bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronization of Surface Electromyography and 3D Electromagnetic Articulography Applied to Study the Biomechanics of the Mandible: Proof of Concept
Authors: Lezcano María Florencia , Dias Fernando , Farfán-Beltrán Nicole , Manzanares-Céspedes María Cristina , Cerda Camila , Fuentes Ramón
Published: May 2023

Background. The aim of this study was to propose and establish the proof of concept of an approach to synchronize 3D Electromagnetic Articulography (3D-EMA) with Surface Electromyography (SEMG) based on the standard components of this equipment. Methods. The appropriate equipment and instruments were selected according to specifications stablished for this study. Once the necessary equipment was gathered, the proper conditions to synchronize the signals were created. Thus, we selected a SEMG with a switch module incorporated to be able to achieve synchronization of the signals. After the system setup was stablished, chewing tasks were recorded on a healthy volunteer, collecting a proof-of-concept database. The variability among recordings of the database were analyzed in terms of its standard deviation in order to detect possible interferences. Results. The analysis of the chewing task recordings obtained with the synchronized 3D EMA and SEMG signals in the present study did not reveal significant distortions, and all values were within those that had been given by the manufacturers of both of the systems. The method presented the advantage of using only components that are already included with the equipment employed. Conclusion. The method of analysis described in this paper is an effective tool that facilitates the investigation of mandibular movements synchronized in two domains: articulatory movements and electromyographic activity. Thus, it seems promising that it can be applied in different clinical situations to improve the analysis of the complexity of masticatory activity in addition to being able to generate new insights on this topic.
Assessment of Compressive and Flexural Properties and Stacking Strength of Expanded Polystyrene Boxes: Experimental and Simulation Study
Authors: Lu Ziwei , Jónsdóttir Fjóla , Arason Sigurjón , Margeirsson Björn
Published: May 2023

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) boxes are used for the packaging of perishable and vulnerable goods during transportation; for instance, fresh fish fillets. It is important to minimize the weight and cost of the packaging materials while maximizing strength to avoid damage to the packaging and the product itself. EPS boxes have to withstand considerable loading, which arises due to rough handling and stacking during transport. This work focused on the compressive and flexural properties and stacking strength of 3 kg capacity EPS boxes with densities of 22 and 23 kg/m3, by combining experiments and simulation. Material properties were obtained from the compression test, and the behavior of EPS boxes under stacking load was investigated through both experiments and finite element simulations. The influences of density and different sample preparation methods on material properties and stacking strength were investigated. The results indicated that, with the density increasing by 1 kg/m3, the initial modulus rises 10–15% and the compressive strength increases by 7–8% in the compression test, while in the flexure test, the rupture stress increases by 3–7%. Additionally, an increase of around 2% was observed for the specimens cut with a hot wire compared to those cut with a table saw. However, because the failure mechanism for a box as a whole differs from that of small units in the compression and flexure tests, density has less of an impact on stacking strength. Finally, a good agreement was obtained between the simulation and stacking strength test results.
Optimal Shape Design of Direct-Drive Permanent Magnet Generator for 1 kW-Class Wind Turbines
Authors: Park Hyung Joon , Kang Hyo Lim , Ahn Dae Gyun , Han Seung Ho
Published: May 2023

Direct-drive permanent magnet generators are becoming an attractive option for highly efficient small-scale wind turbines due to their high-power density and size reduction capabilities. In this study, the optimal shape design of a direct-drive permanent magnet generator for 1 kW-class wind turbines was conducted while considering power generation and weight. Half of the geometry of a single stage in the generator was considered for a electromagnetic analysis under given electrical parameters. In order to construct a response surface model, a sensitivity analysis was conducted on seven design parameters of the proposed generator. The desirability function was used to minimize the weight of the generator while meeting a requirement of the target specification. The results indicated that the optimized design parameters for the generator met the target specification while maintaining the generator’s weight at the same level as the initial design model. From the comparisons with other research, the optimized generator exhibited a higher power generation/weight ratio than the generator with a rated capacity under 3 kW.
Utilization of Computer Classification Methods for Exposure Prediction and Gene Selection in Daphnia magna Toxicogenomics
Authors: Paylar Berkay , Längkvist Martin , Jass Jana , Olsson Per-Erik
Published: May 2023

Zinc (Zn) is an essential element that influences many cellular functions. Depending on bioavailability, Zn can cause both deficiency and toxicity. Zn bioavailability is influenced by water hardness. Therefore, water quality analysis for health-risk assessment should consider both Zn concentration and water hardness. However, exposure media selection for traditional toxicology tests are set to defined hardness levels and do not represent the diverse water chemistry compositions observed in nature. Moreover, these tests commonly use whole organism endpoints, such as survival and reproduction, which require high numbers of test animals and are labor intensive. Gene expression stands out as a promising alternative to provide insight into molecular events that can be used for risk assessment. In this work, we apply machine learning techniques to classify the Zn concentrations and water hardness from Daphnia magna gene expression by using quantitative PCR. A method for gene ranking was explored using techniques from game theory, namely, Shapley values. The results show that standard machine learning classifiers can classify both Zn concentration and water hardness simultaneously, and that Shapley values are a versatile and useful alternative for gene ranking that can provide insight about the importance of individual genes.
Ultrastructural Evaluation of Mouse Oocytes Exposed In Vitro to Different Concentrations of the Fungicide Mancozeb
Authors: Gatti Marta , Belli Manuel , De Rubeis Mariacarla , Khalili Mohammad Ali , Familiari Giuseppe , Nottola Stefania Annarita , Macchiarelli Guido , Hajderi Edmond , Palmerini Maria Grazia
Published: May 2023

Mancozeb is a widely used fungicide, considered to be an endocrine disruptor. In vivo and in vitro studies evidenced its reproductive toxicity on mouse oocytes by altering spindle morphology, impairing oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo implantation. Mancozeb also induces dose-dependent toxicity on the ultrastructure of mouse granulosa cells, including chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing, and vacuolization. We evaluated the effects on the ultrastructure of mouse oocytes isolated from cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), exposed in vitro to increasing concentrations of mancozeb. COCs were matured in vitro with or without (control) low fungicide concentrations (0.001–1 μg/mL). All mature oocytes were collected and prepared for light and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed a preserved ultrastructure at the lowest doses (0.001–0.01 μg/mL), with evident clusters of round-to-ovoid mitochondria, visible electron-dense round cortical granules, and thin microvilli. Mancozeb concentration of 1 μg/mL affected organelle density concerning controls, with a reduction of mitochondria, appearing moderately vacuolated, cortical granules, and microvilli, short and less abundant. In summary, ultrastructural data revealed changes mainly at the highest concentration of mancozeb on mouse oocytes. This could be responsible for the previously described impaired capability in oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo implantation, demonstrating its impact on the reproductive health and fertility.
Insulin Receptor Signaling in Health and Disease
Authors: Baghaie Leili , Bunsick David A. , Szewczuk Myron R.
Published: May 2023

Since the discovery of insulin over 100 years ago, our understanding of the insulin signaling pathway has greatly expanded [...]
3-D Numerical Simulation of Seismic Response of the Induced Joint of a Subway Station
Authors: Quan Dengzhou , Chai Shaobo , Wang Yuling , Fan Zhishuang , Bu Yonghong
Published: May 2023

In recent times, induced joints have been set along the length of subway stations in order to avoid disordered cracking of the main structures occurring due to temperature stress, concrete shrinkage, creep, or uneven foundation settlement. At present, the use of induced joints in subway station structures is mainly based on engineering experience. The seismic response of induced joints has not yet been well explained, much less mastered. In this study, a 3-D numerical model of a subway station incorporating certain sorts of induced joints is established systematically. Then, the seismic response of those induced joints applied in different positions and various forms has been studied under different seismic waves by varying the spectral characteristics and peak acceleration values of the waves. The results show that the horizontal relative sliding displacement of the structures on both sides of an induced joint increases gradually from bottom to top along the structure of the subway station. While the vertical sliding displacements that occur along the section width are larger at both ends of the induced joints than in the middle. What is more, with an increase in seismic intensity, the horizontal relative sliding displacement becomes larger, while the vertical displacement becomes even smaller. In addition, the relative sliding displacement can be reduced by increasing the residual longitudinal reinforcement ratio of the induced joint. Furthermore, it is discovered that the setting of key grooves at the bottom plate of the induced joint section has a certain effect on controlling the horizontal relative sliding displacement, as well as a significant effect on preventing the vertical relative dislocation of the structures on both sides of the induced joint.
Study on Structural Reliability Analysis Method Based on Chance Theory
Authors: Wang Juan , Hu Changming , Liu Zuqiang , Li Li
Published: May 2023

Many factors influence structural reliability in practice engineering. Some factors can be measured to obtain lots of data, but others are difficult to acquire statistical data. In view of this situation, a new structural reliability analysis method is proposed using chance theory, which is composed of probability theory and uncertainty theory and can reflect random uncertainty and cognitive uncertainty simultaneously. The performance function of a structural mechanical element is defined, and when it is a random uncertain variable, the chance distribution is established. Then the calculated method of failure measures and reliability measures for the structural mechanical element is put forward. Furthermore, considering the series system and parallel system, the performance function of the structural system is proposed, and the calculated method of failure measure is determined by theoretical proof. The results can provide a new approach to analyzing structural reliability under the uncertain circumstance of lack of statistical data.
Laboratory Test Study on Pile Jacking Penetration Mechanism Considering Different Diameter and Length Based on Photoelectric Integration Technology
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Zhang Shuo , Li Shiqiang , Wang Jun , Niu Xunlong , Wang Donglei , Wang Yonghong
Published: May 2023

Model tests are carried out on the jacked single piles of different diameters and pile lengths under the model pile of different diameters and pile lengths in clayey soil, which aims to investigate the penetration mechanical mechanism. How to accurately test the pile end resistance and pile side resistance during jacked pile sinking is particularly important. In this paper, a full-section spoke-type pressure sensor, a double diaphragm temperature self-compensating fiber Bragg grating (FBG) earth pressure sensor and a sensitized miniature FBG strain sensor are jointly applied to a single pile penetration model test to test a single pile driving force, pile end resistance and pile body stress during penetration. The test results show that the load transfer performance of test piles will be affected by different diameters, and the axial force transfer capability of a large diameter in the depth direction is better than that of a small diameter since the compacting effect is more obvious. The unit skin friction of the pile increases gradually as the depth increases, which is larger due to the lateral extrusion force increasing as the diameter increases. At the same depth, the unit skin friction of two different diameter piles demonstrates “friction fatigue”, which also decreases obviously as the depth increases. Under the conditions of this test, the maximum frictional resistance of the pile TP1 pile side is about 27.7% higher than that of the test pile TP2. In the static pile sinking process of three test piles in cohesive soil, 50% is end bearing; therefore, there is 50% friction, and the diameter influences the end bearing and the length influences the friction.
The Sweet Side of HIPK2
Authors: Garufi Alessia , D’Orazi Valerio , Pistritto Giuseppa , Cirone Mara , D’Orazi Gabriella
Published: May 2023

HIPK2 is an evolutionary conserved protein kinase which modulates many molecular pathways involved in cellular functions such as apoptosis, DNA damage response, protein stability, and protein transcription. HIPK2 plays a key role in the cancer cell response to cytotoxic drugs as its deregulation impairs drug-induced cancer cell death. HIPK2 has also been involved in regulating fibrosis, angiogenesis, and neurological diseases. Recently, hyperglycemia was found to positively and/or negatively regulate HIPK2 activity, affecting not only cancer cell response to chemotherapy but also the progression of some diabetes complications. The present review will discuss how HIPK2 may be influenced by the high glucose (HG) metabolic condition and the consequences of such regulation in medical conditions.
Beneficial Effect of Combining Radiotherapy and Transarterial Chemoembolization on Patient Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinomas and Macrovascular Invasion Treated with Sorafenib
Authors: Lu Meng-Chuan , Huang Wen-Yen , Fan Hsiu-Lung , Chen Teng-Wei , Chang Wei-Chou , Lin Hsuan-Hwai , Shih Yu-Lueng , Hsieh Tsai-Yuan , Huang Wei-Chen
Published: May 2023

Background: Approximately 10–40% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients have definite vascular invasion at the time of diagnosis. Without curative treatment options, these patients have an abysmal prognosis with a median survival of only a few months following systemic therapy. However, supportive evidence of combining multiple locoregional treatments with systemic therapy is limited. This study compared the outcomes of sorafenib alone versus multimodality therapy with sorafenib, radiotherapy (RT), and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in advanced HCC patients with macrovascular invasion (MaVI). Methods: The process took place over a nine-year period between March 2009 and October 2017, wherein 78 HCC patients with MaVI who underwent either sorafenib therapy alone (n = 49) or combined sorafenib/RT/TACE (n = 29) therapy were chosen for the retrospective study. We compared the overall survival (OS) between the two groups using the Cox regression hazard model and adjusted imbalances using propensity score matching (PSM). Results: At the last follow-up, 76 patients had died, with a median follow-up time of 4.8 months for all patients and 31 months for those who were alive. Patients treated with sorafenib/RT/TACE had superior OS compared to those treated with sorafenib alone, showing a median survival of 9.3 vs. 2.7 months and a one-year survival of 37.1% vs. 6.1% (p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, new diagnosis or recurrence of HCC and treatment modalities (sorafenib alone vs. sorafenib/RT/TACE) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Compared to patients treated with sorafenib alone, significantly better OS was further verified using PSM (p < 0.001) in patients who received multiple therapeutic modalities. Conclusion: Multimodality therapy with sorafenib/RT/TACE increased OS threefold versus sorafenib therapy alone in HCC patients with MaVI. This study offers promising benefits of combined locoregional and systemic therapy for advanced HCC in current patient management and prospective clinical trials.
The Impact of Post-Pancreatectomy Acute Pancreatitis (PPAP) on Long-Term Outcomes after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Single-Center Propensity-Score-Matched Analysis According to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) Definition
Authors: Quero Giuseppe , Fiorillo Claudio , Massimiani Giuseppe , Lucinato Chiara , Menghi Roberta , Longo Fabio , Laterza Vito , Schena Carlo Alberto , De Sio Davide , Rosa Fausto , Papa Valerio , Tortorelli Antonio Pio , Tondolo Vincenzo , Alfieri Sergio
Published: May 2023

Post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) is a potentially life-threating complication. Although multiple authors demonstrated PPAP as a predisposing feature for a more detrimental clinical course, no evidence is currently present on its potential impact on long-term outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate how PPAP onset may influence overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DSF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Patients who underwent PD for PDAC from 2006 to 2021 were enrolled. PPAP was defined according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definition. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in order to reduce potential selection biases. After PSM, 32 patients out of 231 PDs who developed PPAP (PPAP group) were matched to 32 patients who did not present PPAP (no-PPAP group). PPAP patients more frequently presented major post-operative complications (p = 0.02) and post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (p = 0.003). Median follow-up was 26.2 months, with no difference between the two groups (p = 0.79). A comparable rate of local or distant metastases was noted in the two cohorts (p = 0.2). Five-year OS was comparable between the two populations (39.3% and 35.7% for the no-PPAP and PPAP populations, respectively; p = 0.53). Conversely, despite not being statistically significant, a worse 5-year DFS was evidenced in the case of PPAP (23.2%) as compared to the absence of PPAP (37.4%) (p = 0.51). With the limitations due to the small sample size, PPAP may potentially relate to worse long-term outcomes in terms of DFS. However, further studies with wider study populations are still needed in order to better clarify the prognostic role of PPAP.
Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Activity of TiO2 Films Deposited on Fiber-Cement Surfaces
Authors: Rosa Robson H. , Silva Ricardo S. , Nascimento Lucas L. , Okura Monica H. , Patrocinio Antonio Otavio T. , Rossignolo João A.
Published: May 2023

In this study, TiO2 films were deposited via the doctor blade technique on fiber-cement surfaces. Two types of nanoparticles (TiO2-P25 from Degussa and TiO2-PC105 from Tronox) were used to produce films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images revealed films with homogeneous and nanoparticulated morphology. The TiO2 PC105 film presented a lower roughness parameter (RMS) in relation to that of the TiO2 P25-based film. Both films exhibited high hydrophilicity when exposed to UV-A radiation (contact angle θ < 6°). The photocatalytic activity of the films was evaluated by standardized methylene blue dye degradation assays under UV-A irradiation (1.0 mW/cm2). The TiO2-PC105 film showed a photonic efficiency of ξ = 0.1%, while for the films obtained with TiO2-P25, ξ = 0.08%. The cement surface modified with the PC105 film was evaluated for antimicrobial activity through the use of multiple pathogens commonly found in hospitals. A considerably high efficiency was measured with visible light. Growth inhibition rates of 99.0% ± 0.2, 99.1% ± 0.2, 99.1% ± 0.2, 97.5% ± 0.5, 98.0% ± 0.5 and 98.0% ± 0.5 were found for Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella sp., Escherichia coli, Rhizobium sp., Fusarium sp. and Penicillium sp., respectively. The results show the self-cleaning ability and their potential use for protection, by preventing contamination of the fiber-cement surface and opening new possibilities for the use of this building material.
Recent Advances in Zeolites and Porous Materials Applications in Catalysis and Adsorption Processes
Authors: Milojević-Rakić Maja , Bajuk-Bogdanović Danica
Published: May 2023

Zeolites and porous materials are some of the most promising materials for various applications [...]
Knockdown of DOM/Tip60 Complex Subunits Impairs Male Meiosis of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Prozzillo Yuri , Fattorini Gaia , Ferreri Diego , Leo Manuela , Dimitri Patrizio , Messina Giovanni
Published: May 2023

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes are involved in nucleosome sliding and eviction and/or the incorporation of histone variants into chromatin to facilitate several cellular and biological processes, including DNA transcription, replication and repair. The DOM/TIP60 chromatin remodeling complex of Drosophila melanogaster contains 18 subunits, including the DOMINO (DOM), an ATPase that catalyzes the exchange of the canonical H2A with its variant (H2A.V), and TIP60, a lysine-acetyltransferase that acetylates H4, H2A and H2A.V histones. In recent decades, experimental evidence has shown that ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors, in addition to their role in chromatin organization, have a functional relevance in cell division. In particular, emerging studies suggested the direct roles of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex subunits in controlling mitosis and cytokinesis in both humans and D. melanogaster. However, little is known about their possible involvement during meiosis. The results of this work show that the knockdown of 12 of DOM/TIP60 complex subunits generates cell division defects that, in turn, cause total/partial sterility in Drosophila males, providing new insights into the functions of chromatin remodelers in cell division control during gametogenesis.
Characterizing Variability in Lung Cancer Outcomes and Influence of a Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program in Southeastern Ontario, Canada
Authors: AlGhamdi Shahad , Kong Weidong , Brundage Michael , Eisenhauer Elizabeth A. , Parker Christopher M. , Digby Geneviève C.
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Regional variability in lung cancer (LC) outcomes exists across Canada, including in the province of Ontario. The Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program (LDAP) in southeastern (SE) Ontario is a rapid-assessment clinic that expedites the management of patients with suspected LC. We evaluated the association of LDAP management with LC outcomes, including survival, and characterized the variability in LC outcomes across SE Ontario. Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study by identifying patients with newly diagnosed LC through the Ontario Cancer Registry (January 2017–December 2019) and linked to the LDAP database to identify LDAP-managed patients. Descriptive data were collected. Using a Cox model approach, we compared 2-year survival for patients managed through LDAP vs. non-LDAP. Results: We identified 1832 patients, 1742 of whom met the inclusion criteria (47% LDAP-managed and 53% non-LDAP). LDAP management was associated with a lower probability of dying at 2 years (HR 0.76 vs. non-LDAP, p < 0.0001). Increasing distance from the LDAP was associated with a lower likelihood of LDAP management (OR 0.78 for every 20 km increase, p < 0.0001). LDAP-managed patients were more likely to receive specialist assessment and undergo treatments. Conclusions: In SE Ontario, initial diagnostic care provided via LDAP was independently associated with improved survival in patients with LC.
Spectral CT: Current Liver Applications
Authors: Borges Ana P. , Antunes Célia , Caseiro-Alves Filipe
Published: May 2023

Using two different energy levels, dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) allows for material differentiation, improves image quality and iodine conspicuity, and allows researchers the opportunity to determine iodine contrast and radiation dose reduction. Several commercialized platforms with different acquisition techniques are constantly being improved. Furthermore, DECT clinical applications and advantages are continually being reported in a wide range of diseases. We aimed to review the current applications of and challenges in using DECT in the treatment of liver diseases. The greater contrast provided by low-energy reconstructed images and the capability of iodine quantification have been mostly valuable for lesion detection and characterization, accurate staging, treatment response assessment, and thrombi characterization. Material decomposition techniques allow for the non-invasive quantification of fat/iron deposition and fibrosis. Reduced image quality with larger body sizes, cross-vendor and scanner variability, and long reconstruction time are among the limitations of DECT. Promising techniques for improving image quality with lower radiation dose include the deep learning imaging reconstruction method and novel spectral photon-counting computed tomography.
A Systematic Review of PET Contrasted with MRI for Detecting Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis in Patients with Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Tripathi Shailendra Mohan , Majrashi Naif Ali , Alyami Ali S. , Ageeli Wael A. , Refaee Turkey A.
Published: May 2023

There has not been extensive research into crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) in neurodegenerative disorders. CCD is frequently detected using positron emission tomography (PET). However, advanced MRI techniques have come forth for the detection of CCD. The correct diagnosis of CCD is crucial for the care of neurological patients and those with neurodegenerative conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine whether PET can offer extra value over MRI or an advanced technique in MRI for detecting CCD in neurological conditions. We searched three main electronic databases from 1980 until the present and included only English and peer-reviewed journal articles. Eight articles involving 1246 participants met the inclusion criteria, six of which used PET imaging while the other two used MRI and hybrid imaging. The findings in PET studies showed decreased cerebral metabolism in the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital cortices, as on the opposite side of the cerebellar cortex. However, the findings in MRI studies showed decreased cerebellar volumes. This study concludes that PET is a common, accurate, and sensitive technique for detecting both crossed cerebellar and uncrossed basal ganglia as well as thalamic diaschisis in neurodegenerative diseases, while MRI is better for measuring brain volume. This study suggests that PET has a higher diagnostic value for diagnosing CCD compared to MRI, and that PET is a more valuable technique for predicting CCD.
Imaging of Tauopathies with PET Ligands: State of the Art and Future Outlook
Authors: Conte Miriam , De Feo Maria Silvia , Sidrak Marko Magdi Abdou , Corica Ferdinando , Gorica Joana , Granese Giorgia Maria , Filippi Luca , De Vincentis Giuseppe , Frantellizzi Viviana
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Tauopathies are a group of diseases characterized by the deposition of abnormal tau protein. They are distinguished into 3R, 4R, and 3R/4R tauopathies and also include Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging represents a pivotal instrument to guide clinicians. This systematic review aims to summarize the current and novel PET tracers. (2) Methods: Literature research was conducted on Pubmed, Scopus, Medline, Central, and the Web of Science using the query “pet ligands” and “tauopathies”. Articles published from January 2018 to 9 February, 2023, were searched. Only studies on the development of novel PET radiotracers for imaging in tauopathies or comparative studies between existing PET tracers were included. (3) Results: A total of 126 articles were found, as follows: 96 were identified from PubMed, 27 from Scopus, one on Central, two on Medline, and zero on the Web of Science. Twenty-four duplicated works were excluded, and 63 articles did not satisfy the inclusion criteria. The remaining 40 articles were included for quality assessment. (4) Conclusions: PET imaging represents a valid instrument capable of helping clinicians in diagnosis, but it is not always perfect in differential diagnosis, even if further investigations on humans for novel promising ligands are needed.
Time-Lapse In Situ 3D Imaging Analysis of Human Enamel Demineralisation Using X-ray Synchrotron Tomography
Authors: Besnard Cyril , Marie Ali , Sasidharan Sisini , Harper Robert A. , Marathe Shashidhara , Moffat Jonathan , Shelton Richard M. , Landini Gabriel , Korsunsky Alexander M.
Published: May 2023

Caries is a chronic disease that causes the alteration of the structure of dental tissues by acid dissolution (in enamel, dentine and cementum) and proteolytic degradation (dentine and cementum) and generates an important cost of care. There is a need to visualise and characterise the acid dissolution process on enamel due to its hierarchical structure leading to complex structural modifications. The process starts at the enamel surface and progresses into depth, which necessitates the study of the internal enamel structure. Artificial demineralisation is usually employed to simulate the process experimentally. In the present study, the demineralisation of human enamel was studied using surface analysis carried out with atomic force microscopy as well as 3D internal analysis using synchrotron X-ray tomography during acid exposure with repeated scans to generate a time-lapse visualisation sequence. Two-dimensional analysis from projections and virtual slices and 3D analysis of the enamel mass provided details of tissue changes at the level of the rods and inter-rod substance. In addition to the visualisation of structural modifications, the rate of dissolution was determined, which demonstrated the feasibility and usefulness of these techniques. The temporal analysis of enamel demineralisation is not limited to dissolution and can be applied to other experimental conditions for the analysis of treated enamel or remineralisation.
Resistance Tracking Control of Memristors Based on Iterative Learning
Authors: Cao Wei , Qiao Jinjie
Published: May 2023

A memristor is a kind of nonlinear two-port circuit element with memory characteristics, whose resistance value is subject to being controlled by the voltage or current on both its ends, and thus it has broad application prospects. At present, most of the memristor application research is based on the change of resistance and memory characteristics, which involves how to make the memristor change according to the desired trajectory. Aiming at this problem, a resistance tracking control method of memristors is proposed based on iterative learning controls. This method is based on the general mathematical model of the voltage-controlled memristor, and uses the derivative of the error between the actual resistance and the desired resistance to continuously modify the control voltage, making the current control voltage gradually approach the desired control voltage. Furthermore, the convergence of the proposed algorithm is proved theoretically, and the convergence conditions of the algorithm are given. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can make the resistance of the memristor completely track the desired resistance in a finite time interval with the increase of iterations. This method can realize the design of the controller when the mathematical model of the memristor is unknown, and the structure of the controller is simple. The proposed method can lay a theoretical foundation for the application research on memristors in the future.
Few Shot Class Incremental Learning via Efficient Prototype Replay and Calibration
Authors: Zhang Wei , Gu Xiaodong
Published: May 2023

Few shot class incremental learning (FSCIL) is an extremely challenging but valuable problem in real-world applications. When faced with novel few shot tasks in each incremental stage, it should take into account both catastrophic forgetting of old knowledge and overfitting of new categories with limited training data. In this paper, we propose an efficient prototype replay and calibration (EPRC) method with three stages to improve classification performance. We first perform effective pre-training with rotation and mix-up augmentations in order to obtain a strong backbone. Then a series of pseudo few shot tasks are sampled to perform meta-training, which enhances the generalization ability of both the feature extractor and projection layer and then helps mitigate the over-fitting problem of few shot learning. Furthermore, an even nonlinear transformation function is incorporated into the similarity computation to implicitly calibrate the generated prototypes of different categories and alleviate correlations among them. Finally, we replay the stored prototypes to relieve catastrophic forgetting and rectify prototypes to be more discriminative in the incremental-training stage via an explicit regularization within the loss function. The experimental results on CIFAR-100 and miniImageNet demonstrate that our EPRC significantly boosts the classification performance compared with existing mainstream FSCIL methods.
An Asymmetric Velocity Profile for Minimizing Wafer Slippage and Settling Time of a Wafer Transport Robot
Authors: Yoon Kwan Sik , Kim Min Seok , Moon Hyungpil , Choi Hyuok Ryeol , Koo Ja Choon
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a control solution for minimizing the takt time of a wafer transfer robot that is widely used in the semiconductor industry. To achieve this goal, this work aims to minimize the transfer time while maximizing the transfer accuracy. The velocity profile is newly designed, taking into consideration parameters such as end effector deformation, changes in friction, vibrations, and required position accuracy. This work focused on the difference between the robot’s acceleration and deceleration phases and their contributions to wafer dynamics, resulting in an asymmetric robot motion profile. Mixed cubic and quintic Bezier curves were adopted, and the optimal profile was obtained through genetic algorithms. Additionally, this work combines its newly developed motion profile with an iterative learning control to ensure the best wafer transportation process time. With the presented method, it is possible to achieve a significant reduction in takt time by minimizing wafer slippage and vibration while maximizing robot motion efficiency. All development processes presented in this paper are verified through both simulation and testing.
Efficient Face Region Occlusion Repair Based on T-GANs
Authors: Man Qiaoyue , Cho Young-Im
Published: May 2023

In the image restoration task, the generative adversarial network (GAN) demonstrates excellent performance. However, there remain significant challenges concerning the task of generative face region inpainting. Traditional model approaches are ineffective in maintaining global consistency among facial components and recovering fine facial details. To address this challenge, this study proposes a facial restoration generation network combined a transformer module and GAN to accurately detect the missing feature parts of the face and perform effective and fine-grained restoration generation. We validate the proposed model using different image quality evaluation methods and several open-source face datasets and experimentally demonstrate that our model outperforms other current state-of-the-art network models in terms of generated image quality and the coherent naturalness of facial features in face image restoration generation tasks.
The Recovering Stability of a Towing Taxi-Out System from a Lateral Instability with Differential Braking Perspective: Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Qin Jiahao , Wu Hao , Lin Qiwei , Shen Jie , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2023

The traditional method of taxiing for civil aircraft, which relies on their engines, may be surpassed by the new method of towing taxi-out due to its superior advantages such as reduced energy consumption, lower emissions, and higher efficiency. However, the towing taxi-out system poses a challenge to lateral stability due to the concentration of mass at the rear, leading to severe instability when turning at high speeds. To address this issue, a nonlinear civil aircraft towing and taxiing system model and a linear four-degree-of-freedom civil aircraft towing and taxiing system reference model were established using TruckSim and Matlab/Simulink software. The fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative controller was utilized, with the braking torque of each wheel serving as the control variable and the real-time yaw rate difference and its rate of change as the fuzzy control input. The controller was compared and validated with a traditional PID controller. The results of the simulation showed that the fuzzy PID control has better nonlinear characteristics and stronger adaptability to operating conditions compared to traditional PID control, providing timely, effective, adaptive, and robust control effects for the vehicle dynamics model. Under the fuzzy PID control, the peak yaw speed of the civil aircraft decreased to 10 degrees per second under double-shift conditions, representing an increase of 23.1%. Furthermore, the lateral stability and safety of the towing taxi-out system were improved, as evidenced by the reduction in the yaw rate of the tractor and civil aircraft under the hook condition. The use of this controller provides valuable technical guidance and support for the practical development and safe application of the towed glide mode.
Evaluating the Potential of MAMCA as a Framework for Stakeholder Engagement during the Setup of Energy Communities
Authors: Heuninckx Shary , Macharis Cathy , te Boveldt Geert , Coosemans Thierry
Published: May 2023

The current energy transition is characterized by a high level of consumer and prosumer involvement. Energy communities (ECs) are instruments that fit into this trend, as they organize the collective and mainly citizen-driven exchange of clean energy. Most stakeholder engagement research for ECs focuses on one aspect such as awareness raising or deployment acceptance. Hitherto, no specific research has been conducted on a participatory approach that can be applied throughout all the phases of an EC setup and for different purposes. In our study, we determine how the Multi-Actor Multi-Criteria analysis (MAMCA) methodology can be used as an engagement tool for this purpose. By linking potential engagement goals and their connected tools and techniques to the corresponding MAMCA step, we have created a multi-layered practical framework that can be used by all types of EC initiators for stakeholder engagement throughout the setup of a new EC. As this practical tool stimulates solutions that cater better to stakeholder needs, it can contribute to smoother deployment and an associated increase in ECs in the general system. A theoretical evaluation and a performed case study demonstrate the utility of the methodology that is developed in this paper.
An Overview of Real Gas Brayton Power Cycles: Working Fluids Selection and Thermodynamic Implications
Authors: Invernizzi Costante Mario , Di Marcoberardino Gioele
Published: May 2023

This paper discusses and reviews the main real gas effects on the thermodynamic performance of closed Brayton cycles. Cycles with carbon dioxide as working fluids are taken as a reference and a comparison of the thermodynamic cycle efficiencies that are made with other possible working fluids (pure fluids and fluid mixtures). We fixed the reduced operating conditions, in optimal conditions, so that all working fluids had the same thermodynamic global performances. Therefore, the choice of the working fluid becomes important for adapting the cycle to the different technological requirements. The positive effects of the real gas properties in supercritical cycles were approximately maximal at reduced minimum cycle temperatures of about 1.01 to 1.05, with maximum to minimum cycle temperatures of about 2.2. The use of mixtures furthers widens the application of the field of closed Brayton cycles, thereby allowing a continuous variation in the critical temperature of the resulting working fluid and, in some cases, also making it possible to take the condensation with a significant further increase in the thermodynamic cycle efficiency. The paper also demonstrates the thermodynamic convenience of resorting to mixtures of carbon dioxide and inert gases. Extensive measurements of vapour–liquid equilibria and analysis of the thermal stability and material compatibility are essential for a practical and full use of the real gas Brayton cycles.
Fuzzy Active Disturbance Rejection-Based Virtual Inertia Control Strategy for Wind Farms
Authors: Li Tai , Wang Yanbo , Sun Sunan , Qian Huimin , Wang Leqiu , Wang Lei , Shen Yanxia , Ji Zhicheng
Published: May 2023

This paper presents an advanced virtual inertia control strategy for wind farms to provide transient power support in the presence of frequency events, where a fuzzy active disturbance rejection controller is developed to enable the operation of an energy storage system (ESS) so as to provide support for frequency regulation of the power grid. To effectively estimate the system frequency under uncertain noises, fuzzy rules are presented to adaptively tune the parameters of the extended state observer and to realize the power-sharing, to improve the anti-interference ability of the wind power system. Finally, simulation analysis in MATLAB/Simulink is provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. Simulation results show that the developed virtual inertia control strategy based on fuzzy active disturbance rejection control has a good inertia support capability. In addition, the proposed method is able to improve the anti-noise capability of the wind power system.
A State-of-the-Art Review on Technology for Carbon Utilization and Storage
Authors: Zhao Yafei , Itakura Ken-ichi
Published: May 2023

Carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies are regarded as an economically feasible way to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, various aspects of CCUS are reviewed and discussed, including the use of geological sequestration, ocean sequestration and various mineral carbon mineralization with its accelerated carbonization methods. By chemically reacting CO2 with calcium or magnesium-containing minerals, mineral carbonation technology creates stable carbonate compounds that do not require ongoing liability or monitoring. In addition, using industrial waste residues as a source of carbonate minerals appears as an option because they are less expensive and easily accessible close to CO2 emitters and have higher reactivity than natural minerals. Among those geological formations for CO2 storage, carbon microbubbles sequestration provides the economic leak-free option of carbon capture and storage. This paper first presents the advantages and disadvantages of various ways of storing carbon dioxide; then, it proposes a new method of injecting carbon dioxide and industrial waste into underground cavities.
Classical Thermodynamic Analysis of D-Based Nuclear Fusion Reactions: The Role of Entropy
Authors: Tosti Silvano
Published: May 2023

In this work, the feasibility of nuclear processes is studied via classical thermodynamics by assessing the change in entropy, a parameter that has so far been neglected in the analysis of these reactions. The contribution of the entropy to the reaction spontaneity plays a different role in the fission and fusion reactions. In particular, in fusion reactions the temperature acts as a very powerful amplifier of the entropic term (−T ΔS) that, at the temperature of tokamaks (millions Kelvin), may significantly reduce the thermodynamic spontaneity of these processes. A new approach is followed for assessing the feasibility of the D-based reactions of interest for the magnetically confined nuclear fusion through the investigation of the effect of the temperature on both kinetics and thermodynamics. The results confirm that the deuterium–tritium reaction is the most promising fusion reaction to be realized in tokamak devices. At the temperature of 1.5 × 108 K (≈13 keV), the DT reaction exhibits a large thermodynamic spontaneity (ΔG = 16.0 MeV) and its reactivity is of the order of 10−22 m3/s, a value capable of guaranteeing the tritium burning rate needed to operate the nuclear plants under tritium self-sufficiency conditions and with a net energy production. The other results show that at the tokamaks’ temperature the two branches of the DD reaction exhibit a modest spontaneity (ΔG around −2 MeV) coupled to very low reactivity values (10−24 m3/s). The temperature rise that could be aimed to increase the reactivity is however ineffective to improve the reaction feasibility since it would augment the entropic term as well, thus shifting the ΔG towards positive values. The D3He reaction is soundly spontaneous at the tokamaks’ temperature (ΔG values of −17.2 MeV) while its kinetics is close to that of the DD reactions, which are at least two orders of magnitude lower than that of the DT reaction.
Increasing Energy Self-Consumption in Residential Photovoltaic Systems with Heat Pumps in Poland
Authors: Pater Sebastian
Published: May 2023

Currently, the use of air-source heat pumps (ASHP) in combination with a photovoltaic (PV) installation is a very promising option for a necessary and urgent energy transformation in European countries. It is extremely important to develop solutions that will help maximize the use of energy generated from renewable energy sources. Such issues include the problem of insufficient use of generated electricity in PV on-grid microinstallations in residential buildings. This paper’s aim is to analyse the results of a one-year-round operation of a PV array grid-connected hybrid installation with ASHP for domestic hot water preparation in a residential building in Cracow, Poland, in the context of increasing self-consumption of PV energy. Models of systems are built and simulated in the Transient System Simulation software in release 18.05.0001. Simulations were carried out for different scenarios involving different building electricity consumption profiles, PV system capacity and specified runtime management of ASHP. The novelty of this study lies in the evaluation of the impact of a certain range of conditions on the energy performance of the system and in particular on increasing self-consumption. The results showed that the use of ASHP, with specified runtime management, results in an increase in monthly self-consumption values from 7% to 18%, and annual values up to 13%. Moreover, determining the appropriate size of the used PV system depending on whether it is present ASHP in the installation is crucial to increasing the value of this parameter. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of PV panels and ASHP operating together, particularly on self-consumption values.