bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generic flame extension model development based on machine learning for NPPs fire hazard analysis (FHA)
Authors: Sharma Pavan K.
Published: February 2024

In enclosed fire situations, the flame interacts with ceiling and its length extension take place, altering the fire severity significantly. Fire safety analysis demand a generic flame extension model. A generic reliable model is not available as the construct of flame itself had wide variation in literature. The present paper aims to develop a Machine Learning (ML) based generic model of non-dimensional flame extension as a function of non-dimensional Heat Release Rate (HRR). The non-dimensional scaling reduces the number of parameter and also provide a generic nature. Literature review was utilized to collect the data from various open literature sources. This eliminates the limitations of individual correlations and gives a best optimized model which is valid for a wide range of flow regimes and conditions as compared to a specific correlation. Various simple ML models are compared for their performance against test data and a MARS based model was finally recommended. The MARS model was tested against the data which was not used in training and also against the other reported correlation. The developed model has performed well against the test data and marked improvement over other reported correlation as a better optimized performance over an extended range of non-dimensional range. The results of the model were also conservative as compared to another model in the most of the practical requirement of NPPs. A Large Eddy Simulation (LES) based CFD code FDS was also used to generate the flame extension data for demonstrating conservative nature of the ML model.
A novel multicore Er/Yb co-doped microstructured optical fiber amplifier with peanut-shaped air holes cladding
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Zhao Yifei , Fang Ziwei , Liu Jiantao , Xia Changming , Hou Zhiyun , Zhao Xuesong , Tan Zhongwei , Dong Yi , Zhou Guiyao , Yuan Jinhui
Published: February 2024

The multicore fiber amplifier, as a key component in spatial division multiplexing (SDM) communication systems, presents higher technical difficulty compared to traditional multi-channel single core fiber amplifiers, which has sparked widespread attention. To achieve balance, efficiency, miniaturization, and cost-effectiveness in the performance of multi-core optical fiber amplifiers, we propose an innovative triple cladding 13-core Er/Yb co-doped microstructured fiber (13CEYDMOF). The proposed fiber features an outer cladding with peanut-shaped air holes, which enables uniform excitation of the 13 cores using a single multimode laser pump source within the inner cladding. This approach also prevents damage or aging of the fiber’s outer coating due to the pump laser. Furthermore, the design of Peanut-Shaped Air Holes effectively increases the numerical aperture (NA) of the inner cladding while reducing the outer diameter of the fiber, enhancing the fiber’s mechanical flexibility. To address the coupling difficulties caused by air holes, we bi-directionally pump the 13CEYDMOFA by utilizing a combined technique of the side winding and end pumping. The experimental results show that the 13CEYDMOFA can achieve an average gain of 23.8 dB, a noise figure (NF) of ∼4.6 dB, and an inter-core gain difference of less than 2 dB in the wavelength range of 1529–1565 nm. The in-line amplified transmission experiment demonstrates that the 13CEYDMOFA is well suited for the 13 spatial channels transmission. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to realize high performance telecommunication band amplification in a multicore microstructure fiber.
Formation of hollow silver nanoparticles under irradiation with ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Sánchez-Pérez Francisco , Borrell-Grueiro Olivia , Casasnovas-Melián Alfredo , Ramos-Ramos Diego J. , Guerrero-Martínez Andrés , Bañares Luis , Prada Alejandro , Valencia Felipe J. , Kohanoff Jorge , Crespillo Miguel L. , Olivares José , Rivera Antonio , Peña-Rodríguez Ovidio
Published: February 2024

We have studied the formation of cavities in spherical silver nanoparticles embedded in silica, irradiated with fs laser pulses that produce an intense electronic excitation. Experimentally determined aspect ratio, i.e. the ratio between the cavity and nanoparticle size, for hollow structures formed under different irradiation conditions shows a very good agreement with values obtained by means of atomistic simulations. According to the predictions of the atomistic model, one can produce at will hollow silver nanoparticles with cavities of tailored dimensions, having an accurate control. Hence, laser irradiation can be used to control and design the optical response by tuning the localized surface plasmon resonances of the hollow nanoparticles.
Subvenções sociais: a construção de uma política pública de assistência na primeira metade do Século XX
Authors: Souza Fabíola A. Tomé
Published: February 2024

The article analyzes the theme of social subsidies between 1900 and 1945, with a greater focus on the context of the Vargas Era in Brazil. It highlights the creation of the Caixa de Subvenções as an important institution that reflected the political, energy and social transformations of that period. The state began to play a central role in economic development and social welfare, intervening in markets and regulating social relations. The inclusion of various sectors of society in subsidy policies promoted the representation of interests and strengthened political participation. The article also seeks to emphasize the relationship between authoritarian governments and advances in social legislation, highlighting subsidies as a form of state intervention. By addressing the challenges, controversies and historical importance of subsidies, the text contributes to an understanding of this important period in Brazilian history.
Constitucionalismo feminista: por uma dogmática constitucional de mulheres africanas
Authors: RODA A. A. R. , ZAGANELLI Margareth Vetis
Published: February 2024

This article demonstrates the failure of African constitutionalism to accompany the evolution of women's civil and political rights on the continent in an equal manner, to the extent that the law has presented itself as an instrument for maintaining power. It guarantees social and political privileges to men, who use cultural pretexts to reaffirm their hegemonic position as the only universal subject and who, at the same time, determine ways of legitimizing patriarchal, sexist and misogynist normativity, conveyed by a phallocentric discourse that limits various rights to women, victims of a policy and legal narrative linked to compulsory maternity, the reducibility of negative freedoms and the non-inclusion of women in the democratic process. This situation ends up affecting reproductive rights, the right to development, the right to work, the right to political participation and the right to participate at state level. On the other hand, there is a naturalization of androcentric and macho culture, which has contributed to high levels of domestic and sexual violence. The article calls for legislative, hermeneutic and public policy communication that can be triggered by African constitutionalism, with a view to achieving gender justice in African states, reversing the structural dimension of naturalized sexism.
Multivariable model versus AJCC staging system: cancer-specific survival predictions in adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Jannello Letizia Maria Ippolita , Morra Simone , Scheipner Lukas , Baudo Andrea , Siech Carolin , de Angelis Mario , Touma Nawar , Tian Zhe , Goyal Jordan A , Luzzago Stefano , Mistretta Francesco A , Piccinelli Mattia Luca , Saad Fred , Chun Felix K H , Briganti Alberto , Ahyai Sascha , Carmignani Luca , Longo Nicola , de Cobelli Ottavio , Musi Gennaro , Karakiewicz Pierre I
Published: February 2024

We developed a novel contemporary population-based model for predicting cancer-specific survival (CSS) in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) patients and compared it with the established 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system (AJCC). Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004–2020), we identified 1056 ACC patients. Univariable Cox regression model addressed CSS. Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) quantified accuracy after 2000 bootstrap resamples for internal validation. The multivariable Cox regression model included the most informative, statistically significant predictors. Calibration and decision curve analyses (DCAs) tested the multivariable model as well as AJCC in head-to-head comparisons. Age at diagnosis (>60 vs ≤60 years), surgery, T, N, and M stages were included in the multivariable model. Multivariable model C-index for 3-year CSS prediction was 0.795 vs 0.757 for AJCC. Multivariable model outperformed AJCC in DCAs for the majority of possible CSS-predicted values. Both models exhibited similar calibration properties. Finally, the range of the multivariable model CSS predicted probabilities raged 0.02–75.3% versus only four single AJCC values, specifically 73.2% for stage I, 69.7% for stage II, 46.6% for stage III, and 15.5% for stage IV. The greatest benefit of the multivariable model-generated CSS probabilities applied to AJCC stage I and II patients. The multivariable model was more accurate than AJCC staging when CSS predictions represented the endpoint. Additionally, the multivariable model outperformed AJCC in DCAs. Finally, the AJCC appeared to lag behind the multivariable model when discrimination addressed AJCC stage I and II patients.
Hyperthyroidism and the risk of non-thyroid cancer: a Danish register-based long-term follow-up study
Authors: Riis Thea , Bonnema Steen Joop , Brix Thomas Heiberg , Folkestad Lars
Published: February 2024

Objective

Cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide. It is currently debated whether thyroid dysfunction is a modifiable cancer risk factor. Our aim was to evaluate the risk of cancer in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Methods

This is a register-based nationwide cohort study of individuals with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Each hyperthyroid case was matched with four reference individuals according to age and sex. Using Fine and Gray competing risk regression models, we studied the association of hyperthyroidism and subsequent all-cause cancer diagnoses, adjusted for preexisting morbidity. Sub-analyses were stratified for cause of hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease and toxic nodular goiter, age when diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, sex, and cancer localization (lung, prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer)).

Results

The cohort consisted of 95,469 patients with hyperthyroidism (followed for a median of 10.9 years (range: 5.2–17.2)), and 364,494 reference individuals (followed for a median of 11.2 years (range: 5.4–17.4)). Hyperthyroidism was associated with increased all-cause cancer risk (sub-distribution hazard ratio (SHR): 1.12; 95% CI: 1.10–1.14), as well as an increased risk of breast (SHR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02–1.13), lung (SHR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.16–1.26), and prostate cancer (SHR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02–1.19), but not colorectal cancer (SHR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.99–1.09). Sub-analyses stratified for age when diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and cause of hyperthyroidism yielded similar results.

Conclusion

In this register-based study, patients with hyperthyroidism had an increased risk of cancer, in particular lung, prostate, and breast cancer. Whether a causal link exists remains to be proven.
Vínculos Territoriales en las Misiones Jesuíticas-Guaraníes de Paraguay, Argentina y Brasil: un Enfoque de Análisis de Redes.
Authors: Gómez Juan de Dios Páramo
Published: February 2024

Relationships and territorial links are fundamental to Geography studies. In recent years, these aspects have undergone significant evolution. Besides, the study of tourism activity is not indifferent since the flows generated in places of tourism interests are those that give rise to territorial dynamics. The main objective of this study is to reveal the spatial interactions stemming from an internationally renowned tourist route, with a very particular niche of its resources, which focus on the heritage of the Jesuit-Guarani missions located in three countries: Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. The methodology used integrates the use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. These techniques are combined with "Gephi," a network analysis software, and "Geographic Information Systems" (GIS). With the aid of cartography, the characteristics and properties of the nodes and links established among the “pueblos misionales" in which the primary tourist activities take place are displayed. Additionally, the concept of "friction of space" is incorporated to explain, in more detail, each of the relationships and links established.
A grilagem de Terras no Piauí: Os governos municipais como vínculo na apropriação irregular de terras
Authors: Alencar Paulo Gustavo de , Espindola Giovana Mira de , Sousa de Assis Raimundo Jucier
Published: February 2024

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo caracterizar el acaparamiento de tierras en Piauí a partir de auditorías de datos del catastro nacional y delinear el papel de los gobiernos municipales en el proceso de apropiación irregular de tierras. Los análisis se anclan en la epistemología de frontera teniendo en cuenta el concepto de colonialidad formulado por Aníbal Quijano. Se utilizó la investigación bibliográfica y la investigación documental. Con base en los datos de las auditorías, fue posible identificar 53 procesos con inmuebles con evidencia de fraude en las cadenas de dominio, de los cuales 17 hacen referencia a la irregularidad “recaudación por parte de los gobiernos municipales”. La inspección de datos catastrales demostró ser eficiente para el diagnóstico de acaparamiento de tierras, aunque necesita correcciones. Se identificaron 05 grupos de fraude en registros inmobiliarios. Se observó que los ayuntamientos se utilizaron como estrategia de reserva de suelo para ingresar al mercado en el momento adecuado. El acaparamiento de tierras es una función inherente del propio sistema-mundo capitalista moderno-colonial y representa una de las formas de colonialidad en la apropiación de la tierra.
Implementação e governança da Indicação Geográfica no Brasil: uma revisão
Authors: Corrêa Sueli José Pereira , Nejaim Vinícius Marques , Abud Ana Karla Souza , Oliveira Junior Antonio Martins , Barretto Lilia Calheiros de Oliveira , Barbosa João Batista
Published: February 2024

En Brasil, se han estructurado redes de apoyo colaborativo para realizar el proceso de reconocimiento de la Indicación Geográfica (IG), junto con el Instituto Nacional de Propiedad Industrial. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue esbozar una revisión bibliográfica sobre el proceso de implementación y gobernanza de las IG en el país para una mejor comprensión de este escenario. La metodología se basó en investigaciones en las revistas de la Comisión de Mejoramiento del Personal de Educación Superior y en bases de datos gratuitas como Google Scholar, con criterios de inclusión y exclusión para la selección de publicaciones. De las 109 publicaciones encontradas, 22 fueron cuidadosamente seleccionadas para el análisis desde la perspectiva de la dinámica de los procesos de implementación y gobernanza de las IG en Brasil. Se observó que las redes colaborativas para conducir los procesos de implementación y gobernanza de la IG se estructuraron con dinámicas diferentes en cada territorio, resultado de esfuerzos y articulaciones realizadas por diferentes instituciones brasileñas.
Hábitat Popular Informal y la Territorialización de Políticas Estatales de Regularización Urbana en Comodoro Rivadavia (Chubut-Argentina)
Authors: Chanampa Magali
Published: February 2024

The following article presents the most significant results and reflections that were part of the author’s PhD thesis in Geography. The central focus revolves around the informal popular housing and its problematization in the context of state policies and urban regularization and integration processes in Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina. Its approach through qualitative research strategies aimed to analyze the genesis of informal settlements, particularly emphasizing municipal policies designed for their regularization and urban integration. Within this framework, a critical analysis was taken into account regarding the territorialization of these processes to unveil the logics of compartmentalization and socio-spatial hierarchization that sustain and reproduce certain interventions of this nature within neighborhoods stemming from land seizures.
Propuesta para el Diseño del “Ecomuseo Los Chorotegas” en el Territorio Indígena Matambú, Guanacaste-Costa Rica
Authors: Murillo Cinthya
Published: February 2024

Over time, human geography has played a fundamental role in communities’ processes of adaptation to their environment. This involves considerations spanning the modification of territories, social organization, and economic activities such as cultural tourism. This also involves understanding the geographic context of their history and culture to add value to communities’ knowledge and processes. Therefore, this article proposes the creation of a Chorotega Culture Eco-Museum in Matambú, a community located within the South Guanacaste Unit of Touristic Planning, Costa Rica. This proposal arises from the necessity of this indigenous community to be part of the tourism industry as a survival strategy. The objective is to promote ecotourism and cultural and creative tourism in the Matambú Chorotega Indigenous Territory (TICM). This initiative serves as a method to enhance the socio-economic conditions of the indigenous community while helping to preserve and rescue the sense of belonging to its cultural and natural heritage. 
By achieving the objective of creating “Los Chorotegas” Eco-Museum in the Matambú community, this territory and indigenous group will be respected and valued as the only remaining ethnicity of Mesoamerican origin within Costa Rica, and this recognition can improve their quality of life.
El fenómeno ENOS y el análisis de la variabilidad de las series de tiempo de precipitación en el Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Authors: Vega-Araya Mauricio
Published: February 2024

The Pacific Northwest of Costa Rica is a region with marked seasonality in rainfall patterns. This area of Costa Rica is prone to extreme hydroclimatic phenomena such as droughts and floods. Due to the limited distribution of rainfall gauges and the unavailability of relevant information, complementary data obtained from satellites and their respective reanalyzes become imperative for acquiring crucial information. This information can support water resource management actions and their impacts on both natural and productive ecosystems.

To analyze the precipitation patterns, we utilized the CHIRPS product’s precipitation time series for five ecoregions within the Guanacaste Conservation Area, located in the northwestern Pacific region of Costa Rica. These curves were strongly and negatively correlated with time series from sea surface temperature monitoring regions, including Niño 1.2, Niño 3, Niño 3.4, and Niño 4.

All analyzed ecoregions exhibited strong negative correlations with the Niño 1.2 region, with correlation coefficients (R values) ranging between -0.72 to -0.74. Additionally, a lag of four to five months was observed in the Niño 4 curve compared to the Niño 1.2 region. This study suggests that the Niño 4 anomaly, with a lag of approximately 4 to 5 months, can serve as an indicator of possible impacts on precipitation patterns in different ecoregions. This provides sufficient time to plan actions, particularly within the agricultural sector. This study demonstrates the potential predictability of the effects of ENSO phenomenon on precipitation patterns for large areas with a certain eco-systemic homogeneity, such as the ecoregions in the Guanacaste Conservation Area.
Enhanced Test Devices for the Development of Novel Paper-like Materials for Sandwich-Structures
Authors:   Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Technische Universitat, Dresden, Germany, Bugiel Alexander , Hähnel Falk ,   Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Technische Universitat, Dresden, Germany, Wolf Klaus ,   Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Technische Universitat, Dresden, Germany, Strauß Johann , Kuntzsch Timo ,   Papiertechnische, Stiftung Heidenau, Germany
Published: February 2024

High performance sandwich components have a great significance in aerospace applications. Particularly, lightweight sandwich structures made of honeycomb or foldcores show excellent load carrying capabilities. Both types of cores are usually made of aramid paper coated with phenolic resin. Therefore, the development of improved paper-like materials seems to be a promising approach to improve the mechanical performance of this kind of cores. An essential part of this development process is the evaluation of the new materials by the complete characterisation of the mechanical properties. This is still a challenging task, since the resulting papers are orthotropic and most of the existing testing procedures and devices are not suitable for very thin sheet materials. This is particularly true for investigating stiffness and strength properties under compressive and shear loading. The paper presents a novel single-curved compression test device as well as an adapted shear-frame for the in-plane characterisation of very thin specimens. These devices have been applied in the development process of a new paper-like material that consists of three layers in order to increase the stiffness and strength of honeycomb- and foldcores. The performance of this material was evaluated by comparing relevant mechanical properties to that of state of the art paper materials. Based on the experimental results the benefits of the new paper-like material could be shown.
Control of Porous Structure of Paper in a Continuous Process
Authors:   KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, Mair Christian
Published: February 2024

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) has unique properties which can lead to interesting new paper applications. Some applications strongly rely on defined pore structure, like filter paper for water purification or separator paper in batteries. The pore structure modification of a paper sheet through MFC is investigated, the combination of MFC and polyelectrolytes (PEs) enables a pore dimension reduction of an existing softwood softwood base layer. In both handsheet and pilot paper machine trials this effect was accomplished and reproducible. It was shown that MFC grammage, MFC consistency and PE type are significant factors that affect the pore dimension.
Analytical and Experimental Investigation to Resolve Surface Related Fatigue Failure in Helical Gears
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , More Kiran
Published: February 2024

With the improvement of metallurgical process and tools it became possible to modify the material property of the steel to a desired possible level where its torque transmission capability can be enhanced. Case hardening and surface grinding is one such method which is used to leverage the surface durability and core strength of gears. With the enhancement in the torque transmission capability the load per unit area of face width also increased causing huge surface pressure. They are subjected to various conditions of load, speed, temperature, and ambient conditions. Micropitting is one such surface related failure which starts on tooth flank in terms of surface texture change. This may further grow in magnitude and result in catastrophic failure. This research work is performed to compare the results of analytical and experimental investigation for the possible micropitting initiative zone. Analytical approach is carried out by using the KISSsys model and the experimental work is carried out by using a dynamometer test rig to apply the load on the gearbox shaft for a defined load cycle. It was clearly visible that the micropitting has initiated below the pitch line of pinion. Tooth profile is later modified with lead and crown modification. After the application of this modification the tooth profile related failure was not visible for similar load testing cycle.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of defense measures during radiological risk assessment in gynecological brachytherapy
Authors: Dominguez C. C. , Torres A. , Alfonso R.
Published: February 2024

The implementation of risk analysis to all those practices that work with ionizing radiation is of paramount importance. Thanks to the studies published on risk assessment in radiation medicine, a culture on this subject is being created, which has led to the systematization of different methods created for this purpose. Such is the case of the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), the basis on which this research has been developed. The American Association of Physicist in Medicine (AAMP) TG-100 report, which provides all the details on the use of this technique, is used as main reference. On the other hand, the recommendations recently published by AAMP TG-275 report are also used, applying the FMEA methodology to the high dose rate gynecological brachytherapy (B-HDR-GYN), among other practices. The novelty of this research is the implementation of an operational algorithm that improves the analytical capacity of the traditional FMEA approach by allowing the measurement of the effectiveness of defense measures within it. In this study, when the defense measures interact in the FMEA, a decrease of four RPN values of the failure modes (FM) occurs; compared to reference values. This algorithm is based on a synergy of the risk matrix (RM) approach and the information on FMEA available in the TG-100 and TG-275.
‘Linguistics in Pursuit of Justice’ By John Baugh (2020)
Authors: Ali Farah
Published: February 2024

Linguistics in Pursuit of Justice By John Baugh (2020)Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 216 pp.
Methods of mechanical tests for cantilever loading of metatarsal foot bones
Authors:   Saratov State University, Ivanov Dmitry , Dol Alexander , Bessonov Leonid , Kireev Sergey , Gulyaeva Alyona
Published: February 2024

The development and implementation of methods for quantitative assessment of biomechanical parameters of osteotomies are important issues in modern orthopedics. The analysis of characteristics of different types of osteotomies is of great significance, as it can contribute to reducing complications and improving surgical treatment of the foot. In order to conduct experiments on bones with unchanged mechanical properties, a new method of fixing bone samples was developed and tested, which allows for mechanical testing in cantilever bending and/or axial compression on the day of bone material extraction, which was previously impossible due to a number of problems. During the study, a universal steel device was designed that allows for fixing the sample at a 15-degree angle to the horizontal. The device's universality lies in the fact that the tube, in which the sample is fixed, can be detached and then installed on a stationary crossbar of the testing machine, which ensures axial compression of the sample at a 15-degree angle to the vertical axis. A comparative analysis of adhesive compositions of three types for fixing the material in the device was also conducted. It was found that a mixture of cyanoacrylate glue and baking soda allows for conducting experiments without loss of mechanical properties of bone tissue. Thus, the developed and described methodology by the authors allows for preparing samples of the metatarsal bone for testing under cantilever loading in a short period of time, which eliminates changes in the properties of bone tissues due to a long break between extraction and experiment, as well as due to bone freezing.
Peculiarities of distribution of electrical activity of muscles during walking along treadmill
Authors:   M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute, Petrushanskaya Kira , Kotov Sergey
Published: February 2024

Authors of this article give the comparative estimation of peculiarities of walking along the horizontal surface and treadmill. Authors thoroughly investigated change of the main parameters and EMG-pattern of muscles at different cadences during walking along the horizontal surface and treadmill. Authors established, that during walking along treadmill cadence changes quite insufficiently, while the step length changes to a greater extent. From authors’ point of view, such disproportionate change of cadence and step length leads to the expressed transformation of the resonance properties of the lower extremities, i.e. to discrepancy of frequency of the forced oscillations with the own oscillations of the lower extremities. From the authors’ point of view, change of the resonance phenomena are revealed in inconsiderable increase of the mean electrical activity during the locomotor cycle, in absence of the parabolic dependence in the curve of the summary integral of electrical activity for the locomotor cycle during walking at different cadence, in very limited zone of the optimal walking cadence, in slight growth of muscle capacity with increase of walking velocity. Authors suppose, that training of walking along treadmill and especially training with application of functional electrical stimulation (FES) must be realized with great care, what supposes determination of the optimal walking velocity (i.e. that velocity, which is accompanied by the maximal decrease of the energy expenditures), and also definition of the mean electrical activity (muscle capacity) and the summary integral for the distance of 10 m (work of muscle with an account of both cadence and the step length). Authors consider, that it is possible to apply FES during walking along treadmill only in those patients, who are able to walk with velocity 2.5 km/hour and more.
Simulation of movement of an active exoskeleton with five electric controlled links
Authors:   Branch of the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute in Smolensk, Blinov Alexander , Borisov Andrey , Konchina Larisa , Kulikova Marina , Maslova Kseniia
Published: February 2024

The article simulates the movements of an anthropoid model of a mechatronic mechanism such as an exoskeleton containing five rods interconnected by cylindrical hinges. The exoskeleton is a system of links that undergo relative rotations around the coordinate axes under the influence of the corresponding links of the user's musculoskeletal system, on which the exoskeleton is put on, gravity, support reactions and internal control forces implemented by electric drives. To describe the movement of each link, the angles between the links are used and local coordinate systems are introduced, which allow determining their position in space. The control of the change in the angles between the links is carried out using electric drives. Modeling is carried out for a gait close to human race walking, in which there is an instantaneous alternation of single-support phases. Biomechanical modeling of an exoskeleton with five movable controlled links allows us to identify the tasks that need to be solved: the synthesis of the motion trajectory, the determination of control moments, the selection of electric drives, and the development of a system for impulse motion control. To set the anthropomorphic movement of the exoskeleton, periodic functions are introduced that specify changes in the angles between the links. Compiled a system of differential equations. The Cauchy problem is solved numerically. The results of the numerical solution are compared with the initial motion, a conclusion is made that the system is unstable, and possible ways of stabilizing the unstable motion are discussed. The impact of the presence of electric drives on the dynamics of the entire exoskeleton has been estimated.
ELASTOPLASTIC CONSTITUTIVE MODEL AND MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF UNSATURATED LOESS
Authors: Cheng Xuansheng , Qi Guanjie , Zhou Xinhai , Zhang Shanglong
Published: February 2024

To address the issue of the absence of a suitable loess constitutive model in the study of seismic response
in loess tunnels, the elastoplastic constitutive model of unsaturated loess was established by replacing the fixed yield surface with the yield surface (i.e., the variable loading surface). This model improves the algorithm of integration since the shape and position change in the stress space due to the continuous loading of unsaturated loess after yielding. In this study, the elastoplastic constitutive model was used in isotropic compression, drained triaxial compression, and undrained triaxial compression tests. The test results were compared with the Cambridge model. The results revealed that the elastoplastic
constitutive model achieved a smooth transition between elasticity and plasticity and can effectively
simulate soil behavior. The numerical experiment of triaxial drainage compression conformed to the theoretical concept of the boundary surface model and provided ideal simulation properties. From the undrained dynamic triaxial compression numerical test, it was seen that the constitutive model can
describe the elastoplastic deformation in the yield surface and better reflect the cyclic strength softening
and cyclic stiffness degradation of soil.
ANALYSIS OF THE SINGLE-BLOW TRANSIENT TESTING TECHNIQUE FOR NONMETALLIC HEAT EXCHANGERS
Authors: Li Wen-Tao , Sun Kun , Zhou Guo-Yan , Tu Shan-Tung , Luo Xing , Wang Ke , Kabelac Stephan
Published: February 2024

For measuring the efficiency of nonmetallic heat exchangers, a mathematical model was established based on the principle of the single-blow testing technique, in which the conductive thermal resistance across nonmetallic plates of the exchangers was taken into account. The analytical solution was obtained by means of the Laplace transformation and numerical inverse transform method. The accuracy
of the model was verified by comparing it with the literature. The effect of the plate Bi number on the
evaluated number of transfer units (NTU) was analyzed. Based on the single-blow transient testing technique and the present model, the heat transfer performance and frictional pressure drop of four types of nonmetallic plates with different structural parameters were experimentally studied. The correlations for heat transfer and frictional pressure drop of nonmetallic heat exchange structures are established.
O gênero emergente webcomics
Authors: De Oliveira Ulisses , Barbosa Julia Leal
Published: February 2024

Com o avanço da tecnologia, vemos novos gêneros textuais surgindo. Alguns destes, são variações de gêneros textuais já conhecidos, mas que assumem novas características a partir de novas tecnologias, ferramentas digitais e semioses. Esse é o caso das webcomics, uma variação das histórias em quadrinhos de outrora. O crescimento da procura pelo gênero tem fortes raízes na popularidade das histórias em quadrinhos e seu uso em sites e plataformas de publicações de comics (EISNER, 1995). O presente artigo tem como objetivo estudar esse gênero emergente e determinar suas características composicionais. Para tanto, utilizamos dos pressupostos teóricos dos estudos de gênero (MARTIN, 1992; HALLIDAY e HASAN,1989) e da Linguística da Internet (CRYSTAL, 2005) para os estudos específicos sobre webcomics e os aspectos do e-discurso. No que concerne ao gênero e seus elementos, aplicamos os conceitos da Estrutura Genérica Potencial (EGP) que descreve padrões linguísticos que ocorrem no gênero por determinação de variáveis de elementos obrigatórios, opcionais e sequenciais e recursivos. O corpus do estudo é constituído de 10 (dez) textos extraídos da base de dados pública online webtoon. Os resultados do estudo indicaram padrões consistentes de elementos obrigatórios, opcionais e sequenciais e recursivos no corpus, conferindo ao gênero padrões composicionais bem estabelecidos. Além disso, aspectos do e-discurso também foram identificados, tais como, abreviações e acrônimos; emoticons, emojis e outros recursos similares, novas grafias e ortografias, hipertextualidade, interatividade (comentários, sugestões de leitores, múltipla autoria, etc.), anonimato e pseudonimato e, por fim, fragmentação textual.
La kalokagathia in Senofonte: un’eccellenza eminentemente socratica
Authors: Stavru Alessandro
Published: February 2024

Kalokagathiais a core concept of Greek culture, which is usually associated with the professional excellence of an individual in a given field of activity or work. It acquires a markedly moral and aesthetic value thanks to Xenophon, for whom it is neither an innate nor an acquired virtue, but the ability to achieve virtue through consistent moral training. It is for Xenophon a specifically Socratic virtue, as the number and significance of occurrences of kalokagathiain his Socratic works (compared to the non-Socratic works) clearly shows. Here the term has eight different meanings–whereby thekaloikagathoiare strictu sensuonly the Socratics, i.e. the group of companions who gather around the kaloskagathospar excellence Socrates (Mem. 1.2.48). Kalokagathiais linked to self-control (enkrateia), thus entailing freedom from exterior values (Mem.1.5.1). Xenophon’s Socrates is not kaloskagathosbecause he is excellent in doing or knowing something, but because he aims at making his interlocutors “better” (beltion) through philosophical intercourse, thus leading them to akalokagathiawhich departs from traditional “excellence” (Mem. 2.1.1-7). Hence the friendship and the political benefits that derive from Socrates’s kalokagathia: being a kaloskagathosentails establishing relationships grounded on reciprocity, which are all aimed at the well-being of the city (Mem. 2.6.14-29). In my paper, I explore these facets of kalokagathia, focusing on the connections with other ethical concepts that are important for Xenophon (esp. enkrateia,autarkeiaandphilia).
Partners in Crime: Synergistic Antiapoptotic Effects of HCMV Gene Products in Infected Cells
Authors: Sy Kaitlyn
Published: February 2024

The means by which human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) evades the immune system has been a hot research topic for the past three decades. While much of the research has focused on viral proteins that interfere with the host’s immune response, recent investigations suggest that proteins are not the only culprits. New findings by Hancock et al. indicate that HCMV-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) work alongside viral proteins to produce synergistic antiapoptotic effects, shedding light on the mechanisms by which HCMV establishes latent infection in host cells.
Beware the HIV Env, Which Comes to you in Glycosylated Coating
Authors: Niaman Abreen , Treml Jack , Logan Randall
Published: February 2024

Excess cellular radical oxygen species are associated with an increase in cellular, including geneticdamage. In somatic cells, this may lead to cancer when genes associated with cell growthand reproduction are impacted. Opposing radical oxygen species are antioxidants which canquench free radicals that otherwise may damage a cell’s DNA. The body produces some antioxidantsnaturally, such as glutathione, while others are obtained through diet, including vitaminsC and E. Chlorogenic Acid (CGA) is one example of a polyphenolic compound in coffeewith the potential to exhibit antioxidant and antimutagenic properties. The concentration ofCGA in a commercially available coffee was measured and its potential to exhibit antioxidantproperties was assessed. An extract was prepared in which the spectral properties of CGAwere exploited to quantitate its concentration in green coffee extract via HPLC. The antioxidantactivity of CGA was characterized by measuring its relative ability to neutralize free radicals usinga colorimetric assay vs. a pure vitamin C standard. The antimutagenic activity of CGA wasto be assessed via an Ames test using mutant Salmonella strains incapable of producing theamino acid histidine. The results demonstrated a considerable amount of CGA in green coffeeextract, that exhibited antioxidant properties. Future work will assess antimutagenic effectsof CGA in the extract compared to the antimutagenic effect of vitamin C and pure CGA standards.Overall, these results suggested that coffee beverages may serve as potent antioxidantswith the potential to protect consumers from the harmful effects of mutagenic free radicals.
Implementing Rule of Law Concept in the Digital Sphere: China’s Experience
Authors: Li Yao
Published: February 2024

The paper provides a discussion of the policies pursued by the Chinese government in implementing the concept of the rule of law through the use of digital technologies. China’s recent achievements in creating the digital infrastructure and developing the digital economy are discussed. The paper explains how the Chinese government use the Internet, big data, artificial intelligence and other technologies to promote legal governance and achieve a synthesis of information technologies and the rule of law in public governance in terms of process and method. Since China is a country with an extensive territory and large population where improving the access to and quality of justice is problematic, policies are pursued to actively introduce modern digital technologies to digitize justice. Judicial institutions across the country also have a varying degree of experience of promoting smart justice. In 2021 and 2022, the Supreme People’s Court of China published one by one the following three major rules for online activities of courts: Rules for Online Justice; Rules for Online Mediation; Rules for Online Operation, to make online judicial operations across the board well-regimented. Guided by these three rules, Chinese courts have made certain progress in recent years to make their operations digital and smart. Since promoting the digital rule of law means the cultivation of talent, an enabling political environment was created to improve legal skills and cultivate specialists with competencies in the area of artificial intelligence, big data or cloud computing. The problems faced by China in promoting digital justice are currently experienced by many countries worldwide. The author aim is to explain the Chinese regulatory model to share this experience with other countries.
Producing and/or Distributing Intimate Images of a Person without its Consent
Authors: Klokov Sergey , Tikhonov Pavel
Published: February 2024

Modern times have created different types of new crimes unknowable to the criminal law doctrine before. One of these new crimes is unlawful distribution of intimate images of person in public without its consent, including distribution in Internet. In the world practice this action usually named as “nonconsensual porn”. Nowadays this type of unlawful actions is actively studied in foreign law systems, some of these recently criminalized it; however in the Russian law “nonconsensual porn” is not popular theme for researching in doctrine and also in practice, although the act itself exists. Dispositions of a number of articles of Chapters 19 and 25 of Special part of the Criminal Code of Russian Federation only partially cover the act mentioned; therefore, the need to change the law is already brewing due to the need of modernization of criminal legislation in connection with various ways of committing such a crime. Focusing on the ways of committing the researched act, authors identify and explore three ways of creating “nonconsensual porn”: its production by secret shooting, the production of intimate images of a person with the consent of the person himself and the production of “nonconsensual porn” by using computer technologies. Authors also made an attempt to differentiate the studied act with the already existing crimes of the Special Part of the Criminal Code (Articles 128.1, 137, 242, etc.). The subject of that research is “nonconsensual porn” as an unlawful act. The aim of the research is creating the complex model of offence of “nonconsensual porn” in Russian criminal law system and explanation of necessity of criminalization this act as an independent crime. The need of protection of people’s rights from “nonconsensual porn” especially by criminal law because of the danger of that act, differentiation “nonconsensual porn” from other crimes and need of criminalization of that act in the Russian criminal law is proving by authors. Present research provides significant thesis for developing of study of criminal law and formulate drafts in the Russian Criminal Code, what gives the practical meaning to the work.
Immunofluorescence staining ASE, vibratome sections v1
Authors: not provided eduard.bentea , Sanchiz Calvo María , Baekelandt Veerle
Published: February 2024

Protocol for performing immunofluorescence staining using antibody signal enhancement (ASE) on vibratome cut brain sections from rats or mice.
Measuring dopamine release in human-derived iPSCs using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled to Electrochemical Detection (ECD) v1
Authors: ML Cramb Kaitlyn , J Cragg Stephanie , Wade-Martins Richard
Published: February 2024

This protocol allows for the detection of evoked or tonic dopamine release from human iPSC-derived dopamine neurons using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrochemical detection.
A FAIR protocol of the Best-RAD sequencing approach v1
Authors: Benoit Laure
Published: February 2024

The protocol is based on the Best-RAD sequencing approach developed in Ali et al. (2016) that allows two main improvements of the RAD-sequencing approach developed by Baird et al. (2008) : (1) a lower rate of PCR duplicates generated during the final enrichment and (2) an increase of the multiplexing capacity by a factor equal to the number of well barcode available (for a brief description, see Figure 1). We developed this protocol on individual wild samples of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. We evaluated the library quality not only on a high amount of target DNA fragments but also on low amounts of PCR duplicates, chimeric fragments, and adaptor residues. To this aim, we tested and validated the following critical parameters : the quality and quantity of the DNA input, the ratio of the AMpure purifications and the number of PCR cycles of the final amplification. Consecutive recommendations and expectations (e.g., DNA concentration or fragment size) are indicated in notes throughout the protocol. Furthermore, special care has been taken to ensure the precision of each step (i.e. volumes, quantities, duration, materials with supplier references). Consequently, this protocol follows the FAIR principle and could be useful for an easy implementation of the Best-RAD sequencing approach in other laboratories and biological models.
Do, Q. B. et al. (2023) Early deficits in an in vitro striatal microcircuit model carrying the Parkinson’s GBA-N370S mutation v2
Authors: Do Quyen , Noor Humaira
Published: February 2024

This collection contains ten protocols detailing methods used in Do, Q. B. et al. (2023) Early deficits in an in vitro striatal microcircuit model carrying the Parkinson’s GBA-N370S mutation.
Lived body and experience of illness: a phenomenological approach
Authors: Escribano Xavier
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this article is to show how the development of a phenomenology of the lived body is of special interest for a philosophical elucidation of the illness that takes charge of the patient's perspective in its specific theoretical relevance. Starting from a critique of the Cartesian paradigm of the body-machine and the consequent de-emphasis of the personal experience of the disease, it will be shown how the phenomenological perspective allows us to account for the constituent elements of the illness experienced in the first person, such as alteration or disintegration of the link I-body-world-others. Finally, the question of the physical, emotional, and cognitive response to the disease and the way in which phenomenological reflections on the disease converge in a reflection on identity, vulnerability, and recognition will be addressed.