bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphoproteomics Reveals Selective Regulation of Signaling Pathways by Lysophosphatidic Acid Species in Macrophages
Authors: Dietze Raimund , Szymanski Witold , Ojasalu Kaire , Finkernagel Florian , Nist Andrea , Stiewe Thorsten , Graumann Johannes , Müller Rolf
Published: May 2024

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) species, prevalent in the tumor microenvironment (TME), adversely impact various cancers. In ovarian cancer, the 18:0 and 20:4 LPA species are selectively associated with shorter relapse-free survival, indicating distinct effects on cellular signaling networks. Macrophages represent a cell type of high relevance in the TME, but the impact of LPA on these cells remains obscure. Here, we uncovered distinct LPA-species-specific responses in human monocyte-derived macrophages through unbiased phosphoproteomics, with 87 and 161 phosphosites upregulated by 20:4 and 18:0 LPA, respectively, and only 24 shared sites. Specificity was even more pronounced for downregulated phosphosites (163 versus 5 sites). Considering the high levels 20:4 LPA in the TME and its selective association with poor survival, this finding may hold significant implications. Pathway analysis pinpointed RHO/RAC1 GTPase signaling as the predominantly impacted target, including AHRGEF and DOCK guanine exchange factors, ARHGAP GTPase activating proteins, and regulatory protein kinases. Consistent with these findings, exposure to 20:4 resulted in strong alterations to the actin filament network and a consequent enhancement of macrophage migration. Moreover, 20:4 LPA induced p38 phosphorylation, a response not mirrored by 18:0 LPA, whereas the pattern for AKT was reversed. Furthermore, RNA profiling identified genes involved in cholesterol/lipid metabolism as selective targets of 20:4 LPA. These findings imply that the two LPA species cooperatively regulate different pathways to support functions essential for pro-tumorigenic macrophages within the TME. These include cellular survival via AKT activation and migration through RHO/RAC1 and p38 signaling.
Isolation of Myenteric and Submucosal Plexus from Mouse Gastrointestinal Tract and Subsequent Co-Culture with Small Intestinal Organoids
Authors: Llorente Cristina
Published: May 2024

Intestinal homeostasis results from the proper interplay among epithelial cells, the enteric nervous system (ENS), interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), smooth muscle cells, the immune system, and the microbiota. The disruption of this balance underpins the onset of gastrointestinal-related diseases. The scarcity of models replicating the intricate interplay between the ENS and the intestinal epithelium highlights the imperative for developing novel methods. We have pioneered a sophisticated tridimensional in vitro technique, coculturing small intestinal organoids with myenteric and submucosal neurons. Notably, we have made significant advances in (1) refining the isolation technique for culturing the myenteric plexus, (2) enhancing the isolation of the submucosal plexus—both yielding mixed cultures of enteric neurons and glial cells from both plexuses, and (3) subsequently co-culturing myenteric and submucosal neurons with small intestinal organoids. This co-culture system establishes neural innervations with intestinal organoids, allowing for the investigation of regulatory interactions in the context of gastrointestinal diseases. Furthermore, we have developed a method for microinjecting the luminal space of small intestinal organoids with fluorescently labeled compounds. This technique possesses broad applicability such as the assessment of intestinal permeability, transcytosis, and immunocytochemical and immunofluorescence applications. This microinjection method could be extended to alternative experimental setups, incorporating bacterial species, or applying treatments to study ENS-small intestinal epithelium interactions. Therefore, this technique serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the intricate interplay between neuronal and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and shows great potential for drug screening, gene editing, the development of novel therapies, the modeling of infectious diseases, and significant advances in regenerative medicine. The co-culture establishment process spans twelve days, making it a powerful asset for comprehensive research in this critical field.
Is Collaborative Care the Future of Medicine? Lessons Learned from the Care of Children with Colorectal Conditions
Authors: Choueiki Julie M. , Sales Stephen , Callicott Susan , Ashman David , Worst Katherine , Badillo Andrea , Varda Briony K. , Mayhew Allison , Xu Thomas O. , Levitt Marc A.
Published: May 2024

The treatment of patients with colorectal disorders requires care from a wide variety of medical and surgical specialties over the course of their lifetime. This is ideally handled by a collaborative center which facilitates the assessment and development of patient care among multiple specialties which can enhance the quality and implementation of treatment plans, improve communication among different specialties, decrease morbidity, and improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. This collaborative approach can serve as a model for other parts of medicine requiring a similar multi-disciplinary and integrated method of care delivery. We describe the process, as well as the lessons learned in developing such a program.
Treatment Outcomes of Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth with Irreversible Pulpitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Galvin Sim Siang , Chin Yu Jie , Choong Rob Son , Wafa Sharifah Wade’ah Wafa Syed Saadun Tarek , Dziaruddin Nabihah , Baharin Fadzlinda , Ismail Ahmad Faisal
Published: May 2024

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the success rates of pulpotomy treatment for irreversible pulpitis in primary teeth. Methods: This study was registered and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. Relevant studies published between January 1980 and April 2023 were identified across eight online databases and two paediatric dentistry textbooks. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by multiple investigators independently. Data analysis involved single-arm and two-arm meta-analyses, leave-one-out sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and assessment of publication bias. The risks of bias were evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration’s assessment tools. The levels of evidence were determined using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) tool. Results: Five primary studies were included. The weighted mean overall success rates at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups were 97.2% and 94.4%, respectively. Two-arm meta-analysis revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and non-MTA bioceramic-based materials as pulpotomy medicaments. The sample size of each study did not affect the degree of data heterogeneity. Egger’s test revealed no significant publication bias. Conclusions: Pulpotomy may be regarded as an alternative modality for treating primary teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Nevertheless, future well-designed trials and extended follow-up periods are warranted.
Evaluating Recycled Concrete Aggregate and Sand for Sustainable Construction Performance and Environmental Benefits
Authors: Singh Saurabh , Singh Suraj Kumar , Mahgoub Mohamed , Mir Shahnawaz Ahmed , Kanga Shruti , Kumar Sujeet , Kumar Pankaj , Meraj Gowhar
Published: May 2024

This research investigates the potential of utilizing recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and recycled sand (RS), derived from crushed concrete cubes, as sustainable alternatives in construction materials. The study comprehensively evaluates the properties of RCA and RS, focusing on workability, impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and compressive strength to determine their viability as substitute construction materials. A notable finding is RS’s enhanced fire and heat resistance when used as a fine aggregate in mortar blends, mixed with cement and Sinicon PP in a 3:1 ratio. The experimental analysis included thorough assessments of uniformity, durability, and curing time, alongside Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for structural examination. Results show that RCA has an Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) of 5.76% and a Los Angeles Abrasion Value (LAA) of 21.78%, demonstrating excellent strength of the recycled aggregates. The mortar mix was also prepared using recycled sand, cement, and Sinicon PP, and its stability was confirmed through soundness tests, which resulted in a 0.53 mm expansion and a satisfactory consistency level of 44%. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests also indicated high-quality concrete formation using RCA and RS. SEM imaging corroborated this by revealing a bond between the cement paste and the aggregates. Incorporating RS and RCA in concrete mixtures impressively yielded a compressive strength of 26.22 N/mm2 in M20-grade concrete. The study concludes that using RCA and RS waste materials in the construction sector underlines that sustainable practices can be integrated without compromising material quality. This approach aligns with sustainable development goals and fosters a more environmentally friendly construction industry.
On–off-Grid Optimal Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for House Units in Iraq
Authors: Alshamri Hussain , Cockerill Timothy , Tomlin Alison S. , Al-Damook Moustafa , Al Qubeissi Mansour
Published: May 2024

This paper addresses the optimal sizing of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs), encompassing wind, solar, and battery systems, with the aim of delivering reliable performance at a reasonable cost. The focus is on mitigating unscheduled outages on the national grid in Iraq. The proposed On–off-grid HRES method is implemented using MATLAB and relies on an iterative technique to achieve multi-objectives, balancing reliability and economic constraints. The optimal HRES configuration is determined by evaluating various scenarios related to energy flow management, electricity prices, and land cover effects. Consumer requirements regarding cost and reliability are factored into a 2D optimization process. A battery model is developed to capture the dynamic exchange of energy among different renewable sources, battery storage, and energy demands. A detailed case study across fifteen locations in Iraq, including water, desert, and urban areas, revealed that local wind speed significantly affects the feasibility and efficiency of the HRES. Locations with higher wind speeds, such as the Haditha lake region (payback period: 7.8 years), benefit more than urban areas (Haditha city: payback period: 12.4 years). This study also found that not utilizing the battery, particularly during periods of high electricity prices (e.g., 2015), significantly impacts the HRES performance. In the Haditha water area, for instance, this technique reduced the payback period from 20.1 to 7.8 years by reducing the frequency of charging and discharging cycles and subsequently mitigating the need for battery replacement.
Lactate Levels and Clearance: Key Predictors of Prognosis for COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Septic Shock Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Trebuian Cosmin Iosif , Brici Octavia Maria , Sutoi Dumitru , Popa Daian Ionel , Chioibas Daniel Raul , Mederle Ovidiu Alexandru
Published: May 2024

Background: This investigation assesses the prognostic value of lactate levels and their clearance in septic shock patients, particularly emphasizing the comparative analysis between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients in the emergency department. This study aims to elucidate the unique prognostic implications of lactate dynamics in these distinct patient groups, thereby enhancing the management of septic shock. Methods: An observational prospective study was conducted, enrolling 114 septic shock patients from the Emergency County Hospital Resita, Romania, categorizing them into COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups to examine their initial lactate levels, clearance rates, and their correlation with patient outcomes. Results: This study identified significant differences in the initial lactate levels and clearance rates between the two groups, indicating higher initial lactate levels and slower clearance rates in COVID-19 patients. Survivors demonstrated significantly lower initial lactate levels (1.5 ± 0.4 mmol/L) and higher lactate clearance rates (33 ± 15%) compared to non-survivors (2.5 ± 0.5 mmol/L and 24 ± 9%, respectively; lactate levels p = 0.001, clearance rates p = 0.002). Conclusions: Lactate monitoring, particularly clearance rates, is crucial in the prognostic assessment of septic shock patients. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in COVID-19 patients to improve outcomes, underscoring lactate dynamics as a vital component of septic shock management in differing patient populations.
Mechanistic Analysis of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Stationary Polycrystalline Gold Electrodes in H2SO4 Solutions
Authors: Ghelichkhah Zahed , Macdonald Digby D. , Ferguson Gregory S.
Published: May 2024

An impedance model based on the Volmer–Heyrovsky–Tafel mechanism was developed to study the kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction on polycrystalline gold electrodes at moderate overpotentials in aqueous H2SO4 (0.5 and 1.0 M) solutions. The model was optimized on data from potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and model parameters were extracted. Consistent with expectations, the magnitude of the impedance data indicated a higher rate of hydrogen evolution at lower pH. Also, the fractional surface coverage of adsorbed hydrogen (θHads) increases with increasing overpotential but the small value of θHads indicates only weak adsorption of H on gold. Tafel slopes and exchange current densities were estimated to be in the range of 81–124 mV/dec, and 10−6 and 10−5 A/cm2 in H2SO4 (0.5 and 1.0 M), respectively. The results show that the model accounts well for the experimental data, such as the steady-state current density. Sensitivity analysis reveals that the electrochemical parameters (α1, α2, k10, k−10, and k20) associated with the kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction have a major impact on the calculated impedance but the standard rate constant for hydrogen oxidation reaction (k−20) does not strongly affect the calculated impedance.
Friction and Wear of Hard Yet Tough TiN Coatings Deposited Using High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Zhou Qian , Ou Yixiang , Li Feiqiang , Ou Changyu , Xue Wenbin , Liao Bin , Hua Qingsong , Xu Yunfei , Cao Jidong , Qu Guanshu
Published: May 2024

The friction and wear response of hard coatings is complex, which largely depends on a good combination of hardness and toughness, and their service life is difficult to predict. Hence, in this work, hard yet tough TiN coatings were deposited using high-power impulse magnetron sputtering at 5–10 kW. With increasing sputtering power, the coatings showed a transition in crystal texture from (200) to (111), along with a refinement in microstructure, leading to an improvement in hardness (H) of 29.8–31.2 GPa and an effective Young’s modulus (E*) of 310–365 GPa. The hard yet tough TiN coatings deposited at 6.5 kW exhibited the highest H/E* and H3/E*2 ratios of 0.097 and 0.29, respectively, as well as the highest fracture toughness of 2.1 MPa·m1/2 and elastic recovery of 42.5%. Accordingly, the coatings possessed an enhanced adhesion and cohesion, in terms of micro-scratch critical load (LC3 = 19.67 N) and HF Rockwell HF1 level. The friction and wear response of hard yet tough TiN coatings under the normal load of 1–10 N were investigated to explore their durability and predict their critical load up to failure. Wear mechanisms changed from oxidative to severe abrasive wear, with load increasing from 1 to 10 N. At 2–5 N, a combination of oxidative and abrasive wear was observed. The coatings maintained their integrity up to the critical load of 9.4 N before failure event, with a maximum wear track depth of 1.8 μm, indicating their durability under the loading conditions.
Radio-Frequency Conductivity Evaluation Method Based on Surface/Interface Scattering of Metallic Coatings
Authors: Guo Chongxiao , Wu Ping , Liu Yue , Fan Tongxiang
Published: May 2024

Developing non-destructive evaluation methods for the radio frequency (RF) conductivity of conductive coatings can accelerate the performance evaluation and development of wireless communication devices. By using a split-resonator cavity to compare 800 nm copper/graphite and 1000 nm copper/graphite, we found that the RF conductivity increased by 45.5% and 82.7%, respectively, from 15 GHz to 40 GHz (pure copper was −7.2%), indicating that the bulk materials analysis method is not suitable for coating materials. Combined with electromagnetic wave theory, we believe that the critical factor lies in the additional losses of the electromagnetic waves at the copper/graphite interface and substrate. Based on the skin depth theory, the concept of triple skin depth is proposed to calculate the power loss of copper/graphite at different frequencies, considering rough Peff (including the power loss of the rough surface, copper coatings, copper/graphite interface, and graphite) compared with smooth pure copper Pc. Combined with the relationship between RF conductivity and electromagnetic wave power loss, the conductivity of copper coatings σCu at different frequencies is obtained by analyzing the measured σeff. Compared with the roughness model, the calculation error decreased from 30% to below 7%. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the regulation of the RF conductivity of metal coatings at different frequencies.
Optimizing Hadoop Scheduling in Single-Board-Computer-Based Heterogeneous Clusters
Authors: Qureshi Basit
Published: May 2024

Single-board computers (SBCs) are emerging as an efficient and economical solution for fog and edge computing, providing localized big data processing with lower energy consumption. Newer and faster SBCs deliver improved performance while still maintaining a compact form factor and cost-effectiveness. In recent times, researchers have addressed scheduling issues in Hadoop-based SBC clusters. Despite their potential, traditional Hadoop configurations struggle to optimize performance in heterogeneous SBC clusters due to disparities in computing resources. Consequently, we propose modifications to the scheduling mechanism to address these challenges. In this paper, we leverage the use of node labels introduced in Hadoop 3+ and define a Frugality Index that categorizes and labels SBC nodes based on their physical capabilities, such as CPU, memory, disk space, etc. Next, an adaptive configuration policy modifies the native fair scheduling policy by dynamically adjusting resource allocation in response to workload and cluster conditions. Furthermore, the proposed frugal configuration policy considers prioritizing the reduced tasks based on the Frugality Index to maximize parallelism. To evaluate our proposal, we construct a 13-node SBC cluster and conduct empirical evaluation using the Hadoop CPU and IO intensive microbenchmarks. The results demonstrate significant performance improvements compared to native Hadoop FIFO and capacity schedulers, with execution times 56% and 22% faster than the best_cap and best_fifo scenarios. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of our approach in managing the heterogeneous nature of SBC clusters and optimizing performance across various hardware configurations.
Online Adaptive MR-Guided Ultrahypofractionated Radiotherapy of Prostate Cancer on a 1.5 T MR-Linac: Clinical Experience and Prospective Evaluation
Authors: Potkrajcic Vlatko , Gani Cihan , Fischer Stefan Georg , Boeke Simon , Niyazi Maximilian , Thorwarth Daniela , Voigt Otilia , Schneider Moritz , Mönnich David , Kübler Sarah , Boldt Jessica , Hoffmann Elgin , Paulsen Frank , Mueller Arndt-Christian , Wegener Daniel
Published: May 2024

The use of hypofractionated radiotherapy in prostate cancer has been increasingly evaluated, whereas accumulated evidence demonstrates comparable oncologic outcomes and toxicity rates compared to normofractionated radiotherapy. In this prospective study, we evaluate all patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer treated with ultrahypofractionated (UHF) MRI-guided radiotherapy on a 1.5 T MR-Linac within our department and report on workflow and feasibility, as well as physician-recorded and patient-reported longitudinal toxicity. A total of 23 patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer treated on the 1.5 T MR-Linac with a dose of 42.7 Gy in seven fractions (seven MV step-and-shoot IMRT) were evaluated within the MRL-01 study (NCT04172753). The duration of each treatment step, choice of workflow (adapt to shape-ATS or adapt to position-ATP) and technical and/or patient-sided treatment failure were recorded for each fraction and patient. Acute and late toxicity were scored according to RTOG and CTC V4.0, as well as the use of patient-reported questionnaires. The median follow-up was 12.4 months. All patients completed the planned treatment. The mean duration of a treatment session was 38.2 min. In total, 165 radiotherapy fractions were delivered. ATS was performed in 150 fractions, 5 fractions were delivered using ATP, and 10 fractions were delivered using both ATS and ATP workflows. Severe acute bother (G3+) regarding IPS-score was reported in five patients (23%) at the end of radiotherapy. However, this tended to normalize and no G3+ IPS-score was observed later at any point during follow-up. Furthermore, no other severe genitourinary (GU) or gastrointestinal (GI) acute or late toxicity was observed. One-year biochemical-free recurrence survival was 100%. We report the excellent feasibility of UHF MR-guided radiotherapy for intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients and acceptable toxicity rates in our preliminary study. Randomized controlled studies with long-term follow-up are warranted to detect possible advantages over current state-of-the-art RT techniques.
Epidemiology of Pediatric Tumors in Quebec: A 17-Year Report of Cancer in Young People in the Canada Registry
Authors: Bellavance Caroline , Lalonde Benoit , Simonyan David , Jabado Nada , Perreault Sebastien , Larouche Valérie
Published: May 2024

Background. Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death among children of more than 1 year of age. However, childhood cancer risk factors and etiology are yet to be fully understood. The goal of this study is to identify geographic variation among children and adolescents diagnosed with pediatric tumors between 2001 and 2018 in the province of Quebec. Methods. We analyzed pediatric patients less than 15 years of age from the Cancer in Young People in Canada (CYP-C) surveillance system who were diagnosed between 2001 and 2018 with cancer in the province of Quebec. The age-standardized age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR) per 100,000 person years were calculated for all childhood cancers by cancer subgroups, Quebec Health regions, and age groups. Results. Overall, 3904 pediatric patients less than 15 years old were diagnosed with cancer in the province of Quebec in 2001–2018. The overall incidence rate (IR) in the province of Quebec was 16.14 (95%CL [15.56–16.73]) per 100,000 person years. For childhood cancers, regions that presented a higher AAIR were Chaudière-Appalaches and Capitale-Nationale with 18.2 and 17.5 per 100,000 person years, respectively. The incidence rates (IRs) in Chaudière-Appalaches (95% CI 1.0439–1.3532) and in Capitale-Nationale (95% CI 1.0124–1.2942) were statistically higher than the incidence in the province of Quebec (p = 0.0090 and p = 0.0310, respectively). When comparing the AAIR of the CNS tumor subgroup in Chaudière-Appalaches and in Capitale-Nationale, with the provincial average, we noticed a statistically higher incidence in Chaudière-Appalaches and a trend for Capitale-Nationale (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0602, respectively). Conclusion. There is evidence of spatial clusters in Chaudière-Appalaches and Capitale-Nationale as areas for all childhood cancers. Further studies should be performed to investigate potential risk factors in these regions.
A Comparison of Guided Bone Regeneration vs. the Shell Technique Using Xenogeneic Bone Blocks in Horizontal Bone Defects: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: De Angelis Paolo , Cavalcanti Camilla , Manicone Paolo Francesco , Liguori Margherita Giorgia , Rella Edoardo , De Rosa Giuseppe , Palmieri Alberto , D’Addona Antonio
Published: May 2024

In cases of severe horizontal atrophy, implant placement requires bone reconstruction procedures. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the outcomes of bone augmentation with simultaneous implant placement using the shell technique to the outcomes of guided bone regeneration (GBR) in cases of severely horizontal bone atrophy. This study was designed as a monocentric, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with a six-month follow-up. Among the primary outcomes of this study, peri-implant bone regeneration and peri-implant bone defect closure were selected. Forty-four patients were recruited and equally divided between two groups. In the GRB group, a horizontal regeneration of 2.31 ± 0.23 mm was observed opposed to a horizontal regeneration of 2.36 ± 0.17 mm in the shell group (p = 0.87). A volumetric increase was observed in both groups, with an increase of 0.30 ± 0.12 cm3 in the GBR group and an increase of 0.39 ± 0.09 cm3 in the shell group, highlighting a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.02). In conclusion, bone augmentation with simultaneous implant placement using the shell technique or guided bone regeneration in horizontal bone atrophy are both predictable therapeutic options.
Proposal and Validation of a New Index to Assess the Difficulty of Lower Third Molar Extraction
Authors: Hermida-Cabrera Paula , Lima-Sánchez Belén , Montoya-Salazar Vanessa , Oliveros-López Luis-Guillermo , Alomar-Velasco Pedro , Gutiérrez-Pérez José-Luis , Torres-Lagares Daniel , Baus-Domínguez María
Published: May 2024

There is no current consensus on the parameters that determine the difficulty of mandibular third molar extraction in terms of the time required, which is essential to prevent complications and optimize the time of the intervention. This study aims to obtain, using the mathematical method of multiple linear regression, an equation that allows estimating the extraction time of a lower third molar according to its complexity, as well as to validate this equation in a sample of external wisdom teeth. Methods: A prospective cohort study on a sample of patients of the Master of Oral Surgery of the University of Seville in which multiple linear regression coefficients were calculated with a subsequent validation study of the results in the sample of patients operated in the Hospital Palmaplanas of Mallorca. Results: The regression line obtained after applying the statistical methodology to the cohort of patients from the University of Seville obtained significant dependent variables such as depth, roots, and odontosection. Once applied to the cohort of patients from the Palmaplanas Hospital in Mallorca, a regression coefficient was obtained between the data received and the estimated 0.770. Conclusions: The formula proposed in this article presents significant validity in the prediction of the surgical time of extraction of the lower third molars included.
Finite-Temperature Correlation Functions Obtained from Combined Real- and Imaginary-Time Propagation of Variational Thawed Gaussian Wavepackets
Authors: Poulsen Jens Aage , Nyman Gunnar
Published: May 2024

We apply the so-called variational Gaussian wavepacket approximation (VGA) for conducting both real- and imaginary-time dynamics to calculate thermal correlation functions. By considering strongly anharmonic systems, such as a quartic potential and a double-well potential at high and low temperatures, it is shown that this method is partially able to account for tunneling. This is contrary to other popular many-body methods, such as ring polymer molecular dynamics and the classical Wigner method, which fail in this respect. It is a historical peculiarity that no one has considered the VGA method for representing both the Boltzmann operator and the real-time propagation. This method should be well suited for molecular systems containing many atoms.
The Digital Competences Necessary for the Successful Pedagogical Practice of Teachers in the Digital Age
Authors: Kiryakova Gabriela , Kozhuharova Daniela
Published: May 2024

The digital transformation of society is a reality. Technology is becoming integral to people’s daily lives and children are growing up in the digital age. The education systems have to reflect and adapt to the new digital reality to effectively engage and prepare students for the future. Teachers have to possess digital competences at a high level, meaning that they are successfully able to use digital tools and technologies in their teaching practices. Digital competences include digital literacy, experience using educational software and platforms, and the ability to seamlessly integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) into the organization of educational activities. The current paper aims to study the opinion of teachers in Bulgarian schools regarding the possibilities of using digital technologies to achieve educational goals and the extent to which teachers integrate digital tools in their teaching activities. Teachers’ opinions about the need for specific digital competences are important. The results of the survey show that teachers in Bulgaria actively use digital technologies in their daily teaching activities (84.8%) in order to create and provide learning content to students and to provoke their active participation, and is a convenient tool for evaluating their students’ knowledge and skills and for providing effective feedback. The conducted research also identifies the necessary competences that teachers of the digital generation of learners need—skills and competences for developing authored electronic resources in various formats for students with different learning styles, as well as for working in online environments—individually and collaboratively with other teachers.
Make Lectures Match How We Learn: The Nonlinear Teaching Approach to Economics
Authors: Zhou Peng
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a nonlinear teaching approach, based on learning theories in cognitive psychology, with a special focus on large-cohort economics modules. The fundamental rationale is to match the features of teaching with the nature of learning. This approach was implemented in an undergraduate economics module, which received qualitative feedback and quantitative evaluation. Formal econometric models with both binary and continuous treatment effects were developed and estimated to quantify the effects of the proposed approach. Evidence shows that the nonlinear teaching approach significantly improves the effectiveness and efficiency of the learning-teaching process but does not promote student attendance.
Building Resilience into Classrooms: A Participatory Action Approach
Authors: Doll Beth , Bizal Kyle
Published: May 2024

The ClassMaps strategy builds resilience into classrooms by translating the compelling results of developmental risk and resilience research into simple action plans that embed positive protective supports into classroom routines and practices. The refined routines reinforce students’ developing self-agency and foster their nurturing relationships with adults and peers. The strategy is carried out in four stages—administering the ClassMaps Survey to describe students’ experiences of classroom strengths and weaknesses, conducting a classroom meeting with students to scrutinize the results and brainstorm plans for change, implementing simple modifications to classroom routines and practices based on that plan, and evaluating the impact of the modifications a few weeks later. The ClassMaps Survey’s central role in the strategy is justified by the reliability of its subscales and their relation to the key protective supports identified in resilience research. The ClassMaps strategy is a useful example of ‘giving psychology away’.
Lesson Study as a Professional Development Model for Teaching Spatial Ability in Primary STEM
Authors: Bufasi Ergi , Čakāne Ildze , Greitans Karlis , Dudareva Inese , Namsone Dace
Published: May 2024

This study explores the efficacy of a professional development (PD) model that employs lesson study to teach spatial ability skills in primary STEM education. The structure of the PD supported the ‘Insights’ mechanism by focusing on visualisation, mental rotation, construction and deconstruction, and spatial orientation, which are vital for nurturing students’ spatial abilities. The ‘Motivation’ mechanism was addressed through goal setting in lesson planning, motivating teachers to integrate spatial tasks into their curricula. Continuous feedback and practical support facilitated the ‘Technique’ mechanism, embedding learned skills into everyday teaching practices. Last, the ‘Embed in Practice’ mechanisms, including action planning and prompts, were effectively translated into classroom practices, evidencing the model’s operational efficacy.
An Intervention into Imagery and Self-Efficacy: Enhancing Athletic Achievements of Alpine Skiers
Authors: Volgemute Katrina , Vazne Zermena , Krauksta Daina
Published: May 2024

Psychological preparation has taken on a crucial role in today’s sports practice. Effective resolutions to the challenges inherent in athletes’ psychological preparation require a comprehensive understanding of the key components that constitute the psychological preparation process. This quasi-experimental study aims to first, assess the interrelationships among imagery abilities, physical self-efficacy, and sport performance among a sample of alpine skiers. Secondly, this study sought to assess the effect of a psychological intervention on imagery and self-efficacy, and its impact on their task performance. The proposed hypothesis suggests that integrating imagery and self-efficacy interventions into the training process of alpine skiers will enhance athletes’ achievements on the slalom ski track. Seven leading Latvian youth alpine skiers with an average age of M = 17.14 (SD = 1.77) participated in a three-month psychological skill intervention targeting imagery and self-efficacy enhancement, alongside control training sessions on a slalom ski track to evaluate its effectiveness on sport performance. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using questionnaires, revealing significant improvements in imagery abilities and self-efficacy (p < 0.05). Notably, positive interrelationships between imagery abilities, self-efficacy, and sport performance were observed. These findings underscore the efficacy of integrating psychological interventions into the athlete training process and highlight the importance of psychological readiness in optimizing athletic achievements, particularly in dynamic sports like alpine skiing. The study results provide novel theoretical and practical psychological insights into the training process of athletes in sports.
Adaptive Multi-Criteria Selection for Efficient Resource Allocation in Frugal Heterogeneous Hadoop Clusters
Authors: Qureshi Basit
Published: May 2024

Efficient resource allocation is crucial in clusters with frugal Single-Board Computers (SBCs) possessing limited computational resources. These clusters are increasingly being deployed in edge computing environments in resource-constrained settings where energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount. A major challenge in Hadoop scheduling is load balancing, as frugal nodes within the cluster can become overwhelmed, resulting in degraded performance and frequent occurrences of out-of-memory errors, ultimately leading to job failures. In this study, we introduce an Adaptive Multi-criteria Selection for Efficient Resource Allocation (AMS-ERA) in Frugal Heterogeneous Hadoop Clusters. Our criterion considers CPU, memory, and disk requirements for jobs and aligns the requirements with available resources in the cluster for optimal resource allocation. To validate our approach, we deploy a heterogeneous SBC-based cluster consisting of 11 SBC nodes and conduct several experiments to evaluate the performance using Hadoop wordcount and terasort benchmark for various workload settings. The results are compared to the Hadoop-Fair, FOG, and IDaPS scheduling strategies. Our results demonstrate a significant improvement in performance with the proposed AMS-ERA, reducing execution time by 27.2%, 17.4%, and 7.6%, respectively, using terasort and wordcount benchmarks.
Microstrip Quasi-Elliptic Absorptive Bandpass Filter with Ultra-Wide Reflectionless Range and Compact Size
Authors: Zhang Awei , Xu Jinping , Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yuwei
Published: May 2024

Absorptive bandpass filters (ABPFs) are highly attractive in modern microwave communication systems due to their ability to internally absorb the harmful stopband RF-power reflections. This paper reports an approach to designing quasi-elliptic ABPFs with ultra-wide reflectionless range, enhanced selectivity, and compact size. The method is realized based on a fourth-order quasi-elliptic absorptive lowpass filter (ALPF) prototype with a simplified structure. This ALPF prototype exhibits both good impedance-matching over the whole normalized frequency domain and an adjustable transmission zero close to the passband. By applying an equivalent impedance transformer model, a coupled-line-based ABPF scheme is devised from the ALPF prototype, which eliminates conventional dispersive transmission line inverters, resulting in an ultra-wide reflectionless range and a compact size. Closed-form equations are derived to support the filter synthesis. A 2.45 GHz microstrip ABPF with 30% fractional bandwidth is designed for verification. The measured minimum in-band insertion loss is 0.83 dB and the reflectionless range of return loss better than 10 dB is from DC to 12.88 GHz. Both the upper and lower stopband suppression exceed 20 dB, with the upper stopband extending up to 6.80 GHz. The upper and lower out-of-band roll-off rates are 93.9 and 121.4 dB/GHz, respectively. The overall circuit size is 0.12 λg2.
Design of Lumbar Rehabilitation Training System Based on Virtual Reality
Authors: Liu Jiani , Shi Ping , Yu Hongliu
Published: May 2024

A virtual reality-based lumbar rehabilitation training system is designed to address the increasing number of patients with low back pain (LBP) year by year. Attitude sensors are used to track lower back movement. In order to improve the effect of rehabilitation training, several virtual rehabilitation training games and assessment scenes are designed based on the Unity3D engine to complete different tasks from simple to complex. The goal is to increase patients’ interest in rehabilitation training. The experimental results verify the accuracy of rehabilitation data acquisition, real-time interactive communication, and the smooth operation of rehabilitation scenes.
CRTED: Few-Shot Object Detection via Correlation-RPN and Transformer Encoder–Decoder
Authors: Chen Jinlong , Xu Kejian , Ning Yi , Jiang Lianyuan , Xu Zhi
Published: May 2024

Few-shot object detection (FSOD) aims to address the challenge of requiring a substantial number of annotations for training in conventional object detection, which is very labor-intensive. However, the existing few-shot methods achieve high precision with the sacrifice of time for exhaustive fine-tuning or have poor performance in novel-class adaptation. We presume the major reason is that the valuable correlation feature among different categories is insufficiently exploited, hindering the generalization of knowledge from base to novel categories for object detection. In this paper, we propose few-shot object detection via Correlation-RPN and transformer encoder–decoder (CRTED), a novel training network to learn object-relevant features of inter-class correlation and intra-class compactness while suppressing object-agnostic features in the background with limited annotated samples. And we also introduce a four-way tuple-contrast training strategy to positively activate the training progress of our object detector. Experiments over two few-shot benchmarks (Pascal VOC, MS-COCO) demonstrate that our proposed CRTED without further fine-tuning can achieve comparable performance with current state-of-the-art fine-tuned works. The codes and pre-trained models will be released.
Stower-13: A Multi-View Inspection Image Dataset for the Automatic Classification and Naming of Tension Towers
Authors: Lu Yaolin , Zheng Enhui , Chen Yifu , Wu Kaijun , Yang Zhonghao , Yuan Jiayu , Xie Min
Published: May 2024

In high-voltage transmission lines, the tension tower needs to withstand the tension load of the overhead power line for a long time, which is prone to damage, and it is an important part of the inspection in the circuit inspection. In the modern circuit inspection process, operation and maintenance personnel mostly use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to photograph various parts of the tension tower, obtain inspection images, and manually classify and name the massive inspection images, which is low in accuracy and efficiency. Based on the above problems, this paper collects a large number of real-life UAV inspection images of various parts of a tension tower, and proposes the Stower-13 inspection image dataset, which is used to train the classification model to achieve automatic classification and naming of inspection images. Based on this dataset, this paper also proposes an improved MobileViT model, in which the Scale-Correlated Pyramid Convolution Block Attention Block (SCPCbam) module is introduced, which adds the Convolution Block Attention Module (CBAM) to the four branches of the original Scale-Correlated Pyramid Convolution (SCPC) module, so as to strengthen the ability of image multi-scale information extraction and improve the classification accuracy. This paper discusses a number of experiments on the model, and the experimental results show that the dataset proposed in this paper helps the model to understand the feature information. At the same time, the improved MobileViT model has a strong ability to extract image spatial feature information, the classification accuracy is higher than that of other models of the same type, so it is able to cope with a wide range of problems that arise in the course of practice, and it meets the practical needs of automatically naming transmission line inspection images.
Implementation of a Microgrid System with a Four-Phase Inductor Coupled Interleaved Boost Converter for EV Charging Stations
Authors: Eswar Kommoju Naga Durga Veera Sai , Doss Mohan Arun Noyal , Alruwaili Mohammed , Abdelfattah Waleed Mohammed
Published: May 2024

Electric vehicle charging stations are essential to enable broad reception due to the rise in electric vehicles in the transportation industry because they will lessen range anxiety concerns about distance. The primary objective of this work is to design a microgrid that is effective and affordable for an electric vehicle charging station that combines a photovoltaic, wind, and utility grid energy system (optional) as a principal source of energy. The proposed study employs a four-phase inductor coupled interleaved boost converter which is compact and effective with high power output which results in charging a vehicle within 33 min. A perturb and observe MPPT approach based on DC converters is used along with the digital 2PI controller to increase the effectiveness and performance of distributed energy systems. To make the converter a hassle-free operation, an interleaving technique is applied to the developed converter which results in ripple reduction, which results in an increase in the output current and voltage gain, with high power density and efficiency. For better understanding, real-time data for 2W/3W/4W are acquired and tested for various conditions and the maximum state of charge for the battery is gained within one-third of the usual time. At present, the interleaved converter’s operation is theoretically examined, and the behavior of the converter and the charging conditions of several electric vehicle systems are compared and shown in the simulation analysis.
Sand-Laden Wind Erosion Pair Experimental Analysis of Aerodynamic Performance of the Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Wan Daqian , Chen Songli , Li Danlan , Zhen Qi , Zhang Bo
Published: May 2024

In the Inner Mongolia region, sand and dust storms are prevalent throughout the year, with sand erosion having a particularly significant impact on the performance of wind turbine blades. To enhance the performance stability of wind turbines and reduce operation and maintenance costs, this study delves into the specific impact of sand-laden wind erosion on the aerodynamic performance of scaled-down wooden wind turbine blades. The experiment conducts vehicle-mounted tests on scaled models of 1.5 MW wind turbine blades that have been eroded by wind-sand flows from different zones, analyzing the changes in aerodynamic performance of wind turbines caused by the erosion. The results indicate that with an increase in the angle of installation, both the overall power output and the wind energy utilization coefficient of the wind turbines show a declining trend. The power outputs of both the partially eroded group and the fully eroded group are unable to reach the rated power level of 100 W. Compared to the uneroded group, the leading-edge eroded group demonstrated higher power output and wind energy utilization coefficients across most wind speed ranges. This finding verifies the possibility that the drag-reducing effect caused by pits from leading-edge erosion has a positive impact on the aerodynamic performance of the blades. It also provides a new research perspective and strong evidence for the study of erosion effects on wind turbine blades and the optimization of their aerodynamic performance.
The Influence of Solid Heat Carrier Load of Char on Pyrolysis Characteristics of Pulverized Coal in a Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Li Xinli , Qi Xiaobin , Chen Rui , Zhu Zhiping , Wang Xiaofang
Published: May 2024

Pulverized coal pyrolysis based on solid heat carrier has a huge advantage in high tar yield. In this study, pyrolysis experiments on pulverized coal were conducted in a lab-scale fluidized bed reactor at 650 °C, utilizing char as the solid heat carrier. The influence of mass ratio of char to coal (RATIO) was investigated. Results show that the incorporation of solid heat carrier of char significantly enhanced the primary pyrolysis reaction in coal pyrolysis, resulting in increasing yields of tar and gas but reducing one of char. The yield of tar maximally reached 148.80–262.22% of the Gray–King analysis value at the RATIO of 14.52 g/g. As the RATIO increased, the tar contained more light component content, indicating that incorporating solid heat carriers improved the tar quality. These findings offer significant insights for the design of fluidized bed pyrolysis unit utilizing char as solid heat carrier.
Correction: Alrwashdeh, M.; Alameri, S.A. Chromium-Coated Zirconium Cladding Neutronics Impact for APR-1400 Reactor Core. Energies 2022, 15, 8008
Authors: Alrwashdeh Mohammad , Alameri Saeed A.
Published: May 2024

In the original publication [...]