bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling of HIV prevention and treatment progress in five South African metropolitan districts
Authors: van Schalkwyk Cari , Dorrington Rob E. , Seatlhodi Thapelo , Velasquez Claudia , Feizzadeh Ali , Johnson Leigh F.
Published: March 2021

Globally, large proportions of HIV-positive populations live in cities. The Fast-Track cities project aims to advance progress toward elimination of HIV as a public health threat by accelerating the response in cities across the world. This study applies a well-established HIV transmission model to provide key HIV estimates for the five largest metropolitan districts in South Africa (SA): Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Johannesburg and Tshwane. We calibrate the model to metro-specific data sources and estimate progress toward the 90-90-90 targets set by UNAIDS (90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) diagnosed, 90% of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral suppression in 90% of those on ART). We use the model to predict progress towards similarly defined 95-95-95 targets in 2030. In SA, 90.5% of PLHIV were diagnosed in 2018, with metro estimates ranging from 86% in Johannesburg to 92% in eThekwini. However, only 68.4% of HIV-diagnosed individuals nationally were on ART in 2018, with the proportion ranging from 56% in Tshwane to 73% in eThekwini. Fractions of ART users who were virally suppressed ranged from 77% in Ekurhuleni to 91% in eThekwini, compared to 86% in the whole country. All five metros are making good progress to reach diagnosis targets and all (with the exception of Ekurhuleni) are expected to reach viral suppression targets in 2020. However, the metros and South Africa face severe challenges in reaching the 90% ART treatment target.
Characterizing dissimilarity of weighted networks
Authors: Jiang Yuanxiang , Li Meng , Fan Ying , Di Zengru
Published: March 2021

Measuring the dissimilarities between networks is a basic problem and wildly used in many fields. Based on method of the D-measure which is suggested for unweighted networks, we propose a quantitative dissimilarity metric of weighted network (WD-metric). Crucially, we construct a distance probability matrix of weighted network, which can capture the comprehensive information of weighted network. Moreover, we define the complementary graph and alpha centrality of weighted network. Correspondingly, several synthetic and real-world networks are used to verify the effectiveness of the WD-metric. Experimental results show that WD-metric can effectively capture the influence of weight on the network structure and quantitatively measure the dissimilarity of weighted networks. It can also be used as a criterion for backbone extraction algorithms of complex network.
A temporal hierarchical feedforward model explains both the time and the accuracy of object recognition
Authors: Heidari-Gorji Hamed , Ebrahimpour Reza , Zabbah Sajjad
Published: March 2021

Brain can recognize different objects as ones it has previously experienced. The recognition accuracy and its processing time depend on different stimulus properties such as the viewing conditions, the noise levels, etc. Recognition accuracy can be explained well by different models. However, most models paid no attention to the processing time, and the ones which do, are not biologically plausible. By modifying a hierarchical spiking neural network (spiking HMAX), the input stimulus is represented temporally within the spike trains. Then, by coupling the modified spiking HMAX model, with an accumulation-to-bound decision-making model, the generated spikes are accumulated over time. The input category is determined as soon as the firing rates of accumulators reaches a threshold (decision bound). The proposed object recognition model accounts for both recognition time and accuracy. Results show that not only does the model follow human accuracy in a psychophysical task better than the well-known non-temporal models, but also it predicts human response time in each choice. Results provide enough evidence that the temporal representation of features is informative, since it can improve the accuracy of a biologically plausible decision maker over time. In addition, the decision bound is able to adjust the speed-accuracy trade-off in different object recognition tasks.
GWAS findings improved genomic prediction accuracy of lipid profile traits: Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study
Authors: Akbarzadeh Mahdi , Dehkordi Saeid Rasekhi , Roudbar Mahmoud Amiri , Sargolzaei Mehdi , Guity Kamran , Sedaghati-khayat Bahareh , Riahi Parisa , Azizi Fereidoun , Daneshpour Maryam S.
Published: March 2021

In recent decades, ongoing GWAS findings discovered novel therapeutic modifications such as whole-genome risk prediction in particular. Here, we proposed a method based on integrating the traditional genomic best linear unbiased prediction (gBLUP) approach with GWAS information to boost genetic prediction accuracy and gene-based heritability estimation. This study was conducted in the framework of the Tehran Cardio-metabolic Genetic study (TCGS) containing 14,827 individuals and 649,932 SNP markers. Five SNP subsets were selected based on GWAS results: top 1%, 5%, 10%, 50% significant SNPs, and reported associated SNPs in previous studies. Furthermore, we randomly selected subsets as large as every five subsets. Prediction accuracy has been investigated on lipid profile traits with a tenfold and 10-repeat cross-validation algorithm by the gBLUP method. Our results revealed that genetic prediction based on selected subsets of SNPs obtained from the dataset outperformed the subsets from previously reported SNPs. Selected SNPs’ subsets acquired a more precise prediction than whole SNPs and much higher than randomly selected SNPs. Also, common SNPs with the most captured prediction accuracy in the selected sets caught the highest gene-based heritability. However, it is better to be mindful of the fact that a small number of SNPs obtained from GWAS results could capture a highly notable proportion of variance and prediction accuracy.
Initial therapeutic dose of corticosteroid for an acute exacerbation of IPF is associated with subsequent early recurrence of another exacerbation
Authors: Yamazaki Ryo , Nishiyama Osamu , Saeki Sho , Sano Hiroyuki , Iwanaga Takashi , Tohda Yuji
Published: March 2021

Some patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) undergo recurrent acute exacerbations (AEs). This study aimed to elucidate the risk factors for recurrent AEs of IPF (AE-IPF). Consecutive patients with IPF admitted for their first AE-IPF between January 2008 and December 2018 were retrospectively recruited. Of 63 patients admitted for an AE-IPF and discharged alive, 9 (14.3%) developed a recurrence of AE within 1 year. The mean time to recurrence was 233 ± 103 days. Total doses (mg/month and mg/kg/month) of corticosteroids administered over day 1 to 30 after the AE were significantly higher in patients without recurrences of AE-IPF (5185 ± 2414 mg/month, 93.5 ± 44.0 mg/kg/month) than the doses in patients with recurrences (3133 ± 1990 mg/month, 57.2 ± 37.7 mg/kg/month) (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). However, no differences were observed between the total doses of corticosteroids administered over days 31 to 60, 61 to 90, 91 to 120, and 151 to 180 after the AE. Furthermore, differences between the administration rates of immunosuppressive and antifibrotic treatments administered to the 2 patient groups were not significant. An increased total dose of corticosteroid administered over day 1 to 30 after an AE-IPF was associated with a decreased risk of subsequent recurrence of AE-IPF within 1 year after the first AE.
The influence of biochar on the content of carbon and the chemical transformations of fallow and grassland humic acids
Authors: Cybulak Marta , Sokołowska Zofia , Boguta Patrycja
Published: March 2021

There is limited information regarding the effect of biochar (BioC) on the fertility of fallow and grassland soils, as well as on the properties of their humic acids (HAs). The objective of this study was to evaluate with a 3-year field experiment the influence of BioC on the organic matter (OM) in Haplic Luvisol. BioC (obtained via wood waste pyrolysis at 650 °C) was applied to the soil of subplots under fallow and grassland at doses of 0, 1, 2 and 3 kg m−2. The soil samples were collected eight times. The physicochemical properties were determined for the soil and BioC by analysing the density, pH, surface charge, ash, and organic carbon content. Based on the changes in the structure of the HAs and their quantity in the soils, the chemical properties of the HAs were determined. The maximum BioC dose caused an increase in the content of Corg and HAs. BioC did not influence the humification degree coefficients of the HAs originated from fallow, whereas in the grassland, there were significant changes observed in these coefficient values, indicating that BioC may stimulate and accelerate the humification process of soil HAs. Increasing the BioC doses caused an increase in the soil’s HA content, suggesting an increase in soil sorption capacity. The fluorescence data showed BioC addition to the soil caused an increase in the number of structures characterised by low molecular weight and a low degree of humification.
Characterization of the microbial communities in wheat tissues and rhizosphere soil caused by dwarf bunt of wheat
Authors: Xu Tongshuo , Jiang Wenli , Qin Dandan , Liu Taiguo , Zhang Jianmin , Chen Wanquan , Gao Li
Published: March 2021

Dwarf bunt of wheat, which is caused by Tilletia controversa J.G. Kühn, is a soil-borne disease which may lead up to an 80% loss of yield together with degradation of the quality of the wheat flour by production of a fishy smell. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was employed to characterize the microbial composition of wheat tissues (roots, spikes, first stem under the ear, and stem base) and rhizosphere soil of wheat varieties that are resistant and susceptible to T. controversa. We observed that the soil fungal community abundance and diversity were higher in resistant varieties than in susceptible varieties in both inoculated and uninoculated wheat, and the abundances of Sordariomycetes and Mortierellomycetes increased in the resistant varieties infected with T. controversa, while the abundances of Dothideomycetes and Bacteroidia increased in the susceptible varieties. Regarding the bacteria present in wheat tissues, the abundances of Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Verrucomicrobia and Acidobacteria in the ear and the first stem under the ear were higher than those in other tissues. Our results indicated that the abundances of Sordariomycetes, Mortierellomycetes, Leotiomycetes, Chryseobacterium and Massilia were higher in T. controversa-infected resistant varieties than in their controls, that Dothideomycetes, Bacteroidia, Nocardioides and Pseudomonas showed higher abundances in T. controversa-infected susceptible varieties, and that Curtobacterium, Exiguobacterium, Planococcus, and Pantoea may have higher abundances in both T. controversa-infected susceptible and resistant varieties than in their own controls.
Trans-lithospheric diapirism explains the presence of ultra-high pressure rocks in the European Variscides
Authors: Maierová Petra , Schulmann Karel , Štípská Pavla , Gerya Taras , Lexa Ondrej
Published: March 2021

The classical concept of collisional orogens suggests that mountain belts form as a crustal wedge between the downgoing and overriding plates. However, this orogenic style is not compatible with the presence of (ultra-)high pressure crustal and mantle rocks far from the plate interface in the Bohemian Massif of Central Europe. Here we use a comparison between geological observations and thermo-mechanical numerical models to explain their formation. We suggest that continental crust was first deeply subducted, then flowed laterally underneath the lithosphere and eventually rose in the form of large partially molten trans-lithospheric diapirs. We further show that trans-lithospheric diapirism produces a specific rock association of (ultra-)high pressure crustal and mantle rocks and ultra-potassic magmas that alternates with the less metamorphosed rocks of the upper plate. Similar rock associations have been described in other convergent zones, both modern and ancient. We speculate that trans-lithospheric diapirism could be a common process.
Optimizing accuracy and efficacy in data-driven materials discovery for the solar production of hydrogen
Authors: Xiong Yihuang , Campbell Quinn T. , Fanghanel Julian , Badding Catherine K. , Wang Huaiyu , Kirchner-Hall Nicole E. , Theibault Monica J. , Timrov Iurii , Mondschein Jared S. , Seth Kriti , Katzbaer Rowan R. , Villarino Andrés Molina , Pamuk Betül , Penrod Megan E. , Khan Mohammed M. , Rivera Tiffany , Smith Nathan C. , Quintana Xavier , Orbe Paul , Fennie Craig J. , Asem-Hiablie Senorpe , Young James L. , Deutsch Todd G. , Cococcioni Matteo , Gopalan Venkatraman , Abruña Héctor D. , Schaak Raymond E. , Dabo Ismaila
Published: March 2021

We develop and demonstrate a comprehensive data-driven screening protocol with co-validation between experiment and theory to maximize the success rate of materials discovery for photocatalytic hydrogen generation.
Nano-manganese oxide and reduced graphene oxide-incorporated polyacrylonitrile fiber mats as an electrode material for capacitive deionization (CDI) technology
Authors: Siriwardane I. W. , Rathuwadu N. P. W. , Dahanayake D. , Sandaruwan Chanaka , de Silva Rohini M. , de Silva K. M. Nalin
Published: March 2021

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a trending water desalination method during which the impurity ions in water can be removed by electrosorption.
Mixing iron oxide nanoparticles with different shape and size for tunable magneto-heating performance
Authors: Ovejero Jesus G. , Spizzo Federico , Morales M. Puerto , Del Bianco Lucia
Published: March 2021

An efficient and versatile strategy is presented to modulate the magneto-heating performance of a nanoparticle system, which consists of mixing nanoparticles with different shape and size and exploiting the magnetic interaction between them.
High output direct-current power fabrics based on the air breakdown effect
Authors: Cheng Renwei , Dong Kai , Chen Pengfei , Ning Chuan , Peng Xiao , Zhang Yihan , Liu Di , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2021

The finger-sized FDC-TENG can light up 99 commercial bulbs and 1053 LEDs and drive watches and calculators easily and directly by sliding it manually.
Ugi four-component polymerization of amino acid derivatives: a combinatorial tool for the design of polypeptoids
Authors: Stiernet Pierre , Couturaud Benoit , Bertrand Virginie , Eppe Gauthier , De Winter Julien , Debuigne Antoine
Published: March 2021

The combinatorial Ugi-4C polymerization of amino acid derivatives is attractive for the future development of polypeptoids and resulting applications.
Self-sorting in supramolecular assemblies
Authors: Chen Charlotte H. , Palmer Liam C. , Stupp Samuel I.
Published: March 2021

Two minority fluorescent constituents of a multicomponent supramolecular system undergo self-sorting, mediated by their electrostatic interactions with a third non-fluorescent constituent that comprises 99 mol% of the system.
Correction: Collective motion of chiral Brownian particles controlled by a circularly-polarized laser beam
Authors: Hernández Raúl Josué , Sevilla Francisco J. , Mazzulla Alfredo , Pagliusi Pasquale , Pellizzi Nicola , Cipparrone Gabriella
Published: March 2021

Correction for ‘Collective motion of chiral Brownian particles controlled by a circularly-polarized laser beam’ by Raúl Josué Hernández et al., Soft Matter, 2020, 16, 7704–7714, DOI: 10.1039/C9SM02404B.
Computing frequency response of non‐parametric uncertainty model of MIMO systems using υ‐gap metric optimization
Authors: Tabibian Seyed Masoud , Ataei Mohammad , Koofigar Hamid Reza
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the computation of the non‐parametric uncertainty model for multi input multi output (MIMO) systems, which is described by normalized coprime factors (NCF) using the frequency response data of the system. This computation is accomplished by minimizing a υ‐gap metric criterion. For this purpose, the problem is formulated to a convex optimization context, such that a semidefinite programming (SDP) can be implemented. Minimization constraints and the normality constraints of coprime factors are converted to linear matrix inequalities (LMI). Thus, by convex optimization algorithms, the semidefinite programming will be optimized. The proposed method can also be used for non‐square multi input multi output systems in a conservative assumption. So, through the first process of optimization, the frequency responses of the normalized coprime factors are derived. Finally, to evaluate the performance of the proposed method in the computation of the normalized coprime factors of a system, the simulated results of this method are compared with those obtained by the other methods for two types of systems.
Modulation behaviours and interchangeability of modulators for electrical machines
Authors: Wen Honghui , Cheng Ming , Wang Wei , Zhang Gan
Published: March 2021

The authors aimed to investigate the modulation behaviours and the interchangeability of three kinds of modulators in electrical machines, which are short circuited coil, salient pole reluctance and flux barriers, to understand the evolution of the modulator and reveal their individual action mechanism based on the general airgap field modulation theory. The modulation behaviours are systematically analysed and compared, including the modulation principles of the improved short circuited coil, the relationship between salient pole reluctance and pole arc together with slot opening depth etc., based on which the key rule of interchangeable modulators is summarised. Although different modulators possess different magnetic field modulation principles and magnetic conversion capabilities, they share the similar asynchronous behaviours and modulated harmonics distribution. In addition, the detailed topological analysis of traditional brushless doubly fed machine with interchangeable and combined modulators is presented to show the effectiveness of the theoretical investigation. Electromagnetic performances comparison, such as airgap flux density distribution, cross coupling ability, general torque performances and inductance characteristics, of a brushless doubly fed machine with different modulators are provided to reveal the relation between the machine performances and magnetic field conversion capability. Theoretical predictions are verified by 2‐D finite element analysis and experimental measurements.
Simple current sensor fault‐tolerant control strategy for switched reluctance motors in high‐reliability applications
Authors: Ali Nasir , Gao Qiang
Published: March 2021

Switched reluctance motors (SRMs) are considered as a potential candidate in many high‐reliability demanding applications, including electrical vehicles (EVs), hybrid EVs and more electric aircrafts. For precise and stable control performance, normally an SRM drive requires one current sensor for each phase winding. Failure of any of these sensors will inevitably degrade the system's performance. The behaviour of an SRM drive under current sensor failure is investigated and a fault‐tolerant control technique is proposed by changing the current sensor installation scheme without adding extra current sensors. Moreover, through the analysis of the detected currents by the phase current sensors and the dc‐link sensor, a diagnostic scheme for current sensors failure is presented. The excitation current in the faulty phase under postfault conditions is reconstructed through a simple calculation without injecting a high‐frequency signal or modifying the switching signals, thereby reducing the current distortion and avoiding voltage penalty issues. Motor drive can operate with satisfactory control performance even when all the phase current sensors are in fault conditions. Detailed analysis under both steady state and dynamic conditions through thorough simulations and experiments has been carried out on a three‐phase 12/8 SRM. The extensive results validate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Open‐phase fault tolerant driving operation of dual‐inverter‐based traction drive
Authors: Pathmanathan M. , Viana C.C.D. , Semsar S. , Lehn P.W.
Published: March 2021

A method for achieving open‐phase fault tolerant operation of a dual‐inverter‐based traction drive with charging capability is presented. This method utilises a contactor to connect the switching nodes of the two half bridges which are normally used for AC charging in this dual inverter configuration. These half bridges are then modulated to provide a path for zero‐sequence current and enhance the available voltage vector space of the drive by injecting a controllable common‐mode voltage between the two inverters. A control method and five‐level modulator based on zero‐sequence voltage control and phase shifted carriers are introduced to accommodate this novel remedial method. Using this approach, the open‐phase faulted dual inverter drive is able to operate with twice the speed range of the conventional open‐phase fault tolerant approach, which is to provide a path for zero‐sequence current by connecting the negative DC rails of the two inverters with a contactor. Simulation and experimental results with a prototype dual inverter drive are presented to validate the theory of the new control and modulation method. The experimental results showcase the proposed algorithms performance by dynamically responding to an open‐phase fault and starting from standstill, thereby proving its validity for an electric vehicle application.
The effect of dynamic behaviours of the water droplet on DC/AC flashover performance on silicone rubber surface: Experiment, simulation and theoretical analysis
Authors: Cao Wen , Xue Hao , Shen Wei , Yang Hao , Zhao Long , Wang Yang
Published: March 2021

It is usually seen that DC flashover voltage of the water droplet on the surface of silicone rubber (SIR) composite insulator is lower than AC flashover voltage. It is necessary to study the mechanisms and influencing factors of the surface properties. In this article, experiments are performed to study the moving processes of the water droplet and the influences of its dynamic behaviours on flashover voltage under DC/AC electric field. Besides, an electrohydrodynamic coupling method is employed to establish the simulating model. Moreover, the theoretical physical model is established to reveal the mechanisms of dynamic behaviours of a droplet. It is indicated that the simulation results are in good consistency with the experimental data. The elongation behaviours of a droplet on the surface of a composite insulator can influence the homogeneity of the electric field distribution along the sample's surface. It is shown that the different dynamic behaviours and flashover performances for a single water droplet on the SIR surface are both affected by the volume of the droplet and the type of voltage applied.
Virtual reference feedback tuning applied to cascade control
Authors: Remes Chrystian L. , Binz Ricardo E. , Flores Jeferson V. , Campestrini Lucíola
Published: March 2021

Virtual reference feedback tuning (VRFT) is a data‐driven control method that optimises the response of a closed‐loop system to reference tracking at the expense of a not optimised response to disturbance rejection. This work presents the application of VRFT to two cascade control structures usually considered in the control literature to improve the overall closed‐loop performance for single‐input systems. For both structures, the authors derive the optimal and practical filter formulation to cope with the case where the controller to be designed is underparameterised. Also, in the case where the internal controller is at the feedback path, they derive a new approach that uses data from a single experiment and considers a unique reference model. Simulation examples illustrate the importance of using the VRFT filter, along with the performance improvements obtained from both cascade loops in terms of reference tracking and disturbance rejection.
Deep learning enabled vehicle trajectory map‐matching method with advanced spatial–temporal analysis
Authors: Liu Zhijia , Fang Jie , Tong Yingfang , Xu Mengyun
Published: March 2021

Global positioning system (GPS) trajectory map matching projects GPS coordinates to the road network. Most existing algorithms focus on the geometric and topological relationships of the road network, while did not make full use of the historical road network information and floating car data. In this study, the authors proposed a deep learning enabled vehicle trajectory map‐matching method with advanced spatial–temporal analysis (DST‐MM). The algorithm mainly focused on the following three aspects: (i) analyse the spatial relevancy from the prospective of geometric analysis, topology analysis and intersection analysis; (ii) to make full use of the historical and real‐time data, a deep learning model was conducted to extract the road network and vehicle trajectory features and (iii) establish a speed prediction model and nest it in the temporal analysis structure. It narrows down the path search range through establishing the dynamic candidate graph. Experimental results show that the proposed DST‐MM algorithm outperforms the existing algorithms in terms of matching accuracy for low‐sampling frequencies GPS data, especially in the central urban area.
Active feedback supported CMOS LNA blended with coplanar waveguide‐fed antenna for Wi‐Fi networks
Authors: Roy Gunjan Mittal , Dwari Santanu , Kanaujia Binod Kumar , Kumar Sandeep , Song Hanjung
Published: March 2021

This study presents integration of complementary CMOS active feedback low noise amplifier with coplanar waveguide fed patch antenna for Wi‐Fi networks. The LNA design‐I, involves a cascode amplifier followed by active feedback common source amplifier offering wideband impedance matching with lowered parasitic losses. The inductor‐less feedback mechanism is used to nullify noise effect with extended bandwidth in the range of 2.2 to 5.8 GHz and a peak forward gain of 22.5 dB. It is implemented on agilent's advance design system using 45 nm CMOS process. The noise figure (NF) is approximately 2 dB while the stability factors µ and µ prime are well above 1 dB with IIP3 of about 15 dBm. The chip area is 0.57 x 0.57 mm2 under dc power supply of 1V while power consumption of 0.8 mW. A CPW fed antenna design‐II, achieves a wide band response similar to the bandwidth of LNA. The size of the fabricated antenna is calculated as 40 x 40 mm2. The peak gain is approximately 4.1 dBi at 3.9 GHz. The codesign‐III, proposes a receiver achieving a much wider band of 1.6 to 6 GHz with a gain of 16.5 dB and NF of 2.59 dB at 2.06 GHz. The codesign improves the system integration by reducing overall chip area and offers saving in the effective cost.
Field calculation of electric dipole excitation of a metafilm printed on a finite‐thickness dielectric slab using the susceptibility homogenization method
Authors: Azari A. , Firouzeh Z.H. , Bakhtafrouz A.
Published: March 2021

Here, the authors calculate the fields due to the electric dipole that excites a homogenized metasurface which is printed on a finite thickness dielectric slab. The problem is solved by replacing the total parts below the periodic array which contain the dielectric slab and the half‐space under it, with an effective homogenous half‐space. Furthermore, the static interaction constants between dipoles which are located at two different materials’ interface are calculated. Then, with the help of the Lorentz method, the analytical formulae are presented to calculate the surface susceptibility densities of the homogenized metasurface located at two materials’ interface. These analytical formulae can be applied to arrays with both square and rectangular periodicity. An array of circular patches printed on dielectric slabs with different thicknesses is considered to verify the results. The results show good agreement compared to the fields calculated by commercial numerical software FEKO.
Prussian blue‐based inorganic flexible electrochromism glucose sensor
Authors: Chaudhary Anjali , Ghosh Tanushree , Pathak Devesh K , Kandpal Suchita , Tanwar Manushree , Rani Chanchal , Kumar Rajesh
Published: March 2021

Flexible inorganic Prussian blue (PB) containing electrode hcas been synthesised using a simple electrodeposition technique for dual functions in electronics (electrochromism) and biology (glucose sensing) applications. Structural and spectroscopic characterisations of the fabricated film have been done using electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Flexible inorganic electrochromic device is one of its kind having promising features with colour contrast (50%), coloration efficiency (80 cm2/C) and robust stability for more than 400 s. The prototype device contains only PB electrode as active electrochromic material with gel electrolyte in a pre‐designed device geometry that exhibits two primary colours, blue and green, with little amount of bias switching. Reversible redox processes have been found to be responsible for the electrochromism in PB containing flexible device. The same has been experimentally verified using spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques during device’s operation. Its additional use for glucose sensing purpose can be exploited for wearable electronics application. It is a first fully developed inorganic flexible device with superior electrochromic performance.
Orchestration‐based mechanism for sampling adaptation in sensing‐based applications
Authors: Harb H. , Baalbaki H. , Jaoude C. Abou , Jaber A.
Published: March 2021

Currently, the world witnesses a boom in the sensing‐based applications where the number of connected devices is becoming higher than the people. Such small sensing devices are now deployed in billions around the world, collecting data about the surroundings and reporting them to the data analysis centres. This fact allows a better understanding of the world and helps to reduce the effects of potential risks. However, while the benefits of such devices are real and significant, sensing‐based applications face two major challenges: big data collection and restricted power of sensor battery. In order to overcome these challenges, data reduction and sampling sensor adaptation techniques have been proposed to reduce data collection and to save the sensor energy. The authors propose an orchestration‐based mechanism (OM) for adapting the sampling rate of the sensors in the network. OM is two‐fold: first, it proposes a data transmission model at the sensor level, based on the clustering and Spearman coefficient, in order to reduce the amount of data transmitted to the sink; second, it proposes a sampling rate mechanism at the cluster‐head level that allows searching the similarity between data collected by the neighbouring sensors, and then to adapt their sensing frequencies accordingly. A set of simulations on real sensor data have been conducted to evaluate the efficiency of OM, in terms of data reduction and energy conservation, compared to other exiting techniques.
Closest Energy Matching: Improving peer‐to‐peer energy trading auctions for EV owners
Authors: Thomas Huw , Sun Hongjian , Kazemtabrizi Behzad
Published: March 2021

Herein, a novel approach to conduct peer‐to‐peer energy auctions for electric vehicles (EVs) to benefit both buyers and sellers is presented. It considers a scenario where households can sell their surplus solar energy to visiting EVs that make use of the households' vacant charge points during the day. The aim of the energy trading is to maximise the amount of charge EVs receive from the solar energy, and increase the revenue for sellers. The novel Closest Energy Matching (CEM) double auction mechanism is proposed and it is compared with four other mechanisms. CEM allows the auction to take into account current energy requests as well as the potential future demand without requiring additional information. A novel algorithm, MARMES (MAtrix Ranking for Maximising Element Selection), is also presented to solve the optimisation problem that forms the basis of the CEM mechanism. The CEM mechanism on average results in 21.5% more solar energy used, lower cost to the consumer, a 24.9% increase in profits for sellers and a 71.4% reduction in required grid energy compared with the traditional double auction mechanism.
Design and optimization of printed spiral coils for wireless passive sensors
Authors: Noroozi Babak , Morshed Bashir I.
Published: March 2021

Monitoring physiological signals during regular life might provide many benefits including early detection of abnormalities and tracking the severities of diseases. A wireless connection between the passive sensor and the scanner eliminates the obtrusive wires, resolves battery‐related issues, and makes it easy‐to‐use. We have previously proposed a wireless resistive analogue passive sensor technique that operates with the help of inductive coupling. The variation of resistive physiological transducer (secondary side) leads to amplitude modulation on the scanner coil (primary side). The design of printed spiral coil (PSC) on printed circuit board, significantly affects the performance of the overall system in terms of sensitivity, the output voltage change as a reflection of the transducer change. To optimize the PSC's profile and maximize the sensitivity, we employ three methods: iterative, analytical, and genetic algorithm (GA). The GA optimized PSCs, as the best result, have been fabricated and the measurement showed a sensitivity of 0.72 mƱ which has 5% (8.8%) deviation from the simulation (theoretical) results. This method can be utilized to design a PSC pair in near‐field applications to transfer amplitude modulation with various sizes and fabrication constraints.
The back-and-forth method for Wasserstein gradient flows
Authors: Jacobs Matt , Lee Wonjun , Léger Flavien
Published: March 2021

We present a method to efficiently compute Wasserstein gradient flows. Our approach is based on a generalization of the back-and-forth method (BFM) introduced in Jacobs and Léger [Numer. Math.146(2020) 513–544.]. to solve optimal transport problems. We evolve the gradient flow by solving the dual problem to the JKO scheme. In general, the dual problem is much better behaved than the primal problem. This allows us to efficiently run large scale gradient flows simulations for a large class of internal energies including singular and non-convex energies.
Development of 110kV Thyristor Assisted Arc Extinguishing Hybrid OLTC
Authors: Shi Fei , Yin Yu , Ding Ben-Ping , Gao Fei , Jia Peng-Fei , Hao Lu-Ning , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2021

On the basis of formulating the technical conditions of 110kV thyristor assisted arc extinguishing hybrid on load tap changer, this paper carries out the mechanical structure design, gives the design scheme of switching switch, selection switch and other connecting parts, and introduces in detail the adaptive improvement design of switching core structure and the coordination of switching process and sequence after adding thyristor module, and then completes the mixing The factory test and the type test of 110kV hybrid OLTC have been completed.
Application and Design of Inspection Robot System Based on Multi-parameter Hierarchical Inspection of UHV Substation
Authors: Mao Yingke , Zhao Min , Wu Jianmin , Zhu Liang
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a new substation inspection robot system is introduced, to meet the application requirements of multi-parameter full-station automatic hierarchical inspection of the insulation status of power equipment in UHV ( Ultra-High Voltage ) substation. The system is designed to control the inspection of substation robots, including identifying the number of meters on the cabinet, measuring partial discharge, measuring temperature and humidity and so on . The system is divided into two parts. One part runs in the robot body ,which is called the body control system , and it contains web server, robot ground control system and database. The other part runs on external industrial computer, which is called station control service system. The function of the body control system is more specific, mainly for controlling its own motor driver, in order to complete its own motion. The station control service system achieves important logic control, including configuring inspection plan, visual recognition, robot walking path planning, and writing inspection results into the database.
Thia-Bridged Triarylamine[4]helicene-Functionalized Polynorbor­nenes as Redox-Active pH-Sensitive Polymers
Authors: Viglianisi Caterina , Lupi Michela , Menichetti Stefano , Stagnaro Paola , Utzeri Roberto
Published: March 2021

A series of thia-bridged triarylamine[4]helicene-functionalized polynorbornenes P1, P2, and P3 were synthesized via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The polymers obtained undergo a reversible one-electron oxidation, in both solution and solid state, responding to the pH changes in the surrounding medium showing a clear reversible electrochromic behavior.
Stents as Bridge to Arterial Switch Operation for D-Transposition of Great Arteries Late Presenter
Authors: Liman Novita Gemalasari , Prakoso Radityo
Published: March 2021

We report a 5-month-old infant with dextro-transposition of great arteries (D-TGA) with intact ventricular septum (IVS) who had low left ventricular mass index, small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and stretched patent foramen ovale. The patient had respiratory failure due to pneumonia. The surgical intervention was considered very high risk. Thus, the patient underwent PDA stenting with balloon predilation technique followed by atrial septal stenting with false impression of dislodgement—“pseudo-dislodgement” because of inadvertent retraction of patent foramen ovale that was confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography guidance. After the procedure, the left ventricular mass index improved and patient was planned for arterial switch operation. The combined approach of PDA and atrial septal stenting may provide potential nonsurgical method of ventricular preparation for D-TGA/IVS late presenter, acting as a bridge to arterial switch operation especially those living in remote areas.
Are gender stereotypes changing over time? A cross-temporal analysis of perceptions about gender stereotypes in Spain (¿Están cambiando los estereotipos de género con el tiempo? Un análisis transtemporal de las percepciones sobre los estereotipos de género en España)
Authors: Lopez-Zafra Esther , Garcia-Retamero Rocio
Published: March 2021

The evolution of societal gender roles over time changes perceptions about the characteristics of men and women and how they behave. Previous studies on the dynamics of gender stereotypes have investigated people’s perceptions about men and women at specific time points (i.e., thinking in the past, present and future). However, studies comparing results of present perceptions of men and women measured at a lapse of time could clarify whether there have been real changes in gender stereotypes or just a desired perception for change. In the current research, we investigate whether perceptions about gender stereotypes evolve over time by comparing 453 Spanish participants’ perceptions of men and women over a 10-year period based on data collected at two time points: 2006 ( n = 199) and 2016 ( n = 254). In line with the conclusions of previous research, our results indicate that perceptions of gender stereotypes evolved over time from 2006 to 2016. Interestingly, over 10 years, men and women are perceived to be more similar on feminine characteristics but diverge on masculine characteristics. We discuss the dynamic of stereotypes in light of social constraints that may influence gender characteristics adscription.
Revisiting Marxism and decolonisation through the legacy of Samir Amin
Authors: Ndlovu-Gatsheni Sabelo J.
Published: March 2021

Samir Amin’s legacy of deployment of Marxist science, dedication to pan-Africanism and commitment to revolutionary liberation of the global South from imperialism and capitalism is re-evaluated from an epistemological vantage point. This is necessary because Amin raised fundamental epistemological issues as he challenged the discipline of economics, built institutions which advanced alternative thinking, and consistently created concepts and theories from concrete situations in the global South in general and Africa in particular. Three main issues stand out. The first is how epistemology shaped modern patterns of domination and subordination within modern Euro–North American-centric internationalism. The second is how intersections of Marxism and decoloniality reinforce a robust critique of modern racial capitalism. The third is how the legacy of Amin enabled a synthesis of Marxism (democratic Marxism of the 21st century), pan-Africanism, and decolonisation (planetary decoloniality of the 21st century) to consistently challenge and oppose the dominant and current imperial/colonial/capitalist internationalism.
Effects of magnetic field and particles content on rheology and resistivity behavior of magnetorheological elastomer with embedded cobalt particles
Authors: Zainudin Afiq Azri , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Shabdin Muhammad Kashfi , Abdul Aziz Siti Aishah , Homma Koji , Nazmi Nurhazimah , Nordin Nur Azmah , Noordin Ahmad Faiz , Rambat Shuib
Published: March 2021

In most studies, carbonyl iron particles were merged with carbon-based particles such as graphite or carbon black particles as fillers to enhance the electrical properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). These combined fillers can be replaced by using a single material in order to reduce brittleness due to the high amount of composition. Therefore, in this research, cobalt particles having dual properties, magnetic and electrical, have been employed as a filler in MRE. A total of three anisotropic MREs containing 53, 60, and 67 wt% of cobalt were fabricated through the mixing process method. The characterization related to morphological and magnetic properties of MRE samples was analyzed by using field emission scanning electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. Then, the rheological properties of the MRE in various strengths of magnetic field intensity between 0 and 0.8 T were conducted by using a rheometer. Afterward, the effect of the cobalt on the electrical properties was investigated and compared with different applied forces towards the MRE. The outcome showed that the rheological and electrical properties of MRE were improved with the increase of cobalt content embedded in the silicone matrix. Higher cobalt content in MRE contributed to a higher magnetorheological (MR) effect and simultaneously lower the electrical resistivity. Therefore, the addition of cobalt particles as a filler in MRE is a great potential to be applied as sensors.
Unraveling excitation energy transfer assisted by collective behaviors of vibrations
Authors: Li Zeng-Zhao , Ko Liwen , Yang Zhibo , Sarovar Mohan , Whaley K Birgitta
Published: March 2021

We investigate how collective behaviors of vibrations such as cooperativity and interference can enhance energy transfer in a nontrivial way, focusing on an example of a donor–bridge–acceptor trimeric chromophore system coupled to two vibrational degrees of freedom. Employing parameters selected to provide an overall uphill energy transfer from donor to acceptor, we use numerical calculations of dynamics in a coupled exciton–vibration basis, together with perturbation-based analytics and calculation of vibronic spectra, to identify clear spectral features of single- and multi-phonon vibrationally-assisted energy transfer (VAET) dynamics, where the latter include up to six-phonon contributions. We identify signatures of vibrational cooperation and interference that provide enhancement of energy transfer relative to that obtained from VAET with a single vibrational mode. We observe a phononic analogue of two-photon absorption, as well as a novel heteroexcitation mechanism in which a single phonon gives rise to simultaneous excitation of both the trimeric system and the vibrational degrees of freedom. The impacts of vibrations and of the one- and two-phonon VAET processes on the energy transfer are seen to be quite different in the weak and strong site–vibration coupling regimes. In the weak coupling regime, two-phonon processes dominate, whereas in the strong coupling regime up to six-phonon VAET processes can be induced. The VAET features are seen to be enhanced with increasing temperature and site–vibration coupling strength, and are reduced in the presence of dissipation. We analyze the dependence of these phenomena on the explicit form of the chromophore–vibration couplings, with comparison of VAET spectra for local and non-local couplings.
Graphene phonons lifetime and mean free path using ab initio molecular dynamics and spectral energy density analysis
Authors: Mafakheri Morteza , Dodaran Amir Abbas Sabouri
Published: March 2021

In this study, simulation of ab initio molecular dynamics with phonon spectral analysis was performed with the aim of understanding the two-dimensional thermal conductivity in graphene. Using the atomic velocities obtained from the simulation of ab initio molecular dynamics, and the analysis of spectral energy density, we calculated the lifetime of phonons in each mode. The calculations show that acoustical phonons ZA, LA and TA phonons have larger lifetimes and mean free path so they have more contribution in thermal conductivity. Among optical phonons, ZO-mode phonons, i.e. vibrations perpendicular to the graphene layer, have a longer lifetime than LO, TO models, but due to the low group velocity, their role in thermal vesting is negligible.
Even and odd superposition of bilayer graphene coherent states and their non-classical properties
Authors: Motamedinasab Amin , Anbaraki Azam
Published: March 2021

Using exfoliation of graphite, bilayer graphene which is composed of two monolayers of carbon atoms can be obtained. Defining annihilation operator, coherent states for charge carrier of bilayer graphene in a perpendicular magnetic field can be calculated. In this paper, introducing even and odd superposition of bilayer graphene coherent states, we investigate their non-classical properties including entanglement, statistical properties and squeezing. With the use of Concurrence, we have found that these states are entangled and the entanglement goes to zero for large values of coherency parameter. Also, using Mandel parameter and second coherence function, we have realized that only odd states represent sub-Poissonian statistics in some ranges of coherency parameter. In addition, our squeezing considerations show that none of the states exhibits squeezing in quadrature operators. The results of these properties for bilayer graphene coherent states, are different from the similar calculations for monolayer ones.