bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotics Prescribing Pattern and Quality of Prescribing in Croatian Dental Practices—5-Year National Study
Authors: Petrac Lucija , Gvozdanovic Katarina , Perkovic Vjera , Petek Zugaj Nikolina , Ljubicic Neven
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health today. The aim of this study was to analyze antibiotic prescribing patterns and quality of prescribing in Croatian dental practices over a 5-year period. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study based on the analysis of the electronic prescriptions (medicines in ATC groups J01 and P01) from dental practices in Croatia prescribed from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. Prescriptions were retrieved from the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). The analyses included the number of prescriptions, type and quantity of prescribed drugs, indication, and the patient’s and prescriber’s characteristics. Results: The consumption increased from 1.98 DID in 2015, to 2.10 DID in 2019. The most prescribed antibiotic was Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid followed by Amoxicillin, Clindamycin, Metronidazole and Cefalexin. The analyses showed that 29.79% of antibiotics were not prescribed in accordance with the contemporary guidelines for the proper use of antibiotics. Additionally, 22% of antibiotics were prescribed in inconclusive indications. Conclusion: The research showed an increase in antibiotic consumption over five years along with unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics in cases with no indications for its use. The development of national guidelines for antibiotic use is necessary.
Structural Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beams Retrofitted Using Modularized Steel Plates in Precast Concrete with Bolted Connections
Authors: Ro Kyong Min , Kim Min Sook , Lee Young Hak
Published: April 2024

The previous research introduced an innovative retrofitting technique for reinforced concrete beams using modularized steel plates. This technique enhances structural performance, offering a lightweight solution compared to conventional retrofitting methods using steel plates, and accommodates construction errors. However, a challenge arises due to the lack of integrity between unit steel plates. To address this, this study proposes a novel method of connecting each steel plate with bolts. The experimental results show that retrofitted beams achieved a maximum load of 311.9 kN, roughly 1.6 times that of non-retrofitted specimens, with the ductility of retrofitted beams being 3.3 times that of the non-retrofitted beams. Additionally, there was a 25% increase in load capacity for beams retrofitted with interconnected steel plates compared to those without connections between unit steel plates.
Dual-Channel Mapping–Gas Column Concentration Inversion Method Based on Multispectral Imaging
Authors: Shi Ninghao , Zhao Yingze , Zhao Baixuan , Zheng Kaifeng , Chen Yupeng , Qin Yuxin , Wang Weibiao , Lv Jinguang , Liang Jingqiu
Published: April 2024

Infrared multispectral imaging technology can achieve the long-distance, wide-ranging and fast detection of target gas, and has been widely used in the fields of dangerous-gas detection and environmental monitoring. However, due to the difficulty in acquiring background radiation as well as atmospheric disturbance and noise interference in the detection process, the quantitative detection of gas concentration has become a difficult problem to solve. Therefore, this paper proposes an inversion method for gas column concentration based on infrared multispectral imaging technology. Firstly, infrared background radiation images of the non-target gas absorption spectrum band were collected and converted into background radiation images of the target gas absorption spectrum band according to the dual-channel mapping relationship. Then, combined with the gas radiation images of the target gas absorption spectrum band, the column concentration distribution of the gas was obtained by using the measured calibration relationship between absorbance and column concentration. Experiments of gas detection in different environments were carried out, and the column concentration distribution of the target gas was inverted using this method; the results showed that the average relative error of the inversion of the gas column concentration was 4.84%, which enables the quantitative detection of gas column concentration in a complex environment.
Enhancing Mechanical Safety in Suspension Systems: Harnessing Control Lyapunov and Barrier Functions for Nonlinear Quarter Car Model via Quadratic Programs
Authors: Shaqarin Tamir , Noack Bernd R.
Published: April 2024

Limiting the suspension stroke in vehicles holds critical and conceivable benefits. It is crucial for the safety, stability, ride comfort, and overall performance of the vehicle. Furthermore, it improves the reliability of suspension components and maintains consistent handling during regular and rough driving conditions. Hence, the design of a safety-critical controller to limit the suspension stroke for active suspension systems is of high importance. In this study, we employed a quarter-car model that incorporates a suspension spring with cubic nonlinearity. The proposed safety-critical controller is the control Lyapunov function–control barrier function–quadratic programming (CLF-CBF-QP). Initially, we designed the reference controller as a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) controller based on the linearized quarter-car model. The reference state-feedback LQR controller simplified the design of the control Lyapunov function. Consequently, from the nonlinear model, we construct a simple control Lyapunov function that relies only on the sprung mass velocity to have a relative degree of one. The CLF intends to improve the performance by considering the nonlinearity and via online optimization. We then formulate the control barrier function to restrict the suspension stroke from breaching its limits. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed controller, we present two challenging road inputs for the nonlinear quarter-car model when employing CLF-CBF-QP and LQR controllers. The CLF-CBF-QP findings surpassed the LQR controller in terms of safety and performance. This study highlights the immense potential of CLF-CBF-QP for suspension systems, improving the time-domain performance, limiting the suspension stroke, and guaranteeing safety.
Method for Measuring Surface Charge on Insulating Materials Based on the Vibrating Capacitor Method
Authors: Fan Jiaming , Xu Xuefeng
Published: April 2024

The phenomenon of surface charging, known as contact electrification or tribocharging, has wide-ranging applications but also notable hazards. Precisely measuring surface charge density in insulating materials is crucial for optimizing tribocharging and mitigating adverse effects. Although the vibrating capacitor method is commonly used for this purpose, its principle, designed for conductive materials, limits direct application to insulating surfaces, leaving the relationship between measured surface potential and surface charge density unclear. To address this issue, this study simulated the process of measuring the surface potential of insulating materials using Comsol simulations. It analyzed the effects of charged area size, probe height, and probe position, and utilized the spatial distribution of potential measurement values of surface point charges to derive an integral relationship between the distribution of measured surface potential values and the distribution of surface charge density. The integral relationship of surface potential distribution under different forms of surface charge density distributions calculated from this formula largely matches the numerical simulation results. Based on this, a relationship between the distribution of surface charge density and surface potential measurement values was further derived. This relationship can be used for measuring the surface charge density of insulating materials.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Text Mining: Exploring the Use of Natural Language Processing in Social Media Research
Authors: Sandu Andra , Cotfas Liviu-Adrian , Stănescu Aurelia , Delcea Camelia
Published: April 2024

Natural language processing (NLP) plays a pivotal role in modern life by enabling computers to comprehend, analyze, and respond to human language meaningfully, thereby offering exciting new opportunities. As social media platforms experience a surge in global usage, the imperative to capture and better understand the messages disseminated within these networks becomes increasingly crucial. Moreover, the occurrence of adverse events, such as the emergence of a pandemic or conflicts in various parts of the world, heightens social media users’ inclinations towards these platforms. In this context, this paper aims to explore the scientific literature dedicated to the utilization of NLP in social media research, with the goal of highlighting trends, keywords, and collaborative networks within the authorship that contribute to the proliferation of papers in this field. To achieve this objective, we extracted and analyzed 1852 papers from the ISI Web of Science database. An initial observation reveals a remarkable annual growth rate of 62.18%, underscoring the heightened interest of the academic community in this domain. This paper includes an n-gram analysis and a review of the most cited papers in the extracted database, offering a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. The insights gained from these efforts provide essential perspectives and contribute to identifying pertinent issues in social media analysis addressed through the application of NLP.
Hidden Markov Model-Based Dynamic Hard Shoulders Running Strategy in Hybrid Network Environments
Authors: Yao Jinqiang , Qian Yu , Feng Zhanyu , Zhang Jian , Zhang Hongbin , Chen Tianyi , Meng Shaoyin
Published: April 2024

With the development of vehicle-road network technologies, the future traffic flow will appear in the form of hybrid network traffic flow for a long time. Due to the change in traffic characteristics, the current hard shoulder running strategy based on traditional traffic characteristics cannot effectively serve the hybrid network traffic flow scenario, and will even lead to the further deterioration of traffic congestion. In order to propose a hard shoulder running strategy suitable for a hybrid network environment, a traffic breakdown prediction method based on a hidden Markov model was established. Secondly, the characteristics of traffic breakdown in a hybrid network environment were analyzed. Finally, based on the traffic breakdown characteristics in a hybrid network environment, a dynamic hard shoulder running method based on the hidden Markov model was proposed. The effectiveness of HMMD-HSR was verified by simulation and comparison with HMM-HSR, LMD-HSR, and N-HSR. The simulation results show that the HMMD-HSR proposed in this paper can improve operation efficiency and reduce travel time in a congested expressway.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Photocatalytic Material from TiO2 Nanoparticles Supported on Zeolite Obtained from Ignimbrite Residue Used in Decolorization of Methyl Orange
Authors: Huayna Gianina , Laura Antonio , Churata Rossibel , Lazo Luis , Guzmán Rivalino , Ramos Pierre G. , Rodriguez Juan M.
Published: April 2024

In the present work, a TiO2/zeolite photocatalyst was synthesized by dispersing TiO2 nanoparticles obtained through the sol-gel method onto the surface of natural zeolite derived from ignimbrite residue. The zeolite was obtained from an ignimbrite rubble treatment collected from a quarry in Arequipa City, Peru. The research focused on the effect of zeolite on the TiO2 nanoparticles. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized using various techniques, including field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis (BET). The results revealed that the TiO2/zeolite samples displayed high crystallinity, with TiO2 being present in three phases and zeolite being present in the analcime phase. Furthermore, these samples exhibited a band gap of 3.14 eV and a high surface area compared to that of bare TiO2. Finally, the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2/zeolite composite obtained was evaluated toward the decomposition of 10 ppm and 20 ppm of methyl orange (MO) dye. The TiO2/zeolite samples demonstrated improved photocatalytic activity compared to that of pristine TiO2 under the same experimental conditions. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the increased specific surface area of the TiO2/zeolite samples, making them promising materials for future efficient and sustainable photocatalytic applications.
Small Sample Sound Quality Prediction Method of Hy-Vo Chain Transmission System Based on Fuzzy Generation
Authors: Li Jiabao , An Lichi , Cheng Yabing , Wang Haoxiang
Published: April 2024

To improve the noise comfort of the whole machine, it is necessary to establish the sound quality prediction model of the Hy-Vo chain transmission system. Compared with the silent chain transmission system, the Hy-Vo chain transmission system normally operates at a lower speed and cannot have too much load at the limit speed. It is difficult to obtain a sufficient quantity of high-quality noise samples because there are few different working conditions. For small sample sound quality prediction, we use a sample enhancement method called fuzzy generation based on fuzzy mathematics. Firstly, audio samples of the Hy-Vo chain transmission system are collected through noise tests. Secondly, the processed samples are evaluated objectively and subjectively. After a correlation test of the subjective evaluation results, correct subjective evaluation scores of each noise sample are obtained. With the help of fuzzy generation, we can obtain a sufficient number of new samples. By mixing the original samples with the generated samples, a new dataset is created. Through using a general regression neural network (GRNN), support vector regression (SVR) model, and ridge regression (RR) method, the sound quality of the Hy-Vo chain transmission system can be predicted. Different from prediction results under the original dataset, using the fuzzy generation method can not only significantly reduce the prediction error of the model but also improve stability.
Numerical Simulation of T Joints Constructed from Hollow Steel Sections
Authors: Živković Srđan , Stojković Nenad , Turnić Dragana , Milošević Marko , Spasojević Šurdilović Marija
Published: April 2024

Welded structural hollow sections are becoming increasingly used in contemporary civil engineering buildings. More specific design techniques are needed for connections in steel structures with welded structural hollow sections than for traditional connections made with gusset plates. At the connecting site, stress and local deformations show very complex, non-linear behaviors. The application of non-linear numerical analyses to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of “T” connections was demonstrated in this study. A non-linear material model was used in the analysis. In order to validate the applicable steel modeling method, a comparative study between experimentally obtained results and analytically and numerically computed ultimate bearing capacities was carried out. The comparison showed good agreement between the numerical and experimental results and pointed out the highly conservative design of such joints was obtained using the analytical solution.
State of Health Estimation and Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Lithium-Ion Batteries by Charging Feature Extraction and Ridge Regression
Authors: Wu Minghu , Yue Chengpeng , Zhang Fan , Sun Rui , Tang Jing , Hu Sheng , Zhao Nan , Wang Juan
Published: April 2024

The state of health (SOH) and remaining useful life (RUL) of lithium-ion batteries are critical indicators for assessing battery reliability and safety management. However, these two indicators are difficult to measure directly, posing a challenge to ensure safe and stable battery operation. This paper proposes a method for estimating SOH and predicting RUL of lithium-ion batteries by charging feature extraction and ridge regression. First, three sets of health feature parameters are extracted from the charging voltage curve. The relationship between these health features and maximum battery capacity is quantitatively evaluated using the correlation analysis method. Then, the ridge regression method is employed to establish the battery aging model and estimate SOH. Meanwhile, a multiscale prediction model is developed to predict changes in health features as the number of charge-discharge cycles increases, combining with the battery aging model to perform multistep SOH estimation for predicting RUL. Finally, the accuracy and adaptability of the proposed method are confirmed by two battery datasets obtained from varying operating conditions. Experimental results demonstrate that the prediction curves can approximate the real values closely, the mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) calculations of SOH remain below 0.02, and the maximum absolute error (AE) of RUL is no more than two cycles.
A New Permutation-Based Method for Ranking and Selecting Group Features in Multiclass Classification
Authors: Zubair Iqbal Muhammad , Lee Yung-Seop , Kim Byunghoon
Published: April 2024

The selection of group features is a critical aspect in reducing model complexity by choosing the most essential group features, while eliminating the less significant ones. The existing group feature selection methods select a set of important group features, without providing the relative importance of all group features. Moreover, few methods consider the relative importance of group features in the selection process. This study introduces a permutation-based group feature selection approach specifically designed for high-dimensional multiclass datasets. Initially, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) method was applied to eliminate irrelevant individual features within each group feature. Subsequently, the relative importance of the group features was computed using a random-forest-based permutation method. Accordingly, the process selected the highly significant group features. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated using machine learning algorithms and compared with the performance of other approaches, such as group lasso. We used real-world, high-dimensional, multiclass microarray datasets to demonstrate its effectiveness. The results highlighted the capability of the proposed method, which not only selected significant group features but also provided the relative importance and ranking of all group features. Furthermore, the proposed method outperformed the existing method in terms of accuracy and F1 score.
Rapid Tooling for Microinjection Moulding of Proof-of-Concept Microfluidic Device: Resin Insert Capability and Preliminary Validation
Authors: Stampone Benedetta , Deniz Kudret Irem , Foscarini Alessia , Turco Antonio , Chiriacò Maria Serena , Ferrara Francesco , Giorleo Luca , Trotta Gianluca
Published: April 2024

Producing sustainable microfluidic devices on a large scale has become a trend in the biomedical field. However, the transition from laboratory prototyping to large-scale industrial production poses several challenges due to the gap between academia and industry. In this context, prototyping with a mass production approach could be the novel strategy necessary to bridge academic research to the market. Here, the performance of polymer inserts to produce PMMA microfluidic devices using the microinjection moulding process is presented. Inserts were fabricated with an additive manufacturing process: material jetting technology. The importance of the inserts’ orientation on the printing plate in order to produce samples with more uniform thickness and lower roughness has been demonstrated using a flat cavity insert. In addition, preliminary tests were carried out on microstructured inserts with inverted channels of various cross-section shapes (semi-circular or trapezoidal) and widths (200 or 300 µm) in order to investigate the microstructures’ resistance during the moulding cycles. The best geometry was found in the channel with the trapezoidal cross-section with a width equal to 300 µm. Finally, a preliminary microfluidic test was performed to demonstrate the devices’ workability.
Surface Structuring of the CP Titanium by Ultrafast Laser Pulses
Authors: Ronoh Kipkurui , Novotný Jan , Mrňa Libor , Knápek Alexandr , Sobola Dinara
Published: April 2024

Surface structuring by ultrafast lasers is a promising technique to modify surface-related properties of materials to tailor them for specific applications. In the present study, we experimentally investigated the laser structuring of commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) using ultrafast pulses to understand the role of the laser input parameters on the development of surface morphology, optical properties, surface chemistry, and wettability behaviour. The processed surfaces were characterized by a scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman microscope, optical microscope, and sessile drop method. Laser-induced periodic surface structures decorated with nanodroplets were noted to be formed on the surface of the laser-structured CP Ti. The surface roughness measurements showed that the laser-structured surfaces had nanoscale roughness values. The EDX and the Raman analyses show that laser-structured surfaces of CP Ti have a thin oxide film. Different colours on different surfaces processed by different laser parameters were observed. The wettability assessment shows that CP Ti can transition from hydrophilic–hydrophobic and vice versa depending on the environmental conditions. This study shows that laser structuring can be utilized to modify CP Ti surfaces to obtain desirable surface properties that can find potential applications in different fields.
Social Choreography as a Cultural Commoning Practice: Becoming Part of Urban Transformation in Une danse ancienne
Authors: Hilari Johanna , Wehren Julia
Published: April 2024

This article examines social choreography as a cultural commoning practice that is embedded within a relational structure between different institutions, the people involved, and specific socio-cultural contexts. The artistic research project Une danse ancienne by French choreographer Rémy Héritier and their team is presented as a case study of this practice. This collaborative choreography is based on a dance performance and social gathering that is reactivated every year by the same dancer in the same peri-urban site in a metropolitan area of Lausanne, Switzerland. Une danse ancienne holds strong relationships to temporalities, to the changing urban space, and to communal processes of documentation. Its relational choreographic structure and sharing practices are analyzed against the concepts of ‘expanded choreography’ and ‘cultural commoning’. This article, therefore, discusses social choreography as a cultural commoning practice that involves interactions with different social groups and institutions and practices of sharing and communal documentation. This article shows how, as social choreography, Une danse ancienne reflects upon urban transformation through cultural commoning practices.
Assessing the Potential for Photochemical Reflectance Index to Improve the Relationship between Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Gross Primary Productivity in Crop and Soybean
Authors: Chen Jidai , Huang Lizhou , Zuo Qinwen , Shi Jiasong
Published: April 2024

Photosynthesis is influenced by dynamic energy allocation under various environmental conditions. Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), an important pathway for dissipating absorbed energy, has been extensively used to evaluate gross primary productivity (GPP). However, the potential for photochemical reflectance index (PRI), as an indicator of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), to improve the SIF-based GPP estimation, has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, using continually tower-based observations, we examined how PRI affected the link between SIF and GPP for corn and soybean at half-hourly and daily timescales. The relationship of GPP to SIF and PRI is impacted by stress indicated by vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and crop water stress index (CWSI). Moreover, the ratio of GPP to SIF of corn was more sensitive to PRI compared to soybean. Whether in Pearson or Partial correlation analysis, the relationships of PRI to the ratio of GPP to SIF were almost all significant, regardless of controlling structural-physiological (stomatal conductance, vegetation indices) and environmental variables (light intensity, etc.). Therefore, PRI significantly affects the SIF–GPP relationship for corn (r > 0.31, p < 0.01) and soybean (r > 0.22, p < 0.05). After combining SIF and PRI using the multi-variable linear model, the GPP estimation has been largely improved (the coefficient of determination, abbreviated as R2, increased from 0.48 to 0.49 to 0.78 to 0.84 and the Root Mean Square Error, abbreviated as RMSE, decreased from 6.38 to 10.22 to 3.56 to 6.60 μmol CO2·m−2·s−1 for corn, R2 increased from 0.54 to 0.62 to 0.78 to 0.82 and RMSE decreased from 6.25 to 9.59 to 4.34 to 6.60 μmol CO2·m−2·s−1 for soybean). It suggests that better GPP estimations for corn and soybean can be obtained when SIF is combined with PRI.
Anthropogenic Impacts in the Lower Stratosphere: Scale Invariant Analysis
Authors: Tuck Adrian F.
Published: April 2024

Aircraft and rockets entered the lower stratosphere on a regular basis during World War II and have done so in increasing numbers to the present. Atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons saw radioactive isotopes in the stratosphere. Rocket launches of orbiters are projected to increase substantially in the near future. The burnup of orbiters has left signatures in the aerosol. There are proposals to attenuate incoming solar radiation by deliberate injection of artificial aerosols into the stratosphere to “geoengineer” cooling trends in surface temperature, with the aim of countering the heating effects of infrared active gases. These gases are mainly carbon dioxide from fossil burning, with additional contributions from methane, chlorofluorocarbons, nitrous oxide and the accompanying positive feedback from increasing water vapor. Residence times as a function of altitude above the tropopause are critical. The analysis of in situ data is performed using statistical multifractal techniques and combined with remotely sensed and modeled results to examine the classical radiation–photochemistry–fluid mechanics interaction that determines the composition and dynamics of the lower stratosphere. It is critical in assessing anthropogenic effects. It is argued that progress in predictive ability is driven by the continued generation of new and quantitative observations in the laboratory and the atmosphere.
Enhancement of the NORAD-Atomic-Data Database in Plasma
Authors: Nahar Sultana N. , Hinojosa-Aguirre Guillermo
Published: April 2024

We report recent enhancements to the online atomic database at the Ohio State University, NORAD-Atomic-Data, that provide various parameters for radiative and collisional atomic processes dominant in astrophysical plasma. NORAD stands for Nahar Osu RADiative. The database belongs to the data sources, especially for the latest works, of the international collaborations of the Opacity Project and the Iron Project. The contents of the database are calculated values for energies, oscillator strengths, radiative decay rates, lifetimes, cross-sections for photoionization, electron-ion recombination cross-sections, and recombination rate coefficients. We have recently expanded NORAD-Atomic-Data with several enhancements over those reported earlier. They are as follows: (i) We continue to add energy levels, transition parameters, cross-sections, and recombination rates for atoms and ions with their publications. (ii) Recently added radiative atomic data contain a significant amount of transition data for photo-absorption spectral features corresponding to the X-ray resonance fluorescence effect, showing prominent wavelength regions of bio-signature elements, such as phosphorus ions, and emission bumps of heavy elements, such as of lanthanides, which may be created in a kilonova event. We are including (iii) collisional data for electron-impact-excitation, (iv) experimental data for energies and oscillator strengths for line formation, (v) experimental cross-sections for photoionization that can be applied for benchmarking and other applications, and (vi) the introduction of a web-based interactive feature to calculate spectral line ratios at various plasma temperature and density diagnostics, starting with our recently published data for P II. We presented a summary description of theoretical backgrounds for the computed data in the earlier paper. With the introduction of experimental results in the new version of NORAD, we present a summary description of measurement of high-resolution photoionization cross-sections at an Advanced Light Source of LBNL synchrotron set-up and briefly discuss other set-ups. These additions should make NORAD-Atomic-Data more versatile for various applications. For brevity, we provide information on the extensions and avoid repetition of data description of the original paper.
Digits-in-Noise Test as an Assessment Tool for Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids
Authors: Schimmel Carly , Cormier Kayla , Manchaiah Vinaya , Swanepoel De Wet , Sharma Anu
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between an American English Digits in Noise (DIN) test and commonly used audiological measures to evaluate the DIN test’s ability to detect hearing loss and validate hearing aid fitting. QuickSIN and DIN tests were completed by participants with untreated hearing loss (n = 46), prescription hearing aids (n = 15), and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids (n = 12). Performance on the QuickSIN showed moderate positive correlations with DIN for untreated hearing loss participants and prescription hearing aid users, but not for OTC hearing aid users. For untreated hearing loss participants, both QuickSIN and DIN tests showed positive moderate to strong correlations with high frequency puretone averages. In OTC users, DIN scores did not significantly change over a 6-month time period and were better when conducted remotely compared to in-person testing. Our results suggest that the DIN test may be a feasible monitoring option for individuals with hearing loss and those fitted with hearing aids. However, due to small sample size in this pilot study, future research is needed to examine DIN test’s utility for fitting and validating OTC hearing aids.
On a Stability of Non-Stationary Discrete Schemes with Respect to Interpolation Errors
Authors: Čiegis Raimondas , Suboč Olga , Čiegis Remigijus
Published: April 2024

The aim of this article is to analyze the efficiency and accuracy of finite-difference and finite-element Galerkin schemes for non-stationary hyperbolic and parabolic problems. The main problem solved in this article deals with the construction of accurate and efficient discrete schemes on nonuniform and dynamic grids in time and space. The presented stability and convergence analysis enables improving the existing accuracy estimates. The obtained stability results show explicitly the rate of accumulation of interpolation and projection errors that arise due to the movement of grid points. It is shown that the cases when the time grid steps are doubled or halved have different stability properties. As an additional technique to improve the accuracy of discretizations on non-stationary space grids, it is recommended to use projection operators instead of interpolation operators. This technique is used to solve a test parabolic problem. The results of specially selected computational experiments are also presented, and they confirm the accuracy of all theoretical error estimates obtained in this article.
Volume-Preserving Shear Transformation of an Elliptical Slant Cone to a Right Cone
Authors: Frego Marco , Consonni Cristian
Published: April 2024

One nappe of a right circular cone, cut by a transverse plane, splits the cone into an infinite frustum and a cone with an elliptical section of finite volume. There is a standard way of computing this finite volume, which involves finding the parameters of the so-called shadow ellipse, the characteristics of the oblique ellipse (the cut) and, finally, the projection of the vertex of the cone onto the oblique ellipse. This paper shows that it is possible to compute that volume just by using the information of the shadow ellipse and the height of the cone. Indeed, the finite slant cone has the same volume of an elliptic right cone, with the base being the shadow ellipse of the cut portion and with the height being the distance between the vertex of the cone and the intersection of the height of the original cone with the cutting plane. This is proved by introducing a volume-preserving shear transformation of the elliptical slant cone to a right cone, so that the standard volume formula for a cone can be straightforwardly applied. This implies a simplification in the procedure for computing the volume, since the oblique ellipse—i.e., the difficult part—can be neglected because only the shadow ellipse needs to be determined.
Open Problems and Conjectures in the Evolutionary Periodic Ricker Competition Model
Authors: Luís Rafael
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we present a survey about the latest results in global stability concerning the discrete-time evolutionary Ricker competition model with n species, in both, autonomous and periodic models. The main purpose is to convey some arguments and new ideas concerning the techniques for showing global asymptotic stability of fixed points or periodic cycles in these kind of discrete-time models. In order to achieve this, some open problems and conjectures related to the evolutionary Ricker competition model are presented, which may be a starting point to study global stability, not only in other competition models, but in predator–prey models and Leslie–Gower-type models as well.
A Novel Solver for an Electrochemical–Thermal Ageing Model of a Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Wickramanayake Toshan , Javadipour Mehrnaz , Mehran Kamyar
Published: April 2024

To estimate the state of health, charge, power, and safety (SoX) of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) in real time, battery management systems (BMSs) need accurate and efficient battery models. The full-order partial two-dimensional (P2D) model is a common physics-based cell-level LiB model that faces challenges for real-time BMS implementation due to the complexity of its numerical solver. In this paper, we propose a method to discretise the P2D model equations using the Finite Volume and Verlet Integration Methods to significantly reduce the computational complexity of the solver. Our proposed iterative solver uses novel convergence criteria and physics-based initial guesses to provide high fidelity for discretised P2D equations. We also include both the kinetic-limited and diffusion-limited models for Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) growth into an iterative P2D solver. With these SEI models, we can estimate the capacity fade in real time once the model is tuned to the cell–voltage curve. The results are validated using three different operation scenarios, including the 1C discharge/charge cycle, multiple-C-rate discharges, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory dynamic stress test. The proposed solver shows at least a 4.5 times improvement in performance with less than 1% error when compared to commercial solvers.
Exploring Metschnikowia pulcherrima as a Co-Fermenter with Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Influence on Wine Aroma during Fermentation and Ageing
Authors: Torres-Díaz Lesly L. , Murillo-Peña Rebeca , Iribarren Miquel , Sáenz de Urturi Itziar , Marín-San Román Sandra , González-Lázaro Miriam , Pérez-Álvarez Eva P. , Garde-Cerdán Teresa
Published: April 2024

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts, particularly Metschnikowia pulcherrima, are considered alternatives to SO2 in winemaking, combating specific microorganisms. The sensory profile of the wine is contingent upon the type of yeast, the fermentation conditions, and the concentration and mode of application with Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (whether pure or used in mixed/sequential co-fermentation). This study assessed the aroma in red wines produced with S. cerevisiae (Sc) and M. pulcherrima (Mp, non-Sc), incorporating variations in the method of addition and the inclusion or exclusion of SO2. The enological parameters of the wines were slightly affected. Volatile compounds were analysed in the wines through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at three moments: at the end of malolactic fermentation (MLF) and after 6 and 9 months of bottle ageing. Sequential fermentation of Sc and Mp reduced the concentration of most identified alcohols and acids, which is favourable, as these compounds can yield undesirable aromas at high concentrations. Regardless of the yeast mixture and Mp dose, a majority of the acetate esters and ethyl esters were quantified at concentrations above their perception thresholds, thus enhancing the sensory quality of the wines. Sensory analysis of wines showed generally positive evaluations. Using non-Saccharomyces as an alternative to SO2 improves the aromatic profile of wines.
Adult Feeding Experience Determines the Fecundity and Preference of the Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Qi Jingwei , Wang Xiangping , Zhang Tingjia , Li Chuanren , Wang Zailing
Published: April 2024

Both larvae and adults of the Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata feed on leaves of potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. Given the variation in planting times of host plants in the Jianghan Plain, host switching between larvae and adults of H. vigintioctopunctata is inevitable to ensure continuous food availability. We evaluated the effect of consistent versus diverse larval and adult host plant feeding experience on growth performance, fecundity, longevity, and feeding preferences of H. vigintioctopunctata through match-mismatch experiments. Host plant quality significantly influences larval development and adult reproduction. Potatoes are identified as the optimal host plant for H. vigintioctopunctata, whereas eggplants significantly negatively affect the adult fecundity. Adult stage host feeding experience determines the fecundity of H. vigintioctopunctata, irrespective of the larval feeding experience. The fecundity of H. vigintioctopunctata adults on eggplant leaves remains significantly lower than that observed on potato leaves. Similarly, adult H. vigintioctopunctata demonstrate a preference for consuming potato leaves, irrespective of the larval feeding experience. Although host switching between larval and adult stages offers lesser benefits for the performance of herbivorous insects compared to a consistent diet with potato leaves, it maintains H. vigintioctopunctata population continuity amidst shortages of high-quality potato hosts.
Lingering Effects of Early Institutional Rearing and Cytomegalovirus Infection on the Natural Killer Cell Repertoire of Adopted Adolescents
Authors: Wood Elizabeth K. , Reid Brie M. , Sheerar Dagna S. , Donzella Bonny , Gunnar Megan R. , Coe Christopher L.
Published: April 2024

Adversity during infancy can affect neurobehavioral development and perturb the maturation of physiological systems. Dysregulated immune and inflammatory responses contribute to many of the later effects on health. Whether normalization can occur following a transition to more nurturing, benevolent conditions is unclear. To assess the potential for recovery, blood samples were obtained from 45 adolescents adopted by supportive families after impoverished infancies in institutional settings (post-institutionalized, PI). Their immune profiles were compared to 39 age-matched controls raised by their biological parents (non-adopted, NA). Leukocytes were immunophenotyped, and this analysis focuses on natural killer (NK) cell populations in circulation. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity was evaluated to determine if early infection contributed to the impact of an atypical rearing. Associations with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), two cytokines released by activated NK cells, were examined. Compared to the NA controls, PI adolescents had a lower percent of CD56bright NK cells in circulation, higher TNF-α levels, and were more likely to be infected with CMV. PI adolescents who were latent carriers of CMV expressed NKG2C and CD57 surface markers on more NK cells, including CD56dim lineages. The NK cell repertoire revealed lingering immune effects of early rearing while still maintaining an overall integrity and resilience.
Improving Kidney Disease Care: One Giant Leap for Nephrology
Authors: Provenzano Michele , Hu Lilio , Tringali Edoardo , Senatore Massimo , Talarico Roberta , Di Dio Michele , Ruotolo Chiara , La Manna Gaetano , Garofalo Carlo , Zaza Gianluigi
Published: April 2024

Nephrology is an ever-evolving field of medicine. The importance of such a discipline is related to the high clinical impact of kidney disease. In fact, abnormalities of kidney function and/or structure are common in the general population, reaching an overall prevalence of about 10%. More importantly, the onset of kidney damage is related to a strikingly high risk of cardiovascular events, mortality, and progression to kidney failure which, in turn, compromises quality and duration of life. Attempts to comprehend the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms involved in kidney disease occurrence have prompted the development and implementation of novel drugs in clinical practice with the aim of treating the ‘specific cause’ of kidney disease (including chronic kidney disease, glomerular disease, and genetic kidney disorders) and the main immunological complications following kidney transplantation. Herein, we provide an overview of the principal emerging drug classes with proved efficacy in the context of the aforementioned clinical conditions. This can represent a simplified guide for clinical nephrologists to remind them of the vast and heterogeneous armamentarium of drugs that should be used in the present and the future to improve the management of patients suffering from kidney disease.
Development of a Monoclonal Antibody-Based Indirect Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Rapid Detection of Gallic Acid
Authors: Duan Jiajing , Zheng Xiuxia , Tao Ran , Li Long , Wang Fengzhong , Sun Yufeng , Fan Bei
Published: April 2024

Gallic acid (GA) is closely related to the quality of herbal medicines and other agricultural products. In order to facilitate the rapid detection of GA, we developed a monoclonal antibody-based ic-ELISA method. Antigens with and without connecting arms were prepared. It was found that the introduction of connecting arms (linear carbon chain) was beneficial for immune response. By utilizing hybridoma technology, a specific mAb (anti-GA-M702) was screened and identified, which exhibited a 1:40,500 antibody titer and IgG2b antibody subtype. The ic-ELISA assay was established based on anti-GA-M702. The optimal working concentrations of the encapsulated antigen and antibody were 0.5 µg/mL and 0.67 µg/mL, respectively. The ic-ELISA method showed a linear detection range of 297.17–2426.61 ng/mL for GA with a sensitivity of 849.18 ng/mL. It displayed a good applicability for the determination of GA in Galla chinensis. In conclusion, the ic-ELISA method provides an efficient approach to the rapid detection of GA in products.
Exploring the Relationship between Neuroticism and Perinatal Depressive Symptoms: Findings from a 2-Year, Multicenter Study in Italy
Authors: Severo Melania , Petito Annamaria , Ventriglio Antonio , Iuso Salvatore , Ianzano Giulio , Marconcini Alessia , Giannaccari Elisa , Palma Giuseppe Luigi , Altamura Mario , Sorrentino Felice , Maruotti Giuseppe , Nappi Luigi , Caroli Antonella , Bellomo Antonello
Published: April 2024

Neuroticism is a personality trait associated with the risk of affective disorders and perinatal depression. We investigated the relationship between different levels of neuroticism, psychological characteristics, and depressive symptoms in a sample of pregnant women (N = 2631) who accessed the gynecology departments in the Puglia Region (Italy) from July 2020 to November 2022. Women were assessed for depressive symptoms and associated risk factors in their third trimester of pregnancy (T0) and after childbirth (T1), and followed-up at 6 months and 1 year after delivery if presenting signs of depression (T2–T3). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen depressive symptoms, and neuroticism was assessed through the subscales of the NEO Five Factor Inventory. Standardized measures of resilience, coping strategies, partner attachment, and quality of life were also employed. Higher levels of neuroticism were significantly associated with: (a) higher scores on the EPDS; (b) higher anxiety in the experience of close relationships; (c) lower psychological wellbeing; (d) lower levels of resilience; (e) lower levels of active coping; and (f) higher levels of self-blame. Our findings may suggest that neuroticism is a specific associated factor of perinatal depression and should be routinely assessed in the clinical screening of pregnant women in order to promote an early referral to psychological or psychiatric support services.
Exploring Physical Education Teachers’ Intention and Perceived Constraints in Offering Online Lessons Using the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Multi-Country Analysis
Authors: Konukman Ferman , Filiz Bijen , Moghimehfar Farhad , Maghanoy Mona Adviento , Graber Kim , Richards Kevin Andrew , Kinder Christopher John , Kueh Yee Cheng , Chin Ngien-Siong , Kuan Garry , Jinyu Gin Shi
Published: April 2024

Guided by the theory of planned behavior, this study aimed to determine the influence of Physical Education (PE) teachers’ attitudes, their perceived behavioral control, and the influence of subjective norms on their intention and constraints (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural) to offer a high-quality class based on best practices to deliver PE lessons online during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional, multi-country survey study recruited PE teachers from five countries (China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Turkey, and the United States). A total of 928 online questionnaires were used in the analysis. In terms of the overall intention to teach online, our findings showed that American and Filipino teachers had higher levels of intention to continue teaching online. In contrast, Turkish, Malaysian, and Chinese teachers showed a lower interest. Moreover, Malaysian teachers had more intrapersonal constraints while the teachers in the other four countries were not as restrained intrapersonally. The results highlight the significant influence of perceived behavioral control and attitudes on PE teachers’ intention to deliver online courses. Constraints to online teaching had a considerably large negative impact on attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Based on the results, the proposed extension to the theory of planned behavior was an appropriate framework for understanding the behavioral intent of PE teachers.