fabrication camber and overcomes the limitation that the hangers are assumed inextensible, which results in a stiffer bridge system and thus underestimation of the main cable and girder deflections. In addition, in order to avoid the inconvenience of solving a system of nonlinear equations iteratively for the preliminary design, the tower flexural stiffness is neglected rationally to obtain a system of linear equations only. With the aid of all force equilibrium and deformation compatibility conditions for the entire bridge system, the modified deflection theory is formulated. Its solution procedure is presented, which leads to a complicated sixth-order variable-coefficient ordinary differential equation, and a practical approximate solution to the equation is sought. To verify the proposed theory, a bridge example is investigated, and the results are compared to those from the previous deflection theory and complex finite element analysis. The comparisons demonstrate the effectiveness of the modified deflection theory.
Photobiomodulation Effect of 850 nm Near-infrared Diode Laser on the Release of M1-related Cytokines Inmonocytic THP-1 Cells
Authors:   Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Al-Nahrain, Baghdad, Iraq, Mussttaf Ruwaidah A. , Al-Sahlanee Mayyadah Hasan Rhaif ,   Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, Dawood Numan S. ,   Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, Jenkins David F. L. ,   School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK, Jha Awadhesh N. ,   School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
Published: March 2023

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a form of the use of visible red and Near-infrared (NIR) light at low power, where a laser light photon is absorbed at the electronic level, without heat production. PBM can be applied in wide range of treatment to help the wound, inflammation, edema, and pain reduction. However, there is a lack of scientific documentation regarding its actual effects. Objectives: This study assesses the impact of PBM on the release of M1-related cytokine in monocyte cells with particular emphasis on interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and Tumour Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α). Methods: Tamm-Horsfall Protein 1 (THP-1) macrophages M1 cells have been exposed to the light from the diode laser of 850nmat different doses (0, 0.6, 1.2 and 3.6 J/cm2). The release of cytokines was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, after different periods of incubation (0, 12, 24, and 48 hours) post-irradiation. The proliferation of fibroblast cells suspended in irradiated M1-supernatent was evaluated for the same periods of incubation. Results: The results showed that PBM significantly enhanced M1-related cytokine release (p < 0.05). Obviously, IL-1β increased post-irradiation at 1.2 J/cm2 more than other doses for all incubation periods. TNF-α was decreased significantly after two days of irradiation (p < 0.005) for all doses. A significant increase in fibroblast proliferation (p < 0.005) was observed concomitant with the boost of cytokine release. Conclusion: This in vitro study has demonstrated that the PBM of the 850 nm diode laser therapy can enhance M1-related cytokine release, which in turn increases the proliferation of fibroblast cells. Moreover, PBM at 850 nm plays an anti-inflammatory role, which manifested by decreasing the level of TNF-α. Therefore, this therapy may be able to accelerate the wound healing process.
Corrigendum to: “Some modular considerations regarding odd perfect numbers – Part II” [Notes on Number Theory and Discrete Mathematics, 2020, Vol. 26, No. 3, 8–24]
Authors:   Mathematics Department De La Salle University, Dris Jose Arnaldo Bebita , San Diego Immanuel Tobias ,   Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Trinity University of Asia
Published: March 2023

In [2], the authors proposed a theorem which they recently found out to contradict Chen and Luo’s results [1]. In the present paper, we provide the correct form of this theorem.
“Integrative learning” promotes learning but not memory in older rats
Authors: Yin Bin , Wu Xiao-Rui , Lian Rong
Published: March 2023

Background

We had previously advanced the concept of “Integrative Learning”, that is, “under the role of ‘meta-learning self’, learners actively integrate learning materials to achieve rapid and in-depth understanding of knowledge”, and designed an animal behavioral model to compare the effects of “Integrative Learning” (IL) vs. “Progressive Learning” (PL) in young rats. It was found that IL is more advantageous than PL. Here, we aim to examine whether the same phenomenon persist in older rats.

Methods

Fifteen 12-month-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected as subjects and randomly divided into the IL group and the PL group, and a 14-unit integrative T-maze was constructed for the study. Training and testing procedures contained three stages: the learning stage, the memory retention test stage and the Gestalt transfer learning stage. Data on young rats (1-month-old) from the previous study were also drawn here for comparisons on learning performance.

Results

(1) The 12-session learning stage can be divided into three sub-stages as each sub-stage represented the new opening of one third of the whole path in the PL group. There were significant interactions in total errors made between groups and sessions: the PL group had significantly fewer errors during Sub-stage One due to a much shorter path to be learned, however, the IL group’s errors made sharply dropped as learning progressed into Sub-stage Two and Three, and were maintained at a significantly lower level than the PL group during Sub-stage Three. (2) When compared with young rats, age had a main effect on the number of errors made—the 1-month-old groups learned overall better and faster than the older groups, whereas the pattern of group differences between the IL and PL learning modes remained consistent across young and older groups. (3) Unlike young rats, during the memory retention test stage and the Gestalt transfer learning stage, the IL group did not perform better than the PL group in older rats.

Conclusions

(1) “Integrative Learning” promotes learning but not memory in older rats. (2) Higher-order cognitive abilities that support meta-cognition, long-term retention and knowledge transfer might be deteriorating in older rats.
Root Canal Morphology of Primary Mandibular First Molar: A Systematic Review
Authors: Malavika KG , Samuel Victor , Ramar Kavitha
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Dental caries affecting the primary teeth if left untreated, over the time, grossly decayed which ultimately leads to extraction. Pulp therapy procedures especially pulpectomy, aids in retaining the teeth in oral cavity. The complex morphology and pulp-periodontal intricacies insists the need for the understanding of internal pulp canal morphology to treat the primary teeth with dental caries and dental trauma which for efficient endodontic therapy. Aim: To explore the root canal morphology of primary mandibular first molar in different ethnic population based on different diagnostic aids used. Materials and Methods: Present systematic review was registered in PROSPERO database and was carried out from August 2021 till October 2021 including data from January 1970 to May 2021 by following PRISMA guidelines. Four electronic databases (Web of Science, Pub Med, Scopus, and Cochrane) were searched. In-vivo, in-vitro studies, comparative and evaluative studies have been included and studies mentioning anamolies, accessory canals and case reports all were excluded. Quality assessment was done by using Anatomical Quality Assessment tool (AQUA). Results: Out of 215 studies, nine studies were retrieved and investigated root canal morphology of primary mandibular first molar was included. Most predominantly two rooted primary mandibular first molar (99.9%) with four canals (81.25%) of straight morphology (>90% even 100% in few studies) showing root length of 6.4 to 9.4 mm exhibiting vertuccis type of I and IV were reported to be prevalent. Conclusion: Inspite of varying ethnicity most predominantly two rooted primary mandibular first molar with four canals of straight seems to be prevalent in all the included diagnostic techniques.
Investigação da hipótese de sobrerreação e sub-reação com o sentimento do investidor
Authors: Malanski Leonardo Köppe
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to analyze the hypothesis of overreaction and under-reaction over the profitability of the Brazilian stock market. The theoretical review was based on the Market Efficiency and Behavioral Finance Hypothesis. Economática SA’s database was used, from where it was collected information about 1,283 stocks (571 active and 712 canceled) between January 1999 to December 2017, representing a sample of 228 months. It was applied the methodology developed by DeBondt and Thaler (1985) and Jegadeesh and Titman (1993), where portfolios composed of the upper and lower quintiles were created, based on the ranking of past stock returns. Through the means comparison test, it was possible to verify evidence that there is a phenomenon of overreaction for events of negative character after 6, 12 or 18 months of holding. However, no abnormal return was observed for overreaction of positive character events, nor any sub-reaction phenomena. Regarding investor sentiment, the results show that there is a relationship between it and the return of some strategies based on past return, contrary to Efficiency Market Hypothesis in its weak form.
PENGUATAN PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS PJBL DAN PBL PADA GURU-GURU DI YAYASAN INSAN MANDIRI DENPASAR
Authors: Prijowuntato Sebastianus Widanarto , Suratno Ignatius Bondan , Astuti Catharina Wigati Retno
Published: March 2023

Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka mensyaratkan bahwa guru membelajarkan siswa dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran yang berpusat pada siswa. Problem Based Learning (PBL) dan Project Based Learning (PjBL) merupakan dua contoh model pem­belajaran yang berpusat pada siswa. Sebagian besar guru-guru di Yayasan Insan Mandiri Denpasar Cabang Lombok sudah memahami kedua model pembelajaran tersebut. Namun, guru-guru masih ragu dalam menerapkan pada pembelajaran di kelas. Kegiatan pengabdian ini merupakan tindak lanjut dari pertemuan antara perwakilan dosen FKIP Universitas Sanata Dharma pada tanggal 14 Januari 2022. Dalam pertemuan tersebut terungkap bahwa guru belum menggunakan pembelajaran yang bervariasi. Tujuan pengabdian pada masyarakat ini adalah memberikan penguatan pada guru-guru di Yayasan Insan Mandiri Denpasar Cabang Lombok dalam menerapkan model pembelajaran yang berpusat pada siswa, khususnya problem based learning dan project based learning. Metode yang digunakan mencakup empat langkah, yaitu: 1) persiapan dan perencanaan, 2) penguatan implementasi metode PJBL dan atau PBL melalui zoom meeting, 3) kegiatan terbimbing, dan 4) sharing implementasi pembelajaran setelah menerapkan PjBL dan atau PBL. Kegiatan sharing pembelajaran dilakukan untuk berbagi tentang pengalaman guru dalam meng­implementasikan PjBL dana tau PBL. Kegiatan sharing pembelajaran ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan zoom meeting. Hasil kegiatan ini menunjukkan bahwa guru-guru mulai berani menerapkan model pembelajaran problem based learning dan atau project based learning, dan melakukan asesmen. Di samping itu, guru-guru juga sudah memahami cara membuat masalah dan projek yang kontekstual.
PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN IDENTIFIKASI WARNA PADA ANAK DENGAN GANGGUAN PERKEMBANGAN INTELEKTUAL DI DESA GENENG, NGAWI
Authors: Dani Robik Anwar , Aryono Marcella Mariska , Leylasari Herdina Tyas
Published: March 2023

Salah satu keterampilan kognitif yang butuh diasah oleh anak dengan kendala pertumbuhan intelektual merupakan keterampilan identifikasi warna. Keterampilan identifikasi warna ialah salah satu materi pra-akademik yang wajib dipahami oleh anak. Untuk anak kendala pertumbuhan intelektual memahami warna bisa menunjang anak dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, misalnya untuk pengenalan ataupun identifikasi uang, pakaian, dsb. Keterampilan memahami warna ialah keterampilan awal guna melatih visual anak. Bersumber pada perihal tersebut maka kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat yang dilakukan di Dusun Karang Asem II, Desa Geneng dengan mitra seseorang ibunda serta anak yang mengalami kendala pertumbuhan intelektual ini bertujuan guna menolong mitra dalam hal ini adalah anak dengan kendala pertumbuhan intelektual guna meningkatkan keterampilan pre- akademiknya, khususnya dalam perihal identifikasi warna. Dengan demikian pemecahan yang ditawarkan untuk mitra adalah dengan membagikan ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy) dengan metode DTT (Discrete Trial Training) serta pula membagikan psikoedukasi keluarga sehingga pengetahuan orang tua hendak‘ keistimewaan’ anaknya bertambah. Hasil penerapan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini merupakan keterampilan anak RNV dalam melakukan identifikasi warna( khususnya warna primer) mengalami kenaikan yang baik. Perihal ini bisa dilihat dari kenaikan skor keterampilan identifikasi warna anak RNV saat sebelum serta sesudah diberikan pendampingan menggunakan ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy) dengan metode DTT (Discrete Trial Training).
SINERGI KREATIVITAS PENGOLAHAN MATERIAL LIMBAH PADAT INDUSTRI PINTU BESI UNTUK PRODUK INTERIOR PT. VARIA CIPTA PRATAMA DI TROSOBO-KRIAN
Authors: Utomo Tri Noviyanto Puji , Ariyanto Yusuf , Purwoko Gervasius Herry
Published: March 2023

Pengalaman yang panjang telah membentuk PT. Varia Cipta Pratama unggul di bidang produksi pintu lipat besi. Dukungan tenaga kerja dan fasilitas peralatan yang lengkap memungkinkan perusahaan dalam memperluas lini usahanya. Salah satu bidang yang paling memungkinkan adalah menciptakan produk subtitusi furnitur berbahan material besi. Di sisi lain Universitas Ciputra mempunyai tenaga yang ahli dan kompeten dalam bidang desain kreatif interior arsitektur. Sinergitas tenaga trampil antara Universitas Ciputra dan PT. Varia Cipta Pratama dalam program abdimas diharapkan akan memberi manfaat baik bagi kedua pihak maupun bagi masyarakat luas. Permasalahan utama perusahaan adalah tenaga kerja yang belum perpengalaman serta belum memiliki pengetahuan dalam membuat produk interior arsitektur. Pemecahan permasalahan dilakukan dengan pelatihan kreatifitas serta kerja bersama langsung untuk mengembangkan produk interior baru berbasis material limbah padat besi sisa produksi pintu lipat. Bentuk kreatifitas dilakukan dengan memberikan pelatihan dalam memilih, mengidentifikasi material yang akan digunakan serta menyusun pola-pola atau susunan material menjadi bentuk yang sesuai dengan gambar perencanaan. Kegiatan ini selain menghasilkan produk interior baru juga menumbuhkan daya kreativitas dan pengetahuan teknis produksi pembuatan produk interior. Metode penciptaan produk dilaksanakan melalui tahapan-tahapan formal perancangan produk seperti: explorasi, identifikasi, ideasi, prototipe dan uji fungsi. Hasil produk telah mendapatkan validasi dari masyarakat yaitu melalui keikutsertaan  dalam beberapa pameran berskala nasional serta  mendapatkan respon baik yaitu terjualnya beberapa produk oleh masyarakat.
Global Coverage and Design of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes
Authors: Hattersley Libby , Mandeville Kate L.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes are gaining in popularity. The lack of a comprehensive repository of standardized data on SSB taxes and their designs, however, has stymied understanding of current practice in SSB taxes.

Objective

To assess the coverage and design of SSB taxes worldwide using the new Global SSB Tax Database.

Evidence Review

Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes were collated from existing data sources, hand-searching of peer-reviewed and gray literature, and an internet search. Relevant legislation was identified to verify each tax and extract data on designs.

Findings

A total of 118 taxes were verified, including 105 national and 13 subnational taxes. National SSB taxes are in effect in 103 countries and territories, covering 51% of the world’s population. A total of 67% of people living in low-income and 73% in lower-middle–income economies are covered by national SSB taxes, compared with 29% in upper-middle–income and high-income economies. National SSB taxes cover 98% of the population in South Asia compared with only 10% in East Asia and the Pacific. Most SSB taxes are excise taxes (104 of 118 [88%]). Excise taxes in high-income economies are mostly specific (27 of 36 [75%]), whereas ad valorem and mixed taxes are more common in low- and middle-income economies (36 of 66 [55%]). Most specific excise taxes are based on volume only (54 of 59 [92%]), with just 3 jurisdictions applying purely sugar-specific excise taxes. More than half of excise taxes worldwide (55 of 104 [53%]) apply tiered rates, with tiers more commonly defined by beverage type (41 of 55 [75%]) than by sugar content (18 of 55 [33%]). Tiers defined by sugar content are mainly used in high-income countries (13 of 18 [72%]) and Europe and Central Asia (10 of 18 [56%]). Almost one-third of excise taxes worldwide (30 of 104 [29%]) and almost half of excise taxes in low- and middle-income economies (28 of 66 [42%]) apply to unsweetened bottled water.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study provides a comprehensive review of global coverage and design of SSB taxes. Sugar-sweetened beverage tax coverage is higher than previously reported, with clear differences in designs between regions and income groups. These findings can inform a more empirically grounded approach to SSB tax guidance.
Cesarean Delivery Trends Among Patients at Low Risk for Cesarean Delivery in the US, 2000-2019
Authors: Frappaolo Anna M. , Logue Teresa C. , Goffman Dena , Nathan Lisa M. , Sheen Jean-Ju , Andrikopoulou Maria , Wen Timothy , D’Alton Mary E. , Friedman Alexander M.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Reducing rates of unnecessary cesarean deliveries is both a national and a global health objective. However, there are limited national US data on trends in indications for low-risk cesarean delivery.

Objective

To determine temporal trends in and indications for cesarean delivery among patients at low risk for the procedure over a 20-year period.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study analyzed 2000 to 2019 delivery hospitalizations using the National Inpatient Sample. Births at low risk for cesarean delivery were identified using a definition from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and additional criteria. Temporal trends in cesarean birth were analyzed using joinpoint regression to estimate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) with 95% CIs. Data analysis was performed from August 2022 to January 2023.

Exposure

This analysis evaluated cesarean birth trends in a population at low risk for this procedure over a 20-year period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

In addition to overall cesarean birth risk, cesarean deliveries for nonreassuring fetal status and labor arrest were individually analyzed.

Results

Of an estimated 76.7 million delivery hospitalizations, 21.5 million were excluded according to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine definition, and 14.7 million were excluded according to additional criteria. Of the estimated 40 517 867 deliveries included, 12.1% (4 885 716 deliveries) were by cesarean delivery. Cesarean deliveries among patients at low risk for the procedure increased from 9.7% to 13.9% between 2000 and 2009, plateaued, and then decreased from 13.0% to 11.1% between 2012 and 2019. The AAPC for cesarean delivery was 6.4% (95% CI, 5.2% to 7.6%) from 2000 to 2005, 1.2% from 2005 to 2009 (95% CI, −1.2% to 3.7%), and −2.2% from 2009 to 2019 (95% CI, −2.7% to −1.8%). Cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal status increased from 3.4% of all deliveries in 2000 to 5.1% in 2019 (AAPC, 2.1%; 95% CI, 1.7% to 2.5%). Cesarean delivery for labor arrest increased from 3.6% in 2000 to a peak of 4.8% in 2009 before decreasing to 2.7% in 2019. Cesarean deliveries for labor arrest increased during the first half of the study (2000-2009) for the active phase (from 1.5% to 2.1%), latent phase (from 1.1% to 1.5%), and second stage (from 0.9% to 1.3%) and then decreased from 2010 to 2019, from 2.1% to 1.7% for the active phase, from 1.5% to 1.2% for the latent phase, and from 1.2% to 0.9% for the second stage.

Conclusions and Relevance

Cesarean deliveries among patients at low risk for cesarean birth appeared to decrease over the latter years of the study period, with cesarean deliveries for labor arrest becoming less common.
Twenty-Year Trends in Drug Overdose Fatalities Among Older Adults in the US
Authors: Humphreys Keith , Shover Chelsea L.
Published: March 2023

This study uses data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database to assess 20-year trends in drug overdose fatalities among older adults in the US.
CAreFL: Enhancing smart healthcare with Contribution‐Aware Federated Learning
Authors: Liu Zelei , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhao Yansong , Yu Han , Liu Yang , Bao Renyi , Jiang Jinpeng , Nie Zaiqing , Xu Qian , Yang Qiang
Published: March 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising technology to transform the healthcare industry. Due to the highly sensitive nature of patient data, federated learning (FL) is often leveraged to build models for smart healthcare applications. Existing deployed FL frameworks cannot address the key issues of varying data quality and heterogeneous data distributions across multiple institutions in this sector. In this paper, we report our experience developing and deploying the Contribution‐Aware Federated Learning (CAreFL) framework for smart healthcare. It provides an efficient and accurate approach to fairly evaluate FL participants’ contributions to model performance without exposing their private data, and improves the FL model training protocol by allowing the best performing intermediate sub‐models to be distributed to participants for FL training. Since its deployment by Yidu Cloud Technology Inc. in March 2021, CAreFL has served eight well‐established medical institutions in China to build healthcare decision support models. It can perform contribution evaluations close to three times faster than the best existing approach and has improved the average accuracy of the resulting models by more than 2% compared to the previous system (which is significant in industrial settings). To the best of our knowledge, it is the first CAreFL successfully deployed in the healthcare industry.
Design of asynchronous switched Takagi–Sugeno model‐based H∞ filters with nonlinear consequent parts for switched nonlinear systems
Authors: Chekakta Issam , Jabri Dalel , Motchon Koffi M. D. , Guelton Kevin , Belkhiat Djamel E. C.
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the design of asynchronous switched nonlinear filters for a class of continuous‐time nonlinear switched systems with mismatching switching laws and norm‐bounded disturbances. In this context, the switched nonlinear system is modelled as a switched Takagi–Sugeno (T‐S) model with nonlinear consequent parts, that is, where unmeasured nonlinear terms are kept in the nonlinear consequent parts in order to circumvent the occurrence of unmeasured premise variables, which is usually faced in conventional T‐S modeling without nonlinear consequent parts. In this framework, asynchronous switched T‐S filters with unmeasured nonlinear consequent parts are proposed to estimate unmeasured and/or disturbed system's outputs, even when the filter's switching law mismatches the switched nonlinear system's one, which can be in practice unknown or imprecisely measured. Based on a candidate multiple Lyapunov function, combined with a criterion, conditions are proposed in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities for the design of the considered asynchronous switched T‐S filters with unmeasured nonlinear consequent parts. Compared with previous related works, these conditions have the advantage of being dwell‐time‐independent and less conservative, thanks to the incremental quadratic constraints employed to deal with the unmeasured nonlinear consequent parts. Furthermore, acknowledging that T‐S models are only representing nonlinear ones on subsets of their state space, an optimization procedure to estimate the filtering error's domain of attraction is developed. Two illustrative examples are considered to validate the proposed results. An academic one is presented to illustrate the improvements brought in terms of conservatism by the proposed switched T‐S filter design methodology with regards to previous related studies. Then, a case study illustrates the effectiveness of this proposal from a switched nonlinear mass‐spring system inspired from related literature.
Theoretical Characterization of the Temperature and Grain Size‐Dependent Yield Strength of Fine‐Grained Metals
Authors: Wu Yuntao , Ma Yanli , Dong Pan , He Yi , Zhao Ziyuan , Zheng Shifeng , Li Weiguo , Ma Jianzuo
Published: March 2023

Due to the characteristics of high strength and high toughness, fine‐grained metals have a high application value in aerospace and defense industries. There are numerous studies to characterize the effects of temperature or grain size on yield strength separately. However, the model that can consider the combined effects of temperature and grain size is rarely reported. Herein, based on the temperature‐dependent yield strength model and elastic modulus model established by the force–heat equivalence energy density principle, and considering the effect of grain boundary sliding, a temperature and grain size‐dependent yield strength model of fine‐grained metals which can take grain boundary sliding into account is developed. The model can predict the yield strength of fine‐grained metals using an easily obtained yield strength at the coarse‐grain size and an arbitrary reference temperature (usually room temperature). The predictions are in good agreement with all the available experimental data, which verifies the rationality of the proposed model. The quantitative influences of Young's modulus and fracture toughness on the yield strength at different temperatures and grain sizes are discussed, and useful suggestions for the preparation of fine‐grained metals with higher yield strength from 77 K to 0.4 T
m are put forward.
A New (De)Intercalation MXene/Bi Cathode for Ultrastable Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wang Mengjie , Wen Li , Zeng Wei , Ge Binghui , Zhang Chaofeng , Yue Yang , Wang Siliang
Published: March 2023

The emerging aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have received extensive attention and research due to their unique advantages of low cost, safety, and environmental friendliness. However, the development of appropriate cathode materials to improve battery performance remains a major challenge. Herein, a new MXene and Bi (MXene/Bi) composite material is first applied as the (de)intercalation cathode of ZIB. The dispersed MXene nanosheets in the composite materials greatly improve the conductivity and hydrophilicity of the electrode, and prevent the stacking and the volume expansion in the charge/discharge process of 2D Bi fragments. The experimental results show that composite MXene/Bi electrode has remarkable capacity and ultralong life. Next, the good kinetics and (de)intercalation energy storage mechanism of ZIB are revealed through abundant electrochemical tests and ex situ characterization. The quasi‐solid‐state (QSS) ZIB is also constructed, showing superior electrochemical performance, flexibility, pressure resistance, and heat resistance. Besides, the QSS ZIB can be used directly as a self‐powered pressure sensor to monitor the external pressure in real time based on the response current. This study not only demonstrates that MXene/Bi is a potential cathode for ZIBs, but also offers a feasible path to explore and design the next generation of high‐performance multifunctional ZIBs.
Ultrafast Laser Plasmonic Fabrication of Nanocrystals by Molecule Modulation for Photoresponse Multifunctional Structures
Authors: Zhu Dezhi , Xie Jiawang , Yan Jianfeng , He Guangzhi , Qiao Ming
Published: March 2023

Nanotechnology has attracted wide research attention in constructing functional devices, including integrated circuits, transparent electrodes, and flexible actuators. Bottom‐up fabrication is an important approach for functional structure manufacture, however, the controllable fabrication of complex architectures for practical applications has long been a challenge. Here, a novel strategy of laser plasmonic fabrication based on glue molecule modulation is proposed that can assemble metal nanocrystals into interconnected pattern networks. The plasmonic response of nanocrystals is adjustable with molecule modulation, which is a benefit for the effective formation of laser‐induced localized oscillating electrons. The further decomposition of molecules and the movement of nanocrystal surface atoms can achieve the coalescence of assembled nanocrystals. It demonstrates that complex architectures can be controllably constructed by molecule level modulation. Through molecule‐assisted laser plasmonic fabrication, the functional nanocrystals with enhanced photothermal capacity can be used for information encryption and soft machinery. This work expands the knowledge of bottom‐up fabrication and provides a method for designing functional nanocrystals for a wide range of applications.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Dearomatization Reaction for the Construction of Axially Chiral Urazole Embedded Naphthalenones
Authors: Parida Chandrakanta , Dave Siddharth K. , Das Kousik , Chandra Pan Subhas
Published: March 2023

Herein we disclose a catalytic asymmetric dearomatization reaction of β‐naphthols with 4‐aryl‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3,5‐diones. A chiral phosphoric acid with spiro motif was found to be effective for this reaction. The chiral urazole embedded naphthalenones having both axial and central chirality were obtained in good to high yields (70–85%) with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities (>20:1, 8–96% ees), having C−N rotational energy barrier 31.54 K.Cal.mol−1 and t1/225 °C=589.8 years. The scope of the reaction was broad and few applications including a bromo‐amination reaction have been demonstrated.

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Body size, form, composition, and a healthy lifestyle associates with health‐related quality of life among Portuguese children
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela , Machado‐Rodrigues Aristides M. , Gama Augusta , Silva Maria‐Raquel G. , Nogueira Helena , Padez Cristina
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the relationship between body size, form, and composition, and children's lifestyle on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study comprised 1333 children (9.05 ± 0.75 years; 683 females) living in mainland Portugal. Objective anthropometric measures were collected. Parents answered a standardized questionnaire related with children's lifestyle (e.g., sport participation, screen‐ and sleep‐time) and family socioeconomic status (e.g., parental education). HRQoL was measured using the Portuguese version of the KIDSCREEN‐27. Scores were categorized into low and high using a sex‐specific normative cut‐off from European children. A healthier score was created including positive scores for body weight, abdominal obesity, sport participation, sleep‐ and screen‐time.

Results

Body size, form and composition were correlated with children's physical wellbeing. However, sex differences were found in which parameters were associated with wellbeing. Among boys, the body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold were most correlated with wellbeing, while waist circumference and subscapular skinfold showed the strongest correlations for girls. Sleep duration and sport participation revealed a significant relationship with girls' HRQoL. A logistic regression analysis (adjusted for parental education) revealed that boys scoring 4 or 5 in the healthier index had an increased likelihood of high HRQoL level compared to those fulfilling none.

Conclusions

Future programs aimed at reducing obesity, particularly central obesity, and incorporating multiple health indicators and behaviors, such as sport participation and sleep duration may help improve children's health and wellbeing.
Well‐Defined Binuclear Co(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, Characterizations and Catalytic Applications in Cyanosilylation of Various Aldehydes under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Filkale Adelew Estifanos , Gangwar Manoj Kumar , Butcher Ray
Published: March 2023

Two well‐defined novel binuclear cobalt (II) [Co(H2L1)]2 and [Co(H2L2)]2 compounds are presented. Binuclear cobalt (II) complexes (1–2) containing 1,1′‐binaphthyl derived tetradentate (N2O2) donor ligands H2L1 and H2L2, namely 3,3‐bis[((2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imino)methyl]‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene‐2,2′‐dioxodicobalt(II) and 3,3′‐bis‐[((2,6‐diethyl‐phenyl)imino)‐ethyl]‐[1,1′]‐binaphtyl‐2,2′‐dioxocobalt(II) complexes were synthesized and isolated for the first time. Various spectroscopic techniques, including UV‐visible spectra, magnetic susceptibility, cyclic voltammetry, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction were used to structurally characterize these binuclear cobalt(II) complexes. The binuclear cobalt (II) [Co(H2L1)]2 and [Co(H2L2)]2 complexes (1–2) demonstrated excellent catalytic activity in the cyanosilylation reaction of various aryl aldehydes to value‐added cyanohydrins at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions.
Highly Efficient Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Chiral Au13 Clusters Stabilized by Enantiopure Monodentate NHC Ligands
Authors: Luo Peng , Zhai Xue‐Jing , Bai Sha , Si Yu‐Bing , Dong Xi‐Yan , Han Ying‐Feng , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: March 2023

Chiral Au nanoclusters have promising application prospects in chiral sensing, asymmetric catalysis, and chiroptics. However, enantiopure superatomic homogold clusters with crystallographic structures emitting bright circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) remain challenging. In this study, we designed chiral N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), and for the first time enantioselectively synthesized a pair of monovalent cationic superatomic Au13 clusters. This new enantiomeric pair of clusters has a quasi‐C2 symmetric core and exhibited CPL with an unprecedent solution‐state quantum yield (QY) of 61 % among those of the atomically precise Au nanoclusters. DFT calculations provided insights into the circular dichroism behavior, and revealed the origin of CPL from superatomic Au clusters. This work opens a new avenue for developing novel homochiral nanoclusters using chiral NHC ligands and provides fundamental understanding of the origin of the chiroptics of metal clusters.
Dopant‐Induced Electronic States Regulation Boosting Electroreduction of Dilute Nitrate to Ammonium
Authors: Zhang Lu‐Hua , Jia Yangting , Zhan Jiayu , Liu Guomeng , Liu Guanhua , Li Fei , Yu Fengshou
Published: March 2023

Electrochemically converting NO3− into NH3 offers a promising route for water treatment. Nevertheless, electroreduction of dilute NO3− is still suffering from low activity and/or selectivity. Herein, B as a modifier was introduced to tune electronic states of Cu and further regulate the performance of electrochemical NO3− reduction reaction (NO3RR) with dilute NO3− concentration (≤100 ppm NO3−−N). Notably, a linear relationship was established by plotting NH3 yield vs. the oxidation state of Cu, indicating that the increase of Cu+ content leads to an enhanced NO3−‐to‐NH3 conversion activity. Under a low NO3−−N concentration of 100 ppm, the optimal Cu(B) catalyst displays a 100 % NO3−‐to‐NH3 conversion at −0.55 to −0.6 V vs. RHE, and a record‐high NH3 yield of 309 mmol h−1 gcat−1, which is more than 25 times compared with the pristine Cu nanoparticles (12 mmol h−1 gcat−1). This research provides an effective method for conversion of dilute NO3− to NH3, which has certain guiding significance for the efficient and green conversion of wastewater in the future.
Chain‐like [Sx] (x=2–6) Units Realizing Giant Birefringence with Transparency in the Near‐Infrared for Optoelectronic Materials
Authors: Li Guangmao , Yang Zhihua , Hou Xueling , Pan Shilie
Published: March 2023

Birefringent crystals are requisite optical devices in laser and modern opto‐electronic fields. Development of excellent birefringent materials is still challenging. Herein, the linear or chain‐like [Sx] (x=2–6) species were theoretically proved to be the origin of the large birefringence, and could be regarded as birefringent genes. Besides, the metal polysulfide family was first proposed to be rich birefringent materials source, among which Cs2S6 realizes giant birefringence 0.58@1064 nm together with a wide band gap of 1.70 eV (based on the generalized gradient approximation). Moreover, the first dual‐anion group polysulfide Na4Ba3(S2)4S3 was obtained, showing wide infrared transmission range (0.5–6.2 μm), wide band gap (2.3 eV), and large birefringence (0.37 at 1064 nm). This work provides a new guiding thought for exploring large birefringence crystals in the future.
Hyaluronic acid‐folic acid‐modified Fe3O4 magnetic nanocarriers for targeted delivery of piperine: Formation, characterization, and biological study
Authors: Zare Mahboobeh , Sarkati Malihe Noruzi
Published: March 2023

Biocompatibility targeted magnetic nanocarriers are a promising alternative to conventional chemotherapy. Herein, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA)‐folic acid (FA) was synthesized and piperine (PIP) loaded into MNPs. In vitro release analyses, antioxidant activity, hemolysis assay, and intrinsic cytotoxicity of MNPs were determined. The results revealed that the synthesized MNPs released higher amount of piperine in acidic ambience in comparison with neutral ambience. PIP‐loaded prepared MNPs exhibited higher antioxidant activity in comparison with the carrier. On the other hand, prepared Fe3O4 MNPs is hemocompatible. Also, the synthesized MNPs demonstrated the considerable antiproliferative effects in MCF‐7 cancer cells compared with fibroblast cells. The results suggest that Fe3O4‐NH‐HA‐FA MNPs as novel targeted delivery system can enhance the therapeutic effect of piperine.
CO2 pyrolysis and gasification of COVID‐19 based wastes (overall gown) with Indian high ash coal
Authors: Sahu Pradeep , Vairakannu Prabu
Published: March 2023

The outbreak of COVID virus resulted not only in massive human deaths but also created huge waste disposal issues. Proper disposal of COVID waste is necessary. The conversion of these wastes into value‐added products such as syngas is beneficial to overcome energy scarcity issues. The Indian high ash coal (HAC) is nonreactive, and the co‐utilisation of HAC with these plastic wastes is advantageous to produce high‐quality syngas. In the present study, thermal treatment of overall gowns (OG) used during COVID by pyrolysis and gasification process was carried out under inert and reactive conditions with and without HAC at various operating temperatures. During pyrolysis, oil with a yield of 17% was produced under N2 conditions at 900°C, whereas a reduced oxygen content in the oil was observed (absence of C–O) under CO2 conditions. The co‐gasification of OG with high ash coal in the fuel mixture resulted in the heating value of syngas as high as 8.56 MJ nm−3. The calorific value of the syngas increases by 51.8% when OG content in the fuel mixture is increased to 20% because hydrocarbon content in syngas increases by 8.73 times. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that by adding OG, gasification initiated 35°C earlier as compared to HAC. The solid residue obtained by co‐gasification contains calcium in the form of CaO and CaCO3 due to COVID‐19 waste. The global warming potential of the syngas generated is reduced by 32% with the addition of OG to 20%.
Patterns and impacts of cyanobacteria in a deep, thermally stratified, oligotrophic lake
Authors: Prestigiacomo Anthony R. , Gorney Rebecca M. , Hyde James B. , Davis Courtney , Clinkhammer Aimee
Published: March 2023

Cyanobacterial blooms are a concern in oligotrophic lakes because these systems are often used for multiple purposes (i.e., recreation and public water supplies). Monitoring cyanobacteria impacts is challenging in such cases because of low and heterogeneous concentrations over time, space, and depth. Canandaigua Lake (New York State) is oligotrophic, but has been impacted by blooms since at least the early 2000s, with limited quantification. This study integrated data from established shoreline surveillance and inter‐agency monitoring programs to connect lake processes and evaluate use impacts. Surveys at open‐water locations were conducted to investigate the origination, timing, and magnitude of cyanobacterial bloom development. Impacts on recreation and source water were caused by blooms originating in the epilimnion that moved to shorelines and intake depths. The integration of multiple monitoring programs was critical to understanding impacts. The methods developed here can be adopted to other cases of large, deep, low‐nutrient lakes.
Isolation of extracellular vesicles from human plasma samples: The importance of controls
Authors: Tsamchoe Migmar , Petrillo Stephanie , Lazaris Anthoula , Metrakos Peter
Published: March 2023

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are enriched with proteins and RNA cargo, promoting cell‐to‐cell communication. Biofluid derived EV cargo is used for discovering disease specific markers for diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Rational

Blood is a complex fluid with an abundance of protiens and thus isolation of EVs is challenging. Therefore, methods for EV isolation, including commercial kits use thromboplastin D (TP‐D) for pretreatment of plasma to increase EV purity and yield. This pretreatment can introduce contaminants.

Method and Results

We performed a comparative study to evaluate the effect of EV isolation methods focusing on (a) pretreatment of plasma with additives, which include: rabbit TP (rTP) versus human recombinant thromboplastin (huTP), to increase purity and yield (b) an additional centrifugation step prior to freezing plasma and (c) comparison of frozen versus fresh plasma EV isolations. Pretreatment with rTP generated a dynamic range of proteins, however, most of these proteins were contaminants, introduced from the rTP (99.1% purity). As an alternative, huTP was used, which did not introduce any significant contaminants, however, this did not increase yield or purity. Additionally, an extra 10,000 g centrifugation did not improve either EV yield or purity. Finally, comparison of fresh or frozen plasma showed no significant difference, an important factor when sourcing plasma from biobanks.

Conclusion

Appropriate controlsare required when adding any additives during EV isolation as even a small percentage of contaminants can have a major effect on results. Furthermore, biobanked plasma can be used with no major changes to processing.