bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Data Density 4‐Color LCD System
Authors: Tsai Robert C.
Published: December 2024

A large‐screen LCD system, including a high resolution and high contrast laser‐addressed liquid crystal color display, has been developed for acquisition and exploitation of high density alphanumeric and graphic data. The display system consists of two smectic liquid crystal light valves (SLCLV) which are thermally addressed by a single laser selectively. Each light valve can generate 2048×2048 addressable pixels within a 1“ × 1” data format. There are 8×106 pixels available for data presentation.

The laser writing system consists of the laser, a modulator for formation of discrete data elements on the SLCLV, a 2 axis galvanometer deflection unit, and beam splitting optics to multiplex the writing laser on each SLCLV. A closed‐loop galvo deflection system can position the focused laser beam to an accuracy of 0.1% across the screen. Laser focus lens is an f/8.0 telecentric design to produce a 1“ × 1” data format on the SLCLV with spot size less than 0.0004“. Color images from each light valve are superimposed onto the screen by a wide angle f/8.0 projection lens This lens, with 48X magnification, relays the combined color image to a 48” × 48“ screen with less than 0.1% distortion. The possible contrast of the display is up to 60 to 1. The overall dimensions of the rear‐projected color display are 60” × 52“ × 31”.

Current CRT or CRT‐driven large screen displays do not provide enough resolution elements to display massive amounts of information. This new large screen color LCD with smectic liquid crystal light valves has been developed by Singer to handle high data density graphic and alphanumeric presentations for status summary, simulation, tactical and strategic combat situations.

This paper describes an ultra‐high resolution 4‐color liquid crystal projection system which utilizes two smectic liquid crystal light valves (SLCLV) to present data in three colors on a fourth background color. The SLCLVS are optically addressed by a Nd:YAG laser through the control of a modulator and deflection system which is powered by a microprocessor. A flashing pointer is included in the system to provide the interactive features which enable the operator to enter, modify, or delete alphanumeric and graphic data on request.
Reducing Popping into View of Objects and Detail in Area‐of‐lnterest Displays
Authors: Berbaum Kevin
Published: December 2024

Eye‐coupled area‐of‐interest displays may offer an alternative to more traditional multichannel simulator displays at a fraction of the cost but with the same or better resolution. Developers of any new system must concern themselves with potential limitations of the new devices; a potential issue for area‐of‐interest displays is “popping.” Popping is the compelling phenomenal appearance of new scene content, as it passes from low levels of detail available in the periphery, or background, to the high levels of detail with the area‐of‐interest.

The results of these experi ments suggest that popping will be more pronounced for lower spatial frequencies (larger sizes); that popping depends upon the slope of the temporal onset and offset of the high level of detail material; and finally that popping is more apparent with more frequent changes in level of detail. From these findings we derive recommendations for minimizing popping. These results can also be translated into general principles describing how to make display changes conspicuous or inconspicuous.
Effects of rolling on eating quality, starch structure, and water distribution in cooked indica rice dough
Authors: Xiong Ying , Zhang Yu , Yi Cuiping , Shan Yang , Zhu Hong , Fang Zhongxiang
Published: December 2024

Background

Given the composition of rice and its lack of gluten proteins, rice flour fails to form a cohesive and elastic dough when mixed directly with water. Consequently, many rice products rely on rice sheets (RS) made by rolling cooked rice dough. Limited research exists on how the rolling process impacts the properties and structure of cooked indica rice dough.

Results

This study investigated the effect of the number of rolling passes on the eating quality, starch structure, and water distribution of cooked fermented indica RS formed by dough. When the number of rolling passes reached six, the RS (RP‐6) that was obtained exhibited the lowest cooking loss, the highest hardness, adhesiveness, and chewiness, and optimal stretchability. It also demonstrated the lowest water loss after freezing. Dense microstructures were observed on both the surface and cross‐section of RP‐6. More ordered starch crystal structures and double helix structures were formed. The relative peak area of tightly bound water significantly increased in RP‐6, indicating a stronger bonding status between the starch and water molecules. However, excessive rolling passes (more than six) led to a partial disruption of the internal RS structure, resulting in a decline in eating quality.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated the importance of the rolling process in improving the performance of RS. It was found that a moderate number of rolling passes was conducive to producing excellent RS, providing a theoretical basis for the production of high‐quality rice‐based products such as rice noodles, dumplings, and cakes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Tunable and real‐time automatic interventional x‐ray collimation from semi‐supervised deep feature extraction
Authors: Lee Brian C. , Rijhwani Damini , Lang Sydney , van Oorde‐Grainger Shaun , Haak Alexander , Bleise Carlos , Lylyk Pedro , Ruijters Daniel , Sinha Ayushi
Published: December 2024

Background

The use of endovascular procedures is becoming increasingly popular across multiple clinical domains. These procedures are generally performed under image guidance using an interventional c‐arm x‐ray system. Radiation exposure to both patients and interventional staff due to use of fluoroscopy is a health and occupational concern, but modifications to the interventional workflow to address radiation may come at the cost of procedure time or quality.

Purpose

Interventional x‐ray collimation is a crucial task for improving image quality as well as reducing radiation exposure to both patients and operators who work in the x‐ray domain. However, collimation is heavily underutilized due to its cumbersome nature and the difficulty of manually manipulating multiple parameters during fast‐paced interventional procedures. Additionally, the widely varying collimation preferences of interventionalists across different procedure types, procedure phases, and anatomies makes the standardizing of collimation challenging for radiation technologist support staff.

Methods

Automating collimation has the potential to bridge this gap, freeing up mental bandwidth for interventionalists and technologists and improving outcomes for patients. Here, we propose a tunable algorithm for automatic collimation based on a region‐of‐interest optimizer driven by a combination of image, system, device, and radiation based features and we illustrate its efficacy across varying personal preferences. Critically, we devise a method with a simple and easily understandable mapping between algorithm parameters and practical outcomes.

Results

We show a real‐time implementation of this algorithm using deep feature extraction by a convolutional neural network and evaluate its performance in a custom dataset of simulated fluoroscopy and recorded fluoroscopy from clinical radial access procedures. We evaluate the effects of a practically implemented mixed supervision training strategy on model performance and show potential for radiation reduction in simulation. An uncertainty analysis indicates that the algorithm is robust to noise and anatomical variation across our clinical dataset. Clinical acceptability and quality is evaluated through a reader study with expert neuro‐interventional radiologists, with participants indicating 100% clinical acceptability, high quality ratings, and improved radiation protection over their typical practice.

Conclusions

The algorithm's modular design ensured that users' collimation requirements were met without disruption to the interventional workflow or procedure time, while exhibiting strong potential to reduce radiation risk to patients and operators. Evaluation in more varied clinical settings could support translation of this technology into the clinic.
Top‐Down Fabrication of N‐GQDs Modified SnO2 with Improved Photoelectric Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Cuiru , Feng Tao , Wang Yongqin , Lei Yun , Liu Kaiwei , Wang Tianqi
Published: December 2024

N‐graphene quantum dots (N‐GQDs) are prepared using graphite as a carbon source and ammonia as a nitrogen source by a top‐down approach, and further combined with SnO2 to obtain SnO2/N‐GQDs composites by a hydrothermal method. SnO2/N‐GQDs composites are analyzed by morphology and structure characterization, and the composites with different N‐GQDs content are further investigated by instantaneous photocurrent response (I‐t), electrochemical impedance (EIS), linear scanning voltammetry (LSV), and Mott‐Schottky curves (MS). SnO2/N‐GQDs composites exhibit an obvious increment in photocurrent and a decrement in interface charge transfer impedance. When the addition of N‐GQDs is 1.5wt.%, the I‐t value of SnO2/N‐GQDs reaches the optimum of 3.84 × 10−5 A cm−2, which is 2.3 times as large as that of SnO2. Meantime, the carrier density of SnO2/N‐GQDs reaches 2.67 × 1021cm−3, which is 1.5 times as high as that of SnO2. The improvement is attributed to the combination of SnO2 and N‐GQDs, which promotes more charge carriers to be generated and transported under UV irradiation.
Isolation of Macrolactin A from a new Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and its aphicidal activity against Rhopalosiphum padi
Authors: Zhao Kangbo , Ma Ruyi , Cheng Min , Guo Ting , Wu Wenjun , Song Yuxin , Xu Hong , Tan Aoping , Qin Baofu , Wei Shaopeng
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Rhopalosiphum padi is a major infection affecting cereal crops in the boundary area. However, continuous use of chemical pesticides has increased cases of drug resistance in its field population. Therefore, we aimed to verify the insecticidal properties of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YJNbs21.10 against aphids, isolated to determine the bioactivity of its metabolite Macrolactin A against aphids for the first time.

RESULTS

The results of activity tracking showed that the fermentation broth of YJNbs21.10 had the best inhibitory efficacy against R. padi, and the corrected efficiency reached 95.57% after 24 h. With the continuous separation and test, the efficiency of the active components decreased: Macrolactin A, as the most active substance, had a control activity against aphids under 500 mg L−1 of 74.64% at 72 h, (which was significantly lower than that of fermentation broth, indicating a synergistic effect between the active substances of each part of the strain. In addition, the result of the stereomicroscope showed that Macrolactin A damaged the body wall of aphids. The toxicity of Macrolactin A to R. padi was confirmed through the gradient test.

CONCLUSION

In this study, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YJNbs21.10 exhibited comparable inhibitory ability to chemical pesticides suggesting its potential to provide effective biological control on aphids. The biological activity of Macrolactin A against aphids was also verified for the first time, in this experiment, the EC50 of this substance against aphids was 169.02 mg L−1 (24 h), which provided strong evidence that YJNbs21.10 may act as an effective agent for the prevention of aphid. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Observer‐Based Switching‐Like Adaptive‐Triggered Resilient Coordination Control of Discrete Singular Systems Under DI Attacks with Uncertain Occurrence Probabilities
Authors: Meng Yanan , Zhuang Guangming , Wang Yanqian , Feng Jun‐e
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we investigate observer‐based switching‐like adaptive‐triggered resilient state feedback control for discrete singular systems under deception‐injection (DI) attacks. Considering state variables are not completely measurable, a delayed state observer is engineered to reconstruct system states and the occurrence of DI attacks is described by Bernoulli random variables. The upper bound method is used to deal with the DI attacks with jumping patterns and imprecise occurrence probabilities. Taking into account the sporadic nature of DI attacks, switching‐like adaptive‐triggered resilient control method is presented, and the collaboratively designed triggered mechanism and resilient control strategy can not only automatically adjust data transmission based on the system states, but also save communication resources and network bandwidth, and enhance the tolerance to hostile attacks so as to improve safety and reliability of networked singular systems. By utilizing singular value decomposition technique, the noncausal behavior of the singular system is avoided and by applying linear matrix inequality (LMI) technology, the desired gains of controller and observer are achieved concurrently, then neoteric conditions about stochastic admissibility of closed‐loop discrete singular systems are provided. Ultimately, the validity of the proposed resilient coordination control approach is verified via a direct current (DC) motor model.
Going Green in ASEAN: Assessing the Role of Eco‐Innovation, Green Energy, Industrialization, and Environmental Taxes in Achieving Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Shaikh Shazia Shaheen , Amin Nabila , Shabbir Muhammad Salman , Song Huaming
Published: December 2024

Carbon emissions are a primary driver of environmental degradation and pose noteworthy risks to global efforts in combating climate change, particularly in ASEAN economies. While CO2 emissions are central to understanding environmental impacts, they represent just one aspect of the broader sustainability framework. This study examines the roles of eco‐innovation, green energy, globalization, economic growth, industrialization, and environmental taxes in reducing CO2 emissions within ASEAN economies from 1990 to 2022. Utilizing a cross‐sectional ARDL model, we explore the correlations among these factors, with special attention to the environmental dimension of sustainable development. Our findings highlight the negative relationships between eco‐innovation, green energy, industrialization, environmental taxation, and CO2 emissions, which contribute significantly to environmental sustainability both immediately and later on. Additionally, the study reveals reciprocal causal links between these elements and the emissions of CO2, offering critical policy insights for advancing environmental goals within the structure of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially those about climate action (SDG 13), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), and sustainable industrialization (SDG 9). These insights provide a pathway for policy interventions that target CO2 mitigation while recognizing the diverse aspects of sustainable development.
Advanced Solid Amine Adsorbents with Exceptional Oxidative Stability for Efficient Capture of Low‐concentration CO2
Authors: Huang Jiajin , Huang Yongsheng , Yu Xinbo , Zhao Yapeng , Wu Xingbei , Liang Peng , Li Zhong , Wang Hao , Xia Qibin
Published: December 2024

Solid amine adsorbents designed for capturing trace amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) offer a promising approach. However, developing solid amine adsorbents that concurrently exhibit high oxidative stability and superior CO2 adsorption capacity remains a significant challenge. Here, ED‐PEI/PEG@FS‐TBP, an innovative and highly stable CO2 adsorbent is introduced. This material involves the functionalization of polyethyleneimine (PEI) with 1,2‐epoxydodecane (ED), effectively transforming primary amines into secondary amines, thereby mitigating urea formation. Furthermore, the chelator embedded within the fumed silica (FS) supports sequestering metallic impurities that would otherwise catalyze oxidation reactions. The integration of polyethylene glycol (PEG) forms hydrogen bonds with PEI, effectively barricading oxygen access and safeguarding against PEI oxidation. ED‐PEI/PEG@FS‐TBP achieves an outstanding CO2 adsorption capacity of 1.49 mmol g−1 at 298 K and 0.0004 bar. Notably, after 20 days of oxidative aging in an environment with 75% relative humidity and 383 K, ED‐PEI/PEG@FS‐TBP exhibits remarkable oxidative stability, with a deactivation rate constant (kdeact) 93% lower than that of PEI@FS. Its excellent oxidative stability, cycling stability, and high thermal stability, underscore its unparalleled potential for the capture of low‐concentration CO2.
High‐Performance Perovskite Flat Panel X‐Ray Imagers via Blade Coating
Authors: Zhang Aiping , Tie Shujie , Lu Xiaojuan , Tian Wanjia , Fan Zhenghui , Dong Siyin , Yuan Ruihan , Wu Congcong , Zheng Xiaojia
Published: December 2024

Perovskite X‐ray detectors are recognized as the most promising candidates for low‐dose detectors due to their superior performance. However, it is still full of challenging in the fabrication of flat‐panel X‐ray imagers (FPXIs), primarily due to the absence of large area thick films that exhibit high uniformity and long‐term performance stability. A general synthesis route is urgently needed to grow large‐scale halide perovskite thick films directly on a pixeled thin‐film transistor (TFT) backplane with high uniformity, closing the gap between the great potential of perovskite X‐ray detectors and their entry into the market. In this work, an advanced precursor paste suitable for blade coating is developed to enable high‐throughput manufacturing of FPXIs. Highly uniform perovskite films with a thickness of 300‐micrometers are directly deposited onto pixeled TFT substrates by the blade‐coating method using the above paste, which governs a stable dark current and minimal noise of the X‐ray detectors. As a result, (BA)2(MA)9Pb10I31 perovskite X‐ray detectors achieved a high sensitivity of 15200 µC Gyair−1 cm−2 and a limit of detection (LoD) of 26.8 nGyair s−1. Moreover, FPXIs with a spatial resolution of 0.95 lp mm−1 (0.475 lp pixel−1) are obtained, which exhibits negligible signal crosstalk and excellent X‐ray imaging performance.
The use of a lateral ultrasound‐guided proximal radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous nerve block in a medium‐sized dog undergoing surgical repair of a humeral condylar fracture
Authors: Wringe Elliot , Clark Louise
Published: December 2024

Novel ultrasound‐guided local‐anaesthetic blocks have become increasingly popular due to improved visualisation of anatomical structures, needle and probe handling, reduced risk of neuronal or vascular damage, increased patient safety and enhanced block efficacy. The proximal‐RUMM block, targeting the radial (R), ulnar (U), median (M) and musculocutaneous (M) nerves, is well established for small animal forelimb surgeries distal to the mid‐humerus and is an effective regional anaesthetic technique in dogs. The classic medial approach to the proximal‐RUMM block can be challenging due to small muscle mass, superficial nerve locations and risk of inadvertent intrathoracic or intravascular injections. Therefore, a lateral approach to the proximal‐RUMM block has been suggested to be beneficial in small patients and has been previously documented in a small dog undergoing elbow surgery. This case report documents the use of a lateral approach for ultrasound‐guided proximal‐RUMM block in a 14.5 kg dog undergoing humeral condyle fracture repair.
Neurophysiological identification and differentiation between the motor and sensory roots in pediatric spinal cord lipoma surgery
Authors: Lutz Katharina , Müller Timothy , Grunt Sebastian , Scherer Cordula , Schuhmann Martin U. , Zeino Mazen , Vulcu Sonja , Hakim Arsany , Wermelinger Jonathan , Abut Pablo Abel Alvarez , Pospieszny Katarzyna , Raabe Andreas , Schucht Philippe , Seidel Kathleen
Published: December 2024

Background

Radical resection of spinal cord lipomas reduces the rate of re-tethering. Current conventional neurophysiological mapping techniques are not able to differentiate between crucial motor nerve roots and sensory roots. Enhanced differentiation could contribute to complete resection. We present our experience with a double-train paradigm to differentiate between motor and sensory roots.

Methods

In children undergoing spinal cord lipoma resection, the double-train mapping paradigm was used with an inter-train interval of 60 ms. Given the longer recovery time due to the H-reflex, a single muscle response was presumed to be elicited from a sensory root, and a double muscle response from a motor root. The primary endpoint was postoperative neurological outcome and bladder function at discharge.

Results

We included 8 children undergoing 10 lipoma resections between 2016 and 2023. Double-train mapping was used in all cases. Motor and sensory roots were clearly differentiated in 6 cases and altered the course of surgery in 4 cases.

Post-surgery, no sensory and motor function worsened within 3 months. Bladder function was stable in six and improved in two children. In two patients, bladder function worsened slightly at 3 months and 6 months, at which point one patient was re-operated on for re-tethering.

Conclusion

Intraoperative mapping with the double-train paradigm reliably differentiated between motor and sensory nerve roots. Informing the surgeon on the specific function of a tethering root may help to maximize resection without risking major neurological deficits.
Dodging the autocratic bullet: enlisting behavioural science to arrest democratic backsliding
Authors: Abels Christoph M. , Huttunen Kiia Jasmin Alexandra , Hertwig Ralph , Lewandowsky Stephan
Published: December 2024

Despite a long history of research on democratic backsliding, the process itself − in which the executive branch amasses power and undermines democratic processes and institutions − remains poorly understood. We seek to shed light on the underlying mechanisms by studying democratic near misses: cases in which a period of autocratic governance is quickly reversed or full backsliding is prevented at the last minute. Building on the literature on near misses in sociotechnical systems such as nuclear power plants, we adapt the drift-to-danger model to the study of democratic systems. Two key findings emerge: First, democratic backsliding is often triggered by political elites pushing the boundaries of their power by violating norms, which are crucial yet vulnerable safeguards for democracy. Second, democratic backsliding is unpredictable and non-linear, being driven by the interaction between political elites and the public. Norm-violating elites may feel legitimized by a supportive public that sees norm violations as justified. At the same time, political elites may signal that norm-violating behaviour is acceptable, potentially leading the public to adopt anti-democratic beliefs and behaviours. We identify risk factors that make norm violations more likely and outline behavioural sciences-based interventions to address these violations.
Psychosocial well-being and mental health of low- and middle-income countries’ internally displaced persons and refugees during COVID-19: a systematic literature review
Authors: Amodu Oluwakemi , Janes Craig R. , Pangan Karen Therese L.
Published: December 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the need to address the psychosocial and mental health needs of refugees and internally displaced persons in low- and middle-income countries. COVID-19 prevention measures slowed essential services and healthcare, creating unique challenges for refugees and IDPs, including economic insecurity and societal instability. All of these factors may contribute to the reported declines in their psychosocial well-being.

Methods

To effectively define the problems of low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) in addressing the needs of these populations, we conducted a systematic literature review of literature on the mental health and psychosocial well-being of refugees and displaced persons who have migrated between LMICs in the context of COVID-19.

Findings

Our findings indicate that mental health interventions, such as digital healthcare and community-focused solutions, have the potential to address the problems faced by refugees and IDPs. Nevertheless, these community-based support networks are overextended, continuously developing to meet the needs of these vulnerable populations while considering the limited digital literacy of the subject population, internet accessibility, and overall limits in reach. We found that the efficacy of interventions varied according to the distinctive needs and challenges of various refugee and IDP populations.

Implications

The findings indicate a need for an intersectional policy approach to address the complex network of factors influencing mental health outcomes, including gender, housing, employment status, and social inequalities. Global agencies, policymakers, and local governments must prioritize the development of comprehensive mental health support systems, assuring refugees and IDPs have sustainable and equitable access.
Ethnic Nationalism and Support for the Black Lives Matter Movement among Black and Asian Americans
Authors: Gaines Kylie , Lien Pei-Te
Published: December 2024

This paper explores whether attitudes toward ethnic nationalism among Black and Asian Americans influence attitudes toward the Black Lives Matter Movement. Acceptance of a nationalist ideology typically makes an individual animus towards outgroups. Moreover, ethnic/Black nationalism is known to flare in times of perceived intense oppression. Given current racial tensions in the United States, we are interested in examining factors that may help facilitate alliance-building between Black and Asian Americans—two nonwhite groups that exist on different planks of the U.S. racial hierarchy. We begin by recounting historical and contemporary instances of Afro-Asian solidarity and conflict. This is followed by a review of past theoretical articulation and empirical research on nationalist ideology within each community. We develop a set of group-specific indicators of ethnic nationalism for Black and Asian Americans from the 2020 Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Survey. Our results show clear evidence that being sympathetic to ethnic nationalism can unite rather than divide the two racialized communities in their attitudes toward present-day projects such as the Black Lives Matter Movement.
PENELOPE THE HETAIRA: ODYSSEAN INNUENDO IN STRABO'S ACCOUNT OF CORINTH (GEOGRAPHY 8.6.20)
Authors: Lightfoot Jessica
Published: December 2024

Following Janko's suggestion that two trimeters cited at Strabo, Geography 8.6.20 form a couplet from an unknown, possibly Aristophanic comedy, this note explores the resonance and meaning of the third citation contained in the same chapter of the geographer's work. It proposes that this third citation, which relates to a Corinthian hetaira's work at the loom and is possibly from either the same or a different comedy, contains a joke hinting at the Odyssey and alternative traditions regarding Penelope's chastity. This Odyssean echo thematically connects this citation to the comic trimeters, which also contain clear allusions to the Odyssey.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ellagic acid as a new therapy for Trichinella spiralis infection
Authors: Ashoush S.E. , Saeed Z.M. , Soliman E.K.
Published: December 2024

Trichinellosis is a widespread food-borne zoonosis, causing mild to severe illness in humans with potential fatality. Its treatment remains challenging due to the side effects and limited efficacy of specific drugs. Therefore, the current study was conducted to assess the therapeutic effects of ellagic acid (EA) alone and combined with albendazole against trichinellosis and its biochemical and pathological alterations in mice. Mice were divided into two main groups: G1 and G2 for the intestinal and muscular phases, respectively. Then each group was subdivided into five subgroups: (a) non-infected control, (b) infected control non-treated, (c) infected and treated with EA, (d) infected and treated with albendazole, and (e) infected and treated with a combination of both. Parasitological, biochemical, and histopathological studies were used to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes. Treatment with EA resulted in a significant reduction of the mean counts of intestinal adult worms and muscular larvae compared to the infected control. EA improved oxidative stress as it reduced nitric oxide and increased catalase activities in intestinal and muscular tissues. Additionally, it alleviated the inflammatory response, as evidenced by downregulating IL-6 and increasing IL-10 expressions in tissues. Furthermore, it improved liver functions and ameliorated the pathological alterations induced by trichinellosis. The best results were detected in combination treatments that indicated synergistic effects between EA and albendazole. In conclusion, EA can be used as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant with a promising anti-parasitic impact against trichinellosis.
Research on the path planning algorithm and obstacle-crossing motion planning strategy for a cable trench inspection robot
Authors: Dong Linjie , Zhang Renfei , Wang Junfei , Li Jie , Wang Shanshan , Wang Xingsong
Published: December 2024

The path planning and obstacle-crossing motion planning of cable trench inspection robots are essential for achieving automated inspection. To improve path planning efficiency and obstacle navigation in complex environments, an enhanced global path planning algorithm based on the A* algorithm has been developed, combined with an improved Dynamic Window Approach (DWA) for local path planning. For unavoidable obstacles, a specific obstacle-crossing motion planning strategy has been formulated. The enhanced A* algorithm improves efficiency and safety through adaptive neighborhood expansion and the elimination of redundant path points. The improved DWA algorithm enables real-time dynamic obstacle avoidance in local path planning. The simulation results on a

$20 \times 20$

grid map indicate that the improved A* algorithm reduces the number of nodes by 58.4% and shortens the path length by 6.1% compared to the traditional A* algorithm, demonstrating significant advantages over other conventional path planning algorithms. In the simulation experiments integrating global and local path planning, the enhanced A* algorithm combined with the improved DWA algorithm reduces the path length by 3.2% on the

$20 \times 20$

grid map compared to the integration with the traditional DWA algorithm. On the

$30 \times 30$

grid maps with different obstacle configurations, the path lengths are reduced by 3.5% and 3.6%, respectively. In the obstacle-crossing experiments, the robot successfully overcame obstacles of 10 cm and 20 cm in height. The proposed path planning algorithm and obstacle-crossing motion planning strategy hold substantial application potential in complex environments, offering reliable technical support for cable trench inspection robots.
A new family of double-stage parallel mechanisms with movable RCM
Authors: Lv Xianhai , Ye Fan , Wang Kai , Sun Hao , Cao Yi
Published: December 2024

Remote center-of-motion (RCM) manipulators are a key issue in minimally invasive surgeries (MIS). The existing RCM parallel mechanisms (PMs) can only generate RCM motion based on the invariant RCM. To provide mobility for RCM, this paper designed a new family of RCM PMs with movable RCM that features a double-stage topological structure. Drawing mainly on configuration evolution and Lie-group, a general approach is proposed to design double-stage PMs with movable RCM. Feasible limbs for 2R1T RCM motion are enumerated and used to construct the secondary PM. Type synthesis of the primary PMs that realize movable RCM is accomplished based on the method presented. Different connection styles between the two stages that ensure the geometrical conditions of RCM motion are designed. Using different connection styles, double-stage PMs with movable RCM are constructed. These new RCM PMs can realize precise positioning of RCM by taking advantage of the primary PMs, which indicates their potential application prospects in MIS.
Lesser elite in crisis: family strategies of divination (yinyang) school instructors in the Yuan–Ming transition
Authors: Yang Qiao
Published: December 2024

This article examines the intertwined history of local divination schools and divination instructors during the Yuan–Ming transition through a microhistory of the Zhu family—a diviner family who, as newcomers to Suzhou, carefully navigated the turbulent dynastic transition. Based on broader prosopographical research of Yuan and Ming divination school instructors, this study draws two main conclusions regarding social and institutional history during this crisis period. First, the Zhu family, representing lesser elites whose status depended on state institutions, survived the Yuan–Ming transition by building local networks, transforming their expertise, and manipulating narratives of their family history. Second, despite the Ming founder's order for the re-establishment of local divination schools, it was the diviner families, seeking to recover from the dynastic transition, who played a key role in restoring the local institution. This study extends our understanding of the scope of the fourteenth-century crisis, its diverse manifestations across social groups, and the manipulation of crisis narratives for various purposes. It also proposes a bottom-up approach to engage with the Yuan–Ming social and institutional continuity and rupture.
No yield advantage of biodynamic compost preparations in a long-term field trial
Authors: Dietrich Lars , Dahn Christian , Fritz Jürgen , Berg Martin , Köpke Ulrich , Döring Thomas F.
Published: December 2024

Biodynamic farming is a growing branch of organic farming which uses various so-called biodynamic preparations with the aim to enhance plant growth and soil quality. These preparations comprise plant parts fermented in animal sheaths (e.g., cow intestines or deer bladders) which are then applied to manures and composts before applying to the field (compost preparations). Two special preparations based on manure and silica are applied to the crops as field sprays (spray preparations). The effect of these biodynamic preparations, however, is a matter of debate. In a long-term experiment over 27 yrs, within an organic crop rotation, the use of biodynamic compost preparations has recently been shown to impact the soil biological community. Using the same experiment, we investigated whether these soil-level effects also displayed in agronomic parameters of arable crops. We found that the use of biodynamic compost preparations, when compared with farmyard manure (FYM) compost application without preparations, had no effect on yield in any of the investigated crops (spring wheat, winter wheat, oats, winter rye, faba bean, potatoes, maize, and grass/clover), or when data from all crops were pooled. Temporal yield stability of spring wheat and grass/clover was also unaffected by the biodynamic compost preparations. The application of FYM compost, however, led to significant increases in both yield and yield stability as compared to the non-fertilized control. We conclude that while biodynamic compost preparations did influence biological processes in the soil, they did not increase the crop yields in our long-term trial.
Faunal dynamics and evolution of Ordovician conodonts on the Baltic side of the Tornquist Sea
Authors: DZIK Jerzy
Published: December 2024

Continental drift of Baltica from the Tremadocian subpolar latitudes to subtropical latitudes in the Katian was the main factor controlling the succession of the Ordovician Baltic conodont communities. These faunas were gradually enriched during the Floian as a result of immigrations from the regions experiencing warmer climate. Reinterpretation of quantitative data in terms of population approach to fossil assemblages shows how some of these immigrants evolved anagenetically in place, changing their contribution to the secondary productivity of the ecosystem. The composition of the fauna became surprisingly uniform, at least since the numerical domination by the presumably indigenous Baltoniodus lineage was established during the Dapingian. Baltoniodus was supplemented by another indigenous lineage of Trapezognathus-Lenodus-Eoplacognathus, which continued its subordinate occurrence during the Darriwilian. The early Sandbian transgression resulted in immigration of the Amorphognathus lineage that emerged allopatrically in an unknown region but then began evolving anagenetically until the end of the Ordovician. Conodonts with coniform apparatus elements added complexity to the general picture of immigrations and disappearances, but only the lineage of Protopanderodus rectus seems to have differentiated geographically its contribution to the biological productivity. Several brief cooling and warming episodes did not result in any long-term transformations of the conodont communities. Most intriguing was the immigration of the Yaoxianognathus lineage that probably gave rise to all of the post-Ordovician ozarkodinids. By that time, Yaoxianognathus had its close relative in the tropical North American Midcontinent, but the source area was probably in the Darriwilian of the Argentinian part of Gondwana. Forms with thin P1 elements of basal cone walls, like Scabbardella or Hamarodus, are indicators of glacial Gondwanan influences. The lineage of Sagittodontina, associated with these in the Małopolska microcontinent (with Gondwanan affinities), was subordinate in Baltica until it had been influenced by the Hirnantian glaciation that ended the Baltic conodont fauna.
Sensorless model-based tension control for a cable-driven exosuit
Authors: Bardi Elena , Esser Adrian , Wolf Peter , Gandolla Marta , Ambrosini Emilia , Pedrocchi Alessandra , Riener Robert
Published: December 2024

Cable-driven exosuits have the potential to support individuals with motor disabilities across the continuum of care. When supporting a limb with a cable, force sensors are often used to measure tension. However, force sensors add cost, complexity, and distal components. This paper presents a design and control approach to remove the force sensor from an upper limb cable-driven exosuit. A mechanical design for the exosuit was developed to maximize passive transparency. Then, a data-driven friction identification was conducted on a mannequin test bench to design a model-based tension controller. Seventeen healthy participants raised and lowered their right arms to evaluate tension tracking, movement quality, and muscular effort. Questionnaires on discomfort, physical exertion, and fatigue were collected. The proposed strategy allowed tracking the desired assistive torque with a root mean square error of 0.71 Nm (18%) at 50% gravity support. During the raising phase, the electromyography signals of the anterior deltoid, trapezius, and pectoralis major were reduced on average compared to the no-suit condition by 30, 38, and 38%, respectively. The posterior deltoid activity was increased by 32% during lowering. Position tracking was not significantly altered, whereas movement smoothness significantly decreased. This work demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of removing the force sensor from a cable-driven exosuit. A significant increase in discomfort in the lower neck and right shoulder indicated that the ergonomics of the suit could be improved. Overall this work paves the way toward simpler and more affordable exosuits.
Geoscientists Demystify Baseball’s Magic Mud
Authors: Cutts Elise
Published: December 2024

Taking baseball’s mysterious Rubbing Mud into the lab revealed no magic ingredients—but plenty of useful natural properties from geomaterials.
Seismometers Track Atmospheric Shock Waves from Incoming Space Debris
Authors: Annesha Farah
Published: December 2024

A Chinese spacecraft that burned up high over Los Angeles created a sonic trail detected by ground-based sensors.
Biogenic Silica for Drug Delivery and Gene Therapy
Authors: Ahmed Rubai , Das Swarnali , Samanta Sovan , Banerjee Jhimli , Pramanik Arindam , Dash Sandeep Kumar
Published: December 2024

Biogenic silica (BS) is widely employed in numerous applications including medical diagnosis, gene therapy, drug delivery as well as in the food industry and several synthetic processes with their large surface area, controllable particle size, and great biocompatibility. Using some convenient and affordable methods help to develop BS, fabricated via fundamental green approaches. Some research has evaluated the biomedical aspects of BS along with the surface functionalization and structural modification to specially address various cancers as well as medical disorders. On the other hand, research on in vivo and in vitro toxicity of BS is still in exploratory stages, and its toxicity mechanisms are not clearly understood. This book chapter covers current research on the biological uses of BS such as the usage in photonic applications, gene therapy, drug delivery systems and the detection or treatment of numerous diseased conditions. This book chapter also discusses fundamental advancements and exploratory development of BS in the research field that could eventually become a practical expansion in future biomedical application.
Highlights from the BESIII experiment
Authors: Garzia Isabella
Published: December 2024

Since 2009, the BESIII experiment has been collecting e+e− physics data in the energy range between 2.0 up to 4.95 GeV. This allowed the BESIII Collaboration to collect three of the largest data sets of charmonium J/ψ, ψ(2S), and ψ(3770) resonances in the world. In particular, the radiative decay of J/ψ provides a gluon-rich environment and it is therefore regarded as one of the most promising hunting grounds for glueballs, as well as a powerful tool for searching exotic states. In this proceeding, we present the first measurement of the quantum numbers of the X(2370) particle, which shows very promising glueball features, and the first observation of exotic isoscalar state η1(1855) in the J/ψ → ηη′ decay. Latest studies on the η(1405)/η(1474) are also reported, together with the observation od a new state, X(1880), observed in the J/ψ → π(3π+π−) decay. Finally, the normalized differential cross section of inclusive π0, K0S, and η production as a function of hadron momentum are are measured at several center of mass energies from 2.000 to 3.6710 GeV. The results deviates from several theoretical calculation based on existing fragmentation functions and provide new ingredient for global data fits.
Scattering of mesons and emergence of tetraquarks in two-dimensional QCD
Authors: Sazdjian Hagop
Published: December 2024

Scattering of two mesons is considered in the framework of twodimensional QCD in the large-Nc limit with four different quark flavors. The scattering takes place through two coupled channels, corresponding to direct and quark-exchange processes, which are of order O(Nc-2) and O(Nc-1), respectively. Finiteness of the scattering amplitudes to order Nc-2 is pointed out. The theory reduces, at low energies, to an effective theory of mesons, interacting by a quark-exchange process, by means of a contact term. The unitarization of the scattering amplitudes leads to the emergence of a tetraquark bound state, located very close to the lowest two-meson elastic threshold.
Low energy description of single flavor baryons
Authors: Bigazzi Francesco , Cotrone Aldo L. , Olzi Andrea
Published: December 2024

In single-flavored large N QCD, the standard low-energy description of baryons in terms of Skyrmions is no longer available. Recently it has been proposed that the correct low-energy description in this case is in terms of a pancake-shaped sheet, a quantum Hall droplet. We will describe how this proposal can be made concrete in Holographic QCD.We present the brane configuration describing the sheet and an approximate solution with the expected physical properties.
General mass treatment for Z boson production in association with a heavy quark at hadron colliders
Authors: Guzzi M. , Nadolsky P. , Reina L. , Wackeroth D. , Xie K.
Published: December 2024

We present the application of the ACOT and S-ACOT general mass variable flavor number schemes to proton-proton collisions with particular attention to the production of final states with at least one heavy quark. Subtraction and residual heavy-quark parton distribution functions are introduced to facilitate the implementation of this scheme at higher orders in perturbative QCD. The calculation of Z-boson hadronic production with at least one b jet beyond the lowest order in QCD is considered for illustration purposes.
CMS experimental results
Authors: Mukherjee Maitreyee
Published: December 2024

The main goal of QCD studies is to improve our detailed description of the Standard Model physics. Studies of QCD are key to understand production of all BSM signals and backgrounds at the LHC. QCD measurements are important for data interpretation, background studies and precision studies. This study is focussed on the recent interesting results from the CMS Experiment at CERN.
Event shape distribution and the NLP corrections
Authors: Agarwal Neelima , van Beekveld Melissa , Laenen Eric , Mishra Shubham , Mukhopadhyay Ayan , Tripathi Anurag
Published: December 2024

For the event shapes thrust and c-parameter at next-to-leading order, we examine the origins of next-to-leading power corrections. We track down the origin of these factors for each shape of the event and compare our findings with a recent method that makes use of the eikonal approximation and momentum changes derived from the Low-Burnett-Kroll-Del Duca theorem. We do an analytical and numerical analysis of the differences. Both precise and approximate findings are described in terms of elliptic integrals for the c-parameter; yet, it exhibits patterns that are similar to those observed in the thrust results near the elastic limit.
Cwebs in multiparton scattering amplitude: Structures at four loops
Authors: Agarwal Neelima , Pal Sourav , Srivastav Aditya , Tripathi Anurag
Published: December 2024

Soft function exponentiates in terms of the soft anomalous dimension ΓS; the Feynman diagrams contributing to it are called Cwebs. The colour and kinematics of a Cweb mix via a web mixing matrix – calculation of web mixing matrices at higher loop orders is a nontrivial task using replica trick. Here I discuss a recent development of an efficient algorithm to find the Cwebs that are present at any loop order, and the result of mixing matrices, and exponentiated colour factors associated with Boomerang Cweb at four loops connecting three and four Wilson lines.
New calculation of collision integrals for cosmological phase transitions
Authors: Branchina Carlo , Conaci Angela , De Curtis Stefania , Delle Rose Luigi , Guiggiani Andrea , Gil Muyor Ángel , Panico Giuliano
Published: December 2024

First order phase transitions in the early universe may have left a variety of experimentally accessible imprints. The dynamics of such transitions is governed by the density perturbations caused by the propagation of the bubble wall in the false vacuum plasma, conveniently described by a Boltzmann equation. The determination of the bubble wall expansion velocity is crucial to determine the experimental signatures of the transition. We report on the first full (numerical) solution to the Boltzmann equation. Differently from traditional ones, our approach does not rely on any ansatz. The results significantly differ from the ones obtained within the fluid approximation and large differences for the friction acting on the bubble wall are found. The wall velocity is calculated in a singlet extension of the Standard Model, including out-of-equilibrium contributions from both the top quark and the electroweak gauge bosons.