bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Image Feature Extraction Algorithm Based on Tissue P System
Authors: Huang Yourui , Song Hongping , Han Tao , Xu Shanyong , Jiang Lingya
Published: May 2024

As digital images continue to generate an increasing amount of data, image feature extraction has become a crucial component of image recognition. This paper proposes an image feature extraction method based on membrane computing to extract image features. The author first uses the rotation invariant local phase quantization (RILPQ) to extract image features and combines the tissue P system with the binary particle swarm optimization (MBPSO) to select the best image features and maximize the classification accuracy. Based on 4 public datasets, 28 datasets are newly constructed, and the proposed method is verified on 28 datasets. Specifically, firstly, local binary pattern (LBP) algorithm and RILPQ are used to extract image features, and then MBPSO, binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO), genetic algorithm (GA) and membrane genetic algorithm (MGA) are used to select the optimal features. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed image feature extraction method achieves high classification accuracy, stability, and convergence.
Towards Robust Subspace Clustering via Joint Feature Extraction and Cauchy Loss Function
Authors: Xu Yesong , Hu Ping
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the subspace clustering approach is to discover the similarity between samples by learning a self-representation matrix, and it has been widely employed in machine learning and pattern recognition. Most existing subspace clustering techniques discover subspace structures from raw data and simply adopt L2 loss to characterize the reconstruction error. To break through these limitations, a novel robust model named Feature extraction and Cauchy loss function-based Subspace Clustering (FCSC) is proposed. FCSC performs low dimensional and low-rank feature extraction at the same time, as well as processing large noise in the data to generate a more ideal similarity matrix. Furthermore, we provide an efficient iterative strategy to solve the resultant problem. Extensive experiments on benchmark datasets confirm its superiority in the robustness of some advanced subspace clustering algorithms.
Self-testing Algorithm of Metro One-button Switch Station Equipment Based on a Neural Network
Authors: Chen Yun , Xu Xiaozhou , Zhang Hao , Liao Hongyun , Xia Haiyang , Wu Qian , Ren Tianyang
Published: May 2024

According to the operation and management requirements of subway stations, equipment managed by the station, such as lighting, escalators, broadcasting, etc., must be operated with one-button switch according to a certain process every day. The first step in one-button switch station operation is to perform routine self-testing on these devices. Traditional self-testing operations mainly rely on manual handling by operators, which greatly affects their work efficiency. To optimize the operational processes, it is necessary to establish intelligent self-testing algorithms. An AC-CNN (Attention Causal Convolutional Neural Network) model to increase the self-testing efficiency in subway switching stations was established in this paper. AC-CNN model is a deep learning prediction network based on attention mechanism, which can capture the causal convolutional layer of the time before and after relationship as the basic network structure, optimize the convergence process through residual connections, and fuse global and local attention representations through matrix multiplication in the attention mechanism module to reduce useful information loss. The algorithm used the one-hot encoding and sliding window feature engineering operations to preprocess the historical self-testing operation data and completed the prediction of the self-testing information of metro one-button switch station equipment through the deep analysis of AC-CNN. The on-site application results indicated that AC-CNN had greater advantages in terms of accuracy and operation time compared to those of existing BP neural networks, GBDT, and LSTM algorithms, which can significantly improve the work efficiency of subway staff on one-button switch station.
Research on Semantic Segmentation Algorithm for Multiscale Feature Images Based on Improved DeepLab v3+
Authors: Wang Qing-li , Liu Hai-ping , Wen Tao , Hu Jun
Published: May 2024

Aiming at the question of erroneous segmentation and missed segmentation that occurs when the DeepLab v3+ model cannot fully utilize high-resolution shallow features, a feature image semantic segmentation algorithm based on improved DeepLab v3+ with multiscale features is proposed. First, in the backbone network, multi-scale pyramid convolution is introduced; second, the standard convolution in the pooled pyramid of null-space convolution has been taken by depth-separable convolution, which declines the number of parameters in the overall model; finally, a multi-scale approach is used in the decoding layer to capture the acquired global background, and the background features are combined with the shallow features, and the fused shallow features are enriched by the fusion-attention mechanism to provide the semantic information for images. The experimental results show that in the cityscape validation set, this paper’s method has a better edge segmentation effect, and the average cross-merge rate reaches 74.76%, which is 2.20% higher than the original algorithm. By comparing with other algorithms, the effectiveness of this paper’s method in improving mis-segmentation and omission segmentation is verified.
Influence of Different Wingtip Devices on Aerodynamic Characteristics of UAV
Authors: Xiao Yan-ping , Sun Pei-yan
Published: May 2024

The wingtip device plays an important role in increasing the range of UAVs because the winglets can effectively reduce the induced drag. The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of wingtip device parameters on the lift-to-drag ratio of UAVs. Using the Fluent analysis system, the drag reduction performance of the winglet-winglet structure based on a UAV was analyzed at different angles of attack. Firstly, from the perspective of aerodynamic performance, the optimal cant and sweep angles of the blended winglets were selected by simulations. Then, the best-blended winglet and the blended split were simulated and analyzed, and the difference between the two on the lift-to-drag ratio and the flow field around the wing were compared. Compared with the traditional wind tunnel test, the CFD technology used greatly shortens the research cost and experimental cycle and provides help for the design of the UAV wingtip work.
Study on the Evolution Pattern of Complex Topographic Flow Field in Typical Tableland and Hogback Ridge
Authors: Peng Xiufang , Wu Zhepan , Shi Chen , Xue Feifei , Cao Xiaoyan
Published: May 2024

The flow field in complex mountainous wind farms is highly intricate, affecting the accuracy of wind resource assessments and the reliability of wind turbine operation. In order to study the evolving characteristics of the flow field in typical complex terrains under different inflow wind directions and wind speeds, this paper, based on the open-source software OpenFOAM, adopts a neutral atmospheric boundary layer model combined with Reynolds-averaged turbulence model to construct a high-precision flow field model for complex terrains. The research reveals that this model requires fewer computational resources and can effectively simulate the flow characteristics around complex terrains. Wind resource distribution in tableland terrains and hogback ridge terrains is more influenced by the height of the mountains, and the recovery speed of the wake behind the mountains decreases with a reduction in slope. In hogback ridge terrains, under a wind direction of 0 °, the wind acceleration effect at the top of the hogback ridge is stronger than under a wind direction of 270°, as it experiences more intense compression from the mountains. This paper can provide reference for micro-siting in complex terrain.
Numerical Simulation Study on Blasting-induced Damage Characteristics of Frozen Rock
Authors: Chen Xinqing , Cheng Ruishan , Wang Haiquan
Published: May 2024

Rock masses in cold regions are exposed to a negative temperature environment for extended periods, causing significant changes in their mechanical properties. This inevitably results in substantial differences in the blasting characteristics compared to rocks at normal temperatures. To reveal the influence of different temperatures on the blasting characteristics of frozen rocks, this paper utilized a finite element method-based LS-DYNA software for numerical simulation of single borehole blasting at freezing temperatures of -5°C, -10°C, -20°C, and -30°C. The results showed that under negative temperature conditions, the degree of rock blasting-induced damage gradually decreased as the rock temperature decreased. As the temperature decreased from -5°C to -30°C, the volume of rock blasting-induced damage decreased by approximately 14%. Additionally, this paper has further investigated the effects of ignition locations, free surface, and borehole burdens on the blasting-induced damage characteristics of frozen rock. It was found that the volume of the blast cavity is the largest in reverse detonation. While forward detonation is more favorable for damaging the top rock and helps to improve the rock fragmentation at the orifice. Increasing the free surface can significantly improve the effect of blasting-induced damage. There is an optimal borehole burden distance, which can fully utilize the explosive energy and break the rock efficiently. Finally, based on multivariate nonlinear regression analysis, an empirical formula of the reduction coefficient of the specific charge for frozen rock mass is developed, which can provide a theoretical basis for designing and optimizing rock engineering blasting in alpine and cold regions.
Weak Solutions to an Initial-Boundary Value Problem of a Consistent Three-phase-field Model
Authors: Ma Li , Cong Yuhao , Zhu Peicheng , Yang Manman
Published: May 2024

Global warming has caused the melting of glaciers, especially the Greenland sea ice which is a great threat to human beings. The phase-field method is used to describe the evolution of multi-phase microstructure of Greenland sea ice. This paper shall investigate the global existence, uniqueness and regularity of weak solutions to an initial-boundary value problem for a three-phase-field model based on criteria that lead to both physical and mathematical consistency. For global solutions, it is calculated by applying the method of continuation of local solutions. This model allows for the formulation of spurious phases, which is completely consistent with physical reality.
Pulse Signal Generator for Simulated Gamma-ray Spectrometer Detection
Authors: Guo Cheng , Zhang Yan , Hu Yuan , Lai Wanchang , Zhao Qing
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces an integrated nuclear pulse generator aimed at simulating authentic radiation detection signals, allowing for the convenient calibration and testing of nuclear instruments without the need for radioactive sources. An innovative method is adopted, generating energy spectrum distributions via Monte Carlo simulation and deriving nuclear pulse waveforms using difference equations. This approach enables real-time computation of particle transport processes on a hardware platform, and generates pulse sequences that closely resemble the statistical characteristics of actual nuclear events. Compared to traditional nuclear signal generators, this new type of generator significantly enhances the flexibility and real-time capabilities of the equipment, as it no longer relies on pre-stored empirical data or simulation software to generate energy spectrum data. As a case for gamma-ray spectrometer detection, the signal waveforms and energy spectrum distributions produced closely match those obtained using a NaI scintillation detector in a lead chamber to detect a Cs-137 source.
Key Technology Research and Equipment Development of Automatic Spool Feeding Device
Authors: Xu Aiqun , Cheng Peng , Hong Ling , Du Haoran
Published: May 2024

To solve the problems of high labour intensity and low efficiency of artificial spool feeding, an automatic spool feeding device is developed. SolidWorks is used for overall structural scheme design and determination of design parameters. The kinematic equation of the chain conveyor line is established, a mathematical model is solved with MATLAB, and sprocket, and chain parameters are selected. The clamping mechanism and turnover mechanism are designed, theoretical analysis of the key structure is completed. Dynamic simulation of the chain conveyor line is carried out by ADAMS, and preliminary operational stability is determined by combining motion curves. The test prototype is developed for feeding tests and measurement of the operating parameters. The test results show that the efficiency of machine feeding is 13% higher than that of manual feeding, the average feeding time is 43% lower, the halt waiting time is 43% lower, and the operating parameters are by the theoretical design and the work is reliable. The research results can provide a reference for similar spool-feeding devices.
Studying the effect of changing optical fibers parameters on their modes properties at 1000 nm wavelength
Authors: Ibrahim Hussein K , Salih Aqeel R
Published: May 2024

Optical fiber technology is without a doubt one of the most significant phases of the communications revolution and is crucial to our daily lives. Using the free version (2022) of RP Fiber Calculator, the modal properties for optical fibers with core radii (1.5−7.5) μm, core index (1.44−1.48) and cladding index (1.43−1.47) have been determined at a wavelength of 1000 nm. When the fiber core’s radius is larger than its operating wavelength, multimode fibers can be created. The result is a single-mode fiber in all other cases. All of the calculated properties, it has been shown, increase with increasing core radius. The modes’ intensity profiles were displayed.
Analyze the Structure and Electrical Properties of PbBr2 Ca1.9Sb0.1Cu3O8+
δ Superconducting Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Ismael Noori Rafah , Abdulmajeed Mahdi Hind , Daham Abdullah Marwah , Jasim Kareem. A.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the current work was to evaluate the effect of Radiation of Gamma on the superconducting characteristics of the compound PbBr2Ca1.9Sb0.1Cu3O8+
δ utilizing a 137Cs source at doses of 10, 15, and 20MRad. Solid state reaction technology was used to prepare the samples. Before and after irradiation, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and superconductor properties were examined. Results indicated that the tetragonal structure of our chemical corresponds to the Pb-1223 phase with an increase in the ratio c/a as a result of gamma irradiation. (Tc (onset)) and on set temperature Tc (offset)) were also dropping from 113 to the 85.6 K and 129.5 to 97 K, respectively, for a transition temperatures.
Study of The Effect of Concentration on The Efficiency of The Sensitive N749-TiO2 Solar Cell
Authors: Al-Agealy Hadi J.M , Haider Mahdi Mahdi , Hassooni Mohsin A. , Younis Taghreed A.
Published: May 2024

In this research, we studied the effect of concentration carriers on the efficiency of the N749-TiO2 heterogeneous solar cell based on quantum electron transfer theory using a donor-acceptor scenario. The photoelectric properties of the N749-TiO2 interfaces in dye sensitized solar cells DSSCs are calculated using the J-V curves. For the (CH3)3COH solvent, the N749-TiO2 heterogeneous solar cell shows that the concentration carrier together with the strength coupling are the main factors affecting the current density, fill factor and efficiency. The current density and current increase as the concentration increases and the strength coupling increases as the N749-TiO2 heterogeneous in solar cell. However, the efficiency is more sensitive as the carrier increases and the coupling strength gradually increases from 0.1 × 10−2|eV|2 to 1.5 × 10−2|eV|2 respectivelly. However, the concentration carrier changes of the N749-TiO2 device affect the performance of the dye solar cell and it has a higher efficiency with concentration 4.5 × 10241/m
3 than with less concentration 1.5 × 10241/m
3.
Dual harvesting from exhaust gas of diesel generators using thermoelectric generators and cold water tank
Authors: Faraj Jalal , Salameh Wassim , Al Takash Ahmad , El Achakr Georges , El Hajj Hicham , Castelain Cathy , Khaled Mahmoud
Published: May 2024

The present work concerns a dual harvesting concept applied to exhaust gas of Diesel generators using thermoelectric generators and cold water tank. To proceed, a simplified thermal modelling is developed and appropriate parametric analysis of power generation with the TEGs and heat recovered is conducted in function of the Diesel generator power and the TEG thermal conductivity and thickness. It was shown that powers up to 534 W can be generated with the TEGs and heat recovery rates up to 4463 W can be obtained for a Diesel generator power of 125 kW. Also, it was shown that the temperature difference across the TEGs and the power generated increase exponentially when the Diesel generator power and ratio of thickness to thermal conductivity of TEGs increase.
Hybridization of heat recovery from exhaust gas of boilers using thermoelectric generators
Authors: Farhat Obeida , Khaled Mahmoud , Faraj Jalal , Hachem Farouk , Castelain Cathy
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the possibilities for energy recovery and environmental effect reduction of waste heat, a consequence of industrial activities. The main objective of the work is to integrate thermoelectric generators (TEGs) into industrial hybrid waste heat recovery system. The study consists of combining TEGs modules with a boiler waste heat recovery system with Rockwool insulation, taking into consideration variables like thermal resistance, power output, water temperature, and energy conversion efficiency. The results show that TEG placement has a major impact on system performance. One of the promising configuration is TEGs placed close to heat source, especially outside exhaust pipe outer walls, where electrical power up to 27 W can be generated and heat of 4215 W can be recovered from the exhaust gas.
Investigations for Soil Contamination with Hydrocarbon Compounds near Oil Stations
Authors: Khaleel Zahraa A. , Shaban Auday H. , Al Maliki Ali A.
Published: May 2024

Field companies are subject to many standards to preserve the environment. Oil companies are considered among the companies that cause the most environmental pollution for two reasons: the first is the extraction of large quantities of crude oil, and the second is their violation of the controls imposed on them. In this research the investigations on the nearby and around a Rumaila oil station area were abducted scientifically through a real tested sample. In this research, investigations in an area near and around the Rumaila Oil Station were conducted scientifically through real laboratory samples. An analysis was made to determine the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), where 22 samples were collected, as well as 5 laboratory samples of soil from an unpolluted area, and crude oil was added to it in known proportions to determine the spectral signature. The ASD Field spec 3 device was used to record the spectral signatures of each sample. Areas sensitive to hydrocarbons 17050 and 1350 appeared. The results show a variation in the concentrations of hydrocarbon in the samples from (2 ppm) at the minimum and reach (197 ppm) at other locations around the station.
Thermal management techniques for enhancing hydrogen adsorption and desorption in metal hydride reactors: a short recent review
Authors: Faraj Khaireldin , Khaled Mahmoud , Faraj Jalal , Faraj Ahmad , Castelain Cathy
Published: May 2024

This manuscript presents a short recent review of various techniques used for thermal management enhancement in metal hydride reactors, emphasizing their effect on hydrogen adsorption and desorption. Mainly, the article highlights 4 techniques: The incorporation of various fin types, the integration of heat exchangers within the metal hydride reactor, the addition of heat transfer enhancing material into the MH bed, and the addition of phase change material (PCM). The analysis presented provides brief insightful information about the state of Metal hydride reactors now, laying the groundwork for future studies and advancements in this area.
A three-dimensional spring-loaded inverted pendulum walking model considering human movement speed and frequency
Authors: Bao Yu , Yang Hao-wen
Published: May 2024

The spring-loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP) model is an effective model to capture the essential dynamics during human walking and/or running. However, most of the existing three-dimensional (3D) SLIP model does not explicitly account for human movement speed and frequency. To address this knowledge gap, this paper develops a new SLIP model, which includes a roller foot, massless spring, and concentrated mass. The governing equations-of-motion for the SLIP model during its double support phase are derived. It is noted that in the current formulation, the motion of the roller foot is prescribed; therefore, only the equations for the concentrated mass need to be solved. To yield model parameters leading to a periodic walking gait, a constrained optimization problem is formulated and solved using a gradient-based approach with a global search strategy. The optimization results show that when the attack angle ranges from 68° to 74°, the 3D SLIP model can yield a periodic walking gait with walking speeds varying from 0.5 to 2.0 m s−1. The predicted human walking data are also compared with published experimental data, showing reasonable accuracy.
Economics of enhanced methane oxidation relative to carbon dioxide removal
Authors: Hickey Conor , Allen Myles
Published: May 2024

Mitigating short-term global warming is imperative, and a key strategy involves reducing atmospheric methane (CH4) due to its high radiative forcing and short lifespan. This objective can be achieved through methods such as oxidising methane at its source or implementing enhanced oxidation techniques to reduce atmospheric CH4 concentrations. In this study, we use a range of metrics to analyse both the impact and value of enhanced CH4 oxidation relative to carbon dioxide (CO2) removal on global temperature. We apply these metrics to a select group of model studies of thermal-catalytic, photocatalytic, biological and capture-based oxidation processes under different greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations. Using a target cost of €220-1000/tCO2 for CO2 removal, our findings indicate that metrics valuing enhanced oxidation techniques based on their contribution to mitigating the long-term level of warming show these techniques are uncompetitive with CO2 removal. However, when using metrics that value enhanced oxidation of CH4 based on its impact on the immediate rate of warming, photocatalytic methods may be competitive with CO2 removal, whereas biofiltration, thermal-catalytic oxidation and capture-based units remain uncompetitive. We conclude that if the policy goal is to target the immediate rate of warming, it may be more valuable to incentivise CO2 removal and enhanced oxidation of methane under separate GHG targets.
Darboux transformations for Dunkl–Schrödinger equations with energy-dependent potential and position-dependent mass
Authors: Schulze-Halberg Axel , Roy Pinaki
Published: May 2024

We construct arbitrary-order Darboux transformations for Schrödinger equations with energy-dependent potential and position-dependent mass within the Dunkl formalism. Our construction is based on a point transformation that interrelates our equations with the standard Schrödinger case. We apply our method to generate several solvable Dunkl–Schrödinger equations.
Third-harmonic optical process in Zn:NiO thin films under the influence of femtosecond and continuous wave laser excitation
Authors: Thundiyil Ramseena , Anusha  , P Poornesh , Ozga K , Rakus P
Published: May 2024

In this study, we focused on the impact of nonlinear optical properties on Zn-doped NiO thin film, which was analyzed using z scan and THG technique. The z-scan technique was performed using a continuous wave laser. The open aperture shows that all films exhibit the reverse saturable absorption and the mechanism responsible for two-photon absorption, excited state absorption, and free carrier absorption. The closed aperture results in the negative nonlinear refraction caused by the thermal effects. The enhancement in the third-order susceptibility from 5.37 × 10−3 to 13.24 × 10−3 esu with Zn doping is due to the presence and increase in the concentration of defect levels in the films. The THG studies were performed using femtosecond and nanosecond lasers and revealed that the enhancement in the signal with the rise in Zn doping concentration was attributed to the enhancement of photoexcitation and relaxation processes within the sample. These results suggest that Zn-doped NiO films have significant potential for applications in the realm of optoelectronic applications.
Curcumin based polyurethane materials and their functional applications: a review
Authors: Lan Qiaoqiao , Mao Xiaoyu , Xia Chendong , Zhang Dandan , Huang Peipei , Zhang Weiyi , Shi Shan , Wang Zefeng
Published: May 2024

Bio-based polyurethanes are novel material with potential advantages for sustainable development, and their development play significant roles in promoting sustainability. Curcumin, a natural monomer, possesses high biological activity and features a symmetrical chemical structure with various functional groups such as phenolic hydroxyl, carbonyl and benzene ring. The presence of hydroxyl groups in the structure of curcumin provides essential conditions for its involvement in polyurethane synthesis. This review article provides an overview of the applications of curcumin as a chain extender, crosslinking agent and end-capper in polyurethanes, as well as its effects on the chemical structure, mechanical properties, and chemical stability of polyurethanes. Furthermore, the functional applications of curcumin-based polyurethanes in various fields such as medicine, food packaging, and coatings are discussed. Finally, considering the current research status and inherent properties of curcumin, the future prospects of curcumin-based polyurethanes are contemplated.
Effect of glass frit composition on reliability of silver paste metallization in crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Li Huixin , Sun Xinjie , Xing Juanjuan , Yang Yunxia , Yuan Xiao , Tong Hua
Published: May 2024

Glass frit used in conductive silver (Ag) pastes has a significant impact not only on the electrical performance but also on the long-term reliability of metallized electrodes in crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. Here, we investigated the role of compositional changes on the metallization process of silver pastes by adjusting the SiO2, ZnO, Li2O, or Bi2O3 in lead borate glass melts, and performed damp heat (DH) tests in an acidic damp heat environment. It was found that the addition of Bi2O3 resulted in a decrease in conversion efficiency (Eta) of only 6.44% after the cell was treated with dilute acetic acid. Under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was observed that the cell with this glass frit had minimal changes in the microstructure of its silver-silicon contacts and silver electrodes. This finding helps to improve the performance and stability of solar cells in harsh environments.
On the optimality of the radical-pair quantum compass
Authors: Smith Luke D , Glatthard Jonas , Chowdhury Farhan T , Kattnig Daniel R
Published: May 2024

Quantum sensing enables the ultimate precision attainable in parameter estimation. Circumstantial evidence suggests that certain organisms, most notably migratory songbirds, also harness quantum-enhanced magnetic field sensing via a radical-pair-based chemical compass for the precise detection of the weak geomagnetic field. However, what underpins the acuity of such a compass operating in a noisy biological setting, at physiological temperatures, remains an open question. Here, we address the fundamental limits of inferring geomagnetic field directions from radical-pair spin dynamics. Specifically, we compare the compass precision, as derived from the directional dependence of the radical-pair recombination yield, to the ultimate precision potentially realisable by a quantum measurement on the spin system under steady-state conditions. To this end, we probe the quantum Fisher information and associated Cramér–Rao bound in spin models of realistic complexity, accounting for complex inter-radical interactions, a multitude of hyperfine couplings, and asymmetric recombination kinetics, as characteristic for the magnetosensory protein cryptochrome. We compare several models implicated in cryptochrome magnetoreception and unveil their optimality through the precision of measurements ostensibly accessible to nature. Overall, the comparison provides insight into processes honed by nature to realise optimality whilst constrained to operating with mere reaction yields. Generally, the inference of compass orientation from recombination yields approaches optimality in the limits of complexity, yet levels off short of the theoretical optimal precision bounds by up to one or two orders of magnitude, thus underscoring the potential for improving on design principles inherent to natural systems.
Tribological performance of functional coated fiber reinforced additively manufactured polymer composite
Authors: Balan G Sakthi , Aravind Raj S
Published: May 2024

Additive manufacturing has witnessed an upward trend in utilization across diverse industries in recent years. This study examines the tribological properties of polymer composites produced using additive manufacturing. The polymer composites were produced using the fusion deposition modeling process. Subsequently, they undergo thermal spray coating and spin coating processes that deposit hafnium carbide particles onto their surface. The wear test studies were conducted at three distinct temperature levels in accordance with the ASTM standard procedure. The findings demonstrated that the application of a ceramic particle coating led to a substantial decrease in the specific wear rates. Additionally, there were observed differences in the wear rates depending on the specific methods used for applying the coating. The application of thermal coating shown high efficacy in reducing wear rates and safeguarding the underlying materials against material loss. The uncoated carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid (PLA-CF) material showed a slightly significant amount of material degradation as the test chamber temperature increased, in comparison to the coated specimens. The average specific wear rate of the thermally coated carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid specimen at a temperature of 70 °C is 0.000156 kg Nm−1.
Global Value Chains, Labor Rights, and the Nature of Transnational Law
Authors: McDougall Pascal
Published: May 2024

This Article develops a framework to analyze the laws that bear on working conditions in global value chains (GVCs), a production structure based on hierarchical international firm networks. In so doing, it contributes to broader debates about how to conceptualize law under contemporary “globalization.” The Article argues against the widespread view that GVCs—and today’s globalized legal order—are fundamentally different from a prior regime of Westphalian state sovereignty. Instead of this vision of globalization as rupture with the past, the Article proposes a “monist” perspective according to which the state has always been embedded in a single body of conflicting and contested transnational legal rules. In this view, sovereign power was never something of which all states could have more or less. Rather, sovereignty is a bundle of rights that can only ever be distributed to specific states vis-à-vis one another and private actors like labor unions and corporations. The Article emphasizes the analytical benefits of this conceptualization of transnational law for policy projects like those of improving working conditions in GVCs and empowering workers globally.
Letter Writing and Legal Consciousness during World War I
Authors: Hoffmann Elizabeth A
Published: May 2024

This article explores how ordinary Americans thought about law during World War I by examining 119 letters to Congress regarding charges under the Espionage Act. These letters are a product of their time and shed new light on our understanding of the first Red Scare. This lens of legal consciousness explains how people remain within established modes of engagement, rather than either withdrawing or becoming violent, as is found in the extant literature. Despite opposing goals, the letter writers’ shared master frame enabled them to ‘speak to’ the other side, rather than ‘past’ those with opposing views. This article explains how individuals who opposed and supported seating Berger rallied under the same master frame of Americanism. Yet, the two groups displayed strikingly different legal consciousness. These disparate groups not only conceptualized the law itself differently, but engaged the law as a tool for different agendas. At a time when violence was on the rise, these people eschewed violent means and maintained the most conventional, peaceful means of protest: letter writing. How they managed this was by embracing the law as their key, nonviolent tool.
Making the Case for Audience Design in Conversational AI: Users’ Pragmatic Strategies and Rapport Expectations in Interaction with a Task-Oriented Chatbot
Authors: Dippold Doris
Published: May 2024

With chatbots becoming more and more prevalent in commercial and service contexts, they need to be designed to provide equitable access to services for all user groups. This paper argues that insights into users’ pragmatic strategies and rapport expectations can inform the audience design of chatbots and ensure that all users can equally benefit from the services they facilitate. The argument is underpinned by the analysis of simulated user interactions with a chatbot facilitating health appointment bookings, users’ introspective comments on their interactions, and users’ qualitative survey comments. The study shows that users’ pragmatic strategies show considerable variation. It also shows the negative impact of user experiences when the chatbot’s language and interaction patterns do not align with users’ rapport expectations. In closing, the paper uses these findings to define audience design for chatbots and discuss how audience design can be realized and supported by research.
Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 overexpression reverses oxLDL-induced lipid accumulation in human vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Wang Xiaogao , Chen Shiyuan , Yu Chaowen , Lu Ran , Sun Yong , Guan Zeyu , Gao Yong
Published: May 2024

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the major cause of multiple cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the lipid accumulation of human vascular smooth muscle cells (HVSMCs) can cause the occurrence of AS. Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (Sfrp5) was known to be downregulated in AS; however, the detailed function of Sfrp5 in HVSMCs remains unclear. Specifically, we found that Sfrp5 expression in oxLDL-treated HVSMCs was downregulated. Sfrp5 overexpression inhibited the viability of HVSMCs induced by oxLDL. In addition, oxLDL-induced proliferation and migration in HVSMCs were abolished by Sfrp5 overexpression. Sfrp5 overexpression reduced oxLDL-caused oxidative stress, lipid accumulation, and inflammation in HVSMCs. Meanwhile, oxLDL treatment increased the expressions of Wnt5a, c-Myc, and β-catenin in HVSMCs, while this phenomenon was rescued by Sfrp5 overexpression. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of Sfrp5 upregulation on the viability and migration of HVSMCs was reversed by R-spondin 1. These results indicate that Sfrp5 overexpression could reverse oxLDL-induced lipid accumulation in HVSMCs through inactivating Wnt5a/β-catenin signaling pathway.
DiSMVC: a multi-view graph collaborative learning framework for measuring disease similarity
Authors: Wei Hang , Gao Lin , Wu Shuai , Jiang Yina , Liu Bin
Published: May 2024

Motivation

Exploring potential associations between diseases can help in understanding pathological mechanisms of diseases and facilitating the discovery of candidate biomarkers and drug targets, thereby promoting disease diagnosis and treatment. Some computational methods have been proposed for measuring disease similarity. However, these methods describe diseases without considering their latent multi-molecule regulation and valuable supervision signal, resulting in limited biological interpretability and efficiency to capture association patterns.

Results

In this study, we propose a new computational method named DiSMVC. Different from existing predictors, DiSMVC designs a supervised graph collaborative framework to measure disease similarity. Multiple bio-entity associations related to genes and miRNAs are integrated via cross-view graph contrastive learning to extract informative disease representation, and then association pattern joint learning is implemented to compute disease similarity by incorporating phenotype-annotated disease associations. The experimental results show that DiSMVC can draw discriminative characteristics for disease pairs, and outperform other state-of-the-art methods. As a result, DiSMVC is a promising method for predicting disease associations with molecular interpretability.

Availability and implementation

Datasets and source codes are available at https://github.com/Biohang/DiSMVC.
greenPipes: an integrated data analysis pipeline for greenCUT&RUN and CUT&RUN genome-localization datasets
Authors: Nizamuddin Sheikh , Timmers H T Marc
Published: May 2024

Motivation

To study gene regulation through transcription factors and chromatin modifiers, a variety of genome-wide techniques are used. Recently, CUT&RUN-based technologies have become popular, but a pipeline for the comprehensive analysis of CUT&RUN datasets is currently lacking. Here, we present the “greenPipes” package, which includes fine-tuned parameters specifically for bioinformatic analyses of greenCUT&RUN and CUT&RUN datasets. greenPipes provides additional functionalities for data analysis and data integration with other -omics technologies, which are either not available in other pipelines developed for CUT&RUN datasets or scattered in the literature as individual packages.

Availability and implementation

Source code and a manual of the greenPipes are freely available on GitHub website (https://github.com/snizam001/greenPipes). The test datasets, comprehensive annotation files, and other datasets are available at https://osf.io/ruhj9/.

Contact

n.sheikh@dkfz-heidelberg.de or m.timmers@dkfz-heidelberg.de

Supplementary information

The handbook of greenPipes is available online at Bioinformatics as Supplementary text.
Asynchronous behavioral and neurophysiological changes in word production in the adult lifespan
Authors: Krethlow Giulia , Fargier Raphaël , Atanasova Tanja , Ménétré Eric , Laganaro Marina
Published: May 2024

Behavioral and brain-related changes in word production have been claimed to predominantly occur after 70 years of age. Most studies investigating age-related changes in adulthood only compared young to older adults, failing to determine whether neural processes underlying word production change at an earlier age than observed in behavior. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating whether changes in neurophysiological processes underlying word production are aligned with behavioral changes. Behavior and the electrophysiological event-related potential patterns of word production were assessed during a picture naming task in 95 participants across five adult lifespan age groups (ranging from 16 to 80 years old). While behavioral performance decreased starting from 70 years of age, significant neurophysiological changes were present at the age of 40 years old, in a time window (between 150 and 220 ms) likely associated with lexical-semantic processes underlying referential word production. These results show that neurophysiological modifications precede the behavioral changes in language production; they can be interpreted in line with the suggestion that the lexical-semantic reorganization in mid-adulthood influences the maintenance of language skills longer than for other cognitive functions.
Oxidative DNA damage promotes vascular ageing associated with changes in extracellular matrix-regulating proteins
Authors: Foote Kirsty , Rienks Marieke , Schmidt Lukas , Theofilatos Konstantinos , Yasmin  , Ozols Matiss , Eckersley Alexander , Shah Aarti , Figg Nichola , Finigan Alison , O’Shaughnessy Kevin , Wilkinson Ian , Mayr Manuel , Bennett Martin
Published: May 2024

Aims

Vascular ageing is characterized by vessel stiffening, with increased deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including collagens. Oxidative DNA damage occurs in vascular ageing, but how it regulates ECM proteins and vascular stiffening is unknown. We sought to determine the relationship between oxidative DNA damage and ECM regulatory proteins in vascular ageing.

Methods and results

We examined oxidative DNA damage, the major base excision repair (BER) enzyme 8-Oxoguanine DNA Glycosylase (Ogg1) and its regulators, multiple physiological markers of ageing, and ECM proteomics in mice from 22 to 72 w. Vascular ageing was associated with increased oxidative DNA damage, and decreased expression of Ogg1, its active acetylated form, its acetylation regulatory proteins P300 and CBP, and the transcription factor Foxo3a. Vascular stiffness was examined in vivo in control, Ogg1−/−, or mice with vascular smooth muscle cell-specific expression of Ogg1+ (Ogg1) or an inactive mutation (Ogg1KR). Ogg1−/− and Ogg1KR mice showed reduced arterial compliance and distensibility, and increased stiffness and pulse pressure, whereas Ogg1 expression normalized all parameters to 72 w. ECM proteomics identified major changes in collagens with ageing, and downregulation of the ECM regulatory proteins Protein 6-lysyl oxidase (LOX) and WNT1-inducible-signaling pathway protein 2 (WISP2). Ogg1 overexpression upregulated LOX and WISP2 both in vitro and in vivo, and downregulated Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFb1) and Collagen 4α1 in vivo compared with Ogg1KR. Foxo3a activation induced Lox, while Wnt3 induction of Wisp2 also upregulated LOX and Foxo3a, and downregulated TGFβ1 and fibronectin 1. In humans, 8-oxo-G increased with vascular stiffness, while active OGG1 reduced with both age and stiffness.

Conclusion

Vascular ageing is associated with oxidative DNA damage, downregulation of major BER proteins, and changes in multiple ECM structural and regulatory proteins. Ogg1 protects against vascular ageing, associated with changes in ECM regulatory proteins including LOX and WISP2.
Influence of sticky trap color, host plant species, and weather factors on the population dynamics of thrips species in Southern Ghana
Authors: Nkafu Ngosong Therese , Fening Ken Okwae , Ajonglefac Martin Fonyi , Afreh-Nuamah Kwame
Published: May 2024

It is essential to correctly identify and keep track of the abundance of thrips species on infested host crops to understand their population dynamics and implement control measures promptly. The current study was conducted to evaluate the performance of sticky traps in monitoring thrips species in exporters’ eggplant and chili farms and to assess the impact of weather factors on thrips population dynamics. Thrips species were monitored using blue, yellow, and white sticky traps on chili and eggplant farms in Tuba, respectively, in 2020 and 2021. Each field was divided into 8 blocks, and in each replicate, all colors representing 3 treatments were randomly tied to stakes at the center of the respective crop. Data loggers were installed to record hourly weather variables. Three thrips species [Thrips parvispinus Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), Franklinella schultzei Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), and Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)] were identified from both farms and the different species showed varied attractiveness to trap color for both seasons, with white proving more attractive to T. parvispinus. The population dynamics of the species varied significantly with the season and weather but not with the crop. Optimum temperatures (28–31 °C) and relative humidity (60%–78%) showed a positive linear relationship between the trapped insects with temperature and RH, while extreme temperatures (35 °C) negatively affected their abundance. All sticky trap colors attracted several nontarget organisms; however, yellow colors had higher populations, including the predator, Orius insidiosus. White sticky traps are recommended for inclusion in the country-wide monitoring for thrips, especially T. parvispinus.
Dynamic risk stratification of worsening heart failure using a deep learning-enabled implanted ambulatory single-lead electrocardiogram
Authors: Howard James Philip , Vasudevan Neethu , Sarkar Shantanu , Landman Sean , Koehler Jodi , Keene Daniel
Published: May 2024

Aims

Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) provide continuous single-lead ambulatory electrocardiogram (aECG) monitoring. Whether these aECGs could be used to identify worsening heart failure (HF) is unknown.

Methods and results

We linked ILR aECG from Medtronic device database to the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measurements in Optum® de-identified electronic health record dataset. We trained an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm [aECG-convolutional neural network (CNN)] on a dataset of 35 741 aECGs from 2247 patients to identify LVEF ≤ 40% and assessed its performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Ambulatory electrocardiogram-CNN was then used to identify patients with increasing risk of HF hospitalization in a real-world cohort of 909 patients with prior HF diagnosis. This dataset provided 12 467 follow-up monthly evaluations, with 201 HF hospitalizations. For every month, time-series features from these predictions were used to categorize patients into high- and low-risk groups and predict HF hospitalization in the next month. The risk of HF hospitalization in the next 30 days was significantly higher in the cohort that aECG-CNN identified as high risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–2.79; P = 0.001] compared with low risk, even after adjusting patient demographics (HR 1.88; 95% CI 1.27–2.79 P = 0.002).

Conclusion

An AI algorithm trained to detect LVEF ≤40% using ILR aECGs can also readily identify patients at increased risk of HF hospitalizations by monitoring changes in the probability of HF over 30 days.
Digest: When sexual selection hits the wall of natural selection
Authors: O’Loughlin Brendan S , Marcondes Rafael S
Published: May 2024

Sexual selection often drives traits in a direction that is disfavored by natural selection. The balance between these two types of selection can shift rapidly in response to environmental changes. Gallagher et al. (2024) report such a shift in the cricket population following the introduction of a parasitoid fly. The ancestral male morph, though still preferred by females, has been supplanted by multiple novel morphs that are more difficult for the parasitoid to detect.