bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Combustion and Flame Characterization of a Chemical Looping-Based Oxidative Dehydrogenation Byproduct Fuel Mixture Containing High CO2 Dilution
Authors: Nonavinakere Vinod Kaushik , Gore Matt , Fang Tiegang
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the combustion performance of a CO2-rich fuel mixture containing ethane and methane as active species using a constant volume combustion chamber. This fuel is obtained as a byproduct of a chemical looping-based oxidative dehydrogenation (Cl-ODH) process ethylene production. The byproduct gas mixture has 40.79% CO2, 39.49% ethane, and 4.88% methane by weight with other minor compounds. Using this fuel for energy extraction would improve the process efficiency of the ethane to ethylene conversion. After initial combustion modeling, the gas fuel mixture was reduced to just the major species: CO2, ethane, and methane. The mixture was then tested for flammability limits and combustion performance under spark-ignition conditions. Effects of ambient conditions like temperatures between 300 and 400 K with initial pressures from 1 to 10 bar were tested. The effects of stoichiometry were tested to understand flame velocities and heat release. The fuel mixture showed an overall reduced flame velocity compared to gasoline. Instability in combustion was believed to be caused by the dissociation of ethane under elevated conditions. At higher pressures, the flame produces lower cumulative heat release. Simulations were also performed using a model tuned to replicate the operations of the combustion chamber used in the experiments. Heat release and unburnt fuel mass data were calculated to identify the discrepancies in the combustion completeness at elevated pressures. The effects of CO2 quenching the flame coupled with the increased dissociation of the fuel species can lead to up to more than 75% of the fuel mixture being unburnt. Data from this study were used to modify a small-scale spark-ignition engine to use this fuel and produce usable energy.
Aerodynamic noise and its reduction of the marine gas turbine air exhaust system
Authors: Luan Yigang , Yan Lanyi , Sun Tao , Zunino Pietro
Published: April 2024

The aerodynamic noise of pipelines is an important part of the noise of a ship's system. This paper conducted numerical investigations on the flow and acoustic characteristics of the marine gas turbine exhaust system. The near-field and far-field acoustic characteristics of the internal flow noise of the exhaust system are calculated by employing the Möhring's sound analogy method. In addition, the far-field acoustic characteristics of the external jet flow noise of the exhaust system are calculated by employing the stochastic noise generation and radiation (SNGR) method. Two kinds of protrusions are added to the main nozzle outlet to achieve noise reduction. The internal sound field of the marine exhaust system is dominated by low frequency sound sources, which are more obvious as the exhaust mass flow rate decreases. As for the external sound field of the marine exhaust system, the peak frequency of the far-field noise spectrum decreases with the decrease in the exhaust mass flow rate. The eight periodic protrusions perform better in reducing the internal aerodynamic noise of the exhaust system, while the five aperiodic protrusions perform better in reducing the external jet noise of the exhaust system.
Examining the Agreement Between the activPAL micro4 and ActiGraph GT9X Accelerometers on Daily Movement Behaviors Among Adults With Total Knee Replacement
Authors: DeVivo Katherine E. , Yang Chih-Hsiang , Pellegrini Christine A.
Published: April 2024

Objective: The primary purpose was to examine the agreement in sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous minutes and step counts between the activPAL micro4 and ActiGraph GT9X in adults following total knee replacement. A secondary purpose was to examine the agreement between the activPAL micro4 and ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers at two different time points after surgery (∼1 and 3 months). Methods: Participants in a randomized trial wore ActiGraph GT9X and activPAL micro4 monitors simultaneously for 7 days at ∼1 and 3 months after total knee replacement. The intraclass correlations for time spent in sedentary behavior, light, and moderate to vigorous activity in addition to step counts were estimated to determine consistency between the two monitors. Bland–Altman plot demonstrated the 95% limits of agreement between the monitors at both time points. Results: A total of 480 observations (days) were used from 41 participants (64.9 ± 7 years, 32.4 ± 6.5 kg/m2, 75.6% White, 61% female). The intraclass correlations between the ActiGraph GT9X and activPAL micro4 accelerometers was .839 for sedentary behavior, .853 for light activity, .806 for moderate to vigorous activity, and .937 for steps. The 95% confidence intervals of intraclass correlations between time points indicate a significantly higher agreement between the monitors at 3 months as compared with 1 month. Conclusion: The results suggest that either the ActiGraph GT9X or the activPAL micro4 accelerometers may be used for measuring sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous minutes and step counts in adults after knee replacement.
The role of iron-rich hydrosaline liquids in the formation of Kiruna-type iron oxide–apatite deposits
Authors: Zeng Li-Ping , Zhao Xin-Fu , Spandler Carl , Mavrogenes John A. , Mernagh Terrence P. , Liao Wang , Fan Yi-Zhe , Hu Yi , Fu Bin , Li Jian-Wei
Published: April 2024

Kiruna-type iron oxide–apatite (IOA) deposits, an important source of iron, show close associations with andesitic subvolcanic intrusions. However, the processes of ore formation and the mechanism controlling iron concentration remain uncertain. Here, we report the widespread presence of high-temperature (>800°C) water-poor multisolid hydrosaline liquid inclusions in pre- and syn-ore minerals from IOA deposits of eastern China. These inclusions consistently homogenize to a liquid phase by vapor disappearance and mostly contain 3 to 10 wt % Fe, signifying a substantial capacity for iron transportation by such hydrosaline liquids. We propose that the hydrosaline liquids were likely immiscible from the dioritic magmas with high Cl/H
2
O in subvolcanic settings. Subsequent reaction with host rocks and/or decompression and cooling of the hydrosaline liquids is deemed responsible for the simultaneous formation of high-temperature alteration and magnetite ores, thereby providing important insights into the distinctive characteristics of IOA deposits in shallow magmatic-hydrothermal systems.
Reconfigurable aqueous 3D printing with adaptive dual locks
Authors: Fu Yuchen , Li Zhiyong , Zhao Sai , Hou Honghao , Chai Yu
Published: April 2024

Using aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) for three-dimensional (3D) printed complex structures has attracted considerable attention in the field of biomedicine. In this study, we present an unusual approach to constructing reconfigurable 3D printed structures within an aqueous environment. Inspired by biological systems, we introduce both specific and nonspecific interactions to anchor functionalized nanoparticles to the water-water interface, thereby imparting adaptive dual locks of structural integrity and permeability to the 3D printed liquid structures. Using state-of-the-art in situ liquid-liquid interfacial atomic force microscopy imaging, we successfully demonstrate various morphologies of interfacial films formed at the ATPS interface. In addition, by incorporating
d
-glucose or sodium alginate into the systems, the dual locks can be easily manipulated. Our study paves a pathway for 3D printing multiresponsive all-aqueous systems with controllable structures and permeability, showing promising implications for the development of smart drug delivery systems and in vivo reactions.
Quantum trapping and rotational self-alignment in triangular Casimir microcavities
Authors: Küçüköz Betül , Kotov Oleg V. , Canales Adriana , Polyakov Alexander Yu. , Agrawal Abhay V. , Antosiewicz Tomasz J. , Shegai Timur O.
Published: April 2024

Casimir torque, a rotational motion driven by zero-point energy minimization, is a problem that attracts notable research interest. Recently, it has been realized using liquid crystal phases and natural anisotropic substrates. However, for natural materials, substantial torque occurs only at van der Waals distances of ~10 nm. Here, we use Casimir self-assembly with triangular gold nanostructures for rotational self-alignment at truly Casimir distances (100 to 200 nm separation). The interplay of repulsive electrostatic and attractive Casimir potentials forms a stable quantum trap, giving rise to a tunable Fabry-Pérot microcavity. This cavity self-aligns both laterally and rotationally to maximize area overlap between templated and floating flakes. The rotational self-alignment is sensitive to the equilibrium distance between the two triangles and their area, offering possibilities for active control via electrostatic screening manipulation. Our self-assembled Casimir microcavities present a versatile and tunable platform for nanophotonic, polaritonic, and optomechanical applications.
Hydrologic cycle weakening in hothouse climates
Authors: Liu Jiachen , Yang Jun , Ding Feng , Chen Gang , Hu Yongyun
Published: April 2024

The hydrologic cycle has wide impacts on the ocean salinity and circulation, carbon and nitrogen cycles, and the ecosystem. Under anthropogenic global warming, previous studies showed that the intensification of the hydrologic cycle is a robust feature. Whether this trend persists in hothouse climates, however, is unknown. Here, we show in climate models that mean precipitation first increases with rising surface temperature, but the precipitation trend reverses when the surface is hotter than ~320 to 330 kelvin. This nonmonotonic phenomenon is robust to the cause of warming, convection scheme, ocean dynamics, atmospheric mass, planetary rotation, gravity, and stellar spectrum. The weakening occurs because of the existence of an upper limitation of outgoing longwave emission and the continuously increasing shortwave absorption by H
2
O and is consistent with atmospheric dynamics featuring the strong increase of atmospheric stratification and marked reduction of convective mass flux. These results have wide implications for the climate evolutions of Earth, Venus, and potentially habitable exoplanets.
Legged robots beyond bioinspiration
Authors: Walas Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

Advances in engineering enable wheeled-legged hybrid locomotion, an achievement not feasible in biological systems.
The subacromial bursa modulates tendon healing after rotator cuff injury in rats
Authors: Marshall Brittany P. , Ashinsky Beth G. , Ferrer Xavier E. , Kunes Jennifer A. , Innis Astia C. , Luzzi Andrew J. , Forrester Lynn Ann , Burt Kevin G. , Lee Andy J. , Song Lee , Lisiewski Lauren E. , Soni Rajesh K. , Hung Clark T. , Levine William N. , Kovacevic David , Thomopoulos Stavros
Published: April 2024

Rotator cuff injuries result in more than 500,000 surgeries annually in the United States, many of which fail. These surgeries typically involve repair of the injured tendon and removal of the subacromial bursa, a synovial-like tissue that sits between the rotator cuff and the acromion. The subacromial bursa has been implicated in rotator cuff pathogenesis and healing. Using proteomic profiling of bursa samples from nine patients with rotator cuff injury, we show that the bursa responds to injury in the underlying tendon. In a rat model of supraspinatus tenotomy, we evaluated the bursa’s effect on the injured supraspinatus tendon, the uninjured infraspinatus tendon, and the underlying humeral head. The bursa protected the intact infraspinatus tendon adjacent to the injured supraspinatus tendon by maintaining its mechanical properties and protected the underlying humeral head by maintaining bone morphometry. The bursa promoted an inflammatory response in injured rat tendon, initiating expression of genes associated with wound healing, including
Cox2
and
Il6
. These results were confirmed in rat bursa organ cultures. To evaluate the potential of the bursa as a therapeutic target, polymer microspheres loaded with dexamethasone were delivered to the intact bursae of rats after tenotomy. Dexamethasone released from the bursa reduced
Il1b
expression in injured rat supraspinatus tendon, suggesting that the bursa could be used for drug delivery to reduce inflammation in the healing tendon. Our findings indicate that the subacromial bursa contributes to healing in underlying tissues of the shoulder joint, suggesting that its removal during rotator cuff surgery should be reconsidered.
Antigenic distance between primary and secondary dengue infections correlates with disease risk
Authors: Wang Lin , Huang Angkana T. , Katzelnick Leah C. , Lefrancq Noémie , Escoto Ana Coello , Duret Loréna , Chowdhury Nayeem , Jarman Richard , Conte Matthew A. , Berry Irina Maljkovic , Fernandez Stefan , Klungthong Chonticha , Thaisomboonsuk Butsaya , Suntarattiwong Piyarat , Vandepitte Warunee , Whitehead Stephen S. , Cauchemez Simon , Cummings Derek A. T. , Salje Henrik
Published: April 2024

Many pathogens continuously change their protein structure in response to immune-driven selection, resulting in weakened protection even in previously exposed individuals. In addition, for some pathogens, such as dengue virus, poorly targeted immunity is associated with increased risk of severe disease through a mechanism known as antibody-dependent enhancement. However, it remains unclear whether the antigenic distances between an individual’s first infection and subsequent exposures dictate disease risk, explaining the observed large-scale differences in dengue hospitalizations across years. Here, we develop a framework that combines detailed antigenic and genetic characterization of viruses with details on hospitalized cases from 21 years of dengue surveillance in Bangkok, Thailand, to identify the role of the antigenic profile of circulating viruses in determining disease risk. We found that the risk of hospitalization depended on both the specific order of infecting serotypes and the antigenic distance between an individual’s primary and secondary infections, with risk maximized at intermediate antigenic distances. These findings suggest that immune imprinting helps determine dengue disease risk and provide a pathway to monitor the changing risk profile of populations and to quantifying risk profiles of candidate vaccines.
Revisiting the stratigraphic development of the postglacial, transgressive paleo-Changjiang (Yangtze River) mouth: A journey from tide-dominated estuary to delta
Authors: Liu Shihao , Goff John A. , Feng Wei , Liu Yan , Shan Xin , Hu Weifen , Chen Yufeng , Wang Ya Ping
Published: April 2024

The transition between a tide-dominated estuary and a tide-dominated delta, which is observed in modern settings and repeatedly throughout the geologic record, is a critical process for understanding sea-level and environmental changes. This transition remains poorly documented, however, leaving a knowledge gap about the sedimentary and stratigraphic processes involved. To help bridge the gap, we reexamined the postglacial transgressive system beneath the modern Changjiang (Yangtze River) Delta, built by one of the world’s largest rivers, using new chirp data supplemented by correlation with previously documented boreholes. Our results revealed a previously undocumented tide-dominated estuary-to-delta transition around the Younger Dryas, with the pretransition evolution dominated by the retrogradation of the tide-dominated estuary, which fills most of the accommodation space in the lowstand incised valley. This transition occurred when the middle and seaward parts of the estuary reached the subaqueous modern Changjiang Delta area and underwent extensive tidal erosion. Overlying the tidal ravinement, a series of ridge-and-swale structures formed due to tidal/fluviotidal channelization on the mud-dominated heterolithic substrate, primarily consisting of delta-front sediments characterized by flat, stratified reflections (bedding) with shallowing-upward trends. Ridge orientation rotates clockwise from north to south, with intervening swales bifurcating from a common apex point, and these features are flanked by inclined and sigmoidal levee-like channel fills dominated by homogeneous mud (acoustically transparent material). We reinterpret these features as tide-dominated delta islands and distributary channels, rather than the previously interpreted erosional mud ridges in the seaward part of the estuary, as they align with patterns observed in classic tide-dominated deltas. These patterns also suggest a shift from delta-front to delta-plain environments coinciding with shoreline advance ca. 10 k.y. B.P., but this was preceded by the evolution of a backstepping delta. Our study highlights the interplay between sediment supply and sea-level fluctuations in controlling the large-scale stratigraphic and environmental evolution of tidal-dominated river mouth systems. In the transgressive, paleo-Changjiang mouth, this interplay drove the system to evolve through stages of retrogradational estuary, backstepping delta, and progradational delta, and each environment differs significantly from the pattern observed in the modern Changjiang Delta. This study provides important insights for evaluating the evolution and sequence-stratigraphic reconstruction of other tidal depositional systems.
Effective fall prevention exercise in residential aged care: an intervention component analysis from an updated systematic review
Authors: Dawson Rik , Suen Jenni , Sherrington Catherine , Kwok Wing , Pinheiro Marina B , Haynes Abby , McLennan Charlotte , Sutcliffe Katy , Kneale Dylan , Dyer Suzanne
Published: April 2024

Objective

The effect of fall prevention exercise programmes in residential aged care (RAC) is uncertain. This paper reports on an intervention component analysis (ICA) of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), from an update of a Cochrane review, to develop a theory of features of successful fall prevention exercise in RAC.

Methods

Trial characteristics were extracted from RCTs testing exercise interventions in RAC identified from an update of a Cochrane review to December 2022 (n=32). Eligible trials included RCTs or cluster RCTs in RAC, focusing on participants aged 65 or older, assessing fall outcomes with stand-alone exercise interventions. ICA was conducted on trials with >30 participants per treatment arm compared with control (n=17). Two authors coded trialists’ perceptions on intervention features that may have contributed to the observed effect on falls. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify the key differences between the trials which might account for positive and negative outcomes.

Results

32 RCTs involving 3960 residents including people with cognitive (57%) and mobility (41%) impairments were included. ICA on the 17 eligible RCTs informed the development of a theory that (1) effective fall prevention exercise deliversthe right exerciseby specifically targeting balance and strength, tailored to the individual and delivered simply at a moderate intensity and (2) successful implementation needs to besufficiently resourcedto deliver structured and supervised exercise at an adequate dose.

Conclusions

This analysis suggests that delivering the right exercise, sufficiently resourced, is important for preventing falls in RAC. This clinical guidance requires confirmation in larger trials.
Reimagining nutrition education for pregnant adolescents in the face of climate change: a community approach
Authors: de Meijer Fleur , Kimanthi Mary , Cheruiyot Susan , Muia Alex Makau , Goga Donnah , Azamkhan Mohamed Soulthy , Njoga Cecilia , Gathu Catherine , Agoi Felix , Nyamu Nelson , Shabani Jacob
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To explore challenges with current nutrition education for teenage pregnant women in a drought-prone community in Kenya and to elicit the communities’ suggestions on how to best adapt it in the face of climate change.

Design

Nine serial focus group discussions (four with adolescents, two with their parents, two with community health volunteers and one with healthcare workers) were conducted on a purposively selected study population in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, Kenya. Data collection took place between March and November 2022, with a total of 73 participants. An inductive approach was used, and interpretive thematic coding was done as the primary analytic strategy to allow themes derived from participants’ reflections.

Results

First, participants reported that unpredictable rainfall patterns had affected nutrition intake and variety due to reduced yield from farmland, diseases in livestock and insufficient income. Second, participants reported barriers to accessing nutrition education, as it was mainly given in clinics and not targeted at adolescents or men. Third, they experienced challenges in applying nutrition education in daily life due to a mismatch between available foods and cultural practices. Recommendations for the future encompassed equipping individuals with practical cooking skills tailored to available nutrients, initiatives aimed at water conservation and addressing animal health concerns, enhancing accessibility through community-based training programmes and fostering collaborative efforts to ensure the provision of essential nutrients.

Conclusion

Food choices in Kilifi County are getting more limited due to unpredicted rainfall patterns. Therefore, a reorientation of nutrition education is needed in order to build resilience in the community. Strengthening community action, including developing skills to increase long-term local support, would be needed to ensure the adequate nutrition status of vulnerable groups like pregnant adolescent women.
Checkpoint inhibitor-expressing lentiviral vaccine suppresses tumor growth in preclinical cancer models
Authors: Tada Takuya , Norton Thomas D , Leibowitz Rebecca , Landau Nathaniel R
Published: April 2024

Background

While immunotherapy has been highly successful for the treatment of some cancers, for others, the immune response to tumor antigens is weak leading to treatment failure. The resistance of tumors to checkpoint inhibitor therapy may be caused by T cell exhaustion resulting from checkpoint activation.

Methods

In this study, lentiviral vectors that expressed T cell epitopes of an experimentally introduced tumor antigen, ovalbumin, or the endogenous tumor antigen, Trp1 were developed. The vectors coexpressed CD40 ligand (CD40L), which served to mature the dendritic cells (DCs), and a soluble programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) microbody to prevent checkpoint activation. Vaccination of mice bearing B16.OVA melanomas with vector-transduced DCs induced the proliferation and activation of functional, antigen-specific, cytolytic CD8 T cells.

Results

Vaccination induced the expansion of CD8 T cells that infiltrated the tumors to suppress tumor growth. Vector-encoded CD40L and PD-1 microbody increased the extent of tumor growth suppression. Adoptive transfer demonstrated that the effect was mediated by CD8 T cells. Direct injection of the vector, without the need for ex vivo transduction of DCs, was also effective.

Conclusions

This study suggests that therapeutic vaccination that induces tumor antigen-specific CD8 T cells coupled with a vector-expressed checkpoint inhibitor can be an effective means to suppress the growth of tumors that are resistant to conventional immunotherapy.
Clinical value of plasma ALZpath pTau217 immunoassay for assessing mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Lehmann Sylvain , Schraen-Maschke Susanna , Vidal Jean-Sébastien , Delaby Constance , Buee Luc , Blanc Frédéric , Paquet Claire , Allinquant Bernadette , Bombois Stéphanie , Gabelle Audrey , Hanon Olivier
Published: April 2024

Background

Among plasma biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), pTau181 and pTau217 are the most promising. However, transition from research to routine clinical use will require confirmation of clinical performance in prospective cohorts and evaluation of cofounding factors.

Method

pTau181 and pTau217 were quantified using, Quanterix and ALZpath, SIMOA assays in the well-characterised prospective multicentre BALTAZAR (Biomarker of AmyLoid pepTide and AlZheimer's diseAse Risk) cohort of participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Results

Among participants with MCI, 55% were Aβ+ and 29% developed dementia due to AD. pTau181 and pTau217 were higher in the Aβ+ population with fold change of 1.5 and 2.7, respectively. MCI that converted to AD also had higher levels than non-converters, with HRs of 1.38 (1.26 to 1.51) for pTau181 compared with 8.22 (5.45 to 12.39) for pTau217. The area under the curve for predicting Aβ+ was 0.783 (95% CI 0.721 to 0.836; cut-point 2.75 pg/mL) for pTau181 and 0.914 (95% CI 0.868 to 0.948; cut-point 0.44 pg/mL) for pTau217. The high predictive power of pTau217 was not improved by adding age, sex and apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOEε4) status, in a logistic model. Age, APOEε4 and renal dysfunction were associated with pTau levels, but the clinical performance of pTau217 was only marginally altered by these factors. Using a two cut-point approach, a 95% positive predictive value for Aβ+ corresponded to pTau217 >0.8 pg/mL and a 95% negative predictive value at <0.23 pg/mL. At these two cut-points, the percentages of MCI conversion were 56.8% and 9.7%, respectively, while the annual rates of decline in Mini-Mental State Examination were −2.32 versus −0.65.

Conclusions

Plasma pTau217 and pTau181 both correlate with AD, but the fold change in pTau217 makes it better to diagnose cerebral amyloidosis, and predict cognitive decline and conversion to AD dementia.
Chemical and physiological interactions between e-liquid constituents: cause for concern?
Authors: Strongin Robert M , Sharma Eva , Erythropel Hanno C , Kassem Nada O F , Noël Alexandra , Peyton D H , Rahman Irfan
Published: April 2024

Studies of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) toxicity have largely focused on individual components such as flavour additives, base e-liquid ingredients (propylene glycol, glycerol), device characteristics (eg, model, components, wattage), use behaviour, etc. However, vaping involves inhalation of chemical mixtures and interactions between compounds can occur that can lead to different toxicities than toxicity of the individual components. Methods based on the additive toxicity of individual chemical components to estimate the health risks of complex mixtures can result in the overestimation or underestimation of exposure risks, since interactions between components are under-investigated. In the case of ENDS, the potential of elevated toxicity resulting from chemical reactions and interactions is enhanced due to high operating temperatures and the metallic surface of the heating element. With the recent availability of a wide range of e-liquid constituents and popularity of do-it-yourself creation of e-liquid mixtures, the need to understand chemical and physiological impacts of chemical combinations in ENDS e-liquids and aerosols is immediate. There is a significant current knowledge gap concerning how specific combinations of ENDS chemical ingredients result in synergistic or antagonistic interactions. This commentary aims to review the current understanding of chemical reactions between e-liquid components, interactions between additives, chemical reactions that occur during vaping and aerosol properties and biomolecular interactions, all of which may impact physiological health.
Phylogenetic placement of Carex dianae Steud., a sedge endemic to the South Atlantic island of St. Helena
Authors: Bradshaw Cassandra D.V. , Percy Diana M. , Thomas-Williams Vanessa , Cairns-Wicks Rebecca , Gray Alan , Cronk Quentin C.
Published: April 2024

Carex dianae Steud. is an endemic sedge of St. Helena, an isolated island in the South Atlantic. Our study provides the first molecular sequence data for this taxon. We generated sequence data for plastid matK and trnK regions and nuclear internal transcribed spacer and external transcribed spacer regions to determine the placement of C. dianae in the broader Carex phylogeny. The placement of C. dianae falls within Carex sect. Spirostachyae Drejer, and it is sister to a clade including Carex clavata Thunb., Carex aethiopica Schkuhr (both from the Cape region of S. Africa), and Carex gunniana Boott (southern Australia). The existence of three divergent nucleotype groups and two plastotypes is revealed from genetic variation within C. dianae. The results suggest that the ancestor of C. dianae likely originated in the Cape region of South Africa, followed by transoceanic dispersal to St. Helena estimated at 4.4–4.9 million years ago, likely by a bird vector. The most divergent population is that on an isolated hill known as “The Barn”, which may represent a distinct taxon. The existence of highly structured molecular variation within an island only 16 km long is discussed.
New perspectives on radial profiles of specific gravity in North American conifers
Authors: Schimleck Laurence R. , McCulloh Katherine A. , Dahlen Joseph , Auty David
Published: April 2024

North American conifers exhibit three radial specific gravity (SG) patterns (Type 1, 2, and 3), which balance hydraulic and mechanical requirements. Type 1 and 2 patterns (Pinaceae) have low SG and high microfibril angle (MFA) corewood ensuring compliance, whereas in outerwood high SG/low MFA provide stiffness and strength resisting bending. Hydraulically, corewood, especially in Type 2 species, is resistant to embolism, whereas outerwood has higher specific conductivity. Cupressaceae (Type 3) have hydraulically very efficient, low SG outerwood, facilitating rapid growth. Corewood is flexible, whereas outerwood is mechanically weak and compensated for by more conical stems and durable heartwood (which prevents Brazier buckling). Radially earlywood (EW) decreases, and latewood (LW) increases for all types, whereas %latewood (%LW) increases (Type 1), decreases, then increases (Type 2) and decreases (Type 3). Ring SG increases when increasing LW SG and %LW are sufficient to counteract decreasing EW SG. Shade tolerance, crown recession, hormone gradients, and environmental variation affect patterns. Auxin concentration decreases with increasing distance from juvenile foliage slowing cell division, concomitantly gibberellin concentration (lignification) and carbohydrates (cell wall thickening) increase, producing higher %LW. Across a species range regions receiving relatively high summer rainfall have trees with higher %LW (by ring).
Optimal placement of marine protected areas for a predator–prey fish model
Authors: Sun Yuhui , Lv Guangying , Liu Wenjun , Auger Pierre
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes a fishery model with price fluctuations and predators. Under the assumption that the price changes much faster than other variables in the system, the fishery model can be considered as a fast–slow system. Using the approximate aggregation method, a simplified three-dimensional model is used for further research. The results indicate that due to overfishing by fishermen and the presence of predators, fish populations may become extinct, which is also known as catastrophic equilibrium. To avoid this situation, we propose two solutions. The first is to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) that prohibit fishing. We propose a fish population dynamics model with MPA, assuming that fish and predators move freely in protected areas and fishing areas. The results show that it is necessary to establish MPA. The second type is that regulatory agencies can control overfishing by fishermen by increasing taxes, thereby avoiding a catastrophic equilibrium. The ultimate goal is to achieve maximum economic benefits while maintaining balanced development of the ecosystem.
Learning Autonomous Viewpoint Adjustment from Human Demonstrations for Telemanipulation
Authors: Jia Ruixing , Yang Lei , Cao Ying , Kalun Or Calvin , Wang Wenping , Pan Jia
Published: April 2024

Teleoperation systems find many applications from earlier search-and-rescue to more recent daily tasks. It is widely acknowledged that using external sensors can decouple the view of the remote scene from the motion of the robot arm during manipulation, facilitating the control task. However, this design requires the coordination of multiple operators or may exhaust a single operator as s/he needs to control both the manipulator arm and the external sensors. To address this challenge, our work introduces a viewpoint prediction model, the first data-driven approach that autonomously adjusts the viewpoint of a dynamic camera to assist in telemanipulation tasks. This model is parameterized by a deep neural network and trained on a set of human demonstrations. We propose a contrastive learning scheme that leverages viewpoints in a camera trajectory as contrastive data for network training. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed viewpoint prediction model by integrating it into a real-world robotic system for telemanipulation. User studies reveal that our model outperforms several camera control methods in terms of control experience and reduces the perceived task load compared to manual camera control. As an assistive module of a telemanipulation system, our method significantly reduces task completion time for users who choose to adopt its recommendation.
Survey of Machine Learning for Software-assisted Hardware Design Verification: Past, Present, and Prospect
Authors: Wu Nan , Li Yingjie , Yang Hang , Chen Hanqiu , Dai Steve , Hao Cong , Yu Cunxi , Xie Yuan
Published: April 2024

With the ever-increasing hardware design complexity comes the realization that efforts required for hardware verification increase at an even faster rate. Driven by the push from the desired verification productivity boost and the pull from leap-ahead capabilities of machine learning (ML), recent years have witnessed the emergence of exploiting ML-based techniques to improve the efficiency of hardware verification. In this article, we present a panoramic view of how ML-based techniques are embraced in hardware design verification, from formal verification to simulation-based verification, from academia to industry, and from current progress to future prospects. We envision that the adoption of ML-based techniques will pave the road for more scalable, more intelligent, and more productive hardware verification.
Convergence Diagnostics for Entity Resolution
Authors: Aleshin-Guendel Serge , Steorts Rebecca C.
Published: April 2024

Entity resolution is the process of merging and removing duplicate records from multiple data sources, often in the absence of unique identifiers. Bayesian models for entity resolution allow one to include a priori information, quantify uncertainty in important applications, and directly estimate a partition of the records. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling is the primary computational method for approximate posterior inference in this setting, but due to the high dimensionality of the space of partitions, there are no agreed upon standards for diagnosing nonconvergence of MCMC sampling. In this article, we review Bayesian entity resolution, with a focus on the specific challenges that it poses for the convergence of a Markov chain. We review prior methods for convergence diagnostics, discussing their weaknesses. We provide recommendations for using MCMC sampling for Bayesian entity resolution, focusing on the use of modern diagnostics that are commonplace in applied Bayesian statistics. Using simulated data, we find that a commonly used Gibbs sampler performs poorly compared with two alternatives.
Tunable EOT Scaling Down to 0.55 nm for HfO2-Based Gate-Stacks on Ge Substrate by In Situ H2 Plasma Treatment
Authors: Li Hui-Hsuan , Chen Shang-Chiun , Lin Yu-Hsien , Chien Chao-Hsin
Published: April 2024

We propose a continuous fabrication method for HfO2-based gate stacks on a Ge bulk p-type metal–oxide–semiconductor capacitor (pMOSCAP) with HfGeOx interfacial layer by H2 plasma treatment through in situ plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. The electrical characteristics showed that the proper hydrogen plasma treatment could obtain an aggressively scaled equivalent oxide thickness of approximately 0.55 nm and a relatively low gate leakage current of 8 × 10−4 A cm−2 under PMA 500 °C.
Quality of Life, Mental Health, and CPAP Compliance in Thai Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Leelasittikul Kanyada , Pugongchai Apiwat , Tepwimonpetkun Chatkarin , Saiphoklang Narongkorn
Published: April 2024

Background. This study is aimed at determining the quality of life, mental health, and adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among Thai OSA patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as this data has been lacking. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital between September 2021 and April 2022. OSA patients aged 18 years or older who required home CPAP treatment were included. Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) were used to assess quality of life and mental health, respectively. Results. A total of 142 participants (62% male) were included, with a mean age of 54.4±14.7 years and a body mass index of 29.9±6.8 kg/m2. Polysomnographic data showed a mean apnea-hypopnea index of 48.0±32.4 events/hour and a mean lowest oxygen saturation of 79.2±12.2%. Severe OSA was observed in 66.9%. CPAP compliance was reported in 50.7%. The SAQLI score was 2.32±1.12. Depression, anxiety, and stress scores in DASS-21 were 2.89±3.31, 3.94±3.67, and 4.82±4.00, respectively. Compared to the CPAP compliance group, the CPAP noncompliance group had higher daily activity scores in SAQLI (2.98±1.25 vs. 2.45±1.33, P=0.015). Conclusions. The quality of life for Thai OSA patients during the COVID-19 era was moderate degree. Poor CPAP compliance was significantly associated with limited daily activity. Enhancing CPAP compliance could improve the quality of life in these patients. This trial is registered with TCTR20211104004.
Anemia and Associated Factors among Public Elementary School Children in Asella Town, Southeast Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Guye Ararso Hordofa , Hansa Kasim , Ketema Kasahun , Moroda Meseret , Shambi Dame Banti
Published: April 2024

Background. Anemia has a negative impact on school children, including poor physical growth and reduced mental performance. Children show poor attentiveness, behavior, and memory and reduced school performance. There is limited evidence of the magnitude of anemia and associated factors in school-age children in Ethiopia, including the study area. Objective. To assess the magnitude of anemia and associated factors among public elementary school children in Asella Town, Southeast Ethiopia, in 2022. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Asella Town from April 5 to May 5, 2022. A total of 442 school children aged 7–14 years were included in the study using the multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a pretested and semistructured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview technique. The hemoglobin concentration was determined by using the HemoCue 301+ analyzer. Anthropometric data and stool examinations were collected from participants. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6, transported, and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. Adjusted odds ratios along with their 95% confidence interval were used, and a p value of ≤0.05 was used for declaring statistical significance. Results. A total of 435 students with a mean age and standard deviation of 10.77 ± 2.21 years participated in the study. The magnitude of anemia was 78 (17.9%), with a 95% CI (14.3, 21.47). Of the participants, 63 (14.5%) were mild anemic and 15 (3.4%) were moderately anemic. Children whose mothers have no formal education (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.89, 8.21), underweight children (AOR = 3.83, 95% CI: 1.98, 7.40), and parasites in their stool (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.50, 9.20) were significantly associated with anemia in school-age children. Conclusion. Anemia among school-age children was found to be a mild public health problem. Uneducated mothers, intestinal parasite infections, and underweight children were found to be determinants of anemia among school-age children. Health professionals should provide health education for mothers about child-feeding practices and the consumption of dietary sources of iron.
Travel Time Reliability Estimation in Urban Road Networks: Utilization of Statistics Distribution and Tensor Decomposition
Authors: Zou Linzhi , Wang Jiawen , Cheng Minqian , Hang Jiayu
Published: April 2024

The travel time reliability (TTR) is crucial for evaluating the reliability of road networks, but real traffic data is often incomplete and sparse. This study validates that road network TTR conforms to a normal distribution and devises a quantification approach for road network TTR. Two reliability estimation methods are tailored for two data sources: section detectors and mobile detectors. Simulation experiments have confirmed the effectiveness of these methods. The study emphasizes that the TTR estimation method using traffic section data (S‐TTR), which is based on the verified normal distribution assumption, maintains average absolute errors below 10%. On the other hand, the TTR estimation method that utilizes sparse trajectory data (T‐TTR), which relies on tensor decomposition, proficiently fills in all missing data with an average error of 0.0059.
On Some New Sequence Spaces and Their Duals
Authors: Barlak Damla
Published: April 2024

In this study, we defined some new sequence spaces using regular Tribonacci matrix. We examined some properties of these spaces such as completeness, Schauder basis. We have identifiedα−,β−, andγ−duals of the newly created spaces.
Development of Particle Filters for Portable Air Purifiers by Combining Melt‐Blown and Polytetrafluoroethylene to Improve Durability and Performance
Authors: Yun Hyunjun , Seo Ji Hoon , Yang Jinho
Published: April 2024

Improving indoor air quality through the use of air purifiers has become a major focus, with emphasis on developing filters with high efficiency, high holding capacity, and low‐pressure drop to improve the clean air delivery rate (CADR) for air purifiers. However, although most studies focused on developing media and evaluating their performance, few studies have reached the employment for a pleated filter. In this study, we newly synthesized flat media and pleated filters by combining polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (PT) and melt‐blown (MB) materials (PM) and compared its initial performance to that of other air purifier filters (MB, glass fiber, and PT). Additionally, we analyzed how the performance changed after the particles were loaded. The initial efficiency of the PM filter showed a higher quality factor (QF) than the other filters. Furthermore, when more particles were loaded, the penetration of the PM did not change. These results demonstrate the potential of the PM. However, the CADR and submicron‐sized (0.02–0.113 μm) CADR (sCADR) were highest for the MB filter due to the initial pressure drop. Therefore, additional improvements are required to apply the PM in air purifiers. However, the results suggest that the PM can be a new alternative for air purifier filters used in medical centers or facilities with vulnerable populations where a high‐efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter must be used.
Improvement of Quality Characteristics and Shelf Life Extension of Raw Chicken Meat by Using Black Mulberry Leaf (Morus nigra L.) Extracts
Authors: Çelebi̇ Yasemin
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of different concentrations of black mulberry leaf extract (BMLE) on the microbial quality, lipid oxidation, biogenic amine content, color stability, and sensory attributes of raw chicken meat during a 12-day chilled storage period. The raw chicken meat was treated with 0.1% BHT (positive control), 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% BMLE, and the outcomes were then compared to the results obtained from raw chicken meat with no additive (control). In comparison to the control group, the inclusion of BMLE resulted in a decrease (P<0.05) in pH and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), as well as an improvement in redness (a∗) (P<0.05). The addition of BMLE significantly extended the shelf life of raw chicken meats compared to the control, as it limited microbiological development and lipid oxidation during storage (P<0.05). Additionally, the BMLE exhibited the most potent inhibitory impact on the buildup of these four BAs (tyramine, cadaverine, histamine, and tyramine) in raw chicken samples at the 12-day storage period (P<0.05). Despite the 0.5% BMLE groups’ lowest results for microbial counts, TBARS, and biogenic amines, the concentration of 0.3% BMLE proved to be the most advantageous in terms of sensory acceptability. These findings suggested that BMLE, rather than artificial chemicals, could be utilized in raw chicken products as a promising natural antioxidant and antibacterial agent.
Stability of a Fractional Opinion Formation Model with and without Leadership Using the New Generalized Hattaf Fractional Derivative
Authors: Ait Ichou Mohamed , Hattaf Khalid
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we propose and analyze the dynamical behaviors of two opinion formation models, one with leadership and the other without leadership. The two proposed models are formulated by fractional differential equations (FDEs) with the frame of the new generalized Hattaf fractional (GHF) derivative. The stability in the sense of Mittag–Leffler is rigorously established for both models. The convergence of agents’ opinions to the consensus opinion is fully investigated. Numerical simulations are given to illustrate the analytical results.
Effect of Electrode Shape on the Performance of ZnO-Based Ethanol Sensor
Authors: Sirjani Shokoufeh , Fattah Ali , Haratizadeh Hamid
Published: April 2024

This paper reports the deposition of Zn on glass substrates using the physical vapor deposition (PVD) method, followed by an annealing process to grow ZnO for gas-sensing applications. Surface morphologies were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, which revealed nanowire shape. The diameter of the wire was about 35 nm. In addition, X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the ZnO nanowire possessed a wurtzite structure with an orientation of (002). Three types of resistive gas sensors with a spiral-square and two-comb electrode geometries were designed, fabricated, and tested for their ethanol vapor-sensing properties. The experimental results show that the sensor with square-spiral electrode has the sensitivity of 43% for 2,000 ppm of ethanol vapor at 200°C, while the sensor with a comb electrode shows the sensitivity of 32% at the same conditions. Also, two sensors with different dimensions of comb-shaped electrodes showed the same sensitivity, as both the width and the distance between the fingers change simultaneously in the larger comb-shaped electrode. The response time for the comb electrode is shorter than the square-spiral type, and the recovery time is almost independent of the electrode geometry. Therefore, the optimal structure should be selected based on the application.