bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Scleral Lenses on Visual Acuity and Ocular Aberrations in Corneal Ectasia: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Barone Vincenzo , Petrini Daniele , Nunziata Sebastiano , Surico Pier Luigi , Scarani Claudia , Offi Francesco , Villani Valentina , Coassin Marco , Di Zazzo Antonio
Published: October 2024

Corneal ectasias, including keratoconus (KC), pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD), and post-LASIK ectasia, poses significant visual rehabilitation challenges due to the resultant irregular astigmatism, myopia, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs). These conditions often resist traditional corrective methods, necessitating advanced optical solutions. Scleral lenses (SLs) have emerged as a primary non-surgical option for managing these complex corneal irregularities. SLs form a smooth optical interface by forming a tear-filled chamber between the lens and the cornea, effectively mitigating HOAs and improving both high-contrast and low-contrast visual acuity (VA). This review evaluates the efficacy of SLs in enhancing VA and reducing aberrations in patients with corneal ectasia. It also explores the technological advancements in SLs, such as profilometry and wavefront-guided systems, which enable more precise and customized lens fittings by accurately mapping the eye’s surface and addressing specific visual aberrations. The current body of evidence demonstrates that custom SLs significantly improve visual outcomes across various ectatic conditions, offering superior performance compared to conventional correction methods. However, challenges such as the complexity of fitting and the need for precise alignment remain. Ongoing innovations in SL technology and customization are likely to further enhance their clinical utility, solidifying their role as an indispensable tool in the management of corneal ectasias.
High-Transparency Linear Actuator Using an Electromagnetic Brake for Damping Modulation in Physical Human–Robot Interaction
Authors: Ullah Zahid , Sermsrisuwan Thachapan , Pornpipatsakul Khemwutta , Chaichaowarat Ronnapee , Wannasuphoprasit Witaya
Published: October 2024

Enhancing the transparency of high-transmission-ratio linear actuators is crucial for improving the safety and capability of high-force robotic systems having physical contact with humans in unstructured environments. However, realizing such enhancement is challenging. A proposed solution for active body weight support systems involves employing a macro–mini linear actuator incorporating an electrorheological-fluid brake to connect a high-force unit with an agile, highly back-drivable unit. This paper introduces the use of an electromagnetic (EM) brake with reduced rotor inertia to address this challenge. The increased torque capacity of the EM brake enables integration with a low-gear-ratio linear transmission. The agile translation of the endpoint is propelled by a low-inertia motor (referred to as the “mini”) via a pulley-belt mechanism to achieve high transparency. The rotor of the EM brake is linked to the pulley. Damping modulation under high driving force is achieved through the adjustment of the brake torque relative to the rotational speed of the pulley. When the brake is engaged, it prevents any relative motion between the endpoint and the moving carrier. The endpoint is fully controlled by the ball screw of the high-force unit, referred to as the “macro”. A scaled prototype was constructed to experimentally characterize the damping force generated by the mini motor and the EM brake. The macro–mini linear actuator, equipped with an intrinsic failsafe feature, can be utilized for active body weight support systems that demand high antigravity force.
The Role of Digital Finance Embedded in Green Agricultural Development: Evidence from Agribusiness Enterprises in China
Authors: He Lu , Zhou Lunzheng , Qi Jiaguo , Song Yan , Jiang Minghui
Published: October 2024

Digital inclusive agriculture refers to an agricultural development model that integrates various digital technologies into the agricultural production process, aiming to deliver benefits for all stakeholders throughout the agricultural value chain. This paper draws on the ecological symbiosis theory, embeds the concepts of digital finance and social responsibility into the goal of green development in agriculture, selects 395 agribusiness enterprises in China from 2013 to 2022 as the analysis sample, and examines the impact by adopting an improved weighted least squares (WLS) fixed effects model. Results show that digital finance has a significant effect on the quantity and quality of green innovation in agribusiness enterprises, and good social responsibility performance can enhance the innovation promotion effect of digital finance. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that agribusiness belonging to the processing and distribution type, located in the eastern region, and in the growth stage benefit more clearly. This paper provides theoretical references and practical guidelines for solving agricultural financing problems, boosting their green innovation capacity in the digital age. It is of great practical significance for realizing the green symbiotic ecology of responsible agricultural industry, promoting the win–win situation between enterprises and society, and the high-quality development of agriculture.
Remote Sensing and Field Data Analysis to Evaluate the Impact of Stone Bunds on Rainfed Agriculture in West Africa
Authors: Tefera Meron Lakew , Awada Hassan , Pirastru Mario , Kombiok James Mantent , Adjebeng-Danquah Joseph , Adombilla Ramson , Asungre Peter Anabire , Mahama George , Carletti Alberto , Seddaiu Giovanna
Published: October 2024

This study evaluates the effectiveness of stone bunds in enhancing soil moisture, vegetation health, and crop yields in Ghana’s semi-arid Upper East Region, an important area for agricultural productivity in West Africa. In this region, agricultural practices are heavily impacted by erratic rainfall and poor soil moisture retention, threatening food security. Despite the known benefits of traditional soil conservation practices like stone bunds, their effectiveness in this context has not been fully quantified. Field and remote sensing data were used to evaluate the influence of stone bunds on soil moisture dynamics, vegetation growth, and crop yield. Experimental plots with and without stone bunds were monitored for climate, soil water infiltration, and soil moisture and analyzed using the NDVI from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery over two growing seasons under sorghum production (2022–2023). The results indicated that stone bunds enhanced soil moisture retention and increased infiltration rates. The NDVI analysis consistently revealed higher vegetation health and growth in the plots with stone bunds, particularly during critical growth periods. The intermediate results of the conducted experiment indicated that stone bunds increased sorghum yields by over 35% compared to the control plots. The substantial agronomic benefits of stone bunds as a soil and water conservation strategy were evident, improving soil water infiltration, water retention, vegetation health, and crop yields. The findings support the broader adoption of stone bunds in semi-arid regions to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience against climate variability. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts and the integration of stone bunds with other sustainable farming practices to optimize rainfed agricultural outcomes.
The X-Minute City: Analysing Accessibility to Essential Daily Destinations by Active Mobility in Seville
Authors: Radics Miklós , Christidis Panayotis , Alonso Borja , dell’Olio Luigi
Published: October 2024

The concept of the “x-minute city” emphasises connected, mixed-use, and functionally dense urban areas where residents can access most daily necessities within a short walk or bike ride. By promoting proximity to essential destinations and sustainable transport options, this approach reduces the need for extensive travel and minimises environmental impact. This paper analyses the readiness of cities to function as x-minute cities and identifies necessary interventions. Using a reproducible and scalable methodology based on open data and software, the study assesses the accessibility of key urban amenities within specified timeframes. Cumulative accessibility metrics are calculated for different destination categories, considering both walking and cycling. In the case of Seville, accessibility requirements outlined in policy documents are already met for many essential services, particularly public facilities. The study identifies neighbourhoods that excel in accessibility and others that require improvement in adhering to x-minute city principles. The methodology and findings can inform planning and policy decisions in other cities, guiding efforts to enhance amenity provision, test accessibility scenarios, and target intervention areas.
Sleep Disturbances in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Prognostic Impact—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Silva Filipa , Silva Joelma , Salgueira Sofia , Mendes Ana , Matos Elsa , Conde Bebiana
Published: October 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with sleep disturbance, namely insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing. This study aims to evaluate the overall sleep characteristics of ALS patients, their association with lung function tests, and possible predictive survival factors. We conducted a retrospective observation study among ALS patients monitored during a pulmonology consultation. Type one polysomnography (PSG) and lung function tests were performed once the patients presented with sleep-related symptoms, and the relationship between their parameters was assessed, as well as a survival analysis. We included 35 patients, with an overall diminished sleep efficiency, a partially conserved forced vital capacity (FVC), and low maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). A positive correlation between FVC and REM sleep percentage was observed. A survival analysis showed that a normal rapid eye movement (REM) sleep percentage and respiratory disturbance index (RDI) ≥ 15/h were independent predictors of survival. We observed a trend for higher sleep quality in patients with conserved lung function. A better sleep quality was associated with a higher survival. Obstructive events (reduced or absence of airflow associated with continued or increased inspiratory effort) did not seem to impact survival.
Integrating Logistics into Global Production: A New Approach
Authors: Coto-Millán Pablo , Paz Saavedra David , de la Fuente Marta , Fernandez Xose Luis
Published: October 2024

Background: Logistics has become a key driver of global economic production. This study investigates the role of logistics in global economic production by presenting a novel theoretical framework that integrates logistics performance into traditional models as a determinant production factor. Methods: Using panel data from 85 countries between 2007 and 2022, the research measures logistics performance through the Logistics Performance Index (LPI). Results: The analysis reveals that logistics performance, specifically factors such as customs efficiency, infrastructure quality, and tracking and tracing of shipments, significantly enhances global economic output. On the other hand, negative elasticities were observed for shipment timeliness and the cost competitiveness of international shipments, suggesting that inefficiencies in these areas can hinder economic growth. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for targeted public policies to improve logistics infrastructure and efficiency, particularly in customs and trade logistics, to increase global production. Additionally, the study highlights the potential for improving the logistics sector to support sustainable development and economic interdependence among countries. This research provides important insights for policymakers and managers, indicating that effective logistics management can drive substantial improvements in production efficiency and overall economic performance.
Exploring More Sustainable Offshore Logistics Scenarios Using Shared Resources: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective
Authors: El-Thalji Idriss
Published: October 2024

Offshore logistics has a substantial economic impact in the regions where offshore activities are prevalent, and has a huge opportunity to utilize the shared and collaborative logistics approach. The collaborative and shared logistics approach usually has economic, social, and environmental impacts on several stakeholders within the entire business model. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore and compare the benefits and implications of both separate and shared logistics approaches, from multi-stakeholder perspectives. A case asset is purposefully selected where two offshore installations are located near each other, and have the potential to collaborate and share logistics resources. Three scenarios are studied using a simulation modelling approach: (1) separate logistics vessels, (2) on-demand shared logistics vessels, and (3) scheduled shared logistics vessels. The simulated results show that the shared logistics concept, in this specific case, led to an enhancement in the delivery frequency, number of deliveries, and CO2 emissions. In addition, it provides options either to enhance vessel utilization or create revenue-generating time intervals. The scheduled shared logistics scenario is more sustainable and has a higher probability of being accepted by stakeholders, as it is driven by a revenue-generating mindset.
Sustainable Supplier Selection Criteria for HVAC Manufacturing Firms: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective Using the Delphi–Fuzzy AHP Method
Authors: Gupta Amit Kumar , Shaikh Imlak
Published: October 2024

Background: The supplier selection process (SSP) has grown as a crucial mechanism in organizations’ supply chain management (SCM) strategies and as a foundation for continuously gaining a competitive advantage. The concept of the circular economy has garnered significant interest due to its ability to address both environmental and social criteria. It is highly important to carefully choose suppliers across all industries that take into account circular and sustainability issues, as well as traditional criteria. There is very limited research involving the supplier selection process in the Indian HVAC manufacturing sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: Thus, this study aimed to determine the critical factors for sustainable supplier selection for HVAC manufacturing firms using a mixed research method with three stages: a secondary study, the Delphi method, and the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP). Thirty-two critical sub-factors were identified and grouped into eight major factors: delivery, economic, environmental, social, management and organization, quality, services, and supplier relationship. Results/Conclusions: For HVAC manufacturing firms, the major factors of delivery, quality, and economics were found to be top-ranked among the factors, followed by environmental factors. Studies in developing countries using sustainable factors are still nascent, especially in India. Originality/Value: This study’s novelty lies with the proposed eight major factors, comprising all facets of organizations, including sustainability factors. Supplier selection in HVAC manufacturing firms is exhaustively dealt with in this study, filling a gap in the existing literature. This is important because HVAC products are high-energy-consuming, high-energy-releasing, and costly.
Carrying Capacity of Spherical Hydrostatic Bearings Including Dynamic Pressure
Authors: Zhang Shengdong , Yang Dongjiang , Li Guangming , Cheng Yongchao , Li Jichao , Zhao Fangqiao , Song Wenlong
Published: October 2024

To calculate the carrying capacity of spherical hydrostatic bearings, a numerical calculation model was presented. The influence law of dynamic pressure effect on the carrying characteristics of liquid hydrostatic spherical bearings is revealed. Under general working conditions, the dynamic pressure effect caused by the radial eccentricity of the bearing has little influence on the bearing load characteristics parameters; when the minimum width of the gap between the sealing edge is very small and the bearing rotational speed is high, the dynamic pressure effect is more obvious.
Separation of Macro- and Micro-Texture to Characterize Skid Resistance of Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Xie Tao , Yang Enhui , Chen Qiang , Rao Junying , Zhang Haopeng , Qiu Yanjun
Published: October 2024

The skid resistance of asphalt pavement is an important factor affecting road safety. However, few studies have characterized the contribution of the macro- and micro-texture to the skid resistance of asphalt pavement. In this paper, the generalized extreme studentized deviate (GESD) and neighboring-region interpolation algorithm (NRIA) were used to identify and replace outliers, and median filters were used to suppress noise in texture data to reconstruct textures. On this basis, the separation of the macro- and micro-texture and the Monte Carlo algorithm were used to characterize the skid resistance of asphalt pavement. The results show that the GESD method can accurately identify outliers in the texture, and the median filtering can eliminate burrs in texture data while retaining more original detail information. The contribution of the macro-texture on the skid resistance is mainly attributed to the frictional resistance caused by the adhesion and elastic hysteresis, and the main contribution of the micro-texture is a micro-bulge cutting part in the friction mechanism. This investigation can provide inspiration for the interior mechanism and the specific relationship between the pavement textures and the skid resistance of asphalt pavement.
Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Laminated (NbTaMoW)Nx Films
Authors: Liao Yan-Zhi , Chen Yung-I
Published: October 2024

Laminated (NbTaMoW)Nx films were prepared via co-sputtering. The sputtering variables were a substrate holder rotation speed of 2 and 10 rpm and a nitrogen flow ratio (fN2 = N2/(Ar + N2)) of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4. The (NbTaMoW)Nx films fabricated at 30 rpm displayed columnar structures. The phase structures of the laminated (NbTaMoW)Nx films varied from multiple body-centered cubic phases to a nanocrystalline and a face-centered cubic phase as the fN2 increased from 0.1 to 0.2 and 0.4. The mechanical and tribological properties of the laminated (NbTaMoW)Nx films were evaluated. The laminated (NbTaMoW)Nx films deposited at an fN2 of 0.4 had hardnesses of 25.2 and 26.1 GPa when prepared at 2 and 10 rpm, respectively, lower than the value of 29.9 GPa for the columnar (NbTaMoW)Nx film prepared at an fN2 of 0.4 and 30 rpm. In contrast, the wear resistances of the laminated (NbTaMoW)Nx films were superior to those of the columnar (NbTaMoW)Nx films.
Flexible Highly Thermally Conductive PCM Film Prepared by Centrifugal Electrospinning for Wearable Thermal Management
Authors: Qiao Jiaxin , He Chonglin , Guo Zijiao , Lin Fankai , Liu Mingyong , Liu Xianjie , Liu Yifei , Huang Zhaohui , Mi Ruiyu , Min Xin
Published: October 2024

Personal thermal management materials integrated with phase-change materials have significant potential to satisfy human thermal comfort needs and save energy through the efficient storage and utilization of thermal energy. However, conventional organic phase-change materials in a solid state suffer from rigidity, low thermal conductivity, and leakage, making their application challenging. In this work, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was chosen as the phase-change material to provide the energy storage density, polyethylene oxide (PEO) was chosen to provide the backbone structure of the three-dimensional polymer network and cross-linked with the PEG to provide flexibility, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to improve the mechanical and thermal conductivity of the material. The thermal conductivity of the composite fiber membranes was boosted by 77.1% when CNTs were added at 4 wt%. Water-resistant modification of the composite fiber membranes was successfully performed using glutaraldehyde-saturated steam. The resulting composite fiber membranes had a reasonable range of phase transition temperatures, and the CC4PCF-55 membranes had melting and freezing latent heats of 66.71 J/g and 64.74 J/g, respectively. The results of this study prove that the green CC4PCF-55 composite fiber membranes have excellent flexibility, with good thermal energy storage capacity and thermal conductivity and, therefore, high potential in the field of flexible wearable thermal management textiles.
Corrosion Behavior of 700L Automotive Beam Steel in Marine Atmospheric Environment
Authors: He Younian , Liu Yuwei , Wang Chuan , Cao Gongwang , He Chunlin , Wang Zhenyao
Published: October 2024

The marine atmospheric corrosion behavior of 700L high-strength automotive beam steel exposed for 36 months was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electrochemical technology. The corrosion kinetics of 700L steel followed the exponential function: D = 4.85t1.23. The rust layers were mainly composited of γ-FeOOH, α-FeOOH, γ-Fe2O3, and Fe3O4, regardless of the exposure duration. With an extended exposure time, the porosity, cracking, and spalling of the rust layers increased, and the densification and thickness uniformity decreased. Electrochemical measurements displayed that the corrosion resistance of the rusted 700L steel gradually decreased with increasing exposure time. A good correlation was found between rust layer composition, microstructure, and corrosion resistance.
Development of Cost-Effective Sn-Free Al-Bi-Fe Alloys for Efficient Onboard Hydrogen Production through Al–Water Reaction
Authors: Deng Rui , Wang Mingshuai , Zhang Hao , Yao Ruijun , Zhen Kai , Liu Yifei , Liu Xingjun , Wang Cuiping
Published: October 2024

Leveraging the liquid-phase immiscibility effect and phase diagram calculations, a sequence of alloy powders with varying Fe content was designed and fabricated utilizing the gas atomization method. Microstructural characterizations, employing SEM, EDS, and XRD analyses, revealed the successful formation of an incomplete shell on the surfaces of Al-Bi-Fe powders, obviating the need for Sn doping. This study systematically investigated the microstructure, hydrolysis performance, and hydrolysis process of these alloys in deionized water. Notably, Al-10Bi-7Fe exhibited the highest hydrogen production, reaching 961.0 NmL/g, while Al-10Bi-10Fe demonstrated the peak conversion rate at 92.99%. The hydrolysis activation energy of each Al-Bi-Fe alloy powder was calculated using the Arrhenius equation, indicating that a reduction in activation energy was achieved through Fe doping.
Enhancing Compressive Strength of Cement by Indigenous Individual and Co-Culture Bacillus Bacteria
Authors: Milović Tiana , Bulatović Vesna , Pezo Lato , Dramićanin Miroslav , Tomić Ana , Pezo Milada , Šovljanski Olja
Published: October 2024

Using a Taguchi experimental design, this research focuses on utilizing indigenous bacteria from the Danube River to enhance the self-healing capabilities and structural integrity of cementitious materials. Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus muralis were used as individual bacterium or in co-culture, with a concentration of 8 logs CFU, while the humidity variation involved testing wet and wet–dry conditions. Additionally, artificial neural network (ANN) modeling of the compressive strength of cement samples results in improvements in compressive strength, particularly under wet–dry conditions. By inducing targeted bacterial activity, the formation of calcium carbonate precipitates was initiated, which effectively sealed formed cracks, thus restoring and even enhancing the material’s strength. In addition to short-term improvements, this study also evaluates long-term improvements, with compressive strength measured over periods extending to 180 days. The results demonstrate sustained self-healing capabilities and strength improvements under varied environmental conditions, emphasizing the potential for long-term application in real-world infrastructure. This study also explores the role of environmental conditions, such as wet and wet–dry cycles, in optimizing the self-healing process, revealing that cyclic exposure conditions further improve the efficiency of strength recovery. The findings suggest that autochthonous bacterial co-cultures can be a viable solution for enhancing the durability and lifespan of concrete structures. This research provides a foundation for further exploration into bio-based self-healing mechanisms and their practical applications in the concrete industry.
Research on the Vibration Response of High-Rise Buildings under Blasting Load
Authors: Yuan Yubao , Gao Zhenghua , He Lu , Lei Zhen
Published: October 2024

The vibration caused by blasting load may result in damage to high-rise buildings. In view of this consideration, an investigation of the vibration law was conducted in the context of an actual engineering project. The objective of this study was to analyze the peak particle velocity (PPV), vibration frequency, and peak particle stress (PPS) of the buildings within a range of 50 m to 250 m from the epicenter, under the condition of a single-shot charge of 30 kg. To achieve this, a combination of theoretical analysis, field tests, and numerical experiments was employed. Sadovsky’s formula was used in combination with the least squares method to fit the propagation law of ground PPV. ANSYS 17.0/LS-DYNA and Origin 8.0 software were applied to study the amplification effect of building PPV and the relationship between PPV and PPS. Taking into account the difference between the height of the ground measuring point and the height of the explosive center, we investigated the PPV of high-rise buildings under three conditions of 36 m, 6 m, and −24 m drop from the explosive center, to strengthen the in-depth understanding of resonance effect. The following conclusions were reached: the ground PPV decreases with increasing horizontal distance from the explosive center, with the radial PPV being the largest. The vertical PPV of buildings exhibits a height amplification effect, with a magnification factor of 2.66. The radial and tangential PPVs of buildings demonstrate that the middle layer exhibits a relatively modest speed, whereas the low and high layers demonstrate considerably higher speeds. The greater the vertical distance from the explosion center is, the greater is the PPV. The vibration frequency is irregular, with an average of 10 Hz. The PPV of buildings is not proportional to the PPS, which is the highest at the bottom. It is recommended that the PPS of buildings be included in the criteria for safety allowances in blasting vibration.
Fast and Compact Partial Differential Equation (PDE)-Based Dynamic Reconstruction of Extended Position-Based Dynamics (XPBD) Deformation Simulation
Authors: Fang Junheng , Xiao Zhidong , Zhu Xiaoqiang , You Lihua , Wang Xiaokun , Zhang Jianjun
Published: October 2024

Dynamic simulation is widely applied in the real-time and realistic physical simulation field. How to achieve natural dynamic simulation results in real-time with small data sizes is an important and long-standing topic. In this paper, we propose a dynamic reconstruction and interpolation method grounded in physical principles for simulating dynamic deformations. This method replaces the deformation forces of the widely used eXtended Position-Based Dynamics (XPBD), which are traditionally derived from the gradient of the energy potential defined by the constraint function, with the elastic beam bending forces to more accurately represent the underlying deformation physics. By doing so, it establishes a mathematical model based on dynamic partial differential equations (PDE) for reconstruction, which are the differential equations involving both the parametric variable u and the time variable t. This model also considers the inertia forces caused by acceleration. The analytical solution to this model is then integrated with the XPBD framework, built upon Newton’s equations of motion. This integration reduces the number of design variables and data sizes, enhances simulation efficiency, achieves good reconstruction accuracy, and makes deformation simulation more capable. The experiment carried out in this paper demonstrates that deformed shapes at about half of the keyframes simulated by XPBD can be reconstructed by the proposed PDE-based dynamic reconstruction algorithm quickly and accurately with a compact and analytical representation, which outperforms static B-spline-based representation and interpolation, greatly shortens the XPBD simulation time, and represents deformed shapes with much smaller data sizes while maintaining good accuracy. Furthermore, the proposed PDE-based dynamic reconstruction algorithm can generate continuous deformation shapes, which cannot be generated by XPBD, to raise the capacity of deformation simulation.
Enhancing Parameters Tuning of Overlay Models with Ridge Regression: Addressing Multicollinearity in High-Dimensional Data
Authors: Magklaras Aris , Gogos Christos , Alefragis Panayiotis , Birbas Alexios
Published: October 2024

The extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography process is a cornerstone of semiconductor manufacturing and operates under demanding precision standards realized via nanometer-level overlay (OVL) error modeling. This procedure allows the machine to anticipate and correct OVL errors before impacting the wafer, thereby facilitating near-optimal image exposure while simultaneously minimizing the overall OVL error. Such models are usually high dimensional and exhibit rigorous statistical phenomena such as collinearities that play a crucial role in the process of tuning their parameters. Ordinary least squares (OLS) is the most widely used method for parameters tuning of overlay models, but in most cases it fails to compensate for such phenomena. In this paper, we propose the usage of ridge regression, a widely known machine learning (ML) algorithm especially suitable for datasets that exhibit high multicollinearity. The proposed method was applied in perturbed data from a 300 mm wafer fab, and the results show reduced residuals when ridge regression is applied instead of OLS.
Revamping Image-Recipe Cross-Modal Retrieval with Dual Cross Attention Encoders
Authors: Liu Wenhao , Yuan Simiao , Wang Zhen , Chang Xinyi , Gao Limeng , Zhang Zhenrui
Published: October 2024

The image-recipe cross-modal retrieval task, which retrieves the relevant recipes according to food images and vice versa, is now attracting widespread attention. There are two main challenges for image-recipe cross-modal retrieval task. Firstly, a recipe’s different components (words in a sentence, sentences in an entity, and entities in a recipe) have different weight values. If a recipe’s different components own the same weight, the recipe embeddings cannot pay more attention to the important components. As a result, the important components make less contribution to the retrieval task. Secondly, the food images have obvious properties of locality and only the local food regions matter. There are still difficulties in enhancing the discriminative local region features in the food images. To address these two problems, we propose a novel framework named Dual Cross Attention Encoders for Cross-modal Food Retrieval (DCA-Food). The proposed framework consists of a hierarchical cross attention recipe encoder (HCARE) and a cross attention image encoder (CAIE). HCARE consists of three types of cross attention modules to capture the important words in a sentence, the important sentences in an entity and the important entities in a recipe, respectively. CAIE extracts global and local region features. Then, it calculates cross attention between them to enhance the discriminative local features in the food images. We conduct the ablation studies to validate our design choices. Our proposed approach outperforms the existing approaches by a large margin on the Recipe1M dataset. Specifically, we improve the R@1 performance by +2.7 and +1.9 on the 1k and 10k testing sets, respectively.
Contemporary Management and Prognostic Factors of Arrhythmia Recurrence in Patients with High-Energy Discharge of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices
Authors: Kampka Zofia , Drabczyk Mateusz , Pająk Magdalena , Drapacz Olga , Orszulak Michał , Cichoń Małgorzata , Mizia-Stec Katarzyna , Wybraniec Maciej T.
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: Understanding the underlying causes of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) discharges is vital for effective management. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of patients admitted following ICD discharge, focusing on myocardial ischemia as a potential exacerbating factor and potential risk factors for VT recurrence. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included 81 patients with high energy discharge from cardiac implantable electronic device admitted urgently to the cardiology department from 2015 to 2022. The exclusion criterion was ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. Data were collected anonymously from electronic medical records. Patients were categorized based on coronary angiography, percutaneous angioplasty, presence of significant stenosis, recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT), and catheter ablation. Clinical variables, including demographic data, echocardiographic parameters, and pharmacotherapy, were analyzed. The primary endpoint was the recurrence of VT during in-hospital stay. Results: Among 81 patients, predominantly male (86.4%), with a mean age of 63.6 years, 55 (67.9%) had coronary artery disease (CAD) as the primary etiology for ICD implantation. Coronary angiography was performed in 34 patients (42.0%) and showed significant stenosis (>50%) in 18 (41.8%) patients, while 8 (26.0%) individuals underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recurrent VT occurred in 21 subjects (26.3%), while ventricular catheter ablation was performed in 36 patients (44.0%). Referral for urgent coronary angiography was associated with presence of diabetes (p = 0.028) and hyperlipidemia (p = 0.022). Logistic regression analysis confirmed NYHA symptomatic class (OR 4.63, p = 0.04) and LVH (OR 10.59, p = 0.049) were independently associated with relapse of VT. CAD patients underwent catheter ablation more frequently (p = 0.001) than those with dilated cardiomyopathy. Conclusions: The study showed a low referral rate for coronary angiography among patients with ICD discharge. Presence of LVH and preexisting symptomatic class influence arrhythmia recurrence. Understanding these associations can guide personalized management strategies for ICD recipients.
Exploring Adiposity and Chronic Kidney Disease: Clinical Implications, Management Strategies, Prognostic Considerations
Authors: Ozbek Lasin , Abdel-Rahman Sama Mahmoud , Unlu Selen , Guldan Mustafa , Copur Sidar , Burlacu Alexandru , Covic Adrian , Kanbay Mehmet
Published: October 2024

Obesity poses a significant and growing risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), requiring comprehensive evaluation and management strategies. This review explores the intricate relationship between obesity and CKD, emphasizing the diverse phenotypes of obesity, including sarcopenic obesity and metabolically healthy versus unhealthy obesity, and their differential impact on kidney function. We discuss the epidemiological evidence linking elevated body mass index (BMI) with CKD risk while also addressing the paradoxical survival benefits observed in obese CKD patients. Various measures of obesity, such as BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat assessment, are evaluated in the context of CKD progression and outcomes. Mechanistic insights into how obesity promotes renal dysfunction through lipid metabolism, inflammation, and altered renal hemodynamics are elucidated, underscoring the role of adipokines and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Furthermore, the review examines current strategies for assessing kidney function in obese individuals, including the strengths and limitations of filtration markers and predictive equations. The management of obesity and associated comorbidities like arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in CKD patients is discussed. Finally, gaps in the current literature and future research directions aimed at optimizing the management of obesity-related CKD are highlighted, emphasizing the need for personalized therapeutic approaches to mitigate the growing burden of this intertwined epidemic.
The Impact of Infliximab on Hyperinflammation State in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Saied Yasmine M. , Abou Warda Ahmed Essam , Allam Rasha Mahmoud , Syed Wajid , Basil A. Al-Rawi Mahmood , Iqbal Ayesha , Elgendy Marwa O. , M. El-Sabaa Ramy , Hassan Ahmed
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been linked to increased mortality in COVID-19 patients. Infliximab, a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, has been reported to improve outcomes in COVID-19 patients by targeting the hyperinflammatory response. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating Infliximab into standard care guidelines for the management of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 111 participants who were moderate to severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital. Among them, 74 individuals received solely standard treatment, while 37 received standard therapy plus Infliximab. The primary outcomes of the study centered around the changes in laboratory test parameters. The secondary clinical findings included clinical recovery defined as improvement in patient oxygenation, time till recovery, and assessing necessity for ICU admission, and mortality rates. Results: There was no statistical difference observed in the inflammatory markers including, LDH, Ferritin, CRP, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and P/F ratio between both groups and in the clinical outcomes including clinical recovery (p = 1.0), time to improvement (p = 0.436), and mortality rate (p = 0.601). However, there was a significant increase in secondary infection (45.9%, 20.3%; p = 0.005), and in liver enzymes, ALT (79.5, 50.0 IU/L; p = 0.02) and AST (57.5, 38.0 IU/L; p = 0.019) in the Infliximab group and the standard care group, respectively. Conclusions: Infliximab therapy did not demonstrate significant benefits compared to standard of care in moderate to severe hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Effect of Co Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Al-2wt.%Ni Alloy
Authors: Soler Gabriela de Araújo , de Faria Andre Ono , Borges Júlia Silva , Vida Talita , Souza Renato Chaves , Avila Julian Arnaldo , Brito Crystopher
Published: October 2024

Aluminium alloys have been one of the leading materials used in aircraft structural components due to their mechanical performance, low density, and different manufacturing and inspection techniques. The mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of metallic alloys relate to the microstructural arrangement, which depends on the alloying elements and manufacturing parameters. Therefore, this study aims to experimentally develop an Al-2wt.%Ni-0.5wt.%Co alloy as an alternative for aerospace applications, evaluating the main metallurgical aspects influencing mechanical strength. The samples were solidified in brass moulds with four different diameters, allowing four different cooling rates. A statistical analysis of the correlation between microstructural parameters and mechanical properties is proposed to optimise the conditions for obtaining the best mechanical strength. A microstructure with an essentially cellular matrix of the α-Al phase was observed. The tensile strength limit values (σU) of 117 MPa, specific elongation (δ) of 13.8%, and average microhardness of 33 HV were obtained. The Al-2wt.%Ni-0.5wt.%Co alloy exhibits impressive high cycle fatigue performance, with an endurance limit of 91 MPa at 107 cycles, driven by the synergistic effects of Al3Ni for strength and Al9Co2 for enhanced ductility and toughness.
Microstructure and Fatigue Behavior of PM-HIPed Ni-Based Superalloys and Martensitic Tool Steels: A Review
Authors: Javadzadeh Kalahroudi Faezeh , Lin Fengxiang , Krakhmalev Pavel , Grehk Mikael
Published: October 2024

Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is a near-net shape powder metallurgy (PM) technique, which has emerged as an efficient technique, offering precise control over the microstructure and properties of materials, particularly in high-performance alloys. This technology finds applications across a wide range of industries, such as aerospace, automotive, marine, oil and gas, medical, and tooling. This paper provides an overview of powder metallurgy and hot isostatic pressing, covering their principles, process parameters, and applications. Additionally, it conducts an analysis of PM-HIPed alloys, focusing on their microstructure and fatigue behavior to illustrate their potential in diverse engineering applications. Specifically, this paper focuses on nickel-based superalloys and martensitic tool steels. The diverse microstructural characteristics of these alloys provide valuable insights into the PM-HIP-induced fatigue defects and properties.
Recent Progress in Photodetectors: From Materials to Structures and Applications
Authors: Ma Tianjun , Xue Ning , Muhammad Abdul , Fang Gang , Yan Jinyao , Chen Rongkun , Sun Jianhai , Sun Xuguang
Published: October 2024

Photodetectors are critical components in a wide range of applications, from imaging and sensing to communications and environmental monitoring. Recent advancements in material science have led to the development of emerging photodetecting materials, such as perovskites, polymers, novel two-dimensional materials, and quantum dots, which offer unique optoelectronic properties and high tunability. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the synthesis methodologies for these cutting-edge materials, highlighting their potential to enhance photodetection performance. Additionally, we explore the design and fabrication of photodetectors with novel structures and physics, emphasizing devices that achieve high figure-of-merit parameters, such as enhanced sensitivity, fast response times, and broad spectral detection. Finally, we discuss the demonstration of new applications enabled by these advanced photodetectors, including flexible and wearable devices, next-generation imaging systems, and environmental sensing technologies. Through this review, we aim to provide insights into the current trends and future directions in the field of photodetection, guiding further research and development in this rapidly evolving area.
Image-Based Auto-Focus Microscope System with Visual Servo Control for Micro-Stereolithography
Authors: Liu Yijie , Li Xuexuan , Jiang Pengfei , Wang Ziyue , Guo Jichang , Luo Chao , Wei Yaozhong , Chen Zhiliang , Liu Chang , Ren Wang , Zhang Wei , Qu Juntian , Zhang Zhen
Published: October 2024

Micro-stereolithography (μSL) is an advanced additive manufacturing technique that enables the fabrication of highly precise microstructures with fine feature resolution. One of the primary challenges in μSL is achieving and maintaining precise focus throughout the fabrication process. For the successful application of μSL, it is essential to maintain the sample surface within a focal depth of several microns. Despite the growing interest in auto-focus devices, limited attention has been directed towards auto-focus systems in image-based auto-focus microscope systems for precision μSL. To address this challenge, we propose an image-based auto-focus microscope system incorporating visual servo control. In the optical design, a transflective beam splitter is employed, allowing the laser beam to pass through for fabrication while reflecting the focused beam on the sample surface to the microscope and camera. Utilizing captured spot images and the Foucault knife-edge test, a deep learning-based laser spot image processing algorithm is developed to determine the focus position based on spot size and the number of spot pixels on both sides. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed auto-focus system effectively determines the relative position of the focal point using the laser spot image and achieves auto-focusing through visual servo control.
Soil Microorganism Interactions under Biological Fumigations Compared with Chemical Fumigation
Authors: Li Hui , Man Huali , Han Jia , Jia Xixia , Wang Li , Yang Hongyu , Shi Guiying
Published: October 2024

Background: Biological fumigation, a potential alternative to chemical fumigation, shows a wide range of prospective applications. In this study, we carried out biological fumigation experiments to evaluate its effect on alleviating consecutive cropping problems (CRPs) when compared with chemical fumigation. Methods: We designed five treatments, namely, CR (no treatment), LN (chemical fumigation with lime nitrogen), Ta (fumigation with marigold), Ra (fumigation with radish), and Br (fumigation with mustard), for soils for replanting eggplant and measured the crop’s growth status, soil bacterial and fungal communities, and soil physicochemical properties. Results: The results showed that the Br and Ra treatments formed similar microbial communities, while the Ta treatment formed unique microbial communities. The genera Olpidiomycota and Rozellomycota could be used as indicator species for the transformation process of soil microbial communities after the Br and Ta treatments, respectively. When compared with the CR and LN treatments, the soil’s physicochemical properties were optimized under the Br treatment, and the soil organic matter content increased by 64.26% and 79.22%, respectively. Moreover, under the Br treatment, the soil’s biological properties enhanced the bacterial and fungal alpha diversity, and the saprotrophic fungi increased with the depletion of pathotrophic fungi, while some specific probiotic microorganisms (such as Olpidiomycota, Microascales, Bacillus, etc.) were significantly enriched. In contrast, under the Ta treatment, soil nutrient levels decreased and the soil’s biological indices deteriorated, whereas the bacterial diversity decreased and the pathogenic fungi increased. Conclusions: Among these three biological fumigation methods, the Br pre-treatment was the best way to alleviate the crop’s CRPs and may be a good substitute for chemical fumigation in some situations. However, the Ta treatment also had some risks, such as the loss of land quality and reduced productivity.
Carbohydrate Metabolism Differentiates Pectinatus and Megasphaera Species Growing in Beer
Authors: Arnold Manuel J. , Ritter Stefan W. , Ehrmann Matthias A. , Kurniawan Yohanes N. , Suzuki Koji , Becker Thomas M. , Liebl Wolfgang
Published: October 2024

Obligate anaerobic beer spoilage bacteria have been a menace to the brewing industry for several decades. Technological advances in the brewing process aimed at suppressing aerobic spoilers gave rise to problems with obligate anaerobes. In previous studies, the metabolic spectrum of Pectinatus and Megasphaera species has been described, but their metabolism in the beer environment remains largely unknown. We used high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) and headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GCMS) to further characterize beer spoiled by 30 different strains from six beer-spoiling species of Pectinatus and Megasphaera (P. cerevisiiphilus, P. frisingensis, P. haikarae, M. cerevisiae, M. paucivorans, and M. sueciensis). We detected differences in carbohydrate utilization and the volatile organic compounds (volatilome) produced during beer spoilage by all six species. We were able to show that glycerol, one of the basic components of beer, is the common carbon source used by all strains. It appears that this carbon source allows for anaerobic beer spoilage by Pectinatus and Megasphaera despite the spoilage-preventing intrinsic barriers of beer (iso-α-acids, ethanol, low pH, scarce nutrients); thus, extrinsic countermeasures are key for prevention.