bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA-directed immobilization fluorescent immunoarray for multiplexed antibiotic residue determination in milk
Authors: Guercetti J. , Pascual N. , Aviñó A. , Eritja R. , Salvador J.-P. , Marco M.-P.
Published: August 2024

The presence of antibiotic residues in cow’s milk entails high risk for consumers, the dairy industry, and the environment. Therefore, the development of highly specific and sensitive screening tools for the rapid and cost-effective identification of traces of these compounds is urgently needed. A multiplexed screening platform utilizing DNA-directed immobilization (DDI) was developed aiming to detect three classes of antibiotic residues (fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and tylosin) prevalently found in milk. Throughout this work, each oligonucleotide sequence was conjugated to a different hapten molecule, while the three complementary strands were immobilized in 24 independent microarray chips on a single glass slide. First, the array was incubated with the pool of hapten-oligonucleotide conjugate site encoded the signal through DNA hybridization. Next, commercial milk samples were incubated with the cocktail of monoclonal antibodies following a secondary fluorophore-labeled antibody which was required for fluorescent readout. Direct sample detection was achieved in milk diluting 20 times in assay buffer. The limits of detection (LODs) reached were 1.43 µg kg−1, 1.67 µg kg−1, and 0.89 µg kg−1 for TYLA, STZ, and CIP, respectively, which represented in raw milk 7.15 µg kg−1, 8.35 µg kg−1, and 4.45 µg kg−1 for TYLA, STZ, and CIP, respectively, that are below the EU regulatory limits. Cross-reactivity profiles were evaluated against the family of structurally related antibiotics in order to demonstrate the capability to detect antibiotics from the same family of compounds. A pre-validation study was performed by spiking 20 blind samples above and below the maximum residue limits established by the EU guidelines. The system was successfully implemented towards randomized sample classification as compliant or non-compliant. The proposed DDI-based immunoarray provides a fast and cost-effective alternative to obtain semi-quantitative information about the presence of three veterinary residues simultaneously in milk samples.

Graphical Abstract

Antibody fluorescent microarray based on DDI. The figure shows the main steps involved in the immunoassay. First, the printing of the oligo N4-6down probe over the glass slide, followed by an incubation with a complementary strand conjugated to the hapten and finally the selective recognition using monoclonal antibodies and fluorescent quantification.
Development and clinical implementation of an LC-HRMS method for ivacaftor, lumacaftor, tezacaftor and elexacaftor in human plasma and breast milk
Authors: Hansson Anna B. , Wadström Hjalmar , Eliasson Erik , Al Shakirchi Mahasin , de Monestrol Isabelle , Barclay Victoria
Published: August 2024

The four cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators, ivacaftor, lumacaftor, tezacaftor, and elexacaftor, have revolutionised the treatment of CF by direct action on the protein target behind the disease’s development. The aim was to develop and validate a quantification method for these CFTR modulators in plasma and breast milk to better understand inter-patient variability in pharmacokinetics and treatment outcome, including the risk of adverse drug reactions. The ability to monitor CFTR modulators in breast milk enables the estimation of the exposure of breastfed infant, with a potential concern for CFTR modulator-induced liver injury. The analysis was performed on a Thermo Vanquish Flex Binary UHPLC system coupled to a high-resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS), Thermo Q Exactive. The analytes were detected using positive electrospray ionisation in full scan mode. After sample preparation by protein precipitation, the supernatant was injected onto the LC system and the analytes were separated using a Zorbax SB-C18 Rapid Res HPLC column (3.5 µm, 4.6 × 75 mm). This is the first published method for CFTR modulators in breast milk. The validated quantification range for ivacaftor is 0.0050–10 µg/mL with a coefficient of variation < 6% and a mean accuracy of 97–106%; for lumacaftor, tezacaftor, and elexacaftor, the validated quantification range is 0.050–100 µg/mL with a coefficient of variation < 8% and a mean accuracy 93–106%. A simple and sensitive quantification method for CFTR modulators has been developed and used for routine analysis of human plasma and breast milk samples since 2022.

Graphical Abstract
Fracture energy of birch in tension perpendicular to grain: experimental evaluation and comparative numerical simulations
Authors: Jonasson Johannes , Danielsson Henrik , Serrano Erik
Published: August 2024

The present work has experimentally determined the specific fracture energy of the hardwood species silver birch (Betula pendula), which in recent times has caught increased attention for utilization in structural applications. The single-edge-notched beam loaded in three-point-bending was utilized for evaluating the fracture energy with the work-of-fracture method. In addition to birch, Norway spruce (Picea abies) was utilized as a reference material. The effect of two different geometries of the fracture area for each species was evaluated—one triangular and one rectangular fracture area. It should be noted that the geometry of the fracture area did influence the evaluated fracture energy, and this influence was not consistent between species. This was likely in part due to manufacturing difficulties with the triangular fracture area. In addition to the experimental testing, a numerical 2d-model including linear strain-softening behavior was used for comparative simulations. The numerical 2d-models showed reasonable agreement with the experimental results regarding the global load vs. displacement response, despite their relative simple nature. The specific fracture energy for the spruce specimens was evaluated to 221 J/$$\hbox {m}^2$$

m
2

and for the birch specimens to 656 J/$$\hbox {m}^2$$

m
2

. Consequently, the present work implies a marked increase in specific fracture energy for birch, compared to spruce. This increase in specific fracture energy could potentially have a large influence on the failure behavior of birch when used in structural applications which is something that needs to be considered in future work.
The Concept of Ideal Lips of Caucasian Female: An Anthropometric Analysis of the Lower Third of the Face
Authors: Winiarska Natalia , Roszkowski Bartłomiej , Paskal Wiktor , Majak Marcin , Pietruski Piotr
Published: August 2024

Background

The demand for lip-redefining procedures has been rising in recent years, thus creating the need for reliable and detailed reference sources on aesthetic female lips. This study investigates the morphology of the lower third of the face, including the lips and jawline, of attractive young Caucasian females.

Methods

A semi-automatic photogrammetric analysis of the faces of professional female photograph models (n=400) of the Caucasian race aged 18–39 was performed. Angular, linear, and surface area parameters were evaluated. A graphical summarization of the average facial shape of all analyzed attractive females was generated as an average body contours (ABC) image.

Results

The height of the lower third of the face equaled 0.32 ± 0.02 of the total facial height. The average lip width was 48.06 ± 3.34 mm. The upper vermilion height was found to be significantly lower than the lower vermilion height (6.47 ± 1.36 vs. 11.64 ± 1.46 mm, p < 0.01). The lip obliquity angle was found to be 1.05° ± 0.79°. The area surface of the upper lip vermilion was considerably smaller than the vermilion of the lower lip (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This is one of the largest studies on attractive Caucasian females’ lips and lower face morphology. The data it provides, including the graphical presentation of the aesthetic lower face as an ABC image, may provide physicians with valuable guidelines for lips rejuvenation and reconstruction procedures.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Texture measurements of archaeological objects at STRESS-SPEC neutron diffractometer
Authors: Gan Weimin , Hofmann Michael , Wagner Friedrich , Gebhard Rupert
Published: August 2024

The main advantage of neutron diffraction over X-ray diffraction, arises from the fact that the interaction of neutrons with material is relatively weak and not related to the number of electrons, and consequently the penetration depth of neutrons is about 102-103 larger than that of laboratory X-ray diffraction. This is particular essential for the non-destructive texture analysis of archaeological objects as no additional surface treatments of the samples (e.g. polishing) are necessary. STRESS-SPEC at MLZ is designed as a state of the art multi-purpose diffractometer for strain and texture analysis. Besides the optimized high neutron flux the available large variability in gauge volume definition systems together with the robotic sample handling option offer high flexibility for bulk or gradient texture measurements. Since 2014, local and bulk textures of iron and gold artefacts collected by Bavarian State Archaeological Collection (Munich, Germany) have been thoroughly investigated at STRESS-SPEC. Results showed that heat treatment of iron artefacts at high temperatures can re-orientate the inner crystallites. In the gold foil artefacts, the texture represented by the measured pole figures shows a high symmetry – the so-called Cube component, which is commonly found in annealed fcc materials. For comparison, laboratory samples were produced by rolling, flat hammering, and pin / round hammering and also measured in order to elucidate possible manufacturing and processing routes. In turned out that both rolling and pin / round hammering followed by a high temperature annealing can produce similar pole figures to those of the gold artefacts foils.
Changing treatment of hip fractures in Finland
Authors: Leino Oskari K. , Forsbacka Nora , Laaksonen Inari E. , Mäkelä Keijo T. , Matilainen Markus , Ekman Elina M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Hip fracture treatment should be as standardized and effective as possible, with emphasis on fast recovery and avoidance of complications, especially those leading to reoperations. There is accumulating evidence regarding the optimal treatment of hip fractures but reports of whether this has influenced treatment in the clinical setting are sparse. The objective of this study was to determine the trends of hip fracture incidence and treatment in Finland, with special regard to how we treat older patients compared to younger ones.

Materials and methods

All operatively treated hip fractures in Finland between 1997 and 2018 were identified from a national administrative register. The incidence of these fractures and operations performed to treat them were calculated based on the adult population size.

Results

Apart from a decline in the elderly age groups during the first half of the study period, the incidence of hip fractures remained relatively constant. However, the incidences of different operations changed significantly. In treatment of femoral neck fractures from 1997 to 2018, the incidence of cemented hemiarthroplasty (HA) increased from 41.1 to 59.9 per 100,000 person-years (105) and hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA) from 0.56 to 5.93 per 105, while the incidence of internal fixation (IF) decreased, for instance screw fixation from 12.5 to 2.7 per 105. The incidence of cementless HA decreased from 13.3 to 1.2 per 105. These changes were much more pronounced in the elderly population and there was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients aged > 59 treated with cemented HA and IF in 1997 compared to 2018. For trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures, treatment with intramedullary nails replaced extramedullary devices as the most common treatment method.

Conclusions

The changes in treatment methods in Finland correspond to the increasing knowledge available about the optimal treatment of hip fractures and global treatment trends.
Positionspapier: Open-source-Technologie in der Behandlung von Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus – eine österreichische Perspektive
Authors: Kietaibl Antonia-Therese , Schütz-Fuhrmann Ingrid , Bozkurt Latife , Frühwald Lisa , Rami-Merhar Birgit , Fröhlich-Reiterer Elke , Hofer Sabine E. , Tauschmann Martin , Resl Michael , Hörtenhuber Thomas , Stechemesser Lars , Winhofer Yvonne , Riedl Michaela , Zlamal-Fortunat Sandra , Eichner Marlies , Stingl Harald , Schelkshorn Christian , Weitgasser Raimund , Rega-Kaun Gersina , Köhler Gerd , Mader Julia K.
Published: August 2024

Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus können im alltäglichen Management durch Diabetestechnologie mittels automatisierter Insulinabgabesysteme (AID-Systeme) unterstützt werden und dadurch das Hypoglykämierisiko reduzieren und die glykämische Kontrolle sowie die Lebensqualität verbessern. Aufgrund von unterschiedlichsten Barrieren in der AID-Verfügbarkeit hat sich international die Nutzung von Open-source-AID-Systemen entwickelt. Diese Technologien bieten eine notwendige Alternative zu kommerziellen Produkten, insbesondere, wenn zugelassene Systeme unzugänglich oder unzureichend auf die spezifischen Bedürfnisse der Anwendenden angepasst sind. Open-source-Technologie zeichnet sich durch global freie Verfügbarkeit von Codes im Internet aus, durchläuft kein offizielles Zulassungsverfahren, und die Verwendung erfolgt daher auf eigene Verantwortung. In der klinischen Praxis führen fehlende Expertise zu den unterschiedlichen Systemen und Bedenken vor juristischen Konsequenzen zu Konfliktsituationen für Behandler:innen und mitunter zur Ablehnung in der Betreuung von Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus, die Open-source-Technologie nutzen möchten. Im vorliegenden Positionspapier sollen eine Übersicht zu vorhandener Evidenz sowie praktische Orientierungshilfen für medizinisches Fachpersonal geboten werden, um Unsicherheiten und Barrieren zu minimieren. Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus müssen – unabhängig von der von ihnen gewählten Diabetestechnologie – weiterhin in Schulung, Umgang und Management ihrer Erkrankung unterstützt werden, auch wenn sie sich für die Verwendung eines Open-source-Systems entschieden haben. Medizinische Kontrollen der metabolischen Einstellung, akuter und chronischer Komplikationen sowie das Screening auf assoziierte Erkrankungen sind unabhängig vom gewählten AID-System notwendig und sollen durch multidisziplinäre Teams mit entsprechender Expertise erfolgen.
Hybrid two-level protection system for preserving pre-trained DNN models ownership
Authors: Fkirin Alaa , Moursi Ahmed Samy , Attiya Gamal , El-Sayed Ayman , Shouman Marwa A.
Published: August 2024

Recent advancements in deep neural networks (DNNs) have made them indispensable for numerous commercial applications. These include healthcare systems and self-driving cars. Training DNN models typically demands substantial time, vast datasets and high computational costs. However, these valuable models face significant risks. Attackers can steal and sell pre-trained DNN models for profit. Unauthorised sharing of these models poses a serious threat. Once sold, they can be easily copied and redistributed. Therefore, a well-built pre-trained DNN model is a valuable asset that requires protection. This paper introduces a robust hybrid two-level protection system for safeguarding the ownership of pre-trained DNN models. The first-level employs zero-bit watermarking. The second-level incorporates an adversarial attack as a watermark by using a perturbation technique to embed the watermark. The robustness of the proposed system is evaluated against seven types of attacks. These are Fast Gradient Method Attack, Auto Projected Gradient Descent Attack, Auto Conjugate Gradient Attack, Basic Iterative Method Attack, Momentum Iterative Method Attack, Square Attack and Auto Attack. The proposed two-level protection system withstands all seven attack types. It maintains accuracy and surpasses current state-of-the-art methods.
Practical method for evaluating wind influence on autonomous ship operations (2nd report)
Authors: Maki Atsuo , Maruyama Yuuki , Dostal Leo , Sasa Kenji , Sawada Ryohei , Wakita Kouki
Published: August 2024

Recently, a considerable number of research and development projects have focused on automatic vessels. A highly realistic simulator is needed to validate control algorithms for autonomous vessels. For instance, when considering the automatic berthing/unberthing of a vessel, the effect of wind in such low-speed operations cannot be ignored because of the low rudder performance during slow harbor maneuvers. Therefore, a simulator used to validate an automatic berthing/unberthing control algorithm should be able to reproduce the time histories of wind speed and wind direction realistically. Therefore, in our first report on this topic, to obtain the wind speed distribution, we proposed a simple algorithm to generate the time series and distribution of wind speed only from the mean wind speed. However, for wind direction, the spectral distribution could not be determined based on our literature surveys, and hence, a simple method for estimating the coefficients of the stochastic differential equation (SDE) could not be proposed. In this study, we propose a new methodology for generating the time history of wind direction based on the results of Kuwajima et al.’s work. They proposed a regression equation of the standard deviation of wind direction variation for the mean wind speed. In this study, we assumed that the wind direction distribution can be represented by a linear filter as in our previous paper, and its coefficients are derived from Kuwajima’s proposed equation. Then, as in the previous report, the time series of wind speed and wind direction can be calculated easily by analytically solving the one-dimensional SDE. The joint probability density functions of wind speed and wind direction obtained by computing them independently agree well with the measurement results.
Effectiveness and safety of low dose Rituximab as remission-maintenance treatment for patients with refractory idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: results of a retrospective study from a monocentric cohort
Authors: Gamba Anna , Depascale Roberto , Zanatta Elisabetta , Ienna Luana , Cruciani Claudio , Gatto Mariele , Zen Margherita , Doria Andrea , Iaccarino Luca
Published: August 2024

Objective

Our aim was to assess efficacy and safety of Rituximab (RTX) in patients with refractory Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) from a monocentric cohort. Thereafter, we evaluated the efficacy of a low-dose RTX regimen as a remission-maintenance therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated a cohort of patients affected with IIM treated with RTX. All patients were refractory to glucocorticoids (GC) and at least one immunosuppressant. Two infusions of 1 g two weeks apart were considered as standard cycle of RTX, a single dose of 1 g every six months was deemed as a low-dose RTX regimen. Complete and partial response were defined according to physician’s judgment, laboratory and radiological features.

Results

Thirty-six patients affected with IIM were enrolled. Eighteen patients (50%) required the use of RTX for muscular involvement, 6 (16.7%) for interstitial lung disease (ILD), 12 (33.3%) for both myositis and ILD. We observed complete response to RTX in 25 patients (69.4%), partial response in 7 (19.4%) and no response in 4 (11.1%), with an overall response of 88.8% (partial and complete response). From the subgroup of twenty-five patients that achieved a complete response, six were treated with a low dose maintenance therapy maintaining a complete response to RTX. Twenty-six patients who achieved a complete or partial response were able to decrease the mean daily GC dose. Infections were the major adverse events detected in our study.

Conclusions

RTX shows favorable outcomes in refractory patients with IIM. A low-dose regimen of RTX appears to be effective in maintaining remission after induction with standard dose.

Key Points• The precise pathogenic mechanism of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) remains elusive; however, a growing body of data support the autoimmune hypothesis. In this context, rituximab, a B cell-depleting agent, has emerged as a second-line therapeutic option in IIM.• Several studies have assessed It its effectiveness in refractory IIM patients.• Limited information exists on the use of Rituximab as maintenance therapy in patients who have achieved remission following induction therapy with Rituximab.
Cost-effectiveness of lures in attracting mammals: a large scale camera-trapping field test on European species
Authors: Mortelliti Alessio , Bergamin Riccardo , Bartolommei Paola , Greco Ilaria , Manzo Emiliano , Rovero Francesco , Fonda Federica
Published: August 2024

The cost-effectiveness of different attractants during camera trapping surveys has been seldom evaluated. To contribute in filling this knowledge gap we (1) compare the effectiveness of a suite of attractants in detecting widely distributed mammals in Europe and (2) evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these attractants, by calculating the costs associated to reach a specific monitoring objective. We conducted a large-scale field experiment across four study areas in central and northern Italy, encompassing a variety of environments, from lowland forest to alpine beech forest. We focused on comparing the following low cost and readily available attractants: sardines, peanut butter, a commercial lure and we used a camera with no attractant as control, collecting data on a suite of small to large mammals. We found that for seven of our 13 target species detectability varied with the type of attractant used. Specifically, sardines proved to be the most effective attractant for canids and the porcupine, peanut butter was most effective for mustelids but was avoided by the roe deer, whereas the commercial lure was the most effective with red deer. Through a power analysis combined with a cost function analysis we were able to show striking differences in the cost-effectiveness of the different methods, sometimes in the order of magnitude of tens of thousands of euros, which strongly emphasizes the critical importance played by the choice of whether to use an attractant or not and the type of attractant to be used.
Planning under uncertainty for safe robot exploration using Gaussian process prediction
Authors: Stephens Alex , Budd Matthew , Staniaszek Michal , Casseau Benoit , Duckworth Paul , Fallon Maurice , Hawes Nick , Lacerda Bruno
Published: August 2024

The exploration of new environments is a crucial challenge for mobile robots. This task becomes even more complex with the added requirement of ensuring safety. Here, safety refers to the robot staying in regions where the values of certain environmental conditions (such as terrain steepness or radiation levels) are within a predefined threshold. We consider two types of safe exploration problems. First, the robot has a map of its workspace, but the values of the environmental features relevant to safety are unknown beforehand and must be explored. Second, both the map and the environmental features are unknown, and the robot must build a map whilst remaining safe. Our proposed framework uses a Gaussian process to predict the value of the environmental features in unvisited regions. We then build a Markov decision process that integrates the Gaussian process predictions with the transition probabilities of the environmental model. The Markov decision process is then incorporated into an exploration algorithm that decides which new region of the environment to explore based on information value, predicted safety, and distance from the current position of the robot. We empirically evaluate the effectiveness of our framework through simulations and its application on a physical robot in an underground environment.
Low-density, water-repellent, and thermally insulating cellulose-mycelium foams
Authors: Amstislavski Philippe , Pöhler Tiina , Valtonen Anniina , Wikström Lisa , Harlin Ali , Salo Satu , Jetsu Petri , Szilvay Géza R.
Published: August 2024

This work explored whether partial cellulose bioconversion with fungal mycelium can improve the properties of cellulose fibre-based materials. We demonstrate an efficient approach for producing cellulose-mycelium composites utilizing several cellulosic matrices and show that these materials can match fossil-derived polymeric foams on water contact angle, compression strength, thermal conductivity, and exhibit selective antimicrobial properties. Fossil-based polymeric foams commonly used for these applications are highly carbon positive, persist in soils and water, and are challenging to recycle. Bio-based alternatives to synthetic polymers could reduce GHG emissions, store carbon, and decrease plastic pollution. We explored several fungal species for the biofabrication of three kinds of cellulosic-mycelium composites and characterized the resulting materials for density, microstructure, compression strength, thermal conductivity, water contact angle, and antimicrobial properties. Foamed mycelium-cellulose samples had low densities (0.058 – 0.077 g/cm3), low thermal conductivity (0.03 – 0.06 W/m∙K at + 10 °C), and high water contact angle (118 – 140°). The recovery from compression of all samples was not affected by the mycelium addition and varied between 70 and 85%. In addition, an antiviral property against active MS-2 viruses was observed. These findings show that the biofabrication process using mycelium can provide water repellency and antiviral properties to cellulose foam materials while retaining their low density and good thermal insulation properties.

Graphical Abstract
Entropy optimization of a FENE-P viscoelastic model: a numerically guided comprehensive analysis
Authors: Khan Razi , Rossi di Schio Eugenia , Valdiserri Paolo
Published: August 2024

The influence of polymers on entropy generation processes is substantial, particularly in the fields of fluid dynamics and rheology. The FENE-P (Finitely Extensible Nonlinear Elastic-Peterlin) model describes the polymer’s dynamics as a result of the interaction between the stretching caused by the velocity gradient and the elastic force that restores the polymer to its equilibrium position. Models such as FENE-P aid in understanding and predicting polymer flow behaviour allowing for the reduction of entropy generation by optimizing system designs. A continuum approach is employed to express the heat flux vector and polymer confirmation tensor of the model. The study investigates the complex relationship between polymer conformation, flow dynamics, and heat transfer taking into account the thermophoresis (Soret effect) and mass diffusion-thermal diffusion coupling (Dufour effect) phenomena to optimize processes by reducing entropy. This study illuminates polymer’s significance in entropy minimization, improving engineering design methodologies and applications in materials science, chemical engineering, and fluid dynamics. As result, the presence of polymers leads to a substantial decrease in the total entropy of the system. This understanding provides opportunities for enhancing heat transfer systems, thereby facilitating the development of more efficient and sustainable technology.
A performance indicator and its decomposition according to the impacts of different aspects based on distributional data
Authors: Crocetta Corrado , Irpino Antonio , Antonucci Laura , Marin Claudia
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we present a novel approach to customer satisfaction analysis of airport services based on the analysis of distributional data for constructing a bivariate performance indicator. Distributional data was introduced for describing macro-data coming from the aggregation of micro-data observed at the individual level. We use them to represent the distribution of the ratings given by 165 classes (macro-units) of airport customers for twelve observed aspects. We describe the trend of passenger satisfaction over time by extracting 165 macro units from a survey conducted among 13,047 passengers at Bari and Brindisi airports during the peak and off-peak seasons of 2015, 2016 and 2017. To obtain a performance indicator, we performed a multiple factor analysis for distributional data. To our knowledge, no other methods exist for the factor analysis of multiple distributional variables. Further, we propose a new visualization tool called Green Eye Iris plot, which allows a joint visualization of our set of distributional values. The obtained results show that the distributional data analysis approach can provide valuable information at macro level that could be hidden when analyzing micro-data or when macro data are represented only by some features coming from summary statistics of groups.
Electrical brain networks before and after transcranial pulsed shockwave stimulation in Alzheimer’s patients
Authors: Wojtecki Lars , Cont Celine , Stute Natalie , Galli Anastasia , Schulte Christina , Trenado Carlos
Published: August 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that dramatically affects cognitive abilities and represents the most common cause of dementia. Currently, pharmacological interventions represent the main treatment to deal with the symptoms of AD; however, alternative approaches are readily sought. Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that uses short, repetitive shockwaves with the potential to provide a wide range of vascular, metabolic, and neurotrophic changes and that has recently been shown to improve cognitive abilities in AD. This exploratory study aims to gain insight into the neurophysiological effect of one session of TPS in AD as reflected in electroencephalographic measures, e.g., spectral power, coherence, Tsallis entropy (TE), and cross-frequency coupling (cfc). We document changes in power (frontal and occipital), coherence (frontal, occipital and temporal), and TE (temporal and frontal) as well as changes in cfc (parietal-frontal, parietal-temporal, frontal–temporal). Our results emphasize the role of electroencephalographic measures as prospective markers for the neurophysiological effect of TPS.
Aerothermal characterization of the CALLISTO vehicle during descent
Authors: Ecker Tobias , Ertl Moritz , Klevanski Josef , Krummen Sven , Dumont Etienne
Published: August 2024

Aerothermal loads are a design driving factor during launcher development as the thermal loads directly influence thermal protection system (TPS) design and successively the possible flight trajectory and mission profiles. Recent developments in reusable launch vehicles (RLV) (e.g. SpaceX, Blue Origin) have added the dimension of refurbishment to the challenges the thermal design must consider. With the current European launcher roadmap moving towards a reusable first stage aerothermal loads may significantly change. The CALLISTO vehicle is a flight demonstrator for future reusable launcher stages and their technologies developed by a tri-national consortium and planned to fly in 2025. For this vehicle the highest heat fluxes are mainly due to heating from hot exhaust gases and heated air in the proximity of the aft bay and on the exposed structures like legs and fins. In the presented study we conducted computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies to determine the aerothermal loads on the vehicle during descent through the landing approach corridor for both phase B and phase C aeroshapes. A defining difference to previous aerothermal databases (ATD) is that the CALLISTO demonstrator is planned to execute a series of test flights with different energy levels, as well as a final demo flight. This leads to an large parameter space the final aerothermal database needs to cover. The database development is described in detail and analysed for integral and local loads, as well as interpolation uncertainties. The final phase C database allows interpolation of interface heatfluxes for the entire flight domain (Mach number, density $$\rho )$$

ρ
)

at varying angle of attack (AoA). Further the sensitivity of the plume-vehicle interaction to angle of attack, chemistry, thrust vector control (TVC) and engine throttling are investigated for a critical Mach number indicating further areas of improvement for future databases.
Defining and measuring quality in students’ mathematical writing: a systematic literature review
Authors: Teledahl Anna , Kilhamn Cecilia , Ahl Linda Marie , Helenius Ola
Published: August 2024

Mathematical communication, encompassing writing in, about, and for mathematics, is a critical competency. Defining excellent mathematical writing standards, however, remains challenging. To address this, we conducted a systematic review of 48 scholarly works on quality in mathematical writing. Our findings reveal mathematical writing for different purposes under scrutiny, including general mathematical writing, proof writing, reflective writing, expository writing, and descriptive writing during problem solving. To assess quality, researchers explore a variety of facets, such as syntax and semantics. Progression pathways vary, with both quantitative and qualitative evaluations—analysing text structure, writing style, and the use of different semiotic elements. It seems that in mathematics education, a consensus on quality measurement remains elusive. Proof writing is a notable exception. Among reviewed articles examining proof writing, a common set of standards emerges and provides valuable guidance. We propose that mathematical writing, perhaps especially in the context of reporting solutions in problem solving, can draw from proof writing standards. ‘Good’ mathematical writing would then require students to focus on (1) defining assumptions and assigning variables; (2) producing a coherent narrative, including relevant calculations (semantic issues); (3) using correct language, representations, and mathematical symbols (syntax issues); and (4) attending to what is appropriate in the context.
One-click annotation to improve segmentation by a convolutional neural network for PET images of head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Rainio Oona , Liedes Joonas , Murtojärvi Sarita , Malaspina Simona , Kemppainen Jukka , Klén Riku
Published: August 2024

A convolutional neural network (CNN) can be used to perform fully automatic tumor segmentation from the positron emission tomography (PET) images of head and neck cancer patients but the predictions often contain false positive segmentation caused by the high concentration of the tracer substance in the human brain. A potential solution would be a one-click annotation in which a user points the location of the tumor by clicking the image. This information can then be given either directly to a CNN or an algorithm that fixes its predictions. In this article, we compare the fully automatic segmentation to four semi-automatic approaches by using 962 transaxial slices collected from the PET images of 100 head and neck cancer patients. According to our results, a semi-automatic segmentation method with information about the center of the tumor performs the best with a median Dice score of 0.708.
Aerogel-based collection of ejecta material from asteroids from libration point orbits: Dynamics and capture design
Authors: Burattini Carlo , Colombo Camilla , Trisolini Mirko
Published: August 2024

Scientific interest in asteroids and their physical characteristics is growing. These bodies provide insights into the primordial solar system and represent a valuable source of metals, silicates, and water. Several missions over the past few years have aimed to improve and better identify the main properties of these poorly known celestial bodies. However, these missions relied on touchdown(s) on the target asteroid to gather samples, which is complicated owing to the difficulty of accurately reaching and rendezvousing with the body. This study aims to assess the feasibility of an in-orbit asteroid sample collection mission. Such a strategy could prevent complex operations related to landing and touchdown maneuvers and avoid the dead times present in a mission requiring several landings. The presented collection scenario, which focuses on the asteroid Ryugu, proposes gathering samples using a spacecraft injected into a halo orbit around the second libration point, L2. For this purpose, the orbits in the neck region of the zero velocity curves are analyzed. A novel methodology to characterize bouncing behavior is introduced. An interpolation-based approach was used to recover the appropriate restitution coefficients for each collision occurring at a specific impact angle. This was applied to both the rigid body model and the point mass approximation studied for two different sites on the asteroid. Furthermore, the study enlarged the region of interest from only L2 to its neighboring zones to return a more global and realistic point of view. Considering the solar radiation pressure and asteroid aspherical potential, particles of different sizes ejected from different longitudes and with different ejection angles were classified according to their trajectories to finally build a database. Based on this analysis, an aerogel-based collection strategy inspired by that used in the Stardust-NExT (NASA) mission was investigated to assess its possible applicability to the analyzed scenario.
Predicting the compressive strength of self-compacting concrete using artificial intelligence techniques: a review
Authors: Terlumun Sesugh , Onyia M. E. , Okafor F. O.
Published: August 2024

Concrete is one of the most common construction materials used all over the world. Estimating the strength properties of concrete traditionally demands extensive laboratory experimentation. However, researchers have increasingly turned to predictive models to streamline this process. This review focuses on predicting the compressive strength of self-compacting concrete using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. Self-compacting concrete represents an advanced construction material particularly suited for scenarios where traditional vibrational methods face limitations due to intricate formwork or reinforcement complexities. This review evaluates various AI techniques through a comparative performance analysis. The findings highlight that employing Deep Neural Network models with multiple hidden layers significantly enhances predictive accuracy. Specifically, artificial neural network (ANN) models exhibit robustness, consistently achieving R2 values exceeding 0.7 across reviewed studies, thereby demonstrating their efficacy in predicting concrete compressive strength. The integration of ANN models is recommended for formulating various civil engineering properties requiring predictive capabilities. Notably, the adoption of AI models reduces both time and resource expenditures by obviating the need for extensive experimental testing, which can otherwise delay construction activities.
Application of machine learning in predicting mechanical properties of sandcrete blocks made from quarry dust: a review
Authors: Braimah John Igeimokhia , Ajagbe Wasiu Olabamiji , Olonade Kolawole Adisa
Published: August 2024

Quarry dust, conventionally considered waste, has emerged as a potential solution for sustainable construction materials. This paper comprehensively review the mechanical properties of blocks manufactured from quarry dust, with a particular focus on the transformative role of machine learning (ML) in predicting and optimizing these properties. By systematically reviewing existing literature and case studies, this paper evaluates the efficacy of ML methodologies, addressing challenges related to data quality, feature selection, and model optimization. It underscores how ML can enhance accuracy in predicting mechanical properties, providing a valuable tool for engineers and researchers to optimize the design and composition of blocks made from quarry dust. This synthesis of mechanical properties and ML applications contributes to advancing sustainable construction practices, offering insights into the future integration of technology for predictive modeling in material science.
Evaluating the performance of implementing regionally coordinating bus priority signals under different control schemes
Authors: Al-Hyasat Esra’a , Alhadidi Taqwa I.
Published: August 2024

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) proves its effectiveness in alleviating traffic congestion, especially in urban areas. The implementation of Transit Signal Priority (TSP) for BRT has shown a significant reduction in delays. However, in densely populated urban areas, this priority can inadvertently cause additional delays for other modes of transportation. In this paper, we propose a control strategy for Regionally Coordinating Bus Priority Signals Control (RCBPSC) at urban intersections. The aim is not only to reduce bus delays but also to consider minimizing delays for pedestrians and other vehicles. To achieve this, we modeled two consecutive intersections along the Amman BRT. Essentially, we evaluated three different control scenarios in addition to the current base scenario. These scenarios include adaptive traffic signal control, RCBPSC with no signal timing optimization, and RCBPSC with signal optimization. Simulation results indicate that the adaptive traffic signal timing has the worst operational performance in terms of average delay and Level of Service (LOS) compared to the base scenario. Additionally, the results show that BRT delays significantly decrease at both intersections when we implement RCBPSC scenarios. When implementing RCBPSC with optimization scenarios, the results show an average reduction of more than 60% in intersection delay, a decrease in emissions of more than 50%, and an improved LOS for system users compared to the base scenario. The findings of this work can help agencies improve the current operational condition of BRT when implementing RCBPSC.
MOVEMENTS OF A MUSICIAN WORKING: PHILL NIBLOCK (1933–2024)
Authors: Muenz Harald , Lukoszevieze Anton , Cully Boehringer Eleanor , Zimmermann Walter , Maguire Phil
Published: August 2024

In February 2011 the Brunel Sound Series hosted Phill Niblock at Brunel University London, a memorable visit expertly orchestrated by our late colleague Bob Gilmore.1 The occasion featured Phill's Disseminate and the premiere of his TWO LIPS aka Nameless, led by Bob. As an amateur clarinet player, in an ensemble made up of Brunel staff and students, I had the privilege of delving into the intricacies of Niblock's compositions. The event marked a significant chapter in our music department's history, with performances at Brunel University and, a day later, at London's trendiest club for hip contemporary music, Cafe OTO, in Dalston, leaving an indelible imprint on our students’ musical journey, and not just theirs.2
RH-ECBS: enhanced conflict-based search for MRPP with region heuristics
Authors: Pan Zhangchao , Wang Runhua , Bi Qingchen , Zhang Xuebo , Yu Jingjin
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a novel two-layer framework based on conflict-based search and regional divisions to improve the efficiency of multi-robot path planning. The high-level layer targets the reduction of conflicts and deadlocks, while the low-level layer is responsible for actual path planning. Distinct from previous dual-level search frameworks, the novelties of this work are (1) subdivision of planning regions for each robot to decrease the number of conflicts encountered during planning; (2) consideration of the number of robots in the region during planning in the node expansion stage of A*, and (3) formal proof demonstrating the nonzero probability of the proposed method in obtaining a solution, along with providing the upper bound of the solution in a special case. Experimental comparisons with Enhanced Conflict-Based Search demonstrate that the proposed method not only reduces the number of conflicts but also achieves a computation time reduction of over 30%.
Changes in Daytime Cirrus Properties From the ISCCP‐H Data Set and Their Impacts on the Radiation Energy Budget
Authors: Wang Meihua , Su Jing , Han Xinyi , Deng Xingzhu , Peng Nan , Liu Lei
Published: August 2024

The change in clouds during the day is critical to the Earth's energy balance and climatic evolution. However, there have been relatively few studies on cloud variations at daily timescales, owing to limitations of ground‐ and satellite‐observations, especially for cirrus clouds. In this study, we examined the daytime cirrus variation (DCV) at the global scales and its associated effects on radiation budgets based on the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project H data set. The changes in continental cirrus cover are more significant than that over the ocean, reaching a maximum of 17.3% in the afternoon. Over the tropical deep convection regions, cirrus cloud cover and optical depth exhibit large amplitudes during the daytime, closely linked to average properties of cirrus clouds. Using a process‐based radiative transfer model, we calculated the variations in daytime cirrus cloud radiative forcing (CRF). After noon, cirrus clouds over both land and ocean generate the strongest shortwave (SW) cooling and longwave (LW) warming effects at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). At the global scale, daytime cirrus clouds cause an average net CRF of 3.6 W/m2 at the TOA. If the DCV is neglected in the model, the SW cooling and LW warming effects are overestimated by 2.5 and 1.8 W/m2 at the TOA, leading to a net radiation bias of 0.7 W/m2. The findings provide key information for targeting specific aspects of the cirrus parameterization scheme in climate models.
Constraining Present‐Day Anthropogenic Total Iron Emissions Using Model and Observations
Authors: Rathod Sagar D. , Hamilton Douglas S. , Nino Lance , Kreidenweis Sonia M. , Bian Qijing , Mahowald Natalie M. , Alastuey Andres , Querol Xavier , Paytan Adina , Artaxo Paulo , Herut Barak , Gaston Cassandra , Prospero Joseph , Chellam Shankararaman , Hueglin Christoph , Varrica Daniela , Dongarra Gaetano , Cohen David D. , Smichowski Patricia , Gomez Dario , Lambert Fabrice , Barraza Francisco , Bergametti Gilles , Rodríguez Sergio , Gonzalez‐Ramos Yenny , Hand Jenny , Kyllönen Katriina , Hakola Hannele , Chuang Patrick , Hopke Philip K. , Harrison Roy M. , Martin Randall V. , Walsh Brenna , Weagle Crystal , Maenhaut Willy , Morera‐Gómez Yasser , Chen Yu‐Cheng , Pierce Jeffrey R. , Bond Tami C.
Published: August 2024

Iron emissions from human activities, such as oil combustion and smelting, affect the Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. These emissions are difficult to quantify accurately due to a lack of observations, particularly in remote ocean regions. In this study, we used long‐term, near‐source observations in areas with a dominance of anthropogenic iron emissions in various parts of the world to better estimate the total amount of anthropogenic iron emissions. We also used a statistical source apportionment method to identify the anthropogenic components and their sub‐sources from bulk aerosol observations in the United States. We find that the estimates of anthropogenic iron emissions are within a factor of 3 in most regions compared to previous inventory estimates. Under‐ or overestimation varied by region and depended on the number of sites, interannual variability, and the statistical filter choice. Smelting‐related iron emissions are overestimated by a factor of 1.5 in East Asia compared to previous estimates. More long‐term iron observations and the consideration of the influence of dust and wildfires could help reduce the uncertainty in anthropogenic iron emissions estimates.