bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantum‐based diagnostics approach for additive manufacturing machine
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Gupta Shantanu , Mehta Gaurav , Lad Bhupesh K.
Published: March 2021

Current Additive Manufacturing machines have limited techniques to observe process conditions and to decrease process errors. In order to overcome these limitations and increase the level and accuracy of machine intelligence, machine conditions need to be monitored more meticulously. A novel method for the condition monitoring of a 3D‐printer is proposed in this paper. Quantum support vector machine (QSVM) is compiled for recognizing the health condition of the 3D‐printer. The proposed quantum machine learning approach helps in monitoring the health state of the machine and classifies the same as healthy or aberrant. Classical machine learning approaches are inefficient to process the large amount of experimental data in real time. For better decision‐making on such big data, quantum machine learning approaches are deployed which are much more efficient due to their exponential speed and parallel operation on complex sensor data, they show speedups in both the dimensionality and number of experimental data deployed to train the algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed method has higher accuracy in fault diagnosis than the traditional Support Vector Machine. All the numerical simulations and experiments have been carried out on a real quantum hardware provided by the IBM Quantum computing over the cloud.
A survey on adversarial attacks and defences
Authors: Chakraborty Anirban , Alam Manaar , Dey Vishal , Chattopadhyay Anupam , Mukhopadhyay Debdeep
Published: March 2021

Deep learning has evolved as a strong and efficient framework that can be applied to a broad spectrum of complex learning problems which were difficult to solve using the traditional machine learning techniques in the past. The advancement of deep learning has been so radical that today it can surpass human‐level performance. As a consequence, deep learning is being extensively used in most of the recent day‐to‐day applications. However, efficient deep learning systems can be jeopardised by using crafted adversarial samples, which may be imperceptible to the human eye, but can lead the model to misclassify the output. In recent times, different types of adversaries based on their threat model leverage these vulnerabilities to compromise a deep learning system where adversaries have high incentives. Hence, it is extremely important to provide robustness to deep learning algorithms against these adversaries. However, there are only a few strong countermeasures which can be used in all types of attack scenarios to design a robust deep learning system. Herein, the authors attempt to provide a detailed discussion on different types of adversarial attacks with various threat models and also elaborate on the efficiency and challenges of recent countermeasures against them.
A combined survey on distribution system state estimation and false data injection in cyber‐physical power distribution networks
Authors: Bhattar Poornachandratejasvi Laxman , Pindoriya Naran M. , Sharma Anurag
Published: March 2021

The penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) in distribution systems has entailed heavy deployment of monitoring and control infrastructure in the distribution system. This deployment of sensors and communication infrastructure has led to the emergence of a modern grid with a complex cyber‐physical network. On one hand, the cyber‐physical system can play a pivotal role in coordination and control of distribution systems through distribution system state estimation (DSSE). On the other hand, the risk caused by cyber‐attack has emerged as a major challenge for grid operation. The modelling aspects, namely DC loads, plug‐in‐vehicle and distributed generators (DGs) in DSSE and security aspects in cyber‐physical distribution systems, are highlighted herein. This paper is divided into different sections emphasising on the problems and challenges associated with DSSE, cyber‐attack focussing primarily on impact of false data injection (FDI) attack and co‐simulation platform for investigation of vulnerability of cyber‐physical systems. A comparative study among various DSSE and challenges namely, pseudo‐measurement, time synchronisation and communication issues are discussed. The potential investigation of FDI and need for a co‐simulation platform in distribution systems for risk analysis are also addressed. The opportunities and future research in the field of cyber‐physical distribution systems are discussed in depth.
Tracking control of a robotic system with deferred constraints and actuator faults
Authors: Zhang Yu , Kong Linghuan , Zhang Shuang , Yu Xinbo , Yang Pengxin
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes an adaptive sliding mode tracking control for a robotic manipulator to guarantee a deferred performance under input non‐linearities and external perturbations. Control inputs of the robotic manipulator are entrapped into saturation and failures simultaneously. A common method to deal with output constraints is based on the barrier Lyapunov function, which requires the system states to be within the prescribed bounds initially; an error‐shifting transformation is utilized and barrier functions are integrated into sliding model control to remove the unreasonable requirement and to realize a finite time convergence result collectively. Furthermore, the actuator faults are accommodated without any prior knowledge. Simulation examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Improved multiple vector model predictive torque control of permanent magnet synchronous motor for reducing torque ripple
Authors: Qu Jianzhen , Jatskevich Juri , Zhang Chengning , Zhang Shuo
Published: March 2021

The two‐voltage‐vector (2VV) model predictive torque control (MPTC) has been widely discussed and compared to the conventional single‐voltage‐vector (1VV) MPTC in permanent magnet synchronous motor drive applications, where it was shown to have quick response and low torque ripple. An improved 2VV‐MPTC is set forth based on extended control set. In the proposed approach, the reference voltage vector is calculated using the established torque and flux deadbeat control and optimal calculation of the duty cycles. Moreover, to further improve the torque performance, the proposed algorithm is extended to three‐voltage vector (3VV), which is shown to achieve even better performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed 2VV and 3VV‐MPTC algorithms have better computation efficiency and can significantly reduce torque ripple compared to the previous methods.
New transformer‐less DC–DC converter topologies with reduced voltage stress on capacitors and increased voltage conversion ratio
Authors: Abbasi Maysam , Abbasi Ehsan , Li Li
Published: March 2021

This article proposes new transformer‐less step‐up/down and step‐up DC–DC topologies providing numerous merits such as less voltage stress on capacitors, lower duty‐cycle, and higher voltage conversion ratio compared to other DC–DC converters. The proposed converters are extendible by benefiting from several switched‐capacitors, making it possible to transfer more power from the converter. The proposed structures are more suitable for modern applications in which it is desirable to achieve high voltage gains by using non‐extreme duty‐cycles. For proving the analysis and claims, the detailed comparison and experimental results are presented. In the experiments, the dynamic performance of the proposed converters is also validated.
A non‐isolated DC‐DC converter with low voltage stress and high step‐down voltage conversion ratio
Authors: Syrigos Stylianos P. , Christidis Georgios C. , Mouselinos Theodoros P. , Tatakis Emmanuel C.
Published: March 2021

This work focuses on a new non‐isolated interleaved DC‐DC converter with very high step‐down voltage conversion ratio. By employing the switched/series capacitor concept, along with the proper component interconnection, the converter features a high step‐down voltage conversion ratio where, in the private case of equal duty ratios, it is six times higher than the conventional buck converter. This high step‐down voltage conversion ratio is achieved with the lowest number of components compared to other similar topologies of the same conversion ratio. Also, due to the blocking/series capacitors, the voltage stress on the switches is reduced, improving the converter efficiency. One of the key features of the proposed converter is the inherent automatic current sharing between the interleaved phases, which in the case of equal duty ratios, is uniformly distributed. To add on, due to the use of only two interleaved phases, the converter has a wide output voltage range, since the duty cycle can be extended to 0.5. To validate the proposed converter operation, a 250 W wide‐input/wide‐output experimental prototype was built, achieving a peak efficiency of 94%.
Experimental validation of synergetic approach based MPPT controller for an autonomous PV system
Authors: Ayat Rahma , Bouafia Abdelouahab , Gaubert Jean‐Paul
Published: March 2021

A novel nonlinear maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller for autonomous photovoltaic systems based on synergetic control theory is presented in this paper as a solution to eliminate the chattering drawback provided by sliding mode controller, where the proposed strategy allows to generate continuous control law instead of a switching term. A DC/DC boost converter is introduced in the content of this work as an interface between a photovoltaic array and a resistive load. The developed MPPT controller was tested both in simulations using Matlab/Simulink tool and experimentally using dSPACE RTI 1104 real‐time platform and compared with the sliding mode‐based MPPT controller. Furthermore, the EN 50530 standard test with different ramp gradients values is used to calculate the MPPT efficiency under irradiance changes from the slow to the very fast. Illustrative results that prove the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed MPPT controller even the non‐uniform conditions (temperatures and solar irradiances) are presented here. The fast response and the accurate tracking to the maximum power point (MPP) with considerable reduction in the oscillations are successfully reached with the developed controller which is much better than sliding mode controller.
A hybrid energy storage strategy based on multivariable fuzzy coordinated control of photovoltaic grid‐connected power fluctuations
Authors: Xu Dong , Cen Honglei
Published: March 2021

Aiming at the problem that the grid‐connected power fluctuation of the photovoltaic power system affects the stability of grid operation, a multivariable fuzzy coordinated control strategy for photovoltaic grid‐connected power fluctuation based on super‐capacitor and battery is proposed. First, a multivariable fuzzy controller is established based on the grid‐connected estimated fluctuation power of the photovoltaic power system and the current energy state of charge of super‐capacitor and battery. The fuzzy relational matrix is used to introduce interaction effects of inputs into the fuzzy control, the fuzzy relation matrix is established by multiplying with weights, and the time constant of the low‐pass filter is adjusted to coordinate the distribution of fluctuating power between different energy storage in real‐time. Second, according to the SOC variation of HESS, a super‐capacitor fuzzy controller and battery fuzzy controller are established to modify the charging and discharging instructions of battery and super‐capacitor. The charging and discharging power of the energy storage are constraints to optimize the charging and discharging power of the energy storage, and the energy state of the HESS is updated in real‐time. Finally, an overall example analysis of fuzzy coordinated control is performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
A robust refined training sample reweighting space–time adaptive processing method for airborne radar in heterogeneous environment
Authors: Xiao Hao , Wang Tong , Zhang Shuguang , Wen Cai
Published: March 2021

To improve the clutter suppression performance of airborne radar in heterogeneous environment, a robust refined training sample reweighting space–time adaptive processing (STAP) method called RRSRW is proposed here. First, some target‐free training samples around the cell under test (CUT) are selected and the corresponding clutter dictionary matrices are constructed using the radar system parameters. Then, the clutter patch amplitudes and array error for selected training samples are simultaneously estimated through the formulated constrained least squares problem. Subsequently, based on the covariance matching estimation criterion, the local weighting coefficients for selected training samples are estimated by the redesigned convex optimisation problem. Finally, the STAP weight vector is calculated to process the CUT data. The proposed method is robust to array error and can effectively protect the moving targets in CUT data, which is free of hyper‐parameters and has global convergence properties. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed RRSRW method can effectively suppress the strong ground clutter and greatly improve the detection performance of moving targets in heterogeneous environment.
Autograft diameter in ACL reconstruction: size does matter
Authors: Alkhalaf Fahad N.A. , Hanna Sager , Alkhaldi Mohammed Saleh Hattab , Alenezi Fares , Khaja Aliaa
Published: March 2021

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are commonly seen in orthopedic surgery practice. Although anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has come a long way, the causes of failure have yet to be fully understood.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the intraoperative 4-strand hamstring autograft diameter does in fact influence the failure rates of ACLR.Methods: Retrospective intraoperative data were collected from ACLR patients from the only tertiary center available in Kuwait. Patients who underwent ACLR from 2012 to 2018 for isolated ACL injuries were included in this study, allowing for a 24 month follow-up period The cohorts were categorized into 3 groups: patients with graft size≤8mm, 2, patients with graft sizes≥8mm with 4-strands and patients with graft sizes≥8mm with 4-strands or more. ANOVA analysis was applied to address group differences between mean graft size and strand numbers and subsequently the failure rates for each group. In addition, the Mann–WhitneyUtest was used to investigate the relationship between revision and initial ACL graft size.Results: Out of the 711 out of 782 patients were included in this study. Only 42.6% of the patients did not need more than 4-strands to achieve an 8mm sized autograft. The patients who had autografts≤8mm in this study accounted for 17.1% of the population. About 7.2% of these patients required revision surgery. Patients with a 4-strand autograft size that was less than 8mm were 7.2 times more at risk for ACLR failure (RR=7.2, 95% CI: 6.02; 8.35,p=0.007).Conclusions: There is a significant correlation between 4-strand autograft diameter size and the need for ACLR revision surgery.

Level of evidence: IV case series
Recent Developments Towards Synthesis of (Het)arylbenzimidazoles
Authors: Mamedov Vakhid A. , Zhukova Nataliya A.
Published: March 2021

Benzimidazole is an important heterocycle that is widely researched and utilized by the pharmaceutical industry and is one of the five most commonly used five-membered aromatic heterocyclic compounds approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. In view of their wide-ranging bioactivities, systems containing benzimidazole as one of the moieties occupy a special place among other benzimidazole derivatives. Since 2010, many improved synthetic strategies have been developed for the construction of hetaryl- and arylbenzimidazole molecular scaffolds under environmentally benign conditions. This review emphasizes the recent trends and modifications frequently used in the synthesis of derivatives of benzimidazole such as the Phillips–Ladenburg and Weidenhagen reactions, as well as entirely new methods of synthesis, involving oxidative cyclization, cross-coupling, ring distortion strategy, and rearrangements carried out under environmentally benign conditions.

1 Introduction

2 From 1,2-Diaminobenzenes with Various One-Carbon Unit Suppliers

2.1 Phillips–Ladenburg Reaction

2.1.1 With (Het)arenecarboxylic Acids

2.2.2 With (Het)arenecarboxylic Acid Derivatives

2.2 Weidenhagen Reaction

2.2.1 With (Het)arenecarbaldehydes or (Het)aryl Methyl Ketones

2.2.2 With Primary Alcohols

2.2.3 With Primary Alkylamines

2.2.4 With 2-Methylazaarenes

2.2.5 With Other One-Carbon Fragment Suppliers

3 From 2-Haloacetanilides and Amines

4 From Amidines

5 From Tetrahydroquinazolines

6 Mamedov Rearrangement

7 Conclusions and Outlook
Retrospective Analysis of Factors Affecting Recurrence in Borderline Ovarian Tumors
Authors: Ifthikar Mariam Anjum , Rajanbabu Anupama , Nair Indu R. , Murali Vinita , Nair Anjaly S.
Published: March 2021

Background Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) are an intermediate form of neoplasia, between benign and malignant. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristic profile of BOTs and to determine the predictors of recurrence in BOTs.

Methods A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed, treated, and followed up for BOTs between 2010 and 2017 at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kerala, India, was conducted. Clinicopathological details and details of management, outcome, and survival were retrieved, and data were analyzed descriptively and for survival.

Results A total of 103 patients were identified. During the median follow-up of 46.0 months, 15 (14.6%) patients developed recurrent disease, 6 (5.82%) had recurrence with progression to invasive carcinoma, and 9 had recurrent disease with borderline or benign histology. Mucinous tumors were found to have more recurrences than serous BOT (17.8 vs. 12.3%). Disease-related deaths (5/103 [4.9%]) were observed only in patients with progression to invasive carcinoma. Univariate analysis indicated that staging surgery was the most important prognostic factor that affected the disease-free survival ([DFS] 103 vs. 97 vs. 71 months, respectively, for complete staging vs. fertility-preserving staging vs. conservative surgery; p < 0.05).

Conclusions Conservative surgery was associated with a higher risk of recurrence. Fertility-preserving staging surgery is an acceptable option in younger patients. The overall survival is not affected by the mode of surgery.
Reconstrução com implante metálico personalizado de artrodese após ressecções de tumor ósseo do rádio distal. Experiência em um único centro
Authors: Szostakowski Bartlomiej , Staals Eric , Onwordi Lyris , Pollock Robin , Skinner John A.
Published: March 2021

Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar os resultados clínicos, radiológicos e funcionais da reconstrução do rádio distal após a ressecção do tumor com implante metálico personalizado de artrodese e compará-los com outros tipos de reconstrução do rádio distal, conforme apresentado na literatura.

Pelo que conhecemos, este é o primeiro artigo descrevendo esse tipo particular de implante e funcionalidade no paciente.

Métodos Os desfechos funcionais de reconstrução do rádio distal foram avaliados em uma série de 4 pacientes. Três dos pacientes tiveram ressecção de tumores de células gigantes (TCGs), sendo um paciente com ressecção de osteossarcoma.

Resultados Não houve complicações relacionadas ao implante, como infecção, não sindicalidade ou afrouxamento. Dois pacientes tiveram que passar por uma nova cirurgia para a protusão da prótese metálica. A função geral foi boa de acordo com as pontuações da Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) e Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH).

Conclusão O estudo mostra que o implante metálico personalizado de artrodese se beneficia do fato de que pode ser usado como opção de salvamento quando outros tratamentos falharam, ou pode ser usado como opção primária nos casos em que há estoque ósseo limitado após a ressecção do tumor do rádio distal.
Increased Expression of Type-I Collagen in Malignant Colorectal Lesion and Positive Correlations with Clinical Factors
Authors: Santos Monique Pinheiro , Alves Izabela Silva Sinara , Bautz Willian Grassi , Ribeiro Flavya da Silva Souza , Gama Luciano Pinto Nogueira da , Dettogni Raquel Spinassé , Gama-de-Souza Letícia Nogueira da
Published: March 2021

Objective Type-I collagen (Col-I) is one of the main macromolecules of the extracellular matrix, and it is involved in the desmoplastic stromal reaction, an indicator of worse prognosis in cases of colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of the present study was to investigate Col-I expression in cases of CRC and adenoma and to correlate with the clinical data and the data regarding the lifestyle of the patients.

Methods A retrospective study including 22 patients with adenoma and 15 with CRC treated at a coloproctology service. The clinical and lifestyle data were obtained through medical records, and Col-I expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry.

Results Women represented most cases of adenoma (63.64%), whereas CRC was found mainly in men (73.33%) (p = 0.0448). Immunoexpression of Col-I showed a basement membrane thickening in areas of lining of epithelium and around the glands in both lesions. The cases of CRC had a quite evident fibrosis process in the stroma. The quantitative analysis demonstrated a higher protein expression in CRCs compared to adenomas (p = 0.0109), as well as in female patients (p = 0.0214), patients aged ≥ 50 years (p = 0.0400), and in those with a positive family history of colorectal disease (p = 0.0292). These results suggested a remodeling of the microenvironment of the tumor in CRC carcinogenesis. Importantly, the clinicopathologic positive correlations showed a plausible link between the patient's profile and the immunohistochemical findings, which indicate a possible form of patient stratification.

Conclusion The immunohistochemical analysis encourages the performance of more comprehensive studies to ascertain if our results could be a tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of the patients.
Incidence of Hyperglycemia/Secondary Diabetes in Women who have Undergone Curative Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: First Study from India
Authors: Rao Suresh , Prasad Krishna , Abraham Soniya , George Thomas , Chandran Supreeth Kakkaje , Baliga Manjeshwar Shrinath
Published: March 2021

Purpose Development of cancer chemotherapy treatment-induced hyperglycemia/ diabetes (secondary diabetes) is a major problem and has never been reported from India. The present study was planned to ascertain this in women undergoing curative chemotherapy for their breast cancer.

Materials and Methods This was a retrospective chart-based study and was conducted in a cancer specialty hospital. The information on women who were nondiabetic at the start of the treatment was collected from the files. Details on cancer diagnosis, domicile, body mass index (BMI), type of diet, marital status, number of children, and previous history of diabetes if any were considered. The blood glucose levels before surgery and after the completion of radiotherapy were considered. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for diabetes were considered. The data were subjected to frequency and percentage and analyzed using Chi-square test. Association between the demographic details and development of Hyperglycemia or secondary diabetes or prediabetes was done using the Pearson’s correlation analysis. p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results A total of 474 cases were included in accordance with the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that by the end of the radiation treatment, 24.89% were prediabetic, 10.97% were diabetic after being in prediabetic stage, 8.22% became diabetic without going through a prediabetic stage, and that 55.91% did not develop either prediabetic or diabetic condition. Analysis of development of secondary diabetes and prediabetes with BMI (p < 0.0001) and age (p < 0.024) showed a strong correlation and was significant.

Conclusion To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study from India, and the results indicate that the development of secondary diabetes in women undergoing curative chemotherapy is high. Attempts are underway to ascertain the cause for the development and how it can be mitigated.
Determination of Tissue Distribution of Alisol G, a CB1R Antagonist, in Rats by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gao Chen-Yu , Xi Jian-Qiang , Song Ding-Zhong , Yuan Jie , Hao Wu-Si , Cui Zhong-Bao , Cheng Zhi-Hong
Published: March 2021

Peripheral CB1R blockers without crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) have demonstrated therapeutic benefits in metabolic syndromes, including obesity. Among them is Alisol G, a tetracyclic triterpene from Alismatis rhizoma (zexie), which can effectively reduce the weight of obese mice. Results from CP55940-induced [35S] GTPγS cannabinoid-type 1 receptor (CB1R) binding assay show an IC50 of 34.8 μmol/L for Alisol G, implicating its role as a CB1R antagonist. The purpose of our study is to assess whether Alisol G could serve as a peripheral CB1R antagonist for obesity treatment. In this study, we build a simple, reliable, and sensitive method to detect the concentration of Alisol G in rat tissue by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that Alisol G was mainly distributed in intestinal midgut, mucosa and small intestine, with little brain exposure. We suggested that intestine may be the main acting sites of Alisol G. Through comparison of brain and blood concentrations of Alisol G, our data showed that Alisol G cannot penetrate the BBB easily. In conclusion, Alisol G may represent a peripheral CB1R antagonist for the further treatment of obesity.
Surgery for Complicated Stomal Prolapse: Is the Altemeier Technique an Option? A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Alalfy Tamer R. , Orban Yasser A. , Algazar Mohammed , Farag Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Introduction The incidence of stomal prolapse ranges from 2% to 22%. The risk factors include colostomy, the short length of the stoma, obesity, emergency surgery, and the improper (or even absence of) marking of the preoperative site for the stoma. Complicated stomal prolapse associated with severe mucosal irritation, ischemic changes, or bleeding requires surgical intervention.

Objective To describe the use of the Altemeier technique in the management of cases of complicated prolapsed stoma after failure of the local medical measures and manual reduction.

Methods Case series of three patients with past history of abdominoperineal resection of rectal cancer and permanent end colostomy presented with irreducible prolapse of the stoma. After the failure of the local measures and manual reduction, urgent surgical intervention using the modified Altemeier technique was necessary.

Results The modified Altemeier technique is simple, presents low risk of operative and postoperative complications, besides enabling an early recovery, with a lower risk of recurrence during the first 6 months after the repair.

Conclusion The modified Altemeier technique may be a valid therapeutic modality in the setting of complicated prolapsed stoma.
Evidence for Early and Regular Physical Therapy and Exercise in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ellis Terry D. , Colón-Semenza Cristina , DeAngelis Tamara R. , Thomas Cathi A. , Hilaire Marie-Hélène Saint , Earhart Gammon M. , Dibble Leland E.
Published: March 2021

Advances in medical management of Parkinson's disease (PD) have resulted in living longer with disability. Although disability worsens over the course of the disease, there are signs of disability even in the early stages. Several studies reveal an early decline in gait and balance and a high prevalence of nonmotor signs in the prodromal period that contribute to early disability. There is a growing body of evidence revealing the benefits of physical therapy and exercise to mitigate motor and nonmotor signs while improving physical function and reducing disability. The presence of early disability coupled with the benefits of exercise suggests that physical therapy should be initiated earlier in the disease. In this review, we present the evidence revealing early disability in PD and the effectiveness of physical therapy and exercise, followed by a discussion of a secondary prevention model of rehabilitation to reduce early disability and optimize long-term outcomes.
Brain–Computer Interfaces in Neurorecovery and Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Young Michael J. , Lin David J. , Hochberg Leigh R.
Published: March 2021

Recent advances in brain–computer interface technology to restore and rehabilitate neurologic function aim to enable persons with disabling neurologic conditions to communicate, interact with the environment, and achieve other key activities of daily living and personal goals. Here we evaluate the principles, benefits, challenges, and future directions of brain–computer interfaces in the context of neurorehabilitation. We then explore the clinical translation of these technologies and propose an approach to facilitate implementation of brain–computer interfaces for persons with neurologic disease.
Female and Male Community-Level Empowerment: Capability Approach-Based Findings for Rural India
Authors: Schmidt Melinda , Strotmann Harald , Volkert Jürgen
Published: March 2021

This paper adds to the empirical research on empowerment drivers by analysing the empowerment of women and men at the community level. Using micro-data from four villages in rural Karnataka/India, our econometric estimations confirm several predictions of Sen’s capability approach on potential determinants of empowerment. Education, decent employment, other-regarding agency goals, political networks, trust and fairness coincide with reported impact on community-level change. Gender-specific estimations demonstrate that most empirical drivers of empowerment are quite consistent for men and women in many respects. Some variables, however, notably higher education, correlate with community-level empowerment of men, but not of women, which emphasises different gender roles in rural Karnataka. These findings may help researchers and practitioners to further develop cause-related strategies to overcome major determinants of disempowerment in institutional village decision contexts in general as well as those which are gender-specific.
The optical and electrical properties of amorphous gallium/titanium co-doped indium oxide films based on oxygen flow dependence
Authors: Jung Dae Ho , Oh Ye-Jin , Lim Sang-Hwi , Kim Han-Ki , Lee Hosun
Published: March 2021

Amorphous gallium/titanium (Ga,Ti) co-doped indium oxide (In2O3) (GTiIO) films present significant potential as transparent conducting electrodes for use in flexible electronic devices. Amorphous GTiIO films were grown on silicon and glass substrates using linear-facing target sputtering and various oxygen flow rates. Transmittance was as high as 80% in the visible range for O2 flow rates of 0.3, 0.7, and 1.0 SCCM. The lowest resistivity was obtained at f(O2) = 0.3 SCCM with 0.47 mΩ cm. Dielectric functions were determined, and optical gap energies were estimated as close to 3.4 eV using a Tauc formula. We show that Drude tail amplitude is proportional to the carrier density. An electronic transition was found at 2.7 eV from the optical spectra of the thin film at f(O2) = 0 SCCM; this transition was designated to be an inter-conduction band transition from the first to the second conduction band. Using Hall parameters and Drude tail amplitudes in dielectric functions, the effective mass of GTiIO films was determined as 0.398 m0 at f(O2) = 0.3 SCCM.
Turbulence cascade model for viscous vortex ring-tube reconnection
Authors: Duong Viet Dung , Nguyen Van Duc , Nguyen Van Luc
Published: March 2021

The reconnection of a vortex ring and a vortex tube in a viscous fluid with the effects of two vortex core sizes (σ0=0.12r0 and 0.24r0, where r0 are initial ring radius) and three initial flow configurations (left-offset, center, and right-offset) at Reynolds number (ReΓ) of 10 000 was investigated using a high-order vortex-in-cell method combined with a large-eddy simulation model. For the left-offset case, a large part of the ring, slipping over the tube, associates with a small part of the tube to establish a new vortex ring, whereas the rest of the tube is reconnected by another part of the ring. For the center case, half of the ring joins with a part of the tube to construct an elliptical vortex ring while the rest connects because of viscosity. The reconnected ring and tube become more stable and are like the initial ones in the ultimate stage. For the right-offset case, both the ring and tube's reconnection occurs, and the reconnected elliptical vortex ring is rapidly distorted. The proportion of reconnected ring increases, and then this ring section loses its integrity, decaying into a complex cluster of various-scales vortex structures in different shapes. At σ0=0.12r0, the secondary vortex structures surrounding the tube and ring appear in three cases, while they are only observed for the center case at σ0=0.24r0. For three flow configurations and two vortex core sizes, after the reconnection, the energy cascade of the flow approaches a k−5/3 slope of Kolmogorov's similarity hypotheses and a k−3 slope in the ranges of wavenumbers (k) from 3 to 10 and from 10 to 40, respectively. The highest population of small-scale coherent vortex structures is observed for the right-offset, followed by the center and left-offset. In addition, a larger number of these structures was observed for a smaller core size. This validates that the mixing performance is the best at a small vortex core and in the right-offset configuration.
The Richtmyer–Meshkov instability of concave circular arc density interfaces in hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Qin Jianhua , Dong Guodan
Published: March 2021

Concave circular arc density interfaces (CDIs) are relevant to a deformed diaphragm separating different pressure gases in a shock tunnel or an expansion tube, where it is known that the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) limits facility performance. Considering CDIs characterized by different curvatures (κ), numerical investigations of the RMI in both hydrodynamics (hydro) and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) are performed. In the hydro cases, the largest curvature case appears to be the most unstable one, with the largest amounts of vorticities deposited on the CDIs. In the MHD cases, the interplay between the RMI and the magnetic field is investigated. On the one hand, the RMI can be compressed by magnetic fields. The stronger the magnetic field is, the smoother the density interface will be. The magnetic pressure alleviates pressure deviations along two sides of the CDIs, reducing baroclinic effects. Meanwhile, the magnetic tension force induces Alfvén waves, which transport vorticities away from density interfaces. On the other hand, magnetic fields can be amplified by the RMI, indicating that more amplification occurs when the initial magnetic field is weak, and magnetic lines are severely distorted in such cases. Besides, the evolutions of the kinetic energy and the magnetic energy are discussed. The results indicate that there is no energy transfer between them, and the magnetic energy mainly concentrates on the MHD wave fronts. The change of the enstrophy against time demonstrates that the vorticity energy decreases when the strength of initial magnetic fields increases.
Wiener chaos expansions of ocean waves
Authors: Henry L. , Bridge J.
Published: March 2021

The ocean surface and, by extension, ocean wave energy are probabilistic and should be understood via probabilistic analysis. In the present work, which represents a seed that establishes a solid theoretical foundation on which the future work can be built, we demonstrate a probabilistic approach to the time evolution of ocean wave energy via a semi-analytic solution using the Wiener chaos expansion method. We present a comparison between field observations and corresponding Wiener chaos expansion calculations of the potential and kinetic energies of ocean surface waves. We also compare Wiener chaos expansion calculations of ocean surface kurtosis with field observations. Significant characteristics of the behavior of field-data are seen in the results produced by the Wiener chaos expansion method. This demonstrates the possibility of the use of the Wiener chaos expansion method in understanding the probabilistic behavior of the time-evolution of total ocean wave energy for capture by wave power devices.
Efficient self-rotation perception and its relativistic consequences
Authors: Duggins A.
Published: March 2021

An event occurring within a stationary environment, in the direction toward which an observer self-rotates, is perceived to precede a simultaneous event, in the direction away from which she moves. When self-rotation results from angular acceleration in the dark, the perception of space is also distorted, such that the subjective straight ahead shifts in the opposite direction to motion and temporal event promotion. A reference frameshift theory, based on the Special Theory of Relativity, is proposed to explain these findings. Here, a hyperbolic tangent transformation of objective angular velocity constrains subjective self-rotation velocity within finite bounds, consistent with it being a limited perceptual resource. Identifying this subjective variable with vestibular nystagmus slow-phase angular velocity, the asymptotic perceived self-rotation velocity is estimated at 200°/s. When included in the Lorentz transformations of the new formalism, this value predicts experimental simultaneity distortion. Hypothetically, the hyperbolic tangent objective-to-subjective transfer function would maximize the differential entropy of the percept, and thereby also the stimulus/percept mutual information, if angular velocities of body rotation encountered in naturalistic environmental interaction have a logistic probability density distribution of scale 100°/s, a proposed experimental test of the scheme.
Jerusalem cross geometry magnetic substrate absorbers for low-frequency broadband applications
Authors: Liu Qian , Liang Difei , Wang Xin , Han Tiancheng , Lu Haipeng , Xie Jianliang
Published: March 2021

In this work, an ultra-thin microwave absorber with a Jerusalem cross (JC) resonator exhibiting a broad low-frequency absorption bandwidth was successfully designed and fabricated. The system is composed of a perfect electric conductor-magnetic-periodic metal three-layer structure. The top metal layer consists of a periodic JC, which can be used to obtain dual-bands and low-frequencies in L-band, S-band, and C-band applications. The simulations show that the magnetic absorber with a thickness of 2 mm exhibits two absorption peaks at 1.4  and 4.7 GHz, with a reflectivity of −10 and −8 dB, respectively. The L-band RL (reflection loss) of −4 dB bandwidth has 91% (1–1.91 GHz), whereas the S-band and the C-band of −4 dB bandwidth have 47% (2.87–5.68 GHz). The total thickness of the absorber measures only 1/100λ at 1.5 GHz. When a magnetic harmonic TM is polarized at an incidence angle of 75°, an average RL of −10 dB in the 1–8 GHz range is obtained. The equivalent L–C circuit and the power loss density clarify the mechanism behind the absorption. Such a low-frequency absorber can be used in various applications to quench microwave energy.
Chronic niacin administration ameliorates ovulation, histological changes in the ovary and adiponectin concentrations in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Asadi Negin , Izadi Mahin , Aflatounian Ali , Esmaeili-Dehaj Mansour , Rezvani Mohammad Ebrahim , Hafizi Zeinab
Published: March 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common ovarian diseases among women of reproductive age. The reproductive and metabolic traits of PCOS are underpinned by adipocyte dysfunction, especially diminished adiponectin secretion. Based on evidence that niacin stimulates adiponectin secretion, this study evaluated the effects of niacin on adiponectin concentrations and reproductive traits in a rat model of PCOS. PCOS was induced by single injection of 4 mg kg−1 oestradiol valerate (i.m.), and PCOS groups were administered orally with saline or niacin (10 or 25 mg kg−1) daily for 30 days after PCOS induction. The control group received 0.2 mL sesame oil (i.m.) only. At the end of the experimental period, serum samples and ovaries were collected for adiponectin, histological and molecular analyses. Niacin reduced the bodyweight gain and increased ovary weights in PCOS rats. Niacin also increased the number of normal antral follicles and corpora lutea while reducing the number of cystic follicles and the thickness of theca interna. Moreover, niacin significantly increased serum adiponectin concentration and the gene expression of adiponectin and its type 1 receptor. In conclusion, this study indicates that niacin reduces cystic follicles and improves ovulation in PCOS rats. Adiponectin signalling may have contributed, in part, to the beneficial effects.
Gain-of-function factor H–related 5 protein impairs glomerular complement regulation resulting in kidney damage
Authors: Malik Talat H. , Gitterman Daniel P. , Lavin Deborah P. , Lomax-Browne Hannah J. , Hiemeyer E. Christina , Moran Linda B. , Boroviak Katharina , Cook H. Terence , Gilmore Alyssa C. , Mandwie Mawj , Ahmad Amina , Alexander Ian E. , Logan Grant J. , Marchbank Kevin J. , Bradley Allan , Pickering Matthew C.
Published: March 2021

Significance

The complement system is integral to innate immunity and host defense. However, inappropriate activation causes host tissue damage and disease. In health, this is prevented by a complex protein network that includes the factor H proteins. Understanding control of complement is critical to treat complement-mediated disease. We demonstrate that a gain-of-function mutant factor H–related 5 protein (FHR5) results in glomerular damage. The mutant interfered with complement regulation within the kidney, resulting in complement accumulation within glomeruli and kidney damage. Administration of a complement regulator with enhanced surface regulatory activity reduced mutant-associated glomerular complement. FHR5 can disrupt the homeostatic regulation of complement within the kidney, and targeting FHR5 represents a way to treat some types of complement-mediated kidney injury.
Okra in translation
Authors: Ciribuco Andrea
Published: March 2021

This article explores the theme of food translation, based on research conducted in Italy in 2018 with a group of asylum
seekers from different West African countries. It concentrates on a community gardening project revolving around the cultivation of okra: a
vegetable that is a staple in many African cuisines, but not very popular in Italy, which provided the occasion for the participants to
communicate their home foodways.

As something that is linked to the most basic human needs, and yet bears high cultural significance, food can be used as a
lens to explore the shifting relationship between language and other embodied forms of meaning. Translating food means engaging with a
complex interplay of language, sensory experiences, and socio-cultural norms. Drawing from recent semiotically-oriented developments in
translation studies as well as applied linguistics, and the semiotics of food, I analyze key participants’ involvement with the project.
The missing link between truth and intensification
Authors: Bardenstein Ruti , Ariel Mira
Published: March 2021

Truth markers commonly evolve into intensifiers (Heine & Kuteva 2002), but we here argue that this shift is only indirect, and a counter-loosening phase necessarily mediates between truth marking and intensification. Counter-looseners instruct the addressee to avoid (or rather, constrain) the very natural interpretative process of broadening, whereby the speaker-intended concept would have been taken as a loosened, “more or less” interpretation of the meaning of the modified expression (Carston 2002). We provide a diachronic analysis for Hebrew mamash ‘really’, which supports our point, and we reinterpret diachronic analyses of other truth markers in order to show that they too underwent a counter-loosening phase before turning intensifiers. Finally, we briefly distinguish between a counter-loosening mediated intensifier evolution (for truth markers, particularizers and maximizers) and a direct evolutionary path into intensification for originally upscaling expressions (extreme scalar modifiers and augmenters).
Medical Marijuana Laws (MMLs) and Dispensary Provisions not Associated with Higher Odds of Adolescent Marijuana or Heavy Marijuana Use: A 46 State Analysis, 1991–2015
Authors: Johnson Julie K. , Johnson Renee M. , Hodgkin Dominic , Jones Abenaa A. , Kritikos Alexandra , Doonan Samantha M. , Harris Sion K.
Published: March 2021

Background

States are rapidly moving to reverse marijuana prohibition, most frequently through legalization of medical marijuana laws (MMLs), and there is concern that marijuana legalization may affect adolescent marijuana use.

Methods

This natural-experimental study used state Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data collected from participants in grades 9–12 from 1991 to 2015 in 46 states ( N = 1,091,723). Taking advantage of heterogeneity across states in MML status and MML dispensary design, difference-in-difference estimates compared states with enacted MMLs/dispensaries to non-MML/dispensaries states. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to adjust for state and year effects, and student demographics. The main outcome assessed was past 30-day adolescent marijuana use [“any” and “heavy” (≥20)].

Results

In the overall sample, the adjusted odds of adolescents reporting any past 30-day marijuana use was lower in states that enacted MMLs at any time during the study period (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.99; p < .05), and in states with operational dispensaries in 2015 (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.99; p < .05). Among grade cohorts, only 9th graders showed a significant effect, with lower odds of use with MML enactment. We found no effects on heavy marijuana use.

Conclusions

This study found no evidence between 1991 and 2015 of increases in adolescents reporting past 30-day marijuana use or heavy marijuana use associated with state MML enactment or operational MML dispensaries. In a constantly evolving marijuana policy landscape, continued monitoring of adolescent marijuana use is important for assessing policy effects.
Interpolation of Schwarzschild and de Sitter spacetimes by a cosmological fluid
Authors: Mazharimousavi S Habib , Halilsoy M
Published: March 2021

The regular de Sitter core and astrophysical Schwarzschild black hole metrics are interpolated by a cosmological fluid. The cosmological constant Λ and the mass M of the emergent regular black hole are both indispensable parameters of our phenomenological model. Asymptotically the fluid satisfies weak energy condition (WEC) and it imposes constraints to rule the physical properties of the resulting astrophysical black hole. Above all, our fluid model proves the existence of supermassive, regular black holes due to the smallness of Λ in our universe and strictly not by collapsing of supermassive objects. Concerning the problematic smallness of

Λ
,

our choice is based on the upper limit determined by the solar system energy density

∼

10

3

J

m

3

. Within this bound, however, we show that our galaxy Milky Way doesn’t admit such a cosmological fluid interpretation.