bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Six-year performance of risk-based selection for lung cancer screening in the Manchester Lung Health Check cohort
Authors: Goodley Patrick , Balata Haval , Robbins Hilary A , Booton Richard , Sperrin Matthew , Crosbie Philip A J
Published: December 2024

Objective

Risk prediction models are used to determine eligibility for targeted lung cancer screening. However, prospective data regarding model performance in this setting are limited. Here we report the performance of the PLCOm2012risk model, which calculates 6 year lung cancer risk, in a cohort invited for lung cancer screening in a socioeconomically deprived area.

Methods and analysis

Calibration (expected/observed (E/O) lung cancer diagnoses over 6 years) and discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) of PLCOm2012and other models was performed in Manchester Lung Health Check (M-LHC) participants, where PLCOm2012≥1.51% was used prospectively to determine screening eligibility. Lung cancers diagnosed by any route were captured within 6 years of risk assessment, for both screened and non-screened participants. Performance of a range of models was evaluated.

Results

Out of 2541 attendees, 56% were high-risk (n=1430/2541) and offered screening; 44% were low-risk (n=1111/2541) and not screened. Over 6 years, 7.3% (n=105/1430) and 0.9% (n=10/1111) were diagnosed with lung cancer in the high and low-risk cohorts, respectively (p<0.0001). Risk was underestimated in both high-risk, screened (E/O 0.68 (0.57–0.82)) and low-risk, unscreened groups (E/O 0.61 (0.33–1.14)). Most other models also underestimated risk.

Conclusion

Risk-based eligibility using PLCOm2012successfully classified most eventual lung cancer cases in the high-risk, screened group. Prediction models generally underestimated risk in this socioeconomically deprived cohort, irrespective of screening status. The effect of screening on increasing the probability of lung cancer diagnosis should be considered when interpreting measures of prediction model performance.
What predicts complete immunisation among 18-month to 24-month-old children in the urban slum area of Hlaingthayar Township, Yangon Region, Myanmar? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Lynn Zayar , Han Wai Wai
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In Myanmar, there are significant disparities in the delivery of immunisation services and barriers to service accessibility, particularly in border regions, conflict-affected areas, physically and geographically hard-to-reach areas, urban slums and migratory populations. The study aimed to explore the predictors for complete immunisation among 18-month to 24-month-old children in the urban slum area of Hlaingthayar Township, Yangon Region, Myanmar.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 21 to 25 July 2018. A total of 298 mothers of 18-month to 24-month-old children were recruited from the urban slum areas under five randomly selected wards by applying the cluster sampling method. Multiple binary logistic regression was performed to explore the predictors for complete immunisation. A significance level of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Out of a total of 298 children, 120 (40.3%) children were completely immunised, and the immunisation coverages ranged from 52.7% for the second dose of measles-rubella vaccine to 81.9% for the first dose of oral polio vaccine. Multivariate logistic regression model revealed that mothers having university and above education (AOR=2.65, 95% CI 1.07 to 6.56), mothers with permanent residency (AOR=2.19, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.15), primiparous mothers (AOR=1.76, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.95), mothers with medium knowledge (AOR=2.38, 95% CI 1.07 to 5.30) and high knowledge about childhood immunisation (AOR=5.89, 95% CI 2.23 to 15.60), and mothers with positive perception of childhood immunisation (AOR=2.26, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.85) were the significant predictors for complete immunisation among children.

Conclusion

The proportion of complete immunisation was low, and associated with maternal education, residency, parity, knowledge and perception of childhood immunisation. Having a comprehensive understanding of these predictors will facilitate the government and other relevant stakeholders to establish effective strategies promoting access to immunisation services among the urban slum communities in Myanmar.
How many monthly nighttime-sleep opportunities are optimal for recovery from fatigue among shift-working nurses? A 1-month sleep log observational study to test anchor nighttime sleep in Japan
Authors: Kubo Tomohide , Ikeda Hiroki , Izawa Shuhei , Nishimura Yuki
Published: December 2024

Background

Given that nighttime sleep has more recuperative power than daytime sleep, ensuring the former is important to recovery from work, especially for shift-working nurses. In this 1-month sleep log study, we preliminarily examined how the number of monthly nighttime-sleep opportunities relates to fatigue-related outcomes among shift-working nurses.

Methods

526 nurses were required to record their daily sleep duration immediately after waking from sleep for 1 month. We analysed the associations among the four sleep groups (ie, ≤ 12, 13–19, 20–24 and≥24 nighttime-sleep opportunities per month) and fatigue-related outcomes. A one-way analysis of covariance or generalised linear mixed model (factor: sleep group) was conducted using R (version 4.2.2.) to test the association.

Results

Significant differences among the four sleep groups were obtained using the excessive fatigue symptom inventory (EFSI), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and the numbers of near-miss incidents. Moreover, significant linear trends were observed in the EFSI and PSQI scores.

Conclusions

Shift-working nurses who experienced 12 or fewer monthly nighttime-sleep opportunities showed worse fatigue-related outcomes than those who had sufficient monthly nighttime-sleep opportunities. Therefore, more attention should be paid to ensuring monthly nighttime-sleep opportunities when creating a shift schedule.
Use of emergency services in response to a flood: an account of the aftermath of the May 2023 flood in Romagna, Italy
Authors: Portoraro Andrea , Vallicelli Giorgia , Strada Andrea , Farina Gabriele , De Giorgio Roberto , Rosa Simona , Golinelli Davide , Grilli Roberto
Published: December 2024

Background

Extreme weather events due to human activities have significantly increased the frequency and severity of hydrological disasters like floods, impacting human health and healthcare systems worldwide. This study analyses the patterns of emergency service utilisation of the May 2023 flood in Romagna, Italy, and specifically investigates the differences in emergency department (ED) visits and mortality between individuals exposed and not exposed to the flood.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted including 813 724 citizens of Romagna, Italy, from 15 May to 31 August 2023 (ie, 14 weeks after flood inception). The study differentiated between individuals in flood-affected (exposed) and non-affected (unexposed) areas, assessing ED visit rates (overall and by disease category), hospitalisation odds and mortality. Data were analysed using multivariate regression models, adjusting for demographic variables, comorbidities and social frailty, assessed using the Deprivation Index.

Results

Of the study population, 586 437 were exposed to the flood, while 227 287 were not exposed. ED visits totalled 33 331 for those exposed to the flood and 13 185 for the unexposed group. Overall, 27 527 (4.7%) of those in the exposed group and 10 829 (4.8%) in the unexposed group experienced at least one ED visit (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.01). Frequency of access with severe triage scores was higher among those exposed as well as rate of hospitalisation after ED visit. Among those exposed, the rate of ED admission was lower for ophthalmology diseases (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.77 to 0.92) and general disorders and minor problems (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.78 to 0.93), and higher for trauma (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.36) and mental health disorders (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.75). Exposed individuals had a slightly increased risk of death in the subsequent weeks (OR: 1.09; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.19).

Conclusion

The May 2023 flood in Romagna revealed enhanced vulnerability of the directly affected population, as shown by higher acuity ED presentations and subsequent hospitalisations, as well as more visits for trauma and mental health.
Hybrid performances in sport: Cybathlon spectatorship for critically imagining technologies for disability futures
Authors: Barker Ned , Parker Harry
Published: December 2024

Disabled bodies have been historically marginalised in sporting arenas and spectacles. Assistive technologies have been increasingly featuring in, and changing, sporting landscapes. In some ways recent shifts have made disability more present and visible across many (para) sporting cultures, and yet sport continues to operate on a tiered system that assumes a normative able body. This paper responds to this moment by offering imaginaries of future hybrid performances that critically engage with the politics and possibilities of novel technologies in sporting arenas and their wider impact on disability futures. These were generated from a collaborative ethnography that centred on becoming spectators of the Cybathlon Games. The Cybathlon Games began in 2016 as a global event where people with disabilities compete with technologies such as Brain-Computer Interfaces or robotic Prosthesis. Our imaginings are presented as three speculative fragments in the form of pages ripped from a comic book series,The In/Visibles. These fragments and critical reflections are grounded on themes generated through watching the Games together. The purpose of this paper is not to offer predictions or even visions of desirable futures. Rather we present future technologised sporting bodies and spectacles with a view to extend critical posthuman discussions to these arenas. Through this we highlight: (1) Thearbitrarinessof where to draw the between un/natural performances; (2) Theabsurditiesof unrestricted and open use of performance technologies when hybrid forms and functions are judged through current sporting-humanist values; and (3) The need to stayalertto socioeconomic and political drivers of sporting and disability futures. We offer these three zones of friction to guide further research when navigating the complex and shifting relations between sport, technology and the (dis)abled body now and into the future.
Life history traits of marine Diptera in the Nearctic Pacific
Authors: Gibson Joel F. , Choong Henry H.C.
Published: December 2024

The generally accepted paradigm maintains that insects are either freshwater or terrestrial, but never marine. Recent research, however, has shown that there are insects adapted to a life within the marine intertidal zone. This study provides evidence of adaptations to specific morphodynamic marine shoreline habitats, including stranded marine algal wrack, surface-substrate cover, and geographical location, among 33 species of British Columbia Diptera reported from marine habitats. A total of 2123 specimens were collected and identified from 96 survey events that also included surveys of algal wrack. Of the 33 marine species examined, 15 demonstrated a statistically significant association with a specific shoreline habitat element. In marine Diptera, variation in algal wrack type may play an important role in maintaining diversity by supporting species differences within and between wrack communities, thereby preventing competitive exclusion, even though overall insect diversity in marine environments remains lower than freshwater or strictly terrestrial habitats. In addition, nine species represent new range records for British Columbia or Canada: Fucellia apicalis Kertesz, 1908, Fucellia thinobia (Thomson, 1869), Tethina horripilans (Melander, 1952), Melanderia mandibulata Aldrich, 1922, Paraphrosylus wirthi (Harmston, 1951), Helcomyza mirabilis Melander, 1920, Heterocheila hannai (Cole, 1921), Chersodromia parallela (Melander, 1927), and Scathophaga litorea (Fallén, 1819).
Passive control methods for cavitating flow control: A large eddy simulation study
Authors: Emadi Zahra , Mirjalily Seyed Ali Agha
Published: December 2024

Biomimicry presents a promising approach for enhancing the performance of marine vehicles. By considering the skin structure of high-speed fish, it is possible to develop biomimetic designs that effectively control cavitation. This study uses large eddy simulation (LES) methodology to develop novel concepts for cavitation control and performance enhancement inspired by the biomimetic fish scale structure. The analysis examines several key factors, such as the vapor area covering the hydrofoil surface, pressure distribution and vorticity magnitude distributions. The results indicate that implementing biomimetic fish scales reduces the cavitating zone, defined as the area covered by vapor on the hydrofoil surface and contributes to lowering flow fluctuations, thereby enhancing the stability and efficiency of the hydrofoil. Furthermore, this study examines the impact of wall contact angle (CA) on cavitation phenomena. It finds that a wall CA of [Formula: see text] reduces the cavitation bubbles more effectively compared to the angles of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Mitigating Supply Disruption Risks: Impact of Product Upgrading Strategy
Authors: Yang Lu , Zhang Jun , Shi Xiutian
Published: December 2024

Supply disruption is one of the crucial risks faced by supply chains in the changing external environment. To mitigate supply disruption risk and enhance resilience, product upgrading with Research and Development (R&D) investment is widely adopted by firms. In this paper, we establish a game-theoretic model to study the operation decisions and product upgrading strategies for a supply chain. Specifically, Firm 1 faces supply disruption risks when selling a normal product with a key component sourced from an unreliable supplier. To achieve supply resilience, the firm has an incentive to replace the unreliable supplier with product upgrading supported by R&D. It has an option to make high or low investments in R&D projects, indicating a high or low success rate. Our findings reveal that Firm 1 prefers to make investments in R&D for the upgraded product at a high investment level when the additional production cost of the upgraded product is relatively low or both the upgrading cost and supply disruption risk are relatively high. Extending our model to a duopoly scenario, we investigate the impact of competition on the product upgrading strategy selection. It is shown that a firm with a sufficiently large market share can drive its competitor out of the market by making R&D investments. Compared to the monopoly scenario, Firm 1 has a stronger incentive to upgrade the product under the duopoly scenario if its market share is relatively low. Finally, we identify the conditions where consumers get benefits from product upgrading. Our findings shed light on the importance of product upgrading strategy in a volatile business environment and provide insights into how firms can effectively mitigate supply disruption risk through R&D investments.
Compact Multilayer Reconfigurable Dual-Band Filters using Mixed Resonators
Authors: Radovanović Stefan , Ivaniš Milka Potrebić , Tošić Dejan V. , Tatović Ana
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we realize a compact reconfigurable dual-band bandpass filter using memristive switches. The filter consists of two fourth-order single-band bandpass filters with mixed resonators. For the filter implementation, we use microstrip technology. In order to miniaturize the footprint area, around two times, we adopt the multilayer technology. The proposed filter has two operating modes: (1) dual-band bandpass (2BP) with both switches in the OFF state, and (2) single-band bandpass (1BP) for the switches in the ON state. A commercial RF memristor is not available yet, so we emulate its ON/OFF state with short- or open-circuit for the filter prototype fabrication. Measurements of the microstrip prototype validate the proposed design and are in good agreement with the 3D EM and circuit simulations. For 2BP mode, the central frequencies are 2.42[Formula: see text]GHz and 5.19[Formula: see text]GHz, while the 3[Formula: see text]dB fractional bandwidths (3dB FBW) are 7.7% and 5.35%, respectively. On the other hand, 1BP mode has a lower central frequency equal to 2.42[Formula: see text]GHz and the 3dB FBW is 7.6%, while the higher passband is suppressed more than 25[Formula: see text]dB. The footprint area is 0.37 [Formula: see text].18 [Formula: see text], when [Formula: see text] is given for the lower central frequency at 2.42[Formula: see text]GHz.
Resistorless Realization of Three-Port Circulator using Operational Transconductance Amplifiers
Authors: Gupta Priyanka , Pandey Neeta , Pandey Rajeshwari
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we propose a three-port circulator circuit based on operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) that features a resistorless topology, categorizing it as a type-A circulator. The behavior of the proposed structure is analyzed in the presence of OTA nonidealities, with corresponding mathematical formulations presented. The functionality of the circuit is verified through SPICE simulations using 180[Formula: see text]nm CMOS technology parameters. We also examine the circuit’s performance across various process corners, as well as under supply and temperature variations, finding that the port behavior remains consistent. Additionally, the impact of process variation is assessed through Monte Carlo simulations comprising 100 runs, revealing that the circuit exhibits minimal sensitivity, with the mean frequency at port 2 being 1.006[Formula: see text]MHz and a standard deviation of 493[Formula: see text]Hz. The linearity of the proposed circuit is evaluated, showing a total harmonic distortion (THD) variation of less than 2%.
Study of the break-up of fission fragments in solid-state foils using double-hit experimental approach
Authors: Kamanin D. V. , Zhuchko V. E. , Goryainova Z. I. , Kuznetsova E. A. , Sereda Yu. M. , Solodov A. N. , Strekalovsky O. V. , Zhukova A. O. , Pyatkov Yu. V. , Vilane Th.
Published: December 2024

The results of the investigation of the binary break-up of some fraction of the fission fragments from the binary fission of [Formula: see text]Cf(sf), while they pass through the Ta foil are presented. The “double-hit” experimental approach, which implies that both partners of the break-up are detected in the same PIN diode, was applied. In this work, special attention is paid to the break-up, accompanied by the light charged particles, that was revealed in three experiments performed under three different settings. Consistency of the results from all three experiments gives evidence of the reliability of the experimental findings.
CELLULAR ADHESION IMPACT ON EPIDERMAL WOUND HEALING
Authors: ATICI ENDES EMİNE
Published: December 2024

Alongside the random motion of cells, adhesive movement is essential for collective migration. Adhesion generates pushing and pulling force between moving cells. Although maintaining these collective dynamics of cells in repairing an epidermal wound is essential, the adhesivity of cells arising from the interaction between each other has been ignored in most mathematical studies modeling epidermal wounds. To understand the impact of cellular adhesion in the biological basis of epidermal wounds, in this paper, we start from the model proposed by Wearing and Sherratt (Math. Biosci. 165(1):41–62, 2000) investigating the activity of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) on epidermal wound healing. We reduce their five-variable model to three, incorporating an advection term reflecting the cell-cell adhesion force. Based on numerical simulations of the healing progression, we compare the results of the proposed non-local model focussing on the activity of the advection term. This work further allows us to interpret the influence of adhesion on the re-epithelialization speed. We conclude that the adhesive bonds between basal cells have a significant effect when the amount of KGF in the wound area is suboptimal.
ANALYSIS OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN BRAIN AND MUSCLE REACTION IN REST AND LIMB MOVEMENTS
Authors: FRISCHER ROBERT , KREJCAR ONDREJ , GHOSH DIPAK KUMAR , NAMAZI HAMIDREZA
Published: December 2024

The study of correlations between different organs under various conditions is a prominent field in biomedical science and engineering. This paper explores the relationship between brain and muscle activities during rest and various limb movements including plantar flexion and knee flexion. We employed complexity measures, calculating the fractal dimension (FD) and sample entropy (SampEn) of electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) signals, which serve as indicators of brain and muscle activities, respectively. Our analysis focused on how the complexity variations in these signals correlate across different tasks. The results revealed opposite trends in the complexity of EEG and EMG signals. Specifically, the complexity of EEG signals increased from initial rest to final rest, plantar flexion, and knee flexion, suggesting heightened neural activity likely due to motor planning and execution. Conversely, the complexity of EMG signals decreased, indicating more synchronized and consistent muscle contractions during these movements, reflecting coordinated motor control and reduced variability in muscular activity. This analytical approach can be applied to study the correlations between different organs’ reactions and brain activity across various tasks.
ADVANCED MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION OF FRICTION STIR WELDED AZ31 MAGNESIUM ALLOY USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK AND GREY RELATIONAL ANALYSIS
Authors: SABARI K. , MUNIAPPAN A. , DEEPANRAJ B. , MOHAMED M. JINNAH SHEIK
Published: December 2024

Friction stir welding (FSW) has become one of the most used solid-state joining methods because of the increased mechanical properties and weld quality that can be obtained. The present investigation focuses on the effects of Titanium Carbide nanoparticles (TiCnp) reinforcement with the welds of AZ31 magnesium alloy using the grey relational coefficient optimization technique with the aid of artificial neural networks (ANNs) for modeling. The parameters considered are TiCnp content of approximately 1.5[Formula: see text]wt.%, tool inclination angle of 0∘, 1∘, and 2∘, tool spindle speed of 1000, 1250, and 1500[Formula: see text]rpm, tool geometry square, cylinder, and triangle, feed rate of 25, 50, and 75[Formula: see text]mm/min and axial force of 5, 10, and 15[Formula: see text]kN. Other mechanical properties determined involve microhardness, Tensile Strength (TS), wear rate (WR), and impact strength (IS). The results show the improvement of mechanical properties with an increase in TiCnp concentration within the range which implies that the highest TS of 242[Formula: see text]MPa is obtainable when the amount of TiCnp is optimally added. Interestingly, while identifying the optimal parameters for mechanical properties, it was ascertained that 1250[Formula: see text]rpm of rotational speed (RS), 50[Formula: see text]mm/min of traverse speed (TS), 1∘ of tilt angle (TA), and square tool profile shape were found to have the best results. Similar findings were backed up by the ANN models whereby the introduction of TiCnp into the AZ31[Formula: see text]Mg alloy boosts TS to about 130[Formula: see text]MPa, microhardness to 70[Formula: see text]MPa and IS to about 89.34[Formula: see text]MPa, and lowers WR to 0.0046[Formula: see text]m3/m. This integrated approach highlights the possibility of applying ANN coupled with grey relational analysis for the improvement of FSW process for improving the material characteristics.
Pathwise regularization by noise for semilinear SPDEs driven by a multiplicative cylindrical Brownian motion
Authors: Bechtold Florian , Harang Fabian A.
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we prove a regularization by noise phenomenon for semilinear SPDEs driven by multiplicative cylindrical Brownian motion and singular diffusion coefficient, addressing an open problem in Ref. 8. The analysis combines infinite-dimensional generalizations of arguments from Ref. 5 with a detailed maximal regularity analysis for semilinear SPDEs, utilizing Volterra-sewing techniques from Ref. 23.
Influence of Random Traffic Flow on Train-Bridge Dynamic Coupling Effect of Long-Span Rail-Cum-Road Suspension Bridge
Authors: He Haonan , Zheng Yuhao , Zhang Yanghao , Wang Ming , Li Xiaozhen
Published: December 2024

For rail-cum-road bridges, when the bridge span increases and road traffic becomes dense, the coupling effect between vehicles and the bridge cannot be ignored. This paper establishes a coupled dynamic analysis model that includes four subsystems: vehicles, trains, tracks, and the bridge. In this system, each vehicle in the random traffic flow is treated as an independent entity with its own motion equations. By focusing on the deformation characteristics of the bridge, the study reveals how vehicles impact train’s running stability. Additionally, a parameter analysis is conducted to identify the key influencing parameters of random traffic flow. The results show that the movement of vehicles induces notable deformation in the bridge’s main girder, particularly increasing the amplitude of alignment with wavelengths both below 200[Formula: see text]m and above 200[Formula: see text]m at the bridge tower area, and increasing the amplitude of alignment with wavelengths above 200[Formula: see text]m at the main span. This leads to heightened train vibration acceleration and centrifugal acceleration. The maximum train acceleration while crossing the bridge is observed in the bridge tower area, increasing from 0.12[Formula: see text]m/s2 in the absence of vehicles to 0.3[Formula: see text]m/s2 under the condition with vehicles. Among the parameters of random traffic flow, the average vehicle weight on the bridge significantly influences the vertical acceleration of the train, showing a linear relationship.
BiLSTM-AM: A Deep Learning Model for Indirect Identification of Track Irregularity Using In-Service Vehicle Acceleration Responses
Authors: He Xuhui , Zhao Yongshuai , Shi Kang
Published: December 2024

The precise and effective identification of track irregularity is of great significance in ensuring the safety of train operations. The study proposes a novel deep learning model BiLSTM-AM, Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) model incorporating attentional mechanisms (AM), for indirectly identifying track irregularity by utilizing in-service vehicle acceleration responses. The BiLSTM containing a forward LSTM network and a backward LSTM network is employed to capture the dependence of vehicle acceleration and track irregularities at different locations. The joining of AM can further improve the accuracy and robustness of the model by emphasizing the importance of the key information that has a substantial impact on the identification results. The identification precision is verified by comparing the different types of identified track irregularities with the true values, and its applicability and robustness are further investigated by parameter study for the effects of key parameters, including the number of inputting acceleration responses, running speed, noise level and bridge damping ratio. The results indicate that the model applies to the identification of track irregularity in several complex scenarios, even for the speed running at 350 km/h, bridge damping ratios of 0.05, and noise levels up to 20%. Besides, the great significance of the proposed model is that only one vehicle acceleration is required to obtain satisfactory recognition accuracy in practical applications.
Hydroelastic Analysis of Pontoon-Type Very Large Floating Structures with Multiple Perforated Barrier Attachments
Authors: Nguyen H. P. , Nguyen-Thoi T.
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a hydroelastic analysis of a pontoon-type Very Large Floating Structure (VLFS) with multiple barriers of varying porosities. The Mindlin plate theory is applied to model the VLFS, while the linear potential wave theory is used to model fluid motions. For interactions between the fluid and impermeable solid surfaces, a boundary condition equating normal fluid and structural velocities is imposed. For fluid interactions with perforated barriers, an empirical model is adopted, where the pressure of fluid passing through the barriers is assumed to drop in a quadratic relationship with the fluid velocity. The mathematical model is solved using an iterative numerical framework based on the finite element method and dual boundary element method. Numerical examples of VLFSs with single and multiple barriers of different porosities are presented. The numerical results indicate that the number and porosity of barrier attachments can be optimized to minimize the hydroelastic responses of the VLFS under specific wave conditions. A combination of a perforated barrier placed in front of an impermeable barrier demonstrates good performance in mitigating the VLFS’s hydroelastic responses, with reasonable horizontal forces on the mooring system as compared to other possible combinations of barrier porosities.
Thermal and Mechanical Bifurcation Stability Analyses of Clamped Hybrid Dual-FG Composite Annular and Circular Plates
Authors: Peng Shengguang , Gao Jun , Wu Zhixin
Published: December 2024

This research evaluates the thermal buckling of novel hybrid dual-functionally graded (dual-FG) composite annular and circular plates. This composite plate is made of FG polymeric matrix which is reinforced with graphene platelets (GPLs) fillers for better performance. The distribution of GPLs is assumed based on the various linear FG models. Modeling of this medium is conducted by means of a consecutive homogenization approach. In the first step, the Voigt micromechanical rule is employed to obtain the effective elasticity properties of the polymeric FG materials. In the next step, the homogenization of the medium comprised of polymeric FG materials as the matrix and GPLs as the reinforcements is performed using the Halpin–Tsai micromechanical rule. It should be mentioned that the distribution and orientation of fillers are assumed uniform and random within the composite medium. Moreover, the uniform temperature rise state within the immovable clamped plate is selected when the thermal stability is target. Besides, when the mechanical stability is considered, a movable clamped plate under uniform compressive loads is selected. The nonlinear equilibrium equations are derived by considering the exponential higher-order shear deformation theory and geometrically nonlinear von Kármán strain relations. Utilizing the adjacent-equilibrium criterion and appropriate linearization, the equations of pre-buckling path and bifurcation point are characterized. A semi-analytical method based on the generalized differential quadrature and trigonometric expansion approaches is implemented to solve them. After verifying the provided model and solution technique by comparing the present model with simpler studies, novel results are calculated. In obtaining the novel results, the effect of hybrid dual-FG composite characteristics in tuning the critical temperature or compressive loads of the system is completely examined.
Damage Identification of Bridge Structures Under Moving Loads Based on Fractional Fourier Transform
Authors: Lu Lian , Xu Bo-Kai , He Wen-Yu , Zhou Yu , Wei Lu-Nan
Published: December 2024

Timely and accurate damage identification can provide necessary guidance for bridge operation and maintenance. As the moving load is the main live load during service period, this paper proposes a damage identification method for bridges subjected to moving load based on fractional Fourier transform (FRFT). First, bridge response induced by moving load in time domain is rotated into fractional Fourier domain by using FRFT. Filtering and decomposing are conducted on the transformed moving load induced response by adjusting the angle parameter of FRFT and inverse FRFT to obtain the first intrinsic mode function. Then the relative FRFT entropy (RFE) index is defined based on the first intrinsic mode function for damage localization. The functional relationship between RFE and damage severity is established for damage quantification. Numerical and experimental examples of a simply supported beam with positive damage and negative damage under the excitation of moving load are carried out to investigate the performance of the proposed method. The results reveal that the proposed method can effectively and rapidly localize and quantify damages of the bridge subjected to moving load with a single sensor.
Formation of Toroidal Explosively Formed Projectile and Its Penetration into Concrete Targets
Authors: Hu Yu , Ji Chong , Wang Yuting , Wang Xin , Zhao Changxiao , Qian Huanyu , Wang Kejie
Published: December 2024

The study of the penetration efficiency of formed charges with different liner structures has practical implications for optimizing combatant structure design. In this paper, a kind of toroidal explosively formed projectile (TEFP) is proposed and the influence of the cone angle and morphology of the liner on the formation mechanism and penetration performance of TEFP is analyzed by numerical simulation. The results showed that, with the same charge mass, the TEFP exhibited a better hole reaming performance than the shaped charge jet; as the liner cone angle increased from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] in a stepwise manner, the axial velocity of the TEFP increased slightly, while the penetration cavity diameter tended to decrease. Compared with the straight cone liner structure, the curved cone liner TEFP significantly improved the penetration depth with a slightly lower penetration cavity diameter, realizing the large-diameter penetration breakout effect for concrete targets.
Modal Energy Equivalence Method for Calculating Amplitude-Dependent Viscous Damping of Distributed Stick–Slip Systems
Authors: He Chong , Sun Feifei , Li Guo-Qiang
Published: December 2024

The stick–slip mechanism caused by interfacial friction is one of the primary sources of structural damping, with its damping contribution commonly quantified by the equivalent viscous damping ratio (EVDR). To date, no method is available to calculate the amplitude-dependent modal EVDR of a multi-degree-of-freedom system with a distributed stick–slip mechanism. This study presented a novel method named the modal energy equivalence method (MEEM) to calculate the amplitude-dependent EVDR for normal modes of a distributed stick–slip system (DSSS). Based on a generalized single-degree-of-freedom stick–slip system, the analytical expression for the amplitude-dependent EVDR was developed in modal coordinates by applying the energy balance principle. The seismic analysis results indicated that the MEEM could effectively capture the three-stage amplitude dependence of modal EVDR and provide accurate response estimates over a wide amplitude range for the DSSS. Finally, for practical applications of the MEEM, the Rayleigh damping was determined with multi-modal EVDRs using the linear least squares method, and its effectiveness was validated based on the responses from the equivalent analysis.
Comparative Study of Quantitative Removal Methods for Effects of Light Intensity Using Multiple Weights Conditions
Authors: Shimizu Miku , Itakura Naoaki , Mito Kazuyuki , Mizuno Tota
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we propose a method to reduce the effect of light intensity on the extraction of skin information from real facial images. We have previously studied methods for estimating autonomic nervous activity, which is an indicator of stress, using real facial images. The results showed the possibility of assessing stress by capturing peripheral blood flow changes from the R–B values in the nasal area. However, it is possible that reflections and shadows caused by changes in the amount of light hitting the skin due to body movements, such as facial movements, could become noise. Therefore, this study proposes a weighting method to reduce the effect of light intensity caused by body movements quantitatively. We believe that this method can establish a stress evaluation method independent of the shooting environment. The results of the validation experiments using the proposed method suggest that it is possible to quantitatively reduce the effect of light intensity and evaluate peripheral blood flow conditions from actual facial images with high accuracy. This indicates the usefulness of the proposed method for stress evaluation.
An Overview of Recent Advances and Applications of Nanocubes, Nanopores and Nanosheets
Authors: Aliyev Subhan , Jabbarli Nazrin , Bandiyev Anar , Rasulov Elnur , Eminli Isfandiyar , Moradi Rasoul
Published: December 2024

Nanocubes, nanopores and nanosheets have emerged as captivating entities in the realm of electrochemistry, offering unique properties for diverse applications. This comprehensive review explores recent strides in the applications of these novel nanomaterials. The pursuit of efficient and cost-effective energy storage devices has led to innovations like CuO/ZnO nanocubes, demonstrating enhanced properties for supercapacitors. Additionally, the study delves into the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts, presenting cost-effective alternatives like Ru-doped CoFeP nanocubes and Mn-containing catalysts with improved performance. Single entity electrochemistry techniques shed light on the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity of Co3O4 nanocubes in OER. The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) showcases the potential of nanocubes, such as In/ZnO@C hollow nanocubes and copper nanocubes, in synthesizing valuable chemicals like formate and ethylene. Furthermore, the exploration extends to the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate and enantiorecognition, revealing the efficacy of metal-n–nonmetal alloyed mesoporous nanocubes. As nanocubes continue to unveil their potential, their integration into practical applications promises to revolutionize electrochemical technologies, paving the way for a sustainable future.
On the Lie derivative of an affine connection and its geometrical meaning
Authors: Vignolo Stefano , Fabbri Luca
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we present geometrical interpretations of the Lie derivative and the Lie-invariance for an affine connection, based on two geometrical constructions: the former is given on the tangent bundle and relies on the notion of linear Ehresmann connection; the latter is developed on the frame bundle and is based on the more common notion of principal connection.
Fuzzy Implication Operators: Health Security and Political Risk
Authors: Mordeson John N. , Mathew Sunil
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we develop a new method to determine a fuzzy similarity measure using fuzzy implication operators. We use this method to determine the fuzzy similarity between the two rankings of countries involving health security and health care. We then find a fuzzy similarity of countries involving the two rankings of countries with respect to national disaster and political disaster.
Preparation of Ni-Based Magnetic Nanocarbon and its Adsorption Performance on Methylene Blue
Authors: Lin Xiaoying , Xu Lifang , Lin Songye , Lin Hao , Guo Tao , Li Yuqi , Liu Yamin
Published: December 2024

The synthesis of magnetic porous carbon nanocomposites derived from a nickel-based metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF) via a simple solvothermal approach is reported herein. The potential of these materials for the adsorption of methyl blue (MB) dye was investigated. The physicochemical properties of the Ni-MOF-C materials were comprehensively characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). At a carbonization temperature of 550[Formula: see text]C, Ni-MOF-C exhibited a maximum specific surface area of 162.17[Formula: see text]m2/g and saturation magnetization of 32.27[Formula: see text]emu/g. The material was employed for the physical adsorption of Coomassie methylene blue dye, with adsorption influenced by pH, initial dye concentration, contact time, and temperature. Under optimized conditions, including a feed pH of 10, an initial dye concentration of 1000[Formula: see text]mg/L, a contact time of 60[Formula: see text]min, and a temperature of 55[Formula: see text]C, Ni-MOF-C-550[Formula: see text]C demonstrated its highest MB dye adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the observed adsorption behavior was effectively described by both the Freundlich isothermal adsorption model and the quasi-second-order kinetic model.
Photocatalytic performance of BaTi5O11 nanocrystals synthesized by sol–gel method for methylene blue degradation
Authors: Yang Guangyuan , Zhao Xiaokang , Che Jing , Huang Ke , Peng Sanwen , Wang Junjie , Guo Dongyun
Published: December 2024

BaTi5O[Formula: see text] nanocrystals were synthesized by a sol–gel method, and their photocatalytic performance was investigated by degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV-light irradiation. The single-phase BaTi5O[Formula: see text] nanocrystals were sintered at 800°C for 180 min, which mainly consisted of nanoparticles and irregular flaky nanocrystals. The BaTi5O[Formula: see text] nanocrystals showed good photocatalytic degradation efficiency for MB. After 60 min UV-light irradiation, the photodegradation efficiency of MB was 96.5%, and the BaTi5O[Formula: see text] nanocrystals also exhibited good photocatalytic performance for Rhodamine (89.3%) and tetracycline (TC) (94.2%) degradation. In the process of photocatalytic degradation, the •OH radicals played the most important role, and the radicals of •O2[Formula: see text] and h[Formula: see text] displayed secondary function.
Study of energy absorption and recovery characteristics of shape memory material zero Poisson’s ratio gradient structures
Authors: Zhou Rui , Zhao Qizhen , Li Biao , Du Chunzhi
Published: December 2024

The integration of smart materials with metamaterials offers significant research value in additive manufacturing. This paper proposes a novel approach combining shape memory polymers (SMP) with zero Poisson’s ratio (ZPR) metamaterials to create better space-filling, lightweight, and high-energy absorbing materials. A cellular structure with three deformation processes was designed by adjusting the rib arm lengths of the ZPR lattice AuxHex, forming a 3D gradient structure. The cellular units were also prepared using the dual-nozzle fusion filament printing technique, and the energy absorption and shape recovery properties of various hierarchical gradient structures, compared to the uniform structure, were simulated and analyzed using the viscoelastic intrinsic model. The results indicate that all gradient structures exhibit superior energy absorption capabilities compared to uniform materials, with the energy absorption performance of the optimal gradient material being 44.32% higher than that of the nongradient material, and they also enhance the shape recovery performance to some extent. Furthermore, it was observed that when a lattice layer, which avoids internal rib contact throughout the compression process, is positioned in the middle layer, it harmonizes the deformation of the upper and lower layers, thereby improving overall stability. This configuration enhances both energy absorption and partial shape recovery performance, offering a novel approach for the design of smart material assemblies with graded metamaterial structures. This study provides a new perspective and methodology for the future design of supergradient smart material collections.
Rate of convergence in multiple SLE using random matrix theory
Authors: Campbell Andrew , Luh Kyle , Margarint Vlad
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we provide a rate of convergence for a version of the Carathéodory convergence for the multiple SLE model with a Dyson Brownian motion driver towards its hydrodynamic limit, for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The results are obtained by combining techniques from the field of Schramm–Loewner Evolutions with modern techniques from random matrices. Our approach shows how one can apply modern tools used in the proof of universality in random matrix theory to the field of Schramm–Loewner Evolutions.
Requirements are All You Need: The Final Frontier for End-User Software Engineering
Authors: Robinson Diana , Cabrera Christian , Gordon Andrew D. , Lawrence Neil D. , Mennen Lars
Published: December 2024

What if end users could own the software development life cycle from conception to deployment using only requirements expressed in language, images, video or audio? We explore this idea, building on the capabilities that Generative Artificial Intelligence brings to software generation and maintenance techniques. How could designing software in this way better serve end users? What are the implications of this process for the future of end-user software engineering and the software development life cycle? We discuss the research needed to bridge the gap between where we are today and these imagined systems of the future.
Prevention of cardiovascular disease in women with type 2 diabetes: the role of incretin mimetics and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors
Authors: Ibrahim Eiman , Burken Mya , Lastra Guido , Manrique-Acevedo Camila
Published: December 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), with women experiencing a disproportionate risk of events compared with men. Women have an amplified burden of cardiovascular risk factors once T2D is diagnosed. Incretin mimetics now plays a central role in managing cardiovascular risk by improving glycemic control, promoting weight loss, and potentially exerting direct cardioprotective effects. Similarly, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors contribute to CVD prevention through various nonglucose-lowering mechanisms. Both classes of medications are integral to personalized treatment strategies aimed at addressing the heightened cardiovascular risk faced by women with diabetes. This mini-review addresses possible mechanisms underlying the increased cardiovascular risk and explores the role of incretin mimetics and SGLT2 inhibitors in mitigating CVD in women with T2D. Emphasizing personalized and sex-specific approaches in diabetes care is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes and improving cardiovascular health.
Gamma‐Ray Spectrometry of Soil Samples From a Pilot Site of Uranium Anomaly in the Sahel Region of Burkina Faso
Authors: Beogo Cedric E. , Cisse Ousmane I. , Ansong Martin , Zougmore François
Published: December 2024

The natural radioactivity level has been determined in a pilot site located at Solhan, in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso by means of gamma‐ray spectrometry in soil samples collected at a depth of 40 cm. The activity concentrations are estimated for  238U (range from 181.89 ± 3.62 to 191.37 ± 3.71 Bq·kg−1),  232Th (range from 44.92 ± 2.96 to 48.40 ± 3.25 Bq·kg−1), and  40K (range from 215.11 ± 6.13 to 238.60 ± 6.52 Bq·kg−1). The concentration of  238U present in these soil samples is five times higher than the world average, while the concentration of  232Th is almost the double of the world average. However, the concentration of  40K is particularly low in the study area, being almost half the world average. Additionally, calculations of the Th/K and Th/U ratios indicate the presence of a clay soil and insoluble uranium in the study area. These results made it possible to assess the radiological hazards on the human health. This allowed us to note that the average values of absorbed gamma dose rate in air (124.14 nGy·h−1), internal hazard index (1.24), annual effective dose equivalent (0.76 mSv·y−1), and excess lifetime cancer risk (5.34 × 10−4) are well above the maximum recommended limits. Only the mean values of radium equivalent activity (271.39 Bq·kg−1) and external hazard index (0.73) remain within the acceptable limit.