bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediation Effect of Pain on the Relationship between Kinesiophobia and Postural Control: Comparison and Correlations in Individuals with Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Asymptomatic Individuals—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Asiri Faisal , Reddy Ravi Shankar , Alshahrani Mastour Saeed , Tedla Jaya Shanker , Dixit Snehil , Alshahrani Adel , Gular Kumar , Raizah Abdullah
Published: January 2023

Background: Individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) usually present with a fear of movement (kinesiophobia), which causes their symptoms to be maintained and exacerbated. Kinesiophobia can significantly impact postural control; ascertaining their association is crucial in evaluating and managing individuals with FM. This study aims to (1) compare postural control between individuals with FM and asymptomatic individuals, (2) estimate the relationship between kinesiophobia and postural control in individuals with FM, and (3) evaluate whether pain intensity mediates the association between kinesiophobia and postural control in individuals with FM. Methods: This study enrolled 92 individuals (mean age: 51.52 ± 7.7 years) diagnosed with FM and 106 asymptomatic individuals (mean age: 50.47 ± 6.6 years). The examiners estimated the fear of movement and the intensity of pain utilizing the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK) scores and the visual analogue scale (VAS), respectively. The postural control variables included anteroposterior (A-P) sway in mm, medio-lateral (M-L) sway in mm, and ellipse area in mm2. Results: The individuals with FM had impaired postural control compared to the asymptomatic individuals (p < 0.001). Kinesiophobia exhibited mild-to-moderate correlations with the postural control variables (nondominant side: A-P sway: r = 0.48, M-L sway: r = 0.49, ellipse area: r = 0.43. Dominant side: A-P sway: r = 0.41, M-L sway: r = 0.33, ellipse area: r = 0.44). The pain intensity significantly mediated the relationship between kinesiophobia and postural control (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Kinesiophobia showed a significant positive relationship with postural control. The individuals with FM with higher TSK scores had decreased postural control. Pain intensity mediated the relationship between kinesiophobia and postural control. These factors must be considered when evaluating and formulating treatment strategies for people with FM.
The Potential of Fermented Water Spinach Meal as a Fish Meal Replacement and the Impacts on Growth Performance, Reproduction, Blood Biochemistry and Gut Morphology of Female Stinging Catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis)
Authors: Nandi Shishir Kumar , Suma Afrina Yeasmin , Rashid Aminur , Kabir Muhammad Anamul , Goh Khang Wen , Abdul Kari Zulhisyam , Van Doan Hien , Zakaria Nik Nur Azwanida , Khoo Martina Irwan , Seong Wei Lee
Published: January 2023

The identification and development of a new plant-based feed ingredient as an alternative protein source to FM have gained the interest of the aquafeed industrial players. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the physical, biochemical, and bacteriological properties of dietary FWM and the impacts on the growth and reproductive performances of farmed female stinging catfish, H. fossilis broodstock. Five experimental diets were formulated with different FWM inclusion (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). Fatty acid profiles such as 4:0, 10:0, 20:0, 21:0, 22:0, 24:0, 20:1n9, 18:3n6, 20:3n6, 20:4n6, and 22:6n3 were found in higher levels in FWM compared to the water spinach meal (WM). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the physical properties of the FWM experimental diets (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the experimental feed with 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% FWM were more palatable to the broodstock than 100% FWM. The number of total bacteria (TB) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in catfish diets exhibited a rising trend with an increase in FWM, while 50% of FWM-fed fish intestines had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher TB and LAB than other treatment groups. The growth, feed utilization, and reproductive variables of H. fossilis were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by FWM inclusion at various levels. Moreover, the significantly (p < 0.05) highest oocytes weight, fertilization, egg ripeness, and ovipositor diameter were observed in the treatment of 50% FWM diet treatment group. In addition, the spawning response was 100% in all treatments except for the control group (66.67%). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the hematological and serum biochemical indices in most treatment groups. In addition, the histological analysis of H. fossilis midintestinal tissue indicated that the fish fed with a 50% FWM diet had an unbroken epithelial barrier with more goblet cell arrangements and a well-organized villi structure and tunica muscularis compared to other treatment groups. These outcomes suggested that FWM at 50% inclusion is an adequate protein supplement for fish feed, resulting in better growth, reproductive performance, and health of H. fossilis broodstock development.
The Relevance of Cavity Creation for Several Phenomena Occurring in Water
Authors: Graziano Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

The solvent-excluded volume effect is an under-appreciated general phenomenon occurring in liquids and playing a fundamental role in many cases. It is quantified and characterized by means of the theoretical concept of cavity creation and its Gibbs free energy cost. The magnitude of the reversible work of cavity creation proves to be particularly large in water, and this fact plays a key role for, among other things, the poor solubility of nonpolar species, the formation of host–guest complexes, and the folding of globular proteins. An analysis of some examples is provided in the present review.
Henri Bergson’s Haunted Epistemology: Consciousness Unframed
Authors: Lovasz Adam
Published: January 2023

In his main work, Matter and Memory, Henri Bergson presents a panpsychist ontology which cuts through the Gordian knot of the mind vs. matter problem. Taking this age-old philosophical topic, Bergson pushes the dualism of mind and matter beyond breaking point. Matter is reconceived as the sum of all images. Bergson introduces the dual concepts of cosmic “perception” and cosmic “memory”. Matter itself is reinterpreted as a continuum of all possible intensities of perception and memory. Bergson’s ontology has important epistemological ramifications. There is no sharp dividing line between consciousness and matter. In light of these insights, I propose a reading of Bergson’s relatively lesser-known lecture, “‘Phantasms of the Living’ and Psychical Research”, presented at the Society for Psychical Research in 1913. Here, Bergson elaborates upon the implications of his image-ontology for the possible post mortem fate of consciousness. In my concluding remarks, I suggest that Bergson’s observations may be of help in constructing an anti-reductionist and indeterministic epistemology.
The Effect of Temperatures on the Passivation Behavior of Q235 Steel in the Simulated Concrete Pore Solution
Authors: Jiang Haosen , Jin Zuquan , Zhang Xiaoying , Qian Lixing , Zhou Zhaoliang
Published: January 2023

Concrete, especially mass concrete, releases a large amount of heat during the hydration process, resulting in the passivation of reinforcement at high temperatures. However, the passivation study of reinforced concrete is mostly conducted at room temperature, and the influence of temperature on passive film behavior is not clear at present. The passivation film of reinforcing steel directly determines the corrosion resistance of reinforcing steel and affects the service life of reinforced concrete. Herein, the passivation of Q235 steel soaking in simulated concrete pore (SCP) solution at 20 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C is explored. It is found that the passivation process is divided into two stages, with 24 h as the boundary; within 24 h the passivation was carried out rapidly, and the passive film is in a relatively stable state after 24 h. In addition, the higher the temperature, the faster the passivation. Moreover, under the condition of higher temperatures, more Fe3+ compounds are produced, and the semiconductor properties of passivated films are more stable. Based on experiments, the passivation mechanism affected by temperature was analyzed in detail.
Ordered Porous Electrodes Obtained Using LIFT for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Rager Korbinian , Tang Bo , Schneemann Christian , Dworzak Alexandra , Oezaslan Mehtap , Dietzel Andreas
Published: January 2023

Numerous synthetic techniques for the fabrication of porous metal electrodes were developed in recent decades. A very promising and facile route is the 3D printing of structures, which can be designed directly on the computer first. However, the current techniques allow structures to be printed with a resolution down to 20 µm, which is still quite rough regarding tuning the pore distribution and diameter of electrode materials for potential applications. For the first time, a laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) process was used to 3D print metal voxels on a solid surface, resulting in a porous electrocatalytically active gold (Au) electrode film. Porous Au electrodes produced using LIFT showed an increase in the electrochemically active surface area (SA) by a factor of four compared with a sputtered dense Au film when characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) in Ar-saturated 0.1 M KOH. Therefore, the LIFT process can be considered very promising for the printing of ordered porous electrodes with high surface areas for electrochemical applications.
Naturally Derived Cements Learned from the Wisdom of Ancestors: A Literature Review Based on the Experiences of Ancient China, India and Rome
Authors: Su Zhan , Yan Zhen , Nakashima Kazunori , Takano Chikara , Kawasaki Satoru
Published: January 2023

For over a thousand years, many ancient cements have remained durable despite long-term exposure to atmospheric or humid agents. This review paper summarizes technologies of worldwide ancient architectures which have shown remarkable durability that has preserved them over thousands of years of constant erosion. We aim to identify the influence of organic and inorganic additions in altering cement properties and take these lost and forgotten technologies to the production frontline. The types of additions were usually decided based on the local environment and purpose of the structure. The ancient Romans built magnificent structures by making hydraulic cement using volcanic ash. The ancient Chinese introduced sticky rice and other local materials to improve the properties of pure lime cement. A variety of organic and inorganic additions used in traditional lime cement not only changes its properties but also improves its durability for centuries. The benefits they bring to cement may also be useful in enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) and microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) fields. For instance, sticky rice has been confirmed to play a crucial role in regulating calcite crystal growth and providing interior hydrophobic conditions, which contribute to improving the strength and durability of EICP- and MICP-treated samples in a sustainable way.
Technological Aspects of Lithium-Titanium Ferrite Synthesis by Electron-Beam Heating
Authors: Lysenko Elena , Vlasov Vitaly , Nikolaev Evgeniy , Surzhikov Anatoliy , Ghyngazov Sergei
Published: January 2023

Solid-phase synthesis of lithium-titanium ferrite by electron-beam heating of a Fe2O3–Li2CO3–TiO2 initial reagents mixture with different history (powder, compact, mechanically activated mixture) was studied using X-ray diffraction, thermomagnetometric and specific saturation magnetization analyses. Ferrite was synthesized using an ILU-6 pulsed electron accelerator; it generated electrons with electron energy of 2.4 MeV to heat samples to temperatures of 600 and 750 °C. The isothermal holding time upon reaching the synthesis temperature was 0–120 min. The efficiency of ferrite synthesis by electron-beam heating was evaluated via comparison of the characteristics of the obtained samples with those synthesized by conventional ceramic technology under similar temperature-time conditions. It was found that the rate of ferrite formation depends on the heating method, temperature, synthesis time, density, and activity of the initial mixture. It was shown that sample compaction provides the preferential formation of unsubstituted lithium ferrite of Li0.5Fe2.5O4 composition with a Curie temperature of at ca. 630 °C in both synthesis methods. High-energy electron-beam heating of the mechanically activated mixture significantly accelerates synthesis of Li0.6Fe2.2Ti0.2O4 substituted ferrite, for which the Curie temperature and specific saturation magnetization were recorded as 534 °C and 50 emu/g, respectively. Therefore, LiTi ferrites can be obtained at a lower temperature (750 °C) and with a shorter synthesis time (120 min) compared to traditional ceramic technology.
Microstructure and Crystallization Kinetics of Silica-Based Ceramic Cores with Enhanced High-Temperature Property
Authors: Li Xin , Niu Shuxin , Wang Dongsheng , Li Jie , Jiao Qi , Guo Xinlong , Xu Xiqing
Published: January 2023

Silica-based ceramic cores play key roles in the casting of aeroengine blades, but they are highly limited by the poor high-temperature mechanical property. Here, fused mullite (FM) and sintered mullite (SM) powders were modified in silica-based ceramic cores, and the microstructure evolution and crystallization kinetics of ceramic cores depending on mullite types were studied. The ceramic cores with FM showed a dense microstructure and superior mechanical properties compared to those with SM. The ceramic cores with 10 wt.% of FM showed a crystallization activation energy of 1119.5 kJ/mol and a crystallization exponent of 1.74, and the values of 938.4 kJ/mol and 1.86 as SM were employed; the decreased crystallization activation energy and the elevated crystallization exponent by SM suggested that the excess impurities of alkali oxides and alkaline-earth oxides significantly promoted the crystallization of cristobalite. Even though the ceramic cores with mullite powders decreased slightly in the room-temperature mechanical property, their high-temperature flexure strength and creep deformation resistance were enhanced. The ceramic cores with 10 wt.% of FM showed excellent comprehensive performance, with linear shrinkage of 0.69%, room-temperature strength of 18.9 MPa, and high-temperature strength of 15.5 MPa, which satisfied the demands for hollow-blade casting.
Influence of P3HT:PCBM Ratio on Thermal and Transport Properties of Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Korte Dorota , Pavlica Egon , Klančar Domen , Bratina Gvido , Pawlak Michal , Gondek Ewa , Song Peng , Liu Junyan , Derkowska-Zielinska Beata
Published: January 2023

The influence of P3HT:PCBM ratio on thermal and transport properties of solar cells were determined by photothermal beam deflection spectrometry, which is advantageous tool for non-destructively study of bulk heterojunction layers of organic solar cells. P3HT:PCBM layers of different P3HT:PCBM ratios were deposited on top of PEDOT:PSS/ITO layers which were included in organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells. The thermal diffusivity, energy gap and charge carrier lifetime were measured at different illumination conditions and with a different P3HT:PCBM ratios. As expected, it was found that the energy band gap depends on the P3HT:PCBM ratio. Thermal diffusivity is decreasing, while charge carrier lifetime is increasing with PCBM concentration. Energy band gap was found to be independent on illumination intensity, while thermal diffusivity was increasing and carrier lifetime was decreasing with illumination intensity. The carrier lifetime exhibits qualitatively similar dependence on the PCBM concentration when compared to the open-circuit voltage of operating solar cells under AM1.5 illumination. BDS and standard I-V measurement yielded comparable results arguing that the former is suitable for characterization of organic solar cells.
The Use of PCB Scrap in the Reduction in Metallurgical Copper Slags
Authors: Smalcerz Albert , Matula Tomasz , Slusorz Michal , Wojtasik Julia , Chaberska Weronika , Kluska Szymon , Kortyka Lukasz , Mycka Lukasz , Blacha Leszek , Labaj Jerzy
Published: January 2023

The article presents the results of a study on metallurgical sludge reduction using electronic waste such as Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). Two aspects were taken into account when selecting such a reducer, namely the environmental aspect and the technological aspect. The research was an attempt to use waste metal-bearing material of which the effective management causes many problems from an environmental point of view. In the technological aspect, the specific chemical composition of this waste was taken into account. Its gasification yields significant amounts of hydrocarbons, which are excellent reducing agents in such process. The separation of these compounds may additionally cause the mixing of the molten slag, which should result in faster separation of the formed metal droplets and the molten slag. In the case of the fragmented PCB (Printed Circuit Board) reducer used in this study, a significant degree of copper removal was achieved, as much as 92%. As the reduction-process time increased, the degree of copper removal also increased. For the 1 h process, the average value of copper removal was 60%, and for the 4.5 h process it was over 70%. The case was the same with the addition of reductant: as the amount of reductant added to the process increased, an increase in copper removal was observed. With the addition of 30 g of the reducing agent (per 65 g of slag), the degree of copper removal was over 90%.
Molecular Dynamics Study on Hugoniot State and Mie–Grüneisen Equation of State of 316 Stainless Steel for Hydrogen Storage Tank
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Huizhao , Chi Minghua , Zeng Xiangguo , Wang Yuntian , Zhao Ping
Published: January 2023

To promote the popularization and development of hydrogen energy, a micro-simulation approach was developed to determine the Mie–Grüneisen EOS of 316 stainless steel for a hydrogen storage tank in the Hugoniot state. Based on the combination of the multi-scale shock technique (MSST) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, a series of shock waves at the velocity of 6–11 km/s were applied to the single-crystal (SC) and polycrystalline (PC) 316 stainless steel model, and the Hugoniot data were obtained. The accuracy of the EAM potential for Fe–Ni–Cr was verified. Furthermore, Hugoniot curve, cold curve, Grüneisen coefficient (γ), and the Mie–Grüneisen EOS were discussed. In the internal pressure energy-specific volume (P-E-V) three-dimensional surfaces, the Mie–Grüneisen EOSs show concave characteristics. The maximum error of the calculation results of SC and PC is about 10%. The results for the calculation deviations of each physical quantity of the SC and PC 316 stainless steel indicate that the grain effect of 316 stainless steel is weak under intense dynamic loads, and the impact of the grains in the cold state increases with the increase in the volume compression ratio.
A Multiscale Topographical Surface Analysis of High Entropy Alloys Coatings by Laser Melting
Authors: Bigerelle Maxence , Galliere Anaïs , Santana Yucelys Y. , Morvan Hervé , Dubar Mirentxu , Trelcat Jean-François , Boilet Laurent , Paris Emmanuel
Published: January 2023

High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) coatings obtained by laser melting (LM) technique were studied through a multiscale topographical surface analysis using a focus variation microscope. The laser melting creates a multiscale topography from under-powder size (incomplete or complete powder melting) to upper-powder size (process conditions). The surface topography must be optimized because of the significant influence on friction and material transfer during sliding wear. The analyses were shown that different pre-melting zone interactions were present. Statistical analysis based on covariance analyses is allowed to highlight the different process melting scales. The best LM parameter values to minimize Surface Heterogeneity were laser power (Pw) of 55 W, laser exposition time (te) of 1750 µs, and distance between two pulses (dp) of 100 µm.
A Machine Learning Method for Predicting Corrosion Weight Gain of Uranium and Uranium Alloys
Authors: Wang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Wanying , Zhang Weidong , Ai Yibo
Published: January 2023

As an irreplaceable structural and functional material in strategic equipment, uranium and uranium alloys are generally susceptible to corrosion reactions during service, and predicting corrosion behavior has important research significance. There have been substantial studies conducted on metal corrosion research. Accelerated experiments can shorten the test time, but there are still differences in real corrosion processes. Numerical simulation methods can avoid radioactive experiments, but it is difficult to fully simulate a real corrosion environment. The modeling of real corrosion data using machine learning methods allows for effective corrosion prediction. This research used machine learning methods to study the corrosion of uranium and uranium alloys in air and established a corrosion weight gain prediction model. Eleven classic machine learning algorithms for regression were compared and a ten-fold cross validation method was used to choose the highest accuracy algorithm, which was the extra trees algorithm. Feature selection methods, including the extra trees and Pearson correlation analysis methods, were used to select the most important four factors in corrosion weight gain. As a result, the prediction accuracy of the corrosion weight gain prediction model was 96.8%, which could determine a good prediction of corrosion for uranium and uranium alloys.
Application of Plasticizer Glycerol in Lignosulfonate-Filled Rubber Compounds Based on SBR and NBR
Authors: Kruželák Ján , Hložeková Klaudia , Kvasničáková Andrea , Džuganová Michaela , Chodák Ivan , Hudec Ivan
Published: January 2023

The work deals with the application of biopolymer fillers in rubber formulations. Calcium lignosulfonate was incorporated into styrene–butadiene rubber and acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber in a constant amount of 30 phr. Glycerol in a concentration scale ranging from 5 to 20 phr was used as a plasticizer for rubber formulations. For the cross-linking of the compounds, a sulfur-based curing system was used. The study was focused on the investigation of glycerol in the curing process; the viscosity of rubber compounds; and the cross-link density, morphology, physical–mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties of vulcanizates. The study revealed that the application of glycerol as a plasticizer resulted in a reduction in the rubber compounds’ viscosity and contributed to the better dispersion and distribution of the filler within the rubber matrices. The mutual adhesion and compatibility between the filler and the rubber matrices were improved, which resulted in the significant enhancement of tensile characteristics. The main output of the work is the knowledge that the improvement of the physical–mechanical properties of biopolymer-filled vulcanizates can be easily obtained via the simple addition of a very cheap and environmentally friendly plasticizer into rubber compounds during their processing without additional treatments or procedures. The enhancement of the physical–mechanical properties of rubber compounds filled with biopolymers might contribute to the broadening of their potential applications. Moreover, the price of the final rubber articles could be reduced, and more pronounced ecological aspects could also be emphasized.
Model Predictive Control Method for Autonomous Vehicles in Roundabouts
Authors: Farkas Zsófia , Mihály András , Gáspár Péter
Published: January 2023

This paper introduces a procedure for controlling autonomous vehicles entering roundabouts. The aim of the centralized controller is to define the velocity profile of each autonomous vehicle by which collisions can be avoided and traveling times can be minimized. To achieve these performances, a model predictive control is introduced based on the solution of an analytical calculation of traveling times spent in the roundabout and designing the autonomous vehicles’ velocity profiles in order to avoid conflict situations while ensuring a time-optimal solution. By the application of the proposed procedure, safety of autonomous vehicles can be enhanced and the possibility of a forming congestion can be minimized. The operation of the proposed method is demonstrated by a few simulation examples in the CarSim simulation environment.
Temperature-Sensitive Points Optimization of Spindle on Vertical Machining Center with Improved Fuzzy C-Means Clustering
Authors: Shi Hu , Qu Qiangqiang , Xiao Yao , Liu Qingxin , Tao Tao
Published: January 2023

The heat generated by motors and bearings of machine tools has a significant impact on machining accuracy. Error modeling and compensation has proven to be effective ways to reduce thermal errors and improve accuracy. An improved fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering algorithm is proposed to determine the optimized temperature sensitive points for thermal error modeling of a spindle on the vertical machining center. The sensors are deployed to measure the temperature of different positions of machine tools, and the improved FCM algorithm is used to classify the measured data. Combined with the F-test statistics of multiple linear regression, the optimal temperature points of each group are selected. The improved FCM clustering algorithm significantly reduces the multicollinearity problem among temperature measuring points and avoids them falling into local optimization. The modeling method was verified through experiments on two types of vertical machining centers. The results show that the accuracy of the spindle in Y and Z directions of the machine tools was increased by more than 75%, and the model has good robustness, demonstrating application prospects in the selection of temperature measuring points of the spindle system of vertical machining centers.
Exploration of New Optical Solitons in Magneto-Optical Waveguide with Coupled System of Nonlinear Biswas–Milovic Equation via Kudryashov’s Law Using Extended F-Expansion Method
Authors: Rabie Wafaa B. , Ahmed Hamdy M. , Hamdy Walid
Published: January 2023

Optical soliton solutions in a magneto-optical waveguide and other exact solutions are investigated for the coupled system of the nonlinear Biswas–Milovic equation with Kudryashov’s law using the extended F-expansion method. Various types of solutions are extracted, such as dark soliton solutions, singular soliton solutions, a dark–singular combo soliton, singular combo soliton solutions, Jacobi elliptic solutions, periodic solutions, combo periodic solutions, hyperbolic solutions, rational solutions, exponential solutions and Weierstrass solutions. The obtained different types of wave solutions help in obtaining nonlinear optical fibers in the future. Furthermore, some selected solutions are described graphically to demonstrate the physical nature of the obtained solutions. The results show that the current method gives effectual and direct mathematical tools for resolving the nonlinear problems in the field of nonlinear wave equations.
Analyzing Non-Markovian Systems by Using a Stochastic Process Calculus and a Probabilistic Model Checker
Authors: Ciobanu Gabriel
Published: January 2023

The non-Markovian systems represent almost all stochastic processes, except of a small class having the Markov property; it is a real challenge to analyze these systems. In this article, we present a general method of analyzing non-Markovian systems. The novel viewpoint is given by the use of a compact stochastic process calculus developed in the formal framework of computer science for describing concurrent systems. Since phase-type distributions can approximate non-Markovian systems with arbitrary precision, we approximate a non-Markovian system by describing it easily in our stochastic process calculus, which employs phase-type distributions. The obtained process (in our calculus) are then translated into the probabilistic model checker PRISM; by using this free software tool, we can analyze several quantitative properties of the Markovian approximation of the initial non-Markovian system.
NARX Deep Convolutional Fuzzy System for Modelling Nonlinear Dynamic Processes
Authors: Golob Marjan
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a new approach for modelling nonlinear dynamic processes (NDP). It is based on a nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous (NARX) inputs model structure and a deep convolutional fuzzy system (DCFS). The DCFS is a hierarchical fuzzy structure, which can overcome the deficiency of general fuzzy systems when facing high dimensional data. For relieving the curse of dimensionality, as well as improving approximation performance of fuzzy models, we propose combining the NARX with the DCFS to provide a good approximation of the complex nonlinear dynamic behavior and a fast-training algorithm with ensured convergence. There are three NARX DCFS structures proposed, and the appropriate training algorithm is adapted. Evaluations were performed on a popular benchmark—Box and Jenkin’s gas furnace data set and the four nonlinear dynamic test systems. The experiments show that the proposed NARX DCFS method can be successfully used to identify nonlinear dynamic systems based on external dynamics structures and nonlinear static approximators.
Design Optimisation of Bi-Cruciate Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) Prosthesis via Taguchi Methods
Authors: Mohd Mukhtar Natrisya Qistina , Shuib Solehuddin , Anuar Muhamad Azhan , Mohd Miswan Mohd Fairudz , Mohd Anuar Mohd Afzan
Published: January 2023

Total knee replacement has become a viable option for treating severe knee arthritis. The demand for more kinematically functional implants that better replicate natural knee kinematics led to the development of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), including bi-cruciate-retaining (BCR) TKA. However, optimised design parameters of BCR TKA knee implants that can help achieve a long-term prosthetic survival rate remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the design parameters of BCR TKA knee implants on the mechanics of knee joints and optimise and individualise the knee implant design parameters using the Taguchi method incorporating finite element analysis. Herein, experimental factors and levels were selected and nine finite element models of BCR TKA knee implants were developed to optimise the design of the following parameters: the curvature ratio on the sagittal plane, curvature ratio on the coronal plane, and tibial slope. In addition, finite element analysis was used to determine the effect of the design parameters on the peak contact stress on ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and its deformation. Consequently, among the three parameters that affect the peak contact stress and its deformation, the curvature ratio on the sagittal plane had the greatest effect (range = 10.96), followed by the curvature ratio on the coronal plane (range = 3.54), and the tibial slope (range = 2.56). The optimal design parameters for the BCR TKA knee implant were a curvature ratio of 1.5 on both the sagittal and coronal planes and a tibial slope of 5°. Under these conditions, the peak contact stress and deformation were 25.80 MPa and 0.0835 mm, respectively. The optimisation method based on finite element analysis and the Taguchi method can produce one of the highest-performing BCR TKA knee implant designs, thereby reducing the peak contact stress and deformation. This method sheds fresh light on the development of the BCR TKA knee implant as well as biomechanical decision-making to implant the TKA prosthesis correctly.
A Deep Learning Optimizer Based on Grünwald–Letnikov Fractional Order Definition
Authors: Zhou Xiaojun , Zhao Chunna , Huang Yaqun
Published: January 2023

In this paper, a deep learning optimization algorithm is proposed, which is based on the Grünwald–Letnikov (G-L) fractional order definition. An optimizer fractional calculus gradient descent based on the G-L fractional order definition (FCGD_G-L) is designed. Using the short-memory effect of the G-L fractional order definition, the derivation only needs 10 time steps. At the same time, via the transforming formula of the G-L fractional order definition, the Gamma function is eliminated. Thereby, it can achieve the unification of the fractional order and integer order in FCGD_G-L. To prevent the parameters falling into local optimum, a small disturbance is added in the unfolding process. According to the stochastic gradient descent (SGD) and Adam, two optimizers’ fractional calculus stochastic gradient descent based on the G-L definition (FCSGD_G-L), and the fractional calculus Adam based on the G-L definition (FCAdam_G-L), are obtained. These optimizers are validated on two time series prediction tasks. With the analysis of train loss, related experiments show that FCGD_G-L has the faster convergence speed and better convergence accuracy than the conventional integer order optimizer. Because of the fractional order property, the optimizer exhibits stronger robustness and generalization ability. Through the test sets, using the saved optimal model to evaluate, FCGD_G-L also shows a better evaluation effect than the conventional integer order optimizer.
Stress–Strength Modeling Using Median-Ranked Set Sampling: Estimation, Simulation, and Application
Authors: Hassan Amal S. , Almanjahie Ibrahim M. , Al-Omari Amer Ibrahim , Alzoubi Loai , Nagy Heba Fathy
Published: January 2023

In this study, we look at how to estimate stress–strength reliability models, R1 = P (Y < X) and R2 = P (Y < X), where the strength X and stress Y have the same distribution in the first model, R1, and strength X and stress Z have different distributions in the second model, R2. Based on the first model, the stress Y and strength X are assumed to have the Lomax distributions, whereas, in the second model, X and Z are assumed to have both the Lomax and inverse Lomax distributions, respectively. With the assumption that the variables in both models are independent, the median-ranked set sampling (MRSS) strategy is used to look at different possibilities. Using the maximum likelihood technique and an MRSS design, we derive the reliability estimators for both models when the strength and stress variables have a similar or dissimilar set size. The simulation study is used to verify the accuracy of various estimates. In most cases, the simulation results show that the reliability estimates for the second model are more efficient than those for the first model in the case of dissimilar set sizes. However, with identical set sizes, the reliability estimates for the first model are more efficient than the equivalent estimates for the second model. Medical data are used for further illustration, allowing the theoretical conclusions to be verified.
Asymptotic Study of Longitudinal Velocity Influence and Nonlinear Elastic Characteristics of the Oscillating Moving Beam
Authors: Slipchuk Andrii , Pukach Petro , Vovk Myroslava
Published: January 2023

Mathematical models of the nonlinear transversal oscillations for a beam moving along its axis have been studied. These models deal with the nonlinearity of body elastic properties and with the influence of physical–mechanical and kinematic parameters on the oscillation amplitude and frequency of the moving one-dimensional nonlinear systems as well. A procedure for studying both cases, non-resonance and resonance oscillation regimes, has been developed. The paper focuses on the influence of the longitudinal velocity, nonlinear elastic material properties, and external periodical perturbations on the dynamical process of beam transversal oscillation. The obtained mathematical model could be applied to describe the oscillation behavior of the different types of pipelines (liquid or gas). The proposed results allow the estimation of the influence of these parameters on the amplitude and frequency of the oscillations. Mathematical analysis realized by asymptotic methods enables the prediction of the resonance phenomena and proposal of a numerical algorithm to plan the most effective operation regime. Applications of this approach in engineering, particularly to construct the corresponding elements of industrial environments and pipelines, are also discussed.
A Hybrid Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for 2D Irregular Packing Problems
Authors: Fang Jie , Rao Yunqing , Zhao Xusheng , Du Bing
Published: January 2023

Packing problems, also known as nesting problems or bin packing problems, are classic and popular NP-hard problems with high computational complexity. Inspired by classic reinforcement learning (RL), we established a mathematical model for two-dimensional (2D) irregular-piece packing combined with characteristics of 2D irregular pieces. An RL algorithm based on Monte Carlo learning (MC), Q-learning, and Sarsa-learning is proposed in this paper to solve a 2D irregular-piece packing problem. Additionally, mechanisms of reward–return and strategy-update based on piece packing were designed. Finally, the standard test case of irregular pieces was used for experimental testing to analyze the optimization effect of the algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can successfully realize packing of 2D irregular pieces. A similar or better optimization effect can be obtained compared to some classical heuristic algorithms. The proposed algorithm is an early attempt to use machine learning to solve 2D irregular packing problems. On the one hand, our hybrid RL algorithm can provide a basis for subsequent deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to solve packing problems, which has far-reaching theoretical significance. On the other hand, it has practical significance for improving the utilization rate of raw materials and broadening the application field of machine learning.
Time-Varying Sequence Model
Authors: Jadhav Sneha , Zhao Jianxiang , Fan Yepeng , Li Jingjing , Lin Hao , Yan Chenggang , Chen Minghan
Published: January 2023

Traditional machine learning sequence models, such as RNN and LSTM, can solve sequential data problems with the use of internal memory states. However, the neuron units and weights are shared at each time step to reduce computational costs, limiting their ability to learn time-varying relationships between model inputs and outputs. In this context, this paper proposes two methods to characterize the dynamic relationships in real-world sequential data, namely, the internal time-varying sequence model (ITV model) and the external time-varying sequence model (ETV model). Our methods were designed with an automated basis expansion module to adapt internal or external parameters at each time step without requiring high computational complexity. Extensive experiments performed on synthetic and real-world data demonstrated superior prediction and classification results to conventional sequence models. Our proposed ETV model is particularly effective at handling long sequence data.
An Artificial Rabbits’ Optimization to Allocate PVSTATCOM for Ancillary Service Provision in Distribution Systems
Authors: Elshahed Mostafa , Tolba Mohamed A. , El-Rifaie Ali M. , Ginidi Ahmed , Shaheen Abdullah , Mohamed Shazly A.
Published: January 2023

Attaining highly secure and safe operation of the grid with acceptable voltage levels has become a difficult issue for electricity companies that must adopt remedial actions. The usage of a PV solar farm inverter as a static synchronous compensator (or PVSTATCOM device) throughout the night has recently been proposed as a way to enhance the system performance. In this article, the novel artificial rabbits’ optimization algorithm (AROA) is developed for minimizing both the daily energy losses and the daily voltage profile considering different 24 h loadings. The novel AROA is inspired from the natural surviving strategies of rabbits. The novel AROA is tested on a typical IEEE 33-node distribution network including three scenarios. Different scenarios are implemented considering PV/STATCOM allocations throughout the day. The effectiveness of the proposed AROA is demonstrated in comparison to differential evolution (DE) algorithm and golden search optimization (GSO). The PVSTATCOM is adequately allocated based on the proposed AROA, where the energy losses are greatly reduced with 54.36% and the voltage deviations are greatly improved with 43.29%. Moreover, the proposed AROA provides no violations in all constraints while DE fails to achieve these limits. Therefore, the proposed AROA shows greater dependability than DE and GSO. Moreover, the voltage profiles at all distribution nodes all over the daytime hours are more than the minimum limit of 95%.
Integral Equation via Fixed Point Theorems on a New Type of Convex Contraction in b-Metric and 2-Metric Spaces
Authors: Nallaselli Gunasekaran , Gnanaprakasam Arul Joseph , Mani Gunaseelan , Mitrović Zoran D. , Aloqaily Ahmad , Mlaiki Nabil
Published: January 2023

Our paper is devoted to describing a new way of generalized convex contraction of type-2 in the framework of b-metric spaces and 2-metric spaces. First, the concept of a new generalized convex contraction on b-metric spaces and 2-metric spaces is introduced, and fixed point theorem is extended to these spaces. Some examples supporting our main results are also presented. Finally, we apply our main result to approximating the solution of the Fredholm integral equation.
Prediction of a Sensitive Feature under Indirect Questioning via Warner’s Randomized Response Technique and Latent Class Model
Authors: Lee Shen-Ming , Tran Phuoc-Loc , Le Truong-Nhat , Li Chin-Shang
Published: January 2023

We investigate the association of a sensitive characteristic or latent variable with observed binary random variables by the randomized response (RR) technique of Warner in his publication (Warner, S.L. J. Am. Stat. Assoc.1965, 60, 63–69) and a latent class model. First, an expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm is provided to easily estimate the parameters of the null and alternative/full models for the association between a sensitive characteristic and an observed categorical random variable under the RR design of Warner’s paper above. The likelihood ratio test (LRT) is utilized to identify observed categorical random variables that are significantly related to the sensitive trait. Another EM algorithm is then presented to estimate the parameters of a latent class model constructed through the sensitive attribute and the observed binary random variables that are obtained from dichotomizing observed categorical random variables selected from the above LRT. Finally, two classification criteria are conducted to predict an individual in the sensitive or non-sensitive group. The practicality of the proposed methodology is illustrated with an actual data set from a survey study of the sexuality of first-year students, except international students, at Feng Chia University in Taiwan in 2016.
The Possible Role of Electrical Stimulation in Osteoporosis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Zhang Weifei , Luo Yuanrui , Xu Jixuan , Guo Chuan , Shi Jing , Li Lu , Sun Xiao , Kong Qingquan
Published: January 2023

Osteoporosis is mainly a geriatric disease with a high incidence, and the resulting spinal fractures and hip fractures cause great harm to patients. Anti-osteoporosis drugs are the main treatment for osteoporosis currently, but these drugs have potential clinical limitations and side effects, so the development of new therapies is of great significance to patients with osteoporosis. Electrical stimulation therapy mainly includes pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF), direct current (DC), and capacitive coupling (CC). Meanwhile, electrical stimulation therapy is clinically convenient without side effects. In recent years, many researchers have explored the use of electrical stimulation therapy for osteoporosis. Based on this, the role of electrical stimulation therapy in osteoporosis was summarized. In the future, electrical stimulation might become a new treatment for osteoporosis.
Chronic Otitis Media in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Brescia Giuseppe , Frosolini Andrea , Franz Leonardo , Daloiso Antonio , Fantin Francesco , Lovato Andrea , Filippis Cosimo de , Marioni Gino
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Chronic otitis media (COM) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are two of the most common otolaryngological disorders. CRS and COM share pathophysiological mechanisms such as bacterial infection, biofilm, and the persistence of the obstruction state of ventilation routes. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate all available information on the association between COM and CRS. Methods: The protocol of this investigation was registered on PROSPERO in November 2022. Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched according to the PRISMA statement. Results: After the application of inclusion-exclusion criteria, four manuscripts with adequate relevance to this topic were included in the review. The study population consisted of 20,867 patients with a diagnosis of CRS, of whom 991 were also diagnosed with COM (4.75%). Conclusions: The included studies have shown that CRS has become significantly associated with COMas: a global inflammatory process that involves the epithelium in both the middle ear and upper airway. The identification of a relationship between CRS and COM may contribute to preventing chronic inflammatory conditions through the early management of the associated disease. Further, carefully designed studies are necessary to demonstrate the relationship between COM and CRS.
Phenotypes of Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Peripheral Blood Leukocytes Parameters in Elderly Patients
Authors: Stryjewska-Makuch Grażyna , Glück Joanna , Branicka Olga , Lisowska Grażyna
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease that can be differentiated into two phenotypes, with or without polyps (CRSwNP) or CRSsNP), which may be unilateral (UNIL) or bilateral (BIL). CRS may have an impact on absolute neutrophils and lymphocytes count in peripheral blood. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the incidence of a specific CRS phenotype changes with age and to compare the values of neutrophils, lymphocytes and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the peripheral blood between groups of patients below and above 65 years of age with different CRS phenotypes. Material and Methods: A total of 235 patients aged 65 and over were examined, including 140 (59.6%) males. The group of patients <65 years of age comprised 160 subjects, including 103 (64.4%) males. In both groups, the sequence of frequency of particular phenotypes was similar: the most common phenotype was bilateral CRSwNP followed by CRSsNP BIL, CRSsNP UNIL, and finally, CRSwNP UNIL. Direct comparisons between determined phenotype in both groups of different ages revealed that, in the group ≥65 years, CRSwNP BIL occurred significantly more often than in the group <65 years of age. In fact, in the <65 group, bilateral CRSsNP was more common. The absolute neutrophils and lymphocytes counts were significantly higher in the whole group of patients with CRS ≥65 years of age and absolute number of neutrophils was higher in ≥65 years of age group with bilateral CRSsNP. Conclusions: The higher number of neutrophils in the whole ≥65 years of age group and in older patients with bilateral CRSsNP may indicate that CRS, despite of phenotype, may be an important source of infection that requires surgical treatment in elderly patients as well.