bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Heuristic Multi-Objective Optimization Method for Alzheimer’s Disease Detection Based on Multi-Modal Data
Authors: Ismail Walaa N. , P. P. Fathimathul Rajeena , Ali Mona A. S.
Published: February 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects a large number of people across the globe. Even though AD is one of the most commonly seen brain disorders, it is difficult to detect and it requires a categorical representation of features to differentiate similar patterns. Research into more complex problems, such as AD detection, frequently employs neural networks. Those approaches are regarded as well-understood and even sufficient by researchers and scientists without formal training in artificial intelligence. Thus, it is imperative to identify a method of detection that is fully automated and user-friendly to non-AI experts. The method should find efficient values for models’ design parameters promptly to simplify the neural network design process and subsequently democratize artificial intelligence. Further, multi-modal medical image fusion has richer modal features and a superior ability to represent information. A fusion image is formed by integrating relevant and complementary information from multiple input images to facilitate more accurate diagnosis and better treatment. This study presents a MultiAz-Net as a novel optimized ensemble-based deep neural network learning model that incorporate heterogeneous information from PET and MRI images to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Based on features extracted from the fused data, we propose an automated procedure for predicting the onset of AD at an early stage. Three steps are involved in the proposed architecture: image fusion, feature extraction, and classification. Additionally, the Multi-Objective Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (MOGOA) is presented as a multi-objective optimization algorithm to optimize the layers of the MultiAz-Net. The desired objective functions are imposed to achieve this, and the design parameters are searched for corresponding values. The proposed deep ensemble model has been tested to perform four Alzheimer’s disease categorization tasks, three binary categorizations, and one multi-class categorization task by utilizing the publicly available Alzheimer neuroimaging dataset. The proposed method achieved (92.3 ± 5.45)% accuracy for the multi-class-classification task, significantly better than other network models that have been reported.
Modified Analytical Technique for Multi-Objective Optimal Placement of High-Level Renewable Energy Penetration Connected to Egyptian Power System
Authors: Aref Mahmoud , Oboskalov Vladislav , El-Shahat Adel , Abdelaziz Almoataz Y.
Published: February 2023

The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) recommended that Egypt be converted to green energy, in addition to increasing the demand for annual energy consumption, which will lead to an increase in the use of renewable energy sources (RES) in Egypt. The Egyptian Ministry of Energy and Electricity plans to build RES (photovoltaic systems and wind farms) connected to the Egyptian power system (EPS). It is a defect to choose the position and size of the RES based on only power calculations because the RES is an intermittent source. This paper presents a modified analytical energy technique for locating RES in IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus distribution networks and a realistic 25-bus 500 kV EPS. An analytical multi-objective function has been developed to determine the optimal locations of DGs or RESs based on power losses and annual energy loss calculations of the system depending on weather conditions. The efficiency and feasibility of the proposed algorithm based on the IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus distribution networks and the realistic 25-bus 500 kV EPS have been tested and compared with PSO and GA. The impact of RESs on the performance of the 25-bus 500 kV EPS has been investigated based on annual energy losses and operation stability depending on weather conditions. The results showed that the proposed technique used these effective values to obtain optimal weather-adjusted locations. The optimal locations of PV systems or wind systems based on energy calculation improved the voltage profile better than power calculation by about 2%, and the annual energy losses decreased by about 7%. The performance of the 25-bus 500 kV EPS, due to the addition of RES, resulted in a decrease in the annual energy losses of 47% and an improvement in the voltage profile and system stability.
Identification and Validation of the Anoikis-Related Gene Signature as a Novel Prognostic Model for Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Endocervical Adenocarcinoma, and Revelation Immune Infiltration
Authors: Jin Qin-Qin , Mei Jie , Hong Lin , Wang Rui , Wu Shuang-Yue , Wang Sen-Lin , Jiang Xi-Ya , Yang Yin-Ting , Yao Hui , Zhang Wei-Yu , Zhu Yu-Ting , Ying Jie , Tian Lu , Chen Guo , Zhou Shu-Guang
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) are malignant disorders with adverse prognoses for advanced patients. Anoikis, which is involved in tumor metastasis, facilitates the survival and separation of tumor cells from their initial site. Unfortunately, it is rarely studied, and in the literature, studies have only addressed the prognosis character of anoikis for patients with CESC. Materials and Methods: We utilized anoikis-related genes (ANRGs) to construct a prognostic signature in CESC patients that were selected from the Genecards and Harmonizome portals. Furthermore, we revealed the underlying clinical value of this signature for clinical maneuvers by providing clinical specialists with an innovative nomogram on the basis of ANRGs. Finally, we investigated the immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity in different risk groups. Results: We screened six genes from fifty-eight anoikis-related differentially expressed genes in the TCGA-CESC cohort, and we constructed a prognostic signature. Then, we built a nomogram combined with CESC clinicopathological traits and risk scores, which demonstrated that this model may improve the prognosis of CESC patients in clinical therapy. Next, the prognostic risk scores were confirmed to be an independent prognostic indicator. Additionally, we programmed a series of analyses, which included immune infiltration analysis, therapy-related analysis, and GSVA enrichment analysis, to identify the functions and mechanisms of the prognostic models during the progression of cancer in CESC patients. Finally, we performed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to verify the six ANRGs. Conclusions: The present discovery verified that the predictive 6-anoikis-related gene (6-ANRG) signature and nomogram serve as imperative factors that might notably impact a CESC patient’s prognosis, and they may be able to provide new clinical evidence to assume the role of underlying biological biomarkers and thus become indispensable indicators for prospective diagnoses and advancing therapy.
Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis
Authors: Armellini Elia , Facciorusso Antonio , Crinò Stefano Francesco
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The development of dedicated endoscopes and the technical evolution of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) have allowed a direct approach to pancreatic neoplastic lesions both for diagnosis and treatment. Among the more promising targets are pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (Pan-NETs). Aim: to describe the evolution of endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) with particular attention to the treatment of PanNETs, focusing on safety and clinical efficacy of the technique. Methods: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies reporting about EUS-RFA for the treatment of PanNETs. Studies with outcomes of interest were selected and results were reported to describe clinical success, complications, fol-low-ups, and electrodes used. Clinical success was defined as the disappearance of clinical symp-toms for functional (F-) PanNETs and as complete ablation per nonfunctional (NF)-PanNETs. The pooled data were analyzed by a random-effects model. Results: Nineteen studies were selected, including 183 patients (82 males, 44.8%) with 196 lesions (101 F-PanNETs and 95 NF-PanNETs). Pooled estimates for the overall AE rates for the clinical efficacy were 17.8% (95% CI 9.1–26.4%) and 95.1% (95% CI 91.2–98.9%) for F-PanNETs and 24.6% (95% CI 7.4–41.8%) and 93.4% (95% CI 88.4–98.4%) for NF-PanNETs. Conclusions: EUS-RFA appears to be a mini-invasive technique with a good safety and efficacy profile for the treatment of F- and NF-PanNETs. EUS-RFA could be of-fered as possible alternative to surgery for the treatment of low-grade NF- or F-PanNETs, especially for those patients that are not eligible or are at high-risk for surgery.
Second-Generation Magnesium Phosphates as Water Extractant Agents in Forward Osmosis and Subsequent Use in Hydroponics
Authors: Mendoza Esther , Magrí Albert , Blandin Gaëtan , Bayo Àlex , Vosse Josephine , Buttiglieri Gianluigi , Colprim Jesús , Comas Joaquim
Published: February 2023

The recovery of nutrients from wastewater streams for their later use in agricultural fertilization is an interesting approach. Wastewater recovered magnesium phosphate (MgP) salts were used in a forward osmosis (FO) system as draw solution in order to extract water and to produce a nutrient solution to be used in a hydroponic system with lettuces (Lactuca sativa, L.). Owing to the low solubility of the MgP salts (i.e., struvite, hazenite and cattiite) in water, acid dissolution was successfully tested using citric and nitric acids to reach pH 3.0. The dilution by FO of the dissolved salts reached levels close to those needed by a hydroponic culture. Ion migration through the membrane was medium to high, and although it did not limit the dilution potential of the system, it might decrease the overall feasibility of the FO process. Functional growth of the lettuces in the hydroponic system was achieved with the three MgP salts using the recovered water as nutrient solution, once properly supplemented with nutrients with the desired concentrations. This is an innovative approach for promoting water reuse in hydroponics that benefits from the use of precipitated MgP salts as a nutrient source.
Automatic Bounding Box Annotation with Small Training Datasets for Industrial Manufacturing
Authors: Geiß Manuela , Wagner Raphael , Baresch Martin , Steiner Josef , Zwick Michael
Published: February 2023

In the past few years, object detection has attracted a lot of attention in the context of human–robot collaboration and Industry 5.0 due to enormous quality improvements in deep learning technologies. In many applications, object detection models have to be able to quickly adapt to a changing environment, i.e., to learn new objects. A crucial but challenging prerequisite for this is the automatic generation of new training data which currently still limits the broad application of object detection methods in industrial manufacturing. In this work, we discuss how to adapt state-of-the-art object detection methods for the task of automatic bounding box annotation in a use case where the background is homogeneous and the object’s label is provided by a human. We compare an adapted version of Faster R-CNN and the Scaled-YOLOv4-p5 architecture and show that both can be trained to distinguish unknown objects from a complex but homogeneous background using only a small amount of training data. In contrast to most other state-of-the-art methods for bounding box labeling, our proposed method neither requires human verification, a predefined set of classes, nor a very large manually annotated dataset. Our method outperforms the state-of-the-art, transformer-based object discovery method LOST on our simple fruits dataset by large margins.
Accessory Minerals in the Chromitite Ores of Dzharlybutak Ore Group of Kempirsai Massif (Southern Urals, Kazakhstan): Clues for Ore Genesis
Authors: Saveliev Dmitry E. , Makatov Darkhan K. , Vishnevskiy Andrey V. , Gataullin Ruslan A.
Published: February 2023

The paper provides results of a detailed mineralogical study of some chromitite ores from two deposits in the Southern Urals of Kazakhstan: Almaz-Zhemchuzhina and Geofizicheskoe-VII. It is revealed that the main ore minerals are Cr-spinel with high Cr# (Cr/(Cr + Al) = 0.8–0.83), as well as serpentine and chlorite, replacing primary olivine. Chromium spinel grains contain mineral inclusions, which are distributed rather unevenly. The most common mineral inclusions are olivine (serpentine) and amphibole; phlogopite, pyroxenes, and base metal sulfides are rare. Olivine from inclusions in chromite is the highest in magnesium (Fo97–98), and is anomalously high in nickel (up to 1.8 wt.% NiO). The closure of exchange reactions between olivine and chromite occurred in the temperature range of 700–850 °C and in the oxygen fugacity range of −1.04 … +2.8 ΔFMQ, which most likely corresponds to the upper mantle settings of the fore-arc basin. A few tens of monomineral grains and polymineral intergrowths of platinum group minerals (PGMs) were found in chromite aggregates. Notably, monomineral grains are mainly represented by Ru, Os, and Ir disulfides, while in polymineral inclusions, iridium prevails (with widespread native phases, sulfides, and sulfoarsenides). PGM grains included in chromite are often associated with hydrous silicates: amphibole, and less often with phlogopite or chlorite. Discussed in the paper is the possible genesis of ores and inclusions. As a preliminary conclusion, we suggest that the solid-phase processes played the most significant role in the crystallization of Cr-spinel in the investigated chromitite ores.
Seismic Imaging of Mineral Exploration Targets: Evaluation of Ray- vs. Wave-Equation-Based Pre-Stack Depth Migrations for Crooked 2D Profiles
Authors: Singh Brij , Malinowski Michał
Published: February 2023

Seismic imaging is now a well-established method in mineral exploration with many successful case studies. Seismic data are usually imaged in the time domain (post-stack or pre-stack time migration), but recently pre-stack depth imaging has shown clear advantages for irregular/sparse acquisitions and very complex targets. Here, we evaluate the effectiveness of both ray-based and wave-equation-based pre-stack depth imaging methodologies applied to crooked-line 2D seismic reflection profiles. Seismic data were acquired in the Kylylahti mining area in eastern Finland over severely folded, faulted and subvertical Kylylahti structure, and associated mineralization. We performed 3D ray-based imaging, i.e., industry-standard Kirchhoff migration and its improved version (coherency migration, CM), and wave-equation-based migration, i.e., reverse time migration (RTM) using a velocity model built from first-arrival traveltime tomography. Upon comparing the three different migrations against available geological data and models, it appeared that CM provided the least noisy and well-focused image, but failed to image the internal reflectivity of the Kylylahti formation. RTM was the only method that produced geologically plausible reflections inside the Kylylahti formation including a direct image of the previously known shallow massive sulfide mineralization.
Residence Time Distribution Analysis of Drip-Irrigated Beds—The Effect of Material and Fluid Properties with Implications for Heap Leaching Practice
Authors: Odidi Michael D. , Fagan-Endres Marijke A. , Harrison Susan T. L.
Published: February 2023

The quantitative effect of particle shape, porosity, wettability, particle size, and solution viscosity on the residence time distribution (RTD) profiles of non-reactive, steady-state, drip-irrigated ore beds characteristic of heap leaching systems is presented. Results were obtained using step-up tracer tests and allowed for the analysis of preferential flow behaviour within the systems. The key findings were as follows. Increased particle sphericity enhanced channelling in beds of smaller particles, but not for larger particle sizes. Higher particle wettability caused greater liquid dispersion during both initial wetting studies and at steady-state fluid flux. Higher porosity levels and the inclusion of fines in mixed sized beds resulted in longer average solute residence times, higher liquid hold-up, longer solution and tracer breakthrough times, and increases in drain-down moisture percentages. Increasing the irrigation fluid’s viscosity, reflective of the increase in ionic concentrations in leach solutions, reduced both the solution and tracer breakthrough times and increased dispersion with signs of more discontinuous or isolated fluid volumes at steady-state. These results highlighted the importance of the inclusion of fines in agglomerated beds to improve uniform wetting especially those with low to moderate particle porosities (<2.5 m2/g specific surface area). The viscosity results suggest that there may be changes in preferential flow extent, due to variations in viscosity owing to the increasing sulphate concentration within the liquid phase in heaps and with time.
NMR-Based Metabolomics: A New Paradigm to Unravel Defense-Related Metabolites in Insect-Resistant Cotton Variety through Different Multivariate Data Analysis Approaches
Authors: Shami Anam Amin , Akhtar Muhammad Tayyab , Mumtaz Muhammad Waseem , Mukhtar Hamid , Tahir Amna , Shahzad-ul-Hussan Syed , Chaudhary Safee Ullah , Muneer Bushra , Iftikhar Hafsa , Neophytou Marios
Published: February 2023

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is an economically important crop and is widely cultivated around the globe. However, the major problem of cotton is its high vulnerability to biotic and abiotic stresses. It has been around three decades since the cotton plant was genetically engineered with genes encoding insecticidal proteins (mainly Cry proteins) with an aim to protect it against insect attack. Several studies have been reported on the impact of these genes on cotton production and fiber quality. However, the metabolites responsible for conferring resistance in genetically modified cotton need to be explored. The current work aims to unveil the key metabolites responsible for insect resistance in Bt cotton and also compare the conventional multivariate analysis methods with deep learning approaches to perform clustering analysis. We aim to unveil the marker compounds which are responsible for inducing insect resistance in cotton plants. For this purpose, we employed 1H-NMR spectroscopy to perform metabolite profiling of Bt and non-Bt cotton varieties, and a total of 42 different metabolites were identified in cotton plants. In cluster analysis, deep learning approaches (linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and neural networks) showed better separation among cotton varieties compared to conventional methods (principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLSDA)). The key metabolites responsible for inter-class separation were terpinolene, α-ketoglutaric acid, aspartic acid, stigmasterol, fructose, maltose, arabinose, xylulose, cinnamic acid, malic acid, valine, nonanoic acid, citrulline, and shikimic acid. The metabolites which regulated differently with the level of significance p < 0.001 amongst different cotton varieties belonged to the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), Shikimic acid, and phenylpropanoid pathways. Our analyses underscore a biosignature of metabolites that might involve in inducing insect resistance in Bt cotton. Moreover, novel evidence from our study could be used in the metabolic engineering of these biological pathways to improve the resilience of Bt cotton against insect/pest attacks. Lastly, our findings are also in complete support of employing deep machine learning algorithms as a useful tool in metabolomics studies.
Study on the Preparation and Properties of Jute Microcrystalline Cellulose Membrane
Authors: Liang Zhengyong , Li Xing , Li Meng , Hong Yulu
Published: February 2023

The preparation and performance control of the cellulose membrane are one of the hot topics in the environmentally friendly separation membrane field. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was prepared by microwave-assisted acidic hydrolysis of cellulose obtained from jute, followed by the use of a mixture of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide and water as a solvent to obtain the homogeneous casting liquid, which was scraped and subsequently immersed in the coagulation bath to form a smooth and dense cellulose membrane. During membrane formation, the crystal structure of MCC changed from type I to type II, but the chemical structure remained unchanged. The mechanical strength and separation performance of the membrane were related to the content of MCC in the casting liquid. When the content of MCC was about 7%, the tensile strength of the membrane reached a maximum value of 13.49 MPa, and the corresponding elongation at break was 68.12%. The water flux (J) and rejection rate (R) for the bovine serum albumin were 19.51 L/(m2·h) and 95.37%, respectively, under an optimized pressure of 0.2 MPa. In addition, the coagulation bath had a significant effect on the membrane separation performance, and J and R were positively and negatively correlated with the polarity of the coagulation bath. Among them, it was note-worthy that J and R of membrane formed in ethanol were 33.95 L/(m2·h) and 91.43%, separately. Compared with water as a coagulation bath, J was increased by 74% at the situation and R was roughly equivalent, showing better separation performance. More importantly, the relationship between the structure and separation performances has also been studied preliminarily. This work provides certain guidance for the preparation of high-performance MCC membranes.
Evaluation of Rhenium and Technetium-99m Complexes Bearing Quinazoline Derivatives as Potential EGFR Agents
Authors: Makrypidi Konstantina , Kiritsis Christos , Roupa Ioanna , Triantopoulou Sotiria , Shegani Antonio , Paravatou-Petsotas Maria , Chiotellis Aristeidis , Pelecanou Maria , Papadopoulos Minas , Pirmettis Ioannis
Published: February 2023

Τhe Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) 6-amino-4-[(3-bromophenyl) amino]quinazoline was derivatized with 6-bromohexanoyl-chloride and coupled with the tridentate chelating agents N-(2-pyridylmethyl) aminoethyl acetic acid (PAMA) and L(+)-cysteine bearing the donor atom set NNO and SNO, respectively. The rhenium precursors ReBr(CO)5 and fac-[NEt4]2[ReBr3(CO)3] were used for the preparation of the Re complexes fac-[Re(NNO)(CO)3] (5a) and fac-[Re(SNO)(CO)3] (7a) which were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopies. Subsequently, the new potential EGFR inhibitors were labeled with the fac-[99mTc(CO)3]+ core in high yield and radiochemical purity (>90%) by ligand exchange reaction using the fac-[99mTc][Tc(OH2)3(CO)3]+ precursor. The radiolabeled complexes were characterized by comparative HPLC analysis with the analogous rhenium (Re) complexes as references. In vitro studies in the A431 cell lines showed that both ligands and Re complexes inhibit A431 cell growth. Complex 5a demonstrated the highest potency (IC50 = 8.85 ± 2.62 μM) and was further assessed for its capacity to inhibit EGFR autophosphorylation, presenting an IC50 value of 26.11 nM. Biodistribution studies of the 99mTc complexes in healthy mice showed high in vivo stability for both complexes and fast blood and soft tissue clearance with excretion occurring via the hepatobiliary system.
Synthesis, Structural Elucidation, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of a Water-Soluble Derivative of Arctiin
Authors: Xu Xia , Huang Xiaofeng , Zheng Yuedan , Wang Xiaoling , Xie Jing , Liu Sha , Guo Kun
Published: February 2023

The poor oral bioavailability of arctiin caused by its low water solubility is the biggest obstacle in developing it as a drug. In this work, a new water-soluble glucuronide derivative of arctiin (arctigenin-4′-O-glucuronide) was synthesized through 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl mediated oxidation reaction. Subsequently, its anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by mice acute lung injury model in vivo. The results showed that the glucuronide derivative of arctiin not only had better water solubility but also displayed improved anti-inflammatory activity in vivo, thus serving as an innovative compound in the drug development of arctiin.
ESIPT-Capable 4-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-(Pyridin-2-yl)-1H-Imidazoles with Single and Double Proton Transfer: Synthesis, Selective Reduction of the Imidazolic OH Group and Luminescence
Authors: Shekhovtsov Nikita A. , Nikolaenkova Elena B. , Ryadun Alexey A. , Samsonenko Denis G. , Tikhonov Alexsei Ya. , Bushuev Mark B.
Published: February 2023

1H-Imidazole derivatives establish one of the iconic classes of ESIPT-capable compounds (ESIPT = excited state intramolecular proton transfer). This work presents the synthesis of 1-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazole (LOH,OH) as the first example of ESIPT-capable imidazole derivatives wherein the imidazole moiety simultaneously acts as a proton acceptor and a proton donor. The reaction of LOH,OH with chloroacetone leads to the selective reduction of the imidazolic OH group (whereas the phenolic OH group remains unaffected) and to the isolation of 4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazole (LH,OH), a monohydroxy congener of LOH,OH. Both LOH,OH and LH,OH demonstrate luminescence in the solid state. The number of OH···N proton transfer sites in these compounds (one for LH,OH and two for LOH,OH) strongly affects the luminescence mechanism and color of the emission: LH,OH emits in the light green region, whereas LOH,OH luminesces in the orange region. According to joint experimental and theoretical studies, the main emission pathway of both compounds is associated with T1 → S0 phosphorescence and not related to ESIPT. At the same time, LOH,OH also exhibits S1 → S0 fluorescence associated with ESIPT with one proton transferred from the hydroxyimidazole moiety to the pyridine moiety, which is not possible for LH,OH due to the absence of the hydroxy group in the imidazole moiety.
How Can One Share a User’s Activity during VR Synchronous Augmentative Cooperation?
Authors: Rinnert Thomas , Walsh James , Fleury Cédric , Coppin Gilles , Duval Thierry , Thomas Bruce H.
Published: February 2023

Collaborative virtual environments allow people to work together while being distant. At the same time, empathic computing aims to create a deeper shared understanding between people. In this paper, we investigate how to improve the perception of distant collaborative activities in a virtual environment by sharing users’ activity. We first propose several visualization techniques for sharing the activity of multiple users. We selected one of these techniques for a pilot study and evaluated its benefits in a controlled experiment using a virtual reality adaptation of the NASA MATB-II (Multi-Attribute Task Battery). Results show (1) that instantaneous indicators of users’ activity are preferred to indicators that continuously display the progress of a task, and (2) that participants are more confident in their ability to detect users needing help when using activity indicators.
The Effect of Pre-Stretched Substrate on the Electrical Resistance of Printed Ag Nanowires
Authors: Moon Yoon Jae , Kim Chaewon , Choi Eunsik , Shin Dong Yeol , Kang Kyung-Tae
Published: February 2023

One-dimensional nanomaterials have drawn attention as an alternative electrode material for stretchable electronics. In particular, silver nanowires (Ag NWs) have been studied as stretchable electrodes for strain sensors, 3D electronics, and freeform-shaped electronic circuits. In this study, Ag NWs ink was printed on the pre-stretched silicone rubber film up to 40% in length using a drop-on-demand dispenser. After printing, silicone rubber film was released and stretched up to 20% as a cyclic test with 10-time repetition, and the ratios of the resistance of the stretched state to that of the released state (Rstretched/Rreleased) were measured at each cycle. For Ag NWs electrode printed on the pre-stretched silicone rubber at 30%, Rstretched/Rreleased at 10% and 20% strain was 1.05, and 1.57, respectively, which is significantly less than about 7 for Ag NWs at the 10% strain without pre-stretched substrate. In the case of 10% strain on the 30% pre-stretched substrate, the substrate is stretched and the contact points with Ag NWs were not changed much as the silicone rubber film stretched, which meant that Ag NWs may slide between other Ag NWs. Ag NWs electrode on the 40% pre-stretched substrate was stretched, strain was concentrated on the Ag NWs electrode and failure of electrode occurred, because cracks occurred at the surface of silicone rubber film when it was pre-stretched to 40%. We confirmed that printed Ag NWs on the pre-stretched film showed more contact points and less electric resistance compared to printed Ag NWs on the film without pre-stretching.
Ionic Liquids as Alternative Curing Agents for Conductive Epoxy/CNT Nanocomposites with Improved Adhesive Properties
Authors: Orduna Lidia , Otaegi Itziar , Aranburu Nora , Guerrica-Echevarría Gonzalo
Published: February 2023

Good dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) together with effective curing were obtained in epoxy/CNT nanocomposites (NCs) using three different ionic liquids (ILs). Compared to conventional amine-cured epoxy systems, lower electrical percolation thresholds were obtained in some of the IL-based epoxy systems. For example, the percolation threshold of the trihexyltetradecylphosphonium dicyanamide (IL-P-DCA)-based system was 0.001 wt.%. The addition of CNTs was not found to have any significant effect on the thermal or low-strain mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, but it did improve their adhesive properties considerably compared to the unfilled systems. This study demonstrates that ILs can be used to successfully replace traditional amine-based curing agents for the production of electrically conductive epoxy/CNT NCs and adhesives, as a similar or better balance of properties was achieved. This represents a step towards greater sustainability given that the vapor pressure of ILs is low, and the amount needed to effectively cure epoxy resins is significantly lower than any of their counterparts.
Physical Philosophy: Martial Arts as Embodied Wisdom
Authors: Holt Jason
Published: February 2023

While defining martial arts is not prerequisite to philosophizing about them, such a definition is desirable, helping us resolve disputes about the status of hard cases. At one extreme, Martínková and Parry argue that martial arts are distinguished from both close combat (as unsystematic) and combat sports (as competitive), and from warrior arts (as lethal) and martial paths (as spiritual). At the other extreme, mixed martial arts pundits and Bruce Lee speak of combat sports generally as martial arts. I argue that the fine-grained taxonomy proposed by Martínková and Parry can be usefully supplemented by a broader definition, specifically the following: martial arts are systematic fighting styles and practices as ways of embodying wisdom. A possible difficulty here is that such views face the charge of overemphasizing the “philosophical” aspect of martial arts. My definition can, however, avoid this apparent problem. If martial arts essentially aim to embody wisdom, this applies no less to the (strategic) practical wisdom of The Art of War than to the (ethical) practical wisdom of the Tao Te Ching. In an extended sense, then, any systematic fighting style, including combat sports, may count as a martial art insofar as it embodies wisdom by improving practical fighting skills.
Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from NdFeB Magnets by Chlorination and Distillation
Authors: Böhm Dominik , Czerski Konrad , Gottlieb Stephan , Huke Armin , Ruprecht Götz
Published: February 2023

A sustainable separation concept for large-scale recycling of NdFeB magnets under atmospheric pressure was developed by utilizing a combination of two separation concepts known from the literature: (I) selective pre-separation by in situ chlorination and evaporation of ground oxidized NdFeB material and (II) subsequent distillation for high-purity recovery of all recyclable chlorinated material components, especially its Rare Earth Elements (REEs). Theoretically, simplified estimations of the time conversion curves at 1173 K, 1273 K, and 2000 K of a single particle resulted in the idea of realizing chlorination in some kind of combustion chamber, fluidized bed, or continuous combustion chamber. After chlorination, all non-volatile components, such as REE chlorides, are condensed out of the vapor phase in a single-stage phase separator. For subsequent fine separation by distillation (1292–1982 K for Rare Earth Chlorides and 418–867 K at 2500 kPa for boron and zirconium chloride recovery), simplified simulations were performed in a total-reflux column under ideal phase equilibrium conditions to show the estimated minimum separation effort. Using two composition examples from the literature, high-purity separation of the major Rare Earth Chlorides within a twelve-stage distillation column as a residual heavy boiling product has been demonstrated to be potentially technically feasible.
Patient Data Analysis with the Quantum Clustering Method
Authors: Deshmukh Shradha , Behera Bikash K. , Mulay Preeti
Published: February 2023

Quantum computing is one of the most promising solutions for solving optimization problems in the healthcare world. Quantum computing development aims to light up the execution of a vast and complex set of algorithmic instructions. For its implementation, the machine learning models are continuously evolving. Hence, the new challenge is to improve the existing complex and critical machine learning training models. Therefore, the healthcare sector is shifting from a classical to a quantum domain to sustain patient-oriented attention to healthcare patrons. This paper presents a hybrid classical-quantum approach for training the unsupervised data models. In order to achieve good performance and optimization of the machine learning algorithms, a quantum k-means (QK-means) clustering problem was deployed on the IBM quantum simulators, i.e.,the IBM QASM simulator. In the first place, the approach was theoretically studied and then implemented to analyze the experimental results. The approach was further tested using small synthetics and cardiovascular datasets on a qsam simulator to obtain the clustering solution. The future direction connecting the dots is the incremental k-means algorithm with the quantum platform, which would open hitherto unimaginable technological doors.
Existence and Nonexistence of Positive Solutions for Perturbations of the Anisotropic Eigenvalue Problem
Authors: Andrusenko Olena , Gasiński Leszek , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S.
Published: February 2023

We consider a Dirichlet problem, which is a perturbation of the eigenvalue problem for the anisotropic p-Laplacian. We assume that the perturbation is (p(z)−1)-sublinear, and we prove an existence and nonexistence theorem for positive solutions as the parameter λ moves on the positive semiaxis. We also show the existence of a smallest positive solution and determine the monotonicity and continuity properties of the minimal solution map.
Development and Evaluation of a Blocking Lateral Flow Assay Strip for Detection of Newcastle Disease Virus Antibodies
Authors: Lv Rongzhou , Guo Junqing , Zhang Yuhang , Wang Xun , Li Ge , Meng Zekun , Wang Li , Chai Shujun , Li Qingmei , Zhang Gaiping
Published: February 2023

Newcastle disease (ND) is an acute septicemic infectious disease caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Considering that vaccination is currently the main modality for the prevention of ND, it is essential to assess the effectiveness of clinical immunization. In this study, we have developed a blocking lateral flow assay (bLFA) strip for the rapid detection of NDV antibodies using the monoclonal antibody 9C1 against haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), which allows for the determination of an NDV-specific antibody titer within 10 min at room temperature. In addition, the bLFA strip has no cross-reactivity with the positive serum of other avian pathogens including avian influenza subtypes H5, H7, and H9, MD, IBD, IB, EDS, and avian adenovirus. The ability of the bLFA strip for detecting a neutralizing antibody was also estimated. The results showed that the chicken NDV hyperimmunized serum had a complete blocking (100%) titer of 11 log 2, and half-blocking titer of 13 log 2, which are 4 times less than and the same as that of the HI test (13 log 2), and 8 and 2 times less than that of the VN test (14 log 2), respectively. A total of 510 clinical samples were tested for NDV antibodies. The coincidence rate between the results of the bLFA strip and HI test was 97.65%. Therefore, it is an ideal alternative method for assessing the clinical immunity of ND vaccines in the field in real-time.
Text-Based Crisis Counseling: An Examination of Timing, Pace, Asychronicity and Disinhibition
Authors: Nesmith Ande
Published: February 2023

Texting-based crisis counseling is increasingly used to reach young people in acute crisis. Drawing on the online disinhibition effect (ODE), this U.S. study explored how asynchronicity and invisibility contribute to how users reveal their presenting problem and engage with counseling. A random sample of 49 text crisis line sessions with youth averaging 18 years was used to assess response lag times and flow as well as their impact on the session. Interviews with crisis counselors provided supplemental context. Content analysis identified patterns in the presenting problem, reasons for response lags, and patterns in how the sessions ended. The overall duration of text sessions was substantially longer than that of voice calls, to cover comparable content. Users frequently multitasked or become engaged in other activities between texts, creating a more disjointed flow. This also allowed the user to take time with responses to difficult questions. Counselors had to match their pace with users, make decisions when to discontinue the session, and use intentional language to develop a therapeutic connection. In line with the ODE framework, the findings suggested that the invisible nature of texting allowed users to reach out for help at the moment they needed it, regardless of their location. Implications for using texting-based interfaces are discussed.
Phytosociology informs the conservation of species-rich meadows in hydrologically dynamic habitats: an example from British floodplains in a wider European context
Authors: Prosser Michael , Wallace Hilary , Gowing David
Published: February 2023

Nature conservation requires classification of vegetation types for site assessment and assignment. Species-rich floodplain meadows are a declining habitat in Britain and Europe yet their classification in Britain has been based on just a few samples and fails to describe community response to environmental change adequately. European classification, in opposite, has been based on samples from the wide geographical range with no environmental data/analysis supporting the choices. We propose a revised classification of the lowland meadow Alopecurus pratensis-Sanguisorba officinalis community of the British National Vegetation Classification (NVC) linked to variation in local water-table depth. Data have been collated from 58 British floodplain meadows. Based on botanical and hydrological data, four subcommunities within the Alopecurus-Sanguisorba community have been defined. Assessment of conservation sites at the subcommunity level allows temporal and spatial evaluation of the trends and suggests hydrological management towards desirable vegetation. This approach, developed on data from the British meadows, has much wider geographical applications if compared with European plant communities. Seventy-two British and European plant associations were compared via Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Species ordinations were used to study the coherence of floodplain syntaxonomic alliances across Europe from Ireland to Bulgaria. CCA confirmed the spread of the British subcommunities of the Alopecurus-Sanguisorba community along a strong hydrological gradient and highlighted their lower fertility compared to their Dutch counterparts. The hydrological gradient separating the British subcommunities should help inform site management for the conservation of the species-rich communities, especially where hydrological control is possible.
Acoustic Shielding and Scattering Effects of a Propeller Mounted Above a Flat Plate
Authors: Hanson Liam , Baskaran Kabilan , Zang Bin , Azarpeyvand Mahdi
Published: February 2023

To reduce the overall noise pollution generated by aircraft, design choices often attempt to incorporate acoustic shielding often using aircraft wings to minimise the noise generated by engines and propellers. By mounting a propeller above a wing, increasing the noise shielding, acoustic
scattering effects can be introduced which change the directivity and magnitude of the noise generated. Experiments were carried out to investigate the acoustic shielding and scattering effects of a propeller mounted above a flat plate trailing edge. Two propellers were tested at constant
rotational rates of 5000 RPM and 7000 RPM respectively. The tests were conducted within an anechoic wind tunnel facility with loading and far-field noise data collected by microphone arrays at a parametric set of propeller locations relative to the flat plate trailing edge. Analysis of the
spectral content of the noise along with the tonal content of the signals are presented. The levels of coherence and cross spectrum phase are considered to give greater insights into the levels of noise attenuation due to shielding and scattering effects. Analysis of the acoustic data shows
locations with notable levels of noise attenuation for both the tonal and broadband noise content.
Investigation of the applicability of recurrent neural networks for structural health monitoring in the frequency domain
Authors: Outzen Lukas , Ring Tobias P. , Langer Sabine C.
Published: February 2023

Structural health monitoring (SHM) aims to detect or predict state changes or damages in engineering structures. In order to discriminate between various damage characteristics and locations, the SHM system requires relevant information about the structure as well as a suitable method
to evaluate these. This paper explores a data-driven SHM approach that models damage processes using recurrent neural networks. As model input data, the machine learning algorithm uses sequential frequency domain data at consecutive steps during the advancing damage process. From the change
in transfer functions that occurs during structural changes, the model derives information about the state of the monitored object. In order to discuss the potentials and limitations of this modeling approach, a simple bolted structure with non-trivial changes in the frequency response is
employed. A gradual damage process is simulated by incrementally loosening one of the joints. The resulting sequences of transfer functions are used as input to the recurrent neural network model and related to the respective preload force. By varying the data sequences used for model training
and application, the functioning of the modeling process is investigated. The possibility of inversely learning from the model about damage indicators by analyzing effective input values is discussed.
Design Of virtual binaural manikins and auditorium acoustic system
Authors: E. Eusébio , Conceição Mª Ines , Lúcio Mª Manuela J. , Gomes João M. , Awbi Hazim
Published: February 2023

In this work a numerical model is applied in the development of the design of virtual binaural manikins and auditorium acoustic system. The binaural acoustic manikins is based in human body methodology and is developed using empirical and geometrical equation numerical model also coupled
with the CAD system. The auditorium geometry is based in a conic methodology and is developed using a geometric numerical model coupled with a CAD system. The binaural manikin geometry, using the Human Thermal Response and the Sound Propagation numerical models, is used in the human acoustic
evaluation. The virtual binaural manikin evaluates the direct and indirect sound and calculates the reverberation time. In this preliminary study an auditorium with a group of rows and columns, occupied with 140 virtual manikins, is developed. Three virtual binaural manikins was selected to
be evaluate the reverberation time. The acoustic level, in the left and right ears, that the virtual manikins are subjected are evaluated. In accordance the obtained results, the manikins acoustic level evolution, with the reverberation time in accordance with the international standards,
presents slight differences between left and right ear and differences between the different binaural manikins.
Enhanced 3D (three dimensional) acoustic scene analysis based on sound arrival direction for automatic airport noise monitoring.
Authors: Sakoda Keishi , Yamada Ichiro
Published: February 2023

To deepen our understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of various sound sources of environmental noise, which is observed by unattended aircraft noise monitors, we have been developing a method of acoustic scene analysis based on information on the 3D sound arrival direction.
In the congress of INTERNOISE 2021 last year, we reported the basic idea of this method and some examples of the analysis. The method of acoustic scene analysis, named static mode and dynamic mode, is based on the information of the direction of arrival and sound pressure level of the sound
in three dimensions from time to time. Since the moving path was limited to the one satisfying the specified preconditions, there were restrictions on the sound sources moving in the sky to be applied. Therefore, we decided to improve the versatility of the dynamic mode acoustic scene analysis
method by adding a sensor that observes the direction of sound arrival. In this paper, we report the results of our experiments and analysis.
A slug length calculation for a contraction with mean flow between two half cylinders
Authors: Na Wei , Yang Dong , Surendran Aswathy , Boij Susann , Morgans Aimee , Yao Huadong
Published: February 2023

A slug length is widely used to describe additional mass inertia at low frequencies in duct acoustics. It is often used in acoustic energy analysis, e.g. as one of the inputs for semi-analytical or empirical models to obtain the acoustic reflection and transmission coefficients. However,
the calculation of slug length is usually empirical and limited to many conditions, such as simple geometric configurations, low frequencies, no mean flow, etc. In this paper, the slug length at a contraction with mean flow between two half cylinders is calculated by different methods: solving
the Laplace's equation both analytically and numerically, solving the Helmholtz equation, and using the Cummings - Fant equation based on the numerical results of frequency-domain linearized Navier-Stokes equations. Both the frequency-dependence and the mean flow effect are discussed. The
calculated slug lengths are then used in the semi-analytical model to predict the acoustic scattering at tube rows in the presence of a cross mean flow.