bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entropy exchange and coherent information based on local quantum Bernoulli noises
Authors: Han Qi , Wang Shuai , Gou Lijie , Zhang Rong
Published: July 2024

Local Quantum Bernoulli Noises (LQBNs) is the localization of Quantum Bernoulli Noises (QBNs), which has high research value in the field of quantum information and has received widespread attention in recent years. In this paper, a new entropy exchange and coherent information with localization characteristics are studied. According to the quantum channel constructed by LQBNs, the relationship between coherent information and coherent mutual entropy with localization characteristics is proved. Finally, we also prove that the coherent information based on LQBNs may disappear.
Degenerate Cahn–Hilliard systems: From nonlocal to local
Authors: Carrillo José A. , Elbar Charles , Skrzeczkowski Jakub
Published: July 2024

We provide a rigorous mathematical framework to establish the limit of a nonlocal model of cell–cell adhesion system to a local model. When the parameter of the nonlocality goes to 0, the system tends to a Cahn–Hilliard system with degenerate mobility and cross-interaction forces. Our analysis relies on a-priori estimates and compactness properties.
Review of Vehicle Scanning Method for Bridges from 2004 to 2024
Authors: Xu Hao , Chen X. Y. , Chen J. , Shi L. K. , Yang D. S. , Wang Z. L. , Yang Y. B.
Published: July 2024

The vehicle scanning method (VSM), originally known as the indirect method, is an efficient method for bridge health monitoring that utilizes mainly the responses collected by the moving test vehicles. This method offers the advantage of mobility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness as it requires only one or a few vibration sensors mounted on the test vehicle, eliminating the need for deployment of numerous sensors on the bridge. Since its initial proposal by Yang and co-workers in 2004, the VSM has gained intensive attention from researchers worldwide. Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in various aspects of the VSM, including the identification of bridge frequencies, mode shapes, damping ratios, damages, and surface roughness, as well as its application to railways. Previously, some review papers and the book Vehicle Scanning Method for Bridges were published on the subject. However, research on the subject continues to boom at a speed that cannot be adequately by existing review papers or book, as judged by the fast-increasing number of relevant publications. In order to provide researchers with an overall understanding of the up-to-date researches on the VSM, a state-of-the-art review of the related research conducted worldwide is compiled in this paper. Comments and recommendations will be provided at appropriate points, and concluding remarks, including future research directions, will be presented at the end of the paper.
Seismic Fragility Assessment of Equipment in Nuclear Power Plant Structures Considering Nonlinear Hysteretic Behavior of Squat Walls
Authors: Ju Heekun , Jung Hyung-Jo
Published: July 2024

Accurate seismic risk assessment of structures necessitates precise fragility analysis. This study focuses on the seismic fragility assessment of equipment in nuclear power plant structures, particularly emphasizing the influence of nonlinear hysteretic behavior exhibited by squat walls. By developing and comparing linear and nonlinear models of reactor containment and auxiliary buildings within a nuclear power plant, this research elucidates the significant impact of nonlinear behaviors on the seismic response and subsequent fragility curves of associated equipment and systems. Utilizing a lumped-mass stick model, the study efficiently captures the characteristics of squat shear walls, facilitating the calculation of floor response spectra and fragility for nuclear facility structures. The impacts of pinching and degradation, inherent characteristics of a squat wall’s hysteresis under cyclic loading, were identified as significant. These include the shift and change in amplitude of the floor response’s peak, along with amplification in high-frequency domains. Fragility assessments, informed by seismic response analysis, indicate significant variations in fragility curve parameters based on equipment location and frequency. The findings question the effectiveness of traditional response factor methods and general regression techniques in accurately addressing the complex probabilistic seismic demands of equipment, thus highlighting the importance of using direct analysis for calculating fragility in situations with significant nonlinearity.
The Vibration Characteristics Analysis of Fiber-Reinforced Thin-Walled Conical–Cylindrical Composite Shells with Artificial Spring Technique
Authors: Xu Zhuo , Yu Xiang-Chuan , Li Hui , Xu Pei-Yao , Sun Xian-Chao , Zhang Yong-Feng , Gu Da-Wei , Han Qing-Kai , Wen Bang-Chun
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the vibration characteristics (free vibration and forced vibration) of fiber-reinforced thin-walled conical–cylindrical composite shells (FTCCS) are analyzed by combining theory and experiment. Based on the classical shell theory and Kirchhoff–Love assumption, the overall structure of the FTCCS is theoretically modeled. The artificial spring technology is used to simulate the arbitrary boundary conditions at the joint, which is divided into a main spring and a secondary spring. At the same time, the displacement functions of the two sub-structure shells of the FTCCS are established by the orthogonal polynomial method, and the energy function of the FTCCS is constructed according to the continuity condition of the bolt joint. Then, the vibration characteristics of the FTCCS are solved using the Rayleigh–Ritz method and the modal superposition method. Finally, the TC300/epoxy resin-based fiber-reinforced thin-walled conical–cylindrical composite shells are selected as the research object, and the rationality of the mathematical model is verified by pulse, frequency sweeping and resonance excitation tests. The experimental results show that the errors between the natural frequency and the resonance displacement calculated by the theory and the experimental results are 1.75–4.76% and 3.79–9.28%, which confirms the rationality of the proposed model. By changing the length of the shell, the lamination angle and the semi-cone angle of the conical shell, the vibration characteristics parameters under different conditions are calculated to evaluate the influence of three physical parameters on the vibration characteristics of the FTCCS.
Nonlinear Vibration Control of Smart Porous Sector Plate Reinforced with Agglomerated GPLs
Authors: Liu Yunlin , Cai Qingqing
Published: July 2024

The main goal of this research is to analyze the natural frequencies and dynamic response, and to utilize nonlinear control techniques for vibration control of a smart nanocomposite sector plate, while taking into consideration the effects of agglomeration and internal pores. The proposed composite configuration includes a porous core layer reinforced with agglomerated GPLs, as well as two layers of piezoelectric sensors and actuators. Both complete and partial agglomeration states are considered based on the Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka approach to predict the effective properties of the nanocomposite. The mechanical properties of the porous core are characterized using an open-cell metal foam with interconnected pores, notable for their low density and high surface area. The governing equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle, which is based on the First-order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT) plate theory and the finite element method. The nonlinear fuzzy PID controller is designed as a combination of a fuzzy PI component and a nonlinear PD component. The gains of the PD controller are dynamically adjusted using nonlinear gains to optimize its performance. In addition, a comprehensive analysis has been conducted to examine the effects of geometric dimensions, distribution of reinforcement, weight fractions of nanofillers, parameters of agglomeration, porosity coefficient, porosity pattern, and boundary conditions on the natural frequencies and dynamic response of smart porous nanocomposites. Numerical simulations demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed controller in significantly reducing vibration amplitudes compared to velocity feedback. The velocity feedback controller decreases deflection from 24.39[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] to 8.37[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], whereas the proposed controller achieves 3.66[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, representing a 56.27% improvement in performance.
Nonlinear Vibrations of Composite Cylindrical–Cylindrical Shells with Bolt Loosening Connection
Authors: Li Hui , Zou Zeyu , Li Jinan , Zhao Jing , Wang Haijun , Ma Hui , Xie Zhengchao
Published: July 2024

The nonlinear vibrations of composite cylindrical–cylindrical shells with bolt loosening connections are investigated. First, a theoretical model of such a combined shell is developed, with a multisegmental virtual material ring technique being adopted to replicate the partial bolt looseness in the bolted connection zone of two single shells. Furthermore, to consider the nonlinear vibration issue of such a bolted connection zone affected by external excitation amplitude, the equivalent Young’s modulus of the virtual material is defined, and the equation of motion is derived to solve nonlinear vibration parameters. Finally, three single composite cylindrical shells are connected with 12 bolts to form two combined shell specimens, and experimental tests are carried out to validate the model and examine the nonlinear vibration characteristics of such combined shells. Also, the impact of partial bolt loosening parameters on the nonlinear vibration behaviors is investigated with some important findings being summarized. The analysis methods, modeling techniques, test methods and important conclusions proposed in this study provide a useful reference for the study of the vibration issues of bolted composite shells.
A Fast Multi-Objective Optimization Method for Control Parameters of High-Speed Maglev Vehicle-Bridge System
Authors: Bu Xiumeng , Wang Lidong , Han Yan , Liu Hanyun , Hu Peng , Cai Chunsheng
Published: July 2024

A fast multi-objective optimization method (FMOOM) is proposed by optimizing control parameters to improve the dynamic performance of a high-speed maglev vehicle–bridge system. This approach involves generating the corresponding dynamic response to the sampled control parameters using a theoretical model of a high-speed maglev vehicle–bridge system, followed by establishing an adaptive surrogate model for the relationship between the control parameters and the dynamic response extrema. In the second step, we combine the adaptive surrogate model and the multi-objective gradient-based optimizer (MOGBO) algorithm to obtain the Pareto solution set satisfying different performance indexes. Additionally, the control parameters are optimized using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. In the numerical simulation, we investigate five maglev trains and ten-span simply supported beam bridges and the theoretical model is verified by comparing the calculations with the measured results. The optimization effect of FMOOM is analyzed under different working conditions. The results show that the adaptive surrogate model has good prediction accuracy based on the radial basis function. Furthermore, the Pareto solution distribution of different schemes using FMOOM is reasonable, and the optimization results are as expected. Compared with the reference scheme, the dynamic response of the maglev vehicle–bridge system is smaller after being subjected to FMOOM optimization, and the six performance indexes are dramatically improved.
Another Aspect of Generalized Fuzzy Metric Space
Authors: Das Abhishikta , Bag T.
Published: July 2024

This paper is about the generalization of the concept of fuzzy metric. Here we introduce g-fuzzy metric space of order [Formula: see text]. In particular case, it reduces to George- and Veeramani-type fuzzy metric and Q-fuzzy metric. Some non-trivial examples of g-fuzzy metric space are given and its topological structure, the notion of convergent sequence, Cauchy sequence, etc. are also studied.
Chitosan-Coated Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Priscilla Sharine , Venkatasubbu G. Devanand , Sheik Mohideen Sahabudeen
Published: July 2024

Modern cosmetic products, with rich formulations of components, have become an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms. Implementing effective preservative systems is crucial to prevent microbial growth and contamination. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles, a familiar ingredient in cosmetics, can decompose the outer membrane of microbial cells by producing free radicals. Chitosan has shown antimicrobial activities by impairing cell wall integrity by binding to it aiding in the release of cytosolic contents. In line with this, this work was centered on evaluating the antimicrobial efficiency of chitosan-coated titanium dioxide (CS-TiO[Formula: see text] nanoparticles against three bacterial species viz. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) and use them as a self-preservative agent in cosmetic formulations. The growth curve analysis exhibited a dose-dependent delay in bacterial growth. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC[Formula: see text] results revealed that the nanoparticles were effective at 31.25[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/ml and 62.5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/ml concentrations in suppressing S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli, respectively. The redox imbalance, membrane lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and cell viability analyses showed that the CS-TiO2 nanoparticles could disrupt the membrane leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and altering the genetic material. Therefore, the conclusions drawn from this research highlight the proficient microbial performance of CS-TiO2, proposing its suitability for incorporation into consumer products, especially cosmetics. As far as the authors are aware, this study is believed to be the first to investigate the potential of CS-TiO2 nanoparticles as a self-preservative.
Graded quasi-S-primary ideals
Authors: Guesmi Samir
Published: July 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a group, [Formula: see text] a [Formula: see text]-graded commutative ring with nonzero unity [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] a multiplicative subset of [Formula: see text]. This paper introduces the concept of graded quasi-[Formula: see text]-primary (respectively, graded weakly quasi-[Formula: see text]-primary) ideals. A properly graded ideal [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is said to be graded quasi-[Formula: see text]-primary (respectively, graded weakly quasi-[Formula: see text]-primary) if whenever the nonunit elements [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]), then [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] being the graded radical of [Formula: see text]. We investigate some basic properties of graded quasi-[Formula: see text]-primary (respectively, graded weakly quasi-[Formula: see text]-primary) ideals. We discuss the form of graded quasi-[Formula: see text]-primary (respectively, graded weakly quasi-[Formula: see text]-primary) ideals in a finite direct product. Furthermore, we study graded quasi-[Formula: see text]-primary (respectively, graded weakly quasi-[Formula: see text]-primary) ideals in Nagata’s idealization ring.
Experimental and numerical investigations on elastic and thermal properties of banana–jute fiber-reinforced hybrid composites
Authors: Lalith Narayan K. , Punna Rao G. V. , Sankararao V. , Devireddy S. B. R.
Published: July 2024

In recent times, hybrid composite materials have gained prominence as a replacement for conventional composite materials due to their superior characteristics. This study centers on assessing the elastic and thermal properties of unidirectional hybrid composites composed of natural fibers and polymers. These composites are developed by combining banana and jute fibers in four varying weight proportions, which are then impregnated with epoxy resin. The resulting specimens are manufactured and subjected to testing according to ASTM standards. The empirical findings serve as a benchmark against which outcomes from numerical simulations and analytical techniques are validated. The numerical aspect involves the implementation of a finite element model using ANSYS software. This model is based on a three-dimensional micromechanical Representative Volume Element (RVE) with both square and hexagonal packing configurations. This approach encapsulates the hybrid fiber composite’s structural characteristics. Additionally, various analytical methods, such as the rule of hybrid mixture, Halpin–Tsai, and Lewis and Nielsen approaches, are employed to calculate the elastic and thermal properties of the hybrid composite material. Comparing the results, it is evident that the outcomes derived from finite element analysis closely correspond to the experimental data and analytical predictions. Particularly noteworthy is the reduction in longitudinal and transverse thermal conductivity of the hybrid composites by 32.95% and 48.57%, respectively, at the highest fiber content. These changes are influenced by parameters like fiber loading, void fraction, and the chosen RVE. This study underscores the efficacy of employing the homogenization technique through finite element analysis for the advanced prediction of material properties. In summary, hybrid composite materials exhibit promising potential, and this research offers valuable insights into their behavior under varying conditions.
Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Modeling Studies of New Aminopyrimidine Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Dhawale Sachin A. , Mokale Santosh N. , Dabhade Pratap S.
Published: July 2024

A wide range of bioactive compounds have been created using the versatile pharmacophore pyrimidine. In order to improve biological applications, we, therefore, envisioned adding these privileged moieties. In this work, we developed an efficient 2-aminopyrimidine derivatives. We further investigated the anticancer activity of all the compounds against colon cancer cell lines COLO-205 and HT-29. Out of several compounds synthesized, two compounds SD2 and SD4 have shown comparable potent anticancer activity when compared to standard Cabozantinib. The most potent cytotoxic compound against colon cancer cells in our study was found to be SD2 with an IC50 value of 9.57 [Formula: see text]M. The investigation from molecular docking showed the best binding affinity. The complex stability within an enzyme’s pocket was demonstrated by the molecular dynamic simulation running for 100 ns.
Reinforcement Learning Informed Evolutionary Search for Autonomous Systems Testing
Authors: Humeniuk Dmytro , Khomh Foutse , Antoniol Giuliano
Published: July 2024

Evolutionary search (ES)-based techniques are commonly used for testing autonomous robotic systems. However, these approaches often rely on computationally expensive simulator-based models for test scenario evaluation. To improve the computational efficiency of the search-based testing, we propose augmenting the ES with a reinforcement learning (RL) agent trained using surrogate rewards derived from domain knowledge. In our approach, known as RIGAA (Reinforcement learning Informed Genetic Algorithm for Autonomous systems testing), we first train an RL agent to learn useful constraints of the problem and then use it to produce a certain part of the initial population of the search algorithm. By incorporating an RL agent into the search process, we aim to guide the algorithm towards promising regions of the search space from the start, enabling more efficient exploration of the solution space. We evaluate RIGAA on two case studies: maze generation for an autonomous “Ant” robot and road topology generation for an autonomous vehicle lane-keeping assist system. In both case studies, RIGAA reveals more failures of a high level of diversity than the compared baselines. RIGAA also outperforms the state-of-the-art tools for vehicle lane-keeping assist system testing, such as AmbieGen, CRAG, WOGAN, and Frenetic in terms of the number of revealed failures in a two-hour budget.
hUC‐MSC Combined with DHEA Alleviates Ovarian Senescence in Naturally Aging Mice through Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity and Inhibiting Inflammatory Response
Authors: Guan Chun-Yi , Zhang Dan , Sun Xue-Cheng , Ma Xu , Xia Hong-Fei
Published: July 2024

The ovary is an important organ for women to maintain reproductive and endocrine functions. Ovarian aging can lead to female reproductive aging, which is a key factor causing rapid aging of the female body. Umbilical cord‐derived MSCs (UC‐MSCs) play a therapeutic role in various degenerative diseases. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is widely used in the treatment of reversing oocyte quality. However, it is unclear whether UC‐MSCs combined with DHEA supplementation can improve ovarian senescence in naturally aging mice. To address this question, we studied the influence of the combination of human UC‐MSCs (hUC‐MSCs) and DHEA on ovarian morphology and function in naturally aging mice. The results showed a significant augmentation in the number of primary follicles, as well as a significant upregulation of estradiol (E2), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) hormone levels, and a significant increase in survival rate in naturally aging mice treated by hUC‐MSCs and DHEA. Moreover, the combination of hUC‐MSCs and DHEA significantly reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and downregulated the expression levels of proinflammatory factors IL‐6, IL‐18, and TNF‐α. Furthermore, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was inhibited. Conclusively, the combination therapy of hUC‐MSC + DHEA contributed to restore ovarian function in aging mice and extend their lifespan by restoring hormone levels and inhibiting inflammatory factors.
Evaluation of Biocoagulant “Opuntia ficus-indica and Chitosan” to Improve the Removal of Contaminants in Dairy Effluents through Electrocoagulation
Authors: Elguera Naysha Y. M. , Pulcha Stephanie E. S. , Ballon Edgar M. M. , Castro Miriam R. F. , Ramos Lilia M. M. , Tohalino Victor L. A. , Sarmiento Pavel K. D. , Almeida Vitor C. , Pacheco Hugo G. J.
Published: July 2024

The dairy industry is classified, worldwide, as one of the main wastewater‐generating industries. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of parameters on the percentage of turbidity (TB) removal and chemical oxygen demand (COD), using as pretreatment a combined coagulation process using a biocoagulant composed of chitosan and Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage (OFI): chitosan‐mucilage (Q‐M from 1 to 9), and an electrocoagulation process with operational variables of biocoagulant dose (0.025, 0.05 y 0.1 g/L), current density (30, 40 y 50 mA/cm2), and time (10, 15 y 20 minutes). A monopolar glass reactor with aluminum electrodes was assembled by applying the response surface approach methodology. Additionally, using the Box–Behnken mathematical model for the removal of TB and COD, the effects and interactions of the factors and experimental design levels (considering control formulations using triplicates) were evaluated. An analysis of variance was performed to evaluate model responses and optimal conditions. The experimental results showed that the formulation of the compound biocoagulant Q‐M‐5 in doses of 0.99 g/L achieves 98.44% turbidity removal and 81.72% chemical oxygen demand removal. The dose of the compound biocoagulant has a significant positive effect as does the current density of 30 mA/cm2 and time of 19.05 min; that is, its efficiency in removing turbidity and chemical oxygen demand increases when using these parameters. It is concluded that the use of the biocoagulant composed of chitosan and Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage (Q‐M‐5) as the primary treatment of whey wastewater provides evidence for the literature, showing that it is also a low‐cost, ecological, and easy‐to‐apply natural coagulant.
Multicenter Retrospective Review of Ketamine Use in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (Ketamine‐PICU Study)
Authors: Groth Christine M. , Droege Christopher A. , Sarangarm Preeyaporn , Cucci Michaelia D. , Gustafson Kyle A. , Connor Kathryn A. , Kaukeinen Kimberly , Acquisto Nicole M. , Chui Sai Ho J. , Dixit Deepali , Flannery Alexander H. , Glass Nina E. , Horng Helen , Heavner Mojdeh S. , Kinney Justin , Peppard William J. , Sikora Andrea , Erstad Brian L.
Published: July 2024

Objective. Describe continuous infusion (CI) ketamine practices in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and evaluate its effect on pain/sedation scores, exposure to analgesics/sedatives, and adverse effects (AEs). Methods. Multicenter, retrospective, observational study in children <18 years who received CI ketamine between 2014 and 2017. Time spent in goal pain/sedation score range and daily cumulative doses of analgesics/sedatives were compared from the 24 hours (H) prior to CI ketamine to the first 24H and 25−48H of the CI. Adverse effects were collected over the first 7 days of CI ketamine. Results. Twenty‐four patients from 4 PICUs were included; median (IQR) age 7 (1‐13.25) years, 54% female (n = 13), 92% intubated (n = 22), 25% on CI vasopressors (n = 6), and 33% on CI paralytics (n = 8). Ketamine indications were analgesia/sedation (n = 21, 87.5%) and status epilepticus (n = 3, 12.5%). Median starting dose was 0.5 (0.48–0.70) mg/kg/hr and continued for a median of 2.4 (1.3–4.4) days. There was a significant difference in mean proportion of time spent within goal pain score range (24H prior: 74% ± 14%, 0–24H: 85% ± 10%, and 25−48H: 72% ± 20%; p = 0.014). A significant reduction in median morphine milligram equivalents (MME) was seen (24H prior: 58 (8–195) mg vs. 0–24H: 4 (0–69) mg and p = 0.01), but this was not sustained (25−48H: 24 (2–246) mg and p = 0.29). Common AEs were tachycardia (63%), hypotension (54%), secretions/suctioning (29%), and emergence reactions (13%). Conclusions. Ketamine CI improved time in goal pain score range and significantly reduced MME, but this was not sustained. Larger prospective studies are needed in the pediatric population.
SARS‐CoV‐2‐Triggered Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis with Complications of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome
Authors: Perry Ross M. , Casey Scott D. , Lee Alex Q. , Bowditch Sylvia P. , Rasmussen Mary A. , Sethi Viyeka , Panigrahi Arun R.
Published: July 2024

In this article, we describe a novel case of SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated‐hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) complicated by posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Initially diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory response in children (MIS‐C), the patient received a large corticosteroid dose days before the onset of neurological symptoms. After developing PRES, the patient was treated with antihypertensives, antiepileptics, dexamethasone, and anakinra, leading to neurologic normalization. We propose that given the challenging diagnostic picture of PRES developing in patients with HLH or MIS‐C, institutionalized standards for blood pressure management during corticosteroid induction may significantly improve outcomes in patients being treated for hyperinflammatory syndromes who develop neurological symptoms.
Effects of Mediterranean Diet or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction during Pregnancy on Fetal Brain Development Detected by Neurosonography: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial (IMPACT BCN)
Authors: Nakaki Ayako , Gomez Yvan , Darecka Katarzyna , Borras Roger , Vellvé Kilian , Paules Cristina , Boutet Maria Laura , Basso Annachiara , Casu Giulia , Traversi Paola , Youssef Lina , Casas Irene , Genero Mariona , Benitez Leticia , Larroya Marta , Casas Rosa , Miranda Jezid , Castro-Barquero Sara , Rodríguez-Sureda Víctor , Arranz Angela , Pozo Óscar J. , Gomez-Gomez Alex , Vieta Eduard , Estruch Ramon , Izquierdo Renau Montserrat , Eixarch Elisenda , Crispi Fàtima , Crovetto Francesca , Gratacós Eduard
Published: July 2024

Introduction: We investigated whether structured maternal lifestyle interventions based on Mediterranean diet or stress reduction influence fetal-infant neurodevelopment detected by detailed fetal neurosonography and Ages and Stages Questionnaires 3rd edition (ASQ) at 12 months old. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial (2017–2020), including 1,221 singleton pregnancies at high risk for small-for-gestational age. Participants were randomized into three groups at 19–23 weeks’ gestation: Mediterranean diet intervention, stress reduction program, or usual care. A detailed neurosonography was performed on 881 participants at mean (SD) 33.4 (1.1) weeks’ gestation. Neurosonographic measurements were done offline. ASQ was performed on 276 infants at 1 year of corrected age. Results: Biparietal diameter was similar among study groups. Mediterranean diet group fetuses had deeper insula (26.80 [1.68] versus 26.63 [1.75], mm, p = 0.02) and longer corpus callosum (42.98 [2.44] versus 42.62 [2.27], mm, p = 0.04), with a lower rate of suboptimal score infants in ASQ problem-solving domain (6.2 vs. 16.3%, p = 0.03). Stress reduction group fetuses had deeper insula (26.90 [1.75] versus 26.63 [1.75], mm, p = 0.04) and lower rates of suboptimal score infants in ASQ fine motor domain (4.3 vs. 12.8%, p = 0.04), compared to usual care group fetuses. Conclusion: Maternal structured intervention during pregnancy of the trial has the potential to modify offspring’s neurodevelopment.
Linking Agreement and Movement: A Case Study of Long Distance Agreement in Border Lakes Ojibwe
Authors: Hammerly Christopher , Mathieu Éric
Published: July 2024

This paper argues for an extension of current models of Agree to capture relativized EPP effects, where a probe for movement targets an element with a specific set of features. We support the proposal through a case study of long distance agreement (LDA) in the Border Lakes dialect of Ojibwe (Central Algonquian), where the patterns of LDA depend on the particular combination of person/animacy features of the embedded arguments. This can be captured by the feeding and bleeding relationships between agreement and movement probes on Voice, Infl, and C.
Evaluating Imputation-Based Fit Statistics in Structural Equation Modeling With Ordinal Data: The MI2S Approach
Authors: Sriutaisuk Suppanut , Liu Yu , Chung Seungwon , Kim Hanjoe , Gu Fei
Published: July 2024

The multiple imputation two-stage (MI2S) approach holds promise for evaluating the model fit of structural equation models for ordinal variables with multiply imputed data. However, previous studies only examined the performance of MI2S-based residual-based test statistics. This study extends previous research by examining the performance of two alternative test statistics: the mean-adjusted test statistic ( T M) and the mean- and variance-adjusted test statistic ( T MV). Our results showed that the MI2S-based T MV generally outperformed other test statistics examined in a wide range of conditions. The MI2S-based root mean square error of approximation also exhibited good performance. This article demonstrates the MI2S approach with an empirical data set and provides Mplus and R code for its implementation.
Ideological Rigidity and Political Conservatism in Relation to Death Anxiety and Reactions to Those With Different Beliefs
Authors: Bassett Jonathan F. , Ineson Emily , Rhodes Dasia , Thomas Kristin , Rosenbrook Jeremiah
Published: July 2024

This research tested the assumptions of Terror Management Theory (Pyszczynski et al., 2015) and conservatism as motivated social cognition (Jost et al., 2003) regarding how belief systems relate to existential anxiety. Conservatism as motivated social cognition posits that politically conservative ideologies are uniquely capable of minimizing fears about death. In contrast, TMT asserts that ideological rigidity is associated with less fear of death but it also promotes aggression and intolerance against those with different beliefs. The relation of ideological rigidity and political conservatism to death anxiety and intolerance of those who have differing worldviews was explored in a sample of American university students ( n = 134) and of American respondents from the Prolific crowdsourcing platform ( n = 199). The results from both samples supported the hypothesis that ideological rigidity was associated with more negative reactions to people with different beliefs. The results regarding death anxiety were more complicated. In the student sample, personal need for structure was the best predictor of death anxiety, with higher scores on personal need for structure being associated with more death anxiety. In the crowdsourcing sample, social conservatism was the best predictor of death anxiety, with more conservatism being associated with less death anxiety.
Attraction Agglomeration and Destination Agglomeration: The Case of Chinese National Scenic Areas
Authors: Wang Xuehui , Chen George S.
Published: July 2024

We examine the effect of attraction and destination agglomerations on tourism revenues and tourist flows. Using data from 184 national scenic areas in China for the 2012 to 2017 period as the case study for our two-level agglomeration model, we find that the attraction agglomeration yields cooperative competition at the micro level of tourist districts. This co-existence of compatible and competitive effects determines not only individual national scenic areas’ tourism revenues and tourist flows but also the attractiveness of tourist districts where these national scenic areas are located. At the macro level of tourism destinations, we find that the destination agglomeration only yields a competitive effect, adversely affecting the tourism revenues and tourist flows of individual national scenic areas inside these tourism destinations. Our results suggest that policymakers must consider cooperative competition when managing existing tourist attractions and planning for future ones.
A new spacing policy in a platoon using extremum-seeking controller on an anti-lock braking system
Authors: M Nandhini , M Mohamed Rabik
Published: July 2024

Enhancing road capacity, safety, and energy efficiency is a potential outcome of vehicle platooning. Since platooning involves driving close to each other, it is essential to have minimal stopping distance (SD) during emergency braking. However, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) in a vehicle and unknown road type would further increase the SD. For this, a novel spacing policy using extremum-seeking control (ESC) estimated ABS has been proposed in this paper. An optimal slip ratio of that particular road type can be tracked and found using ESC estimation to maintain the maximum friction in ABS for all road conditions to have a minimal SD. The primary objective is to minimize the inter-gap distance while incorporating the ABS features. The simulation and experimentation of ABS for the set of non-linear vehicles on different road conditions have been carried out and numerical results have been compared with conventional ABS systems. The results show that the ABS with ESC estimation reduces the SD by seeking the optimal slip ratio and a new spacing policy for the platoon has been expressed using regression analysis. The entire simulated scenario has been implemented in hardware to validate the proposed model as a quarter-car model.
Optimizing efficiency and analyzing performance: Enhanced airfoil cross-sections for horizontal axis small wind turbines
Authors: Akheel M. Mohamed , Sankar B. , Boopathi K. , Reddy Prasad D.M. , Prabhu Shankar N. , Rajkumar N.
Published: July 2024

This study explores modifications to the blade airfoil cross-sections aimed at improving the efficiency of a 10 kW Bergey EXCEL horizontal axis small wind turbine. Specifically, the research focuses on altering the camber and thickness of the turbine’s baseline airfoil, designated as SG6043. Using advanced aerodynamic analysis tools like QBlade, the performance of the modified airfoils EY05-10 and EY08-9 is evaluated. The findings show that these modified airfoils achieve a higher lift-to-drag ratio compared to the baseline. These improved airfoils are then incorporated into the turbine’s blade geometry using the WT_Perf software. The enhanced turbine’s power generation capabilities are subsequently assessed with FAST (Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence) version 8. Results reveal that at a wind speed of 15 m/s, the turbine with the modified blades produces 6.7% more power and 20.47% more annual energy than the original turbine.
Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPMs) in the Loop Simulation: A Digital Twin Approach
Authors: Khadka Swastik , Wang Peirong (Slade) , Li Pengfei (Taylor) , Mattingly Stephen P.
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we present a digital twin approach to the enhancement of traffic signal performance monitoring and congestion identification using automated traffic signal performance measure (ATSPM) systems. The objective of this effort is to use the high-fidelity microscopic simulation engine to generate simulated traffic signal events and connected vehicle data and allow the ATSPM systems to generate various traffic signal measures of effectiveness (MOEs) for a forensic traffic signal evaluation. Real-world ATSPM systems are driven by the traffic signal logs generated during operations. Therefore, they are primarily applied to traffic signal operations in the field. However, traffic signal design at present still follows the traditional method based on averaged delays, stops, and so forth, while more and more agencies have begun to evaluate the implemented traffic signal systems’ performance using the novel ATSPM MOEs. The proposed ATSPMs-in-the-loop simulation system fills this gap by using the ATSPM systems to evaluate the proposed traffic signal timings at the design stage. The benefits of this system include providing full-spectrum decision support for traffic signal management from design to operation and facilitating agencies to develop new insights on identifying traffic signal problems using the ATSPM MOEs. Another feature of the ATSPMs-in-the-loop simulation system is that it can use the emerging connected vehicle data set to generate new traffic signal MOEs. In the case study, we demonstrate how to use the proposed system to identify the potential issues of detector layouts and bottlenecks. Additional features of this ATSPM digital twin include allowing external components to interact with this platform via standard protocols in traffic control systems and connected vehicles to serve more purposes.
Developing Balanced Mix Design Gyrations (Ndesign) for North Dakota’s Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Suleiman Nabil , Mate Anjo , Gedafa Daba , Dockter Bruce
Published: July 2024

There is a need to develop a new mix design criterion for North Dakota especially for medium- and low-volume traffic pavements, where the durability performance of the hot-mix asphalt (HMA) is of the most importance. High Ndesign numbers tend to lower the asphalt binder, thus lowering the durability of the asphalt mix. In contrast, if Ndesign is reduced, it tends to increase the asphalt binder, thus improving the durability of the asphalt mix. The main objective of this study was to develop balanced mix Ndesign values for North Dakota pavements based on the HMA performance with respect to resistance to rutting, low-temperature cracking, and fatigue cracking. Project mix samples were constructed and tested based on Ndesign values of 75, 65, 55, or 50 gyrations. The sample matrix included fine aggregate angularity (FAA) values of 45, 43, and 40, representing high-, medium-, and low-volume pavements, respectively. The matrix also included the asphalt binders PG 58S-28, PG 58H-34, and PG 58H-28. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done on the performance results and showed that the results corresponding to the various gyration levels were significantly different and can be compared. Test results revealed that a lower number of gyrations and a higher binder content resulted in higher resistance to fatigue and thermal cracking, while rut resistance stayed above acceptable levels. Based on the test results, the authors recommend an Ndesign of 65 gyrations for the high-volume pavements and 50 gyrations for intermediate- and low-volume pavements.
The Efficacy of a Named Entity Recognition AI Model for Identifying Incidental Pulmonary Nodules in CT Reports
Authors: Mojibian Alireza , Jaskolka Jeff , Ching Geoffrey , Lee Brian , Myers Renelle , Devine Chloe , Nicolaou Savvas , Parker William
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study evaluates the efficacy of a commercial medical Named Entity Recognition (NER) model combined with a post-processing protocol in identifying incidental pulmonary nodules from CT reports. Methods: We analyzed 9165 anonymized CT reports and classified them into 3 categories: no nodules, nodules present, and nodules >6 mm. For each report, a generic medical NER model annotated entities and their relations, which were then filtered through inclusion/exclusion criteria selected to identify pulmonary nodules. Ground truth was established by manual review. To better understand the relationship between model performance and nodule prevalence, a subset of the data was programmatically balanced to equalize the number of reports in each class category. Results: In the unbalanced subset of the data, the model achieved a sensitivity of 97%, specificity of 99%, and accuracy of 99% in detecting pulmonary nodules mentioned in the reports. For nodules >6 mm, sensitivity was 95%, specificity was 100%, and accuracy was 100%. In the balanced subset of the data, sensitivity was 99%, specificity 96%, and accuracy 97% for nodule detection; for larger nodules, sensitivity was 94%, specificity 99%, and accuracy 98%. Conclusions: The NER model demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting pulmonary nodules reported in CT scans, including those >6 mm which are potentially clinically significant. The results were consistent across both unbalanced and balanced datasets indicating that the model performance is independent of nodule prevalence. Implementing this technology in hospital systems could automate the identification of at-risk patients, ensuring timely follow-up and potentially reducing missed or late-stage cancer diagnoses.
Doing Gender, Undoing Race: Token Processes For Women With Multiple Subordinate Identities
Authors: Chow Tiffany Yu
Published: July 2024

Through interviews with 29 Asian American women tech workers, this article demonstrates how cultural frameworks around race and gender shape identity salience and construct a token process for workers with multiple subordinate identities. This approach to tokenism better accounts for multiple systems of inequality affecting workers and demonstrate how certain identities are prioritized—and others neglected—through institutional interventions and cultural ideologies. It also provides an additional lens through which to interpret the emphasis on gender inequality within the high-tech industry: Whereas gender inequality is generally considered a critical step in achieving an equitable work environment, I consider how it is intentionally leveraged within organizations to divert from interventions toward establishing racial equality. Results suggest serious barriers preventing the high-tech industry from reckoning with racial inequality for Asian American women workers; more broadly, they hint at how other racial groups with white-adjacent privileges are similarly exploited to uphold the high-tech industry’s white racial project.
Old Habits Die Hard? The Role of Trade Union Identity and Framing Processes in Shaping Strategy
Authors: Coderre-LaPalme Genevieve
Published: July 2024

This article investigates whether differences in trade union identity can explain local and national variations in union strategy. To do so, it compares the divergent responses of unions to healthcare privatisation initiatives across six cases in England and France. It brings together the often disparate literatures on union identity, strategy and mobilisation and presents a new conceptual model to explicate these differences by linking a union’s identity to union strategy via two core framing processes: diagnostic framing and prognostic framing. Findings reveal that unions respond differently to healthcare privatisation initiatives, irrespective of the local and national context. Union identity influenced how they framed the threats and opportunities around them, shaping their expectations in terms of effective action. Union identity not only explains divergent responses but is also responsible for path dependencies which would make it potentially more difficult for unions to overcome structural constraints and learn from other groups.
Understanding geomorphodynamics in the Pergamon micro-region from a socio-ecological perspective
Authors: Becker Fabian , Knitter Daniel , Walser Andreas Victor , Ludwig Bernhard , Tozan Murat , Schütt Brigitta , Pirson Felix
Published: July 2024

A systematic interdisciplinary approach based on the socio-ecological model of the Vienna school has been adopted to achieve a more nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the ancient metropolis of Pergamon (western Anatolia) and its micro-region. The city of Pergamon ranks among the ‘guiding fossils’ of urban culture in antiquity. We describe how the socio-ecological model is subject to adaptation and discussion to fit the needs and circumstances of archaeology. In focussing on geomorphodynamics, we use several approaches to conceptualise and model selected aspects of human-environment interactions, integrating data from physical geography, archaeology, building archaeology (Bauforschung) and ancient history. The model includes several dimensions of the social metabolism of Pergamon, first and foremost the carrying capacity of the environment and demographics, comprising population increase and labour as an active investment in nature. Geomorphodynamics are regarded as major ‘events’ in the model, related to the social metabolism (e.g. increased erosion/deposition in the micro-region in relation to urban sprawl). With the social-ecological model, it is possible – and becomes imperative – to include the perception and representation of human-environment interactions manifested in, for example, administrative patterns and religious practices or architecture and built infrastructure (such as terraces, riverbank stabilisation, substraction terraces and substraction bridges). Geomorphodynamics also involve various aspects of the perception of the environment, though these are not recorded in ancient texts on Pergamon known to date. Concurrently, the importance of the model in organising, structuring, and communicating interdisciplinary collaboration and discourse is highlighted.
Detecting Social Media Rumor Debunking Effectiveness During Public Health Emergencies: An Interpretable Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Hou Jianhua , Zhang Yang , Yao Zhizhen , Zhang Zhijian
Published: July 2024

Debunking offers a promising approach to counteracting social media rumors during public health emergencies. However, the effective mechanisms of rumor debunking on social media remain unverified. This study employs an interpretable machine learning approach, combined with information and communication theories, to investigate social media rumor debunking effectiveness and its influencing factors. A total of 10,150 COVID-19 rumor-debunking posts and other relevant data on Sina Weibo were collected for analysis. The results showed that the beneficial impacts of debunking rumors surpass the adverse consequences and revealed significant differences in debunking effectiveness across diverse rumor types, topics, and involvement levels.