bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micromechanics for Polymer Matrix Laminated Composites: A Literature Review of Fundamental Models, Advances and a Trend Analysis for Future Researches
Authors: Machado Marcelo Vitor Ferreira , Lopes Felipe Perissé Duarte , Simonassi Noan Tonini , Carvalho Eduardo Atem de , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: January 2024

Due to satisfactory mechanical properties, low specific weight and other advantages, a substantial utilization of laminated structural composites in many components and equipments of several industry sectors, especially in the past two decades, has been made. This class of materials has a good potential to be an important ally to support scientists and engineers with the main current world challenge: an energy transition process that must occur with sustainability, eco-friendly materials and based on an efficient reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, a microanalysis (scale length: 10μm to 1mm) of mechanical behavior that considers the multiphase characteristics, at leastwise a matrix and a reinforcement phase, of this kind of composites must be explored, i. e., a heterogeneous material is assumed to predict, for example, the effective tensors of stiffness or compliance by a homogenization process, modeling to damage analyses, studies about progressive delamination and other specific aspects of a composite can be previously investigated using micromechanical approaches. Therefore, the understanding of fundamental micromechanics as well as some advanced models are essential to apply these materials in structural industry components. In this sense, this systematic literature review is designed to investigate the main basic and advanced models of laminated composites micromechanics and using this overall study, have been developed, in the end, an analysis of research trends to the topic, in which, lines to future researches are indicated.
The Intention of Bridge Asset Management Implementation in Indonesia
Authors: Sastrawiria Risma Putra Pratama , Seigo Nasu
Published: January 2024

The need for effective bridge asset management in Indonesia has become crucial. Currently, the number of bridge assets in Indonesia is continuously increasing, parallel to the rising budget allocations for infrastructure development in the road and bridge sectors to enhance regional connectivity more efficiently. This situation places demands on asset managers to work harder and possess expertise in bridge asset management. However, the reality reveals persistent issues related to the incapacity of bridge asset managers in various regions to manage their assets effectively. This raises the question of whether asset managers have the intention to implement asset management or what factors might drive their appeal to have an intention towards effective asset management. To address these questions, a survey was conducted involving asset managers and experts to evaluate the current state of bridge asset management in Indonesia. The research findings provide insights into the relationships among factors such as budget, data, policy, resources, and system that associated with bridge asset management and the intention of an asset manager. The model's solutions show that data and system are anticipated to achieve effective and efficient implementation of bridge asset management. It is hoped that this research will assist asset managers in Indonesia in enhancing their intention towards better bridge asset management.
Research on Estimation Model for Cotton Canopy Structure Parameters Based on Hyperspectral Vegetation Index
Authors: Qi Yaqin , Chen Xi , Chen Zhengchao , Zhang Xin , Shen Congju , Chen Yan , Peng Yuanying , Chen Bing , Wang Qiong , Liu Taijie , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2024

The hyperspectral vegetation index was defined based on the distinctive features of the spectral curve. In alignment with the growth and development characteristics of cotton, the spectral reflectivity of the cotton canopy was computed at different growth stages. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between cotton yield and canopy spectral indices and to develop yield estimation models utilizing hyperspectral imaging. The ASD Field Spec Pro VNIR 2500 spectrometer radiometer was employed to collect spectral reflectance data from cotton canopies at various growth stages. Using spectral analysis techniques, quantitative models were developed based on hyper-spectral vegetation indices, including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) (NDVI) and Radar Vegetation Index (RVI) to extract characteristic information from the cotton canopies. Following thorough testing and precise monitoring of the estimation models, the most optimal models representing cotton canopy structure parameters were identified. Results demonstrate that the power function model, relying on NDVI, provides the most accurate forecasting for Leaf Area Index (LAI)). Additionally, the exponential function model based on RVI proves to be the most effective for predicting cotton unit area above-ground fresh biomass, while another exponential function model based on RVI is identified as the best for predicting cotton unit area above-ground fresh biomass. Clearly, the application of hyper-spectral remote sensing technology enables the analysis, simulation, assessment, and providing scientific basis for precision cotton planting and cotton field management strategies.
Influence of the Age of Free-Living Amoeba Cysts on Their Vertical Distribution in a Water Column
Authors: Fechtali-Moute Zineb , Pomel Sébastien
Published: January 2024

Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) are widely distributed protozoa in both nature and artificial environments such as drinking water. Besides the ability of all FLA to transport various pathogenic microorganisms, certain species, Acanthamoeba spp. or Balamuthia mandrillaris, have intrinsic pathogenic abilities and cause severe cerebral infections. Previous work has shown an enrichment of FLA cysts in biofilm developed in upper levels of Drinking Water Storage Towers (DWST), suggesting that differences in densities of FLA cysts may play a role in their unequal distribution in the water column. To evaluate this hypothesis, a model of a water column was created for this study and used to analyze the vertical distribution of cysts of the FLA Acanthamoeba castellanii, Vermamoeba vermiformis and Balamuthia mandrillaris from 0 to 23 weeks. Interestingly, our data showed that the cysts of both A. castellanii and V. vermiformis were enriched in upper water levels during their aging. However, B. mandrillaris cysts were equally distributed in the water column during the entire study. These results showed that, besides the role of the water level variation in the DWST, some FLA cysts can become less dense during their aging, which contributes to their enrichment in upper water, and thus biofilm levels.
Corrections to the Reflectance of Graphene by Light Emission
Authors: Sasaki Ken-ichi , Hitachi Kenichi , Kamada Masahiro , Yokosawa Takamoto , Ochi Taisuke , Matsui Tomohiro
Published: January 2024

Monolayer graphene absorbs 2.3 percent of the incident visible light. This “small” absorption has been used to emphasize the visual transparency of graphene, but it in fact means that multilayer graphene absorbs a sizable fraction of incident light, which causes non-negligible fluorescence. In this paper, we formulate the light emission properties of multilayer graphene composed of tens to hundreds of layers using a transfer matrix method and confirm the method’s validity experimentally. We could quantitatively explain the measured contrasts of multilayer graphene on SiO2/Si substrates and found sizable corrections, which cannot be classified as incoherent light emissions, to the reflectance of visible light. The new component originates from coherent emission caused by absorption at each graphene layer. Multilayer graphene thus functions as a partial coherent light source of various wavelengths, and it may have surface-emitting laser applications.
Effect of the Application of Ochrobactrum sp.-Immobilised Biochar on the Remediation of Diesel-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Dike Charles Chinyere , Rani Batra Alka , Khudur Leadin S. , Nahar Kamrun , Ball Andrew S.
Published: January 2024

The immobilisation of bacteria on biochar has shown potential for enhanced remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the effect of bacterial immobilisation on biosolids-derived biochar for the remediation of diesel-contaminated soil. The aim of this current study was to assess the impact of the immobilisation on biosolids-derived biochar of an autochthonous hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, Ochrobacterium sp. (BIB) on the remediation of diesel-contaminated soil using a laboratory based mesocosm study. Additionally, the effect of fertiliser application on the efficacy of the BIB treatment was investigated. Biochar (BC) application alone led to significantly higher hydrocarbon removal compared to the control treatment at all sampling times (4,887 – 11,589 mg/kg higher). When Ochrobacterium sp. was immobilised on biochar (BIB), the hydrocarbon removal was higher than BC by 5,533 mg/kg and 1,607 mg/kg at weeks 10 and 22, respectively. However, when BIB was co-applied with fertiliser (BIBF), the hydrocarbon removal was lower than BIB by 6,987 – 11,767 mg/kg. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the gene related to Ochrobacterium sp. was higher in BIB than in the BC treatment, which likely contributed to higher hydrocarbon removal in the BIB treatment. The findings of this study demonstrate that bacteria immobilisation on biosolids-derived biochar is a promising technique for the remediation of diesel-contaminated soil. Future studies should focus on optimising the immobilisation process for enhanced hydrocarbon removal.
Continuous Supercritical Water Impregnation Method to Prepare Metal Oxide on Activated Carbon Composite Materials
Authors: Maxim Florentina , Toma Elena-Ecaterina , Stoian Giuseppe-Stefan , Contescu Cristian , Atkinson Irina , Ludwig Christian , Tanasescu Speranta
Published: January 2024

Nanomaterials based on metal oxides (MexOy) are employed as catalysts and/or sorbents in processes undergoing conditions in supercritical water (scH2O), the “green” reaction medium used to obtain energy relevant products. Their properties are greatly affected by the synthesis method used to produce the active MexOy. Moreover, in order to maintain their performance, it is more practical and cost-effective to use supported MexOy nanoparticles. Within this context, the present work deals with the preparation of carbon-supported ZnO and CuO composites by an innovative method based on impregnation under scH2O conditions. Metal oxides were impregnated on a carbon (C) support using a continuous flow tubular reactor. The results show that impregnation in scH2O is a promising approach for the preparation of ZnO/C and CuO/C composite materials. This one-step synthesis method, in a continuous flow, uses neither seed layer nor mineralizer, and it needs substantially lower preparation times than the conventional impregnation methods.
Factors Influencing Individual Income Level in Cikanyere Village Using Ordinal Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Wijayanti Hagni , Herman Herman
Published: January 2024

Income is an element in the process of economic development that serves as an indicator of the standard of living for individuals, families, or the population. Cikanyere is a village located in, West Java, Cianjur, which still has low economic growth. Economic growth can be observed from the level of income obtained by the population. Based on the aforementioned issue, the original purpose of this research is to identify the factors that influence the level of individual income in Cikanyere Village. One type of regression analysis is ordinal logistic regression, which is used to test the correlation between independent variables and dependent variables that have multiple categories or polychotomous, meaning variables that have two or more categories and are in ordinal scale. Ordinal logistic regression is used because the dependent variable in this study is the income level, while the independent variables include education level, age, marital status, number of dependents, and gender. All these independent variables are measured on an ordinal scale. In this study, the influence of each component on the income level is measured partially using the Pearson Chi-Square test. The results show that age, education level, and the number of dependents to the components that affect the income level in Cikanyere Village. Gender and marital status do not affect the income level. The obtained ordinal logistic regression model provides the likelihood of individual income improvement based on changes in age, education level, and the number of dependents.
K-Means Classification Analysis of Concept Understanding and Self-efficacy: Exploring the Relationship in an Educational Context
Authors: Wangge Magdalena , Dasari Dadan , Turmudi Turmudi
Published: January 2024

Concept understanding and self-efficacy are two important aspects of mathematics learning that are interrelated. However, there is still debate about the relationship between these two aspects in the context of mathematics learning. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the classification of concept understanding and self-efficacy using K-means clustering with a sample of grade VIII students from three selected schools in Wolowaru District and Kelimutu District, Ende Regency, NTT. Data were collected through concept understanding test and self-efficacy questionnaire. The results showed that students' concept understanding and self-efficacy belonged to the medium and low classes. However, there was a practically insignificant correlation between the two aspects. The implication is the importance of developing learning strategies that can improve students' concept understanding and self-efficacy in the context of mathematics education.
Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis of Factors Affecting Mathematics Literacy Achievement of Junior and Senior High School in West Manggarai Regency
Authors: Udil Patrisius Afrisno , Dasari Dadan , Nurlaelah Elah
Published: January 2024

This study aims to analyze the significant factors that affect mathematics literacy achievement, especially in junior and senior high schools in West Manggarai Regency. It begins by presenting descriptive information regarding mathematics literacy achievement at junior and senior high schools in West Manggarai Regency, especially in relation to other factors measured in the national assessment. This study is a quantitative study. The data analyzed were secondary data obtained from the Education, Youth and Sports Office of West Manggarai Regency in the form of Education Report. The analysis was carried out descriptively first, then analyzed with ordinal logistic regression. The results showed that the achievement of mathematics literacy at junior and senior high schools in West Manggarai Regency is still not optimal, both in general and in terms of each factor. The results of this study also show that the factors that significantly influence the achievement of mathematical literacy at junior and senior high schools in West Manggarai Regency include the level of the education unit, increased of learning quality score, increased of instructional leadership score, and increased of the algebraic content score.
Kami Diantara Mereka: Pengabdian Masyarakat di Desa Belik Kecamatan Trawas Kabupaten Mojokerto
Authors: Fradana Ahmad Nurefendi
Published: January 2024

Puji syukur Alhamdulillah kami panjatkan puji kepada allah SWT. Karena atas segala berkah dan hidayah-Nya yang telah memberi kami kelancaran. Mulai awal pelaksanaan, berbagai kegiatan hingga pada akhir penulisan laporan akhir KKN-P Pencerahan di Desa Belik Kecamatan Trawas, Kabupaten Mojokerto Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo pada periode 2020 ini dapat terselesaikan dengan baik. Mahasiswa sebagai ujung tombak pelaksanaan Catur Dharma Penguruan Tinggi tidak dapat lepas dari segala kegiatan kemasyarakat. Salah satu dharma yang wajib untuk dijalankan adalah “Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat”. Demi menjalankan dharma tersebut, Universitas sebagai wadah civitas akademik menggalakkan program Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) sebagai aplikasi pengabdian mahasiswa terhadap masyarakat.
Secercah Cahaya di Desa Blimbing
Authors: Akbar Ali
Published: January 2024

Rasa syukur selalu tercurah kepada Allah yang senantiasa melimpahkan rahmat, hidayah serta kesehatan, sehingga kami dapat melaksanakan program Kuliah Kerja Nyata Pencerahan (KKN-P) Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo tahun 2020. Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) merupakan program yang ditempuh mahasiswa Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo semester 6 dengan syarat pendaftaran mahasiswa mempunyai sertifikat lulus baca quran (BQ). Program KKN salah satu Catur Dharma Perguruan Tinggi, yaitu bermaksud memberikan pengalaman secara langsung baik fisik maupun mental kepada calon sarjana dengan terjun langsung kepada masyarakat dengan menerapkan ilmu jurusan masing-masing
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Petungasri Dalam Lingkungan Sehat Dan Kreatif
Authors: Maryanti Eny
Published: January 2024

Segala puji dan syukur penulis panjatkan ke hadirat Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, yang telah memberikan berkat dan karuniannya sehingga penulis dapat menyelesaikan Sebuah Buku hasil Karya kegiatan Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) Pencerahan Universitas dengan judul “Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Petungasri dalam Lingkungan Sehat dan Kreatif”. KKN bukanlah hanya pengabdian kepada masyarakat, akan tetapi merupakan kegiatan yang memadukan unsur Pendidikan, Penelitian, dan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, dimana tiga hal tersebut terkemas dalam istilah “Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi”. Di Universitas (UMSIDA) menambahkan satu point dari Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi tersebut sebagai kekhasan Umsida yaitu Keislaman dan Kemuhammadiyahan, sehingga disebut ”Catur Dharma Perguruan Tinggi”. Mengingat permasalahan dalam pembangunan sangat komplek dan saling berpautan, maka perlu penanganan secara pragmatis dan interdisipliner.
Easy-to-actuate multi-compatible truss structures with prescribed reconfiguration
Authors: Li Yang , Ai Lin , Yin Shukun , He Weixia
Published: January 2024

Multi-stable structures attract great interest because they possess special energy landscapes with domains of attraction around the stable states. This feature might allow the structure to reconfigure from one stable state to another with fewer and less accurate actuators, and it does not need constant actuation to be locked at a stable state. Consequently, multi-stable structures have the potential to achieve prescribed reconfiguration with only a few lightweight actuators (such as SMA springs). However, most existing multi-stability designs are based on assembling bi-stable unit cells, which contain multitudes of additional and distractive stable states, diminishing the feasibility of reconfiguration actuation. To help address this challenge, we first introduce the constraints that a truss structure is simultaneously compatible at multiple (more than two) prescribed states. Then, we solve for the design of a new type of multi-stable truss structure, named multi-compatible structures in this paper, where redundant stable states are very limited. Secondly, we explore minimum energy paths connecting the designed stable states. Then, we compute for a simple and inaccurate pulling actuation guiding the truss structure to transform along the computed minimum energy paths. Finally, we fabricated four prototypes to demonstrate that prescribed reconfigurations with easy-actuation have been achieved. Altogether, our full-cycle design approach contains multi-stability design, stiffness design, minimum-energy-path finding, and pulling actuation design, which highlights the potential for designing morphing structures with lightweight actuation for practical applications.
Fingerprinting Climate Change: The unique pattern of regional landslide hazard under different triggering scenarios
Authors: Guthrie Richard , Knibbs Graham , Wasklewicz Thad , Imen Sanaz , Blais-Stevens Andrée
Published: January 2024

In a warming climate, weather driven mountain hazards, and rainfall-triggered landslides in particular, represent one of the greatest growing threats to co-located populations, infras- tructure, and communities 1–3. Coupled with a simultaneous increase in the number of people and infrastructure exposed to those same hazards 4, the global risk associated with landslides compounds at an alarming rate 5. The precise quantification of event-triggered hazards, how- ever, remain elusive and thresholds for landslide-triggering rainfall, while widely used, are subject to a host of technical challenges.
Here we demonstrate that mountain regions have a specific and discernible topographic- climatological hazard fingerprint, a unique pattern of hazard quantified over the same region. We show how to derive that fingerprint at an example site in British Columbia, Canada, and demonstrate how it changes with global warming under different shared socioeconomic pathways or different storm-return periods.
A quantified landscape-wide fingerprint of hazard, agnostic of initial landslide location, for (1) a background condition (25-year rainfall event), (2) a rarer storm (200-year rainfall event), and the same events under climate change scenarios is advanced. The fingerprint associated with climate change shows precisely where hazard will interact with infrastruc- ture and communities, and provides quantitative data to inform mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Our methods are easily repeatable and portable to other regions and jurisdictions. We antic- ipate that any community faced with mountain hazards and the uncertain impact of climate change will benefit from quantifying both the existing fingerprint of hazard and calculating the fingerprint under future conditions.
Fatigue mechanical behavior of the repair techniques by grinding and wet welding
Authors: Terán G. , Hernández Apolinar Albiter , Castro Lucila Cruz , Capula-Colindres S. , Cuamatzi-Meléndez Rubén
Published: January 2024

This paper presents the results of a fatigue behavior study conducted on standard specimens obtained from a T-welded connection. The techniques of grinding and wet welding, commonly employed in the repair of offshore structures were utilized. The process involved a rectangular grinding in the weld area, followed by the application of wet welding to fill it. Two grinding depths, 6 and 10 mm, were investigated, and tests were performed at three immersion water depths: 50, 70, and 100 m. S-N curves were generated for air exposure conditions and the mentioned immersion depths. The results reveal a decrease in behavior in terms of stress and the number of cycles in the S-N curve as the immersion water depth increases. Particularly low-stress values were observed in connections with a 10 mm grinding depth at water depths of 50, 70, and 100 m. However, in the case of a 6 mm grinding depth and a 50-meter immersion depth, stress values were similar to those under air exposure conditions. This suggests that, in this specific configuration, the combination of grinding and wet welding could be effective in restoring the original service life of T-shaped connections. In contrast, in situations with a 6 mm grinding depth and immersion water depths of 70 and 100 m, significantly lower fatigue results were observed compared to air exposure conditions.
Patient Perspectives on AI for Mental Health: With Great [Computing] Power, Comes Great Responsibility
Authors: Benda Natalie C. , Desai Pooja M. , Reza Zayan , Zhang Anna , Kumar Shiveen , Harkins Sarah , Hermann Alison , Zhang Yiye , Joly Rochelle , Kim Jessica , Pathak Jyotishman , Turchioe Meghan Reading
Published: January 2024

The application of predictive and generative artificial intelligence to health and healthcare is rapidly increasing. Several studies have assessed the attitudes of health professionals but far fewer have explored perspectives of patients or the general public. Studies investigating patient perspectives have focused on somatic issues including radiology, perinatal health, and general applications. Patient feedback has been elicited in the development of specific mental health solutions, but general perspectives towards AI for mental health have been under-explored. To address this gap, we surveyed a nationally representative sample of 500 United States-based adults on their perceived benefits, concerns, comfortability, and values on AI related to mental health. A plurality of participants believed AI may be beneficial for mental healthcare, but expressed concerns related to AI accuracy and loss of connection with their health professional. We also found differences in perspectives based on age, race, and health literacy.
To explore the mechanism of acupoint application in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea by 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Tie , Cao Wenxuan , Zhao Jinying , Xu Xiaohong , Chai Jiapeng , Zhang Jiaxun , Liu Jia , Wang Fuchun
Published: January 2024

Graphene-based warm uterus acupoint paste (GWUAP) is an emerging non-drug alternative therapy for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (PD), but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. SD female rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and treatment group to explore the mechanism of GWUAP in the treatment of PD. Combined with 16 S rDNA and fecal metabolomics, the diversity of microbiota and metabolites in each group was comprehensively evaluated. In this study, GWUAP reduced the torsion score of PD model rats, improved the pathological morphology of uterine tissue, reduced the pathological damage score of uterine tissue, and reversed the expression levels of inflammatory factors, pain factors and sex hormones. In addition, the model group caused significant changes in fecal microorganisms and metabolites in the control group, while the treatment group could prevent these changes. 16S rDNA sequencing of fecal samples showed that GWUAP could improve the imbalance of bacterial diversity in PD rats. Metabolomics of fecal samples identified 32 metabolites related to therapeutic effects. Moreover, there is a close correlation between fecal microbiota and metabolites. Therefore, the mechanism of GWUAP in the treatment of PD remains to be further studied.
Sustainable Reinforcement: Exploring Hypo Sludge and Sisal Fiber Integration in M25 Grade Concrete for Eco-Friendly Solutions and Assessing Environmental Impact
Authors: S VIJAYAN , M Tholkapiyan
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the improvement of mechanical strength in M25 grade concrete through the incorporation of Hypo sludge and the addition of 2% novel sisal fiber, comparing the results with conventional concrete. Hypo sludge, a paper industry waste, serves as a supplementary cementitious material, contributing to sustainability. The novel sisal fiber, chosen for its unique properties, aims to enhance the concrete's compressive and flexural strength. Results indicate a significant improvement in compressive strength, with a simultaneous reduction in permeability and increased resistance to environmental factors. The incorporation of Hypo sludge and novel sisal fiber contributed to the formation of a denser and more durable concrete matrix. Durability tests, including freeze-thaw resistance and chloride ion penetration, revealed superior performance compared to conventional concrete. The mean compressive strength for Conventional Concrete (CC) was 33.98 N/mm², whereas Hypo sludge Concrete (HSC) exhibited a higher mean of 37.46 N/mm². The highest mean compressive strength was observed in Hypo sludge + Sisal Fiber Concrete (HSFC) at 40.18 N/mm², achieved with an optimal combination of 30% Hypo sludge and 2% novel sisal fiber. In terms of flexural strength, CC had a mean of 3.79 N/mm², Hypo sludge Concrete HSC showed an increased mean of 4.47 N/mm², and Hypo sludge + Sisal Fiber Concrete HSFC demonstrated the highest mean at 5.79 N/mm², with the optimum blend of 30% Hypo sludge and 2% novel sisal fiber contributing to this enhanced performance. Additionally, the mean durability values were 29.72 for CC, 32.42 for HSC, and the highest at 35.56 for HSFC with the optimized mixture. The result, denoted by Mauchly's W statistic, indicates no significant departure from sphericity (W = 0.806, Approx. Chi-Square = 3.459, df = 2, p = 0.177). These results underscore the positive impact of the optimal combination of 30% Hypo sludge and 2% novel sisal fiber on both mechanical and durability properties in M25 grade concrete. This research contributes to the evolving field of eco-friendly construction practices and novel material applications in concrete engineering.
Characterizing the current systems in the Martian ionosphere
Authors: Rong Zhaojin , Gao Jiawei , Li Shibang , Mittelholz Anna , Persson Moa , Shi Zhen , Lu Haoyu , Zhang Chi , Wang Xiaodong , Cui Jun , Wei Yong , Pan Yongxin
Published: January 2024

When the solar wind encounters the ionosphere of an unmagnetized planet, it induces currents, forming an induced magnetosphere. These currents, along with their associated magnetic fields, play a crucial role in controlling the movement of charged particles and are essential for understanding the escape of planetary ions. Unlike the well-documented magnetospheric current systems, the ionospheric current systems on unmagnetized planets remain less understood, limiting our ability to quantify electrodynamic energy transfer. Here, using 8 years of data from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission, we provide the global map of the Martian ionospheric currents. We identified two distinct current systems within the ionosphere: one aligning with the solar wind electric field, with asymmetries between the west-east electric hemispheres and driven by the solar wind; and another characterized by two current vortices on the dayside, powered by the atmospheric neutral winds. Our findings indicate that the Martian ionospheric dynamics are influenced by both the neutral winds from below and the solar wind from above, emphasizing the intricate nature of current systems on unmagnetized planets.
DeepVinci: A Semantic Segmentation Model with Edge Super-vision and Densely Multi-scale Pyramid Module for DaVinci Gynecological Surgery
Authors: Tseng Li-An , Lin Hsiao-Cheng , Bai Meng-Yi , Li Mei-Fang , Lee Yi-Liang , Chiang Kai-Jo , Wang Yu-Chi , Guo Jing-Ming
Published: January 2024

The successful development of self-driving cars has opened the door for the possibility of automated surgery, which may help alleviate the problem of limited access to quality surgical care in underserved areas. Automated surgical navigation typically involves three stages: 1) identifying and localizing organs, 2) identifying organs that require further surgical attention, and 3) automatically planning the surgical path and steps. This study focuses on the first stage, which is organ identification and localization. The daVinci surgical system offers a promising platform for automated surgical navigation due to its advanced visual and semi-automatic operating capabilities. This paper proposes a deep learning-based semantic segmentation method for identifying organs in gynecological surgery. We introduce a novel end-to-end high-performance encoder-decoder network called DeepVinci, which includes two modules (the Densely Multi-scale Pyramid Module (DMPM) and the Feature Fusion Module (FFM)) to overcome the limited Field of View (FoV) issue and enhance global context information. Additionally, we integrate an edge-supervised network to refine the segmentation results during decoding. Experimental results show that DeepVinci is superior to mainstream semantic segmentation models (including UNet, FCN, DeepLabV3, and MaskRCNN) on our collected test dataset. The Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and Mean Pixel Accuracy (MPA) values are 0.684 and 0.700, respectively. As collecting daVinci gynecological endoscopy data is challenging, we also introduce a new dataset of 110 gynecological surgery videos from Tri-Service General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. This dataset provides valuable video data for further research in daVinci gynecological surgery.
Research on mining-induced fracture evolution characteristic of overlying strata in shallow-buried compound gob
Authors: Wang Beifang , Zhou Duo , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2024

As the main mining shallow-buried and short-distance coal seams in Lijiahao Coal Mine, 2–2 medium coal and 3 − 1 coal are prone to spontaneous combustion. The overburden fracture of compound gob formed by large-scale and high-intensity coal mining are developed, and air leakage condition is complicated, which leads to prominent hidden danger of residual coal spontaneous combustion. Therefore, it is urgent to study the overburden fracture evolution characteristic of shallow-buried compound gob. Similar experiment was used to simulate the overburden movement characteristics of panel 1114 in 2–2 medium coal and panel 31114, and fractal geometry theory was utilized for quantifying the overburden fracture of compound gob. Based on the “key layer theory”, cause for evolution of the overburden fracture was revealed and corresponding countermeasures were proposed. The results showed that, when panel 31114 entered and left the overlying gob of panel 1114 in 2–2 medium coal, the overlying strata collapsed and the ground pressure appeared violently. The fractal dimension of mining-induced fracture network ranged from 1.32 ~ 1.58, with increase first large and then small, slight fluctuations in the middle and finally leveling off. The voidage distribution curve between neighboring monitoring lines on the overlying strata of compound gob presented a “W” shape, and the overburden fracture was developed near the setup entry and stop line. Meanwhile the overburden fracture zone presented a semi-enclosed “M” shape with the coal seam floor as the boundary, which was composed of irregular fracture zone Ⅰ in the collapsed zone, diagonal breakage fracture zone Ⅱ, Ⅲ and diagonal bed-separated fracture zone Ⅳ in the fractured zone. Also the overburden fracture ratio was 4.1%, and the fractal dimension was 1.4835. Among them, fracture ratio and fractal dimension of fracture zone Ⅰ was the largest, followed by fracture zone Ⅱ, Ⅳ and Ⅲ. The mechanical model on “three-hinged arch” bearing structure of key rock block was built to analyze the inducement of diagonal breakage fracture development and diagonal bed-separated fracture development near the setup entry and stop line. Then local reducing mining height, backfilling mining or accelerating advancing speed combined with regional surface backfilling and grout sealing methods were proposed, which could effectively block the overburden fracture channel, reduce surface air leakage and provided an important theoretical basis for the prevention and control of residual coal spontaneous combustion in compound gob.
p-y Curves for Piles in Uniform Sand and Normally Consolidated Clay
Authors: WANG YAO , Salgado Rodrigo , Prezzi Monica
Published: January 2024

The design of laterally loaded piles has commonly been done using the p-y method. The results of a p-y analysis are highly dependent on the p-y curves used in the analysis. Since the p-y curves routinely used in p-y analyses have been traditionally derived empirically from data obtained from a limited number of lateral pile load tests and in situ test data, the domain of applicability of the p-y method would necessarily be limited. An alternative path for p-y curve development is to obtain them from realistic numerical analyses, an approach explored in this paper. The paper presents the results of a series of three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analyses of single piles in uniform soil profiles of sand and clay using advanced two-surface-plasticity constitutive models. The analyses were performed for different values of pile diameter, pile length, lateral load eccentricity, and sand relative density. We extracted p-y curves from the simulation results, and studied the factors that would be expected to have an impact on the p-y curves: relative density, soil type, pile diameter, load eccentricity, and the depth to the water table. Based on these analyses, we propose a new set of p-y curve equations that can be used for sand or clay in the design of laterally loaded piles.
Prediction of Midpalatal Suture Maturation Stage Based on Transfer Learning and Enhanced Vision Transformer
Authors: Tang Haomin , Liu Shu , Tan Weijie , Fu Lingling , Yan Ming , Feng Hongchao
Published: January 2024

Background
Maxillary expansion is an important treatment method for maxillary transverse hypoplasia. Different methods of maxillary expansion should be carried out depending on the midpalatal suture maturation levels, and the diagnosis was validated by palatal plane cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images by orthodontists, while such a method suffered from low efficiency and strong subjectivity. This study develops and evaluates an enhanced vision transformer (ViT) to automatically classify CBCT images of midpalatal sutures with different maturation stages.
Methods
In recent years, the use of convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify images of midpalatal suture with different maturation stages has brought positive significance to the decision of the clinical maxillary expansion method. However, CNN cannot adequately learn the long-distance dependencies between images and features, which is also required for global recognition of midpalatal suture CBCT images. The Self-Attention of ViT has the function of capturing the relationship between long-distance pixels of the image. However, it lacks the inductive bias of CNN and needs more data training. To solve this problem, a CNN-enhanced ViT model based on transfer learning is proposed to classify midpalatal suture CBCT images. In this study, 2518 CBCT images of the palate plane are collected, and the images are divided into 1259 images as the training set, 506 images as the verification set, and 753 images as the test set. After the training set image preprocessing, the CNN-enhanced ViT model is trained and adjusted, and the generalization ability of the model is tested on the test set.
Results
The classification accuracy of our proposed ViT model is 95.75%, and the AUC is 97.3% on our data test set. The classification accuracy of the clinician is 89.10% on our data test set.
Conclusions
The experimental results show that this method can effectively complete CBCT images classification of midpalatal suture maturation stages, and the performance is better than a clinician. Therefore, the model can provide a valuable reference for orthodontists and assist them in making correct a diagnosis.
Occupational-Related Exposure to Benzene and Risk of Breast Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: DeStefano Vincent , Shah Darshi , Shah Veer , Seyyedsalehi Monireh Sadat , Bonetti Mattia , Boffetta Paolo
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Benzene is a recognized carcinogen; however, its association with breast cancer is not well established. Hence, a meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies was performed to determine the association between occupational benzene exposure and the risk of breast cancer.
Methods
A systematic literature review identified 7221 publications from which 21 cohort and case-control studies were retained and evaluated using meta-analyses (fixed effects model). PRISMA guidelines were followed. Our protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (Registration No. 379720). Study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).
Results
The summary RR for ever-benzene exposure was 1.08 (95% CI = 1.02–1.14, I2 = 43.6%, n = 21 risk estimates); corresponding RR for cancer incidence and mortality were 1.08 (95% CI = 1.02–1.14, I2 = 58.6%, n = 15) and 1.09 (95% CI = 0.87–1.38, I2 < 0.001%, n = 9), respectively. These main results were confirmed in sub-analyses by geography, industry, publication year, and levels of exposure. No heterogeneity was detected amongst geographical regions (p-het = 0.19) or industry of employment (p-het = 0.05). However, heterogeneity was detected for sex (p-het = 0.002), publication year (p-het < 0.001), study design (p-het < 0.001), and study quality (p-het < 0.001). Publication bias was detected (p = 0.04).
Conclusions
Our meta-analysis identified an association between occupational benzene exposure and risk of breast cancer. No heterogeneity was detected for occupational cohorts, geographical regions, and durations of exposure. These findings, and an inability to exclude residual confounding, together with publication bias, prevent conclusions of causality.
Current-to-final Rank Differences in 24-hour Ultra Cycling: Critical Event Phases, and the Impacts of Team Size and Performance Levels
Authors: Dindorf Carlo , Dully Jonas , Maurer Lukas , Becker Stephan , Simon Steven , Bartaguiz Eva , Fröhlich Michael
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the intricate dynamics of rank-order stability by examining the current-to-final rank difference (CFRD) during 24-hour cycling races, especially how different team sizes and performance levels contribute to the temporal trends in CFRD. A comprehensive dataset covering five consecutive years (2019–2023) of a 24-hour cycling race on a 17.9 km repetitive driven road track, encompassing diverse team sizes (solo rider, or teams of 4 and 10), is used. The results indicate significant interactions between time, team size, and performance, with CFRD consistently decreasing across team sizes and performance levels over the race duration. Temporal analysis unveils critical phases with pronounced changes in CFRD, providing nuanced insights into the evolving dynamics of 24-hour races. Notable distinctions emerge between team sizes, with solo riders exhibiting unique patterns. High-performance teams consistently maintain a lower CFRD, exhibiting more predictable outcomes over the race duration. Overall, this study advances our understanding of endurance team cycling, and offers valuable insights for strategic decision making and race optimization.
Underground Space-Subsidence and Economic Impact Planning Model in Shanghai: Cause-Effect and Spatiotemporal Regression Analyses for Year 1960-2020
Authors: Hishammnuddin Muhammad Akmal Hakim bin , Wang Jianxiu , Ismail Muhammad Azizol , Yang Tianliang , Huang Xinlei , Abidin Hasanuddin Zainal , Ho Chin Siong , Kanniah Kasturi Devi , Wong Keng Yinn
Published: January 2024

Shanghai is continuously threatened with land subsidence with impact on its built environment e.g. building, land, properties, infrastructure and socio-economic activities. This research studies the mutiregression and spatiotemporal of the identified causing factors; surface load, groundwater-induced, socio-economic growth, underground space development (UUS), climate change and presents the relations of the multifactor in 1960–2020. Data are collected secondarily from open sourced databases. Results determine rhe causing factors with high correlation coefficients > 0.90 R squared values are; UUS development induced-subsidence, tunneling leakage and weak spatial modelling. Economic impact factors include; building price, reconstruction area, arable land, GDP by district and metro tunnel settlement. Spatiotemporal patterns depict the population and land subsidence is growing in spatial autocorrelation with the ratio of 0.89:1.00 indirect-negative economic impact from Urban City Centre, Pudong New Area, Minhang, Baoshan and Songjiang districts. These results can be referred as preparation for further adaptive and resilient scenario spatial planning and modelling.
Synergistic effect of inhibiting CHK2 and DNA replication on cancer cell growth
Authors: Moreaux Jérôme , Maiorano Domenico , Pourquier Philippe , Yang Wen-Chin , Lin Yea-Lih , Pasero Philippe , Coquel Flavie
Published: January 2024

Cancer cells display high levels of oncogene-induced replication stress (RS) and rely on DNA damage checkpoint for viability. This feature is exploited by cancer therapies to either increase RS to unbearable levels or to inhibit checkpoint kinases involved in the DNA damage response (DDR). Thus far, treatments that combine these two strategies have shown promise but also have severe adverse effects. To identify novel, better-tolerated anticancer combinations, we screened a collection of plant extracts and found two natural compounds from the same plant, Psoralea corylifolia, that synergistically inhibit proliferation of cancer cells. Bakuchiol inhibited DNA replication in human cells and in Xenopus egg extracts, and activated the checkpoint kinase CHK1, likely by targeting DNA polymerases. Isobavachalcone interfered with DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair by inhibiting the checkpoint kinase CHK2 and the resection of DNA ends. The combination of isobavachalcone and bakuchiol synergistically inhibited cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Importantly, it also prevented tumor development in xenografted mice at the concentration ratio naturally found in plant extracts. The synergistic effect of inhibiting DNA replication and resection identifies a novel vulnerability of cancer cells that might be exploited by using clinically approved inhibitors of these mechanisms in novel combination therapies.
Regulation of miR-17-3p on K562 cell proliferation and erythroid differentiation as well as γ-globin expression in patients with β-thalassemiar
Authors: Zhang Siwen , Chenï Meihuan , Zheng Junhao , Zhang Yanhong , Lv Aixiang , Li Jingmin , Cao Hua , Xu Liangpu , Huang Hailong
Published: January 2024

Large numbers of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to be dysregulated in β-thalassemia (β-thal), but their roles in β-thal are poorly reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of miR-17-3p in β-thal, and to elucidate its regulatory effect on K562 cell proliferation and erythroid differentiation as well as γ-globin expression.17 patients with β-thal intermedia and major and 17 healthy controls were selected and peripheral blood samples were collected from the participants. The expression of miR-17-3p and B cell lymphoma 11A (BCL11A) were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The regulation of miR-17-3p on BCL11A was evaluated by luciferase reporter gene assay. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis and erythroid differentiation was assessed CCK-8 and Flow cytometry.The data demonstrated that upregulated miR-17-3p expression is associated with patients with β-thal intermedia and major. Although miR-17-3p has no significant effect on cell proliferation and erythroid differentiation, miR-17-3p promotes γ-globin expression by targeting BCL11A, suggesting that miR-17-3p may be an promising miRNA for the treatment of β-thal.
In-vivo cerebral artery pulsation assessment with Dynamic Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Stam Lotte B. , Linden Sabine M. L. , Aquarius René , Hering Alessa , Oostveen Luuk J. , Meijer Frederick J.A. , Boogaarts Hieronymus D.
Published: January 2024

Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography Angiography (4D CTA) seems a promising technique for capturing vessel motion of cerebral arteries, which may help to assess pathological conditions such as intracranial aneurysms. The goal of our current study is to capture the lumen diameter of cerebral arteries during three subsequent cardiac cycles with 4D CTA and to assess vessel motion, anticipating consistent expansion patterns within each cardiac cycle. Eighteen adult patients with unruptured and untreated intracranial aneurysms were recruited at Radboud University Medical Center. Three cardiac cycles were captured, on a wide detector CT system, using ECG-gated 4D CTA. To reduce the impact of small head movements during the acquisition, a rigid-body registration was employed. Three 10 mm segments of cerebral arteries were selected. The total deformation of the vessel lumen was calculated using a deformable registration algorithm and was used as a substitute measure for vessel motion. No pulsations could be registered, which was probably caused by pulsation motion below threshold of detection in combination with insufficient Signal-to-Noise Ratio. Further studies need to investigate if large intracranial structures can be evaluated and if using a novel scanner with a high spatial resolution would result in reproducible measurements of arteries this size.