bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subarachnoid haemorrhage or traumatic lumbar puncture. Differentiation by cerebrospinal fluid parameters in a multivariable approach
Authors: Zinganell Anne , Berek Klaus , Bsteh Gabriel , Di Pauli Franziska , Rass Verena , Helbok Raimund , Walde Janette , Deisenhammer Florian , Hegen Harald
Published: December 2023

Lumbar puncture (LP) is recommended in patients with thunderclap headache and negative computed tomography to rule out spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Blood contamination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) due to traumatic LP poses a diagnostic dilemma. Therefore, routine CSF parameters were investigated to distinguish between SAH and a traumatic LP. CSF red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) count, total protein, CSF colour and supernatant were used for group comparisons of patients with SAH and ‘symptomatic controls’. Due to variable time intervals between bleeding onset and LP in SAH patients in contrast to patients with traumatic LP, where blood contamination of CSF occurs at the time of LP, CSF variables were adjusted for decay in time to allow comparability. Logistic regression analysis identified bloody CSF [odds ratio (OR) 32.6], xanthochromic supernatant [OR 15.5] and WBCadjusted[OR 4.5 (per increase of 100/µl)] as predictors of SAH, while age, sex and CSF total proteinadjustedwere no predictors. Optimal cut-point of RBCadjusted(determined at day 1 after bleeding) was > 3667/µl to identify SAH patients with a 97% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Combination of low RBC and clear CSF supernatant was found in none of SAH patients. Combined CSF RBC count and CSF supernatant reliably distinguished traumatic LP from SAH.
Online joint localization without user interactions
Authors: Le Yanfen , Ou Jintian , Chen Yuanhao , Yao Heng
Published: December 2023

Wi-Fi fingerprinting has been a popular indoor localization due to the widespread layout of indoor WLAN. However, the signal fluctuations in the complex environments make it difficult to maintain high accuracy localization for the received signal strength (RSS) fingerprinting. Various positioning solutions have emerged to address this challenge, either working in stand-alone mode or in collaborative mode. In the former case, the user only utilizes his own RSS observation to request location service, while the latter usually requires information transfer between users. Considering the spatial correlation of wireless signal distribution, we propose an online joint localization scheme (JointLoc) that does not require direct interaction between users. The fact that the signals observed by users in physical proximity characterize the surroundings is used by JointLoc to identify neighboring users for joint localization. Besides this, JointLoc further integrates a novel subset-based localization scheme, thus the influence of anomalous RSS signals is eliminated before making the final location decision. We have fully evaluated the performance of JointLoc in two RSS datasets collected in real environments. Compared with conventional algorithms and the latest ones, results show that JointLoc is robust against signal fluctuations, and achieves good localization accuracy.
Causes of accelerated High-Tide Flooding in the U.S. since 1950
Authors: Sun Qiang , Dangendorf Sönke , Wahl Thomas , Thompson Philip R.
Published: December 2023

The U.S. coastlines have experienced rapid increases in occurrences of High Tide Flooding (HTF) during recent decades. While it is generally accepted that relative mean sea level (RMSL) rise is the dominant cause for this, an attribution to individual components is still lacking. Here, we use local sea-level budgets to attribute past changes in HTF days to RMSL and its individual contributions. We find that while RMSL rise generally explains > 84% of long-term increases in HTF days locally, spatial patterns in HTF changes also depend on differences in flooding thresholds and water level characteristics. Vertical land motion dominates long-term increases in HTF, particularly in the northeast, while sterodynamic sea level (SDSL) is most important elsewhere and on shorter temporal scales. We also show that the recent SDSL acceleration in the Gulf of Mexico has led to an increase of 220% in the frequency of HTF events over the last decade.
ChatClimate: Grounding conversational AI in climate science
Authors: Vaghefi Saeid Ashraf , Stammbach Dominik , Muccione Veruska , Bingler Julia , Ni Jingwei , Kraus Mathias , Allen Simon , Colesanti-Senni Chiara , Wekhof Tobias , Schimanski Tobias , Gostlow Glen , Yu Tingyu , Wang Qian , Webersinke Nicolas , Huggel Christian , Leippold Markus
Published: December 2023

Large Language Models have made remarkable progress in question-answering tasks, but challenges like hallucination and outdated information persist. These issues are especially critical in domains like climate change, where timely access to reliable information is vital. One solution is granting these models access to external, scientifically accurate sources to enhance their knowledge and reliability. Here, we enhance GPT-4 by providing access to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR6), the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and reliable source in this domain (refer to the ’Data Availability’ section). We present our conversational AI prototype, available atwww.chatclimate.ai, and demonstrate its ability to answer challenging questions in three different setups: (1) GPT-4, (2) ChatClimate, which relies exclusively on IPCC AR6 reports, and (3) Hybrid ChatClimate, which utilizes IPCC AR6 reports with in-house GPT-4 knowledge. The evaluation of answers by experts show that the hybrid ChatClimate AI assistant provide more accurate responses, highlighting the effectiveness of our solution.
The maritime continent’s rainforests modulate the local interannual evapotranspiration variability
Authors: Lee Ting-Hui , Lo Min-Hui , Chiang Chun-Lien , Kuo Yan-Ning
Published: December 2023

The interannual variation of evapotranspiration in tropical rainforests is thought to be small, despite the variability of precipitation. Here we investigated the cause of this phenomenon in the Maritime Continent using observations, reanalysis data and model simulations. We find that evapotranspiration’s interannual variation is dampened by the self-compensating mechanism of canopy evaporation and transpiration. During El Niño, when precipitation is lower than climatology, canopy evaporation decreases due to less interception, while canopy transpiration increases in response to increased incoming solar radiation, resulting in a compensating effect and a small interannual variation of evapotranspiration. Deforestation, however, eliminates transpiration’s dampening effect and, thus, amplifies the interannual variation of evapotranspiration significantly. This increase in evapotranspiration’s interannual variation due to deforestation further affect the local hydrological cycle, resulting in decreased interannual variation of precipitation. The results highlight the impacts of deforestation and emphasize the critical role of tropical rainforests in the hydroclimatological cycle.
Oxygen supplementation in anesthesia can block FLASH effect and anti-tumor immunity in conventional proton therapy
Authors: Iturri Lorea , Bertho Annaïg , Lamirault Charlotte , Brisebard Elise , Juchaux Marjorie , Gilbert Cristèle , Espenon Julie , Sébrié Catherine , Jourdain Laurène , de Marzi Ludovic , Pouzoulet Frédéric , Muret Jane , Verrelle Pierre , Prezado Yolanda
Published: December 2023

Background

Radiation-induced neurocognitive dysfunction is a major adverse effect of brain radiation therapy and has specific relevance in pediatric oncology, where serious cognitive deficits have been reported in survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Moreover, many pediatric patients receive proton therapy under general anesthesia or sedation to guarantee precise ballistics with a high oxygen content for safety. The present study addresses the relevant question of the potential effect of supplemental oxygen administered during anesthesia on normal tissue toxicity and investigates the anti-tumor immune response generated following conventional and FLASH proton therapy.

Methods

Rats (Fischer 344) were cranially irradiated with a single high dose of proton therapy (15 Gy or 25 Gy) using FLASH dose rate proton irradiation (257 ± 2 Gy/s) or conventional dose rate proton irradiation (4 ± 0.02 Gy/s), and the toxicities in the normal tissue were examined by histological, cytometric and behavioral analysis. Glioblastoma-bearing rats were irradiated in the same manner and tumor-infiltrating leukocytes were quantified by flow cytometry.

Results

Our findings indicate that supplemental oxygen has an adverse impact on both functional and anatomical evaluations of normal brain following conventional and FLASH proton therapy. In addition, oxygen supplementation in anesthesia is particularly detrimental for anti-tumor immune response by preventing a strong immune cell infiltration into tumoral tissues following conventional proton therapy.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the need to further optimize anesthesia protocols used in radiotherapy with the goal of preserving normal tissues and achieving tumor control, specifically in combination with immunotherapy agents.
Chemical Formation of Biofilms in Drug Development
Authors: Babaniyi Babafemi Raphael , Elizabeth Babaniyi Ebunoluwa , Sunday Oluwafunmilayo Racheal , Thompson Samuel O.
Published: December 2023

Bacterial cells demonstrate two major modes of growth, which are planktonic cells and sessile aggregates, called biofilms. Biofilms are aggregations of micro-organisms where cells fused to one another form a matrix secreted into the extracellular environment which form in multiple biological and ecological environments. The formation of a biofilm entails dynamic processes which require a concurrent series of mechanisms. Over 75% of all infections are affected by microbial biofilms. The main four ways that biofilms have an effect are through promoting the development of antimicrobial drug resistance, causing chronic infections, altering host immunological responses and contaminating medical equipment. The biofilm lifestyle also helps microorganisms survive in challenging environmental circumstances. Various factors influencing the formation of biofilms including nutrients, temperature, oxygen and pH, factors hindering biofilm formation including analog compounds interfering with receptor proteins and hindering biosynthesis of acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signal molecules, and blocking approaches via quorum sensing are examined in this chapter.
Construction of a molecularly imprinted fluorescent sensor based on an amphiphilic block copolymer-metal–organic framework for the detection of oxytetracycline in milk
Authors: Liu Wanqiong , Wu Zixuan , Peng Jianwei , Xu Zebin , Liang Yong
Published: December 2023

A metal–organic framework is a good carrier for molecular imprinting as its high surface area and strong adsorption capacity, but its poor dispersibility in solution is one of the significant drawbacks, which can severely impede its effectiveness.
A single carbon atom controls the geometry and reactivity of CoII(N2S2) complexes
Authors: Jana Manish , Quiroz Manuel , Darensbourg Marcetta Y.
Published: December 2023

The dramatic influence of a N-to-N connector on the geometry, electronic structure and reactivity of Co(ii)N2S2 complexes.
Cooperative small molecule activation by apolar and weakly polar bonds through the lens of a suitable computational protocol
Authors: Sorbelli Diego , Belpassi Leonardo , Belanzoni Paola
Published: December 2023

Through the magnifying glass of a suitable computational protocol, both support and guidance of experimental advances in small molecules activation mediated by apolar and weakly polar bonds are made possible.
Selective deposition of silver particles on {111} or {100} diamond facets
Authors: Bokhonov Boris B. , Gavrilov Alexander I. , Dudina Dina V.
Published: December 2023

In the present work, the surface of synthetic diamond microcrystals was modified by treating them in vials of a planetary mill without milling balls with a silver powder added.
A Prussian blue analog-based copper–aluminum layered double hydroxide for cesium removal from water: fabrication, density functional theory-based molecular modeling, and the adsorption mechanism
Authors: Li Xindai , Shao Kexin , Xu Guangming , Xia Meng , Liu Xinyao , Shang Zhaorong , Fan Fuqiang , Dou Junfeng
Published: December 2023

A new type of adsorbent, a Prussian blue analog-based copper–aluminum layered double hydroxide (PBA@CuAl-LDH), was successfully synthesized using a one-step method for the removal of radioactive Cs+ from wastewater.
X-ray induced ultrafast charge transfer in thiophene-based conjugated polymers controlled by core-hole clock spectroscopy
Authors: Velasquez Nicolas , B. Nunes Fernanda , Travnikova Oksana , Ismail Iyas , Guillemin Renaud , Martins Jessica B. , Céolin Denis , Journel Loïc , Fillaud Laure , Koulentianos Dimitris , Kamal Chinnathambi , Püttner Ralph , Piancastelli Maria Novella , Simon Marc , Odelius Michael , Iannuzzi Marcella , Marchenko Tatiana
Published: December 2023

Ultrafast charge transfer along the polymer chains is triggered by a selective resonant core-excitation of the sulfur atom in P3HT films and powders. Our approach opens perspectives for studies on intra-molecular conductivity in organic molecules.
Electron-induced hydroamination of ethane as compared to ethene: implications for the reaction mechanism
Authors: Boeckers Hannah , Mues Martin Philipp , Bredehöft Jan Hendrik , Swiderek Petra
Published: December 2023

Amines are formed with surprisingly similar efficiency when mixed ices of NH3 and either C2H4 or C2H6 are irradiated with electrons. This process is thus more versatile for introducing nitrogen into carbonaceous materials than previously thought.
Vibrational and cohesive properties in 4d and 5d transition metals: systematics and interrelations
Authors: Bertoldi Dalía S. , Fernández Guillermet A.
Published: December 2023

Debye temperatures θD(j) of 4d and 5d transition metals, for several j-values. All of these present the same proportionality relation.
Unraveling the effect of particle size of active metals in Ni/MgO on methane activation and carbon growth mechanism
Authors: Chen Shengzhuo , Niu Juntian , Zheng Xianrong , Liu Haiyu , Jin Yan , Ran Jingyu
Published: December 2023

For dry reforming of methane, the active metal particle size of the catalyst has a significant effect on both the reaction activity and the resistance to carbon deposition.
Probing the conformational dynamics of an Ago–RNA complex in water/methanol solution
Authors: Porcelli Francesco , Casavola Anna Rita , Grottesi Alessandro , Schiumarini Donatella , Avaldi Lorenzo
Published: December 2023

Argonaute (Ago) proteins mediate target recognition guiding miRNA to bind complementary mRNA primarily in the seed region.
Ligand-enforced geometric constraints and associated reactivity in p-block compounds
Authors: Hannah Tyler J. , Chitnis Saurabh S.
Published: December 2023

This review presents a group-wise summary of ligand enforced non-VSEPR geometries in compounds of the p-block elements and discusses the emergent consequences for reactivity.
Unexpected structural preference with metallophilic Ag–Au contacts in silver(i)-N-heterocyclic carbene cluster; experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Sahu Priyanka , Jana Narayan Ch. , Barik Sahadev , Kisan Hemanta K. , Changotra Avtar , Isab Anvarhusein A. , Dinda Joydev
Published: December 2023

Substoichiometric transmetallation of an Ag3-NHC cluster leads to an Ag2Au-NHC cluster that bears strong metallophilic Ag–Au contacts; the aromaticity in these clusters has been explored.
A novel phosphate with CoII square planar coordination, BaCo0.5Fe(PO4)2: structural and magnetic features
Authors: Alloun Fouad , Hadouchi Mohammed , El Arni Sirine , Assani Abderrazzak , Saadi Mohamed , El Marssi Mimoun , Lahmar Abdelilah , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: December 2023

A novel phosphate BaCo0.5Fe(PO4)2 with square planar CoII coordination showing AFM ordering at TN ∼ 20 K.
Ordering by cation replacement in the system Na2−xLixGa7
Authors: Yu Chia-Chi , Prots Yurii , Ormeci Alim , Krnel Mitja , Schmidt Marcus , Akselrud Lev , Wagner Frank R. , Grin Yuri , Baitinger Michael
Published: December 2023

The Zintl–Wade phase Na1Li1Ga7 introduces a novel variant within the MgB12Si2 structure family. The substitution of Na atoms with Li in Na2Ga7 results in a distinct and fully ordered cation arrangement.
Behaviour of advanced materials in environmental aquatic media – dissolution kinetics and dispersion stability of perovskite automotive catalysts
Authors: Di Battista Veronica , Werle Kai , Skjolding Lars Michael , Wohlleben Wendel , Baun Anders
Published: December 2023

Combination of methods for early screening of AdMa environmental behaviour and effects.
Synthesis of a water-based TEOS–PDMS sol–gel coating for hydrophobic cotton and polyester fabrics
Authors: Abu Bakar Nurul Hidayah , Wan Ismail Wan Norfazilah , Mohd Yusop Hartina , Mohd Zulkifli Noreen Farzuhana
Published: December 2023

TEOS–PDMS coating was synthesized without any organic solvent. While it exhibited good durability in high temperatures and abrasion tests, further refinement is necessary to mitigate the decline in hydrophobicity resulting from washing cycles.
Exploring the magnetic, electric and magnetodielectric properties of (1 − x)Ba0.9Ni0.1Ti0.9Mn0.1O3–xCo0.9Mn0.1Fe1.9V0.1O4 multiferroic composites
Authors: Bhat Showket Ahmad , Ikram Mohd
Published: December 2023

In this study, 0–3 particulate multiferroic composites were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, another arrow in the arsenal to study the biodegradability of two-dimensional materials
Authors: Didonè Livia , Shin Yunseok , Silvestri Alessandro , Prato Maurizio , Park Sungjin , Bianco Alberto
Published: December 2023

Carbon nitrides represent an emerging class of two-dimensional materials exploited for energy storage, for catalysis, in composites, and in biomedicine. Their biodegradability has been studied under the conditions of the photo-Fenton reaction.
Electro-oxidative coupling of Bunte salts with aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates: a benign access to unsymmetrical sulfoxides
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Chand Shiv , Singh Krishna Nand
Published: December 2023

An eco-safe electrochemical strategy has been developed for the synthesis of unsymmetrical sulfoxides using Bunte salts and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborate.
Correction: π-Facial selectivity in the Diels–Alder reaction of glucosamine-based chiral furans and maleimides
Authors: van der Loo Cornelis H. M. , Schim van der Loeff Rutger , Martín Avelino , Gomez-Sal Pilar , Borst Mark L. G. , Pouwer Kees , Minnaard Adriaan J.
Published: December 2023

Correction for ‘π-Facial selectivity in the Diels–Alder reaction of glucosamine-based chiral furans and maleimides’ by Cornelis H. M. van der Loo et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2023, 21, 1888–1894, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2OB02221D.
Tin as a co-catalyst for electrocatalytic oxidation and reduction reactions
Authors: Gao Mengyue , Zhang Xinyu , Dai Sheng , Wang Kuan-Wen
Published: December 2023

Tin (Sn) as a co-catalyst exerts a substantial influence on multiple electrocatalytic reactions. Delving into Sn's role in electrocatalysts and pioneering novel strategies have an immense impact for green synthesis and energy production.
In situ construction of vertically aligned AlN skeletons for enhancing the thermal conductivity of stearic acid-based phase-change composites
Authors: Yu Chang , Yang Pan , Wang Baokai , Li Mengyi , Niu Mengyang , Yuan Kunjie , Xuan Weiwei , Lu Qipeng , Cao Wenbin , Wang Qi
Published: December 2023

Vertically aligned AlN skeletons were rationally constructed by freezing casting combined with an in situ carbothermal reduction method and were further used as reinforcements to enhance the thermal conductivity of stearic acid-based PCMs.
Enhanced comprehensive performance of carbon-based hole-transport-layer-free CsPbI2Br solar cells by a low-cost and stable long chain polymer
Authors: Li Wenxuan , Li Yali , Gao Zhe , Wan Guodong , Liu Xiaoyang , Fu Yujun , Liu Qiming , He Deyan , Li Junshuai
Published: December 2023

Hole-transport-layer (HTL)-free CsPbI2Br solar cells based on a carbon electrode have attracted widespread interest because they have a simple device configuration and good light and thermal stability, and moreover are independent of high-cost HTLs and precious metal electrodes.
Soft nanocomposites of lead bromide perovskite and polyurethane prepared via coordination chemistry for highly flexible, stable, and quaternary metal alloy-printed light emitting diodes
Authors: Kim Ga Eun , Kim Hae-Jin , Jung Heesuk , Park Minwoo
Published: December 2023

Highly flexible and luminescent MAPbBr3/PU nanocomposites are synthesized via metal-amide coordination. In–Ga–Zn–Sn alloy cathode-printed PeLEDs incorporating the nanocomposites exhibit an impressive maximum luminance of 1458.6 Cd m−2 at r = 7 mm.
Into the fold: advances in understanding aPKC membrane dynamics
Authors: Cobbaut Mathias , Parker Peter J. , McDonald Neil Q.
Published: December 2023

Atypical protein kinase Cs (aPKCs) are part of the PKC family of protein kinases and are atypical because they don't respond to the canonical PKC activators diacylglycerol (DAG) and Ca2+. They are central to the organization of polarized cells and are deregulated in several cancers. aPKC recruitment to the plasma membrane compartment is crucial to their encounter with substrates associated with polarizing functions. However, in contrast with other PKCs, the mechanism by which atypical PKCs are recruited there has remained elusive until recently. Here, we bring aPKC into the fold, summarizing recent reports on the direct recruitment of aPKC to membranes, providing insight into seemingly discrepant findings and integrating them with existing literature.
Young Children's Temperament and Their Emerging Prejudice Against Stuttering
Authors: Choi Dahye , Maher-Hosford Katelyn , Beverly Brenda L.
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether typically developing children's temperament is associated with their awareness and emerging prejudice against stuttering.

Method:

The emotional reactivity and emotion regulation of 42 typically developing 3- to 7-year-old children were assessed using parent report of temperament (i.e., Children's Behavioral Questionnaire). Children viewed a video of two puppets, one with fluent speech and the other with nonfluent speech. Children were prompted to answer questions to assess their awareness of stuttering as well as their preference for fluent speech and negative evaluation of stuttering, with the latter two being combined to index children's emerging prejudice against stuttering.

Results:

Findings indicated that typically developing children's positive emotional reactivity was significantly associated with their verbally expressed awareness of stuttering. In addition, children's higher negative emotional reactivity was significantly associated with greater emerging prejudice against stuttering.

Conclusion:

Findings were taken to suggest that young typically developing children's emotional reactivity may play an important role in developing awareness of stuttering and prejudice against stuttering in their early years.
Unsupervised image blind super resolution via real degradation feature learning
Authors: Yang Cheng , Lu Guanming
Published: December 2023

In recent years, many methods for image super‐resolution (SR) have relied on pairs of low‐resolution (LR) and high‐resolution (HR) images for training, where the degradation process is predefined by bicubic downsampling. While such approaches perform well in standard benchmark tests, they often fail to accurately replicate the complexity of real‐world image degradation. To address this challenge, researchers have proposed the use of unpaired image training to implicitly model the degradation process. However, there is a significant domain gap between the real‐world LR and the synthetic LR images from HR, which severely degrades the SR performance. A novel unsupervised image‐blind super‐resolution method that exploits degradation feature‐based learning for real‐image super‐resolution reconstruction (RDFL) is proposed. Their approach learns the degradation process from HR to LR using a generative adversarial network (GAN) and constrains the data distribution of the synthetic LR with real degraded images. The authors then encode the degraded features into a Transformer‐based SR network for image super‐resolution reconstruction through degradation representation learning. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the RDFL method, which achieves visually pleasing reconstruction results.
Modelling and suppression of bearing voltage of wind turbine permanent magnet synchronous generators
Authors: Jia Lei , Liu Ruifang , Li Zhihao , Li Shulin , Huang Xin
Published: December 2023

The problem of bearing current is common in wind power generation system, which leads to the attenuation of generator life and great economic losses. Bearing voltage of a 5.5 MW wind‐turbine permanent magnet synchronous generator is studied. The bearing voltage equivalent circuit is modelled by studying the internal system structure of the generator, and an extraction method of cable parameters, generator winding parameters and stray capacitance parameters based on experiments is proposed to simulate the system. A system test platform is built to test the common mode voltage, common mode current and bearing voltage, and the test results are compared with the simulation results in time domain and frequency domain. The result indicate that the common mode equivalent model can accurately simulate the actual bearing voltage. Finally, rotor flange insulation is adopted to suppress bearing voltage. The relationship between the design of rotor flange insulation with suppressing effect is discussed. Finally, an optimisation design method is presented for the proposed suppression scheme.
A two‐stage robust optimal traffic signal control with reversible lane for isolated intersections
Authors: Sun Zhiyuan , Wang Zhicheng , Qi Xin , Wang Duo , Li Yue , Lu Huapu
Published: December 2023

The integrated design of traffic signal control (TSC) and reversible lane (RL) is an effective way to solve the problem of tidal congestion with uncertainty at isolated intersections, because of its advantage in making full use of temporal‐spatial transportation facilities. Considering the contradiction between the dynamic TSC scheme and the fixed RL scheme in one period, a two‐stage optimization method based on improved mean‐standard deviation (MSD) model for isolated intersections with historical and real‐time uncertain traffic flow is proposed. In the first stage, applying the same‐period historical data of multiple days, a robust optimal traffic signal control model with reversible lane based on MSD model (MSD‐RTR model) is put forward to obtain the fixed RL scheme and the compatible initial TSC scheme. A double‐layer nested genetic algorithm (DN‐GA) is designed to solve this model. In the second stage, applying real‐time period data and multi‐day same‐period historical data, a robust optimal dynamic traffic signal control model based on MSD model (MSD‐RDT model) is put forward to obtain the dynamic TSC scheme. Three modes which reflect the different weights of historical period and real‐time period in this MSD‐RDT model are presented to improve the model stability, and a multi‐mode genetic algorithm (MM‐GA) is designed. Finally, a case study is presented to demonstrate the efficiency and applicability of the proposed models and algorithms.
Fraud detection through data sharing using privacy‐preserving record linkage, digital signature (EdDSA), and the MinHash technique: Detect fraud using privacy preserving record links
Authors: Thomas Satish , Sluss James
Published: December 2023

Fraud is a persistent and increasing problem in the telecom industry. Telcos work in isolation to prevent fraud. Sharing information is critical for detecting and preventing fraud. The primary constraint on sharing information is privacy preservation. Several techniques have been developed to share data while preserving privacy using privacy‐preserving record linkage (PPRL). Most of the PPRL techniques use a similarity measure like Jacquard similarity on homologous datasets, which are all prone to graph‐based attacks, rendering existing methods insecure. Many complex and slow techniques use the Bloom filter implementation, which can be compromised in a cryptanalysis attack. This paper proposes an attack‐proof PPRL method using existing infrastructure of a telco without a complex multistep protocol. First, a novel way of matching two non‐homologous datasets using attack‐proof digital signature schemes, like the Edwards‐curve digital signature algorithm is proposed. Here, Jaccard similarity can only be estimated using this method and not on the datasets directly. Second, two parties transact with a simple request–reply method. To validate the match accuracy, privacy preservation, and performance of this approach, it was tested on a large public dataset (North Carolina Voter Database). This method is secure against attacks and achieves 100% match accuracy with improved performance.
Ages, metallicity, and α-enhancement of the globular cluster populations in NGC 3311
Authors: Grasser Natalie , Arnaboldi Magda , Barbosa Carlos Eduardo , Spiniello Chiara , Coccato Lodovico , Trevor Mendel John
Published: December 2023

Aims. We aim to investigate the stellar population properties, ages, and metal content of the globular clusters (GCs) in NGC 3311, the central galaxy of the Hydra I cluster, to better constrain its evolution history.

Methods. We used integral-field spectroscopic data from the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) to identify 680 sources in the central region of NGC 3311 and extract their 1D spectra. An analysis of these sources in terms of morphologies, radial velocities, and emission lines allowed us to narrow down our selection to 49 bona fide GC candidates. We split these candidates into two groups depending on their projected distance to the galaxy center (R), namely inner (R ≤ 20″) and outer (R > 20″) GCs. We stacked the extracted 1D spectra of the inner and outer GC populations to increase the signal-to-noise ratios (S/Ns) of the resulting spectra and hence allow full-spectrum fitting. In addition, we also created a stacked spectrum of all GCs in NGC 3311 and one of the two most central GC candidates. Using the code pPXF, we performed a stellar population analysis on the four stacked 1D spectra, obtaining mass-weighted integrated ages, metallicities, and [α/Fe] abundances.

Results. All GCs are old, with ages ≥13.5 Gyr, and they have super-solar metallicities. Looking at the color distribution, we find that the inner ones tend to be redder and more metal-rich than the outer ones. This is consistent with the two-phase formation scenario. Looking at the full-spectral fitting results, at face value the outer GCs have a larger [α/Fe] ratio, which is in line with what is found for the stars that dominate the surface brightness profile at the same radii. However, the values for outer and inner GCs are consistent within the uncertainties. Interestingly, the stacked spectrum of the two most central GCs appears to have the highest metallicity and [α/Fe], although with larger uncertainties. They might be associated with the core progenitor of NGC 3311.

Conclusions. The careful analysis of the MUSE-extracted 1D spectra for compact sources in the center of NGC 3311 and its halo indicate that a significant fraction (28%) do display emission lines. Once they are removed, the selected bona fide GC candidates are old (≥13.5 Gyr) and have super-solar metallicities (slightly larger in the center) and [α/Fe] (slightly larger for the outer GCs). Stellar population analyses of the extracted spectra do not support the presence of an intermediate (a few Gigayears) GC population in the central 40 arcsec (10 kpc) radius of NGC 3311.
Phenomenology and periodicity of radio emission from the stellar system AU Microscopii
Authors: Bloot S. , Callingham J. R. , Vedantham H. K. , Kavanagh R. D. , Pope B. J. S. , Climent J. B. , Guirado J. C. , Peña-Moñino L. , Pérez-Torres M.
Published: December 2023

Stellar radio emission can measure a star’s magnetic field strength and structure, plasma density, and dynamics, and the stellar wind pressure impinging on exoplanet atmospheres. However, properly interpreting the radio data often requires temporal baselines that cover the rotation of the stars, orbits of their planets, and any longer-term stellar activity cycles. Here we present our monitoring campaign on the young, active M dwarf AU Microscopii with the Australia Telescope Compact Array between 1.1 and 3.1 GHz. With over 250 h of observations, these data represent the longest radio monitoring campaign on a single main-sequence star to date. We find that AU Mic produces a wide variety of radio emission, for which we introduce a phenomenological classification scheme predicated on the polarisation fraction and time-frequency structure of the emission. Such a classification scheme is applicable to radio emission from other radio-bright stars. The six types of radio emission detected on AU Mic can be broadly categorised into five distinct types of bursts, and broadband quiescent emission. We find that the radio bursts are highly circularly polarised and periodic with the rotation period of the star, implying that the emission is beamed. It is therefore most likely produced by the electron cyclotron maser instability. We present a model to show that the observed pattern of emission can be explained by emission from auroral rings on the magnetic poles. The total intensity of the broadband emission is stochastic, but we show that its circular polarisation fraction is also periodic with the rotation of the star. Such a periodicity in the polarised fraction of emission has not been observed on an M dwarf before. We present a qualitative model to describe the periodicity in the polarisation fraction of the broadband emission, using low-harmonic gyromagnetic emission. Using a simple qualitative model, we infer a magnetic obliquity of at least 20° from the observed variation in polarisation fraction. Finally, we show that the radio emission might be evolving on long timescales, hinting at a potential stellar magnetic activity cycle.
Multiscale simulation on electrochemical CO2reduction in gas-diffusion-electrode-based flow electrolyzer
Authors: Xie Yi , Liu Dong , Li Qiang
Published: December 2023

To respond to the goal of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality", this paper establishes a multiphysics macroscopic model of a flow electrolyzer based on a gas diffusion electrode in the context of electrocatalytic CO2reduction and combines the established microscopic model of Ag-based catalytic surface density function theory and mesoscopic model of transition state theory to realize the multiscale coupling of electroreduction of CO2in a flow electrolyzer. The experimental system of CO2reduction in a flow electrolyzer is designed and built to verify the reliability of the theoretical calculations. In the range designed by the model, the CO faradaic efficiency is maintained at a high level, and the CO2conversion increases rapidly with the increase of the cell voltage; the coverage of intermediates *CO2δ-and **COOH increases continuously with the rise of the cell voltage, and the coverage of *CO intermediates decreases continuously, which indicate that the increase of CO production leads to the rise of CO2conversion; the excessive inlet flow rate leads to the rapid dilution of CO2; the rise of inlet CO2concentration significantly enhances the reduction reaction rate, but the relatively higher CO2concentration in the gas channel leads to a decrease in the conversion. The optimal operating parameters are: flow rate of 5 to 10 sccm, cell voltage of 2.8 V to 3.2 V, and inlet CO2molar fraction of 10% to 20%, where the CO2conversion and CO faradaic efficiency can exceed 10% and 90%, respectively.
Performance analysis of solid heat accumulator used in tower solar thermal power generation system
Authors: Boshen Wang
Published: December 2023

In recent years, solar energy, wind energy and other new energy sources have been highly praised, especially solar energy, which is considered as one of the cleanest renewable new energy sources, and solar thermal power stations have been built in many countries. Tower solar photothermal power generation is a heat absorber that reflects sunlight to the top of the tower through heliostat field. Molten salt absorbs heat through the heat absorber, heats water supply and promotes thermal power generation. However, solar energy is intermittent and unstable, so the tower solar thermal power station is equipped with heat storage molten salt tank. Solid heat storage technology has the advantages of cheap heat storage medium, no harm to the environment, strong reliability and operability of the system, and can provide cost-effective heat storage solutions for industrial process heat energy and power generation. In this paper, the molten salt tank is replaced by a solid heat accumulator. After the molten salt absorbs heat during the day, part of it heats the heat accumulator through the unit tube in the heat accumulator to store the heat in the heat accumulator, and the other part heats the water to promote the steam power cycle. At night, the heat accumulator heats the molten salt to release heat, which continues to promote the steam power cycle. In this paper, CFD software will be used to numerically simulate the change of temperature characteristics inside the solid regenerator with the time of heat storage and release, and draw the temperature nephogram and change curve.
Central ECMO cannulation for severe dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker overdose
Authors: Cardenas Jose M. , Borasino Santiago , Timpa Joseph , Hawkins Jeremy , McBride Martha , Rushton William , Newman Jordan , Mendoza Erika , Sorabella Robert , Byrnes Jonathan
Published: December 2023

Calcium channel blocker (CCB) toxicity carries a high mortality and is the sixth most fatal drug class reported to US poison centers. Amlodipine overdose is characterized by a life-threatening arterial vasodilation that compromises organ perfusion. The management of CCB intoxication is focused on maintaining adequate organ perfusion. In cases refractory to medical therapies, hemodynamic support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is warranted necessitating higher flows than usual to compensate for the vasodilation and requiring central cannulation. We present a case of a 12-year-old with severe dihydropyridine CCB ingestion, refractory to medical management and successfully treated with central ECMO cannulation. The patient was discharged home with no significant disability. Central ECMO cannulation may be helpful to facilitate adequate flows in vasodilatory shock such as CCB overdose.
Nano mechanical study on a single layer TiC/TI6Al4V-ELI composite manufactured with laser metal deposition
Authors: Ramasobane Pushetso , Mashinini Madindwa Peter , Masina Bathusile Nelisiwe
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the nano mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V-ELI embraced with TiC particles, synthesized with in situ laser metal deposition technique. The 3.85% feed ratio fraction TiC/Ti6Al4V-ELI composite samples were manufactured at four varying energy densities. The beta grain boundary and the acicular alpha primary matrix were found to have diverse morphologies of carbide particles due to the in-situ reaction. The effect of energy density is observed on the microstructure and nano mechanical properties. An average off set of 650 nm was recorded after the nano-indentation in the matrix at a maximum load of 400 mN.
Effects of Sn on the densification and microstructure of a Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.7Mn-0.3Si-1Sn alloy fabricated from cold-pressed powders through vacuum melting
Authors: Ellard John Jimmy Masache , Mathabathe Maria Ntsoaki , Siyasiya Charles Witness , Bolokang Amogelang Sylvester
Published: December 2023

The density and microstructure of a modified second-generation γ-TiAl intermetallic alloy with a nominal composition of Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.7Mn-0.3Si-1Sn (at. %) were investigated and compared with similar low-Nb containing alloys reported in the literature. The alloy was successfully fabricated from blended and uniaxial cold-pressed precursor powders and subsequently arc re-melted under vacuum and heat-treated. From the obtained results, the alloy showed improved castability as evidenced by the absence of shrinkage cavities and the highest relative density of 99.87%. In as-cast condition, the microstructure comprised fine-grained dendritic structures of γ-phase and γ + α2 lamellae with a mean grain size of about 49 μm which transformed into a well-developed duplex structure consisting of γ grains and γ + α2 lamellae, and traces of Ti5Si3 precipitates after heat treatment. The alloy exhibited a more significant grain refinement in as-cast condition than its counterparts reported previously.
Investigating the mechanical properties of A356 (Sr doped) using mechanical stirring
Authors: Nyakane N.E , Mathabathe M.N , Bolokang A.S , Siyasiya C.W
Published: December 2023

The Aluminium alloy A356 alloy is primarilyusually used for automobile and aerospace components owing to its high strength to weight ratio, and its relatively good corrosion resistance. The effectiveness of the economical stir casting method was investigated by adding the strontium (Sr) metal uniformly to aid in the modification of the alloy’s eutectic morphology for improved mechanical properties. The addition of ̴0.63 wt% Sr addition resulted into grain refinement which improved the mechanical properties whereby the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased from 200 MPa to 250 MPa, Yield strength increased from 85 MPa to 100 MPa and the microhardness was increased from 74.94 Hv to 87.10 Hv.
The implementation of an optical computer mouse as a low-cost displacement sensor
Authors: Dharmalingum Wesley , Padaychee Jared
Published: December 2023

The accurate measurement of distance, position or displacement is a requirement in many robotics projects. This paper presents the investigation of a HP M-UAE96 optical mouse as a low-cost displacement sensor. Various resolutions were obtained on a Windows operating system in conjunction with MATLAB®. The Arduino IDE was used with a linear actuator module to accurately produce predetermined linear movements. The most suitable resolution was found to be 0.2 mm/pixel and was implemented on a parallel kinematic manipulator in a case study. Surface contact and length of measurement were significant factors that influenced measurement accuracy.
Using 3D printing to fabricate microfluidic chips for biosensing applications
Authors: Sekhwama Masindi , Mpofu Kelvin , Mthunzi-Kufa Patience
Published: December 2023

This paper gives details on the use of 3D smart printing technology to fabricate microfluidic chips for integration into biosensors for the detection and diagnosis of diseases. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a process used to create complex, three-dimensional objects by adding layer upon layer of material until the desired shape is formed. Microfluidic chips are used to manipulate fluids through separation and mixing. Conventional microfluidic chip fabrication methods are expensive, require much experience to operate, and are time consuming, while 3D printing offers a solution to these challenges. The 3D printing technique prints models designed using a computer-aided design software such as Autodesk Fusion 360. In this work the authors show example microfluidic chips which were printed using a 3D printer, these include an X-channel chip, Y-channel chip and a lateral flow chip which can all be integrated with biosensing setups.
The effects of laser wire directed energy deposition processing parameters on the properties of 309L stainless steel
Authors: Mamphekgo T.C. , Maledi N. , Tshabalala L.C. , Hagedorn-Hansen D.
Published: December 2023

Laser directed energy deposition technology using 309L welding wire feedstock was investigated in this research work. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of laser power and scanning speed on the microstructure and hardness of the 309L austenitic stainless steel. The travel speed and the laser power were varied from 350 mm/min to 650 mm/min, and from 700W to 1100W, respectively. The general microstructure of the test cubes was that of ferrite dendrites in austenitic matrix. The test samples fabricated at laser power between 700W and 900W showed lack of fusion. However, samples that were manufactured at laser power between 1000W and 1100W were of good quality and did not show any defects. The micro hardness ranged between 188HV0.1 to 211HV0.1.
An evaluation of the suitability of a new polypropylene powder for powder bed fusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Wu Lorinda , Mwania Frederick M. , Van der Walt Jacobus G. , Koen Wayne
Published: December 2023

The intrinsic and extrinsic properties of a commercial polypropylene (PP) powder (BASF Ultrasint PP 1400) for use in powder bed fusion-based additive manufacturing were characterised and preliminary test parts were printed on an EOS P380 machine. The test specimens demonstrated relatively good dimensional accuracy (<3.6% part deviation), higher than normal elongation at break (127%), and moderate ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 21.4 MPa.
Study of shape memory properties of Ti(50)Ni(50-x) Mx (M= Nb, Mo and Fe) alloys for biomedical applications using first principle approach
Authors: Mathews Thabiso , Sithole Enoch , Modiba Rosinah , Madigoe Mandy
Published: December 2023

The discovery of TiNi binary alloys has revolutionised the scientific and industrial communities more so in biomedical applications due to their excellent shape memory properties and biocompatibility. When TiNi is exposed to an external stimulus such as stress or temperature change, the material is able to recover its original structure after significant or quasi-plastic deformation. The aim of this study was to investigate the shape memory properties of TiNi(50-x)-Mx (M = Nb, Fe, Mo) alloys. In this study, CASTEP was used to perform first-principles calculations and to predict shape memory behaviour and biomechanical properties of these alloys. The results showed a decrease in the formation energy of Ti8Ni7Fe1. The poisons ratio was increasing significantly to the value of 0.39 corresponding to the G/B results. Initial fermi levels increased with the addition of a ternary alloy. Ti8Ni7Fe1 proved to be the best candidate for replacing TiNi alloys.
3D printing for heat transfer: characterisation of additive manufactured copper
Authors: Bock Bradley D. , Pretorius Keagan , Scott Seth.
Published: December 2023

Recent technological advancements now allow for copper to be 3D printed, opening the doors for this technology to take a greater part in heat transfer applications. In this study, copper samples were additively manufactured through a print-debind-sinter process and thermally characterised in terms of thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity, and mechanically characterised in terms of Vickers hardness. The microstructure porosity levels appeared to control the thermal properties measured, with the thermal conductivity, while the specific heat was unaffected, while the heat treatment effect caused by the sintering process appeared to control the Vickers hardness measured.