bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of storage technologies and duration on insect pest population, post‐harvest losses, and seed quality of stored chickpea in Ethiopia
Authors: Berhe Muez , Subramanyam Bhadriraju , Demissie Girma , Chichaybelu Mekasha , Abera Fetien Abay , Mahroof Rizana , Harvey Jagger
Published: September 2023

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the most important winter season food legume in Ethiopia. Despite being a major producer and consumer of chickpeas, Ethiopia experiences lower yields due to biotic and abiotic stresses, particularly insect pest infestations during storage. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different storage technologies and durations on the losses of stored chickpea seeds in terms of both quantity and quality. The experiment involved five storage technologies and three durations, spanning a period of 6 months, with data collected at 2‐month intervals. The results showed that the Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) and Super GrainPro (SGP) bags effectively maintained intergranular temperature, seed moisture content, and relative humidity throughout the storage period, followed by the modified hermetic metal silo. In contrast, traditional bags exhibited a significant increase in these parameters. The PICS and SGP bags also exhibited the lowest numbers of total insect pests after 6 months, while the jute bags had the highest infestation. Common insect species found in the stored chickpea seeds were Callosobruchus chinensis (L.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and Tribolium confusum (duVal). Furthermore, hermetic bags (PICS and SGP) demonstrated the least grain damage and weight loss, while jute bags had relatively higher values. Seed viability was well maintained in hermetic bags but significantly decreased in traditional bags. Overall, hermetic storage technologies, such as the PICS and SGP bags, effectively suppressed insect development, reduced losses, and preserved seed viability without the need for insecticides. It is recommended that farmers use these hermetic storage bags after proper drying to enhance food security and income generation. By implementing these recommendations, Ethiopia can enhance its chickpea storage practices, reduce post‐harvest losses, and contribute to improved food security and economic sustainability in the chickpea sector. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Right heart thrombus in acute pulmonary embolism: A single center experience in China
Authors: Li Wen , Liu Zhi‐Ying , Chen Xiao‐Xi , Qian Yu‐Ling , Quan Rui‐Lin , Xiong Chang‐Ming , Gu Qing , He Jian‐Guo
Published: September 2023

Right heart thrombus (RHT) is a rare but life‐threatening condition in acute pulmonary embolism (APE) without clear management guidelines. This study aimed to address the clinical characteristics and outcomes of RHT‐APE in Chinese patients. In this study, 17 RHT‐APE and 329 non‐RHT‐APE patients, who were diagnosed between September 2015 and August 2019, were retrospectively recruited with the median follow‐up was 360 days. The overall prevalence of RHT was 4.91% in APE. Its prevalence increased along the increase of APE risk stratifications. Comparisons showed that with higher proportion of male gender and younger age, RHT‐APE patients also had worse hemodynamic instability and heart function, and higher risk stratification levels than non‐RHT‐APE patients. After adjusting by age and gender, multivariate logistic regression analysis found high/intermediate‐high risk stratification, decreased right ventricular (RV) motion, NT‐proBNP >600 pg/mL, and RV dysfunction were risk factors for RHT. Kaplan−Meier analysis showed non‐RHT had better prognosis than RHT patients (30‐day survival: log‐rank: p < 0.001; 90‐day survival: log‐rank: p = 0.002). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed RHT was an independent risk factor for 30‐day mortality in APE. The subgroup analysis showed RHT would result in worse outcomes in patients who already had higher APE early mortality risk. RHT would increase the risk of 30‐ and 90‐day mortality in APE. More attention should be paid to young male APE patients with decreased RV motion, NT‐proBNP >600 pg/mL, RV dysfunction, or high level of risk stratification, to exclude the coexistence of RHT.
Sparse convolutional autoencoder‐based fault location for drive circuits in nuclear reactors
Authors: Yang Cheng , Yuan Yannan , Wang Fu , Li Jueying , Li Ang , Min Yuan , Zhang Qiang
Published: September 2023

Drive circuit is a critical part of instrumentation and control systems in nuclear reactors, and its performance directly influences the operation of nuclear reactors. However, comparing with the open circuit IGBT faults, soft faults caused by the degradation of electronic components present much slighter fluctuations to the performance of drive circuits. If the two fault modes co‐exist, traditional fault diagnosis models are prone to misclassify soft faults as the normal condition. To improve the accuracy of fault diagnosis of drive circuits, it necessitates to accurately locate the faults of drive circuits, while effectively extracting the distinguishable fault features is one of the critical factors for fault location. In this article, a fault location method combining the empirical modal decomposition (EMD) algorithm and sparse convolutional autoencoder (SCAE) is proposed. The EMD algorithm is applied to decompose the three‐phase current signals of drive circuits. An SCAE‐based feature extractor is constructed to capture high‐dimensional and sparse fault feature data with the aid of the powerful feature autonomic extraction capability of deep learning. A deep classifier is designed to locate faults in the driver circuit. A fault simulation model of the drive circuit is developed and the monitor data is collected. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated via a real case of drive circuit in nuclear reactors.
Breaking the cycle: The mediating effects of reading, mathematical and ICT literacy skills on financial success in youth
Authors: Acar Tülin Otbiçer
Published: September 2023

For young people, financial literacy is important because they face financial decisions that can have significant consequences throughout their lives, such as investing in a college education or a business, shopping, buying books or computer games. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between the financial literacy levels of young people and their perceived ICT competence, reading and mathematical literacy, which are measurable and observable phenomena. The research data were obtained from the 2018 PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) database, officially published by the OECD. The participants of this study were 15‐year‐old students from 15 different countries that participated in the PISA programme in 2018. Mathematical and reading literacy were found to be an important variable affecting the financial literacy performance of young people. However, ICT competencies did not significantly affect the financial literacy performance of young people. Additionally, this study tested the mediating effects of reading literacy, mathematical literacy and perceived ICT competence variables on financial literacy.
Security sliding mode control for networked control system under multi‐channel Markovian hybrid cyber‐attacks
Authors: Mao Dancheng , Niu Yugang , Li Jiarui , Yang Yekai
Published: September 2023

This work investigates the security sliding mode control problem of uncertain discrete‐time systems under an unreliable network, in which denial of service and deception attacks may randomly occur in each sensor‐to‐controller channel. Two 2‐valued variables are introduced to model the available state signals for the controller side under random attacks. Meanwhile, by means of mapping rule, independent Markov chains are reformulated into a new Markov chain. And then, a hybrid‐attack‐probability dependent sliding function is constructed, and a desirable sliding mode controller is designed by adopting compensation strategy and available state signals. Moreover, sufficient conditions are derived, under which the closed‐loop system achieve stochastic stability along a quasi sliding mode. Moreover, a cone complementarity linearization (CCL)‐based iterative solving algorithm is proposed. Finally, simulation results are provided to verify the proposed security control approach.
No‐till marginally mitigates the impact of harvesting corn stover on soil microbial parameters
Authors: Ramirez Salvador , Jin Virginia L. , Gunderson Lance M. , Schmer Marty R. , Hanford Kathryn J. , Jeske Elizabeth S. , Drijber Rhae A.
Published: September 2023

Harvesting corn stover can negatively impact soil chemical and physical properties, but less is known regarding its effects on soil microbiology. We evaluated the impact of corn (Zea mays L.) stover removal level (SRL) on soil microbial biomass (MB) and extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs) in irrigated, continuous corn located in eastern Nebraska. Soil fatty acid‐methyl esters (FAMEs) and EEA of eight soil enzymes were measured over 2 years, 0‐ to 20‐cm soil depth, under conventional disk tillage (CT) and no‐till (NT) under three SRLs. Soil chemical properties were measured as explanatory variables for changes in soil microbial communities and their enzymatic potential. Potential EEA of all enzymes decreased with stover removal and tillage. Soil bacterial biomass (BB) and fungal biomass (FB) decreased with SRL, while mycorrhizal biomass was unresponsive. Impacts of tillage on MB groups varied by year; however, FB was consistently higher under CT. At all growth stages, NT with all stover retained, a “soil conservation target” had distinct soil enzyme and bacterial FAME profiles compared to CT across all SRLs and to NT under high and sometimes moderate SRLs. Principal component analysis of soil properties was dominated by SRL with EEAs, BB, soil organic matter (SOM), water‐extractable carbon, and H3A‐extractable potassium being positively correlated to stover retention. Reduced input of microbial substrates also led to a loss of fine particulate organic matter, an indicator correlated to stable macroaggregation. Because NT partially ameliorated the negative impact of stover removal on BB, SOM fractions, and soil enzymes critical to nutrient cycling, pairing NT with stover removal may be more sustainable in the long term.
The complexity and interconnectedness of circular cities and the circular economy for sustainability
Authors: Brglez Kristijan , Perc Matjaž , Lukman Rebeka Kovačič
Published: September 2023

In our study, we are evaluating the dynamic interplay between circular cities and the circular economy, revealing connections shaped by new research insights, using Web of Science database. We have in depth analysed 671 publications from 1990 to mid‐2023, employing Leximancer and VOSviewer tools. Our analysis uncovered key themes, including buildings, waste management, value chains, and sustainable development, linking the circular cities concept and circular economy framework. Emerging research trends, such as urban metabolism, urban mining, governance models, the built environment, sustainability benchmarks, and value chain management, signify deliberate shifts towards higher circular development and implementation. These trajectories harmonise with overarching sustainable development goals. Contemporary research emphasises urban mining, circular indicators, adaptive resource reuse, and urban structure regeneration. This focus facilitates transitioning from linear models to heightened circularity within urban contexts. Research inclination is shifting from traditional economic and environmental concerns towards holistic urban configurations that prioritise social integration, communal well‐being, and the dynamics of the social economy. Through this analytical expedition, we offer novel insights that enhance our understanding of the intricate symbiosis between circular cities and the circular economy. Our findings provide a scientific foundation for formulating targeted strategies by decision‐makers and guiding urban landscapes towards transformative trajectories aligned with sustainable development objectives and sustainable cities.
Dynamic Local Structure in Caesium Lead Iodide: Spatial Correlation and Transient Domains
Authors: Baldwin William J. , Liang Xia , Klarbring Johan , Dubajic Milos , Dell'Angelo David , Sutton Christopher , Caddeo Claudia , Stranks Samuel D. , Mattoni Alessandro , Walsh Aron , Csányi Gábor
Published: September 2023

Metal halide perovskites are multifunctional semiconductors with tunable structures and properties. They are highly dynamic crystals with complex octahedral tilting patterns and strongly anharmonic atomic behavior. In the higher temperature, higher symmetry phases of these materials, several complex structural features are observed. The local structure can differ greatly from the average structure and there is evidence that dynamic 2D structures of correlated octahedral motion form. An understanding of the underlying complex atomistic dynamics is, however, still lacking. In this work, the local structure of the inorganic perovskite CsPbI3 is investigated using a new machine learning force field based on the atomic cluster expansion framework. Through analysis of the temporal and spatial correlation observed during large‐scale simulations, it is revealed that the low frequency motion of octahedral tilts implies a double‐well effective potential landscape, even well into the cubic phase. Moreover, dynamic local regions of lower symmetry are present within both higher symmetry phases. These regions are planar and the length and timescales of the motion are reported. Finally, the spatial arrangement of these features and their interactions are investigated and visualized, providing a comprehensive picture of local structure in the higher symmetry phases.
Two‐Dimensional Van Der Waals Thin Film and Device
Authors: Liao Liping , Kovalska Evgeniya , Regner Jakub , Song Qunliang , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: September 2023

In the rapidly evolving field of thin‐film electronics, the emergence of large‐area flexible and wearable devices has been a significant milestone. Although organic semiconductor thin films, which can be manufactured through solution processing, have been identified, their utility is often undermined by their poor stability and low carrier mobility under ambient conditions. However, inorganic nanomaterials can be solution‐processed and demonstrate outstanding intrinsic properties and structural stability. In particular, a series of two‐dimensional (2D) nanosheet/nanoparticle materials have been shown to form stable colloids in their respective solvents. However, the integration of these 2D nanomaterials into continuous large‐area thin with precise control of layer thickness and lattice orientation still remains a significant challenge. This review paper undertakes a detailed analysis of van der Waals thin films, derived from 2D materials, in the advancement of thin‐film electronics and optoelectronic devices. The superior intrinsic properties and structural stability of inorganic nanomaterials are highlighted, which can be solution‐processed and underscor the importance of solution‐based processing, establishing it as a cornerstone strategy for scalable electronic and optoelectronic applications. A comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities associated with the utilization of 2D materials for the next generation of thin‐film electronics and optoelectronic devices is presented.
Functional MXenes: Progress and Perspectives on Synthetic Strategies and Structure–Property Interplay for Next‐Generation Technologies
Authors: Meng Depeng , Xu Minghua , Li Shijie , Ganesan Muthusankar , Ruan Xiaowen , Ravi Sai Kishore , Cui Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2023

MXenes are a class of 2D materials that include layered transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides. Since their inception in 2011, they have garnered significant attention due to their diverse compositions, unique structures, and extraordinary properties, such as high specific surface areas and excellent electrical conductivity. This versatility has opened up immense potential in various fields, catalyzing a surge in MXene research and leading to note worthy advancements. This review offers an in‐depth overview of the evolution of MXenes over the past 5 years, with an emphasis on synthetic strategies, structure‐property relationships, and technological prospects. A classification scheme for MXene structures based on entropy is presented and an updated summary of the elemental constituents of the MXene family is provided, as documented in recent literature. Delving into the microscopic structure and synthesis routes, the intricate structure‐property relationships are explored at the nano/micro level that dictate the macroscopic applications of MXenes. Through an extensive review of the latest representative works, the utilization of MXenes in energy, environmental, electronic, and biomedical fields is showcased, offering a glimpse into the current technological bottlenecks, such asstability, scalability, and device integration. Moreover, potential pathways for advancing MXenes toward next‐generation technologies are highlighted.
Graphene‐Coated Ni–Cu Alloys for Durable Degradation Resistance of Bi‐Polar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Remarkable Role of Alloy Composition
Authors: Arya Abhishek Kumar , Singh Raman R.K. , Parmar Rahul , Amati Matteo , Gregoratti Luca , Saxena Sumit
Published: September 2023

Bipolar plates, a critical component of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), are constructed out of alloys of Ti, Pt, Cr, or graphitic materials that have limitations. Electrical conductivity, cost, and corrosion resistance are among the critical considerations for bi‐polar plate material. Graphene, which possesses impressive conductivity and toughness, is an attractive option as coating on metallic substrates of PEMFC bipolar plates. This study investigates corrosion resistance and its durability due to graphene developed by chemical vapor deposition on a pure Ni–Cu alloy and a commercial Ni–Cu alloy in 0.5 m H2SO4 environment, with a view to exploring use of graphene coated Ni–Cu alloys for the construction of PEMFC bipolar plates. The graphene coating on the pure alloy shows remarkably superior corrosion resistance than the commercial alloy that is attributed to the former's ability to develop considerably defect‐free graphene.
Nanowires Framework Supported Porous Lotus‐Carbon Anode Boosts Lithium‐Ion and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Xiaochen , Gao Xuan , Li Zhuo , Zhang Xin , Zhai Xiaoli , Zhang Qiuxia , Li Liuan , Gao Nan , He Guanjie , Li Hongdong
Published: September 2023

The novel design of carbon materials with stable nanoarchitecture and optimized electrical properties featuring simultaneous intercalation of lithium ions (Li+) and sodium ions (Na+) is of great significance for the superb lithium–sodium storage capacities. Biomass‐derived carbon materials with affluent porosity have been widely studied as anodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, it remains unexplored to further enhance the stability and utilization of the porous carbon skeleton during cycles. Here, a lotus stems derived porous carbon (LPC) with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and intrinsic carbon nanowires framework (CNF) is successfully fabricated by a self‐template method. The LPC anodes show remarkable Li+ and Na+ storage performance with ultrahigh capacity (738 mA h g−1 for LIBs and 460 mA h g−1 for SIBs at 0.2 C after 300 cycles, 1C≈372 mA h g−1) and excellent long‐term stability. Structural analysis indicates that the CNFs‐supported porous structure and internal GQDs with excellent electrical conductivity contribute significantly to the dominant capacitive storage mechanism in LPC. This work provides new perspectives for developing advanced carbon‐based materials for multifunctional batteries with improved stability and utilization of porous carbon frameworks during cycles.
Carbon removal demonstrations and problems of public perception
Authors: Waller Laurie , Cox Emily , Bellamy Rob
Published: September 2023

Expectations about the future removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere have mobilized projects which seek to demonstrate carbon removal methods, at various stages of development. Public perceptions play a critical role in demonstrations and funders widely require demonstration projects to identify and consult affected groups and communities. This review examines the extant research on perceptions of carbon removal, analyzing how studies have conceptualized the public and the role perceptions play in field trials and experiments of carbon removal methods. The paper develops a novel analytical framework distinguishing between “procedural” and “performative” approaches to demonstrations. Attending to performativity, we suggest, makes clear why demonstration projects often surface conflicting expectations about future technology development. We apply the analytical framework to the academic literature on perceptions of carbon removal using a systematic search and interpretive review. We find that much perceptions research on carbon removal adopts elements from linear models of innovation, foregrounding the problem of social acceptance and distancing the public from experimental presentations and displays. We situate these findings in a discussion of the roles that expectations about carbon removal play in demonstrations and the positioning of perceptions research as a tool for managing “opposition” from external audiences. Moving beyond instrumental approaches to public perception, the review makes the case for closer engagement in perceptions research with conflicting expectations that emerge around projects demonstrating the “promise” of carbon removal.

This article is categorized under:

The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Technological Aspects and Ideas
Super‐hard hybrid ene‐C5, yne‐C6, and ene‐yne‐C7 allotropes from crystal engineering and first principles
Authors: Matar Samir F.
Published: September 2023

Based on tetrahedral lonsdaleite‐like C4 inserted with C(sp2), C(sp1) and both C(sp2)−C(sp1) ultrahard hybrid allotropes ene‐C5, yne‐C6, and ene‐yne‐C7 were generated and identified from quantum density functional theory DFT calculations of ground states. The crystal density and the cohesive energy were found to decrease along the series C4−C5−C6−C7 from the larger openness of the structures due to C insertions; such feature led to decrease the hardness throughout the series. The novel hybrid allotropes were found stable mechanically (elastic constants and their combinations) and dynamically (phonons band structures). From the electronic band structures, the inserted carbons were found to add up rigidly to the diamond‐like bands of C4 while being characterized by small band gap semi‐conductor to metallic‐like behavior. Modified diamonds such as the simple models herein considered exist (ex. nano‐diamond) and their investigations are of growing interest in materials sciences communities with applications as in electrochemistry.
Thermal characteristics for the flow of Williamson hybrid nanofluid with distinct shape factors
Authors: Kavya S. , Nagendramma V.
Published: September 2023

The main purpose of the present article is to investigate the flow of 2‐D, incompressible, steady, hydro magnetic Williamson hybrid nanofluid with three distinct shape factors namely spherical, cylindrical, and platelet shapes under the influence of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation effects on the flow. The aim of the current work is to investigate the thermal conduction capacity of three different shaped nanoparticles by comparison. We have modelled copper and molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles suspension in Williamson fluid blood as a conventional real fluid passing through a horizontal stretching cylinder in this case. A set of non‐linear PDEs are used to conceivably formulate the problem's physical model. The transformation from these modelled PDEs to ODEs is accomplished through the use of appropriate similarity variables. To address the problem, the RK method of order four is used in conjunction with shooting system in order to get first order ordinary equations from non‐linear higher order ordinary differential equations. To run the code for numerical results, computational Matlab bvp4c solver is used and graphs are depicted to explain the impact of various embedded physical quantities on the momentum and energy profiles accompanying the rates of shear stress and heat transfer for the considered Williamson hybrid nanofluid. The use of spherical shaped nanoparticles is thought to improve the thermal conductivity rate of the flowing fluid more than cylinder and platelet shaped nanoparticles. The skin friction coefficient is enhancing for larger values of magnetic parameter and curvature parameter but Weissenberg number has a negative trend. The rate of cooling is high for greater values of magnetic parameter, Williamson fluid parameter, heat generation parameter, thermal conduction parameter, viscous dissipation parameter and thermal radiation parameter.
OpenVoting: Recoverability from Failures in Dual Voting
Authors: Agrawal Prashant , Tomer Kabir , Nakarmi Abhinav , Jhanwar Mahabir Prasad , Sharma Subodh Vishnu , Banerjee Subhashis
Published: September 2023

In this paper we address the problem of recovery from failures without re-running entire elections when elections fail to verify. We consider the setting of dual voting protocols, where the cryptographic guarantees of end-to-end verifiable voting (E2E-V) are combined with the simplicity of audit using voter-verified paper records (VVPR). We first consider the design requirements of such a system and then suggest a protocol called OpenVoting, which identifies a verifiable subset of error-free votes consistent with the VVPRs, and the polling booths corresponding to the votes that fail to verify with possible reasons for the failures.
Real-time Pilates Posture Recognition System Using Deep Learning Model
Authors: Kim Hayoung , Oh Kyeong Teak , Kim Jaesuk , Kwon Oyun , Kwon Junhwan , Choi Jiwon , Yoo Sun K.
Published: September 2023

As the pandemic situation continues, many people exercise at home. Mat Pilates is a popular workout and effective core strengthening. Although many researchers have conducted pose recognition studies for exercise posture correction, the study on Pilates exercise is only one case on static images. Therefore, for the purpose of exercise monitoring, we propose a real-time Pilates posture recognition system on a smartphone for exercise monitoring. We aimed to recognize 8 Pilates exercises—Bridge, Head roll-up, Hundred, Roll-up, Teaser, Plank, Thigh stretch, and Swan. First, the Blazepose model is used to extract body joint features. Then, we designed a deep neural network model that recognizes Pilates based on the extracted body features. It also measures the number of workouts, duration, and similarity to experts in video sequences. The precision, recall, and f1-score of the posture recognition model are 0.90, 0.87, and 0.88, respectively. The introduced application is expected to be used for exercise management at home.
A Study on Standard for Safety and Performance Requirements for Care Robots
Authors: Ahn Soonjae , Yuk Sunwoo , Yu Woojin , Moon Inhyuk
Published: September 2023

Recently, care robots are being developed that incorporate robotics into assistive products that focus on daily care for the physically disabled or elderly with reduced physical function. However, although care robots can reduce the physical burden of human intervention, they can also be dangerous depending on their situational awareness. This study describes a standardization that defines safety requirements for care robots and includes an evaluation method to test their safety based on these requirements. As an example of the application of this standard, a standard for the safety and performance method of a meal assistant robot is shown. This standardization study is expected to contribute to the spread of care robots in the future.
Adaptive Dashboard for IoT Environments: Application for Senior Residences
Authors: Abdulrazak Bessam , Rezaei Amin
Published: September 2023

Dashboards are powerful electronic tools that can provide actionable insights for healthcare professionals, especially in support of the increasing senior population. With advancements in technology and IoT infrastructure, remote patient monitoring has become a feasible option for healthcare professionals through dashboards. To best serve the diverse needs of healthcare professionals, dashboards should be tailored for each user, considering their roles, interests, and priorities. In this study we proposed AMI-Dash, a solution allows for dynamic design and information visualization to address the diversity in needs and priorities among different dashboard users while maintaining a high-level of performance, as evaluated through several technical aspects.
Agitated Behaviors Detection in Children with ASD Using Wearable Data
Authors: Montassar Imen , Chikhaoui Belkacem , Wang Shengrui
Published: September 2023

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit agitated behaviors that can isolate them from their peers. This study aims to examine if wearable data, collected during everyday activities, could effectively detect such behaviors. First, we used the Empatica E4 device to collect real data including Blood Volume Pulse (BVP), Electrodermal Activity (EDA), and Acceleration (ACC), from a 9-years-old male child with autism over 6 months. Second, we analyzed and extracted numerous features from each signal, and employed different classifiers including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (FR), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and TabNet. Our preliminary findings showed good performance in comparison with the state of the art. Notably, XGBoost demonstrated the highest performance in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The accuracy achieved in this paper using XGBoost is equal to$$80\%$$80%which exceeds previous research.
Application of Performance Test Method in Korea for LED Optical Medical Device Samples
Authors: Lee Jae Young , Hwang In-ho , Park Sang Geon
Published: September 2023

The development of light-based technologies has facilitated the use of phototherapy devices in the medical field. Representative phototherapy devices are laser surgical instruments and medical laser irradiators. While the former are used for the removal, ablation, and destruction of areas in need of treatment using the light of a strong laser; the latter irradiate the skin, induce skin regeneration, and relieve pain [1]. These medical devices are used under the guidance of healthcare providers in medical institutions and can be hazardous because they use strong light. According to the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, medical devices are divided into four classes according to the hazard level [2]. Devices such as lasers are currently represented by Class 3, which represents a high risk. However, various personal phototherapy devices have recently emerged and are used without any instructions from healthcare providers. Among them, representative personal phototherapy devices include those that use LED. Such devices are known to have effects such as pain and inflammation relief, scar healing, and skin regeneration according to previous studies [3]. With the progress of research, LED medical devices for skin improvement and beauty treatment are emerging in Korea. Thus, LED medical devices are used for various purposes. Certain devices only use LEDs, while others are used in com-bination with lasers their boundary with medical laser irradiators is vague. Based on the report on personal phototherapy devices by the Korea Consumer Agency, there were 172 adverse events of LED masks, which were home phototherapy devices, from 2018 to Au-gust 2020; they comprise 134 cases of skin and subcutaneous tissue injuries, six of burns, one of heat sensation and dyspnoea, and one of bruising [4]. As various phototherapy de-vices continue to be developed, assuring adequate safety is paramount. This study con-tributes to the industrial development of LED phototherapy devices and new phototherapy devices. We derived a performance test method to ensure safety related to the performance of LED phototherapy devices in the Korean context.
Bring the Noise: Introducing Noise Robustness to Pretrained Automatic Speech Recognition
Authors: Eickhoff Patrick , Möller Matthias , Rosin Theresa Pekarek , Twiefel Johannes , Wermter Stefan
Published: September 2023

In recent research, in the domain of speech processing, large End-to-End (E2E) systems for Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) have reported state-of-the-art performance on various benchmarks. These systems intrinsically learn how to handle and remove noise conditions from speech. Previous research has shown, that it is possible to extract the denoising capabilities of these models into a preprocessor network, which can be used as a frontend for downstream ASR models. However, the proposed methods were limited to specific fully convolutional architectures. In this work, we propose a novel method to extract the denoising capabilities, that can be applied to any encoder-decoder architecture. We propose the Cleancoder preprocessor architecture that extracts hidden activations from the Conformer ASR model and feeds them to a decoder to predict denoised spectrograms. We train our preprocessor on the Noisy Speech Database (NSD) to reconstruct denoised spectrograms from noisy inputs. Then, we evaluate our model as a frontend to a pretrained Conformer ASR model as well as a frontend to train smaller Conformer ASR models from scratch. We show that the Cleancoder is able to filter noise from speech and that it improves the total Word Error Rate (WER) of the downstream model in noisy conditions for both applications.
Clarifying the Half Full or Half Empty Question: Multimodal Container Classification
Authors: Spisak Josua , Kerzel Matthias , Wermter Stefan
Published: September 2023

Multimodal integration is a key component of allowing robots to perceive the world. Multimodality comes with multiple challenges that have to be considered, such as how to integrate and fuse the data. In this paper, we compare different possibilities of fusing visual, tactile and proprioceptive data. The data is directly recorded on the NICOL robot in an experimental setup in which the robot has to classify containers and their content. Due to the different nature of the containers, the use of the modalities can wildly differ between the classes. We demonstrate the superiority of multimodal solutions in this use case and evaluate three fusion strategies that integrate the data at different time steps. We find that the accuracy of the best fusion strategy is 15% higher than the best strategy using only one singular sense.
General Principles in Pediatric Nuclear Medicine
Authors: Nadel Helen , Paez Diana , Bar-Sever Zvi , Israel Ora , Giammarile Francesco
Published: September 2023

Typically, pediatric age range is defined as 0–18 years. Pediatric nuclear medicine plays an important role in diagnosis, management, and follow-up of many diseases in children. Average nuclear medicine departments only perform a few studies in patients up to the age of 18 years. Pediatric scintigraphy uses the same imaging devices as in adults but obtaining high-quality diagnostic images in a child is more challenging than in adults. The structures are smaller, the administered activities and count rates are much lower and motion artifacts are more abundant. Pediatric nuclear medicine technologists are expected to handle children and their caregivers with patience and empathy, so they can gain their trust and improve cooperation. They should be familiar with pediatric imaging protocols that can differ from adult protocols in study technique and administered activities. Correct interpretation of a pediatric nuclear scan relies on this meticulous technique and on the readers’ expertise. Readers should be familiar with the effects of normal growth and developmental changes on image findings and should be familiar with pediatric diseases. This chapter will give helpful tips on how to manage pediatric patients, optimize the workflow, and optimize the quality of diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures in children.
Digestive Tract
Authors: Brink Anita , Biassoni Lorenzo , Bar-Sever Zvi
Published: September 2023

Nuclear medicine studies can evaluate functional abnormalities of the digestive tract in children. Repeat episodes of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) are associated with clinical gastrointestinal and/or respiratory manifestations of variable severity. GER scintigraphy, the “milk scan,” can detect GER and aspiration. Clinical signs and symptoms of gastric dysmotility are non-specific and can be related to delayed or, less frequent, rapid gastric emptying (GE). Measurements of GE can be performed with solid and liquid radiolabelled meals and represent the gold standard in gastric dysmotility evaluation. Esophageal transit studies provide information on possible esophageal dysmotility. Failure to identify children with esophageal transit abnormalities may be harmful. For example, if fundoplication is performed on a child with a predominant transit abnormality his symptoms will probably worsen after the surgical procedure. Esophageal transit can be assessed in conjunction with, but preceding, a GER study. Radionuclide salivagram is used for the detection of salivary aspiration. Scanning for detection of a Meckel’s diverticulum can detect ectopic gastric mucosa as the cause and source of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and/or of repeat episodes of abdominal pain in children. Blood pool scintigraphy is also a noninvasive method to determine the presence and gross location of GIB.
Liver and Spleen
Authors: Brink Anita , Bar-Sever Zvi , Biassoni Lorenzo
Published: September 2023

Nuclear medicine studies for the evaluation of liver, spleen, and biliary tract pathologies include a number of tests performed with various radiotracers. These imaging modalities are based on an assessment of the various histological components of the liver and spleen and their functional characteristics. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) evaluates the function of the hepatocytes and the biliary system. Liver and spleen scintigraphy with [99mTc]-labelled colloid tracks active tracer phagocytosis by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Approximately 80–90% of tracer is taken by the liver, 5–10% by the spleen, and the remainder by the bone marrow. The physiologic basis for spleen scintigraphy with heat damaged red blood cells (DRBCs) is the ability of this organ to trap and remove deformed and damaged RBCs from circulation. This method involves drawing blood, in vitro labelling RBCs with [99mTc], and inducing damage to their cell membrane with controlled heating. Following reinjection of DRBCs splenic tissue can be identified with high sensitivity and specificity. Unlike labelled colloid scans and HBS, liver and spleen scintigraphy with [99mTc]-labelled RBCs can be highly specific in the evaluation of vascularity and blood pool of focal liver lesions.
Lymphoscintigraphy
Authors: Pascual Thomas Neil , Zucchetta Pietro , London Kevin , Howman-Giles Robert
Published: September 2023

This study evaluates lymphatic transit and lymph node accumulation of radiolabeled nanocolloids that, following intradermal injection, are cleared by the lymphatic system. Lymphoscintigraphy is also a sensitive, noninvasive method for evaluating lymphedema and the overall integrity of the lymphatic system.
Erratum to: Anomaly-free axion dark matter in three Higgs doublet model and its phenomenological implications
Authors: Sakurai Kodai , Takahashi Fuminobu
Published: September 2023

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP07(2022)124
Perturbative unitarity constraints on generic vector interactions
Authors: Barducci Daniele , Nardecchia Marco , Toni Claudio
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We study perturbative unitarity constraints on generic interactions between fermion and vector fields, which are allowed to have generic quantum numbers under a ΠiSU(Ni) ⨂ U(1) group. We derive compact expressions for the bounds on the couplings for the cases where the fields transform under the trivial, fundamental or adjoint representation of the various, considering both the case of a complex vector arbitrary interactions with fermionic current and also the case of vectors arising as gauge fields. We apply our results to some specific NP models showing the constraints that can be derived using the tool of perturbative unitarity.
Exact QFT duals of AdS black holes
Authors: Choi Sunjin , Jeong Saebyeok , Kim Seok , Lee Eunwoo
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We construct large N saddle points of the matrix model for the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Yang- Mills index dual to the BPS black holes in AdS5 × S5, in two different setups. When the two complex chemical potentials for the angular momenta are collinear, we find linear eigenvalue distributions which solve the large N saddle point equation. When the chemical potentials are not collinear, we find novel solutions given by areal eigenvalue distributions after slightly reformulating the saddle point problem. We also construct a class of multi-cut saddle points, showing that they sometimes admit nontrivial filling fractions. As a byproduct, we find that the Bethe ansatz equation emerges from our saddle point equation.
Equivariant pliability of the projective space
Authors: Cheltsov Ivan , Sarikyan Arman
Published: September 2023

We classify finite subgroups $$G\subset {\textrm{PGL}}_4({\mathbb {C}})$$

G
⊂

PGL
4

(
C
)

such that $${\mathbb {P}}^3$$

P

3

is not G-birational to conic bundles and del Pezzo fibrations, and explicitly describe all G-Mori fibre spaces that are G-birational to $${\mathbb {P}}^3$$

P

3

for these subgroups.
Addison-Krise im Rahmen eines autoimmunen, polyglandulären Syndroms Typ 2
Authors: Manske J. , Pohle R. , Mirza J. , Weiß M. , Boemers T. M.
Published: September 2023

Eine 16-jährige Patientin stellt sich 14 Tage nach einer Appendektomie in der kinderchirurgischen Ambulanz mit Bauchschmerzen, einer lokalen Wundinfektion, Fieber und Erbrechen vor. Nach einer Wiedervorstellung in derselben Nacht erfolgt die stationäre Aufnahme aufgrund einer Exsikkose und stark reduziertem Allgemeinzustand. Wegen einer arteriellen Hypotonie und Tachykardie, trotz Infusionstherapie, wird die Patientin mit dem V. a. eine Sepsis auf die Intensivstation verlegt. Trotz Eskalation der antibiotischen Therapie bleibt eine Besserung ihres Zustands aus, daher wird aufgrund einer therapieresistenten Hypotonie und einer auffälligen Hyperpigmentation der Verdacht auf eine Addison-Krise gestellt. Nach Gabe von Hydrokortison stellt sich eine rasche Verbesserung der klinischen Symptomatik ein. Die Hormon- und Autoantikörperdiagnostik bestätigt den Verdacht eines M. Addison. In Kombination mit der noch frisch diagnostizierten Hashimoto-Thyreoiditis liegt ein autoimmunes polyglanduläres Syndrom (APS) vom Typ 2 vor.
Combined anterior cruciate ligament revision with reconstruction of the antero‐lateral ligament does not improve outcome at 2‐year follow‐up compared to isolated acl revision; a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sørensen Ole Gade , Faunø Peter , Konradsen Lars , Nielsen Torsten , Schaarup Susanne , Mygind‐Klavsen Bjarne , Krogsgaard Michael , Lind Martin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

It is essential to obtain rotational stability of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL‐R) and it is suggested that a supplementary reconstruction of the antero‐lateral ligament (ALL‐R) may supports this. Theoretically, ALL‐R may be particularly advantageous to support revision of failed ACL‐Rs. It was hypothesized that ACL revision combined with ALL‐R will result in superior outcome compared to isolated ACL revision.

Methods

The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Patients eligible for first time ACL revision were randomized to either isolated ACL revision (− ALL group) or ACL revision combined with a single‐stranded allograft ALL‐reconstruction (+ ALL group). Patient reported outcomes and function were evaluated at two‐year follow‐up by KNEES‐ACL, KOOS, and Tegner activity scale. Objective knee laxity was evaluated at one‐year follow‐up using an instrumented Rolimeter test, the pivot shift test, and a manual Lachman test.

Results

A total of 103 patients were enrolled with 49 patients randomized to the + ALL group and 54 patients in the − ALL group. There were no differences at baseline between groups regarding age, gender, body mass index, preoperative patient reported outcome scores and concomitant meniscus or cartilage injury. The ACL revision was performed with an allograft in 10 patients (20%) in the + ALL group and 8 patients (15%) in the ‐ALL group. At follow‐up there was no significant difference between the groups in patient reported outcome scores and clinical knee laxity.

Conclusion

Supplementary ALL‐R does not improve subjective outcome of first time ACL revision at two‐years and clinical knee stability at one‐year follow‐up compared to isolated ACL revision.

Level of evidence

Level I.
Tailoring microbial response to stainless steel surfaces via electrolyte jet machining and electrodeposition
Authors: Lutey Adrian H. A. , Romoli Luca , Lee Janggeon , Kunieda Masanori
Published: September 2023

Electrolyte jet machining (EJM) and electrodeposition present unexploited opportunities for the manufacturing of multiscale structured surfaces. The present work assesses the morphology and antibacterial properties of textured and multiscale stainless steel surfaces produced by EJM with a new 50 mm × 0.3 mm slit nozzle, as well as multiscale surfaces subject to electrodeposition with copper. Characterisation of the surface morphology obtained via EJM with various combinations of current density, machining time and groove spacing is performed to facilitate the selection of representative surfaces for bacterial retention tests. Higher current density with constant applied charge leads to lower surface roughness at constant scanning speed and greater groove depth and width under static conditions. Groove depth is proportional to machining time at constant current density, while a groove pitch of 1.05 mm is found to provide the optimum compromise between maximum groove depth and complete surface coverage. Microscale surface features are found to reduce Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa retention by up to 97% compared to untextured control surfaces, while larger grooves play a role in inhibiting bacterial attachment by inducing turbulence. The presence of copper agglomerates completely eliminates bacterial retention under the tested conditions. The developed process provides a flexible approach to tailoring surface properties for specific applications requiring antimicrobial properties.