bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coral recruitment in the Toliara region of southwest Madagascar: Spatio‐temporal variability and implications for reef conservation
Authors: Botosoamananto Radonirina Lebely , Todinanahary Gildas , Gasimandova Lahitsiresy Max , Randrianarivo Mahery , Guilhaumon François , Penin Lucie , Adjeroud Mehdi
Published: January 2024

Investigating coral recruitment is critical to better understand replenishment and resilience capacities of coral reef ecosystems and to improve their conservation. Here, we examined the spatio‐temporal patterns of coral recruitment and the influence of confamilial adult coral cover in the region of Toliara, southwest Madagascar. Terracotta tiles were immersed from October to late January over a 3‐year period (2018–2021) at 10 stations located on major reef habitats. Overall recruitment rates were relatively high compared to those of other reefs in the Southwestern Indian Ocean, ranging from 219.20 recruits.m−2 in 2018–2019 to 156.30 recruits.m−2 in 2020–2021. Recruit assemblages were dominated by Acroporidae (45.5%) and Pocilloporidae (45.0%), whereas Poritidae (1.9%) and “other” recruits (3.6%) were rarely recorded. Recruitment patterns varied among stations and habitats, with higher rates in patch reef (187.06 recruits.m−2) and outer slope stations (156.99 recruits.m−2) compared to inner slope stations (108.04 recruits.m−2). With the exception of “other” recruits, recruitment rates decreased between 2018 and 2019 and 2019 and 2020, followed by an increase in 2020–2021 that reached or even exceeded initial values at some stations. The abundance of Pocilloporidae recruits was positively correlated with the cover of confamilial adult corals, highlighting potential stock–recruitment or recruitment–limitation relationships, or an aggregative settlement of young stages near the established adult colonies, whereas no such relationships were recorded for other coral family categories. This study identified sites on the outer slope and patch reefs to consider prioritizing for protection as recruitment hotspots, as well as degraded inner slope sites that could benefit from restoration, with the important caveat that any measures should be accompanied by alternative income‐generating activities through local involvement that suits the Malagasy context, such as locally marine managed areas.
Chained machine learning model for predicting load capacity and ductility of steel fiber–reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Shafighfard Torkan , Kazemi Farzin , Bagherzadeh Faramarz , Mieloszyk Magdalena , Yoo Doo‐Yeol
Published: January 2024

One of the main issues associated with steel fiber–reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams is the ability to anticipate their flexural response. With a comprehensive grid search, several stacked models (i.e., chained, parallel) consisting of various machine learning (ML) algorithms and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were developed to predict the flexural response of SFRC beams. The flexural performance of SFRC beams under bending was assessed based on 193 experimental specimens from real‐life beam models. The ML techniques were applied to predict SFRC beam responses to bending load as functions of the steel fiber properties, concrete elastic modulus, beam dimensions, and reinforcement details. The accuracy of the models was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE) of actual versus predicted values. The findings revealed that the proposed technique exhibited notably superior performance, delivering faster and more accurate predictions compared to both the ANNs and parallel models. Shapley diagrams were used to analyze variable contributions quantitatively. Shapley values show that the chained model prediction of ductility index is highly affected by two other targets (peak load and peak deflection) that show the chained algorithm utilizing the prediction of previous steps for enhancing the prediction of the target feature. The proposed model can be viewed as a function of significant input variables that permit the quick assessment of the likely performance of SFRC beams in bending.
The effectiveness of faecal collection devices in preventing moderate to severe incontinence‐associated dermatitis: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Lu , Zhang Wanting , Wang Ling
Published: January 2024

Background

Incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD) is a common problem among critically ill patients with faecal incontinence (FI). However, there are few studies comparing the effects of different faecal collection devices impact the prevention of moderate to severe IAD in this patient population.

Aim

This review aims to compare the effectiveness of various devices for collecting faecal matter in preventing moderate to severe IAD in critically ill patients suffering from FI through a network meta‐analysis.

Study Design

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, CENTRAL, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan fang, Wei Pu, and China Biomedicine (CBM) from their inception until May 4, 2023. The selected studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two researchers independently performed study selection and data extraction. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool Version 2.0. RevMan 5.4 was utilized for conventional pairwise meta‐analysis of direct comparisons, while Stata16.0 was employed for network meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 14 studies, involving 1345 patients, were included in the analysis. Pairwise meta‐analysis showed that an anal bag[odds ratio(OR): 0.07(0.03, 0.20)], a balloon catheter[(OR:0.30(0.15, 0.62)], and an anal bag connected to negative pressure and flushing [(OR: 0.09(0.01,0.68)] all reduced the incidence of moderate to severe IAD in critically ill patients compared with usual care measures, respectively. The cumulative rank probabilities indicated that moderate to severe IAD prevention was more effective when employing balloon catheters connected to negative pressure [surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA): 20.8%] and anal bags connected to negative pressure (SUCRA: 27.0%) among critically ill patients with FI.

Conclusion

FI is a common problem among severely ill patients, and the reduction of moderate and severe IAD incidence is deemed essential. In this review, it is suggested that both balloon catheters connected to negative pressure and anal bags connected to negative pressure are associated with a higher effectiveness in preventing moderate and severe IAD.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The findings of this review can assist healthcare professionals in the selection of suitable stool management devices for the prevention of moderate to severe IAD in critically ill patients with FI.
Active conflict and access to education: Evidence from a series of conflict‐related shocks in Yemen
Authors: Almoayad Safa , Favari Eliana , Halabi Saamira , Krishnaswamy Siddharth , Music Almedina , Tandon Sharad
Published: January 2024

Using a high‐frequency survey in Yemen, we demonstrate how school attendance responds to a series of conflict‐related shocks. First, there are a number of plausibly exogenous events that significantly change the severity of violence but have limited impacts on school attendance. These events include the capture of the southern capital by secessionist forces, an unexpected partial ceasefire, and the capture of a governorate from the internationally recognized government by Houthi forces. Second, we demonstrate how shocks aside from living in close proximity to violence—institutional declines and macroeconomic shocks associated with the conflict—can have large impacts on school attendance and the ability to afford essential services. For example, a teacher strike associated with conflict‐induced instiutional declines caused an immediate doubling of the share of households with poor school attendance. Combined, the results better illustrate some of the mechanisms by which conflict impedes school attendance and human capital formation, and the results have implications for education assistance being delivered in conflict settings.
Decomposition numbers for abelian defect RoCK blocks of double covers of symmetric groups
Authors: Fayers Matthew , Kleshchev Alexander , Morotti Lucia
Published: January 2024

We calculate the (super)decomposition matrix for a RoCK block of a double cover of the symmetric group with abelian defect, verifying a conjecture of the first author. To do this, we exploit a theorem of the second author and Livesey that a RoCK block is Morita superequivalent to a wreath superproduct of a certain quiver (super)algebra with the symmetric group . We develop the representation theory of this wreath superproduct to compute its Cartan invariants. We then directly construct projective characters for to calculate its decomposition matrix up to a triangular adjustment, and show that this adjustment is trivial by comparing Cartan invariants.
Force-Induced Deformation Mechanism for Cylindrical Shell Thin-Walled Parts Milling With Ice Supporting: Modeling and Prediction
Authors: Liu Haibo , Zeng Lingqi , Wang Chengxin , Han Lingsheng , Li Pengchao , Wang Yongqing
Published: January 2024

Improving the rigidity of the process system in the cutting region of thin-walled parts is a challenging problem to ensure machining accuracy. For limited structural space, the use of ice support is an effective method. However, ice and workpiece constitute a completely new process system, which generates a complex process response under milling forces. Based on the Kirchhoff–Love thin-wall small-deformation assumption and the Winkler model for describing the inverse support of ice on cylindrical shell thin-walled parts (CSTWPs), a new prediction model is developed to predict the deflection of CSTWP under ice support. In the model, by introducing the displacement function in the form of annular triangular series, the analytical solution of the displacement is given for the cylindrical shell with nonsimply supported edges at both ends under ice support. A finite element model for milling CSTWP under ice support is developed, which takes into account the nonlinear behavior of ice and the complex mechanical behavior of the ice/workpiece interface. Based on this finite element model and the corresponding milling experiments, the accuracy and validity of the established model are verified. The work provides a theoretical basis for the prediction of the deformation of CSTWP under ice support.
Machining Process Automation in Computer Numerical Control Turning Using Robot-Assisted Imaging and CNN-Based Machine Learning
Authors: Maiti Chayan , Patel Deep , Muthuswamy Sreekumar
Published: January 2024

With the emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0, industrial automation has grown as an important vertical in recent years. Smart manufacturing techniques are now becoming essential to keep up with the global industrial competition. Decreasing machine’s downtime and increasing tool life are crucial factors in reducing machining process costs. Therefore, introducing complete process automation utilizing an intelligent automation system can enhance the throughput of manufacturing processes. To achieve this, intelligent manufacturing systems can be designed to recognize materials they interact with and autonomously decide what actions to take whenever needed. This paper aims to present a generalized approach for fully automated machining processes to develop an intelligent manufacturing system. As an objective to accomplish this, the presence of workpiece material is automatically detected and identified in the proposed system using a convolutional neural network (CNN) based machine learning (ML) algorithm. Furthermore, the computer numerical control (CNC) lathe’s machining toolpath is automatically generated based on workpiece images for a surface finishing operation. Machining process parameters (spindle speed and feed rate) are also autonomously controlled, thus enabling full machining process automation. The implemented system introduces cognitive abilities into a machining system, creating an intelligent manufacturing ecosystem. The improvised system is capable of identifying various materials and generating toolpaths based on the type of workpieces. The accuracy and robustness of the system are also validated with different experimental setups. The presented results demonstrate that the proposed approach can be applied in manufacturing systems without the need for significant modification.
Complete genome sequences of a Canadian strain of enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
(EAEC) with multiple metals and antimicrobial resistance genes isolated from municipal waste-activated sludge
Authors: Kang Mingsong , Charron Philippe , Hoover Emily , Huang Hongsheng
Published: January 2024

Enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
(EAEC) is an emerging food-borne pathogen causing acute or persistent diarrhea in humans. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a strain of EAEC with multiple metals and antimicrobial resistance genes isolated from a waste-activated sludge collected from a Canadian municipal wastewater treatment plant.
Multi-omics analyses reveal rumen microbes and secondary metabolites that are unique to livestock species
Authors: Omondi Victor O. , Bosire Geoffrey O. , Onyari John M. , Kibet Caleb , Mwasya Samuel , Onyonyi Vanessa N. , Getahun Merid N.
Published: January 2024

Rumen fermentation, which depends on feed components and rumen microbes, plays a crucial role in feed conversion and the production of various metabolites important for the physiological functions, health, and environmental smartness of ruminant livestock, in addition to providing food for humans. However, given the complexity and variation of the rumen ecosystem and feed of these various livestock species, combined with inter-individual differences between gut microbial communities, how they influence the rumen secondary metabolites remains elusive. Using metagenomics and metabolomics approaches, we show that each livestock species has a signature microbe(s) and secondary metabolites. These findings may contribute toward understanding the rumen ecosystem, microbiome and metabolite networks, which may provide a gateway to manipulating rumen ecosystem pathways toward making livestock production efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
A synthetic biology approach to assemble and reboot clinically relevant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
tailed phages
Authors: Ipoutcha Thomas , Racharaks Ratanachat , Huttelmaier Stefanie , Wilson Cole J. , Ozer Egon A. , Hartmann Erica M.
Published: January 2024

The rise in the frequency of antibiotic resistance has made bacterial infections, specifically
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, a cause for greater concern. Phage therapy is a promising solution that uses naturally isolated phages to treat bacterial infections. Ecological limitations, which stipulate a discrete host range and the inevitable evolution of resistance, may be overcome through a better understanding of phage biology and the utilization of engineered phages. In this study, we developed a synthetic biology approach to construct tailed phages that naturally target clinically relevant strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. As proof of concept, we successfully cloned and assembled the JG024 and DMS3 phage genomes in yeast using transformation-associated recombination cloning and rebooted these two phage genomes in two different strains of
P. aeruginosa
. We identified factors that affected phage reboot efficiency like the phage species or the presence of antiviral defense systems in the bacterial strain. We have successfully extended this method to two other phage species and observed that the method enables the reboot of phages that are naturally unable to infect the strain used for reboot. This research represents a critical step toward the construction of clinically relevant, engineered
P. aeruginosa
phages.

IMPORTANCE

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a bacterium responsible for severe infections and a common major complication in cystic fibrosis. The use of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections has become increasingly difficult as antibiotic resistance has become more prevalent. Phage therapy is an alternative solution that is already being used in some European countries, but its use is limited by the narrow host range due to the phage receptor specificity, the presence of antiviral defense systems in the bacterial strain, and the possible emergence of phage resistance. In this study, we demonstrate the use of a synthetic biology approach to construct and reboot clinically relevant
P. aeruginosa
tailed phages. This method enables a significant expansion of possibilities through the construction of engineered phages for therapy applications.
Emphysematous vaginitis in a gravid woman
Authors: Bondugula Harshita Reddy , Belum Reddy Vinila , Mallavalli Samhitha , Gavvala Manmohan
Published: January 2024

A primigravida in her late 20s presented to the obstetrics and gynaecology department in labour. On per speculum examination, multiple cystic lesions, 1–5 mm in size were observed occupying the anterior, posterior and lateral vaginal walls. Vaginal wet mount was normal and vaginal cultures were negative. Biopsy findings were consistent with emphysematous vaginitis. Vaginitis emphysematosa is a rare, benign self-limiting condition that presents with multiple, air-filled cysts in the vaginal or ectocervical mucosa. This condition is seen in both gravid and non gravid women, usually associated with a Trichomonas or Gardnerella infection.
Spontaneous haemoperitoneum in the second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Carlson Karen , Montoya Sandy
Published: January 2024

This is a case of a spontaneous haemoperitoneum occurring in the second trimester of pregnancy which was managed with interventional radiology to avoid laparotomy and its potential consequences. We aim to raise awareness of this condition in pregnancy because the perinatal mortality rate is as high as 36%. Spontaneous haemoperitoneum in pregnancy (SHiP) has frequently been associated with vascular rupture from pre-existing endometriosis. Most cases of SHiP have been managed with laparotomy. However, transcatheter embolisation can impart lifesaving alternatives to more invasive interventions when caring for pregnant patients. More judicious use of imaging procedures may also help improve diagnostic and therapeutic pathways with SHiP. We recommend that high-risk pregnancies are managed in level IV regional perinatal healthcare centres, when possible, where subspecialists and alternative measures of management exist.
ALT in combination with triple-rolled TFL for reconstruction of a complex tendoachilles defect: technical details and rehabilitation regime
Authors: Ahmed Zahra , Cook Hannah , Anadkat Meera , Ioannidi Lydia , Marmery Helen , Nikkhah Dariush
Published: January 2024

A fit man in his 60s presented with an infected Achilles tendon (AT) following two failed repairs for a traumatic rupture. Initial debridement of necrotic tissue resulted in a large soft tissue defect requiring robust coverage. Following aggressive wound management, an anterolateral thigh flap was elevated with tensor fasciae latae (TFL) which was triple-rolled to provide soft tissue coverage and tendon reconstruction.

The flap remained healthy and was monitored with a flow coupler device. Initially, the foot was placed in plantarflexion before gradually increasing the angle to neutral and a thermoplastic splint was used to offload pressure on the flap. Following 1 month of non-weight-bearing, gentle mobilisation began. Three months postoperatively, the patient could walk, had resumed indoor cycling and demonstrated a comparable heel raise with the contralateral side. MRI showed a taut TFL attached to the distal AT and ultrasound showed a smoothly gliding TFL.
Association between change in cardiorespiratory fitness and prostate cancer incidence and mortality in 57 652 Swedish men
Authors: Bolam Kate A , Bojsen-Møller Emil , Wallin Peter , Paulsson Sofia , Lindwall Magnus , Rundqvist Helene , Ekblom-Bak Elin
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To examine the associations between changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adulthood and prostate cancer incidence and mortality.

Methods

In this prospective study, men who completed an occupational health profile assessment including at least two valid submaximal CRF tests, performed on a cycle ergometer, were included in the study. Data on prostate cancer incidence and mortality were derived from national registers. HRs and CIs were calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression with inverse probability treatment weights of time-varying covariates.

Results

During a mean follow-up time of 6.7 years (SD 4.9), 592 (1%) of the 57 652 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 46 (0.08%) died with prostate cancer as the primary cause of death. An increase in absolute CRF (as % of L/min) was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer incidence (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99) but not mortality, in the fully adjusted model. When participants were grouped as having increased (+3%), stable (±3%) or decreased (−3%) CRF, those with increased fitness also had a reduced risk of prostate cancer incidence compared with those with decreased fitness (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.86), in the fully adjusted model.

Conclusion

In this study of employed Swedish men, change in CRF was inversely associated with risk of prostate cancer incidence, but not mortality. Change in CRF appears to be important for reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
Analysis of tweets discussing the risk of Mpox among children and young people in school (May–October 2022): a retrospective observational study
Authors: Knudsen Ben , Høeg Tracy Beth , Prasad Vinay
Published: January 2024

Objective

To determine the number of tweets discussing the risk of Mpox to children and young people in school and (1) determine accuracy, (2) for inaccurate tweets, determine if risk was minimised or exaggerated and (3) describe the characteristics of the accounts and tweets which contained accurate versus inaccurate information.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Twitter advanced search in January 2023 of tweets spanning 18 May 2022–19 September 2022.

Participants

Accounts labelled as: MD, DO, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist, other healthcare provider, PhD, MPH, Ed. degree, JD, health/medicine/public policy reporter (including students or candidates) who tweeted about the risk of Mpox to children and young people in school.

Exposures

Tweets containing the keywords ‘school’ and ‘mpox’, ‘pox’, or ‘monkeypox’ from May to October 2022.

Measures

(1) The total and ratio of accurate versus inaccurate tweets, the latter further subdivided by exaggerating or minimising risk, and stratified by account author credential type. (2) The total likes, retweets and follower counts by accurate versus inaccurate tweets, by month and account credentials. (3) Twitter user exposure to inaccurate versus accurate tweets was estimated.

Results

262 tweets were identified. 215/262 (82%) were inaccurate and 215/215 (100%) of these exaggerated risks. 47/262 (18%) tweets were accurate. There were 163 (87%) unique authors of inaccurate tweets and 25 (13%) of accurate tweets. Among healthcare professionals, 86% (95/111) of tweets were inaccurate. Multiplying accuracy by followers and retweets, Twitter users were approximately 974× more likely to encounter inaccurate than accurate information.

Conclusion

Credentialed Twitter users were 4.6 times more likely to tweet inaccurate than accurate messages. We also demonstrated how incorrect tweets can be quickly amplified by retweets and popular accounts. In the case of Mpox in children and young people, incorrect information always exaggerated risks.
A reliability-based assessment framework for drag anchors
Authors: O'Neill M.P. , Grime A. J. , Bransby M.F. , Watson P.G. , Whelan J.R.
Published: January 2024

Drag anchors are often employed in offshore floating facility moorings. The standard drag anchor design approach is based on a deterministic load and resistance factor design (LRFD) framework that considers characteristic design “low” and “high” estimates of soil strength and other geotechnical parameters, combined with code-specified partial factors. A disadvantage of this approach is that the resulting anchor designs may not achieve a consistent level of reliability. This paper describes a study that addresses this limitation by developing and demonstrating a generalised drag anchor probability of failure analysis framework for inclusion in a reliability-based assessment (RBA) of a mooring. A feature of the study is the inclusion of consolidation and cyclic loading effects in the anchor analysis. The study highlights the benefits an RBA approach can offer to the drag anchor design process, including reduced anchor size and preloading requirements, and increased confidence in the anchor design and estimate of anchor performance. For temporarily moored facilities, this approach offers the potential to exploit expanded weather windows for operations. For permanently moored floating offshore wind developments, this approach may allow adoption of reduced levels of target reliability, thereby reducing costs for systems with a large number of anchors.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of spawning habitat distribution of American shad (Alosa sapidissima) in the Hudson River Estuary under multi stressors
Authors: Chang Hsiao-Yun , Pendleton Richard , Kenney Gregg , McKown Kim , Eakin William , Maniscalco John , Chen Yong
Published: January 2024

Diadromous fishes, known for their extensive migrations between freshwater and marine ecosystems, are highly vulnerable to environmental fluctuations and human activities, making them prone to population declines. Despite awareness of climate change impacts and habitat limitations, the remaining spawning habitat’s biogeography is understudied. The present study focuses on the Hudson River Estuary (HRE) American shad ( Alosa sapidissima) population which is experiencing historically low stock levels, as a case study to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of its existing spawning habitat. Generalized additive models were used to investigate the effect of some environmental (e.g., temperature, river bottom type) and sampling variables (e.g., sampling location and time) on the spatial distribution of the American shad. Our results provide compelling evidence of an optimal spawning habitat for the American shad, suggesting that environmental factors may not be the primary drivers shaping the distribution of their spawning grounds. The significant relationships between the distribution of spawning habitat and spawning stock biomass indicates that factors beyond the HRE are likely to play the most significant roles in the shad population.
Robust Object Detection Using Fire Hawks Optimizer with Deep Learning Model for Video Surveillance
Authors: Prabu S. , Gnanasekar J. M.
Published: January 2024

In recent years, video surveillance has become an integral part of computer vision research, addressing a variety of challenges in security, memory management and content extraction from video sequences. This paper introduces the Robust Object Detection using Fire Hawks Optimizer with Deep Learning (ROD-FHODL) technique, a novel approach designed specifically for video surveillance applications. Combining object detection and classification the proposed technique employs a two-step procedure. Utilizing the power of the Mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (Mask-RCNN) for object detection, we optimize its hyperparameters using the Fire Hawks Optimizer (FHO) algorithm to improve its efficacy. Our experimental results on the UCSD dataset demonstrate the significant impact of the proposed work. It achieves an extraordinary RUNNT of 1.34[Formula: see text]s on the pedestrian-1 dataset, significantly outperforming existing models. In addition, the proposed system surpasses in accuracy, with a pedestrian-1 accuracy rate of 97.45% and Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 98.92%. Comparative analysis demonstrates the superiority of the proposed system in True Positive Rate (TPR) versus False Positive Rate (FPR) across thresholds. In conclusion, the proposed system represents a significant advancement in video surveillance, offering advances in speed, precision and robustness that hold promise for enhancing security, traffic management and public space monitoring in smart city infrastructure and other applications.
Nanotechnology in mRNA Vaccines
Authors: Tan Yang Fei , Venkatraman Subbu
Published: January 2024

The phenomenal success and worldwide acceptance of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has highlighted one remarkable aspect of these vaccines — the ease of scale-up and the fast manufacturing of the vaccines. The timeline from starting the development (by making the plasmid DNA construct for the spike protein) to FDA Emergency Use authorization was accomplished in less than two years. The reasons for this “Warp Speed” accomplishment are varied, and we will go through each step to highlight where translation was rapid.
Møre–Vøring Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element, Norwegian Rifted Margin, Norwegian Sea
Authors: Faleide Jan Inge , Zastrozhnov Dmitrii , Abdelmalak Mohamed Mansour , Manton Ben , Planke Sverre , Gernigon Laurent , Brekke Harald , Myklebust Reidun
Published: January 2024

The Møre and Vøring basins at the mid-Norwegian margin were affected by a series of rift phases separated by periods of tectonic quiescence from Caledonian collapse in the Devonian to final continental break-up in the earliest Eocene. The tectonic phases were mostly extensional in nature, and the pre-drift extension across the Møre and Vøring basins since mid-Permian time has been estimated to be of the order of 200–250 km. The pre-Cretaceous basin configuration is poorly constrained due to limited seismic resolution at great depths and a lack of borehole control. A fundamental change occurred in the crustal deformation regime: from Late Jurassic distributed stretching of the upper crust to Early Cretaceous thinning at lower-crustal levels located along the axis of the Møre and Vøring basins. A westward migration of Late Cretaceous–Paleocene depocentres in the Vøring Basin reflects the focus of deformation towards the time and line of break-up. The basin architecture and evolution are summarized in relation to tectono-sedimentary elements corresponding to the main tectonic and depositional phases, and represent characteristic megasequences in the seismic data. Finally, the exploration history and main petroleum systems of the Møre and Vøring basins are presented.
Artificial Li3N SEI-Enforced Stable Cycling of Li Powder Composite Anode in Carbonate Electrolytes
Authors: Dzakpasu Cyril Bubu , Gyan-Barimah Caleb , Kang Dongyoon , Song Jihun , Jin Dahee , Yu Jong-Sung , Lee Yong Min
Published: January 2024

Lithium metal is considered one of the most attractive anode materials for next-generation batteries. However, the practical application of rechargeable Li-metal batteries has been hindered by the uncontrollable growth of Li dendrites and large volume changes during electrochemical cycling, leading to low Coulombic efficiency and safety concerns. This study reports a facile process of printing copper nitride nanowires (Cu3N NWs) onto Li metal powder (LMP) composite anode surface via a roll-pressing technique. Cu3N readily reacts with Li to form lithium nitride (Li3N), which is regarded as an excellent component for the interfacial layer on Li metal. The Li3N layer possesses a high ionic conductivity and ensures a homogeneous Li-ion flux, resulting in the suppression of dendrites. As a result, Li/Li symmetric cells assembled with the Li3N-LMP electrode exhibited lower overpotentials and superior cycling performance. Furthermore, NCM622/Li3N-LMP full cells demonstrated better capacity retention behavior (over 90% after 250 cycles) and higher discharge capacities during rate capability tests compared to the bare LMP cell. This study highlights the importance of a rational design of interfacial layers on LMP anodes for stable and long-term cycling.
Remaining Life Prediction of Li-Ion Batteries Considering Sufficiency of Historical Data
Authors: Xin Zilong , Zhang Xugang , Gong Qingshan , Ma Feng , Wang Yan
Published: January 2024

With the development of new batteries, the historical data available for training for remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of li-ion batteries will be greatly reduced, and the capacity regeneration phenomenon (CRP) of batteries will also bring challenges to the prediction. This paper proposes a hybrid model that combines decomposition algorithms incorporating the broad learning system with dropout (BLSD) to predict the RUL of batteries. Firstly, the improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) method is employed to decompose the raw data into several intrinsic mode function (IMF) which is divided into the global components (GC) and local components (LC) by introducing the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC). Secondly, considering that traditional BLS methods might exacerbate overfitting and lack the capacity to express uncertainty, Dropout techniques are incorporated into BLS to address these issues. Thirdly, multiple distinct BLSD models are employed to individually train GC and LC, and the summation of multiple predicted values yields the final capacity curve. Finally, the maximum observed root mean square error (RMSE) is 0.006679 when the battery history data is sufficient, and the maximum RMSE is 0.005737 when the battery history data is insufficient, which verifies the validity of the model.
Suppressing the Growth of Dendrites On Ultrathin Lithium Metal Anodes by an Amide Electrolyte Additive
Authors: Pham Thi Huong , Ho Van-Chuong , Son Gyeong-Ho , Mun Junyoung , Kim Jung-Gu
Published: January 2024

The practical applications of high energy density lithium (Li) metal rechargeable batteries are hindered by the formation of lithium dendrites. Besides, using the thick Li anodes (typically 50 μm to 750 μm) provide more Li inventory than is needed in the cell as well as disappears the advantage of high energy density of Li metal over Li-ion batteries.Therefore, in this study, N-N-diallyl-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (NDT) is proposed as an electrolyte additive to inhibit the growth of dendrites on the ultrathin Li anode (20 μm). By virtue of its preferential reduction as well as its participation in the primary Li+ solvation shell, NDT contributes to the formation of a Li3N-contained uniform SEI layer on the Li metal, leading to a low polarization in LillLi cells. Be benefited, the LillLFP cell, utilizing a carbonate-based electrolyte containing 2 wt% NDT, exhibits a prolonged life-span, an enhanced reversibility, along with a retention capacity of 72% after 75 cycles, while the cell using baseline electrolyte shows a retention capacity of 68% after 50 cycles at 0.3 C. Additionally, NDT improves the ionic conductivity, and wettability of the electrolyte to the separator. These significant findings provide valuable insights for designing electrolyte additives to stabilize ultrathin Li metal anodes.
Rheological Studies of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2-Based Slurry for the Development of Energy Dense Li-Ion Applications
Authors: Tang Ernest Jun Jie , Chua Rodney , Cai Yi , Guo Yuqi , Chong Wei How , Winardi Suminto , Soh Tanto , Chaudhary Richa , Srinivasan Madhavi
Published: January 2024

The manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) cathodes typically employs poly (vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, as a binder. This work aims to demonstrate the impact of mixing procedures on rheological properties of battery slurry and the electrochemical performance of the coated cathode. Key factors like solid content, mixing speed, and duration significantly impact the slurry preparation for LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC 622), which in turn affects coating quality. The initial assessment of rheological and electrochemical data suggests a correlation between mixing parameters like shear viscosity, storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), and the electrochemical performance of the coating. This correlation is further fortified by analyzing the coating’s physical appearance and investigating surface morphology, potentially bolster the correlation between rheological findings and electrochemical performance. The ideal electrode is fabricated using 1.5 wt% binder, is achieved with a slurry prepared with relatively high solid content at low mixing speed and mixing time, resulting in approximately 80% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1 C in a full cell configuration. This study lays a foundation for enhanced comprehension and optimization, benefits both researchers and industry professionals.
Enhancing TOEFL Performance and Student Motivation through Integrated Flipped and Gamified Learning in Online Settings
Authors: Arsyad Safnil , Waluyo Budi , Maisarah Ira
Published: January 2024

In the evolving landscape of education, the integration of flipped and gamified learning into online English courses has remained a complex and underexplored terrain. To address this knowledge gap, our study designed and implemented an innovative hybrid pedagogical model, seamlessly blending flipped and gamified learning principles into the context of online TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) instruction. The study, conducted within a public university in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia, included 27 carefully selected research participants (11.1% male, 88.9% female) from a population of 80 third-year undergraduate English majors, employing purposive convenient sampling techniques to ensure diversity representation. Our comprehensive data collection encompassed pre- and post-TOEFL assessments, surveys, and reflective essays, with qualitative data subjected to thematic analysis and quantitative data analyzed through descriptive statistics, nonparametric Wilcoxon rank tests, and Spearman’s correlation analysis. The results unveiled a multifaceted landscape, showing improvements in student enjoyment and motivation alongside increased anxiety. However, the intervention demonstrated significant enhancements in TOEFL listening, reading, and overall scores, although structure and written expression remained largely unchanged. Intriguingly, while heightened enjoyment correlated with increased motivation, emotional variables displayed no significant correlation with TOEFL posttest scores. These findings carry profound implications for TOEFL preparation, student motivation, and the management of classroom diversity in online learning settings.
Enhancing PM2.5 Measurement Accuracy: Insights from Environmental Factors and BAM‐Light Scattering Device Correlation
Authors: Kim Minju , Choi Hajin , Lee Jeonghun , Jeong Su-Gwang
Published: January 2024

Studies investigating the correlation between particulate matter (PM) concentrations measured by a light scattering (LS) device and environmental factors are crucial to identify LS values with significant errors. Herein, the relationship between PM2.5 obtained through beta attenuation monitoring (BAM) and LS was examined with respect to seven environmental factors. Machine learning (ML) and general statistical methods were employed to reveal complex relationships. Data from five cities were initially analyzed to understand the association between BAM measurements and environmental factors. Our findings confirmed that wind direction (WD) had a strong nonlinear impact on short‐term measurements, whereas temperature and local pressure had similar effects on long‐term PM2.5 measurements. Subsequently, a method was developed using general statistical techniques to establish an environment wherein LS could maintain a relatively high accuracy level. Furthermore, ML techniques were employed to determine that LS was more affected (by 8.2%) by the changes in WD compared with BAM, emphasizing the importance of designing devices capable of responding to WD. Finally, LS was calibrated using four ML algorithms, and through a quantitative evaluation of coefficient of determination, mean absolute error, and root mean square error values, AdaBoost was identified as an effective algorithm for correcting LS measurements. With this understanding of the correlation between PM2.5 and environmental factors, along with an efficient correction method, its widespread adoption in future research concerning real‐time PM measurement is anticipated.
Neuropathic Pain Medication and Antidepressant Use after Disability Pension in Patients with Spinal Cord Stimulation for Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome
Authors: Kaijankoski Hanna , Nissen Mette , Ikäheimo Tiina-Mari , von und zu Fraunberg Mikael , Airaksinen Olavi , Huttunen Jukka
Published: January 2024

Background. Treatment of persistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS) is challenging. Chronic pain associated with PSPS can lead to an impaired ability to work. Objective. To obtain information on whether receiving a disability pension (DP) affects pain and pain treatments in retiring working-age PSPS patients. Neuropathic pain medication and antidepressant use were considered as an indicator of neuropathic pain. Methods. The study group comprised 129 consecutive PSPS patients with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices implanted at Kuopio University Hospital Neurosurgery between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2014. Purchase data of gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors from January 1995 to March 2016, as well as the data on working ability, were retrieved from national registries. Results. The data showed that 28 of 129 (21.7%) SCS permanent patients had a DP, and 27 had a sufficient follow-up time (two years before and one year after DP). Most patients (61%) used neuropathic pain medications during the follow-up, while 44% used antidepressants. Most patients (70%, n = 19) retired because of dorsopathies. The dose of gabapentinoids started to increase before the DP; after the DP, the doses started to increase again after the decrease but remained at a lower level. Conclusions. Neuropathic pain medication and antidepressant use suggest that pain continues after the DP—that is, pensioners continue to experience inconvenient chronic pain. Resources for patient care are therefore needed after the DP. However, the DP reduces the dose increase of gabapentinoids; the dose is higher immediately before retirement than at the end of the follow-up.
Growth and Survival of Scallops Austrochlamys natans (Philippi, 1845) and Zygochlamys patagonica (P. P. King, 1832) in Suspended Systems and Land‐Based Tanks in Chilean Patagonia
Authors: Gallardo Pablo , Araneda Cristian , de Godoy Elisa M. , Bueno Guilherme Wolff , Rosenfeld Sebastián , Aldea Cristian , Teramoto Érico T.
Published: January 2024

The southern scallop (Austrochlamys natans) and the Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) are vital species in the fisheries of Chilean Patagonia. However, overfishing has led to stock depletion, necessitating research for stock restoration and commercial production. This study aimed to evaluate the growth and survival of these scallops in suspended systems and land‐based tanks across various Patagonian regions. Eight experiments were conducted, three with southern scallops and five with Patagonian scallops. For southern scallops, two experiments involved suspended systems at different shell heights and three tested land‐based tanks at various temperatures (9, 11, and 13°C). Patagonian scallop experiments included one suspended system in an endemic area, land‐based tanks with different temperatures (9, 11, and 13°C), and three suspended systems outside the species’ endemic zone. In suspended systems, southern scallops grew from 15.1 to 42.7 mm (shell height) in 322 days, with a rate of 0.085 mm/day and a survival rate of 43.7%. Patagonian scallops reached 46.0 mm shell height in 466 days, with a growth rate of 0.079 mm/day and a survival rate of 57.2%. Experiments in controlled‐temperature tanks revealed that 13°C was the lethal temperature for southern scallops. Notably, higher growth rates occurred at temperatures between 9 and 11°C. Both species show potential for future commercial cultivation, contributing to Chilean aquaculture diversification.
Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering Methodology to Restore Power System considering Reactive Power Balance and Stability Factor Analysis
Authors: Khadka Srijan , Wagle Abhishek , Dhakal Bibek , Gautam Rupesh , Nepal Tajana , Shrestha Ashish , Gonzalez-Longatt Francisco
Published: January 2024

Despite there are significant advancements in modern power systems, blackouts remain a potential risk, necessitating efficient restoration strategies. This paper introduces an innovative concept for power system restoration, focusing on balancing active and reactive power while ensuring voltage stability. For instance, this paper employs an agglomerative clustering technique, which partitions the power system into segments with balanced reactive power, facilitating swift restoration postblackout. Central to this methodology is the use of the line stability factor, which assesses the voltage stability of individual lines, identifying the system’s stronger and weaker sections based on voltage stability levels. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology through case study analysis, comparing voltage stability levels across agglomerative clusters and their geographical locations. The power system is divided into two stable partitions, considering the number of black-start generators, available reactive power, and voltage stability levels. This partitioning reveals that the clusters formed by the agglomerative method are inherently stable, suggesting enhanced system stability, dependability, and availability during the restoration phase following a blackout. In addition, this paper discusses the potential causes of blackouts, offering insights into their prevention, and finishes with a novel clustering methodology for power systems, considering reactive power and voltage stability. This method facilitates the parallel restoration of the system’s independent partitions, significantly reducing restoration time; it addresses critical challenges and outcomes, underscoring the methodology’s potential to revolutionize blackout recovery processes in modern power systems.