bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and accurate decoding of finger movements from ECoG through Riemannian features and modern machine learning techniques
Authors: Yao Lin , Zhu Bingzhao , Shoaran Mahsa
Published: January 2022

Objective. Accurate decoding of individual finger movements is crucial for advanced prosthetic control. In this work, we introduce the use of Riemannian-space features and temporal dynamics of electrocorticography (ECoG) signal combined with modern machine learning (ML) tools to improve the motor decoding accuracy at the level of individual fingers. Approach. We selected a set of informative biomarkers that correlated with finger movements and evaluated the performance of state-of-the-art ML algorithms on the brain-computer interface (BCI) competition IV dataset (ECoG, three subjects) and a second ECoG dataset with a similar recording paradigm (Stanford, nine subjects). We further explored the temporal concatenation of features to effectively capture the history of ECoG signal, which led to a significant improvement over single-epoch decoding in both classification (p < 0.01) and regression tasks (p < 0.01). Main results. Using feature concatenation and gradient boosted trees (the top-performing model), we achieved a classification accuracy of 77.0% in detecting individual finger movements (six-class task, including rest state), improving over the state-of-the-art conditional random fields by 11.7% on the three BCI competition subjects. In continuous decoding of movement trajectory, our approach resulted in an average Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of 0.537 across subjects and fingers, outperforming both the BCI competition winner and the state-of-the-art approach reported on the same dataset (CNN + LSTM). Furthermore, our proposed method features a low time complexity, with only

<

17.2 s required for training and

<

50 ms for inference. This enables about 250× speed-up in training compared to previously reported deep learning method with state-of-the-art performance. Significance. The proposed techniques enable fast, reliable, and high-performance prosthetic control through minimally-invasive cortical signals.
Machine Learning techniques applied to Road Health Status Recognition through Tyre Cavity Noise Analysis
Authors: Schiaffino Gloria , Del Pizzo Lara Ginevra , Silvestri Stefano , Bianco Francesco , Licitra Gaetano , Praticò Filippo Giammaria
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a system based on Neural Networks (NN), designed for providing an efficient, non-invasive and automated method for monitoring the health status of road pavements by using features derived from Tyre Cavity Noise (TCN) analysis. Indeed, visual inspection remains to date the most common choice for evaluating the condition of road pavements; however, this method is both labor intensive and time consuming. The system presented in this work uses a microphone placed inside the vehicle tyre that measures TCN while travelling normally, and an embedded data acquisition system based on a Raspberry Pi which feeds the NN tools to recognize and classify road deterioration. We also present a preliminary analysis of features based on temporal and spectral characteristics of TCN signals generated by tyre/road interaction and acquired on three different kind of road distresses. The results show good classification capability and, moreover, the sound pressure measured inside the tyre was correlated accelerometric data measured on-board.
Computational simulations and assessment of two approaches for x-ray phase contrast imaging
Authors: Bliznakova Kristina , Bliznakov Zhivko , Dukov Nikolay
Published: January 2022

X-ray phase-contrast imaging is a high-resolution imaging that permits an increase of the perceptibility of the details in three-dimensional objects, such as human tissues compared to conventional absorption imaging. There are different approaches for implementing phase-contrast imaging and their introduction into clinical practice requires advanced computational tools. A long-term goal of our research is the development of computational models of breast phase-contrast imaging. The aim of this study is to develop a software module for implementing grating-based phase-contrast imaging. For this purpose, an existing in-house software application for x-ray imaging with a function to model and simulate propagation-based phase-contrast x-ray images has been extended to include a model of grating-based imaging. To test the new functionality, four computational phantoms reflecting features, which can be screened in the real breast tissue and which differ in their complexity, were designed. Planar x-ray images in absorption, propagation-based and grating-based modes were generated and compared. Results showed improved visual appearance of the simulated objects in images obtained by simulating grating-based imaging setup. The developed subroutine is planned to be experimentally validated at synchrotron facility. The new software functionality will be exploited in studies related to new x-ray imaging techniques for breast screening and diagnosing.
Calculation of depressurization coordinate in underground and offshore gas pipelines
Authors: Kurbatova G I , Klemeshev V A , Filippov V B
Published: January 2022

The paper introduces a method for calculating the depressurization coordinate of an extended ultra-high pressure gas pipeline from the data measurements of pressure and flow rate at the outlet. The method is based on a mathematical model of a non-isothermal steady single-phase gas mixture flow through a pipeline of constant section on the quasi-linearization method. It allows to calculate the depressurization coordinate for extended underground and offshore ultra-high pressure gas pipelines with high accuracy, while considering varying leakage size and location. Examples of solving problems of practical interest are given. The influence of the flow rate and pressure settings error on the coordinate of depressurization calculating error has been demonstrated.
Study on the Influence of Temperature on Ultrasonic Pressure Measurement Technology
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Ming Tingfeng , LI Jing
Published: January 2022

Ultrasonic pressure measurement is an advanced measurement technology, but it has a great influence on temperature. Aiming at the problem that the pressure of ultrasonic measurement pipeline is affected by temperature, the pipeline is modeled and simulated by finite element method. The ultrasonic transducer is used to transmit and receive sound waves. The time difference of sound waves received by the transducer under different temperatures is simulated to determine the corresponding sound velocity. The data is analyzed and processed to establish the mathematical model of sound velocity and temperature, The influence of temperature on pressure measurement is analyzed, which plays an important role in reducing the pressure error of ultrasonic measurement pipeline.
Research on Intelligent Design of Machine Tool Guide Rail Based on Case-based Reasoning
Authors: Li Fangzhen , Wang Pengjia , Peng Baoying , Yang Qingdong
Published: January 2022

In order to solve the problem of low efficiency of machine tool guide rail design, reduce design cost and shorten design cycle, a guide rail design method based on case-based reasoning is proposed. First, the framework of the intelligent design system for machine tool guide rails is constructed; based on the water injection principle WFT in the communication field, by establishing the rationality index of weight distribution, the Lagrangian function is constructed to optimize the weights, and the convergent water injection distribution algorithm is obtained. Similarity calculation performs case retrieval, and makes corresponding parameterized modifications to similar cases. The research results show that the intelligent design method of the machine tool guide rail can quickly and automatically retrieve similar cases, so as to realize the intelligence and automation of the machine tool guide rail design, speed up the product design process, and improve the design efficiency.
Advanced manufacturing technology and modeling optimization based on moldflow analysis ——Take the design process of “Snowflake Bracket” as an example
Authors: Yang Weimin , Shi Siqi , Zhan Jin
Published: January 2022

In the past product creative design process, the design mainly relied on the designer’s intuition and experience. After the plan is completed, it needs several revisions and adjustments before it can be officially put into production. After discovering the problem, it is necessary not only to re-adjust the process parameters, but also to modify the plastic products and molds. This design method reduces the development speed of new products. This research proposes an innovative design method that applies moldflow advanced manufacturing technology to the initial shape optimization of product design, which can help us to accurately grasp the initial product design link and ensure that the product meets the plan expectations and aesthetic needs. Shorten the overall product development process and have good application prospects.
Split Structure Design of Magnetic Liquid Sealing Device for High Power Motor
Authors: Xing Feifei , Ruican Hao , Ji Jun
Published: January 2022

According to the special working conditions of high-power motors, this paper designs a split magnetic liquid sealing device. The material is 316 austenitic stainless steel, which has good mechanical properties. In addition, the material contains Mo element, which has good corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. It is suitable for use under harsh conditions and meets the special use conditions of high-power motors. In addition, the end cover also adopts a split structure. The design of the pole shoe also adopts a split structure, and a connecting hole is opened on it for the two parts of the split structure to be connected with hexagon socket head screws. The pole piece is a key component in the magnetic liquid sealing device. Its function is to form a magnetic circuit. The material is required to have high permeability and low coercivity.
Dimethylamine Exchanging of a New Hole Transport Material for Highly efficient CsPbI2Br solar cells
Authors: Wang Ze , Gan Jiantuo , Liu Xiaodong , Shao Ming , Bie Tong , Qiao Liang , Zheng Yonghao
Published: January 2022

All inorganic α-CsPbI2Br films with a large open circuit voltage (V
OC) and excellent thermal stability are promising for highly stable and efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, its device performance is limited by a low short circuit current density (J
SC) and low V
OC, which is strongly related to the energy misalignment and defects recombination at the perovskite/transport layer interfaces. In this work, we develop two Ni based polymers: bis (dithiobenzil) nickel (II) (BDTB) and bis(4-dimethylaminodithiobenzil) nickel (II) (BDMA), and use them as the hole transport layer for α-CsPbI2Br PSCs. As compared to BDTB based reference device (PCE ~3.2%), BDMA based device demonstrate a simultaneous increase on V
OC, J
SC and fill factor (FF), resulting in a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.32 %. We attribute the improved device performance to a better interfacial alignment, the reduced defect recombination and improved charge extraction. Moreover, the BDMA based devices also exhibit an improved shelf-life stability than BDTB control device, which sustain over 80 % of PCE after 50 days in ambient air.
The friction and Wear behavior of Silicon oil-based Magnetorheological fluid with Solid lubricant
Authors: Hu Zhide , Zhang Hansong , Zhao Hujun , Wang Dawei
Published: January 2022

Due to its lower energy consumption, higher mechanical properties and easier to control, magnetorheological(MR) fluid has been widely used in the engineering field. However, the friction and wear behavior of it, which may hinder its applicability, needs to be modified. The tribological behavior of silicon oil-based MR fluid with different types and contents of solid lubricant was investigated on a four-ball machine. The worn surfaces of the steel balls were observed by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the friction and wear property of silicon oil-based MR fluid could be improved by some solid lubricants. Both of molybdenum disulfide and graphite can decrease friction coefficient of silicon oil-based MR fluid significantly, but graphite has the better wear resistance than molybdenum disulfide. Adding polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can enhance the wear resistance of MR fluid obviously, but the friction coefficient is larger than the first two. The friction and wear property of MR fluid hardly changes by adding boron nitride. Increasing the content of graphite can improve the friction and wear resistance of MR fluid, and the wear resistance of MR fluid has an optimal point when the weight percent of graphite is 2%.
Study on heat dissipation structure of air-cooled Lithium ion battery module
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Qin Dongchen , Wang Tingting
Published: January 2022

The battery cooling system is an important part of the battery thermal management system. Its main function is that when the battery temperature is too high, it can carry out effective heat dissipation to reduce the battery surface temperature, and reduce the temperature difference to ensure the stability of the battery temperature field. In this paper, a simplified model of air - cooled lithium - ion battery module is established, and based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) theory, Fluent software was used to simulate the temperature field and flow field of the battery module in different inlet directions. The influence of the distance between the battery and the air inlet wind speed on heat dissipation was simulated. Under the condition of comprehensive consideration of the battery volume energy density and heat dissipation energy consumption, the final result is that the heat dissipation structure of the air-cooled battery module reaches the optimal when the lateral ventilation is used, the battery spacing is 5 mm, and the wind speed is set at 4 m/s.
Application of Color Metallography on As-cast Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Mn Alloy during Heat Treatment
Authors: Wang Xiaoguo , Qin Jian , Liu Fangzhen , Li Yifeng , Nagaumi Hiromi
Published: January 2022

Color etching was performed to characterize microstructure evolution and phase transformation on as-cast and homogenized Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Mn alloys. Initial intermetallic phases in microstructure of as-cast Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Mn alloy are mainly composed of primary Mg2Si, α-Al(FeMn)Si and quaternary Q phase. Post-etching microstructure of as-cast alloy presents a typical dendritic morphology with distinctive intermetallic distributions. Micro-segregation of solute elements are visualized as color difference within grains. Q phase is mainly located between the dendrite arms, while Mg2Si and α-Al(FeMn)Si are arranged along the grain boundaries. Heterogeneous nucleation sites provided by Al3Ti during solidification are also observed and identified at the core of grains. The distribution of alloying elements and intermetallic exhibited by color micrograph presents a good agreement with outcomes of EPMA. The color metallography of etched sample reveals the distribution of α-Al(MnCr)Si dispersoids and dispersoids free zone (DFZ), after the alloy is subjected to two-step homogenization. Micro-segregation of solute elements within solid solution is dramatically eliminated, associated with reduction of color difference. The dissolution of primary Mg2Si and Q phase during two-step homogenization are also directly detected. Therefore, color etching is an effective and reliable auxiliary approach to reveal microstructural evolution and phase transformation of as-cast Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Mn alloy during homogenization process.
Effect of Pulse Frequency on Phase Composition and Properties of Amorphous Zirconium Alloy Micro-arc Oxidation Coating
Authors: Li Chunjiang , Mu Liting , Zhuang Minghui , Li Muqin , Ma Zhen
Published: January 2022

The micro-arc oxidation coating was prepared on the surface of the amorphous zirconium sheet, and the influence of frequency on the micro-arc oxidation coating of the Zr-based amorphous alloy was studied. The results show that the change of the frequency of the electrical parameters of the micro-arc oxidation in the silicate micro-arc oxidation bath will promote the transformation of the t-ZrO2 phase to the m-ZrO2 phase in the coating; the frequency affects the gap, uniformity and thickness of the coating. When the frequency is 400 Hz, the coating surface has small voids and no cracks, and the thickness reaches a maximum of 15 μm. With the increase of frequency, the weight loss of the amorphous zirconium micro-arc oxidation coating first decreases and then increases. The wear resistance can be improved.
Research on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Safety Detection Analysis Based on Leakage Quality Limit Detection Method
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Zhang Shupeng
Published: January 2022

As the state has increased its support for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, many domestic companies and scientific research institutions have carried out the research and development of fuel cell vehicles, and many models have also received national announcements. However, due to the lack of standards related to the hydrogen safety detection of fuel cell electric vehicles after collision in the current international standard systems, various companies formulate their own testing plans and technical requirements when conducting collision tests, and there are standards inconsistencies. After comparative analysis of foreign standards on the hydrogen safety detection methods and requirements of fuel cell electric vehicles after collision, relevant suggestions are given to the collision plan, which provides a reference for the domestic development of fuel cell vehicle collision research.
Rapid fabrication of near superhydrophobic aluminium surface through nanosecond laser texture and heat treatment
Authors: Fan Changfeng , Wang Xue , Liu Yancong , Li Chengkai , Liu Xiao
Published: January 2022

Controlling surface wettability inspired by nano structure of lotus leaf has attracted much attention. The superhydrophobicity on the metals is significant for the applications including water repellence, self-cleaning, anti-corrosion, and reduction of drag. Herein a near superhydrophobic surface of 5051 aluminium has been fabricated by employing a combination of nanosecond laser texture and heat treatment, without using any toxic chemicals. The aluminium surface was textured by fibre nanosecond laser and then heat treated at 150 °C to create the near superhydrophobic surface. The evolution of heat treatment time with respect to contact angle measurements has been investigated. The contact angle became 0° when processed by two different kinds of laser textures (sinusoid pattern and grid pattern). The influence of heat treatment on the wettability of the laser textured aluminium surface was studied. The contact angle exhibits 134.88° and 136.97° for sinusoidal pattern and grid pattern with 72 hours heat treatment, respectively. The mechanism for fast wettability conversion time is discussed. This method is a rapid and environment-friendly process, which is feasible for fabrication.
Research on forming effect of material with different thickness structure in continuous flexible rolling process
Authors: Liu Shulin , Li Yi
Published: January 2022

Continuous flexible rolling is a novel advanced manufacturing technology for vehicle body surface, the forming mechanism of this process is based on the uneven thickness reduction of rolled plate along the transversal direction. In the rolling forming process, working hardening is always an important factor for affecting thickness reduction of rolled plate. In this work, the method of decreasing working hardening was studied deeply in continuous flexible rolling process for 3D surface. By finite element analysis, the forming effect of metal plate with different thickness structure was studied in continuous flexible rolling process. The rolled plate consists of three piece of metal plate; in the comparing experiments, the total thickness of rolled plate is 3mm, from compression surface to tension surface, the thickness ratio of each layer metal plate is 1:1:1, 1:2:2, 2:1:2, 2:2:1 in order. The results show that: with the location of the thinnest metal plate moves down, plastic strain in the middle surface of rolled plate is increasing greatly, the thickness reduction is also improving significantly, and the thickness distribution is almost unchanged. Therefore, to optimize rationally the thickness structure is an effective method to decreasing working hardening, the forming precision of 3D surface can get improving in continuous flexible rolling process.
Research on the Performance of Brass Alloy Main transformer terminal
Authors: Liu Weike , Yi Yijie , Cao Xianhui , Xi Chongyu , Wang Zhensheng , Xie Yi , Feng Chao
Published: January 2022

In order to determine the material of the main transformer terminal, the electrical conductivity, mechanical properties and stress corrosion resistance of brass alloy terminal were studied by XRD, mechanical properties test and ammonia fumigation test. The results show that H59 alloy consists of (Cu, Zn) phase, Cu5Zn8 phase and CuZn phase, H70 alloy consists of (Cu, Zn) phase and dendritic Cu0.64Zn0.36 phase, H80 alloy and H90 alloy are both (Cu, Zn) phase. With the increase of Cu content, the strength of brass decreases, the conductivity increases, and the stress corrosion resistance increases. H90 alloy has excellent plasticity and toughness, excellent resistance to ammonia fumigation stress corrosion, and can be used as main transformer terminal material.
Influence of Early Strength Agent on the Strength and Water Resistance of Cement-Desulfurized Building Gypsum Composite Cementitious System
Authors: Peng Hong , Lv Zhong , Zhang Wenwei
Published: January 2022

The test takes the cementing system composed of ordinary Portland cement and desulfurized building gypsum as the research object, and the research is carried out based on the mechanism of the early strength agent that can accelerate the cement hydration reaction in the composite cementing system. In the experiment, the influence of the type and dosage of the early strength agent on the strength and water resistance of the composite gelling system was studied to determine the appropriate type and optimal dosage of the early strength agent. The test results show that sodium sulfate has a poor improvement effect on the sample due to the presence of desulfurized building gypsum in the composite cementing system, while calcium chloride and calcium formate can effectively promote the hydration of the cement in the composite cementing system, significantly improving the compressive strength and softening coefficient of the sample. When the calcium chloride content is 2%, the compressive strength of the sample is increased by 57.0% compared with the reference sample, and the softening coefficient is 0.82. When the calcium formate content is 1%, the compressive strength of the sample is increased by 31.1% compared with the reference sample, and the softening coefficient is 0.80.
Research on Jet Incoherence of Depleted Uranium Liner
Authors: Tang Hui , Jiao Zhigang , Zhao Lijun , Zhao Dongzhi , Tian Zhen , Wang Changfu
Published: January 2022

Jet formation is the decisive factor of penetrating power of shaped charge, coherence and stability contribute to penetration. In the same condition, multiple penetrating tests of the shaped charge with depleted uranium(DU) liner did not get the expected results. In order to study the jet forming characteristics of DU liner under static explosion condition, an X-ray photography experiment was designed, which turned out to show the jet being badly incoherent. To research the incoherence of DU shaped charge jet from principles of jet incoherence, supersonic collision worked out to be the reasons for incoherence of the shaped charge jet. This paper provides a method for structural optimization of DU shaped charge and DU liner processing, which has guiding significance for application of DU liner in high explosive antitank projectile.
Double machine vibration synchronization system based on GA-PID
Authors: Jia Yijun , Zhang Nan , An Zhaozhe
Published: January 2022

Aiming at the problem that it is difficult to realize the synchronization of motor speed under the electromechanical coupling condition of DC motor and vibrating mass in double machine drive vibration system, the PID parameters of DC motor are optimized by using master-slave control mode and genetic algorithm. Firstly, the electromechanical coupling model of the vibration system is established, and the differential equation of motion of the system is obtained by using Lagrange equation; Using master-slave control structure and genetic PID control algorithm, a controller based on master motor speed difference and slave motor phase difference is designed; The MATLAB/Simulink simulation model is established to verify the effectiveness of the control system. The experimental results show that the genetic PID algorithm based on master-slave control structure can better realize the synchronous control of dual machine driven vibration system. The research content can provide a theoretical basis for the design, control and application of this type of vibration system.
Self-Synchronization Theory of Circular Symmetrical Four Motors
Authors: Jia Yijun , Zhang Nan , An Zhaozhe
Published: January 2022

The synchronization characteristics of the circularly symmetrical four-vibrators vibration system are studied. Firstly, the dynamic model of this type of vibration system is established, and the Lagrange equation is used to derive the differential equation of motion. Secondly, the steady-state solution of the vibration system is obtained by averaging the phase of the eccentric rotor of the four exciters in the vibration system, and Hami is used. The frame principle deduces the synchronization conditions and stability conditions for the four vibration exciters of this type of vibration system to achieve synchronous motion. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical analysis is verified by numerical simulation. The relevant research results can provide a theoretical basis for the design of the circularly symmetrical four-vibrators vibration machine.
Research on trajectory correction model of dual magnetic navigation differential mobile robot
Authors: Zhang Baixing , Sun Xuan , Liu Minghao , Lin Zifei , Cao Jinshun
Published: January 2022

In order to improve the pose accuracy of magnetic navigation mobile robot, differential driving mobile robot is taken as the research object. The kinematics and deviation model are analyzed by means of double magnetic strip sensor navigation. The kinematic model is built in SIMULINK, and a fuzzy controller with double input and single output is designed through MATLAB, and the motion process is simulated and analyzed. The feasibility of the kinematic model is verified and the fuzzy rectifying controller designed in this paper has good rectifying control performance and response characteristics.
Water Source Heat Pump’s Stuck Problems and Solutions
Authors: Guo Liyu , Shan Wenju
Published: January 2022

This paper analyses the water source heat pump’s normal stuck reasons, and test each of them. Identify the main reasons of the stuck pump is pump mechanical seal dynamic ring and static ring binding problems. (Poor water quality, water calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate grind through the dynamic and static ring, after a long time stop, static ring long force extrusion contact, static ring binding surface molecular diffusion migration adhesion), due to the two rings’ binding, rotating torque beyond the motor starting torque, make the motor can’t start normally. This paper aims to find the real cause of the dynamic ring absorption, and put forward subsequent rectification measures to prevent recurrent stuck.
Tunable Thermal Pattern for Thermal Illusion and Encrypted Messaging
Authors: Qiu Rihong
Published: January 2022

Recently, metamaterials which can actively tuning heat flux has attracted a lot of researchers and these thermal functional materials can be used in many thermal application scenarios such as encrypted messaging and thermal illusion. In this paper, the bilayer structure array with a chessboard-like structure has been proposed and we have numerically acquired a tunable thermal pattern based on effective medium theory. Through this strategy, a thermal pattern which is almost the same with the patterns of ‘ECE’ can be obtained. After quickly tuning this 3*12 array of the 4*4 chessboard-like bilayer structure, another thermal pattern which looks like the patterns of ‘SOS’ is observed in the infrared camera instead, demonstrating the feasibility of thermal illusion. Furthermore, the functionality of encrypted thermal messaging is also numerically demonstrated by resorting to storing the analog patterns of the binary numbers. Besides, this kind of tunable bilayer array is quite simple and flexible, and it can also serve as thermal metamaterial when the corresponding matching function is satisfied. In all, this present bilayer structure array with a chessboard-like structure can obtain tunable thermal patterns without disassembly of any components and it might open more strategies for creating novel thermal functionalities.
Nonlinear Creep Model and Parameter Determination of Asphalt
Authors: Fan Xiyan , Jiang Wenling , Mei Ning , Su Chuanqi
Published: January 2022

Asphalt is a kind of typical viscoelastic material. Adding different materials in asphalt composite materials is an important way in road engineering materials. The creep experiments under different stress of asphalt, we used the multivariate model to fit the experimental data to get Burgers model and the creep law of asphalt correlation is best. The Burgers model be expanded by Taylor series, the polynomial creep model of creep compliance and relaxation characterized the coefficient of asphalt specimen can be obtained. Compared to other models, the creep law of asphalts well characterized by polynomial model, multivariate model has a wider range of adaptability compared to polynomial model, and polynomial model of mathematical calculation more simple than multivariate model.
Rheological characteristics analysis of shear thickening fluids based on response surface methodology
Authors: Zhao Mingmei , Zhang Jinqiu , Liu Yile , Peng Zhizhao , Li Xin
Published: January 2022

This paper analyzed the influence of various components and the external environment on the rheological properties of shear thickening fluid (STF). The single-factor experimental study was carried out with the silica particle size, the mass fraction of silica particles, the continuous phase’s average molecular weight, and the temperature as the influencing factors. Obtain the influence of various factors on the initial viscosity, critical shear rate, thickening period and thickening ratio of STF samples. According to the crossover relationship between the shear stress and the intermolecular force when the shear thickening occurs, the STF’s critical shear rate criterion is constructed. By introducing the mechanical balance between small molecules, the relationship between the particles’ volume fraction and the distance between particles in the suspension system is established. The influencing factors and formulas of the STF’s critical shear rate and shear capacity are deduced, which supports the conclusions obtained in the single-factor experiment. Based on the single-factor experiment conclusion, the mass fraction of silica particles, the average molecular weight of the continuous phase and the temperature are used as the influencing factors, and the critical shear rate, shear thickening ratio and maximum viscosity are the responses indicators. According to the Box-Behnken response surface methodology (RSM) design, 15 analysis experiments with three factors and three levels are carried out. Obtain the rheological characteristics of the STF and regression equation between each factor, based on the three-dimensional response surface graph and F-value in ANOVA result. We found that among the interaction effects, the interaction between the continuous phase’s average molecular weight and the temperature has the most significant impact on the critical shear rate of the STF. The interaction between the silica particles’ mass fraction and the continuous phase’s average molecular weight significantly impacts the shear thickening ratio of the STF. The interaction between silica particles’ mass fraction and the temperature has the most significant impact on the maximum viscosity of the STF. Finally, according to the response surface methodology experimental results and ideal STF rheological characteristics standard in engineering applications, when the mass fraction of silica particles is 35%, the average molecular weight of the continuous phase is 387, and the temperature is 20 °C. The critical shear rate of the STF system is 5.84 1/s, the shear thickening ratio is 102.8, and the peak viscosity is 1191.7 Pa·s, reaching the optimal theoretical value within the value scope.
DisEnrich: database of enriched regions in human dark proteome
Authors: Medvedev Kirill E , Pei Jimin , Grishin Nick V
Published: January 2022

Motivation

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are involved in numerous processes crucial for living organisms. Bias in amino acid composition of these proteins determines their unique biophysical and functional features. Distinct intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) with compositional bias play different important roles in various biological processes. IDRs enriched in particular amino acids in human proteome have not been described consistently.

Results

We developed DisEnrich—the database of human proteome IDRs that are significantly enriched in particular amino acids. Each human protein is described using Gene Ontology (GO) function terms, disorder prediction for the full-length sequence using three methods, enriched IDR composition and ranks of human proteins with similar enriched IDRs. Distribution analysis of enriched IDRs among broad functional categories revealed significant overrepresentation of R- and Y-enriched IDRs in metabolic and enzymatic activities and F-enriched IDRs in transport. About 75% of functional categories contain IDPs with IDRs significantly enriched in hydrophobic residues that are important for protein–protein interactions.

Availability and implementation

The database is available at http://prodata.swmed.edu/DisEnrichDB/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
‘This is how I explain the universality of Xenophon’: Machado de Assis, Brazilian Republic and theCyropaedia
Authors: Sano Lucia
Published: January 2022

Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis (1839–1908), considered by many the greatest Brazilian author, was once called a Greek of the golden days due in part to his frequent use of classical allusions. This article analyses the reception of Xenophon's Cyropaedia in his novel Esau and Jacob (1904). Its narrator quotes the Greek author’s reflection on the instability of all political regimes and his conclusion that man is the most difficult animal for man to govern. In a chronicle published in 1894, Machado de Assis had already mocked Xenophon’s perceived universality focusing on this same passage, which he finds contradictory. This is also highlighted in the novel where the quote reflects on the transition from monarchy to republic in late nineteenth-century Brazil. The use of classical references is characteristic of Machado’s unreliable narrator who both reveals political differences quite specific to Brazilian public life and who is himself a product of that society; it follows that ancient political ideals are reinterpreted to mirror this modern Latin American democracy.
Myocardial fibrosis by T1 mapping magnetic resonance imaging predicts incident cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Marques Mateus D , Weinberg Raquel , Kapoor Shrey , Ostovaneh Mohammad R , Kato Yoko , Liu Chia Ying , Shea Steven , McClelland Robyn L , Post Wendy S , Bluemke David A , Lima João A C , Ambale-Venkatesh Bharath
Published: January 2022

Aims

To evaluate whether myocardial fibrosis predicts cardiovascular events (CVEs) and mortality in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Methods and results

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T1 mapping with gadolinium administration for assessment of extracellular volume fraction (ECV) was performed in 1326 participants, in whom myocardial scar was assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The clinical outcomes were defined as all-cause mortality, atherosclerotic CVEs, and incident heart failure (HF) during an average of 8 years of follow-up after the scan. Participants’ mean native T1 time was 971 ms [standard deviation (SD) 45.5], ECV was 27 (SD 2.9), and 117 (8.8%) of them had LGE. At the time of the CMR exam, participant age was 68 years (SD 9) and 48% of them were women. Ideal cut-offs were identified using classification and regression trees accounting for time-to-event outcomes for ECV (30%) and native T1 time (954 ms). Over the follow-up period, 106 participants died, 78 developed CVE, and 23 developed HF. After adjustment for risk factors, ECV >30% was associated with death [hazard ratio (HR): 1.67, P < 0.05], incident CVE (HR: 2.02, P < 0.05), and incident HF (HR: 2.85, P < 0.05). After adjustments, native T1 >954 ms was associated with incident CVE (HR: 2.09, P < 0.05). Myocardial scar by LGE was not predictive of clinical outcomes after adjustments.

Conclusion

ECV is an independent prognostic marker of incident HF, atherosclerotic CVEs, and all-cause mortality. ECV, with its ability to characterize both diffuse and focal fibrosis processes, better predicted incident events than regional myocardial abnormalities as visualized by LGE imaging in a large multi-ethnic population.
Women, Gender and the Professionalisation of French Cultural Diplomacy in Britain, 1900–1940
Authors: Faucher Charlotte
Published: January 2022

This article traces the evolution of French cultural diplomacy in Britain from the early twentieth century to the end of the inter-war period; it argues that this field of international relations could not have developed at this time without the intervention of a handful of determined women who undertook activities outside official diplomatic circles. In the first decades of the twentieth century, these women designed cultural strategies and ran institutions that aimed to promote positive images of France in Britain at a time when strong Franco-British relations formed a cornerstone of French diplomatic strategies against mounting German geopolitical ambitions. However, none of these women enjoyed diplomatic status and many were subject to gender-based criticism on the part of official male diplomats. After the First World War, processes of professionalisation made it extremely difficult for the women who had shaped cultural diplomacy in an unofficial capacity to continue acting at the fore of this field, all the more so as they were forbidden at the time to take the entrance exam of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The inter-war professionalisation of diplomacy, however, did not lead to the complete exclusion of women. This article argues that, on the one hand, professionalisation carved out official spaces for women who abided by the criteria outlined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; on the other hand, the non-state nature of much of inter-war cultural diplomacy meant that some women could continue to pursue cultural diplomatic strategies as part of unofficial networks of diplomacy.
Application of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-guided microwave ablation in multiple pulmonary nodules: a single-centre study
Authors: Zeng Chenxi , Fu Xiangning , Yuan Zhiwei , Hu Shaojie , Wang Xue , Ping Wei , Cai Yixin , Wang Jianing
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB)-guided microwave ablation is a minimally invasive technology for treating pulmonary lesions. This study analysed the short-term safety and efficacy of ENB-guided microwave ablation in multiple pulmonary nodules (MPNs).

METHODS

This retrospective study reports a single-centre experience with ENB-guided microwave ablation for MPNs. Clinical, surgical and pathological data were obtained for patients who underwent ENB-guided microwave ablation from 23 December 2019 to 23 June 2021. The primary end points were technical safety and efficiency.

RESULTS

The study assessed 65 patients who underwent ENB-guided microwave ablation, 57 of whom simultaneously underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery. In total, 216 nodules were treated. Of 96 nodules treated by ENB-guided microwave ablation, 94 nodules had ground-glass opacity. Ablation efficiency was confirmed by hybrid cone-beam computed tomography. Of 120 nodules surgically removed, 106 nodules had ground-glass opacity. The mean nodule size was 7.9 mm in ablated nodules and 10.2 mm in resected nodules. Distance between nodules and pleura or fissure was 17.45 mm in ablated nodules and 7.29 mm in resected nodules. The overall malignancy rate was 47.7% (103/216); the complication rate was low (65 patients). At short-term follow-up, the post-ablation target zone shrank by 1 week and stabilized after 4–6 months. No local recurrence or enlargement of other pulmonary nodules was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

To treat MPNs, ENB-guided microwave ablation is safe and efficient. The combination of this treatment and video-assisted thoracic surgery is a potential application, which can preserve as much pulmonary function as possible and treat MPNs to the maximum extent.
The effect of mobile health focused on diet and lifestyle on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: David Caroline Nespolo de , Ziegelmann Patricia K , Goveia Pâmella , Silvani Juliana , Silveira Letícia Ribeiro P da , Fuchs Sandra C
Published: January 2022

To determine the effect of mobile health (mHealth) focused on diet and lifestyle on blood pressure (BP). We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis using the mean difference (MD) of change from baseline as an effect measure. MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Central, and EMBASE were reviewed until 6 May 2020. We included randomized controlled trials of adults who participated in mHealth focused on diet and lifestyle. Interventions were grouped according to the presence of health professional intervention (PI) (PI + mHealth or mHealth only). Eligible controls did not participate in mHealth and were classified as active comparator (PI) or no intervention (NI). Subgroup analyses were performed according to the presence of prior cardiovascular disease and hypertension status. We included 44 trials involving 24 692 participants. Mobile health interventions were superior to NI in reducing SBP in both situations: alone [MD = −1.8 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.6; 0.0] or with PI (MD = −5.3 mmHg; 95% CI: −7.5; −3.1), with a greater effect size in the latter group (P = 0.016). This benefit was not observed when the control was PI. DBP and SBP had consistent results. There was a marked effect of PI + mHealth vs. NI on the BP reduction among hypertensive participants. Current evidence shows that mHealth focused on diet and lifestyle can reduce BP, especially when implemented in hypertensive participants, and PI may provide additional benefit. PROSPERO ID CRD42019141475.
Macromolecular composition and substrate range of three marine fungi across major cell types
Authors: Thomas Seth , Lengger Sabine K , Bird Kimberley E , Allen Ro , Cunliffe Michael
Published: January 2022

Marine fungi exist as three major cell types: unicellular yeasts, filamentous hyphae and zoosporic early-diverging forms, such as the Chytridiomycota (chytrids). To begin to understand the ecological and biogeochemical influence of these cell types within the wider context of other plankton groups, cell size and macromolecular composition must be assessed across all three cell types. Using a mass–balance approach to culture, we describe quantitative differences in substrate uptake and subsequent macromolecular distribution in three model marine fungi: the yeast Metschnikowia zobellii, the filamentous Epicoccum nigrum and chytrid Rhizophydium littoreum. We compared these model cell types with select oleaginous phytoplankton of specific biotechnological interest through metanalysis. We hypothesise that fungal cell types will maintain a significantly different macromolecular composition to one another and further represent an alternative grazing material to bacterioplankton and phytoplankton for higher trophic levels. Assessment of carbon substrate range and utilisation using phenotype arrays suggests that marine fungi have a wide substrate range. Fungi also process organic matter to an elevated-lipid macromolecular composition with reduced-protein content. Because of their size and increased lipid composition compared to other plankton groups, we propose that fungi represent a compositionally distinct, energy-rich grazing resource in marine ecosystems. We propose that marine fungi could act as vectors of organic matter transfer across trophic boundaries, and supplement our existing understanding of the microbial loop and carbon transfer in marine ecosystems.
Measuring the Quality of Care for Older Adults With Multimorbidity: Results of the MULTIqual Project
Authors: Schulze Josefine , Glassen Katharina , Pohontsch Nadine J , Blozik Eva , Eißing Tabea , Breckner Amanda , Höflich Charlotte , Rakebrandt Anja , Schäfer Ingmar , Szecsenyi Joachim , Scherer Martin , Lühmann Dagmar
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

Providing health care for older adults with multimorbidity is often complex, challenging, and prone to fragmentation. Although clinical decision making should take into account treatment interactions, individual burden, and resources, current approaches to assessing quality of care mostly rely on indicators for single conditions. The aim of this project was to develop a set of generic quality indicators for the management of patients aged 65 and older with multimorbidity that can be used in both health care research and clinical practice.

Research Design and Methods

Based on the findings of a systematic literature review and eight focus groups with patients with multimorbidity and their family members, we developed candidate indicators. Identified aspects of quality were mapped to core domains of health care to obtain a guiding framework for quality-of-care assessment. Using nominal group technique, indicators were rated by a multidisciplinary expert panel (n = 23) following standardized criteria.

Results

We derived 47 candidate quality indicators from the literature and 4 additional indicators from the results of the focus groups. The expert panel selected a set of 25 indicators, which can be assigned to the levels of patient factors, patient–provider communication, and context and organizational structures of the conceptual framework.

Discussion and Implications

We developed a comprehensive indicator set for the management of multimorbidity that can help to highlight areas with potential for improving the quality of care and support application of multimorbidity guidelines. Furthermore, this study may serve as a blueprint for participatory designs in the development of quality indicators.