bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure Prediction and Mechanical Properties of Silicon Hexaboride on Ab Initio Level
Authors: Škundrić Tamara , Matović Branko , Zarubica Aleksandra , Zagorac Jelena , Tatarko Peter , Zagorac Dejan
Published: December 2021

Silicon borides represent very appealing industrial materials for research owing to their remarkable features, and, together with other boride and carbide-based materials, have very wide applications. Various Si–B phases have been investigated in the past, however a limited number of studies have been done on the pristine SiB6 compound. Structure prediction using a data mining ab initio approach has been performed in pure silicon hexaboride. Several novel structures, for which there are no previous experimental or theoretical data, have been discovered. Each of the structure candidates were locally optimized on the DFT level, employing the LDA-PZ and the GGA-PBE functional. Mechanical and elastic properties for each of the predicted and experimentally observed modifications have been investigated in great detail. In particular, the ductility/brittleness relationship, the character of the bonding, Young’s modulus E, bulk modulus B, and shear modulus K, including anisotropy, have been calculated and analyzed.
Assessing the Asphalt Binder Film Thickness in Recycled Asphalt Mixtures Using Micro-Level Techniques
Authors: Karim Fazli , Hussain Jawad
Published: December 2021

Adequate asphalt binder film thickness (ABFT) delivers skeletal integrity in recycled asphalt mixtures, resulting in long-lasting roadways when exposed to traffic and environment. The inaccurate measurement of ABFT and the consequences of not having adequate film thickness model has substantially introduced discrepancies in predicting actual performance of recycled asphalt mixtures. Expansion of the ultra-modern expertise and SuperPave requirements necessitate the revision of authentic ABFT at micro-level. The current study identifies the weaknesses of the current methods of estimating ABFT and provides results that are reliable and useful, using modern measurement methods. Using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), this study measures the ABFT around the tiniest particle of 0.2 μm magnitude, entrenched in asphalt mastic in recycled asphalt mixtures. The ABFT, obtained through image analysis, is compared with those obtained through available analytical models. The study utilizes different asphalt mixtures, containing varying proportions of recycled asphalt mixture and rejuvenators. The aggregate, virgin, and recycled binders were characterized in terms of physical and rheological properties, respectively. Marshall mix design was carried out for the conventional and recycled mixture, containing 40%, 50%, and 60% recycled materials, rejuvenated with 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% waste engine oil (WEO) at a mixing temperature of 160 °C, based on viscosity of the virgin and rejuvenated binder. ABFT was assessed through analytical models and image analysis for the aforesaid recycled asphalt mixtures, prepared at optimum binder and rejuvenator content as per protocol outlined in ASTM D1559. The analytical estimation of ABFT, in the aforesaid recycled asphalt mixtures, revealed that the ABFT fluctuates from 6.4 μm to 13.7 microns, with a significant association to recycled asphalt mixture and rejuvenator content. However, the image analysis revealed that the ABFT, in the aforesaid recycled asphalt mixtures, fluctuates from 0.4 μm to 2 microns, without any association to recycled asphalt mixture or rejuvenator content. The image analysis indicated that the recycled asphalt mixtures typically comprise of mortar, happening in uneven shape, and are used to grip large aggregates. The asphalt mastic, a blend of bitumen and mineral filler, was found to be an interlocking agent, used to grasp only fine particles in asphalt mortar. The asphalt binder film was discovered to be a deviating stand-alone entity that only exists around the mineral fillers in the asphalt mastic as a non-absorbed binder, occupying an imprecise space of 0.4 μm to 2 microns, among the filler particles. The current findings will be useful to design asphalt pavements through the aforesaid precise limit of SEM-based ABFT rather than traditionally measured ABFT to predict the actual performance of recycled asphalt mixtures.
Implementation of Hardware-Based Expert Systems and Comparison of Their Performance to Software-Based Expert Systems
Authors: Ritter Noah , Straub Jeremy
Published: December 2021

Expert systems are a form of highly understandable artificial intelligence that allow humans to trace the decision-making processes that are used. While they are typically software implemented and use an iterative algorithm for rule-fact network processing, this is not the only possible implementation approach. This paper implements and evaluates the use of hardware-based expert systems. It shows that they work accurately and can be developed to parallel software implementations. It also compares the processing speed of software and hardware-based expert systems, showing that hardware-based systems typically operate two orders of magnitude faster than the software ones. The potential applications that hardware-based expert systems can be used for and the capabilities that they can provide are discussed.
Industrial Upper-Limb Exoskeleton Characterization: Paving the Way to New Standards for Benchmarking
Authors: Hartmann Vitor Neves , Rinaldi Décio de Moura , Taira Camila , Forner-Cordero Arturo
Published: December 2021

Exoskeletons have been introduced in industrial environments to prevent overload or repetitive stress injuries in workers. However, due to the lack of public detailed information about most of the commercial exoskeletons, it is necessary to further assess their load capacity and evolution over time, as their performance may change with use. We present the design and construction of a controlled device to measure the torque of industrial exoskeletons, along with the results of static and dynamic testing of an exoskeleton model. A step motor in the test bench moves the exoskeleton arm in a pre-defined path at a prescribed speed. The force measured with a beam load cell located at the interface between the exoskeleton arm and the test bench is used to derive the torque. The proposed test bench can be easily modified to allow different exoskeleton models to be tested under the same conditions.
An Investigation on the Grasping Position Optimization-Based Control for Industrial Soft Robot Manipulator
Authors: Zhang Guangcheng , Li Shenchen , Wu Yi , Zhu Mingkang
Published: December 2021

Mitigating fatigue damage and improving grasping performance are the two main challenging tasks of applying the soft manipulator into industrial production. In this paper, the grasping position optimization-based control strategy is proposed for the soft manipulator and the corresponding characteristics are studied theoretically and experimentally. Specifically, based on the simulation, the resultant stress of step-function-type channels at the same pressure condition that was smallest compared with those of sine-function- and ramp-function-type channels, hence, a pneumatic network with step-function-type channels was selected for the proposed soft manipulator. Furthermore, in order to improve the grasping performance, the kinematics, mechanical, and grasping modeling for the soft manipulator were established, and a control strategy considering the genetic algorithm is introduced to detect the optimal position of the soft manipulator. The corresponding fabrication process and experiments were conducted to cross verify the results of the modeling and the control strategy. It is demonstrated that the internal pressure of the soft manipulator was reduced by 13.05% at the optimal position, which effectively helped mitigate the fatigue damage of the soft manipulator and prolonged the lifespan.
The Development of a Gracilis and Quadriceps Tendons Calibration Device for Uniaxial Tensile Tests
Authors: Grgić Ivan , Karakašić Mirko , Ivandić Željko , Jurčević Lulić Tanja Jurčević
Published: December 2021

To determine the biomechanical properties of the distal tendon of the gracilis muscle and the upper third of the quadriceps femoris muscle used for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), it is necessary to develop a calibration device for specimen preparation for uniaxial tensile tests. The need to develop this device also stems from the fact that there is currently no suitable regulatory or accurate protocol by which soft tissues such as tendons should be tested. In recent studies, various methods have been used to prepare test specimens, such as the use of different ratios of gauge lengths, different gripping techniques, etc., with the aim of obtaining measurable and comparable biomechanical tissue properties. Since tendons, as anisotropic materials, have viscoelastic properties, the guideline for manufacturing calibrator devices was the ISO 527-1:1993 standard, used for testing polymers, since they also have viscoelastic behaviour. The functionality of a calibrator device was investigated by preparing gracilis and quadriceps tendon samples. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology was used for the manufacturing of parts with complex geometry. The proposed calibrator could operate in two positions, horizontal and vertical. The maximum gauge length to be achieved was 60 mm, with the maximum tendon length of 120 mm. The average preparation time was 3 min per tendon. It was experimentally proven that it is possible to use a calibrator to prepare tendons for tensile tests. This research can help in the further development of soft tissue testing devices and also in the establishment of standards and exact protocols for their testing.
Evaluating Service Characteristics of Working Surfaces of Car Parts by Microgeometric Quality Parameters
Authors: Dzyura Volodymyr , Maruschak Pavlo , Slavov Stoyan , Gurey Volodymyr , Prentkovskis Olegas
Published: December 2021

The correlation between the service characteristics of the working surfaces of car parts belonging to the rotary body class, and quality parameters—in particular, the height-related roughness parameter Ra—was estimated. Low values of Ra were found to be unable to guarantee an optimal microrelief geometry and, accordingly, high-performance characteristics of the working surface. The oil-accumulation power of the parts was investigated as a primary characteristic of sliding friction using the group of Rk parameters in the Abbott–Firestone diagram, based on the profilogram of the test specimen’s surfaces. The oil-absorption power of the surfaces formed by different technological operations was compared with different microgeometric quality parameter values.
Human Gait Data Augmentation and Trajectory Prediction for Lower-Limb Rehabilitation Robot Control Using GANs and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Wang Yan , Li Zhikang , Wang Xin , Yu Hongnian , Liao Wudai , Arifoglu Damla
Published: December 2021

To date, several alterations in the gait pattern can be treated through rehabilitative approaches and robot assisted therapy (RAT). Gait data and gait trajectories are essential in specific exoskeleton control strategies. Nevertheless, the scarcity of human gait data due to the high cost of data collection or privacy concerns can hinder the performance of controllers or models. This paper thus first creates a GANs-based (Generative Adversarial Networks) data augmentation method to generate synthetic human gait data while still retaining the dynamics of the real gait data. Then, both the real collected and the synthesized gait data are fed to our constructed two-stage attention model for gait trajectories prediction. The real human gait data are collected with the five healthy subjects recruited from an optical motion capture platform. Experimental results indicate that the created GANs-based data augmentation model can synthesize realistic-looking multi-dimensional human gait data. Also, the two-stage attention model performs better compared with the LSTM model; the attention mechanism shows a higher capacity of learning dependencies between the historical gait data to accurately predict the current values of the hip joint angles and knee joint angles in the gait trajectory. The predicted gait trajectories depending on the historical gait data can be further used for gait trajectory tracking strategies.
Monitoring and Predicting the Surface Generation and Surface Roughness in Ultraprecision Machining: A Critical Review
Authors: Manjunath K , Tewary Suman , Khatri Neha , Cheng Kai
Published: December 2021

The aim of manufacturing can be described as achieving the predefined high quality product in a short delivery time and at a competitive cost. However, it is unfortunately quite challenging and often difficult to ensure that certain quality characteristics of the products are met following the contemporary manufacturing paradigm, such as surface roughness, surface texture, and topographical requirements. Ultraprecision machining (UPM) requirements are quite common and essential for products and components with optical finishing, including larger and highly accurate mirrors, infrared optics, laser devices, varifocal lenses, and other freeform optics that can satisfy the technical specifications of precision optical components and devices without further post-polishing. Ultraprecision machining can provide high precision, complex components and devices with a nanometric level of surface finishing. Nevertheless, the process requires an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the machining system, such as diamond turning with various input parameters, tool features that are able to alter the machining efficiency, the machine working environment and conditions, and even workpiece and tooling materials. The non-linear and complex nature of the UPM process poses a major challenge for the prediction of surface generation and finishing. Recent advances in Industry 4.0 and machine learning are providing an effective means for the optimization of process parameters, particularly through in-process monitoring and prediction while avoiding the conventional trial-and-error approach. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive and critical review on state-of-the-art in-surfaces monitoring and prediction in UPM processes, as well as a discussion and exploration on the future research in the field through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital solutions for harnessing the practical UPM issues in the process, particularly in real-time. In the paper, the implementation and application perspectives are also presented, particularly focusing on future industrial-scale applications with the aid of advanced in-process monitoring and prediction models, algorithms, and digital-enabling technologies.
Event-Triggered Intervention Framework for UAV-UGV Coordination Systems
Authors: Wang Wu , Guo Junyou , Tian Guoqing , Chen Yutao , Huang Jie
Published: December 2021

Air-ground coordination systems are usually composed of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGV). In such a system, UAVs can utilize their much more perceptive information to plan the path for UGVs. However, the correctness and accuracy of the planned route are often not guaranteed, and the communication and computation burdens increase with more sophisticated algorithms. This paper proposes a new type of air-ground coordination framework to enable UAVs intervention into UGVs tasks. An event-triggered mechanism in the null space behavior control (NSBC) framework is proposed to decide if an intervention is necessary and the timing of the intervention. Then, the problem of whether to accept the intervention is formulated as an integer programming problem and is solved using model predictive control (MPC). Simulation results show that the UAV can intervene in UGVs accurately and on time, and the UGVs can effectively decide whether to accept the intervention to get rid of troubles, thereby improving the intelligence of the air-ground coordination system.
Adjustable Speed Control and Damping Analysis of Torsional Vibrations in VSD Compressor Systems
Authors: Rossi Mattia , Carmeli Maria Stefania , Mauri Marco
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a model-based two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) speed control for a medium voltage (MV) variable speed drive (VSD) connected to a centrifugal compressor (CC) train. Torsional mode excitations in the drive shaft due to converter switching behaviour are considered. An effective description of the harmonics transfer is proposed. The tuning strategy aims to optimize the tracking behaviour of the step and ramp command, taking care of critical speed excitations. The stability of the closed-loop dynamics against time delay and drive parameter variations are studied by means of Nyquist diagrams and time-domain simulations. A descriptive method for the process damping behaviour is proposed. The control strategy is evaluated through simulations as well as an experimental setup, based on a hardware in the loop (HIL) in a master–slave configuration.
Optimal Claim Settlement Strategies under Constraint of Cap on Claim Loss
Authors: Mao Hong , Ostaszewski Krzysztof
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we examine the question of how to devise an optimal insurance claim settlement scheme under the constraint of a cap on the amount of the claim payment. We establish objective functions to maximize the net benefit due to exaggerated claims while at the same time maximizing the total expected wealth of the insured. Then, we establish a dual objective function to minimize the total expected loss, including the perspective of the insurer. Finally, we illustrate applications of our work and provide numerical analysis of it along with an example.
Corrosion-Fatigue Life Prediction Modeling for RC Structures under Coupled Carbonation and Repeated Loading
Authors: Cui Chenxing , Song Li , Liu Jinliang , Yu Zhiwu
Published: December 2021

The coupled action of concrete carbonation and repeated loading strongly influences the safety of reinforced concrete (RC) structures and substantially reduces service life. A novel corrosion-fatigue life prediction model for RC structures under coupled carbonation and repeated loading was developed. The effect of fatigue damage on concrete carbonation and carbonation-induced corrosion rate was considered, and the acceleration of fatigue damage accumulation due to reinforcement corrosion was considered in this approach. The proposed corrosion-fatigue life prediction model was illustrated by a 6 m-span RC slab in a simply supported slab bridge for the highway, and the effects of traffic frequency, overloading, carbonation environment grade, and environmental temperature and relative humidity on corrosion-fatigue life were discussed. The results indicate that the proposed model can predict the corrosion-fatigue life of RC structures simply and conveniently. Traffic frequency, overloading, carbonation environment grade, and environmental temperature and relative humidity can decrease the corrosion-fatigue life of the RC slab by up to 66.86%, 58.90%, 77.45%, and 44.95%, respectively. The research is expected to provide a framework for the corrosion-fatigue life prediction of RC structures under coupled carbonation and repeated loading.
Imaginary Finger Movements Decoding Using Empirical Mode Decomposition and a Stacked BiLSTM Architecture
Authors: Mwata-Velu Tat’y , Avina-Cervantes Juan Gabriel , Cruz-Duarte Jorge Mario , Rostro-Gonzalez Horacio , Ruiz-Pinales Jose
Published: December 2021

Motor Imagery Electroencephalogram (MI-EEG) signals are widely used in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). MI-EEG signals of large limbs movements have been explored in recent researches because they deliver relevant classification rates for BCI systems. However, smaller and noisy signals corresponding to hand-finger imagined movements are less frequently used because they are difficult to classify. This study proposes a method for decoding finger imagined movements of the right hand. For this purpose, MI-EEG signals from C3, Cz, P3, and Pz sensors were carefully selected to be processed in the proposed framework. Therefore, a method based on Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is used to tackle the problem of noisy signals. At the same time, the sequence classification is performed by a stacked Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) network. The proposed method was evaluated using k-fold cross-validation on a public dataset, obtaining an accuracy of 82.26%.
Assessment of Complex System Dynamics via Harmonic Mapping in a Multifractal Paradigm
Authors: Gavriluț Gabriel , Topliceanu Liliana , Gîrțu Manuela , Rotundu Ana Maria , Irimiciuc Stefan Andrei , Agop Maricel
Published: December 2021

In the present paper, nonlinear behaviors of complex system dynamics from a multifractal perspective of motion are analyzed. In the framework of scale relativity theory, by analyzing the dynamics of complex system entities based on continuous but non-differentiable curves (multifractal curves), both the Schrödinger and Madelung scenarios on the holographic implementations of dynamics are functional and complementary. In the Madelung scenario, the holographic implementation of dynamics (i.e., free of any external or internal constraints) has some important consequences explicated by means of various operational procedures. The selected procedures involve synchronous modes through SL (2R) transformation group based on a hidden symmetry, coherence domains through Riemann manifold embedded with a Poincaré metric based on a parallel transport of direction (in a Levi Civita sense). Other procedures used here relate to the stationary-non-stationary dynamics transition through harmonic mapping from the usual space to the hyperbolic one manifested as cellular and channel type self-structuring. Finally, the Madelung scenario on the holographic implementations of dynamics are discussed with respect to laser-produced plasma dynamics.
Transformation Method for Solving System of Boolean Algebraic Equations
Authors: Barotov Dostonjon , Osipov Aleksey , Korchagin Sergey , Pleshakova Ekaterina , Muzafarov Dilshod , Barotov Ruziboy , Serdechnyy Denis
Published: December 2021

In recent years, various methods and directions for solving a system of Boolean algebraic equations have been invented, and now they are being very actively investigated. One of these directions is the method of transforming a system of Boolean algebraic equations, given over a ring of Boolean polynomials, into systems of equations over a field of real numbers, and various optimization methods can be applied to these systems. In this paper, we propose a new transformation method for Solving Systems of Boolean Algebraic Equations (SBAE). The essence of the proposed method is that firstly, SBAE written with logical operations are transformed (approximated) in a system of harmonic-polynomial equations in the unit n-dimensional cube Kn  with the usual operations of addition and multiplication of numbers. Secondly, a transformed (approximated) system in Kn  is solved by using the optimization method. We substantiated the correctness and the right to exist of the proposed method with reliable evidence. Based on this work, plans for further research to improve the proposed method are outlined.
Enhancing Gain for UWB Antennas Using FSS: A Systematic Review
Authors: Al-Gburi Ahmed Jamal Abdullah , Ibrahim Imran Mohd , Zakaria Zahriladha , Abdulhameed Muhannad Kaml , Saeidi Tale
Published: December 2021

This review paper combs through reports that have enhanced antenna gain for ultra-wideband (UWB) frequencies using frequency-selective surface (FSS) techniques. The FSS techniques found across the research landscape were mapped onto a taxonomy in order to determine the most effective method for improving antenna gain. Additionally, this study looked into the motivation behind using FSS as a reflector in UWB frequencies to obtain directional radiation. The FSS suits multiple applications due to its exceptional ability to minimize power loss in undesired transmission areas in the antenna, as well as to hinder the interference that may occur from undesirable and wasted radiation. An efficient way to obtain constant gain over a wide range of frequencies is also elaborated in this paper. Essentially, this paper offers viable prescription to enhance antenna gain for UWB applications. Methods: A comprehensive study was performed using several imminent keywords, such as “high gain using FSS”, “gain enhancement using FSS”, “high gain UWB antennas”, and “gain enhancement of UWB antennas”, in different modifications to retrieve all related articles from three primary engines: Web of Science (WoS), IEEE Xplore, and Science Direct. Results: The 41 papers identified after a comprehensive literature review were classified into two categories. The FSS single- and multi-layer reflectors were reported in 25 and 16 papers, respectively. New direction: An effective method is proposed for FSS miniaturization and for obtaining constant gain over UWB frequencies while maintaining the return loss at −10 dB. Conclusion: The use of FSS is indeed effective and viable for gain enhancement in UWB antennas. This systematic review unravels a vast range of opportunities for researchers to bridge the identified gaps.
Building a Model for Observing the Educational Practice of Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Ramos-Rodríguez Elisabeth , Vásquez Claudia , Valenzuela Molina Macarena , Ruz Felipe
Published: December 2021

This study relies on a theoretical perspective to provide a model that can be used to observe the educational practice of mathematics teachers. To this end, various existing observation instruments are studied, which, in the case of mathematics, aim to observe the teaching practice employed in the classroom, without considering the before and after of the implementation, which is what characterizes the professional task of teaching. Indicators that emerge from the teaching practice are proposed, together with the teacher’s knowledge and reflection constructs, based on three phases: for, in, and on the educational practice. As a result, understanding the educational practice of mathematics teachers would allow various educational stakeholders (teachers, administrators, instructors of teachers, and others) to focus their attention on what elements develop so as to improve how students are taught, and consequently learn, mathematics.
A New Synchronization Method for Time-Delay Fractional Complex Chaotic System and Its Application
Authors: Guo Junmei , Ma Chunrui , Wang Xinheng , Zhang Fangfang , van Wyk Michaël Antonie , Kou Lei
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a class of time-delay fractional complex Lu¨ system and utilizes the adomian decomposition algorithm to study the dynamics of the system. Firstly, the time chaotic attractor, coexistence attractor and parameter space are studied. The bifurcation diagram and complexity are used to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the system. Secondly, the definition of modified fractional projective difference function synchronization (MFPDFS) is introduced. The corresponding synchronous controller is designed to realize the MFPDFS of the time-delay fractional complex Lu¨ system. Thirdly, based on the background of wireless speech communication system (WSCs), the MFPDFS controller is used to realize the secure speech transmission. Finally, the effectiveness of the controller is verified by numerical simulation. The signal-noise ratio (SNR) analysis of speech transmission is given. The performance of secure communication is verified by numerical simulation.
Existence and Global Attractivity of Pseudo Almost Periodic Solutions for Clifford-Valued Fuzzy Neural Networks with Proportional Delays
Authors: Lv Wen , Li Bing
Published: December 2021

In this paper, Clifford-valued fuzzy neural networks with proportional delays, whose leakage term coefficients are also Clifford numbers, are considered. Based on the Banach fixed point theorem and differential inequality technique, we use a direct method to obtain the existence, uniqueness, and global attractivity of pseudo almost periodic solutions for the considered networks. Finally, we provide a numerical example to illustrate the feasibility of our results. Our results are new.
Use of Probabilistic Approaches to Predict Cash Deficits
Authors: Slobodnyak Ilya , Sidorov Anatoly , Alekseev Denis
Published: December 2021

This article deals with issues related to the use of mathematical methods of cash deficit probability predictions. A number of objective and subjective factors are described that prevent the wide integration of mathematical methods in the practical activities of economists. It is justified that, due to the large number of external and internal factors affecting the economic system state, the values of indicators of an economic system state are often random. The possibility of using probability theory methods to predict the occurrence of cash deficits is proved. Using empirical data including the results of thousands of observations, the possibility of using the normal distribution density function for the purpose of predicting insufficient funds for payment is illustrated. The essence of the proposed model is that it contains a prediction of a macrotrend—i.e., the risk of a cash gap—based on high-frequency microlevel data. At the same time, a prediction of the probability of a cash deficit, and not its estimation for a specific date, was made. This is the main difference between the described model and common scoring estimates. This article proposes an approach to estimate the probability of a cash deficit based on data from a specific business entity, rather than aggregated data from other organizations.
A Mathematical Model for Controlling Exchanged Spinor Waves between Hemoglobin, Tumor and T-Cells
Authors: Fioranelli Massimo , Sepehri Alireza , Roccia Maria Grazia , Beesham Aroonkumar , Flavin Dana
Published: December 2021

To date, it is known that tumor cells respond to attacks of T-cells by producing some PD-1/PD-L1 and other connections. Unfortunately, medical methods for preventing these connections are expensive and sometimes non-effective. In this study, we suggest a new way for reducing these connections by producing some noise in the exchanged information between tumor cells, T-cells, hemoglobin, and controller cells such as those of the heart or brain. In this model, we assume that human cells use spinor waves for exchanging information because the velocity of exchanged information between two spinors, which are located a large distance apart, exceeds the velocity of light. In fact, two spinors could send and receive information from each other instantaneously. In this hypothesis, the DNAs within heart cells, brain cells or any controller are built from some spinors such as electrons, and by their motion, some waves are generated. These spinor waves are received by iron atoms and multi-gonal molecules within hemoglobin and other spinors within the blood vessels. The hemoglobin molecules are located on some blood cells, move along the blood vessels and pass on their information to cells, proteins and RNAs. The spins of the spinors within the hemoglobin and also the spins of the charges and ions within the blood vessels are entangled and could transmit any information between cells. Thus, when a tumor is formed, its spinor waves change, and are transmitted rapidly into the heart cells, brain cells and other controller cells. The heart, brain or other controller cells diagnose these quantum waves, and by using the entanglement between the spinors within the blood vessels and the hemoglobin, send some messages to the T-cells. These messages are received by tumor cells and they become ready to respond to attacks. To prevent the reception of information by tumor cells, we can make use of some extra cells or hemoglobin, which interact with spinors and hemoglobin around tumor cells and produce some noise. Science quantum spinor waves are minute and have minor power and intensity; we cannot detect them by our present electronic devices and for this reason, we suggest using biological cells. This is a hypothesis; however, if experiments show its validity, some types of cancers could be cured or controlled by this method. We formulate the model by considering quantum entanglement between spinors within biological systems. By changing any spin within this system, all spins change and consequently, information is transmitted immediately. Then, we add new spinors to this system mathematically, and show that this causes the correlations between the initial spinors to reduce. Thus, the spinors of the extra hemoglobin or cells could act like noise, and prevent reception of real information by tumor cells.
Jensen-Type Inequalities for (h, g; m)-Convex Functions
Authors: Andrić Maja
Published: December 2021

Jensen-type inequalities for the recently introduced new class of (h,g;m)-convex functions are obtained, and certain special results are indicated. These results generalize and extend corresponding inequalities for the classes of convex functions that already exist in the literature. Schur-type inequalities are given.
An Oscillator without Linear Terms: Infinite Equilibria, Chaos, Realization, and Application
Authors: Almatroud Othman Abdullah , Tamba Victor Kamdoum , Grassi Giuseppe , Pham Viet-Thanh
Published: December 2021

Oscillations and oscillators appear in various fields and find applications in numerous areas. We present an oscillator with infinite equilibria in this work. The oscillator includes only nonlinear elements (quadratic, absolute, and cubic ones). It is different from common oscillators, in which there are linear elements. Special features of the oscillator are suitable for secure applications. The oscillator’s dynamics have been discovered via simulations and an electronic circuit. Chaotic attractors, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents, and the boosting feature are presented while measurements of the implemented oscillator are reported by using an oscilloscope. We introduce a random number generator using such an oscillator, which is applied in biomedical image encryption. Moreover, the security and performance analysis are considered to confirm the correctness of encryption and decryption processes.
New and Improved Criteria on Fundamental Properties of Solutions of Integro—Delay Differential Equations with Constant Delay
Authors: Tunç Cemil , Wang Yuanheng , Tunç Osman , Yao Jen-Chih
Published: December 2021

This paper is concerned with certain non-linear unperturbed and perturbed systems of integro-delay differential equations (IDDEs). We investigate fundamental properties of solutions such as uniformly stability (US), uniformly asymptotically stability (UAS), integrability and instability of the un-perturbed system of the IDDEs as well as the boundedness of the perturbed system of IDDEs. In this paper, five new and improved fundamental qualitative results, which have less conservative conditions, are obtained on the mentioned fundamental properties of solutions. The technique used in the proofs depends on Lyapunov-Krasovski functionals (LKFs). In particular cases, three examples and their numerical simulations are provided as numerical applications of this paper. This paper provides new, extensive and improved contributions to the theory of IDDEs.
Evaluation of Bank Innovation Efficiency with Data Envelopment Analysis: From the Perspective of Uncovering the Black Box between Input and Output
Authors: Zhong Kaiyang , Li Chenglin , Wang Qing
Published: December 2021

The evaluation of corporation operation efficiency (especially innovation efficiency) has been always a hot topic. The currently popular evaluation methods are data envelopment analysis (DEA) and its improved methods. However, these methods have the following problems: the production process is regarded as a black box, and the actual production relationship between input and output is not analyzed. To solve these problems: (1) the black box theory and production function theory are introduced to uncover the black box of input and output; (2) regression models are used to alleviate the multicollinearity problem of inputs, and the most appropriate model of production relationship is selected; and (3) the results of the production function are compared with the results of the efficiency evaluation from multiple perspectives. Taking rural commercial banks in China as examples to evaluate their innovation efficiency, this article shows the following: (1) with the black box theory and production function theory, the staff, equipment, and intermediate business cost are suitable as innovation input variables, and intermediate business income is suitable as an innovation output variable; (2) the main challenges faced by rural commercial banks are reducing the reliance on human capital investment, strengthening technological innovation, and improving the efficiency of intermediate business cost management, which is hard to reveal with traditional DEA. The method proposed in this article provides an applicable reference for improving DEA method analysis.
Event Study: Advanced Machine Learning and Statistical Technique for Analyzing Sustainability in Banking Stocks
Authors: Dogra Varun , Singh Aman , Verma Sahil , Alharbi Abdullah , Alosaimi Wael
Published: December 2021

Machine learning has grown in popularity in recent years as a method for evaluating financial text data, with promising results in stock price projection from financial news. Various research has looked at the relationship between news events and stock prices, but there is little evidence on how different sentiments (negative, neutral, and positive) of such events impact the performance of stocks or indices in comparison to benchmark indices. The goal of this paper is to analyze how a specific banking news event (such as a fraud or a bank merger) and other co-related news events (such as government policies or national elections), as well as the framing of both the news event and news-event sentiment, impair the formation of the respective bank’s stock and the banking index, i.e., Bank Nifty, in Indian stock markets over time. The task is achieved through three phases. In the first phase, we extract the banking and other co-related news events from the pool of financial news. The news events are further categorized into negative, positive, and neutral sentiments in the second phase. This study covers the third phase of our research work, where we analyze the impact of news events concerning sentiments or linguistics in the price movement of the respective bank’s stock, identified or recognized from these news events, against benchmark index Bank Nifty and the banking index against benchmark index Nifty50 for the short to long term. For the short term, we analyzed the movement of banking stock or index to benchmark index in terms of CARs (cumulative abnormal returns) surrounding the publication day (termed as D) of the news event in the event windows of (−1,D), (D,1), (−1,1), (D,5), (−5,−1), and (−5,5). For the long term, we analyzed the movement of banking stock or index to benchmark index in the event windows of (D,30), (−30,−1), (−30,30), (D,60), (−60,−1), and (−60,60). We explore the deep learning model, bidirectional encoder representations from transformers, and statistical method CAPM for this research.
Hyers-Ulam Stability of Euler’s Equation in the Calculus of Variations
Authors: Marian Daniela , Ciplea Sorina Anamaria , Lungu Nicolaie
Published: December 2021

In this paper we study Hyers-Ulam stability of Euler’s equation in the calculus of variations in two special cases: when F=F(x,y′) and when F=F(y,y′). For the first case we use the direct method and for the second case we use the Laplace transform. In the first Theorem and in the first Example the corresponding estimations for Jyx−Jy0x are given. We mention that it is the first time that the problem of Ulam-stability of extremals for functionals represented in integral form is studied.
Protective and Non-Protective Factors of Mental Health Distress in the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lieneck Cristian , Bosworth Michele , Weaver Eric , Heinemann Katharine , Patel Janki
Published: December 2021

Background and objectives: Health care organizations continue to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic and an ongoing array of related mental health concerns. These pandemic-related challenges continue to be experienced by both the U.S. population and those abroad. Materials and methods: This systematic review queried three research databases to identify applicable studies related to protective and non-protective factors of mental health distress experienced during the pandemic within the United States. Results: Three primary factors were identified as protective factors, potentially helping to moderate the incidence of mental distress during the pandemic: demographics, personal support/self-care resources, and income/financial concerns. Researchers also identified these same three constructs of non-protective factors of mental health distress, as well as two additional variables: health/social status and general knowledge/government mistrust. Conclusions: This systematic review has identified protective and non-protective factors of mental health distress experienced in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic (to date) that can further assist medical providers in the U.S. and beyond as the pandemic and related mental health concerns continue at a global level.
Enhancement of Uniform Elongation by Temperature Change during Tensile Deformation in a 0.2C TRIP Steel
Authors: Tsuchida Noriyuki , Harjo Stefanus
Published: December 2021

It is important to control the deformation-induced martensitic transformation (DIMT) up to the latter part of the deformation to improve the uniform elongation (U.El) through the TRIP effect. In the present study, tensile tests with decreasing deformation temperatures were conducted to achieve continuous DIMT up to the latter part of the deformation. As a result, the U.El was improved by approximately 1.5 times compared with that in the tensile test conducted at 296 K. The enhancement of the U.El in the temperature change test was discussed with the use of neutron diffraction experiments. In the continuous DIMT behavior, a maximum transformation rate of about 0.4 was obtained at a true strain (ε) of 0.2, which was larger than that in the tensile test at 296 K. The tensile deformation behavior of ferrite (α), austenite (γ), and deformation-induced martensite (α′) phases were investigated from the viewpoint of the fraction weighted phase stress. The tensile test with a decreasing deformation temperature caused the increase of the fraction weighted phase stress of α and that of α′, which was affected by the DIMT behavior, resulting in the increase in the work hardening, and also controlled the ductility of α and α′, resulting in the enhancement of the U.El. Especially, the α phase contributed to maintaining high strength instead of α′ at a larger ε. Therefore, not only the DIMT behavior but also the deformation behavior of γ, α, and α′ are important in order to improve U.El due to the TRIP effect.
The Effect of Glucose and Poloxamer 188 on Red-Blood-Cell Aggregation
Authors: Szołna-Chodór Alicja , Grzegorzewski Bronisław
Published: December 2021

Glucose metabolism disorders contribute to the development of various diseases. Numerous studies show that these disorders not only change the normal values of biochemical parameters but also affect the mechanical properties of blood. To show the influence of glucose and poloxamer 188 (P188) on the mechanical properties of a red-blood-cell (RBC) suspension, we studied the aggregation of the cells. To show the mechanisms of the mechanical properties of blood, we studied the effects of glucose and poloxamer 188 (P188) on red-blood-cell aggregation. We used a model in which cells were suspended in a dextran 70 solution at a concentration of 2 g/dL with glucose and P188 at concentrations of 0–3 g/dL and 0–3 mg/mL, respectively. RBC aggregation was determined using an aggregometer, and measurements were performed every 4 min for 1 h. Such a procedure enabled the incubation of RBCs in solution. The aggregation index determined from the obtained syllectograms was used as a measure of aggregation. Both the presence of glucose and that of P188 increased the aggregation index with the incubation time until saturation was reached. The time needed for the saturation of the aggregation index increased with increasing glucose and P188 concentrations. As the concentrations of these components increased, the joint effect of glucose and P188 increased the weakening of RBC aggregation. The mechanisms of the observed changes in RBC aggregation in glucose and P188 solutions are discussed.
Bap-Independent Biofilm Formation in Staphylococcus xylosus
Authors: Schiffer Carolin J. , Abele Miriam , Ehrmann Matthias A. , Vogel Rudi F.
Published: December 2021

The biofilm associated protein (Bap) is recognised as the essential component for biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus V329 and has been predicted as important for other species as well. Although Bap orthologs are also present in most S. xylosus strains, their contribution to biofilm formation has not yet been demonstrated. In this study, different experimental approaches were used to elucidate the effect of Bap on biofilm formation in S. xylosus and the motif structure of two biofilm-forming S. xylosus strains TMW 2.1023 and TMW 2.1523 was compared to Bap of S. aureus V329. We found that despite an identical structural arrangement into four regions, Bap from S. xylosus differs in key factors to Bap of S. aureus, i.e., isoelectric point of aggregation prone Region B, protein homology and type of repeats. Disruption of bap had no effect on aggregation behavior of selected S. xylosus strains and biofilm formation was unaffected (TMW 2.1023) or at best slightly reduced under neutral conditions (TMW 2.1523). Further, we could not observe any typical characteristics of a S. aureus Bap-positive phenotype such as functional impairment by calcium addition and rough colony morphology on congo red agar (CRA). A dominating role of Bap in cell aggregation and biofilm formation as reported mainly for S. aureus V329 was not observed. In contrast, this work demonstrates that functions of S. aureus Bap cannot easily be extrapolated to S. xylosus Bap, which appears as non-essential for biofilm formation in this species. We therefore suggest that biofilm formation in S. xylosus follows different and multifactorial mechanisms.
The Special Issue: Transmission and Detection of Food and Environmental Pathogens
Authors: Cook Nigel
Published: December 2021

To progress towards a full comprehension of the risk caused by pathogenic microorganisms transmitted via food and environmental routes, extensive information on the prevalence, the mechanisms of contamination, and the survival of pathogens is required, particularly to assist with the development of effective systems to reduce contamination, and to formulate procedural control measures, such as the implementation of food safety criteria [...]