bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of the stress-strain state of snow and ice layer on the road when it is destroyed under the influence of the proposed device
Authors: Vasilyev Alexey , Vitaly Zemlyak , Protasov Nikolay , Babashov Daniel
Published: October 2023

In the winter season, we can observe the increased number of personal injuries and road vehicle accidents because of ice coating on paved roads. Surface refining from icing field involves two process operations: breaking it up and transporting the resulting segments. The basic process prevailing in cleaning effective output is the cutting process, i.e. the separation of icy fragments from the pavement with the cutting tools of special machines. The purpose of the research is to simulate the ice crust breaking influenced by the device designed by the authors. The modeling of ice flow failure is rather complicated and not a trivial task. An advanced Lagrangian model is applied in a modern software system. As a result, based on a computing model implemented in ANSYS software system, we have developed an algorithm for determining a mode of the ice crust deformation caused by the circular cutters put into it. The review of the stress strain behavior of ice crust shows that the biggest movement of ice crust fractions arises along the outline (perimeter) of discs and at the surface of the cover. The greatest equivalent stresses are observed along the disc outline (perimeter). The middle part of the disc (approaching to the centre) is nearly involved in equipment operation. The greatest displacement of icy particles is along the disc contour, while they are near zero along the edges. In the paper, we also determined recoverable and shearing deformations, regular and shear stresses in the ice crust at different thickness and movement speed of the device. The calculated motion rate and ice coating thickness at which the destructive effect is most distinctive, has been found out.
Expanding the technological capabilities of the integral tractor chassis by reversing the transmission
Authors: Dobretsov Roman , Fimushin Yan , Karnaukhov Andrey , Sokolova Viktoriia , Zagidullin Ramil , Scherbakov Alexander , Petrov Andrey
Published: October 2023

The aim of the work is to find technical solutions that provide a complete reversal of the transmission on the example of an integral tractor, while allowing maximum use of commercially available units or installed as an option for a serial machine. The objects of study are mainly the chassis of a wheeled integral tractor designed for agriculture. The relevance of creating fully reversible transmissions for integral tractors and other agricultural, road-building and transport machines is shown. The variants of installation places for the reverse gear are considered, the features of loading and the principles of designing the reverse gear for specific placement points are analyzed. The most promising options for the case of an integral tractor based on a serially produced chassis were chosen - placement of a controlled power distribution mechanism in the rear axle gear housing or instead of wheel gears. Kinematic schemes and a technique for determining gear ratios and kinematic parameters are proposed. The reverse gear control technologies and the technological base for the design and manufacture of such mechanisms are indicated: when designing an integral tractor in accordance with the principle of maximum unification with a serial chassis, it is advisable to place the reverse gear in the drive axle housing; when developing an original reverse transmission and a new carrier system, the reverse gear should be located in front of the gearbox; in the design of the reverse gear, it is preferable not to use a blocking clutch, replacing it with a planetary gear set and a brake.
Accelerating technological progress as part of manufacturing digitalization: Macroeconomic and microeconomic dualism
Authors: Ilkevich Sergey
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the paper is to study effects of digitalization for manufacturing and industrial enterprises focusing on the idea of dual nature of factors of technological progress’ acceleration. Based on a theoretical review and interviews with a focus group of 19 representatives of Russian companies responsible for business development, strategy, and digital transformation, the study suggests a summary of insights on microeconomic and macroeconomic factors of technological progress. A dual view is presented on the problem of patterns of technology introduction in order to accelerate technological progress in two subsections: from the point of view of a conglomerate of interpretations based on the microeconomic paradigm, and also from the point of view of the macroeconomic paradigm in an expanded sense, which includes mesoeconomic and ecosystem aspects of technological progress’ acceleration.
Assessment of the modern youth’s commitment to organic food products as the basis of the manufacturers’ marketing strategy
Authors: Aydinova Angelika , Skabayeva Gulmira , Gunko Julia , Tenishchev Alexander , Ivashova Valentina
Published: October 2023

The article gives the results of a sociological survey of students of the Agrarian University (Stavropol, the Russian Federation); they expressed their attitude and commitment to organic food. The relevance of the research topic is due to the increasing changes in the organization and quality of traditional nutrition for rural areas. Future specialists of the agricultural sector of the region’s economy are not only the professional elite of rural areas, but also opinion leaders of the regional community, therefore, the attitude to nutrition issues as an important basis for life, healthy lifestyle and healthy future generations of the rural population are important in the system of educational work of the university. A total of 415 people took part in the survey – students of 2-3 courses of Bachelor’s programs in Biotechnology and Agricultural Profile. The survey database was processed in the SPSS Statistics program (version 23). We formulated the main trends in relation to food products, including organic ones. We analyzed the willingness to purchase and consume organic food products and to form a positive public opinion and fashion for food preferences. The data obtained provide the development of a marketing strategy for organic food producers in the region. The research tools and methodology can be scaled up in rural areas of the country.
Personnel training technologies as a toolkit in the management system of an innovative enterprise
Authors: Kuzubov Alexey , Maksimenko Aleksandr , Sapozhnikova Ekaterina
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to determining the features of the formation and implementation of areas of training and development of leadership in the management system of an innovative enterprise. To achieve the set goal and solve individual problems, general scientific and private methods based on an abstract-logical approach were used: system analysis; content analysis; grouping and systematization; induction; deduction; graphical and tabular presentation. Innovative tasks of personnel training and leadership qualities development are considered. The components of the personnel training system of the enterprise are determined. As a tool for unlocking internal potential in the system of innovative enterprise management, technologies for personnel training and leadership development are highlighted. Keywords: personnel management; innovation; innovative development; innovative technologies; training.
Study loess and loess-like rocks primer of the Western Siberia
Authors: Korobova Olga , Maksimenko Ljubov
Published: October 2023

Recently, the development problems of the loess subsidence soils as foundations of buildings and structures arise due to climate change on the planet in the consequence to the expansion of human economic activity and other unfavorable factors. For foundations composed of loess subsidence soils, the properties’ prediction is of great importance, taking into account the risks of flooding of territories, modern technologies for setting up foundations in already built-up and newly developed territories. Errors in design can contribute to a significant decrease in the values of strength and deformation characteristics. Also, they can cause subsidence of the soil base, which leads to negative consequences. Therefore, it is important to know the features of the loess subsidence soils formation, their properties, composition, in order to reliably predict their activity under the load during the operational period. This requires modern methods for calculating foundations, taking into account their real properties, such as deformation anisotropy, which is especially important for loess subsidence soils with strongly pronounced anisotropic properties.
Training of specialists to solve environmental problems in the system of higher technical education
Authors: Grafkina Marina , Pitryuk Anastasiya
Published: October 2023

The system of environmental education is widely developed in the Russian Federation. The paper presents the results of the analysis of the introduction of environmental aspects in the system of higher education in technical universities, the analysis of methods and solutions for the creation of curricula aimed at studying and overcoming environmental problems based on the experience of several decades of environmental training of specialists in technical universities. Methods of theoretical analysis, methods of observation, expert evaluation, method of systematisation of the obtained results were used; method of description was used to summarise the obtained information; method of justification, method of survey and others. Multilevel approach in the system of environmental education is presented. Polytechnic University for more than 25 years has been implementing educational programmes for training specialists in the field of environmental safety, taking into account the current problems of global ecology and sustainable development. The features of educational programmes and their focus on the formation of the necessary competencies for environmental safety, features of some disciplines, are shown. This approach makes it possible to train a new generation of specialists ready to make environmentally responsible technical decisions. The results of this study show the value of an integrated system approach in environmental education.
Creative method of metaphor associative carts application in foreign language communication in agrarian university
Authors: Bukovsky Stanislav
Published: October 2023

The present article is devoted to the analysis and development of the creative method of teaching foreign-language oral speech in agrarian higher education institution with the application of metaphorical associative carts. The aim of the article is to create a method for teaching foreign-language oral speech in agrarian higher education institution, including the consideration of creative thinking development as a means and technology of teaching. The article provides a detailed analysis of oral communication teaching in a non-language university. The author of the article has developed a course of oral communication training for students of agrarian specialties with the use of a creative-based method of teaching. The article presents the principles and methodological algorithm of teaching methods, the criteria for assessing the level of creativity of students and the complex of exercises in teaching oral foreign language speech with the use of creative teaching methods. The present article is an attempt to develop an original technology based on the consideration of creative thinking as a basic methodological category and its introduction in the process of teaching foreign languages to the non-language profile. The teaching model presented by the author of the article can be applied in the process of teaching foreign language oral speech to students of agrarian universities.
Training of veterinary faculty students in the process of learning foreign languages
Authors: Soprantsova Yulia , Rezunenko Irina
Published: October 2023

The article considers the potential within the socio-cultural sphere when studying foreign languages by students of the veterinary faculty. Of course, knowledge of the culture of another country, as well as its features and the language itself, not only helps to remove language restrictions, but also increases the overall effectiveness of training and the level of professional skills obtained in general. This article analyzes various ways of implementing professional skills in the process of teaching a foreign language. Along with this, language learning also involves the formation of prerequisites for the effective assimilation of elements-terms of various linguistic origin. This contributes to the training and improvement of professional and terminological competencies of veterinarians. And a foreign language should be considered as a mandatory (profile) part of specialized scientific disciplines in the programs of modern medical universities. We are not talking about traditional language acquisition. Therefore, it is important to clarify that the fundamental task is the analysis of medical terminology. In modern society, there is an expansion of the communication environment. This, in turn, is the reason for the growing need for specialists who are able to establish and effectively develop international relations.
Forming ecological culture in Russian language lessons
Authors: Turko Ulyana , Usacheva Irina , Atamanova Elena
Published: October 2023

Modern environmental problems do not lose their relevance, since without their solution it is impossible to imagine the formation of environmental consciousness, which is necessary for cultivating a responsible attitude towards the environment and its resources. One of the main ways out of the crisis is the development of ecological culture among the younger generation. The purpose of the study is to show possible ways of integrating ecological culture into Russian language lessons. Achieving this goal determines the setting of a number of tasks, including the identification of difficulties and problems that hinder the formation of eco-culture in the general educational process. The study used both methods of questioning, testing, conversations, and methods of generalization and mathematical statistics. The indicated methodology made it possible to show and prove that it is possible to form an ecological culture with maximum efficiency in Russian language lessons. The main results reflected in the article allow a more fruitful approach both to the process of forming an ecological culture among schoolchildren and to the professional training of a future Russian language teacher. The conclusions indicate that the proposed constructive approach to the stated problem makes it possible to integrate environmental topics into humanitarian school subjects, in particular, the Russian language, thereby most effectively contributing to the environmental education of students. The novelty of the work lies in the study of the levels of training of future teachers of the Russian language, as well as in approaches to studying the formation of the ecological culture of schoolchildren.
Environmental engineering students’ motivation through foreign language learning in the context of digital teaching realization (on the example of Moodle virtual environment)
Authors: Mikhaylova Alla , Kokodey Tatiana , Kurbangalieva Julia
Published: October 2023

The article analyzes the ways digital teaching implementation during the process of foreign language learning by future environmental engineers. The relevance of the work is the need of society for highly qualified specialists with foreign language communication skills. The theoretical significance of the study is in the fact that ways of digital teaching implementation are considered. The practical significance of given paper is in the development of electronic educational and methodological complexes for various levels on the Moodle platform education during the process of foreign language learning, which allow to stimulate the desire for students’ motivation to success, effectively organize independent activities and enhance students’ cognitive activity. “Motivation of success and fear of failure (questionnaire of A. A. Rean)” was applied in the empirical study. The results showed that learning in virtual reality leads to increased motivation and involvement of students in the learning process. It is concluded that the competent organization of independent work in a virtual educational environment and the use of modern tools improve the quality of future environmental engineers’ professional training.
Gamification techniques for introducing Russian and Arab schoolchildren to aquatic life
Authors: Fedotova Olga , Dubover Denis , Alasaad Dalen
Published: October 2023

The article analyzes gamification techniques that can be used to overcome the deficits in the education of schoolchildren (primary school) in relation to aquaculture. It is shown that the modern content of teaching on the subject "World around" for elementary school does not allow to form ideas about aquatic organisms and their cultivation on farms. To fill the deficits, it is proposed to use the potential of computer games. Computer games developed in Arab countries and the Russian game "Aqua Farm" are analyzed. It is concluded that gamification increases knowledge about aquaculture.
Alisher Navoi's attitude to "green space"
Authors: Hayitov Shavkat
Published: October 2023

Life, Independence encourages a person to think in a new way. Not only natural sciences, but also social sciences should be involved in determining the prospects for the protection of our mother planet. After all, only a person who has a deep understanding of cultural and historical values cannot be indifferent to nature, the world of animals and plants. He does not act blindly without thinking about the consequences. A generous man looks for ways to use nature's blessings wisely. In the works of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, environmental problems, issues of preservation of the island and mother nature are deeply analyzed. In the article, the author tried to study the works of Alisher Navoi based on the essence of the current issue. According to Alisher Navoi, treating animals and plants with indifference and lack of passion is spiritual paralysis. Doing things with lust, attacking nature, sacrificing its miraculous creatures is the spiritual and moral deficiency of a person. According to the principles of humanity and generosity of the great thinker, no matter who works in any field, it is necessary that the feelings of kindness, compassion and mercy shine in his behavior and nature. This is the only way in which a person's relationship with a person and his relationship with nature will be compatible. Some of the mentioned aspects of the topic are explained in depth in the article.
The possibilities of implementing the ideas of sustainable development in the content of school geography
Authors: Bazilova Aizhan , Kaimuldinova Kulyash , Atasoy Emin , Shakirova Nurzhanat , Sabdenalieva Gulnaray
Published: October 2023

The article analyzes the possibilities of implementing the ideas of sustainable development in school geography. A review of the literature conducted through keywords shows that there are problems in introducing the ideas of sustainable development into school geography curricula, which is due to the different status of the geography subject in different countries and the predominance of some sustainable development goals over others. In particular, the school geography is dominated by the environmental component of the sustainable development goals, it is expressed mainly in the form of suggestions on how to behave in nature, etc. The results of the analysis of the content of the school geography curriculum in Kazakhstan are presented. In addition, within the framework of the geography course at the school, an attempt was made to identify the main ways to implement the ideas of sustainable development.
Chiralité et optique plasmonique
Authors: Genet Cyriaque
Published: October 2023

L’optique plasmonique met à profit le confinement d’ondes évanescentes au voisinage de la surface d’un métal, pour contrôler et exploiter aux échelles nanométriques et micrométriques les propriétés optiques, comme celles liées à l’émission de matériaux couplés à des structures métalliques choisies.

Nous décrivons ici comment intervient la chiralité en optique plasmonique, dans la structure intrinsèque des ondes plasmoniques et dans le couplage avec l’émission des matériaux, et comment elle entre en jeu pour contrôler la propagation de la lumière dans des nanosystèmes optiques.
La chiralité en nanomagnétisme et électronique de spin
Authors: Thiaville André
Published: October 2023

La chiralité n’est pas spontanément associée au magnétisme. Toutefois, l’étude des couches magnétiques épaisses de quelques atomes a mis en évidence une chiralité dans l’arrangement des moments magnétiques.

On décrit ici comment cette chiralité provient des interfaces et dérive d’un effet relativiste, le couplage spin-orbite entre le spin des électrons et leur mouvement. Ce couplage chiral est mis en évidence dans le déplacement des parois magnétiques, mais aussi dans le transport des électrons. Ces deux effets sont mis à profit actuellement pour de nouveaux dispositifs d’électronique de spin.
Master Classes itinérantes : « Science ouverte et Édition scientifique »
Authors: van Tiggelen Bart
Published: October 2023

Proposées dans plusieurs villes de France (Grenoble, Lyon/Saint-Étienne, Marseille, Nice et Strasbourg/Mulhouse), les Master Classes « Science ouverte et Édition scientifique » sont une initiative lancée dans le cadre des 150 ans de la Société Française de Physique. Chaque Master Class a réuni 30 à 50 participants. La SFP a ainsi pu sensibiliser massivement nos doctorants autour des enjeux de la science ouverte.
Mini-invasive Indirect Distraction in the Treatment of Neglected DRUJ Dislocations—A Novel Surgical Technique
Authors: Czinner Martin , Verstreken Frederik , Kebrle Radek
Published: October 2023

Introduction: This study presents mini-invasive indirect distraction in the treatment of neglected distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocations as a novel surgical technique. Pure DRUJ dislocation is a rare injury caused by over rotation of the forearm. It is often undiagnosed in an acute setting. There is no consensus on the treatment of neglected dislocations.

Materials and methods: We present a group of six patients with neglected pure DRUJ dislocation, treated by a single surgeon between 2012 and 2019.

Results: Closed reduction was impossible in six of six patients. The indirect distraction allowed the reduction of the DRUJ in all cases with final stable DRUJ. Forearm rotation returned to normal in four patients, one patient had 50%, and another patient had 60% of the range of forearm. Mean pain dropped from 7 to 0.8 on visual analog scale. At the 2-year follow-up, the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 8 (0–37.5), and minor degenerative X-ray changes were observed in four patients.

Level of evidence IV
Evaluation of the Influence of Acid Etching Technique on Surface Roughness and Fracture Strength of Heat-Pressed Lithium-disilicate Veneers
Authors: Shetty Diya , Shetty Ganaraj , Shetty Natasha
Published: October 2023

Background Metal-free ceramic veneers exhibit many desirable properties. However, low fracture strength is a major disadvantage. The success of the veneers depends on optimal tooth preparation and intaglio surface preparation techniques for bonding porcelain substrates to the tooth to ensure clinical success. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of acid etching technique on surface roughness and fracture strength of veneers.

Methods The in vitro study was conducted on maxillary central incisors that were prepared to receive the veneers; the specimens were divided into two groups—group A and group B. The intaglio surface of veneer in both groups was etched with 4.6 % of the hydrofluoric acid solution for 30 seconds, in group B specimens were further treated with 33% sodium hypochlorite solution treatment following which the surface roughness was measured and calculated with scanning electron microscope at a magnification of 3000X and profilometer, respectively. The fracture strength of the specimens in both groups was determined by subjecting the tooth with veneer to a universal testing machine; the force was applied until the fracture occurred.

Results There was a significant difference observed in the surface roughness, fracture strength, and bond strength of the heat-pressed lithium-disilicate veneers treated solely with hydrofluoric acid and samples treated with hydrofluoric acid and phosphoric acid.

Conclusion Optimizing porcelain surfaces before treatment with various adhesives and luting resins requires an understanding of the involved substrates and materials, as well as a logical and systematic methodology in their manipulation. The intaglio surface of the veneers treated with hydrofluoric acid followed with phosphoric acid has no significant difference observed in the properties of the veneers but has better bonding with the tooth structure.
ChatGPT as a COBUILD lexicographer
Authors: Lew Robert
Published: October 2023

Creating high-quality dictionary entries has been a meticulous and time-consuming process, but current developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) could help to speed up this process. This study explores the use of ChatGPT to create COBUILD-style English monolingual entries and evaluates its ability to generate accurate and high-quality sense definitions and example sentences on a sample of fifteen verbs of communication. AI-generated entries are produced using ChatGPT Plus, and human experts evaluate them alongside COBUILD entries in a blinded randomized process. The quality of sense definitions, example sentences, and overall entries are assessed using a five-point scale. The results indicate that AI-generated definitions are comparable to those created by human lexicographers, while AI-generated examples and overall entries receive lower ratings. The study also explores the possibility of fine-tuning AI models based on expert feedback to enhance their performance.
Hemispheric asymmetry in cortical thinning reflects intrinsic organization of the neurotransmitter systems and homotopic functional connectivity
Authors: Liao Zhijie , Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun L. W. , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Ittermann Bernd , Martinot Jean-Luc , Paillère Martinot Marie-Laure , Artiges Eric , Nees Frauke , Papadopoulos Orfanos Dimitri , Poustka Luise , Hohmann Sarah , Millenet Sabina , Fröhner Juliane H. , Smolka Michael N. , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter , Paus Tomáš ,   IMAGEN Consortium, Banaschewski Tobias , Barker Gareth J. , Bokde Arun L. W. , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Brühl Rüdiger , Martinot Jean-Luc , Artiges Eric , Nees Frauke , Papadopoulos Orfanos Dimitri , Lemaitre Herve , Paus Tomáš , Poustka Luise , Robinson Lauren , Hohmann Sarah , Fröhner Juliane H. , Smolka Michael N. , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Winterer Jeanne , Barker Edward D. , Schumann Gunter
Published: October 2023

Hemispheric lateralization and its origins have been of great interest in neuroscience for over a century. The left–right asymmetry in cortical thickness may stem from differential maturation of the cerebral cortex in the two hemispheres. Here, we investigated the spatial pattern of hemispheric differences in cortical thinning during adolescence, and its relationship with the density of neurotransmitter receptors and homotopic functional connectivity. Using longitudinal data from IMAGEN study (N = 532), we found that many cortical regions in the frontal and temporal lobes thinned more in the right hemisphere than in the left. Conversely, several regions in the occipital and parietal lobes thinned less in the right (vs. left) hemisphere. We then revealed that regions thinning more in the right (vs. left) hemispheres had higher density of neurotransmitter receptors and transporters in the right (vs. left) side. Moreover, the hemispheric differences in cortical thinning were predicted by homotopic functional connectivity. Specifically, regions with stronger homotopic functional connectivity showed a more symmetrical rate of cortical thinning between the left and right hemispheres, compared with regions with weaker homotopic functional connectivity. Based on these findings, we suggest that the typical patterns of hemispheric differences in cortical thinning may reflect the intrinsic organization of the neurotransmitter systems and related patterns of homotopic functional connectivity.
The CD4+ T cell repertoire specific for citrullinated peptides shows evidence of immune tolerance
Authors: McElwee Matthew K. , Dileepan Thamotharampillai , Mahmud Shawn A. , Jenkins Marc K.
Published: October 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs most often in people who express HLA-DR molecules containing a five aa “shared epitope” in the β chain. These MHCII molecules preferentially bind citrullinated peptides formed by posttranslational modification of arginine. Citrullinated peptide:HLA-DR complexes may act as arthritis-initiating neo-antigens for CD4+ T cells. Here, we used fluorophore-conjugated HLA-DR tetramers containing citrullinated peptides from human cartilage intermediate layer protein, fibrinogen, vimentin, or enolase 1 to track cognate CD4+ T cells. Immunization of HLA-DR transgenic mice with citrullinated peptides from vimentin or enolase 1 failed to cause any expansion of tetramer-binding cells, whereas immunization with citrullinated peptides from cartilage intermediate layer protein or fibrinogen elicited some expansion. The expanded tetramer-binding populations, however, had lower T helper 1 and higher regulatory T cell frequencies than populations elicited by viral peptides. These results indicate that HLA-DR–bound citrullinated peptides are not neo-antigens and induce varying degrees of immune tolerance that could pose a barrier to rheumatoid arthritis.
The effects of catalyst conductivity and loading of dielectric surface structures on plasma dynamics in patterned dielectric barrier discharges
Authors: Neuroth Constantin , Mujahid Zaka-ul-islam , Berger Birk , Oberste-Beulmann Christian , Oppotsch Timothy , Zhang Quan-Zhi , Muhler Martin , Mussenbrock Thomas , Korolov Ihor , Schulze Julian
Published: October 2023

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) are promising tools for air pollution removal and gas conversion based on excess renewable energy. Catalyst loading of dielectric pellets placed inside the plasma can improve such processes. The effects of such metallic and dielectric catalyst loading on the discharge are investigated experimentally. A patterned DBD is operated in different He/O2 mixtures and driven by a

10

k
H
z

pulsed rectangular voltage waveform. Hemispherical dielectric pellets coated by different catalyst materials at different positions on their surface are embedded into the bottom grounded electrode. Based on phase resolved optical emission spectroscopy the effects of different catalyst materials and locations on the streamer dynamics are investigated. The propagation of cathode directed positive volume streamers towards the apex of the hemispheres followed by surface streamers, that move across the structured dielectric, is observed for positive applied voltage pulses. Coating the apex with a conducting catalyst results in attraction of such streamers towards the apex due to charging of this surface, while they avoid the apex in the presence of a dielectric catalyst. Surface streamers, that propagate across the hemispheres, are stalled by conducting catalysts placed on the embedded pellets as rings of different diameters, but propagate more easily across dielectric coatings due to the presence of tangential electric fields. Reversing the polarity of the driving voltage results in the propagation of negative streamers across the patterned dielectric and attenuated effects of catalytic coatings on the streamer dynamics.
Study of thermal and mechanical behavior by analyzing reinforcement effect of graphene nanoplatelets on polyamide-66 composite system developed via melt-mixing technique
Authors: Kumar Ranjan , Mishra Sujeet Kumar , Hasnain S M Mozammil , Pandey Shatrudhan , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk , Jayapalan Sudeepan
Published: October 2023

In the present study, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) reinforced polyamide 6,6 (PA-66) composite was studied to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of PA-66/GNP composite. The composites were developed by varying wt% (1, 3, 5, and 10 wt%) of GNP loading using a co-rotating, intermeshing, twin-screw extruder via melt-mixing and injection molding process. In order to understand the thermal and mechanical behavior of PA-66/GNP composite, various thermal (TGA and DSC) and mechanical (tensile, impact, and flexural) tests were carried out. The FTIR spectral analysis was done to identify the presence of different functional groups in the PA-66/GNP composite, indicating the strong enough Vander-Waals interaction between the PA-66 matrix and GNP filler contents. The TGA result shows a significant enhancement in the thermal stability of the composite by increasing wt% of GNP. The DSC analysis exhibits a significant reduction in enthalpy of fusion (∆Hm) and a decrease in the degree of crystallinity with increasing wt% of GNP, reflecting a depressed form of α-crystalline structure. Further, the significant growth in tensile modulus and tensile strength were identified under the mechanical performance of the PA-66/GNP composite. An increasing trend in tensile modulus and tensile strength characteristics was observed, and tensile modulus exhibited an enhancement of ∼96% than pure PA-66 at 10 wt% of GNP. Also, the tensile strength is found to be ∼16% higher than that of pure PA-66 matrix. Similarly, the impact test result shows a decreasing trend in impact strength on increasing wt% of GNP reinforcements, indicating the restriction to the molecular mobility due to improved brittle behavior. Further, the flexural modulus is found to be increased by ∼28% at 10 wt%, and the flexural strength is found to have an enhancement of ∼9% at 3 wt% than pure PA-66 polymer matrix of GNP loadings, respectively. The influence of GNP filler content reinforced PA-66 composite on the thermal and mechanical properties is found to be noteworthy.
Computational assessment of Sn activities and integral excess free energy change for mixing in the Sn-Au-Cu ternary liquid alloys using the molecular interaction volume model
Authors: Sah Sanjay Kumar , Koirala Ishwar
Published: October 2023

The activities of Sn in the liquid solder ternary alloy Sn-Au-Cu at 900 K have been computed using the molecular interaction volume model (MIVM). The calculated values have been compared with the experimental data for three cross-sections, i.e., for three different ratios of aurum to copper (XAu:XCu) = 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3. In addition, the excess Gibbs free energy of mixing, ΔGEx, for these ternary liquid alloys has been determined using the same model parameters to assess their validity. The resulting values have then been compared with the corresponding experimental data found in the literature. The agreement between the theoretical and experimental results has been found to be satisfactory.
Estimating truncation effects of quantum bosonic systems using sampling algorithms
Authors: Hanada Masanori , Liu Junyu , Rinaldi Enrico , Tezuka Masaki
Published: October 2023

To simulate bosons on a qubit- or qudit-based quantum computer, one has to regularize the theory by truncating infinite-dimensional local Hilbert spaces to finite dimensions. In the search for practical quantum applications, it is important to know how big the truncation errors can be. In general, it is not easy to estimate errors unless we have a good quantum computer. In this paper, we show that traditional sampling methods on classical devices, specifically Markov Chain Monte Carlo, can address this issue for a rather generic class of bosonic systems with a reasonable amount of computational resources available today. As a demonstration, we apply this idea to the scalar field theory on a two-dimensional lattice, with a size that goes beyond what is achievable using exact diagonalization methods. This method can be used to estimate the resources needed for realistic quantum simulations of bosonic theories, and also, to check the validity of the results of the corresponding quantum simulations.
Correlation Between Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio, Blood Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Arteriosclerosis in Young and Middle-Aged Patients With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Honghong Lu , Lijuan Xie , Qinghang Wang , Bi-rong Zhou
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and arteriosclerosis in young and middle-aged patients with essential hypertension (EH).

METHODS

A total of 188 young and middle-aged patients with EH admitted to the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from August 2020 to August 2022 were enrolled. The clinical data, laboratory results, and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and FMD of all patients were collected. According to baPWV, patients were divided into non-arteriosclerosis group (baPWV <1,400 cm/s, n = 43), mild arteriosclerosis group (baPWV 1,400 to <1,700 cm/s, n = 100), and moderate to severe atherosclerosis group (baPWV 1,700 to <2,000 cm/s, baPWV ≥2,000 cm/s, n = 45). The differences of body mass index, fasting blood glucose, blood lipid, FMD, MHR, hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, monocyte, and other indicators were compared. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between all variables and baPWV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of arteriosclerosis in young and middle-aged patients with EH.

RESULTS

MHR of non-atherosclerosis, mild, and moderate to severe atherosclerosis groups were 0.29 (0.22–0.42), 0.36 (0.27–0.49), and 0.52 (0.43–0.62) 109/mmol, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (H = 33.803, P < 0.05). The FMD of non-atherosclerosis, mild, and moderate to severe atherosclerosis groups were (6.0 ± 1.9)%, (4.9 ± 1.6)%, and (3.5 ± 1.8)%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (F = 24.239, P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that MHR was positively correlated with baPWV (r = 0.39, P < 0.001), and FMD was negatively correlated with baPWV (r = −0.47, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MHR, FMD, systolic blood pressure, and age were independent influencing factors for arteriosclerosis in in young and middle-aged EH patients, odds ratio (95% CI) was 45.874 (2.140–983.243), 0.763 (0.587–0.991), 1.068 (1.016–1.123), and 1.075 (1.038–1.113), respectively; all P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

MHR is positively correlated with the occurrence of arteriosclerosis in young and middle-aged patients with EH, and FMD is negatively correlated with the occurrence of arteriosclerosis, and both are independent influencing factors for arteriosclerosis.
Improving efficiency of fitting Cox proportional hazards models for time-to-event outcomes in genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
Authors: Gebski Val , Silva S Sandun M , Byth Karen , Jenkins Alicia , Keech Anthony
Published: October 2023

Technologies identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA sequencing yield an avalanche of data requiring analysis and interpretation. Standard methods may require many weeks of processing time. The use of statistical methods requiring data sorting, matrix inversions of a high-dimension and replication in subsets of the data on multiple outcomes exacerbate these times.

A method which reduces the computational time in problems with time-to-event outcomes and hundreds of thousands/millions of SNPs using Cox–Snell residuals after fitting the Cox proportional hazards model (PH) to a fixed set of concomitant variables is proposed. This yields coefficients for SNP effect from a Cox–Snell adjusted Poisson model and shows a high concordance to the adjusted PH model.

The method is illustrated with a sample of 10 000 SNPs from a genome-wide association study in a diabetic population. The gain in processing efficiency using the proposed method based on Poisson modelling can be as high as 62%. This could result in saving of over three weeks processing time if 5 million SNPs require analysis. The method involves only a single predictor variable (SNP), offering a simpler, computationally more stable approach to examining and identifying SNP patterns associated with the outcome(s) allowing for a faster development of genetic signatures. Use of deviance residuals from the PH model to screen SNPs demonstrates a large discordance rate at a 0.2% threshold of concordance. This rate is 15 times larger than that based on the Cox–Snell residuals from the Cox–Snell adjusted Poisson model.

Availability and implementation

The method is simple to implement as the procedures are available in most statistical packges. The approach involves obtaining Cox-Snell residuals from a PH model, to a binary time-to-event outcome, for factors which need to be common when assessing each SNP. Each SNP is then fitted as a predictor to the outcome of interest using a Poisson model with the Cox-Snell as the exposure variable.
Constructing maps between distinct cell fates and parametric conditions by systematic perturbations
Authors: Tang Ruoyu , He Xinyu , Wang Ruiqi
Published: October 2023

Motivation

Cell fate transitions are common in many developmental processes. Therefore, identifying the mechanisms behind them is crucial. Traditionally, due to complexity of networks and existence of plenty of kinetic parameters, dynamical analysis of biomolecular networks can only be performed by simultaneously perturbing a small number of parameters. Although many efforts have focused on how cell states change under specific perturbations, conversely, how to infer parametric conditions underlying distinct cell fates by systematic perturbations is less clear and needs to be further investigated.

Results

In this article, we present a general computational method by integrating systematic perturbations, unsupervised clustering, principal component analysis, and fitting analysis. The method can be used to to construct maps between distinct cell fates and parametric conditions by systematic perturbations. In particular, there are no needs of accurate parameter measurements and occurrence of bifurcations to establish the maps. To validate feasibility and inference performance of the method, we use toggle switch, inner cell mass, and epithelial mesenchymal transition as model systems to show how the maps are constructed and how system parameters encode essential information on cell fates. The maps tell us how systematic perturbations drive cell fate decisions and transitions, and allow us to purposefully predict, manipulate, and even control cell states. The approach is especially helpful in understanding crucial roles of certain parameter combinations during fate transitions. We hope that the approach can provide us valuable information on parametric or perturbation conditions so some specific targets, e.g. directional differentiation, can be realized.

Availability and implementation

No public data are used. The data we used are generated by randomly chosen values of model parameters in certain ranges, and the corresponding parameters are already attached in supplementary materials.
First-in-human robotic percutaneous coronary intervention by the ROSES robotic system: a case report
Authors: Indolfi Ciro , Polimeni Alberto , De Rosa Salvatore , Danieli Guido
Published: October 2023

Background

Robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (R-PCI) is increasingly gaining acceptance owing to several advantages.

Case summary

Here, we report the first-in-human R-PCI performed with RObotic System for Endovascular Surgery (ROSES), an innovative robotic system designed to perform transcatheter angioplasty. We have reported a case of severe proximal posterolateral (PL) branch disease of the right coronary artery managed with R-PCI.

Discussion

In this early clinical experience, the use of the ROSES robotic system seems to be safe and effective. However, this report still represents an early feasibility study, and the use of this technology in more challenging anatomies including the presence of severe tortuosity, severe calcification, or interventions requiring multiple wires and balloons needs to be further studied. A larger, prospective, multicentre pivotal clinical trial designed to test the ROSES robotic angioplasty system in a larger number of patients is currently ongoing.
Prevalence and anatomical characteristics of medial-basal segment in right lung
Authors: Zhang Min , Liu Xudong , Ge Mingjian
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES

The anatomic features and surgical techniques focusing on the right medial-basal segment (RS7) are few reported. This study aimed to accurately define the new nomenclature and classifications of B7 anatomy, elucidate its prevalence and anatomical characteristics and summarize the surgical outcomes.

METHODS

Between August 2019 and February 2022, 5023 patients were admitted for pulmonary nodules. Their chest computed tomography images were obtained. All of the images were reconstructed in 3 dimensions. The RS7 were screened according to their new definition and statistically analysed for their anatomical characteristics.

RESULTS

The bronchovascular anatomy of S7 can be newly classified into 6 types: B7a type, B7p type, B7o type, B7t type, BX7a type and BX7t type. The B7 anterior to the inferior pulmonary vein (IPV) was B7a (a, anterior) (3617/5023, 72%). The B7 posterior to IPV was B7p (p, posterior) (306/5023, 6.1%). The B7 over IPV was B7o (o, over) (904/5023, 18%). The B7 through IPV was B7t (t, through) (7/5023, 0.14%). An abnormal origin of B7 was named the BX7 type. The BX7 anterior to IPV sharing a common trunk with B8 was named BX7a (a, anterior) (176/5023, 3.5%). The BX7 through IPV originated from B10 and was named BX7t (t, through) (13/5023, 0.26%). 0.2% (12/5023) of patients had the nodules in RS7 and underwent RS7 surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The variation pattern of B7 is far more complex than expected. The results of this study can help surgeons better understand S7 and perform segmentectomies more accurately.