bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Estimation Method for Bias Error of Measurements by Utilizing Process Data, An Incidence Matrix and a Reference Instrument for Data Validation and Reconciliation: Part 2—Extension to the Energy Balance Relation
Authors: Tamura Akinori , Hidaka Yuki , Ikeda Haruhiko , Hamaura Norikazu
Published: August 2024

Ensuring data reliability is becoming increasingly important for further applications of artificial intelligence, internet of things, and digital twins. One promising technology for ensuring data reliability is data validation and reconciliation (DVR), which minimizes the uncertainty of measurements based on statistics. DVR has been widely used for the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants in Europe and the United States in recent years. The most important input for DVR analysis is measurement uncertainty. The catalog value provided by sensor manufacturers includes the measurement uncertainty, but in reality, the actual measurement uncertainty is often smaller. Previous studies have proposed several methods for evaluating the actual measurement uncertainty based on process data, which have been confirmed to be effective for evaluating random errors. It is important to note that bias errors also contribute significantly to the measurement uncertainty. In our previous paper, we proposed a method for estimating bias error using process data, an incidence matrix, and a reference instrument. The proposed method was limited to a mass balance relation, i.e., flowrate measurements. In this paper, we extend the method to include an energy balance relation by considering energy conservation in addition to mass conservation. This extension enables the evaluation of measurement uncertainty for flowrate and temperature. The proposed method was validated with two benchmark problems. It was found to be applicable to various flow conditions, including physically fluctuating flow, such as that observed in the feedwater flow in nuclear power plants.
A Keyphasor-Free Traveling Waves Analysis Method Based on Blade Tip Timing and Experimental Validation
Authors: Meng Yiming , Xiao Zhicheng , Chai Pengfei , Wang Shang , Zhu Xiaocheng , Ouyang Hua
Published: August 2024

Vibration-induced high-cycle fatigue of blades is a prevalent issue in turbomachinery. Blade tip timing (BTT) emerges as a nonintrusive, promising method for assessing blade vibration. Despite its potential, BTT's inherent measurement limitations often result in the undersampling of individual blade data. Assuming that the bladed-disk assembly vibrates in nodal diameter modes, traveling wave analysis (TWA) can overcome the limitations of undersampling and identify the nodal diameter modes associated with the frequency components. Traditional TWA methods rely on a keyphasor or once-per-revolution sensor to provide accurate reference signals. However, such a sensor could be damaged during operation or challenging to install due to limited space in field tests. In this paper, a new keyphasor-free TWA (KF-TWA) method is introduced, which is capable of measuring the order and nodal diameter of nodal diameter vibrations with as few as two sensors. Theoretical derivations reveal the method's resilience to the steady-state displacement of blades. The feasibility and effectiveness of the KF-TWA method are validated through numerical experiments and compressor tests. In the numerical experiments, blade detuning and nodal diameter vibration responses are simulated, leading to the development of a criterion for identifying nodal diameter vibrations. A compressor test rig, equipped with a 64-keyphasor disk and a sufficient number of circumferentially distributed sensors, is designed to provide blade vibration benchmark. In the experiments, the KF-TWA method successfully identified nodal diameter vibrations with amplitudes as low as 0.014 mm, consistently yielding identical results across multiple sensor pairs, which demonstrates a higher robustness compared to the traditional TWA method. The results presented offer valuable insights into the engineering application of this technology.
Data-Driven Generative Model Aimed to Create Synthetic Data for the Long-Term Forecast of Gas Turbine Operation
Authors: Losi Enzo , Manservigi Lucrezia , Spina Pier Ruggero , Venturini Mauro
Published: August 2024

The prediction of gas turbine (GT) future health state plays a strategic role in the current energy sector. However, training an accurate prognostic model is challenging in case of limited historical data (e.g., new installation). Thus, this paper develops a generative adversarial network (GAN) model aimed to generate synthetic data that can be used for data augmentation. The GAN model includes two neural networks, i.e., a generator and a discriminator. The generator aims to generate synthetic data that mimic the real data. The discriminator is a binary classification network. During the training process, the generator is optimized to fool the discriminator in distinguishing between real and synthetic data. The real data employed in this paper were taken from the literature, gathered from three GTs, and refer to two quantities, i.e., corrected power output and compressor efficiency, which are tracked during several years. Three different analyses are presented to validate the reliability of the synthetic dataset. First, a visual comparison of real and synthetic data is performed. Then, two metrics are employed to quantitively evaluate the similarity between real and synthetic data distributions. Finally, a prognostic model is trained by only using synthetic data and then employed to predict real data. The results prove the high reliability of the synthetic data, which can be thus exploited to train a prognostic model. In fact, the prediction error of the prognostic model on the real data is lower than 2.5% even in the case of long-term prediction.
Perceptual compensation for vowel intrinsic f0 effects in native English speakers
Authors: Ting Connie , Clayards Meghan
Published: August 2024

High vowels have higher f0 than low vowels, creating a context effect on the interpretation of f0. Since onset F0 is a cue to stop voicing, the vowel context is expected to influence voicing judgements. Listeners categorized syllables starting with high (“bee”-“pea”) and low (“bye”-“pie”) vowels varying orthogonally in VOT and onset F0. Listeners made use of both cues as expected. Furthermore, vowel height affected listeners' categorization. Syllables with the low vowel /a/ elicited more voiceless responses compared to syllables with the high vowel /i/. This suggests that listeners compensate for vowel intrinsic effects when making other phonemic judgements.
Effects of Visualization Format and Time of Day on Immediate Recall of Tactical Behaviors
Authors: Rekik Ghazi , Belkhir Yosra , Jouira Ghada , Jarraya Mohamed , Kuo Cheng-Deng , Chen Yung-Sheng
Published: August 2024

This study examined the effect of time of day on immediate recall of motor skills (i.e., tactical behaviors in basketball) from different external visualizations. First-year students from a public university in sports science (novice practitioners, 18.96 ± 0.57 years) were quasi-randomly assigned to three experimental conditions: video modeling by experts, a sequential-with-tracing presentation of pictures, or a sequential-without-tracing presentation of pictures. Morning and late afternoon sessions were conducted involving study phases and immediate-recall tests (i.e., comprehension and game performance tests). Oral temperature and mood states were also measured at both times of day. The results revealed that participants exhibited better recall performances in the morning, irrespective of the visualization format used. At both time of day, tactical behaviors were better recalled from video modeling rather than the two sequential presentations of pictures. In addition, providing the learner with a permanent visual trace of the previous states improves the immediate recall of tactical skills from a sequential presentation of pictures, at both time of day. Furthermore, morning sessions resulted in lower oral temperature, lower negative mood, and higher positive mood, compared with afternoon sessions. Implications for using external visualizations aimed at the acquisition of motor skills, particularly tactical behaviors, are discussed.
Effects of Physical Activity Interventions on Physical Self-Perception in College Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Zhiling , Yang Zhiying , Ou Wengling , Zeng Qing , Huang Jiafu
Published: August 2024

Background: Although the physical activities have demonstrated efficacy in improving physical self-perception, the findings of available studies in college students were conflicting. This review aimed to examine the effects of physical activity interventions on physical self-perception in college students. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, Embase, Scopus, CNKI, WanFang, and Chinese Technical Periodicals were searched from inception to April 2024. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or non-RCTs (non-RCTs) that examined the effects of physical activity interventions on college students’ physical self-perception. Random-effects models were used in meta-analyses to synthesize effect sizes. Results: Forty studies (17 RCTs and 23 non-RCTs) with 4955 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, physical activity interventions had small to moderate significant effect on physical self-worth (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.44, P < .00001), perceived sports competence (SMD = 0.60, P < .00001), perceived physical condition (SMD = 0.45, P < .00001), perceived physical strength (SMD = 0.53, P < .00001), and perceived body attractiveness (SMD = 0.54, P < .00001). Significant differences were observed in study design (P = .031–.039), intervention type (P = .003–.031), and intervention duration (P = .002–.036) for some aspects of physical self-perception, such as perceived physical strength and perceived body attractiveness. Conclusions: Physical activity interventions have beneficial effects on physical self-perception in college students, especially those conducted for 12 weeks, 3 times or more per week, lasting 90 minutes or more per session. Large, high-quality RCTs are required to further confirm these findings.
The Energetic Saver Profile From Sit-to-Stand Does Not Persist During Very Low-Intensity Physical Activity in Healthy Men and Women
Authors: Isacco Laurie , Guirado Terry , Brun Carole , Pereira Bruno , Moore Halim , Thivel David , Duclos Martine , Metz Lore
Published: August 2024

Background: It is essential to better characterize the energetic profile of individuals during very low-intensity physical activity. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether the saver profile from sit-to-stand persists during light physical activity and characterize patterns in substrate utilization from sit-to-stand and during very low-intensity physical activity in healthy men and women. Methods: Sixty-two healthy adults (38 women) performed an experimental sequence that corresponded to 15-minute sitting (SIT1), followed by 15-minute standing (STAND), 15-minute sitting again (SIT2), and finally 15 minutes of light cycling. Continuous indirect calorimetry was allowed to calculate energy expenditure (EE) and respiratory quotient through the entire sequence. Savers and nonsavers (<5% and ≥ 5% increase in EE from sitting to standing, respectively) were determined. Results: There was an interaction effect in EE between savers and nonsavers through the whole sequence (P = .008). Only nonsavers (71%) exhibited a significant increase in EE from SIT1 to STAND (P < .001). Nonsavers and savers significantly increased EE during 15 minutes of light cycling relative to sitting or standing (P < .001), without any difference between groups. The percentage of change in respiratory quotient from SIT1 to STAND was significantly different between the 2 groups, with increased values in savers and decreased values in nonsavers (P = .03). Significantly lower values in respiratory quotient and EE were found during 15 minutes of light cycling in women compared with men (P < .001). Conclusions: It is essential to determine individuals’ energetic phenotype to determine those who may benefit more from strategies such as standing or light physical activity. The sexual dimorphism in terms of substrate use during such exercise should be considered.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the German Version of the Upper Limb Functional Index
Authors: Ortega-Castillo Miguel , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio , Melloh Markus , Trinidad-Fernández Manuel
Published: August 2024

Context: The Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI) is a popular tool with valid psychometric properties to assess upper limb function in patients with musculoskeletal conditions. The aim of the study was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the German version of the ULFI. Design: Cross-cultural validation. Methods: A 2-stage cross-cultural adaptation of the ULFI was performed according to international guidelines through consecutive forward and backward translations. Psychometric properties of internal consistency, test–retest reliability, criterion, face and content validity, and factor structure were determined from the included German participants suffering from upper limb conditions (n = 100), who fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: (1) older than 18 years old, (2) German as native language, and (3) medical diagnosis of musculoskeletal upper limb condition. Participants completed the ULFI; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; EuroQol Health Questionnaire 5 Dimensions; and Short Form-12 questionnaires. Results: The ULFI-G showed good internal consistency (α = .88); excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient2:1 = .98); directly strong correlation with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (r = .84); fair correlation with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand-sport (r = .54); inversely fair correlation with EuroQol Health Questionnaire 5 Dimensions (r = −.62); and Short Form 12’s physical health domain (r = −.7). A single-factor structure was revealed. Conclusions: The ULFI-G showed adequate psychometric properties and proved to be a valid tool for upper limb functional assessment in German population.
Attentional Focus Strategies Can Improve Performance of Postural Control in Runners
Authors: Delunardo Anderson R. , Magalhães Gabriela V. , Rinaldi Natalia M.
Published: August 2024

Attentional focus strategies, especially external focus, are associated with improvements in mechanisms of postural control. This can be important in reducing sports injuries in practices such as running, which has seen an increase in adherence. However, the impacts of these strategies on postural control in runners are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of internal and external focus strategies on postural control performance with different bases of support tasks in runners. A total of 19 young adults (18–38 years old) were divided into a running group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 10). Posturography tests were performed on stable and unstable surfaces, under control, and internal and external focus conditions. The distance, mean velocity, and total velocity of the center of pressure were analyzed (p ≤ .05). There was a reduction in oscillation under external focus compared to internal and control conditions, as well as under internal focus compared to the control condition. A Group × Surface × Focus interaction for the variables distance and mean velocity in the mediolateral direction was found only for the control group. However, no significant effects were found between groups for postural control performance. Attentional focus strategies were able to reduce postural sway, with external focus condition being the most effective. Practitioners can benefit from these strategies to increase postural control performance to help reduce the number of injuries and improve sports performance. It is speculated that the effects of attentional control strategies on postural control may differ depending on the specific adaptations of each sport.
Drought-induced seismicity modulation in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, central United States
Authors: Senapati Batakrushna , Kundu Bhaskar , Jin Shuanggen , Santosh M.
Published: August 2024

The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) in the central United States is a seismically active intraplate region composed of two fault segments: the Reelfoot and Cottonwood Grove fault segments. It has witnessed several major earthquakes, including a devastating 1811–1812 earthquake sequence of three ~M7 events. Nearly 200 years later, earthquakes still continue today in this complex seismic zone. This seismic zone is located in a domain with higher hydrological load than surrounding regions, which may play a crucial role in seismicity modulation. However, the hydrological unloading or loading-induced seismicity modulation and the underlying earthquake dynamics on this stable plate interior remain equivocal. Our study demonstrates that increased climate variability and drought-induced hydrological unloading can be potential drivers for the crustal stress change in the upper Mississippi embayment and seismicity modulation in the NMSZ. The seismicity rate associated with the Reelfoot fault segment shows ~60% increase during drought-induced prolonged drier periods, linked to La Niña cycles, than during the relatively wetter periods. However, such a feature is lacking for the seismicity associated with the Cottonwood Grove fault segment. We argue that the near-lithostatic pore pressure condition explicitly on the Reelfoot fault segment leads to an increase in the amplitude of the velocity perturbation, making this fault segment more susceptible to seismicity modulation on a multi-annual or annual time scale by the resonance destabilization process.
Social inequalities in the use of online food delivery services and associations with weight status: cross-sectional analysis of survey and consumer data
Authors: Cummins Steven , Kalbus Alexandra Irene , Cornelsen Laura , Adams Jean , Boyland Emma , Burgoine Thomas , Law Cherry , de Vocht Frank , White Martin , Yau Amy
Published: August 2024

Background

Little is known about who uses online food delivery services and how use of these services is associated with social inequalities in food purchasing and diet-related health. This study explored associations between social position and use of online takeaway food and grocery delivery services, and its association with weight status.

Methods

Data were obtained from households in a consumer research panel living in London and the north of England (n=1521) in February 2019. Use of online grocery delivery services was determined via recorded purchases, and takeaway food delivery app use via survey responses. Social position was approximated through occupation-based social grade and household income. We used logistic regression to estimate the association between social position and use of online delivery services, and the relationship between online delivery service use and weight status.

Results

Overall, 13.2% of respondents used takeaway food delivery apps over a 7-day period and 15.6% of households used online grocery delivery services over a 4-week period. High-income households were more likely to use online grocery delivery services than low-income households (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.34). In contrast, households with lower social grade were more likely to use takeaway food delivery apps compared with households in the highest grade (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.38 to 3.87). While takeaway food delivery app use was positively associated with living with obesity (relative risk ratio 1.84, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.82), use of online grocery delivery services was not.

Discussion

Findings indicate that use of online food delivery services is patterned by markers of social position and weight status, which may lead to dietary inequalities. The potential impact of increased and differential usage of online delivery services on diet and dietary inequalities warrants further research.
Words matter: descriptors for nicotine that comes from tobacco and descriptors for synthetic nicotine that is created in a laboratory differentially impact understanding of nicotine source and risk perceptions
Authors: Morean Meghan Elizabeth , O'Malley Stephanie S , Krishnan-Sarin Suchitra
Published: August 2024

Background

Nicotine products increasingly contain synthetic nicotine made in a lab (NML), not from tobacco. ‘Tobacco-free nicotine’ is most often used to describe NML commercially, but other descriptors are emerging (eg, ‘non-tobacco,’ ‘zero-tobacco’). We examined whether terms for NML differentially impact public understanding of nicotine source or risk perceptions relative to each other and to terms for describing nicotine from tobacco (NFT) as ‘tobacco-derived.’

Methods

From December 2022 to April 2023, 1000 participants aged 13 and older completed an online survey (mean age: 33.02 (SD=18.15) years, 50.5% female, 16.6% Hispanic, 67.4% White and 79.8% with current tobacco use). Participants read 11 terms describing nicotine and reported on perceived nicotine source (ie, NML, NFT) and addictiveness. Rank-ordered harm was included as a sensitivity analysis.

Results

Significant differences were observed among terms (eg, ‘zero tobacco nicotine’ and ‘no tobacco nicotine’ were rated as least addictive overall). ‘NML’ and ‘NFT’ adequately conveyed nicotine source and were rated as conveying comparable, yet high addictiveness, making them the optimal terms.

Conclusions

Many terms for NML and NFT are differentially related to understanding nicotine source and risk perceptions even though no existing research indicates that NML and NFT differ meaningfully from each other on characteristics like addictiveness. In the absence of prohibiting product differentiation by nicotine source, regulatory agencies should promote using the terms ‘Nicotine from Tobacco’ and ‘Nicotine Made in a Lab’ and investigate whether products using descriptors conveying reduced harm (eg, ‘zero-tobacco,’ ‘no-tobacco,’ ‘non-tobacco’) should require review as Modified Risk Tobacco Products.
Flat bands and topological phase transition in entangled Su–Schrieffer–Heeger chains
Authors: Chatterjee Sauvik , Biswas Sougata , Chakrabarti Arunava
Published: August 2024

Flat, nondispersive bands and topological phase transition in multiple Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) chains, cross-linked via periodically arranged nodal points are explored within a tight binding framework. We give an analytic prescription, based on a real space decimation scheme, which extracts the energy eigenvalues corresponding to the flat bands along with their degeneracy. The topological phase transition is confirmed through the existence of quantized Zak phase for all the Bloch bands, and the edge states that are protected by chiral symmetry, consistent with the bulk-boundary correspondence. In addition to the edge states, the entangled systems are shown to give rise to clusters of localized eigenstates in the bulk of the system, in contrast to a purely one-dimensional SSH system.
Snapback Repellers, Computational Chaos and Extreme Multistability in Discrete-Time Memristor Murali–Lakshmanan–Chua Circuit
Authors: Di Marco Mauro , Forti Mauro , Pancioni Luca , Tesi Alberto
Published: August 2024

Discretization schemes such as Euler method and Runge–Kutta techniques are extensively used to find approximate solutions of Continuous-Time (CT) dynamical system. While the approximation is good for small discretization step sizes, as pointed out by Lorenz, when the step size increases, computational chaos and computational instability are frequently observed, the former phenomenon being a precursor to the latter. By computational instability, it is meant that there is a blow up of trajectories for the Discrete-Time (DT) system. Computational chaos instead means that for certain step sizes, the DT system displays chaos while the CT counterpart is not chaotic. This paper studies the dynamics of a class of second-order maps obtained via the discretization of a Memristor Murali–Lakshmanan–Chua Circuit (MMLCC). The discretization, which is based on the DT Flux–Charge Analysis Method (FCAM), guarantees that the first integrals of a CT-MMLCC are preserved exactly for the DT system. Hence the dynamics of DT-MMLCC evolves on invariant manifolds and it is characterized by the coexistence of infinitely many different attractors (extreme multistability). The paper uses analytic techniques introduced by Marotto, based on the concept of snapback repellers and transverse homoclinic orbits, to study the chaotic behaviors of the maps. Regions of the parameter space are singled out where there exist snapback repellers for DT-MMLCC, thus implying that the maps display chaos in the Marotto and in the Li–Yorke sense. Since the corresponding CT-MMLCC does not display chaos, the observed chaos of DT-MMLCC is genuinely a consequence of the discretization scheme used in the paper, i.e. it can be actually considered as computational chaos. It is also verified that computational chaos is a precursor to computational instability of the DT-MMLCC maps. Finally, the paper analyzes the effect on chaos obtained by changing the invariant manifold where the dynamics evolves.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation of a Cytokine-Enhanced HIV Infection Model with Saturation Incidence and Three Delays
Authors: Chen Chong , Ye Zhijian , Zhou Yinggao
Published: August 2024

To discuss the influence of cytokine-enhanced rate and antibody delay on viral infection, in this paper, we propose a cytokine-enhanced HIV model with saturation incidence, antibody immune response and time delays. Multiple time delays, namely intracellular delay, virus replication delay and antibody delay, are included. First, we prove that the model is well-posed. Then, we obtain two basic reproductive numbers of the model. Next, the stability of the equilibria is investigated by using Lyapunov functions and LaSalle’s invariance principle. The results show that intracellular delay and virus replication delay do not impact on the stability of the three equilibria. However, if antibody immune response delay is positive, we determine some conditions for stability switches of the endemic equilibrium by using antibody immune response delay as a bifurcation parameter. It is concluded that with the increase of antibody immune response delay, the endemic equilibrium loses its stability and the system generates Hopf bifurcation. Finally, the numerical simulation results also show the correctness of the theoretical results.
KTz Neuron in Electromagnetic Radiation with a Novel Flux-Controlled Memristor
Authors: Zhu Jinyue , Cao Yinghong , Mou Jun , Banerjee Santo
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a novel discrete flux-controlled generalized memristor is proposed to be used in Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) KTz neuron. The introduction of flux-controlled memristor can simulate the behavior changes of the neuron under EMR. The stability of flux-controlled memristor EMR KTz Neuron (EKN) map is discussed, and the fixed point of the system is characterized. With the change of parameters, the complex and rich dynamical characteristics of the EKN map are demonstrated. The firing patterns under different initial values are also investigated, and discharge waveforms similar in general shape and structure to human heart and brain disease phenomena are analyzed. Finally, the hardware implementation is verified on the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) platform. The results show that these findings are of great value for the practical applications of neural networks, with a theoretical basis provided.
Decoding The Playbook: Multi-Modal Characterization of Coordinated Influence Operations on Indian Social Media
Authors: Dash Saloni , Mitra Tanu
Published: August 2024

Manipulation of online discourse through organized disinformation and propaganda campaigns is a threat to information integrity and democratic dialogue. Taking cues from on-ground reports and recent literature on online trend manipulation in the Indian political landscape, we argue that organizing and consequently detecting influence operations is a
multi-modal
problem, where coordination is organized around different modalities like
tweet
,
retweet
,
image
, and
temporal
. In this article, we examine three case studies of prominent hashtag campaigns on Indian X (formerly known as Twitter). Building on prior coordination detection methods, we identify communities of coordinated users across each of the four modalities. An in-depth analysis of the coordinated communities offers unique insights into the
playbook
of coordination strategies employed in the Indian context. We find that
tweet
coordination is used for hashtag trending, while
retweet
coordination aids in amplifying messaging from influential right-wing accounts. Moreover, we find distinct roles of users across modalities, where users that disseminate content through
tweet
and
image
coordination (
disseminators
) are independent of users that amplify content through
retweet
coordination (
amplifiers
), suggesting the existence of distinct coordination campaigns and objectives within influence operations. We conclude by highlighting the
multi-modal
approach to coordination for comprehensively characterizing influence operations, the drawbacks of temporal filtering in coordination, and the transferability and implications of our findings.
Fabrication of Porous Metal Particles with Controlled Surface Structures by Barrel Anode Etching
Authors: Yanagishita Takashi , Ueno Shota , Kondo Toshiaki , Masuda Hideki
Published: August 2024

Porous Al particles with etching pits on their surfaces were prepared by anode etching using a rotating barrel. In this process, Al particles were placed in a barrel with a Pt plate electrode at the bottom. The Al particles were electrified by contacting the Pt electrode in the rotating barrel, and anode etching occurred on the surfaces of the Al particles. The structure of the etching pits formed on the surfaces of the Al particles could be controlled by adjusting the current and electrolysis time during the barrel anode etching. In addition, using an electrolyte solution with a surfactant, it was possible to form etching pits even on the surfaces of Al particles with sizes of 5 μm or less. Porous Mg particles could also be prepared by barrel anode etching using fine Mg particles as the starting material. The porous metal particles obtained using this process have a wide range of potential applications, including sensors, catalyst carriers, and batteries.
Enhancing Traffic Flow Forecasting with Deep‐Learning and Noise Reduction Techniques
Authors: Zhao Jinqiu , Yu Le , Wang Shuhua , Zhang Zhonghao
Published: August 2024

Traditional short‐term traffic volume forecasting approaches make it difficult to predict the highly spatiotemporally coupled short‐time traffic. To tackle the problem, this paper first proposes a variational modal algorithm (GWO‐VMD) based on the optimization of the gray wolf search algorithm. It aims to decompose and reduce the noise of short‐time traffic flows. Meanwhile, it reduces the intricacy of data sequences and enhances the regularity pattern. To address the insufficient utilization of spatiotemporal features, this paper presents an innovative deep‐learning traffic prediction framework based on the stacking of multiple temporal trend‐aware graph attention (TGA) layers and gated temporal convolution (GTC) layers, which are called trend‐aware temporal graph neural network (TTGAN). TGA dynamically models the space‐time relationships of traffic data, and GTC models the temporal characteristics of traffic data. The experimental findings demonstrate that the MAPE model, as presented, achieves a reduction of 9% and 2% compared to the AGCRN and GWNET models, respectively, in the domain of deep spatiotemporal graph modeling. Data decomposition and noise reduction are necessary to achieve accurate results. This model has superior performance in terms of mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination (R2), and explained variance score (EVAR).
Improvement of Composite Beam with Web Opening Using Posttensioning Tendons under Static and Cyclic Loadings
Authors: Worabo Woju Utino , Dadebo Eyob Tadesse
Published: August 2024

In practice, the passage of service utilities through web opening causes a significant load‐carrying capacity loss and introduces a change of failure mode of the composite beam. This study aims to improve the load‐carrying capacity and stiffness of open‐web composite beams subjected to static and cyclic loading using posttensioning tendons. To achieve the desired objective, 18 mechanical models have been developed using ABAQUS by considering the shape and location of the web opening, span/depth ratio, and degree of connection as study parameters. The finite element analysis result was validated with experimental results from relevant literature. Results indicate that the external posttensioning tendons increase load‐carrying capacity to 25.05% for rectangular and 20.61% for circular web opening under static loadings. Under cyclic loading, the improvement is 9.24% for rectangular while 2.50% reduction in deflection has been observed for circular web opening. As a span‐to‐depth ratio increased as 11.54, 15.38, and 23.08, the load‐carrying capacity improved by 26.35%, 20.67%, and 8.65%, respectively, for static loadings. Likewise, 2.03%, 1.24%, and 4.95% improvement were observed under cyclic loadings, respectively. Furthermore, compared to one row of 16 mm shear stud provision, the load‐carrying capacity increased by 30.67% for connection in two rows under cyclic loading.
Modeling Singapore’s First African Swine Fever Outbreak in Wild Boar Populations
Authors: Lim Rayson Bock Hing , Heng Zhan Pei , Ho Kelvin , Koh Kane , Lim Hwee Ping , Lim Kelvin , Sng Wendy , Tan Gordon , Teo Ernest , Chua Tze Hoong
Published: August 2024

African swine fever (ASF) is a virulent and lethal disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars, with serious implications for biodiversity, food security, and the economy. Since its reemergence in Europe, ASF has become widespread, and Singapore reported its first ASF outbreak in its wild boar population. To understand the transmission dynamics in Singapore’s urban landscape, an agent‐based spatiotemporal model was designed to mechanistically model the wild boar dispersal and their interactions for ASF transmission. We investigated the impacts of wild boar dispersal capacity and carcass removal actions on the spatiotemporal dynamics of disease transmission. The model predictions were validated using observed wild boar mortality reports in Singapore and suggested multiple disease entry points into our wild boar population. Our simulations estimated that the ASF outbreak in Singapore would peak within 3 weeks and lasts for less than 70 days. Carcass‐mediated transmission was evident with epidemic reoccurrence through infectious carcasses accounting for 18%–75% of the iterations. Increasing wild boar dispersal capacity expanded the geographic extent of ASF infection, potentially spreading further inland. Simulated carcass removal and decontamination measures slightly reduced the epidemic duration by up to 13.5 days and reoccurrence through infectious carcass by 10.8%. Carcass removal and decontamination efforts, along with identifying and blocking high‐risk areas (e.g., dispersal corridors), are important in controlling the transmission of ASF through contaminated fomites and limiting the dispersal of infected animals. Establishing surveillance programmes and enhancing detection capabilities are also crucial for the successful management and control of infectious diseases.
HIV‐Infected Individuals Do Not Present Significant Differences regarding Periodontal Status: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Teixeira Lucas Ribeiro , Ramos Peña Diana Estefania , Castro Leticia Rodrigues de , dos Santos Márcia , Saraiva Maria da Conceição Pereira , Chahud Fernando , Pozzetto Bruno , Lourenço Alan Grupioni , Motta Ana Carolina Fragoso
Published: August 2024

Objective. To evaluate, through a systematic literature review, whether periodontal status in HIV‐infected individuals is different from those non‐HIV‐infected. Materials and Methods. A systematic search for published observational studies within six electronic databases and grey literature was conducted, PROSPERO database number CRD42020160062. Results from studies reporting clinical periodontal parameters: probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and gingival index, in HIV‐ and non‐HIV‐infected individuals were reviewed. The quality of the assessment was evaluated according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Appraise Checklist. Results. Twenty‐three observational studies met the eligibility criteria and were included for analysis. The qualitative analysis indicated similarities in periodontal parameters within both groups, with no significant mean difference (MD) within both groups regarding clinical periodontal parameters; severe heterogeneity was also detected. Conclusions. No significant differences were found in the periodontal profile of HIV‐infected and non‐HIV‐infected individuals. However, the high heterogeneity among the studies calls for caution in interpreting these findings. Further investigations using standardized methods for periodontal evaluation are needed to clarify the association between HIV infection and periodontal conditions.
Machine Learning Model for Construction Time Prediction: A Case of Selected Public Building Projects in Hosanna, Ethiopia
Authors: Debero Demoze Wondimu , Sinesilassie Ephrem Girma
Published: August 2024

The duration of a construction project is a vital factor to consider before the commencement of the new project. Nowadays, the common problem in the construction industry is time overrun. The main reason for this is the poor prediction of construction contract durations. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate and validate Bromilow’s time‐cost model and Love et al.’s time‐floor model to estimate early project durations for public building construction projects in the Hadiya Zone. The study also suggested an alternative duration machine learning prediction model by considering possibly influential project influencing factors. A questionnaire survey is designed to collect data, and subsequently, the study was performed using the Python programming language for development and validation purposes with different libraries used. The study developed Bromilow’s time‐cost model using a simple linear regression algorithm and Love et al.’s time‐floor model using a multiple linear regression algorithm and proposed a parametric model using random forest, XGBoost, decision tree, K‐nearest neighbor, and polynomial regression algorithms. This study extends the body of knowledge related to construction time performance, and it contributes valuable insights that inform the implementation of machine learning model for construction time prediction.
A 3D Numerical Model for Improving Methane Drainage Efficiency in Underground Coal Mines Using the Cross‐Measure Borehole Method
Authors: Hosseini Ali , Najafi Mehdi , Hossein Morshedy Amin
Published: August 2024

The release of methane into the working area of coal mines can affect safety and production. Therefore, methane drainage reduces the risk of explosion and can be used as a fuel and energy source. One methane drainage method is cross‐measure borehole drilling, which involves drilling boreholes from tailgate roadways to the roof or floor layers of a mined seam. In this method, determining the appropriate distance between methane drainage stations has a significant impact on increasing the efficiency of operation and reducing drilling costs and the time required for drainage operations from each station. In this paper, a new 3D numerical model is developed for methane drainage from an underground coal mine to determine the suitable distance between methane drainage stations in the cross‐measure borehole method using COMSOL Multiphysics software. For this purpose, by considering the porous media flow module and the laws related to the movement of gas in the goaf, different numerical models for distances of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 m were simulated. The simulation results showed that by reducing the distance between methane drainage stations, the speed of gas flow in the borehole and the amount of gas removed from the boreholes in a similar period of time increase to an acceptable level. In addition, the implementation of this model in a case study showed that a distance of 10 m between drainage stations increases the efficiency of boreholes to approximately 20%. Numerical simulation in this study can provide basic support for the design of drainage boreholes and reduce the risk of gas in underground coal mines.
A Recent Comprehensive Review of Fuel Cells: History, Types, and Applications
Authors: Qasem Naef A. A. , Abdulrahman Gubran A. Q.
Published: August 2024

This review discusses the history, fundamentals, and applications of different fuel cell technologies, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs), alkaline fuel cells (AFCs), and molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). Recent advances in fuel cell technologies have led to potential applications in aerospace, transportation, and portable and stationary power generation due to high efficiency and low emissions. Fuel cell types are also compared based on efficiency, operating temperature, lifetime, energy/power density, and cost. It was noticed that PEMFCs have the highest mass power density, reaching 1,000 W/kg compared to less than 100 W/kg for SOFCs, which makes them suitable for portable applications such as aircraft. PEMFCs and AFCs are suitable for low‐temperature applications and are highly efficient. SOFCs and MCFCs are better for high‐temperature operations. SOFCs are robust and suitable for high‐power demands, while MCFCs are advantageous for high‐power output. Hydrogen fuel cells promise to decarbonize transportation and aviation sectors with the advantages of lower weight, compactness, and quick startup times. However, challenges remain around renewable hydrogen production/infrastructure and aircraft integration, besides hydrogen storage, water management inside fuel cells, and operational robustness under varying pressures. Generally, for all fuel cell types, more focus should be given to enhancing the stability and efficiency of fuel cell materials and reducing their cost.
Genetic Diversity of Human Enterovirus in Kazakhstan, during 2022
Authors: Kamalova Dinara , Akhmetova Assel , Amirgazin Asylulan , Sytnik Igor , Rudenko Viktoriya , Yessimkhanova Gulzhan , Bayesheva Dinagul , Yegorov Sergey , Shevtsov Alexander
Published: August 2024

Enteroviral infection is a common cause of aseptic meningitis, herpangina, and hand, foot, and mouth disease in children. Limited data are available on the enteroviral subtypes associated with hospitalization for these conditions in Kazakhstan. We collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and nasopharyngeal swabs (NSW) from children (N = 152, median age = 8 years) hospitalized with symptoms of aseptic meningitis (AM, N = 139) or herpangina (HA, N = 13) disease. We then genotyped enteroviral subtypes associated with AM (n = 50) and HA (n = 9) using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) on the viral protein 1 (VP1), followed up by whole‐genome sequencing of the isolated viral species. All identified EVs were species B EV, consisting of five echoviruses (E6, E9, E11, E21, and E25) and three coxsackieviruses (CVA9, CVB3, and CVB5) serotypes within the cohort. The most abundant EVs were CVA9 (38.5%), CVB5 (21.5%), and E6 (13.8%). Most HA samples (6/9) were genotyped with coxsackievirus CVA9, while AM was associated with a variety of both echovirus and coxsackievirus serotypes. The results suggest that coxsackievirus CVA9 may be the dominant serotype circulating in the HA population, while AM is more diverse in terms of circulating echovirus and coxsackievirus serotypes. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical implications of these findings and to investigate potential differences in disease severity or outcomes associated with different EV serotypes.
The Impact of Dermal Characteristics on Low‐Level Laser Power Measurement in Postmortem Zoological Species
Authors: Ramsey Faith , Borsdorf Michelle , Ladner John , White Anne , Harrison Tara M.
Published: August 2024

Photobiomodulation therapy, also termed as low‐level laser therapy, is commonly used as an adjunctive therapy for various medical conditions in veterinary practice. The ACTIVet PRO low‐level laser has been used for treatment of various nondomestic species, yet the effects of dermal attributes such as pigment, feathers, or scales have not been evaluated. The effects of low‐level laser therapy with the ACTIVet PRO have been investigated in laboratory animals, including a study in rats that evaluated the passage of laser light through the skin in postmortem samples. The objective of this study was to measure the power of a low‐level laser (ACTIVet PRO) after penetration through dermal tissue (∼1 mm thickness) in a variety of postmortem animal tissue. This study sought to determine the impact of fur, feathers, scales, and different pigments on the ability of the laser to penetrate. Frozen and thawed skin tissue samples from various species were placed inside a light restricted laser box and exposed to a preprogrammed laser level from a Multi Radiance ACTIVet PRO photobiomodulation (PBM) device, with a power meter to measure the light penetration through the tissue samples. Light penetration measurements via power output measurements (mW) were recorded at 7 time points (range, 1–150 sec). A Friedman test was performed to evaluate the difference of the mean tissue penetration by each species at each time point. Lighter colored specimens had higher power readings than darker colored or pigmented samples, and feathers appeared to inhibit the laser, showing minimal to no power readings on bird skin covered in covert and down feathers. There was statistically significant mean tissue penetration for all time points between the rabbit and green sea turtle (p = 0.0046), the red‐tailed hawk and green iguana (p = 0.0046), and the red‐tailed hawk and green sea turtle (p = 0.000034). Overall findings found that certain skin coverings, such as feathers, appear to inhibit passage of laser light through tissue to the photo meter. Darker pigmented areas of tissue appeared to absorb the laser light, which also did not allow light passage through the tissue to the photo meter. All of this illustrates that there are differences in tissue penetration between different animal species, at least in postmortem tissues. This could necessitate adjustment of machine settings for therapeutic effect in different species, though further studies would be warranted to determine the extent to which this would be necessary. Additional studies evaluating biologically active tissues would be needed as a next step, as photobiomodulation has an effect at the cellular level and the exact amount of medical benefit is not measurable in skin samples that are separate from a living organism.