bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond identity and generations: bringing life course theory to studies of older gay men
Authors: Rosenfeld Dana , Ramirez-Valles Jesus
Published: May 2024

The last century’s numerous, rapid social changes affecting gay men make studies of gay male aging a ripe topic for life course theory, which views later life as the product of historical grounded interchanges between individual lives, social change, and structural contexts. That identifying as gay can occur at any point in the life course widens some life course theorists’ primary focus on early-life events to include those occurring throughout the life course. Yet most historically-attentive research on older gay men focuses on generations and identity development rather than on cohorts – groups who entered a system or context at the same time - or on the cumulative, concrete outcomes of encountering social change at a particular point in the life course. This article argues for gay male aging studies’ use of life course theory, specifically, its focus on cohort membership’s implications for later life, including cumulative disadvantage, in addition to more generationally-focused investigations. After briefly reviewing scholarship on older gay men, we introduce the life course approach and its critique by queer gerontologists for adopting a heteronormative view of the LGBT life course and eliding its distinctive contours. With particular attention to later-life concrete outcomes rather than identity formation, we explore key historical events in gay men’s lives that have produced (in the case of the AIDS epidemic) or could produce (for example, the Marriage Equality Act, the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy) distinctive gay male cohorts. We then consider intra-cohort variation within gay male cohorts before exploring some the barriers to investigating cohorts and cohort effects among older gay men.
Thermospheric nitric oxide energy budget during extreme geomagnetic storms: a comparative study
Authors: Bag Tikemani , Kataoka R. , Ogawa Y. , Fujiwara H. , Li Z. , Singh Vir , Sivakumar V. , Sridharan S. , Pirnaris P. , Tourgaidis T.
Published: May 2024

We selected three superstorms (disturbance storm time [Dst] index less than −350 nT) of 2003–04 to study the thermospheric energy budget with a particular emphasis on the thermospheric cooling emission by nitric oxide via a wavelength of 5.3 μm. The nitric oxide radiative emission data are obtained from the Sounding of the Atmosphere by Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument onboard the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite and the thermosphere ionosphere electrodynamic general circulation model (TIEGCM) simulation. Different energy sources for the magnetospheric energy injection and the thermospheric/ionospheric dissipation processes are calculated using empirical formulations, model simulations, and space-borne and ground-based measurements. The Joule heating rates calculated from different sources showed similar variations but significant differences in the magnitude. The nitric oxide cooling power is calculated by zonally and meridionally integrating the cooling flux in the altitude range of 100–250 km. The satellite observed that cooling flux responds faster to the energy input, as compared to the modeled results. The cooling power increases by an order of magnitude during storm time with maximum radiation observed during the recovery phase. Both the satellite-observed and modeled cooling powers show a strong positive correlation with the Joule heating power during the main phase of the storm. It is found that the maximum radiative power does not occur during the strongest storm, and it strongly depends on the duration of the main phase. The model simulation predicts a higher cooling power than that predicted by the observation. During a typical superstorm, on average, a cooling power of 1.87 × 105 GW exiting the thermosphere is estimated by the TIEGCM simulation. On average, it is about 40% higher than the satellite observation.
The feasibility of health professional student delivered social visits for stroke survivors with loneliness
Authors: Burnett Jason , Broussard Jordan , Ciavarra Bronson , Smitherman Louisa , Li Mary , Thames Emma , Zachariah Sharon , Kim Grace , Pijnnaken Rachel , Zeller Hannah , Halphen John , Savitz Sean I. , Choi Namkee , Beauchamp Jennifer E. S.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To examine the feasibility of a social phone call program to address social isolation and loneliness in stroke survivors.

Materials and methods

We paired 14 lonely community-living stroke survivors with 14 health professional students for 6-weekly unstructured social phone calls. Feasibility data and measures of social isolation, loneliness and other psychosocial metrics were collected pre- and post-intervention. Students journaled following each unstructured call to capture the informal conversation and their sentiments.

Results

Sixty-two percent of the targeted sample was interested. Fourteen eligible and interested participants were enrolled. The 13 (93%) participants completing all calls and surveys were an average of 57 years old, 85% female, and 77% non-Hispanic white. At baseline, participants were highly lonely and moderately depressed. Participants disclosed physical and emotional challenges, previous valued employment, and enjoyment from the calls. Students reported enjoying the connections, learning about the struggles of aging-in-place after stroke, and valuing compassionate care for the stroke population.

Conclusions

Knowledge gaps remain regarding effective social support interventions to provide continuity of care directed at managing social disconnection after stroke. A health professional student-delivered social phone call intervention with stroke survivors appears to be a feasible, in part, and encouraging approach for addressing social isolation and loneliness. Future trials require re-evaluation of eligibility criteria and strategies to boost enrollment before efficacy testing is conducted in a larger trial.
Supplementation with MitoTEMPO before cryopreservation improves sperm quality and fertility potential of Piedmontese beef bull semen
Authors: Elkhawagah Ahmed R. , Ricci Alessandro , Bertero Alessia , Poletto Mariagrazia Lucia , Nervo Tiziana , Donato Gian Guido , Vincenti Leila , Martino Nicola Antonio
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to improve the quality of frozen–thawed Piedmontese bull semen by incorporating MitoTEMPO (MT) in extended semen before cryopreservation. Semen was collected from 4 fertile bulls, using an artificial vagina, once weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. Semen samples were pooled, diluted with Bullxcell® extender, and supplemented with different concentrations of MT (0 as control, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μM) before cooling, equilibration, and freezing procedures. The frozen–thawed semen was assessed for motility, vitality, acrosome intactness, plasma membrane integrity, DNA integrity, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular ROS level and in vitro fertilizing capability. The results showed that MT at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 μM improved the total, progressive, and rapid motility directly after thawing while, at the highest tested concentration (80 μM), it decreased the progressive and rapid motility after 1, 2, and 3 h of incubation. The sperm kinetics including STR and LIN were noticeably increased at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 μM directly after thawing (0 h), whereas the MT effect was variable on the other sperm kinetics during the different incubation periods. MitoTEMPO improved the sperm vitality at all tested concentrations, while the acrosomal and DNA integrity were improved at 20 μM and the mitochondrial membrane potentials was increased at 80 μM. The cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were significantly increased by using semen treated with 20 μM MT compared with controls. These findings suggest a potential use of MT mainly at a concentration of 20 μM as an additive in the cryopreservation media of bull semen to improve sperm quality.
Systemic absorption of triamcinolone acetonide is increased from intrasynovial versus extrasynovial sites and induces hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
Authors: Hallowell Kimberly L. , Dembek Katarzyna , Horne Caitlyn R. , Knych Heather K. , Messenger Kristen M. , Schnabel Lauren V.
Published: May 2024

Steroid-associated laminitis remains a major concern with use of corticosteroids in horses. Individual case factors such as joint pathology, pre-existing endocrinopathies, or corticosteroid type, dose, and timing influencing steroid-induced laminitis risk have not been investigated. This study aimed to determine if systemic absorption of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) varies between intrasynovial (antebrachiocarpal) and extrasynovial (sacroiliac) injection sites, and to determine the effects of TA absorption on glucose, insulin, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Twenty adult horses were randomized into antebrachiocarpal or sacroiliac joint injection groups, and each horse received bilateral injections with a total dose of 18 mg triamcinolone. Blood was collected prior to injection and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h post-injection. Peak TA absorption occurred at 8 h in both groups, and was significantly higher in the intrasynovial group compared to the extrasynovial group (1.397 ng/mL, 0.672 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Plasma TA levels were significantly higher in the intrasynovial group from 8 to 36 h post-injection (p < 0.05). There was no difference in glucose, insulin, cortisol, or ACTH between groups at any time point. Insulin and glucose were significantly increased from baseline at all timepoints from 10–72 h and 1–72 h post-injection, respectively. Horses with elevated baseline insulin values (>20 μU/mL) from both groups experienced a more marked hyperinsulinemia, reaching a mean peak insulin of 197.5 μU/mL as compared to 90.06 μU/mL in those with normal baseline insulin. Cortisol and ACTH were significantly decreased from baseline at timepoints from 4–72 h post-injection in both groups. This study is the first to evaluate drug absorption from the sacroiliac site and demonstrates that drug absorption varies between intrasynovial and extrasynovial injection sites. TA absorption causes metabolic derangements, most notably a marked hyperinsulinemia that is more severe in horses with elevated baseline insulin values. The influence of baseline endocrinopathies on response to corticosteroid administration as well as the effect of corticosteroid-induced metabolic derangements warrant further investigation as risk factors for corticosteroid-associated laminitis.
Case report: Transmural migration of a gossypiboma with secondary cystolithiasis and urethral obstruction
Authors: Lancaster Meghan L. , Schmiedt Chad W.
Published: May 2024

This report describes a case of transmural migration of a gossypiboma from the peritoneum into the urinary bladder in a 4-year-old, female spayed, mixed-breed dog. The dog was presented on an emergency basis for complete urethral obstruction with radiographic evidence of urocystolithiasis. An exploratory laparotomy was performed and a 4–5 cm mass was identified which was confluent with the apex of the urinary bladder. The mass and bladder were exteriorized and isolated, and an apical, partial cystectomy was performed to remove the mass and gain access to the uroliths within the lumen of the bladder. A 4×4 surgical sponge was identified within the trigone of the bladder, it had multiple uroliths; another sponge was also found within the mass itself. This case demonstrates an atypical cause of urethral obstruction and serves as the first reported case of transmural migration of a gossypiboma into the urinary bladder of a dog. It also illustrates the importance of establishing routine operating procedures including gauze counts and the use of radiopaque-labeled surgical gauze.
The Identification of RPL4 as a Hub Gene Associated with Goat Litter Size via Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhifei , Tang Xueying , Li Dagang , Tong Xiong , Min Li , Chen Weidong , Ju Xianghong , Xu Bin
Published: May 2024

Reproduction in goats is a highly complex and dynamic process of life regulation, involving coordinated regulation from various aspects such as central nervous system regulation, reproductive system development, oocyte maturation, and fertilized egg development. In recent years, researchers have identified numerous genes associated with goat reproductive performance through high-throughput sequencing, single-cell sequencing, gene knockout, and other techniques. However, there is still an urgent need to explore marker genes related to goat reproductive performance. In this study, a single-cell RNA sequencing dataset of oocytes (GSE136005) was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify modules highly correlated with goat litter size. Through gene function enrichment analysis, it was found that genes within the modules were mainly enriched in adhesive junctions, cell cycle, and other signaling pathways. Additionally, the top 30 hub genes with the highest connectivity in WGCNA were identified. Subsequently, using Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis, the top 30 genes with the highest connectivity within the modules were identified. The intersection of hub genes, key genes in the PPI network, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) led to the identification of the RPL4 gene as a key marker gene associated with reproductive capacity in goat oocytes. Overall, our study reveals that the RPL4 gene in oocytes holds promise as a biological marker for assessing goat litter size, deepening our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying goat reproductive performance.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Its Agonists in Bovine Reproduction I: Structure, Biosynthesis, Physiological Effects, and Its Role in Estrous Synchronization
Authors: Hassanein Eman M. , Szelényi Zoltán , Szenci Ottó
Published: May 2024

GnRH is essential for the regulation of mammalian reproductive processes. It regulates the production and release of pituitary gonadotropins, thereby influencing steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. While primarily produced in the hypothalamus, GnRH is also produced in peripheral organs, such as the gonads and placenta. GnRH analogs, including agonists and antagonists, have been synthesized for the reproductive management of animals and humans. This review focuses on the functions of hypothalamic GnRH in the reproductive processes of cattle. In addition to inducing the surge release of LH, the pulsatile secretion of GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH, thereby regulating gonadal function. Various GnRH-based products have been synthesized to increase their potency and efficacy in regulating reproductive functions. This review article describes the chemical structures of GnRH and its agonists. This discussion extends to the gene expression of GnRH in the hypothalamus, highlighting its pivotal role in regulating the reproductive process. Furthermore, GnRH is involved in regulating ovarian follicular development and luteal phase support, and estrus synchronization is involved. A comprehensive understanding of the role of GnRH and its analogs in the modulation of reproductive processes is essential for optimizing animal reproduction.
XAI-IDS: Toward Proposing an Explainable Artificial Intelligence Framework for Enhancing Network Intrusion Detection Systems
Authors: Arreche Osvaldo , Guntur Tanish , Abdallah Mustafa
Published: May 2024

The exponential growth of network intrusions necessitates the development of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for intrusion detection systems (IDSs). However, the reliance on AI for IDSs presents several challenges, including the performance variability of different AI models and the opacity of their decision-making processes, hindering comprehension by human security analysts. In response, we propose an end-to-end explainable AI (XAI) framework tailored to enhance the interpretability of AI models in network intrusion detection tasks. Our framework commences with benchmarking seven black-box AI models across three real-world network intrusion datasets, each characterized by distinct features and challenges. Subsequently, we leverage various XAI models to generate both local and global explanations, shedding light on the underlying rationale behind the AI models’ decisions. Furthermore, we employ feature extraction techniques to discern crucial model-specific and intrusion-specific features, aiding in understanding the discriminative factors influencing the detection outcomes. Additionally, our framework identifies overlapping and significant features that impact multiple AI models, providing insights into common patterns across different detection approaches. Notably, we demonstrate that the computational overhead incurred by generating XAI explanations is minimal for most AI models, ensuring practical applicability in real-time scenarios. By offering multi-faceted explanations, our framework equips security analysts with actionable insights to make informed decisions for threat detection and mitigation. To facilitate widespread adoption and further research, we have made our source code publicly available, serving as a foundational XAI framework for IDSs within the research community.
Nanotomographic Analysis of Orthodontic Molar Tubes for Direct Bonding
Authors: Kłos Seweryn , Janiszewska-Olszowska Joanna , Grocholewicz Katarzyna
Published: May 2024

(1) Background: The most important part of an orthodontic attachment (bracket or tube) is the tube or slot for the insertion of the orthodontic wire. Aligning teeth along the archwire according to angular values preadjusted in the bracket slots (or tubes) requires a very precise size accordance between the archwires and slots. The aim of this study was to perform a nanotomographic analysis of the geometric features of molar tubes for direct bonding in terms of their dimensions and angles of their inner walls and analyze the presence of metallurgic imperfections. (2) Methods: Orthodontic tubes (n = 100) for upper right first molars from five different manufacturers (3M-Victory Series, Adenta-Bond Sing, Dentaurum-Ortho Cast M, GC-L LP, and ORMCO-Accent), 20 tubes each, were subjected to nanotomographic analysis. Measurements of the inner channel of the tubes, angles between the walls, and analysis of metallurgic imperfections were performed using high-resolution computed tomography. (3) Results: height measurements differed by 4–14% from ideal values declared by manufacturers, whereas the angles ranged from reducing by a maximum 1% comparing to values declared (hypodivergent walls) to increasing by a maximum 4.5% (divergent walls). (4) Conclusions: 1. The sizes of channels measured were slightly larger than those declared by manufacturers. 2. Slight deviations in wall parallelism and angles between the walls were found. 3. Some tubes were characterized by manufacturing defects of the metal. 4. Efforts should be made to further improve the production process of orthodontic attachments.
A Novel Energy-Efficient Coding Based on Coordinated Group Signal Transformation for Image Compression in Energy-Starved Systems
Authors: Lopukhova Ekaterina , Voronkov Grigory , Kuznetsov Igor , Ivanov Vladislav , Kutluyarov Ruslan , Grakhova Elizaveta
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces a new method for compressing images in energy-starved systems, like satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Internet of Things nodes, which is based on coordinated group signal transformation (CGST). The transformation algorithm is a type of difference coding and may be classified as a non-transform-based image-compression method. CGST simplifies the difference signal conversion scheme using a single group codec for all signals. It considers color channels as correlated signals of a multi-channel communication system. The performance of CGST was evaluated using a dataset of 128 × 128 pixel images from satellite remote sensing systems. To adapt CGST to image compression, some modifications were introduced to the algorithm, such as fixing the procedure of the difference signals calculation to prevent any “zeroing” of brightness and supplementing the group codec with a neural network to improve the quality of restored images. The following types of neural networks were considered: fully connected, recurrent, convolution, and convolution in the Fourier space. Based on the simulation results, fully connected neural networks are recommended if the goal is to minimize processing delay time. These networks have a response time of 13 ms. Conversely, suppose the priority is to improve quality in cases where delays are not critical. In that case, convolution neural networks in the Fourier space should be used, providing an image compression ratio of 4.8 with better minimum square error and Mikowsky norm values than JPEG with the same compression ratio.
A Simplified Model to Predict the Repeated Shear Strain during the Cyclic Triaxial Test by Using an Elastic Coefficient-Damping Ratio System
Authors: Hsiao Darn-Horng , Liang Yao-Wen , Hsieh Chia-Sheng
Published: May 2024

Some researchers in past years have tried to develop a simplified method for analyzing soil liquefaction. However, the correctness of the pore water pressure in the model will affect the results. In addition, the formulas derived are not easy, and the exact parameters of the model are difficult to obtain. This study used a mass-spring-damping system to simulate the repeated strain of liquefaction cyclic triaxial tests. Because the model is simple and the parameters are easy to understand and obtain, it also shows the extensibility of this model. During the parameter study, damping coefficient c and spring coefficient k parameters decreased with the increasing cyclic number. Preliminary results of the research show that this model can further simulate the repeated strain obtained by cyclic triaxial tests without considering the variation of effective stress during cyclic loading. Four samples were used to verify the model’s correctness, and their boring sites were found in Yunlin areas, Taiwan. Simulation results show that the spring-damping system is feasible for simulated cyclic triaxial tests because the simulated results correlate to the testing results in trend. Generally, the first cycle number simulation will be less accurate because the pore water pressure of the specimen changes rapidly when the performance has just started. In contrast, the increase in subsequent cycles may be biased due to cyclic stress variation and soil plasticity during simulation. In the future, pure sand specimens created in the laboratory will be suggested for simulation.
Replacement of Fault Sensor of Cutter Suction Dredger Mud Pump Based on MCNN Transformer
Authors: Long Zhecheng , Fan Shidong , Gao Qian , Wei Wei , Jiang Pan
Published: May 2024

The mud pump water sealing system (MPWSS) is important in the efficient operation and prolonged service life of the cutter suction dredger’s (CSD) mud pump. Considering that the underwater pump operates underwater and the shaft seal water pressure sensor is prone to failure, a hybrid deep learning model MCNN transformer is proposed to predict the underwater pump shaft seal water pressure in the event of sensor failure. This paper uses big data from the dredging project to deeply excavate the relationship between the shaft end sealing water pressure and other construction data by combining experience and artificial intelligence, and then uses multi-scale convolutional neural network (MCNN) to reconstruct the data, highlighting the time series characteristics of the multi-scale data were then input into the transformer model for prediction, and compared with a single MCNN, transformer model and four other neural networks. Finally, the cutter suction dredger “Hua An Long” was selected as an application research case; experimental comparisons were conducted on seven different models to verify the accuracy and applicability of the MCNN-transformer model.
Carbon-Isovalent Dopant Pairs in Silicon: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Christopoulos Stavros-Richard G. , Sgourou Efstratia N. , Chroneos Alexander , Londos Charalampos A.
Published: May 2024

Carbon (C) is an important isovalent impurity in silicon (Si) that is inadvertently added in the lattice during growth. Germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb) are isovalent atoms that are added in Si to improve its radiation hardness, which is important for microelectronics in space or radiation environments and near reactors or medical devices. In this work, we have employed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to study the structure and energetics of carbon substitutional-isovalent dopant substitutional CsDs (i.e., CsGes, CsSns and CsPbs) and carbon interstitial-isovalent dopant substitutional CiDs (i.e., CiGes, CiSns and CiPbs) defect pairs in Si. All these defect pairs are predicted to be bound with the larger isovalent atoms, forming stronger pairs with the carbon atoms. It is calculated that the larger the dopant, the more stable the defect pair, whereas the CsDs defects are more bound than the CiDs defects.
Immersive Digital Twin under ISO 23247 Applied to Flexible Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Caiza Gustavo , Sanz Ricardo
Published: May 2024

Digital twin (DT) technology provides a path for implementing cyber–physical systems (CPS) and developing smart manufacturing because they are essential tools for monitoring and controlling manufacturing processes. It is considered a vital technology in smart manufacturing and is being widely researched in academia and industry. Furthermore, the combination of DTs and immersive environments has shown great potential for integrating novel capabilities into the new generation of CPS. This research presents an architecture for implementing immersive digital twins under ISO 23247 in flexible manufacturing processes. The proposed system is based on the integration of DT technologies in conjunction with augmented reality (AR) and gesture tracking, and validation was performed in the sorting station of the MPS 500 to increase the interaction and flexibility between physical and virtual environments in real time, thus enhancing the capabilities of the DT. The methodology used for the design and implementation of the DT includes (1) general principles and requirements; (2) models with functional views based on domains and entities; (3) attributes of the observable manufacturing elements; and (4) protocols for the exchange of information between entities. The results show that the integration of these technologies improves the monitoring, control, and simulation capabilities of processes using 3D resources and immersive environments, achieving a higher level of interactivity. In addition, error detection tests were carried out, where a reduction of time was observed in the resolution of errors that may be caused by internal or external disturbances of the process, thus avoiding production delays.
The Spacetimes of the Scythian Dead: Rethinking Burial Mounds, Visibility, and Social Action in the Eurasian Iron Age and Beyond
Authors: Johnson James A.
Published: May 2024

The Eurasian Iron Age Scythians, in all their regional iterations, are known for their lavish burials found in various kinds of tumuli. These tumuli, of varying sizes, are located throughout the Eurasian steppe. Based, at least partially, on the amounts and types of grave goods found within these mounds, the Scythians are usually modeled as militant, patriarchal mobile pastoralists, with rigid social structures. Yet, such interpretations are also due to accounts of Scythian lifeways provided by “classical” societies from the Greeks to the Persians, who saw the Scythians largely as barbarians, much like their neighbors to the north of the Greeks, the “Celts”. Despite recent interrogations of the barbarian trope, and the opportunity to dissect the classic formula of large mounds = elevated status, I contend that many studies on Scythian mortuary practices remain monolithic and under-theorized, especially by Western scholars. Drawing upon different conceptual and methodological frameworks, I present alternative, multi-scalar understandings of Scythian mortuary landscapes. Utilizing a spacetime-oriented, dialogical approach supplemented with geographic information systems, I interrogate how and why various meanings and experiences may have intersected in these protean Scythian landscapes of the dead, rather than reducing them to monolithic symbolic proxies of ideological status.
Numerical Simulation of the Plant Shelterbelt Configuration Based on Porous Media Model
Authors: Zhao Yuhao , Huang Ning , Sun Jialiang , Zhan Kejie , Li Xuanmin , Han Bin , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2024

Low-coverage line-belt-pattern protective forests offer significant advantages in terms of wind and sand control measures. It is important to study the windbreak effectiveness of sand-fixing forests with different spacing for the construction and optimization of plant shelterbelt configurations. The effect of plant spacing on the flow field around a row of trees was investigated using the k-ε turbulence model coupled with the porous media model. In order to accurately simplify the complex and stochastic plant constitutive features, we simplify the plant canopy to a circular platform geometry, which introduces a porous media model, and the plant trunk is simulated as a solid cylinder. The simulation results show that windbreaks only affect wind profiles up to 1.25-times the height of the tree; on the leeward side of the canopy, large-spaced shelterbelts provide greater protection in the near-wake zone, while small-spaced shelterbelts are more effective at reducing velocity in the re-equilibration zone. The flow field recovery properties of the trunk and canopy indicate that the canopy wake zone is longer. In this study, we also quantitatively analyze the relationship between average wind protection effectiveness as a function of plant spacing and streamwise distance from the leeward side of the canopy, and the given parameterized scheme shows a power exponential relationship between wind protection effectiveness and plant spacing and a logarithmic relationship with streamwise distance. This scheme can provide a predictive assessment of the effects during the implementation of the plant shelterbelt.
Experimental Study on Evaporation and Micro-Explosion Characteristics of Ethanol and Diesel Blended Droplets
Authors: Zhang Yixuan , Meng Kesheng , Bao Lin , Lin Qizhao , Pavlova Svitlana
Published: May 2024

In this study, the constant temperature control system of a heating plate was established, ethanol–diesel fuel with different proportions was prepared, and a series of experiments were carried out. The experimental system was used to observe, summarize, and analyze four evaporation and crushing modes of mixed droplets, which were explosion, liquid filament stretching, exocytosis, and ejection mode. The evaporation process of four kinds of mixed droplets in their life cycle was analyzed by normalizing the diameter square. It was proposed that the evaporation process of droplets could be divided into the following three stages: a heating stage, a fluctuating evaporation stage, and an equilibrium evaporation stage. It was also pointed out that the expansion, ejection, and micro-explosion of droplets were the causes of fluctuating evaporation. The concept of expansion and crushing intensity was put forward and the expansion and crushing intensity of ethanol/diesel mixed droplets with different proportions were calculated. The reasons why expansion and crushing intensity first increased and decreased with the increase in ethanol blending ratio were analyzed. Finally, the time proportion of ethanol–diesel mixed droplets in each evaporation stage was calculated, which explained that the time proportion of the instantaneous heating stage showed a parabolic law with the increase in ethanol content.
Multiplicity of Solutions for the Noncooperative Kirchhoff-Type Variable Exponent Elliptic System with Nonlinear Boundary Conditions
Authors: Mao Yiying , Yang Yang
Published: May 2024

Considering the solutions of a class of noncooperative Kirchhoff-type p(x)-Laplacian elliptic systems with nonlinear boundary conditions, we derive a sequence of solutions utilizing both the variational method and limit index theory under certain underlying assumptions. The novelty of this study is that we verify the (PS)c* condition using another method, diverging from the approaches cited in the previous literature.
Understanding the Economics of Aged Traction Batteries: Market Value and Dynamics
Authors: Frank Merlin , Preussner Sebastian , Soldan Cattani Natalia , Frieges Moritz , Heimes Heiner Hans , Kampker Achim
Published: May 2024

The growing demand and market penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) have led to an expansion in the size of the market for used EVs, accompanied by a continuous increase in the return rate of aging battery systems. Consequently, a second-hand market for aged battery systems, known as second-life batteries, is slowly emerging. Understanding this market is crucial for enabling a functioning circular economy for batteries. This paper analyzes the market mechanisms influencing price formation for used goods, drawing parallels to the largest second-hand market, the used car market, and applies them to the second-life battery market. By examining these mechanisms, insights are provided into the dynamics of the second-life battery market, facilitating the development of strategies to optimize resource utilization and sustainability in the EV industry. Finally, the second-life battery price index is introduced, increasing the transparency of prices for lithium-ion batteries and the circular economy.
A Comparative Study on Electrochemical Performance of Single versus Dual Networks in Lithium Metal/Polysulfide-Polyoxide Co-Network/Lithium Titanium Oxide Cathode
Authors: Lee Hyunsang , Choi Jae-Won , Kyu Thein
Published: May 2024

The present article introduces a strategy for controlling oxidation and reduction reactions within polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) networks as a means of enhancing storage capacity through the complexation of dissociated lithium cations with multifunctional groups of the polymer network. Specifically, co-polymer networks based on polysulfide (PS) and polyoxide (PO) precursors, photo-cured in the presence of succinonitrile (SCN) and lithium bis(trifluoro methane sulfonyl imide) (LiTFSI) salt, exhibited ionic conductivity on the order of mid 10−4 S/cm at ambient temperature in the 30/35/35 (weight %) composition. Lithium titanate (LTO, Li4Ti5O12) electrode was chosen as an anode (i.e., a potential source of Li ions) against lithium iron phosphate (LFP, LiFePO4) cathode in conjunction with polysulfide-co-polyoxide dual polyelectrolyte networks to control viscosity for 3D printability on conformal surfaces of drone and aeronautic vehicles. It was found that the PS-co-PO dual network-based polymer electrolyte containing SCN plasticizer and LiTFSI salt exhibited extra storage capacity (i.e., specific capacity of 44 mAh/g) with the overall specific capacity of 170 mAh/g (i.e., for the combined LTO electrode and PEM) initially that stabilized at 153 mAh/g after 50th cycles with a reasonable capacity retention of over 90% and Coulombic efficiency of over 99%. Of particular interest is the observation of the improved electrochemical performance of the polysulfide-co-polyoxide electrolyte dual-network relative to that of the polyoxide electrolyte single-network.
Double-Sided Tape in Microfluidics: A Cost-Effective Method in Device Fabrication
Authors: Smith Savanah , Sypabekova Marzhan , Kim Seunghyun
Published: May 2024

The demand for easy-to-use, affordable, accessible, and reliable technology is increasing in biological, chemical, and medical research. Microfluidic devices have the potential to meet these standards by offering cost-effective, highly sensitive, and highly specific diagnostic tests with rapid performance and minimal sample volumes. Traditional microfluidic device fabrication methods, such as photolithography and soft lithography, are time-consuming and require specialized equipment and expertise, making them costly and less accessible to researchers and clinicians and limiting the applicability and potential of microfluidic devices. To address this, researchers have turned to using new low-cost materials, such as double-sided tape for microfluidic device fabrication, which offers simple and low-cost processes. The innovation of low-cost and easy-to-make microfluidic devices improves the potential for more devices to be transitioned from laboratories to commercialized products found in stores, offices, and homes. This review serves as a comprehensive summary of the growing interest in and use of double-sided tape-based microfluidic devices in the last 20 years. It discusses the advantages of using double-sided tape, the fabrication techniques used to create and bond microfluidic devices, and the limitations of this approach in certain applications.
Unraveling the Influence of Litter Size, Maternal Care, Exercise, and Aging on Neurobehavioral Plasticity and Dentate Gyrus Microglia Dynamics in Male Rats
Authors: Krejcová Lane Viana , Bento-Torres João , Diniz Daniel Guerreiro , Pereira Antonio , Batista-de-Oliveira Manuella , de Morais Andreia Albuquerque Cunha Lopes , Mendes-da-Silva Rosângela Figueiredo , Abadie-Guedes Ricardo , dos Santos Ângela Amâncio , Lima Denise Sandrelly , Guedes Rubem Carlos Araujo , Picanço-Diniz Cristovam Wanderley
Published: May 2024

This study explores the multifaceted influence of litter size, maternal care, exercise, and aging on rats’ neurobehavioral plasticity and dentate gyrus microglia dynamics. Body weight evolution revealed a progressive increase until maturity, followed by a decline during aging, with larger litters exhibiting lower weights initially. Notably, exercised rats from smaller litters displayed higher body weights during the mature and aged stages. The dentate gyrus volumes showed no significant differences among groups, except for aged sedentary rats from smaller litters, which exhibited a reduction. Maternal care varied significantly based on litter size, with large litter dams showing lower frequencies of caregiving behaviors. Behavioral assays highlighted the detrimental impact of a sedentary lifestyle and reduced maternal care/large litters on spatial memory, mitigated by exercise in aged rats from smaller litters. The microglial dynamics in the layers of dentate gyrus revealed age-related changes modulated by litter size and exercise. Exercise interventions mitigated microgliosis associated with aging, particularly in aged rats. These findings underscore the complex interplay between early-life experiences, exercise, microglial dynamics, and neurobehavioral outcomes during aging.
Beauty and Paintings: Aesthetic Experience in Patients with Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia When Viewing Abstract and Concrete Paintings
Authors: Boutoleau-Bretonnière Claire , Thomas-Anterion Catherine , Deruet Anne-Laure , Lamy Estelle , El Haj Mohamad
Published: May 2024

We assessed the aesthetic experience of patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) to understand their ability to experience feelings of the sublime and to be moved when viewing paintings. We exposed patients with bvFTD and control participants to concrete and abstract paintings and asked them how moved they were by these paintings and whether the latter were beautiful or ugly. Patients with bvFTD declared being less moved than control participants by both abstract and concrete paintings. No significant differences were observed between abstract and concrete paintings in both patients with bvFTD and control participants. Patients with bvFTD provided fewer “beautiful” and more “ugly” responses than controls for both abstract and concrete paintings. No significant differences in terms of “beautiful” and “ugly” responses were observed between abstract and concrete paintings in both patients with bvFTD and control participants. These findings suggest disturbances in the basic affective experience of patients with bvFTD when they are exposed to paintings, as well as a bias in their ability to judge the aesthetic quality of paintings.
Use of Ordered Beta Regression Unveils Cognitive Flexibility Index and Longitudinal Cognitive Training Signatures in Normal and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathological Aging
Authors: Alveal-Mellado Daniel , Giménez-Llort Lydia
Published: May 2024

Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) are a cornerstone data analysis strategy in behavioral research because of their robustness in handling non-normally distributed variables. Recently, their integration with ordered beta regression (OBR), a novel statistical tool for managing percentage data, has opened new avenues for analyzing continuous response data. Here, we applied this combined approach to investigate nuanced differences between the 3xTg-AD model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their C57BL/6 non-transgenic (NTg) counterparts with normal aging in a 5-day Morris Water Maze (MWM) test protocol. Our longitudinal study included 22 3xTg-AD mice and 15 NTg mice (both male and female) assessed at 12 and 16 months of age. By identifying and analyzing multiple swimming strategies during three different paradigms (cue, place task, and removal), we uncovered genotypic differences in all paradigms. Thus, the NTg group exhibited a higher percentage of direct search behaviors, while an association between circling episodes and 3xTg-AD animals was found. Furthermore, we also propose a novel metric—the “Cognitive Flexibility Index”—which proved sensitive in detecting sex-related differences. Overall, our integrated GLMMs-OBR approach provides a comprehensive insight into mouse behavior in the MWM test, shedding light on the effects of aging and AD pathology.
A Computational Model for the Simulation of Prepulse Inhibition and Its Modulation by Cortical and Subcortical Units
Authors: Bezerra Thiago Ohno , Roque Antonio C. , Salum Cristiane
Published: May 2024

The sensorimotor gating is a nervous system function that modulates the acoustic startle response (ASR). Prepulse inhibition (PPI) phenomenon is an operational measure of sensorimotor gating, defined as the reduction of ASR when a high intensity sound (pulse) is preceded in milliseconds by a weaker stimulus (prepulse). Brainstem nuclei are associated with the mediation of ASR and PPI, whereas cortical and subcortical regions are associated with their modulation. However, it is still unclear how the modulatory units can influence PPI. In the present work, we developed a computational model of a neural circuit involved in the mediation (brainstem units) and modulation (cortical and subcortical units) of ASR and PPI. The activities of all units were modeled by the leaky-integrator formalism for neural population. The model reproduces basic features of PPI observed in experiments, such as the effects of changes in interstimulus interval, prepulse intensity, and habituation of ASR. The simulation of GABAergic and dopaminergic drugs impaired PPI by their effects over subcortical units activity. The results show that subcortical units constitute a central hub for PPI modulation. The presented computational model offers a valuable tool to investigate the neurobiology associated with disorder-related impairments in PPI.
Interaction Effects between Mood State and Background Sound Level on Students’ Sound Perceptions and Concentration Levels in Study Spaces
Authors: Zhang Dadi , Mui Kwok-Wai , Wong Ling-Tim
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the impacts of students’ mood states and background sound levels on students’ sound perceptions and academic performance in four library rooms. The background sound level was measured for five days. Meanwhile, around 300 students were invited to participate in a survey of questions about their acoustic perceptions and mood states and a concentration test. Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, and two-way ANOVA were applied to establish the relationships between the LAeq, students’ mood states, acoustic perceptions, and concentration levels on both the individual level and the room level and to identify the interaction effect between the background sound levels and mood states on students’ acoustic perception and concentration. The results indicated that LAeq in learning spaces significantly impacted students’ acoustic satisfaction, but only at the room level. In contrast, mood states mainly influenced students’ sound perception and concentration at the individual level. Furthermore, this study reports significant interaction effects between mood state and LAeq on students’ sound perceptions and reveals different impacts of mood states due to different sound levels. These results could help improve occupants’ acoustic perceptions and performance in learning spaces in the future.
Enhancing Tower Crane Safety: A UAV-Based Intelligent Inspection Approach
Authors: Jiao Xin , Wu Na , Zhang Xin , Fan Jian , Cai Zhenwei , Wang Ying , Zhou Zhenglong
Published: May 2024

Tower cranes play a crucial role in the construction industry, facilitating the vertical and horizontal movement of materials and aiding in building construction, especially for high-rise structures. However, tower crane accidents can lead to severe consequences, highlighting the importance of effective safety management and inspection. This paper presents a novel approach to tower crane safety inspections using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high-definition cameras and an intelligent inspection APP system. The system utilizes real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and digital image processing to perform efficient and comprehensive inspections, reducing the reliance on manual labor and associated risks. A case study demonstrated the method’s practicality and effectiveness, with the UAV inspections capable of identifying 76.3% of major hazards, 64.8% of significant hazards, and 76.2% of general hazards within a 30-minute timeframe. Preliminary identification rates were also promising. Despite the initial requirement for manual drone piloting and the current manual review of images, the approach shows significant potential for enhancing safety in the construction industry. Future work will focus on integrating AI for hazard recognition and automating the inspection process further. The proposed method marks a step forward in tower crane safety management, offering a more efficient and accurate alternative to traditional inspection methods.