bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A power-aware task scheduler for energy harvesting-based wearable biomedical systems using snake optimizer
Authors: Yousri Retaj , Elbayoumi Mahmoud , Soltan Ahmed , Darweesh M. Saeed
Published: March 2023

There is an increasing interest in energy harvesting for wearable biomedical devices. This requires power conservation and management to ensure long-term and steady operation. Hence, task scheduling algorithms will be used throughout this work to provide a reliable solution to minimize energy consumption while considering the system operation constraints. This study proposes a novel power-aware task scheduler to manage system operations. For example, we used the scheduler to handle system operations, including heart rate and temperature sensors. Two optimization techniques have been used to illustrate the impact of task scheduling on energy consumption. The first is based on Snake Optimizer (SO), and the second is a greedy approach to compute the Hamming-based Tikhonov regularization. The FPA approach showed 50$$\%$$%improvement in the convergence time for the scheduler.
Body mass index and the distribution of housework among British couples
Authors: Bellido Héctor , Giménez-Nadal J. Ignacio , Molina José Alberto
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we analyze the relationship between Body Mass Index of the members of the couple and the distribution of housework within the same couple. Prior research has documented that higher-BMI spouses compensate their partners by increasing their market work hours. The question remains, does this compensation mechanism extend to the share of the time dedicated to housework. Using the British Household Panel Surveys for the years 2004 and 2006, we analyze the relationship between spouses’ Body Mass Index and the time devoted to housework. Our results show that a relatively higher BMI of any member of the couple is related to a decrease in his/her fraction of housework. This result is maintained when we restrict our sample to two-earner couples. We find no evidence for the compensation mechanism by which higher-BMI spouses work longer hours. By analyzing the relationship between housework time and Body Mass Index within the couple, we examine an important issue, given the significant contribution that members of couples make to their households via housework time.
Influence of Device Performance and Agent Advice on User Trust and Behaviour in a Care-taking Scenario
Authors: Zukerman Ingrid , Partovi Andisheh , Hohwy Jakob
Published: March 2023

Monitoring systems have become increasingly prevalent in order to increase the safety of elderly people who live alone. These systems are designed to raise alerts when adverse events are detected, which in turn enables family and carers to take action in a timely manner. However, monitoring systems typically suffer from two problems: they may generate false alerts or miss true adverse events.

This motivates the two user studies presented in this paper: (1) in the first study, we investigate the effect of the performance of different monitoring systems, in terms of accuracy and error type, on users’ trust in these systems and behaviour; and (2) in the second study, we examine the effect of recommendations made by an advisor agent on users’ behaviour.

Our user studies take the form of a web-based game set in a retirement village, where elderly residents live in smart homes equipped with monitoring systems. Players, who “work” in the village, perform a primary task whereby they must ensure the welfare of the residents by attending to adverse events in a timely manner, and a secondary routine task that demands their attention. These conditions are typical of a retirement setting, where workers perform various duties in addition to keeping an eye on a monitoring system.

Our main findings pertain to: (1) the identification of user types that shed light on users’ trust in automation and aspects of their behaviour; (2) the effect of monitoring-system accuracy and error type on users’ trust and behaviour; (3) the effect of the recommendations made by an advisor agent on users’ behaviour; and (4) the identification of influential factors in models that predict users’ trust and behaviour. The studies that yield these findings are enabled by two methodological contributions: (5) the game itself, which supports experimentation with various factors, and a version of the game augmented with an advisor agent; and (6) techniques for calibrating the parameters of the game and determining the recommendations of the advisor agent.
When Definitions Differ, are Comparisons Meaningful? Definitions of Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery and Their Associations with Patient Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes - A Need for a Revisit?
Authors: Elhag Wahiba , Lock Merilyn , El Ansari Walid
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Definitions and prevalence of weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery remains inconsistent and their clinical significance unclear.

Objectives

To assess WR five years after sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), employing six definitions; and appraise their association with patient characteristics/clinical outcomes.

Methods

Consecutive patients (N = 589) who underwent LSG were followed up for 5 years. WR prevalence was calculated yearly employing six definitions. Regression analysis assessed associations between WR at 5 years, and patient characteristics (age, sex, preop BMI, number of follow-up visits, number of comorbidities) and remission of comorbidities (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia).

Results

Sample’s mean age and BMI were 34 ± 11.6 years and 43.13 ± 5.77 kg/m2, and 64% were females. Percentage of patients with WR at 2, 3, 4, and 5 years fluctuated between 2.53% and 94.18%, subject to definition, and time point. The definition “Any WR” generated the highest prevalence of WR (86–94%) across all time points. At 5 years, for patient characteristics, preoperative BMI was associated with three definitions (P 0.49 to < 0.001), sex was associated with two (P < 0.026–0.032), and number of comorbidities was associated with one definition (P = 0.01). In terms of comorbidities, only hypertension was associated with WR (one definition,P = 0.025). No other definitions of WR were associated with any of the variables under examination.

Conclusion

Weight regain is reasonably expected after BMS. WR definitions were of minor clinical significance due to weak associations with limited comorbidities. Dichotomous definitions might offer some guidance while managing individual patients. However, its utility as a comparator metric across patients/procedures requires refinements.

Graphical abstract
Design and implementation of eye tracking application for generation of augmented reality content on spatial see through display of remote and virtual control tower (RVT)
Authors: Moruzzi Martino C. , Santhosh Sandhya , Corsi Marzia , Bagassi Sara , De Crescenzio Francesca
Published: March 2023

Airports are a fundamental node in the aviation system. The growth of this sector undergoes the evolution of the airports procedures and infrastructures. Air traffic control is considered to be one of the most important activity performed in an airport. This often involves numerous personnel, construction and maintenance costs etc. With the ongoing digitalisation process in various fields, the concept of remote and virtual control towers (RVT) has emerged owing to the innovation in this field. Technologies such as augmented reality (AR) have successfully paved their smooth way to bring in improvements to an RVT. The current work aims to enhance and improve the controller work in an RVT exploiting the adaption of virtual reality and AR systems. In particular, this concept is under investigation within the EU funded SESAR project: RETINA (Resilient Synthetic Vision for Advanced Control Tower Air Navigation Service Provision) and DTT (Digital Technologies for Tower). AR content generation by virtue of various display technologies are studied and, Optical Spatial See-through displays (O SSTDs) have been considered for its own advantages in developing this application. One of the necessary requirements of AR in this configuration is identified as the tracking of the operator’s point of view (eye-tracking), to provide virtual content consistent with its real position. Thus, this paper elaborates the design of specific eye-tracking system using Microsoft Kinect V2 for the virtual control tower application. The need to have binocular vision to use AR content is assessed and the interface has been tested with few subjects to evaluate the precision of the measurements detected through the proposed solution.
Advances in research of biological functions of Isthmin-1
Authors: Menghuan Li , Yang Yang , Qianhe Ma , Na Zhang , Shicheng Cao , Bo Chang , XueJie Y. I.
Published: March 2023

Isthmin-1 (ISM1) was initially thought to be a brain secretory factor, but with the development of technical means of research and the refinement of animal models, numerous studies have shown that this molecule is expressed in multiple tissues, suggesting that it may have multiple biological functions. As a factor that regulates growth and development, ISM1 is expressed in different animals with spatial and temporal variability and can coordinate the normal development of multiple organs. Recent studies have found that under the dependence of a non-insulin pathway, ISM1 can lower blood glucose, inhibit insulin-regulated lipid synthesis, promote protein synthesis, and affect the body's glucolipid and protein metabolism. In addition, ISM1 plays an important role in cancer development by promoting apoptosis and anti-angiogenesis, and by regulating multiple inflammatory pathways to influence the body's immune response. The purpose of this paper is to summarize relevant research results from recent years and to describe the key features of the biological functions of ISM1. We aimed to provide a theoretical basis for the study of ISM1 related diseases, and potential therapeutic strategies.

Graphical abstract

The main biological functions of ISM1. Current studies on the biological functions of ISM1 focus on growth and development, metabolism, and anticancer treatment. During embryonic development, ISM1 is dynamically expressed in the zebrafish, African clawed frog, chick, mouse, and human, is associated with craniofacial malformations, abnormal heart localization, and hematopoietic dysfunction. ISM1 plays an important role in regulating glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and protein metabolism in the body. ISM1 affects cancer development by regulating cellular autophagy, angiogenesis, and the immune microenvironment.
Evidence of a traumatic stress dimension of psychopathology among at-risk children living in Denmark
Authors: Haahr-Pedersen Ida , Vallières Frédérique , Hansen Maj , Aldamman Kinan , Schmidt-Rasmussen Vanessa , Bramsen Rikke Holm , Spitz Pernille , Hyland Philip
Published: March 2023

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) is a quantitative model of psychopathology. HiTOP proposes that trauma-related distress is a facet of Internalizing psychopathology, but recent evidence with young people suggests that it may reflect a unique dimension of psychopathology. This study assessed the latent structure of child and adolescent psychopathology to determine whether there is evidence of a unique ‘Traumatic Stress’ dimension, and how dimensions of psychopathology are associated with specific types of childhood adversity and trauma, and suicidal ideation and self-injurious behavior. Participants were children and adolescents aged 1–17 years (N = 1,800) who were in contact with the Danish child protection system due to suspected child abuse. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine the optimal latent structure of psychopathology, and structural equation modelling was used to determine how the dimensions of psychopathology were associated with different forms of trauma and adversity and suicidality/self-harm. The best fitting model included three factors of Internalizing, Externalizing, and Traumatic Stress. The Traumatic Stress dimensions was associated with older age, living outside of the family home, parental mental illness, higher levels of parental conflict, and the presence of domestic violence in the child’s home. The Traumatic Stress dimension was not associated with suicidality/self-harm. This study provides additional evidence of a distinct dimension of Traumatic Stress among young people. Further studies are needed to determine if these findings are replicable, particularly in older participants.
Developmental care pathway for hospitalised infants with CHD: on behalf of the Cardiac Newborn Neuroprotective Network, a Special Interest Group of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative
Authors: Lisanti Amy J. , Vittner Dorothy J. , Peterson Jennifer , Van Bergen Andrew H. , Miller Thomas A. , Gordon Erin E. , Negrin Karli A. , Desai Hema , Willette Suzie , Jones Melissa B. , Caprarola Sherrill D. , Jones Anna J. , Helman Stephanie M. , Smith Jodi , Anton Corinne M. , Bear Laurel M. , Malik Lauren , Russell Sarah K. , Mieczkowski Dana J. , Hamilton Bridy O. , McCoy Meghan , Feldman Yvette , Steltzer Michelle , Savoca Melanie L. , Spatz Diane L. , Butler Samantha C.
Published: March 2023

Infants and children born with CHD are at significant risk for neurodevelopmental delays and abnormalities. Individualised developmental care is widely recognised as best practice to support early neurodevelopment for medically fragile infants born premature or requiring surgical intervention after birth. However, wide variability in clinical practice is consistently demonstrated in units caring for infants with CHD. The Cardiac Newborn Neuroprotective Network, a Special Interest Group of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative, formed a working group of experts to create an evidence-based developmental care pathway to guide clinical practice in hospital settings caring for infants with CHD. The clinical pathway, “Developmental Care Pathway for Hospitalized Infants with Congenital Heart Disease,” includes recommendations for standardised developmental assessment, parent mental health screening, and the implementation of a daily developmental care bundle, which incorporates individualised assessments and interventions tailored to meet the needs of this unique infant population and their families. Hospitals caring for infants with CHD are encouraged to adopt this developmental care pathway and track metrics and outcomes using a quality improvement framework.
What are the digitally enabled psychosocial interventions delivered by trained practitioners being offered to adults with life-shortening illnesses and palliative care needs and their informal and professional caregivers? A scoping review
Authors: Wood Michèle , Walshe Catherine , McCullagh Angela
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Computer-mediated and telephone communication connecting professionals and patients (eHealth) is well established. Yet there is little information about psychosocial interventions delivered by trained practitioners for a palliative care population. The aim is to describe digitally enabled psychosocial interventions offered to adults with life-shortening or terminal illnesses and carers/families receiving palliative care, and how these are delivered and evaluated.

Methods

Using Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology, 4 databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Ultimate) were searched (January 2011–April 2021). Inclusion criteria: (a) any design reporting and (b) psychosocial interventions delivered digitally by palliative care health and social care practitioners to (c) adults with life-shortening illnesses.

Results

Included papers (n=16) were from Europe ((n=8), Asia (n=2), and the USA (n=6). Research designs encompassed pre- and post-studies, randomized control trials, feasibility, and pilot studies. Tools evaluated psychological, somatic, functional, and psychosocial outcomes. Underpinning approaches included cognitive behavioral therapy, Erikson’s life review, coping skills training, psychoeducation, problem-solving therapy, counseling, emotional support and advice, and art therapy. Delivery tools used were telephones, text messages and emails, websites, videos, workbooks, and compact discs. Practitioners included counselors, psychotherapists, psychologists, art therapists, social workers, registered nurses, and trainees. Patients had Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, advanced cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart failure.

Significance of results

COVID-19 has accelerated the usages of digitally enabled psychosocial interventions. Evidence indicates a growing interest in hybrid, novel, synchronous, and asynchronous digital psychosocial interventions for adults with life-shortening illnesses and their caregivers receiving palliative care.
A cognitive behavioral therapy–based intervention to address body image in patients with facial cancers: Results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chopra Deepti , Shinn Eileen , Teo Irene , Bordes Mary Catherine , Reece Gregory P. , Liu Jun , Markey Mia K. , Weber Randal , Fingeret Michelle C.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Body image adjustment is a crucial issue for patients with facial cancer, but body image–specific interventions are scarce. We report results of a novel psychotherapeutic intervention to address body image concerns during acute postoperative recovery following facial reconstructive surgery. Our primary aims were to evaluate the intervention’s feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy on body image concerns, psychological distress, and quality of life (QOL).

Methods

Adults with facial cancers who endorsed body image concerns were recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group participated in 4 in-person counseling sessions. The control group received an educational booklet and a brief phone call. Participants completed measures of body image, distress, and QOL at baseline and at the 4-week follow-up to assess the impact of the intervention. Intervention outcomes were assessed with 2 sample t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests as appropriate.

Results

Twenty-nine participants completed both the baseline and follow-up assessments. The intervention demonstrated good feasibility with a high retention rate (79%), visit completion rate (81%), and high satisfaction scores (75% reported mean satisfaction score of >3). Intervention did not result in an observed statistically significant difference in reduction in body image dissatisfaction and disturbance, psychological distress, or improvement in QOL compared with the control group. However, intervention resulted in statistically significant difference in perceived social impact (−1 vs. −8.3, p = 0.033) compared to control group.

Significance of results

Our study highlights the potential clinical benefits of a novel psychotherapeutic intervention that targets body image concerns and suggests the need for further evaluation.
Soziale Kompetenzen im Selbstbericht bei Kindern der Primarstufe
Authors: Hank Corinna , Huber Christian
Published: March 2023

Zusammenfassung: Die Relevanz sozialer Kompetenzen bei Kindern für schulischen Erfolg und psychische Gesundheit ist vielfach belegt worden. Trotz fehlender einheitlicher Definition des Begriffs herrscht Einigkeit über die mehrdimensionale Struktur sozialer Kompetenzen. Einige Teilkompetenzen wie z. B. Empathie lassen sich aufgrund fehlender sichtbarer Ausprägung unzureichend beobachten. Eine Erfassung sozialer Kompetenzen aus der Fremdperspektive sollte dementsprechend um eine differenzierte Selbstperspektive ergänzt werden. Insbesondere für den Primarbereich fehlen Inventare, die die Selbstperspektive des Individuums berücksichtigen. Die Social Skill Improvement System Rating Scales (SSIS-RS) bietet als englischsprachiges Inventar diese Möglichkeit. Mithilfe von n = 525 Schülerinnen und Schülern wird in einer ersten Studie die Konstruktvalidität einer deutschen Übersetzung der SSIS-RS untersucht. In einer zweiten Studie wird die Retestreliabilität nach vier Wochen und die Kriteriumsvalidität mithilfe von n = 289 Schülerinnen und Schülern überprüft. Für die deutsche Version zeigt sich eine mit dem Original vergleichbare siebenfaktorielle Struktur sozialer Kompetenzen sowie vergleichbare Skaleneigenschaften und Zusammenhänge zu Fremdurteilen. Dies legt nahe, dass die SSIS-RS sich auch im deutschen Sprachraum für den Selbstbericht im Primarbereich gewinnbringend einsetzen lässt.
Overview of the Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) Mission
Authors: Johnston W. R. , Ginet G. P. , Starks M. J. , McCollough J. P. , Sanchez J. C. , Song P. , Galkin I. A. , Inan U. S. , Lauben D. S. , Tu J. , Reinisch B. W. , Linscott I. R. , Roche K. , Stelmash S. , Allgeier S. , Lambour R. , Schoenberg J. , Gillespie W. , Farrell W. M. , Xapsos M. A. , Roddy P. A. , Lindstrom C. D. , Pedinotti G. F. , Huston S. L. , Albert J. M. , Sinclair A. J. , Davis L. D. , Carilli J. A. , Cooke D. L. , Parker C. W.
Published: March 2023

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) mission investigated wave‐particle interactions and the particle and space environment in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) from June 2019 to May 2021. Its Wave‐Particle Interactions Experiment conducted over 1,300 active high power very low frequency transmissions in the radiation belts providing observations of antenna performance and signal propagation from a controlled source. This included hundreds of transmissions while in magnetic conjunction with other satellites. The Loss Cone Imager and Space Weather Experiment suite observed electron and proton populations over a wide energy range, with several of these instruments providing pitch‐angle resolution. The Space Environmental Effects Experiment investigated effects of the MEO environment on electronics and materials. The Adaptive Controls Experiment demonstrated technology for on‐board identification and control of large structure vibrational modes. We describe the DSX instrument capabilities and on orbit performance, science planning and operations for carrying out an array of active and passive experiments, and some initial results in brief. We also describe plans for further work and data release.
High resolution functional analysis and community structure of photogranules
Authors: Trebuch Lukas M , Bourceau Olivia M , Vaessen Stijn M F , Neu Thomas R , Janssen Marcel , de Beer Dirk , Vet Louise E M , Wijffels René H , Fernandes Tânia V
Published: March 2023

Photogranules are spherical aggregates formed of complex phototrophic ecosystems with potential for “aeration-free” wastewater treatment. Photogranules from a sequencing batch reactor were investigated by fluorescence microscopy, 16S/18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, microsensors, and stable- and radioisotope incubations to determine the granules’ composition, nutrient distribution, and light, carbon, and nitrogen budgets. The photogranules were biologically and chemically stratified, with filamentous cyanobacteria arranged in discrete layers and forming a scaffold to which other organisms were attached. Oxygen, nitrate, and light gradients were also detectable. Photosynthetic activity and nitrification were both predominantly restricted to the outer 500 µm, but while photosynthesis was relatively insensitive to the oxygen and nutrient (ammonium, phosphate, acetate) concentrations tested, nitrification was highly sensitive. Oxygen was cycled internally, with oxygen produced through photosynthesis rapidly consumed by aerobic respiration and nitrification. Oxygen production and consumption were well balanced. Similarly, nitrogen was cycled through paired nitrification and denitrification, and carbon was exchanged through photosynthesis and respiration. Our findings highlight that photogranules are complete, complex ecosystems with multiple linked nutrient cycles and will aid engineering decisions in photogranular wastewater treatment.
Psychological distress and its associated factors among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Hunan, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Yan Jin , Ma Chenjuan
Published: March 2023

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience a high risk for psychological distress. Understanding what factors contributing to this risk is vital for developing effective interventions to address COPD-related psychological distress. To examine psychological distress and its associated factors in COPD patients in China. This is a cross-sectional study. Using cluster random sampling, 351 COPD patients participated in and completed a questionnaire survey from June 2021 to January 2022. Instruments used in this research included a self-designed social-demographic questionnaire, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), the COPD Knowledge Question, the Type D Personality Scale (DS-14), the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Score (mMRC). Multivariate linear regressions were used in the final analysis. Among 351 COPD patients, 307 (or 87.5%) had psychological distress. Our univariate analysis indicated that psychological distress scores were significantly associated with monthly household income (F = 2.861, P < 0.05), exercise frequency (F = 4.039, P < 0.01), type D personality (t = 5.843, P < 0.01), years with COPD (rs = 0.156, P < 0.01), frequency of acute exacerbation (rs = 0.114, P < 0.05), mMRC score (rs = 0.301, P < 0.01), and CAT score (rs = 0.415, P < 0.01). Our final multivariate linear regression showed that exercise frequency (coefficient = −1.012, P < 0.01) was an independent protective factor of psychological distress in COPD patients, while type D personality (coefficient = 3.463, P < 0.001), mMRC score (coefficient = 1.034, P < 0.001) and CAT score were independent risk factors (coefficient = .288, P < 0.001). No relationship was observed between psychological distress and knowledge of COPD. Psychological distress is commonly presented among COPD patients in China. Findings from this study suggest promoting and increasing frequency of exercise will be beneficial in reducing psychological distress among COPD patients. This study also highlights the importance of assessing personality type, dyspnea, and impact of COPD on daily living for preventing and managing psychological distress due to COPD. In addition, Given the high rate of psychological distress among COPD patients, policymakers should consider making mental health resources easily available and accessible to this vulnerable population.
A retrospective study of differences in patients’ anxiety and satisfaction between paper-based and computer-based tools for “Shared Decision-Making”
Authors: Chen Jung-Chen , Tsai Shang-Feng , Liu Shih-An
Published: March 2023

We aimed to investigate differences in patients’ anxiety and satisfaction between patients undergoing paper-based patient decision aid (PDA) for shared decision-making (SDM) and those receiving computer-based PDA. We retrospectively collected questionnaires before and after SDM. Basic demographic data as well as anxiety, satisfaction, knowledge acquisition, and participation in SDM were recorded. We divided our population into subgroups according to use of paper-based or computer-based PDA. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis was applied to assess the relationships among variables. In total, 304 patients who visited our Division of Nephrology were included in the final analysis. Overall, over half of the patients felt anxiety (n = 217, 71.4%). Near half of the patients felt a reduction in anxiety after SDM (n = 143, 47.0%) and 281 patients (92.4%) were satisfied with the whole process of SDM. When we divided all the patients based on use of paper-based or computer-based PDA, the reduction of anxiety level was greater in the patients who underwent paper-based PDA when compared with that of those who underwent computer-based PDA. However, there was no significant difference in satisfaction between the two groups. Paper-based PDA was as effective as computer-based PDA. Further studies comparing different types of PDA are warranted to fill the knowledge gaps in the literature.
Two UV optical crystals with strong optical anisotropy, large band gaps and an α-BBO type structure
Authors: Liu Lehui , Yuan Feifei , Huang Yisheng , Lin Zhoubin , Zhang Lizhen
Published: March 2023

Using α-BBO as a template and melamine [C3N6H6] as a fundamental building block, two α-BBO-type birefringent crystals were successfully synthesized.
Three new MnII–[MoIII(CN)7]4− molecular magnets constructed from chiral bidentate chelating ligands
Authors: Xu Fang-Xue , Li Ying-Lian , Wei Xiao-Qin , Shao Dong , Shi Le , Wei Hai-Yan , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: March 2023

Three new 2D MnII-[MoIII(CN)7]4− magnets constructed from chiral bidentate ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The relationship between the magnetic properties and the anisotropic magnetic interactions was analyzed and discussed.
Vector quantization using k‐means clustering neural network
Authors: Im Sio‐Kei , Chan Ka‐Hou
Published: March 2023

Vector Quantization (VQ) is a clustering problem in the fields of signal processing, source coding, information theory etc. Taking advantage of recent advances in the field of deep neural networks, this paper investigates the performance between VQ clustering problems and deep neural networks. A k‐means‐based deep network architecture for VQ is presented to solve clustering problems. By applying the deep learning implementation of convergence optimization, a clustering neural network (algorithm) for the purpose of VQ is proposed. In practice, the proposed network quantifies the vectors over a set of stacked neural layers, overcoming the exponential complexity problem of VQ methods by trainable parameters. Experiments show that the work can improve the results without human intervention, and outperforms traditional clustering methods modified for VQ.
Analysis and validation of multi‐device interleaved DC‐DC boost converter for electric vehicle applications
Authors: Alzahrani Ahmad , Devarajan Gunapriya , Subramani Sivaranjani , Vairavasundaram Indragandhi , Ogbuka Cosmas Uchenna
Published: March 2023

In Electric Vehicle (EV) application, voltage conversion is significant to obtain the desired operating voltage from the source voltage. A conventional boost converter can handle such applications, but it may add losses throughout the conversion process. This work focuses on the design and implementation of a multi device Interleaved DC‐DC converter with greater voltage gain, lower voltage stress across the switch, and improved efficiency when compared to the standard Boost converter and conventional Interleaved Converter. The suggested converter has three times the voltage gain of a standard Boost DC‐DC converter. These converters are used in applications that demand a constant DC voltage, such as electric vehicles. The proposed converter's mathematical modelling and modes of operation are discussed. The proposed DC‐DC converter's feasibility is validated using real‐time simulation (OPAL‐RT), and the results are presented in detail.
A CFAR‐like detector based on neural network for simulated high‐frequency surface wave radar data
Authors: da Costa Rômulo Fernandes , da Silva de Medeiros Diego , Saotome Osamu , Machado Renato
Published: March 2023

This article presents a deep neural network‐based constant false alarm rate (NNB‐CFAR) detector for simulated high‐frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) data. A deep neural network is trained to identify fluctuation parameters of each cell of a range‐Doppler power spectrum based on the patterns present in the neighbouring cells. The estimated parameters are then used for calculating a detection threshold with a user‐specified probability of false alarm. To train the network, a realistic model of HFSWR echoes is used for generating a large labelled range‐Doppler image dataset, including many possible clutter scenarios and interfering target echoes. Several CFAR windows are extracted from the training range‐Doppler dataset and used as training data. The neural network is trained to replicate the output of a maximum likelihood estimator based on the reference cells of the CFAR window. The NNB‐CFAR algorithm was then compared to traditional CFAR algorithms by identifying targets in the second set of simulated range‐Doppler images. The probability of detection was also experimentally measured in the context of HFSWR for all algorithms. Results show that the technique can significantly improve detection rates amid strong clutter.
The ratio of horizontal to vertical displacement in solar oscillations estimated from combined SO/PHI and SDO/HMI observations
Authors: Schou J. , Hirzberger J. , Orozco Suárez D. , Albert K. , Albelo Jorge N. , Appourchaux T. , Alvarez-Herrero A. , Blanco Rodríguez J. , Gandorfer A. , Germerott D. , Guerrero L. , Gutierrez-Marques P. , Kahil F. , Kolleck M. , Solanki S. K. , del Toro Iniesta J. C. , Volkmer R. , Woch J. , Fiethe B. , Pérez-Grande I. , Sanchis Kilders E. , Balaguer Jiménez M. , Bellot Rubio L. R. , Calchetti D. , Carmona M. , Deutsch W. , Feller A. , Fernandez-Rico G. , Fernández-Medina A. , García Parejo P. , Gasent Blesa J. L. , Gizon L. , Grauf B. , Heerlein K. , Korpi-Lagg A. , López Jiménez A. , Maue T. , Meller R. , Moreno Vacas A. , Müller R. , Nakai E. , Schmidt W. , Sinjan J. , Staub J. , Strecker H. , Torralbo I. , Valori G.
Published: March 2023

In order to make accurate inferences about the solar interior using helioseismology, it is essential to understand all the relevant physical effects on the observations. One effect to understand is the (complex-valued) ratio of the horizontal to vertical displacement of the p- and f-modes at the height at which they are observed. Unfortunately, it is impossible to measure this ratio directly from a single vantage point, and it has been difficult to disentangle observationally from other effects. In this paper we attempt to measure the ratio directly using 7.5 h of simultaneous observations from the Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager on board Solar Orbiter and the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory. While image geometry problems make it difficult to determine the exact ratio, it appears to agree well with that expected from adiabatic oscillations in a standard solar model. On the other hand it does not agree with a commonly used approximation, indicating that this approximation should not be used in helioseismic analyses. In addition, the ratio appears to be real-valued.
On convergence of exponential penalty for the multi-dimensional variational problems
Authors: Jayswal Anurag , Baranwal Ayushi
Published: March 2023

In this article, we describe a method to deal with a multi-dimensional variational problem with inequality constraints using an exponential penalty function. We formulate an unconstrained multi-dimensional variational problem and examine the relationships between the optimal solution to the considered multi-dimensional variational problem and the sequence of minimizers of the unconstrained multi-dimensional variational problem. The convergence of the proposed exponential penalty approach is also investigated, which shows that a convergent subsequence of the sequence of minimizers of the unconstrained multi-dimensional variational problem approaches an optimal solution to the multi-dimensional variational problem. Further, an illustrative application (to minimize a manufacturing cost functional of a production firm) is also presented to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed outcomes.
The Voice of the Patient and the Electronic Health Record
Authors: Payne Thomas H. , Lehmann Christoph U. , Zatzick Alina K.
Published: March 2023

The patient's voice, which we define as the words the patient uses found in notes and messages and other sources, and their preferences for care and its outcomes, is too small a part of the electronic health record (EHR). To address this shortcoming will require innovation, research, funding, perhaps architectural changes to commercial EHRs, and that we address barriers that have resulted in this state, including clinician burden and financial drivers for care. Advantages to greater patient voice may accrue to many groups of EHR users and to patients themselves. For clinicians, the patient's voice, including symptoms, is invaluable in identifying new serious illness that cannot be detected by screening tests, and as an aid to accurate diagnosis. Informaticians benefit from greater patient voice in the EHR because it provides clues not found elsewhere that aid diagnostic decision support, predictive analytics, and machine learning. Patients benefit when their treatment priorities and care outcomes considered in treatment decisions. What patient voice there is in the EHR today can be found in locations not usually used by researchers. Increasing the patient voice needs be accomplished in equitable ways available to people with less access to technology and whose primary language is not well supported by EHR tools and portals. Use of direct quotations, while carrying potential for harm, permits the voice to be recorded unfiltered. If you are a researcher or innovator, collaborate with patient groups and clinicians to create new ways to capture the patient voice, and to leverage it for good.
Amplification of near field radiation at surfaces of pure dielectric domain with anti-reflection films and photonic crystal structures
Authors: Wen Sy-Bor , Jakkinapalli Aravind
Published: March 2023

With chemical stability under high temperatures, dielectric materials can be idealized thermal emitters for different energy applications. However, dielectric materials do not support surface waves at near-infrared ranges for longer-distance thermal photon tunneling, which limits their applications in near-field thermal radiation. It is demonstrated in this study that thermal field amplification at near-infrared wavelengths at dielectric surfaces could be achieved through asymmetric Fabry–Perot resonance with anti-reflection coatings or 1D photonic crystal type structures. ⩾100 nm near-infrared thermal photon tunneling can be achieved when these thin film structures are added to the emitter and the collector surfaces. Among these two thin film structures, 1D photonic crystal type periodic structures constructed with the same high refractive index material as the emitter/collector material allow near-field thermal photon tunneling at large parallel wavenumbers. Moreover, the field amplification can be increased by adding more 1D photonic crystal layers to achieve even longer distances near field thermal photon tunneling.
Topological driven linear magnetoresistance in Sb-doped MnBi2Te4
Authors: Zhong Zhihao , Yi Enkui , Tang Nannan , Zhao Yue , Guo Donghui , Shen Bing , Zhong Dingyong , Wang Huichao
Published: March 2023

Linear magnetoresistance (LMR) is an attractive phenomenon that shows potential for uncovering novel physics and gauss sensor applications. Here we report a Fermi-level-sensitive LMR by doping Sb into antiferromagnetic topological insulator (TI) MnBi2Te4 crystals. The LMR is most remarkable when the Fermi level is close to the charge neutral point and the bulk carriers are largely suppressed. Our detailed analyses reveal that the slope of the LMR shows linear dependence on the inverse of carrier density. The results are quantitatively consistent with the quantum LMR model based on the surface state of a TI and thus reveal a transport signature of the topological surface state. Our work provides crucial insights into the understanding of the essential MR behavior and the surface state in MnBi2Te4.
Atomic layer deposition assisted fabrication of large-scale metal nanogaps for surface enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Cheng Tangjie , Zhu Zebin , Wang Xinxin , Zhu Lin , Li Aidong , Jiang Liyong , Cao Yanqiang
Published: March 2023

Metal nanogaps can confine electromagnetic field into extremely small volumes, exhibiting strong surface plasmon resonance effect. Therefore, metal nanogaps show great prospects in enhancing light–matter interaction. However, it is still challenging to fabricate large-scale (centimeter scale) nanogaps with precise control of gap size at nanoscale, limiting the practical applications of metal nanogaps. In this work, we proposed a facile and economic strategy to fabricate large-scale sub-10 nm Ag nanogaps by the combination of atomic layer deposition (ALD) and mechanical rolling. The plasmonic nanogaps can be formed in the compacted Ag film by the sacrificial Al2O3 deposited via ALD. The size of nanogaps are determined by the twice thickness of Al2O3 with nanometric control. Raman results show that SERS activity depends closely on the nanogap size, and 4 nm Ag nanogaps exhibit the best SERS activity. By combining with other porous metal substrates, various sub-10 nm metal nanogaps can be fabricated over large scale. Therefore, this strategy will have significant implications for the preparation of nanogaps and enhanced spectroscopy.
Magnetic biosensors for identification of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, HIV, and Ebola viruses: a review
Authors: GhaderiShekhiAbadi Parvaneh , Irani Mohammad , Noorisepehr Mohammad , Maleki Ali
Published: March 2023

Infectious diseases such as novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Influenza, HIV, Ebola, etc kill many people around the world every year (SARS-CoV-2 in 2019, Ebola in 2013, HIV in 1980, Influenza in 1918). For example, SARS-CoV-2 has plagued higher than 317 000 000 people around the world from December 2019 to January 13, 2022. Some infectious diseases do not yet have not a proper vaccine, drug, therapeutic, and/or detection method, which makes rapid identification and definitive treatments the main challenges. Different device techniques have been used to detect infectious diseases. However, in recent years, magnetic materials have emerged as active sensors/biosensors for detecting viral, bacterial, and plasmids agents. In this review, the recent applications of magnetic materials in biosensors for infectious viruses detection have been discussed. Also, this work addresses the future trends and perspectives of magnetic biosensors.
Modulation transfer function (MTF) evaluation for x-ray phase imaging system employing attenuation masks
Authors: Havariyoun Glafkos , Massimi Lorenzo , Hagen Charlotte , Endrizzi Marco , Olivo Alessandro
Published: March 2023

Objective. Attenuation masks can be used in x-ray imaging systems to increase their inherent spatial resolution and/or make them sensitive to phase effects, a typical example being Edge Illumination x-ray phase contrast imaging (EI-XPCI). This work investigates the performance of a mask-based system such as EI-XPCI in terms of Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), in the absence of phase effects. Approach. Pre-sampled MTF measurements, using an edge, were performed on the same system implemented without masks, with non-skipped masks and finally with skipped masks (i.e. masks in which apertures illuminate every other pixel row/column). Results are compared to simulations and finally images of a resolution bar pattern acquired with all the above setups are presented. Main results. Compared to the detector’s inherent MTF, the non-skipped mask setup provides improved MTF results. In comparison to an ideal case where signal spill-out into neighbouring pixels is negligible, this improvement takes place only at specific frequencies of the MTF, dictated by the spatial repetition of the spill-out signal. This is limited with skipped masks, which indeed provide further MTF improvements over a larger frequency range. Experimental MTF measurements are supported through simulation and resolution bar pattern images. Significance. This work has quantified the improvement in MTF due to the use of attenuation masks and lays the foundation for how acceptance and routine quality control tests will have to be modified when systems using masks are introduced in clinical practice and how MTF results will compare to those of conventional imaging systems.
Attractive study of the physical properties of silver iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications
Authors: El-Bassuony Asmaa A H , Abdelsalam H K
Published: March 2023

Novel ratios of silver iron nanoparticles with the chemical formulas Ag2Fe2O4 with Ag/Fe ratio = 1/1 and Ag0.5Fe2.5O4 with Ag/Fe ratio = 1/5 were successfully synthesized using a flash auto-combustion technique at 400 °C. Structural properties were studied using XRD (x-ray diffraction), AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy), FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) analyses. The nanosize range determined from XRD analysis lies in 56.6–71.1 nm for Ag0.5Fe2.5O4 and Ag2Fe2O4 nanoparticles. The morphology was analyzed using AFM and FESEM to confirm that the particle size of both samples was spherical and nanosized with agglomeration. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was performed to confirm nano-samples’ formation. Both samples were measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer to study their magnetism. By increasing the concentration of iron ions, the saturation magnetization (Ms) increased 5-fold for Ag0.5Fe2.5O4 nanoparticles compared with Ag2Fe2O4 nanoparticles. Moreover, there is a relation between saturation magnetization and antimicrobial activity, in which high (Ms) gives high antibacterial activity. Thus, Ag0.5Fe2.5O4 had a high (Ms) and high efficacy against the tested bacteria. However, Ag2Fe2O4 showed high activity against Candida albicans. Moreover, a high-frequency application was measured from the magnetic measurements, showing that both samples could be applied at a very high frequency (VHF) in the radio wave range. Finally, both samples could be antibacterial materials, particularly Ag0.5Fe2.5O4 nanoparticles. However, Ag2Fe2O4 nanoparticles are strongly recommended for antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
The investigation of interlayer (CeO2:PVC) effects on the dielectric features of Au-Si (MS) Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) using the impedance spectroscopy method
Authors: Ganj Tohid , Rozati S M , Azizian-Kalandaragh Yashar , Pirgholi-Givi Gholamreza
Published: March 2023

In this research, Au-PVC-Si (MPS1), Au-(CeO2: PVC)-Si (MPS2) Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) have been grown on n-type silicon (n-Si) with the aim of investigating the frequency dependence and the effect of polymer interlayer on dielectric parameters such as complex dielectric constant (ε = ε′–iε″), ac-conductivity (σ
ac), and complex electric-modulus (M = M′ + iM″). For this purpose, the mentioned parameters have been calculated by measuring C/G-f in wide-range frequency (100 Hz–1 MHz) at room temperature for all three diodes and how the effect of PVC and (CeO2: PVC) interlayer on dielectric parameters of Au-Si (MS) has been studied. In the low-frequency range, plot C-f shows a negative capacitance behavior (NC) that causes the dielectric constant to be negative in this frequency range. Such negative behavior can be described using capture and emissions of carriers at interface states. The results of examining the frequency dependence of dielectric parameters showed that these parameters are sensitive to the frequency, especially the low-frequency range, which is due to the surface polarization and interface states. Also, the conduction mechanism of samples was investigated through the slope of the lnσ
ac- lnω plot. The σ
ac value for all three diodes at low frequencies is almost independent of the frequency, which is related to dc conductivity (σ
dc). The slope value of the lnσ
ac- lnω plot in the high frequencies was smaller than the unit which can be described by the hopping mechanism. The presence of the PVC and (PVC: CeO2) interlayer in the metal-semiconductor junction has increased the dielectric constant and conductivity of MPS compared to MS-type SBDs.