bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Axial Stress and Strain Characteristics of Reinforced-Concrete Curved Pipe Jacking in Power Tunnels
Authors: He Yongjun , Cheng Jian , Shi Zengli , Zhang Bin , Chen Li , Li Xi , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Peng
Published: September 2024

Joint deflection during curved pipe jacking in power tunnels poses a significant risk of structural failure due to the resulting eccentric and diagonal loading on the pipes. This study investigated the axial stress and strain characteristics of reinforced-concrete pipes under varying joint deflection angles and jacking forces, using a combined approach of experimental model testing and finite element method (FEM) numerical simulations. The experimental setup replicated curved pipe jacking conditions, allowing for the measurement of strains and deformation under controlled loading. Numerical simulations, validated against experimental data, provided detailed insights into the stress distribution patterns. The results revealed distinct stress states in different pipe sections. The pipe closest to the jacking force (3# pipe) experienced eccentric loading, leading to localized stress concentrations and inelastic strain on the inner wall at the point of eccentricity, indicating vulnerability to compressive failure. The middle pipe section (2# pipe) underwent complex diagonal loading, resulting in the development of inelastic strain on both the inner and outer walls at specific orientations, highlighting a risk of both compressive and shear failure modes. The study also demonstrated that the magnitude of the axial jacking force and the degree of joint deflection significantly influence the stress distribution and the extent of inelastic strain. These findings provide important information for optimizing the design and construction of curved pipe jacking projects in power tunnels. The identified failure mechanisms and the influence of key parameters on pipe behavior can inform strategies to mitigate the risk of structural failure, improve the resilience of pipe systems, and enhance the overall safety and reliability of underground power tunnel infrastructure.
Soil Displacement of Slurry Shield Tunnelling in Sandy Pebble Soil Based on Field Monitoring and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Cui Jian , Yao Zhigang , Yu Tao , Wang Jianfeng , Ying Kaichen , Liu Bo , Zhu Shu , Yan Xiaonan
Published: September 2024

Due to its inherent advantages, shield tunnelling has become the primary construction method for urban tunnels, such as high-speed railway and metro tunnels. However, there are numerous technical challenges to shield tunnelling in complex geological conditions. Under the disturbance induced by shield tunnelling, sandy pebble soil is highly susceptible to ground loss and disturbance, which may subsequently lead to the risk of surface collapse. In this paper, large-diameter slurry shield tunnelling in sandy pebble soil is the engineering background. A combination of field monitoring and numerical simulation is employed to analyze tunnelling parameters, surface settlement, and deep soil horizontal displacement. The patterns of ground disturbance induced by shield tunnelling in sandy pebble soil are explored. The findings reveal that slurry pressure, shield thrust, and cutterhead torque exhibit a strong correlation during shield tunnelling. In silty clay sections, surface settlement values fluctuate significantly, while in sandy pebble soil, the settlement remains relatively stable. The longitudinal horizontal displacement of deep soil is significantly greater than the transverse horizontal displacement. In order to improve the surface settlement troughs obtained by numerical simulation, a cross-anisotropic constitutive model is used to account for the anisotropy of the soil. A sensitivity analysis of the cross-anisotropy parameter α was performed, revealing that as α increases, the maximum vertical displacement of the ground surface gradually decreases, but the rate of decrease slows down and tends to level off. Conversely, as the cross-anisotropy parameter α decreases, the width of the settlement trough narrows, improving the settlement trough profile.
Sex-Based Differences in Lung Cancer Incidence: A Retrospective Analysis of Two Large US-Based Cancer Databases
Authors: Ratnakaram Kalyan , Yendamuri Sai , Groman Adrienne , Kalvapudi Sukumar
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has seen a relative rise in incidence among females versus males in recent years, although males still have a higher overall incidence. However, it is unclear whether this trend is consistent across all populations. Therefore, we retrospectively examined this relationship in two large high-risk clinical cohorts. Methods: First, we analyzed lung cancer incidence among individuals with a smoking history of over 40 pack-years in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). Then, we investigated the incidence of second primary NSCLC in patients who underwent lobectomy for previous stage I lung cancer using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We performed both univariate and multivariable time-to-event analyses to investigate the relationship between sex and lung cancer incidence. Results: In the NLST cohort (n = 37,627), females had a higher risk of developing primary NSCLC than males (HR = 1.11 [1.007–1.222], p = 0.035) after adjusting for age and pack-year history. In the SEER cohort (n = 19,327), females again exhibited an increased risk of developing a second primary lung cancer (HR = 1.138 [1.02–1.269], p = 0.021), after adjusting for age, race, grade, and histology. Conclusions: Our analysis reveals that females have a modestly higher lung cancer incidence than males in high-risk populations. These findings underscore the importance of further researching the underlying cellular processes that may cause sex-specific differences in lung cancer incidence.
Clinical Aspects and Significance of β-Chemokines, γ-Chemokines, and δ-Chemokines in Molecular Cancer Processes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (MDS)
Authors: Korbecki Jan , Bosiacki Mateusz , Stasiak Piotr , Snarski Emilian , Brodowska Agnieszka , Chlubek Dariusz , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of leukemia with a very poor prognosis. Consequently, this neoplasm is extensively researched to discover new therapeutic strategies. One area of investigation is the study of intracellular communication and the impact of the bone marrow microenvironment on AML cells, with chemokines being a key focus. The roles of β-chemokines, γ-chemokines, and δ-chemokines in AML processes have not yet been sufficiently characterized. Methods: This publication summarizes all available knowledge about these chemotactic cytokines in AML and myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS) processes and presents potential therapeutic strategies to combat the disease. The significance of β-chemokines, γ-chemokines, and δ-chemokines is detailed, including CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL3 (MIP-1α), CCL5 (RANTES), CCL23, CCL28, and CX3CL1 (fractalkine). Additionally, the importance of atypical chemokine receptors in AML is discussed, specifically ACKR1, ACKR2, ACKR4, and CCRL2. Results/Conclusions: The focus is on the effects of these chemokines on AML cells, particularly their influence on proliferation and resistance to anti-leukemic drugs. Intercellular interactions with non-AML cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), macrophages, and regulatory T cells (Treg), are also characterized. The clinical aspects of chemokines are thoroughly explained, including their effect on overall survival and the relationship between their blood levels and AML characteristics.
The Potential and Challenges of Proton FLASH in Head and Neck Cancer Reirradiation
Authors: Cheng Chingyun , Xu Liming , Jing Hao , Selvaraj Balaji , Lin Haibo , Pennock Michael , Chhabra Arpit M. , Hasan Shaakir , Zhai Huifang , Zhang Yin , Nie Ke , Bakst Richard L. , Kabarriti Rafi , Choi J. Isabelle , Lee Nancy Y. , Simone Charles B. , Kang Minglei , Wu Hui
Published: September 2024

Ultrahigh-dose-rate therapy, also known as FLASH radiotherapy (RT), is an emerging technique that is garnering significant interest in cancer treatment due to its potential to revolutionize therapy. This method can achieve comparable tumor control to conventional-dose-rate RT while offering the enhanced protection of normal tissue through the FLASH-sparing effect. This innovative technique has demonstrated promising results in preclinical studies involving animals and cell lines. Particularly noteworthy is its potential application in treating head and neck (HN) cancers, especially in patients with challenging recurrent tumors and reirradiation cases, where the toxicity rates with conventional radiotherapy are high. Such applications aim to enhance tumor control while minimizing side effects and preserving patients’ quality of life. In comparison to electron or photon FLASH modalities, proton therapy has demonstrated superior dosimetric and delivery characteristics and is a safe and effective FLASH treatment for human malignancies. Compared to the transmission proton FLASH, single-energy Bragg peak FLASH is a novel delivery method that allows highly conformal doses to targets and minimal radiation doses to crucial OARs. Proton Bragg peak FLASH for HN cancer has still not been well studied. This review highlights the significance of proton FLASH in enhancing cancer therapy by examining the advantages and challenges of using it for HN cancer reirradiation.
Bisphenol F Synthesis from Formaldehyde and Phenol over Zeolite Y Extrudate Catalysts in a Catalyst Basket Reactor and a Fixed-Bed Reactor
Authors: Park Yeongseo , Hwang Seoyeon , Won Seyeon , Kim Yehee , Hong Sooyeon , Lee Jungyeop , Lee Simon , Jeon Jong-Ki
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of zeolite Y as a catalyst for producing bisphenol F (BPF) from phenol and formaldehyde. Catalyst extrudates were prepared by extrusion after adding pseudoboehmite sol (PS) and Ludox (Lu) as alumina and silica binders, respectively. The compressive strength of the catalyst extrudates increased with the addition of Ludox. However, the formaldehyde conversion decreased as more Ludox was used as a binder, resulting in a decrease in the yield of BPF. This decrease is attributed to the reduction in the total amount of acid sites caused by the addition of Ludox. In this study, the Y_PS5_Lu5 catalyst was selected as the most suitable for BPF synthesis. In the BPF synthesis over the Y_PS5_Lu5 catalyst in a catalyst basket reactor, the optimum reaction temperature was determined to be 110 °C. The effect of stirring speed on the yield of BPF was found to be negligible in the range of 200 rpm to 350 rpm. The spent catalyst was able to recover a specific surface area and reaction activity similar to those of a fresh catalyst through regeneration in an air atmosphere at 500 °C. When the Y_PS5_Lu5 extruded catalyst was used in a continuous reaction in a fixed-bed reactor, there was no noticeable deactivation of the catalyst at low space velocities of the reactants. However, when the space velocity was increased to 18.0 h−1, catalyst deactivation was clearly observed. This suggests that periodic regeneration of the catalyst is inevitable in a continuous reaction using the Y_PS5_Lu5 extruded catalyst.
Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate from Methanol and CO2 over ZrO2 Catalysts Combined with a Dehydrating Agent and a Cocatalyst
Authors: Shi Dichao , Heyte Svetlana , Capron Mickaël , Paul Sébastien
Published: September 2024

Zirconia nanocrystals as catalysts for the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from methanol and carbon dioxide have received significant interest recently. In this paper, three zirconia-based catalysts presenting different monoclinic and tetragonal phase contents are prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption–desorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and temperature-programmed desorption of NH3 and CO2 (NH3-TPD and CO2-TPD). The catalytic performances of these solids are evaluated in terms of DMC production. This production is low when using the bare zirconias, but it is significantly increased in the presence of 1,1,1-trimethoxymethane (TMM) playing the role of a dehydrating agent, which shifts the thermodynamic equilibrium. Moreover, the production of DMC is further improved by adding a second solid catalyst (cocatalyst), the molecular sieve 13X, to accelerate the hydration of TMM. Hence, the molecular sieve 13X plays a dual role by trapping water molecules formed by the reaction of DMC synthesis and providing strong acidic sites catalyzing TMM hydrolysis. To the best of our knowledge, the combination of two solid catalysts in the reaction medium to accelerate the water elimination to obtain higher DMC production from CO2 and methanol has never been reported.
The [PdCl2(Xantphos)] Complex Efficiently Catalyzed the Methoxycarbonylation of Iodobenzene to Methyl Benzoate
Authors: Pietrobon Luca , Ronchin Lucio , Vavasori Andrea
Published: September 2024

The [PdCl2(Xantphos)] complex, in comparison with several [PdCl2(P–P)] complexes having different diphosphine chelating ligands (P–P), is very active as a catalyst for the carbonylation of iodobenzene to methyl benzoate. The run conditions and the influence of several cocatalysts have been also studied to further improve the catalytic activity. The optimization of the catalytic system allowed to obtain TOFs of ca. 260,000 h−1. The addition of some additives able to reduce the possible catalyst deactivation allowed to increase the TOF of ca. 15%. The best positive results were obtained by adding reducing agents such as ferrocene, which leads to a TOF higher than 300,000 h−1.
Advancing Lung Cancer Treatment with Combined c-Met Promoter-Driven Oncolytic Adenovirus and Rapamycin
Authors: Chen Shih-Yao , Wang Chung-Teng , Huang Tang-Hsiu , Tsai Jeng-Liang , Wang Hao-Tien , Yen Yi-Ting , Tseng Yau-Lin , Wu Chao-Liang , Chang Jia-Ming , Shiau Ai-Li
Published: September 2024

Lung cancer remains a formidable health challenge due to its high mortality and morbidity rates. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases, with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounting for the remainder. Both NSCLC and SCLC cells express receptor tyrosine kinases, which may be overexpressed or mutated in lung cancer, leading to increased activation. The c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, crucial for cell transformation and tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis, became the focus of our study. We used an E1B55KD-deleted, replication-selective oncolytic adenovirus (Ad.What), driven by the c-Met promoter, targeting lung cancer cells with c-Met overexpression, thus sparing normal cells. Previous studies have shown the enhanced antitumor efficacy of oncolytic adenoviruses when combined with chemotherapeutic agents. We explored combining rapamycin, a selective mTOR inhibitor with promising clinical trial outcomes for various cancers, with Ad.What. This combination increased infectivity by augmenting the expression of coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptors and αV integrin on cancer cells and induced autophagy. Our findings suggest that combining a c-Met promoter-driven oncolytic adenovirus with rapamycin could be an effective lung cancer treatment strategy, offering a targeted approach to exploit lung cancer cells’ vulnerabilities, potentially marking a significant advancement in managing this deadly disease.
The Effects of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment on Cardiac Repolarization
Authors: Lazar Diana R. , Cainap Simona , Lazar Florin Leontin , Maniu Dana , Blag Cristina , Bota Madalina , Colceriu Marius C. , Zdrenghea Mihnea
Published: September 2024

Background: In recent years, cardiac dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors has become an important issue. Studies are focusing on identifying means for the early identification of patients at risk. Considering this, our study aims to investigate 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) repolarization changes throughout doxorubicin (DOX) and cyclophosphamide (CPM) administration in pediatric patients treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods: This was an investigator-driven, single-center, prospective, observational study. Enrolled children had a baseline bedside ECG examination performed before starting chemotherapy (T0). Serial Holter ECG examinations were conducted at three moments during their treatment protocol: day 8 (T1), day 29 (T2), and day 36 (T3). This study evaluated several ECG repolarization parameters, such as the QT interval, corrected QT interval (QTc), and QTc dispersion, as well as ST segment variations. Results: We evaluated 37 children diagnosed with ALL. The T0 examination revealed that over a third of patients had a resting heart rate (HR) outside the normal range for their age and sex. During chemotherapy, statistically significant increases in both HR as well as QT and QTc dispersion values were noticed, especially during the first DOX administration. What is more, a significant increase in the percentage of patients with ST segment depression from T1 to T2 and T3 was noticed. Rhythm disturbances were rare in the study population, with only a few patients presenting ventricular or supraventricular extrasystoles. Conclusions: This study reveals silent repolarization changes occurring early during anticancer treatment in children treated for ALL. These findings could aid in a better understanding of the cardiac toxicity mechanism, and they could potentially improve cardiac risk stratification for oncologic patients. Because of the small number of patients, our results need to be validated by larger studies.
Titanium Nitride as an Alternative Plasmonic Material for Plasmonic Enhancement in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Tütüncüoğlu Atacan , Yüce Meral , Kurt Hasan
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates TiN for its potential to enhance light-harvesting efficiency as an alternative material to Au for nanoscale plasmonic light trapping in thin-film solar cells. Using nanosphere lithography (NSL), plasmonic arrays of both Au and TiN are fabricated and characterized. Later, the fabricated TiN and Au arrays are integrated into a thin-film organic photovoltaic (OPV) device with a PBDB-T:ITIC-M bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layer. A comparative study between these Au and TiN nanostructured arrays evaluates their fabrication process and plasmonic response, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of TiN compared to a conventional plasmonic material such as Au. The effect of the fabricated arrays when integrated into an OPV is presented and compared to understand the viability of TiN. As one of the first experimental studies utilizing TiN arrays for the plasmonic enhancement of photovoltaics, the results offer valuable insight that can guide future applications and decisions in design.
Evaluation of Peri-Operative Outcomes after Prostatic Urethral Lift with Emphasis on Urodynamic Changes, Symptom Improvement and Sexual Function
Authors: Lombardo Riccardo , Santarelli Valerio , Turchi Beatrice , Santoro Giuseppe , Guercio Alessandro , Franco Antonio , Secco Silvia , Dell’Oglio Paolo , Galfano Antonio , Olivero Alberto , Pastore Antonio Luigi , Al Salhi Yazan , Fuschi Andrea , Nacchia Antonio , Tema Giorgia , Fegiz Alessandra , Fusco Ferdinando , Cini Riccardo , Cicione Antonio , Tubaro Andrea , De Nunzio Cosimo
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims: The aim of our study is to evaluate the possible urodynamic effect of prostatic urethral lift (PUL) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Methods: A consecutive series of patients undergoing PUL placement were consecutively enrolled in two centers. Inclusion criteria: ≥50 years of age, benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), international prostate symptom score (IPSS) ≥ 13, prostate volume ≤ 60 mL, and no middle prostate lobe. All patients were evaluated using a detailed clinical history, a validated questionnaire, flexible cystoscopy, and pressure flow studies (PFS) at baseline. PFS were performed at 6 months to evaluate the urodynamic effect of PUL. Results: Overall, 20 patients with a median age of 63 were enrolled. At six months, statistically significant improvements in terms of median Qmax (11.5 vs. 8.5; p < 0.05) and median IPSS (16 vs. 10.5; p < 0.05) were recorded, and sexual function was maintained. All urodynamic parameters improved at 6 months, and significance was reached for all values except for PdetQmax. Finally, Schäfer’s class improved from a median of III to a median of II. More specifically, 16/20 presented an improvement in the Schäfer class, and 12/20 patients presented a BOOI < 20 at 6 months. Conclusions: PUL represents an effective treatment in patients with LUTS due to BPH and improves bladder outlet obstruction without any effect on sexual function.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Classification and Management of Intestinal Failure: Knowledge in Progress
Authors: Ramírez-Ochoa Sol , Zepeda-Gutiérrez Luis Asdrúval , Ambriz-Alarcón Mauricio Alfredo , Vicente-Hernández Berenice , Cervantes-Guevara Gabino , Castro Campos Karla D. , Valencia-López Karla , Cervantes-Pérez Gabino , Ruiz-León Mariana , Hernández-Mora Francisco Javier , Cervantes-Nápoles Tania Elizabeth , Flores-Villavicencio María Elena , Sánchez-Sánchez Sandra O. , Cervantes-Pérez Enrique
Published: September 2024

Intestinal failure (IF) is a debilitating condition characterized by the insufficient function of the gastrointestinal tract to absorb nutrients and fluids essential for life. This review consolidates recent advancements and challenges in managing IF among adult and pediatric populations, highlighting differences in etiology, management, and outcomes. Over the recent years, significant strides have been made in the nutritional and medical management of IF, significantly reducing mortality rates and improving the quality of life for patients. Key advancements include the development and availability of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogs, improved formulations of parenteral nutrition, and the establishment of specialized interdisciplinary centers. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) remains the predominant cause of IF globally. The pediatric segment is increasingly surviving into adulthood, presenting unique long-term management challenges that differ from adult-onset IF. These include the need for tailored nutritional support, management of IF-associated liver disease, and addressing growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The therapeutic landscape for IF continues to evolve with the development of new treatment modalities and better understanding of the condition’s pathophysiology. However, disparities in treatment outcomes between children and adults suggest the need for age-specific management strategies. This review underscores the importance of a nuanced approach to IF, incorporating advancements in medical science with a deep understanding of the distinct needs.
Assessing Biofilm at the Bedside: Exploring Reliable Accessible Biofilm Detection Methods
Authors: Mayer Perry , Smith Allie Clinton , Hurlow Jennifer , Morrow Brian R. , Bohn Gregory A. , Bowler Philip G.
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Biofilm is linked through a variety of mechanisms to the pathogenesis of chronic wounds. However, accurate biofilm detection is challenging, demanding highly specialized and technically complex methods rendering it unapplicable for most clinical settings. This study evaluated promising methods of bedside biofilm localization, fluorescence imaging of wound bacterial loads, and biofilm blotting by comparing their performance against validation scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods: In this clinical trial, 40 chronic hard-to-heal wounds underwent the following assessments: (1) clinical signs of biofilm (CSB), (2) biofilm blotting, (3) fluorescence imaging for localizing bacterial loads, wound scraping taken for (4) SEM to confirm matrix encased bacteria (biofilm), and (5) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) to determine absolute bacterial load and species present. We used a combination of SEM and PCR microbiology to calculate the diagnostic accuracy measures of the CSB, biofilm blotting assay, and fluorescence imaging. Results: Study data demonstrate that 62.5% of wounds were identified as biofilm-positive based on SEM and microbiological assessment. By employing this method to determine the gold truth, and thus calculate accuracy measures for all methods, fluorescence imaging demonstrated superior sensitivity (84%) and accuracy (63%) compared to CSB (sensitivity 44% and accuracy 43%) and biofilm blotting (sensitivity 24% and accuracy 40%). Biofilm blotting exhibited the highest specificity (64%), albeit with lower sensitivity and accuracy. Using SEM alone as the validation method slightly altered the results, but all trends held constant. Discussion: This trial provides the first comparative assessment of bedside methods for wound biofilm detection. We report the diagnostic accuracy measures of these more feasibly implementable methods versus laboratory-based SEM. Fluorescence imaging showed the greatest number of true positives (highest sensitivity), which is clinically relevant and provides assurance that no pathogenic bacteria will be missed. It effectively alerted regions of biofilm at the point-of-care with greater accuracy than standard clinical assessment (CSB) or biofilm blotting paper, providing actionable information that will likely translate into enhanced therapeutic approaches and better patient outcomes.
Delivery Route Scheduling of Heterogeneous Robotic System with Customers Satisfaction by Using Multi-Objective Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Chen Zhihuan , Hou Shangxuan , Wang Zuao , Chen Yang , Hu Mian , Ikram Rana Muhammad Adnan
Published: September 2024

This study addresses the route scheduling problem for the heterogeneous robotic delivery system (HRDS) that perform delivery tasks in an urban environment. The HRDS comprises two distinct types of vehicles: an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), which is constrained by road networks, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is capable of traversing terrain but has limitations in terms of energy and payload. The problem is formulated as an optimal route scheduling problem in a road network, where the goal is to find the route with minimum delivery cost and maximum customer satisfaction (CS) enabling the UAV to deliver packages to customers. We propose a new method of route scheduling based on an improved artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) and the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) that provides the optimal delivery route. The effectiveness and superiority of the method we proposed are demonstrated by comparison in simulations. Moreover, the physical experiments further validate the practicality of the model and method.
EMC-PK2: An Experimental Observation Tool for Capturing the Instructional Coherence and Quality in Early Math Classrooms
Authors: Rainey Luke , Farran Dale Clark , Durkin Kelley
Published: September 2024

This article explores the development of a new observation research tool called the EMC-PK2, designed to capture coherent mathematics teaching and learning practices in preschool through second-grade classrooms. There is widespread interest in improving early math instruction and moving from traditional didactic instructional methods to a more problem-solving approach. However, there are few observational tools appropriate for research supporting high-quality mathematics teaching and learning practices that can inform what is happening during math lessons and that are appropriate across preschool and elementary school environments. This tool was developed to try and meet that need. It was piloted and first used in a longitudinal study in two large U.S. public school districts, across Pre-K through second grade. Analysis of the observational data offers insights into the psychometrics of the tool, showing reliable use and capturing several key dimensions of practice: at the activity level, teacher facilitation and student engagement; and at the observation level, differentiation and classroom environment. Although costly in both time and resources to implement at a large scale, the EMC-PK2 can offer much-needed understanding for researchers concerned with early math teaching and learning.
A Possible Dark Side of Listening? Teachers Listening to Pupils Can Increase Burnout
Authors: Vinokur Eli , Itzchakov Guy , Yomtovian Avinoam
Published: September 2024

A growing body of the literature on interpersonal listening has revealed numerous positive outcomes in the workplace. For example, employees who listen well are perceived as leaders, perform better at work, gain trust, and succeed in negotiations, among other benefits. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the potential negative consequences of listening in the workplace, especially when it is effortful and challenging. This study explored the potential relationship between teachers listening to their pupils and burnout. Conducted in 2024, this field study involved 106 middle and high school teachers from Israel. We used multiple regression analysis to control for well-known predictors of job burnout: motivation, job satisfaction, and competence. The results indicated that teachers’ perception of their listening quality significantly and positively predicted job burnout, even when accounting for these variables as well as seniority and school-type; 0.24 ≤ βs ≤ 0.36. This study highlights the potential negative consequences of workplace listening and contributes to the less explored aspect of listening in the literature with important implications for work-related outcomes.
Bidirectional Corrective Model-Contrastive Federated Adversarial Training
Authors: Zhang Yuyue , Shi Yicong , Zhao Xiaoli
Published: September 2024

When dealing with non-IID data, federated learning confronts issues such as client drift and sluggish convergence. Therefore, we propose a Bidirectional Corrective Model-Contrastive Federated Adversarial Training (BCMCFAT) framework. On the client side, we design a category information correction module to correct biases caused by imbalanced local data by incorporating the local client’s data distribution information. Through local adversarial training, more robust local models are obtained. Secondly, we propose a model-based adaptive correction algorithm in the server that leverages a self-attention mechanism to handle each client’s data distribution information and introduces learnable aggregation tokens. Through the self-attention mechanism, model contrast learning is conducted on each client to obtain aggregation weights of corrected client models, thus addressing the issues of accuracy degradation and slow convergence caused by client drift. Our algorithm achieves the best natural accuracy on the CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and SVHN datasets and demonstrates excellent adversarial defense performance against FGSM, BIM, and PGD attacks.
MPC-TD3 Trajectory Tracking Control for Electrically Driven Unmanned Tracked Vehicles
Authors: Chen Yuxuan , Gai Jiangtao , He Shuai , Li Huanhuan , Cheng Cheng , Zou Wujun
Published: September 2024

To address the trajectory tracking issue of unmanned tracked vehicles, the majority of studies employ the Model Predictive Control (MPC). The MPC imposes high demands on model accuracy. Due to factors such as environmental interference, actuator constraints, and the nonlinearity of vehicles under high-speed conditions, dynamic and kinematic models fail to accurately delineate the motion process of tracked vehicles. Aiming at the problem of insufficient trajectory tracking precision of unmanned tracked vehicles, a trajectory tracking controller jointly controlled by the Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic policy gradient (TD3) algorithm and the MPC algorithm is developed. During offline training, the agent acquires the discrepancies between the model and the environment under various working conditions and optimizes its own network; during online reasoning, the agent adaptively compensates the output of the MPC based on the vehicle state. The experimental results indicate that, compared with the pure MPC algorithm, the MPC algorithm compensated based on the TD3 algorithm reduces the lateral errors by 41.67% and 22.55%, respectively, in circular and double-lane-change trajectory conditions.
A Wideband Polarization-Reconfigurable Antenna Based on Fusion of TM10 and Transformed-TM20 Mode
Authors: Yuan Xianjing , Zheng Siyuan , Yan Binyun , Sheng Weixing
Published: September 2024

A wideband polarization-reconfigurable microstrip antenna based on a mode-fusion mechanism is proposed. This simple antenna structure consists of a rectangular radiation patch and a ground, both with crossed slots. The slots crossing the ground are connected by eight PIN diodes and four capacitors such that two orthogonal linear-polarization radiation modes can be realized. The radiation patch is slotted such that a transformed TM20 mode is excited, realizing broadside radiation that the traditional TM20 mode is unable to. With fusion of the fundamental TM10 mode and the transformed-TM20 (T-TM20) mode, a wide bandwidth of 30.1% is achieved in two reconfigurable polarizations. The measured results agree well with the simulation results. The total efficiency of the proposed antenna is more than 80.0% over the bandwidth.
Cloud-Edge Collaborative Optimization Based on Distributed UAV Network
Authors: Yang Jian , Tao Jinyu , Wang Cheng , Yang Qinghai
Published: September 2024

With the continuous development of mobile communication technology, edge intelligence has received widespread attention from academia. However, when enabling edge intelligence in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) networks where drones serve as edge devices, the problem of insufficient computing power often arises due to limited storage and computing resources. In order to solve the problem of insufficient UAV computing power, this paper proposes a distributed cloud-edge collaborative optimization algorithm (DCECOA). The core idea of the DCECOA is to make full use of the local data of edge devices (i.e., UAVs) to optimize the neural network model more efficiently and achieve model volume compression. Compared with the traditional Taylor evaluation criterion, this algorithm consumes less resources on the communication uplink. The neural network model compressed by the proposed optimization algorithm can achieve higher performance under the same compression rate.
Three-Dimensional Probe Mispositioning Errors Compensation: A Feasibility Study in the Non-Redundant Helicoidal Near to Far-Field Transformation Case
Authors: D’Agostino Francesco , Ferrara Flaminio , Gennarelli Claudio , Guerriero Rocco , Migliozzi Massimo , Pascarella Luigi , Riccio Giovanni
Published: September 2024

A feasibility study on the compensation of 3D mispositioning errors of the probe occurring in the characterization of a long antenna, via a non-redundant (NR) near to far-field (NTFF) transformation with helicoidal scan, is conducted in this article. Such types of errors can result from imperfections in the rail driving the linear motion of the probe and from an imprecise synchronization of the linear and rotational movements of the probe and the antenna when drawing the scan helix. To correct them, an approach, which proceeds through two steps, is proposed. The former step uses a technique called cylindo rical wave (CW) correction for compensating the phase of the near-field (NF) samples, which, owing to the rail imperfections, result in not being acquired over the measurement cylinder surface. The latter exploits an iterative scheme to restore the samples at the sampling points required by the adopted NR representation along the scan helix from those obtained by applying the CW correction technique and impaired by 2D mispositioning errors. The so compensated NF samples are then effectively recovered via a 2D optimal sampling interpolation (OSI) scheme to accurately obtain the input data required to carry out the standard cylindrical NTFF transformation. The OSI representation is determined here by assuming a long antenna under test as enclosed in a prolate ellipsoid or cylinder ending into two hemispheres (cigar) in order to make, depending on the particular geometry of the considered antenna, the representation effectively non-redundant. The reported numerical simulation results show the capability of the proposed approach to compensate even severe 3D mispositioning errors, thus enabling its usage in a real measurement scenario.
A 28/56 Gb/s NRZ/PAM-4 Dual-Mode Transmitter with Eye-Opening Enhancement in 28 nm CMOS
Authors: Won Jonghyeok , Kim Jintae
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a non-return-to-zero (NRZ)/4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4) dual-mode wireline transmitter with an eye-opening enhancement technique to improve horizontal eye-opening. With the eye-enhancement pulse generator and the auxiliary pull-up device in the tail-less current-mode driver, the worst-case horizontal eye-opening increased by 30% in the PAM-4 eye diagram. The power efficiency of the NRZ mode was also improved by completely turning off the LSB path in the differential data path, resulting in only a 31% power efficiency degradation, which is far lower than that of the prior dual-mode transmitters. Fabricated in 28 nm CMOS, the transmitter achieves power efficiency of 1.4 pJ/bit at 56 Gb/s in PAM-4 mode and 1.84 pJ/bit at 28 Gb/s in NRZ mode, respectively.
FishDet-YOLO: Enhanced Underwater Fish Detection with Richer Gradient Flow and Long-Range Dependency Capture through Mamba-C2f
Authors: Yang Chen , Xiang Jian , Li Xiaoyong , Xie Yunjie
Published: September 2024

The fish detection task is an essential component of marine exploration, which helps scientists monitor fish population numbers and diversity and understand changes in fish behavior and habitat. It also plays a significant role in assessing the health of marine ecosystems, formulating conservation measures, and maintaining biodiversity. However, there are two main issues with current fish detection algorithms. First, the lighting conditions underwater are significantly different from those on land. In addition, light scattering and absorption in water trigger uneven illumination, color distortion, and reduced contrast in images. The accuracy of detection algorithms can be affected by these lighting variations. Second, the wide variation of fish species in shape, color, and size brings about some challenges. As some fish have complex textures or camouflage features, it is difficult to differentiate them using current detection algorithms. To address these issues, we propose a fish detection algorithm—FishDet-YOLO—through improvement in the YOLOv8 algorithm. To tackle the complexities of underwater environments, we design an Underwater Enhancement Module network (UEM) that can be jointly trained with YOLO. The UEM enhances the details of underwater images via end-to-end training with YOLO. To address the diversity of fish species, we leverage the Mamba model’s capability for long-distance dependencies without increasing computational complexity and integrate it with the C2f from YOLOv8 to create the Mamba-C2f. Through this design, the adaptability in handling complex fish detection tasks is improved. In addition, the RUOD and DUO public datasets are used to train and evaluate FishDet-YOLO. FishDet-YOLO achieves mAP scores of 89.5% and 88.8% on the test sets of RUOD and DUO, respectively, marking an improvement of 8% and 8.2% over YOLOv8. It also surpasses recent state-of-the-art general object detection and underwater fish detection algorithms.
Optimization of Provincial Power Source Structure Planning in Northwestern China Based on Time-Series Production Simulation
Authors: Su Zhou , Yang Guoqing , Yao Lixiao , Zhou Qingqing , Zhang Yuhan
Published: September 2024

With the increasing of renewable energy penetration rate in power source structure, the impact of its uncertainty on the stability of the power system is becoming increasingly apparent. The power system faces dual pressures of ensuring power supply and renewable energy accommodation. The way in which to accurately plan the power structure under situations with a high renewable energy penetration rate has become an urgent issue for future power infrastructure upgrading. In this paper, a rational power structure model was proposed for a provincial power grid by iteratively optimizing variables. The synergistic relationship between renewable energy, traditional power sources, and the energy storage system was considered comprehensively and calculated through the time-series production simulation method. The as-proposed model was studied using a scenario of a provincial grid plan in the year 2035. The power balance, electricity consumption, and renewable energy utilization were systematically analyzed, providing an important theoretical basis for the optimization and upgrading of provincial power systems under the rapid growth of renewable energy.
Prediction of the Potential Distribution and Conservation Strategies of the Endangered Plant Tapiscia sinensis
Authors: Liu Mei , Li Xiaoyu , Yang Liyong , Chen Keyi , Shama Zixi , Jiang Xue , Yang Jingtian , Zhao Guanghua , Huang Yi
Published: September 2024

Tapiscia sinensis Oliv. (T. sinensis), known as the Yingjiao tree, belongs to the Staphyleaceae family. It is a deciduous tree species endemic to China and represents an ancient species from the Tertiary glacial relics, possessing significant ecological and economic value. This study is based on 154 effective distribution points of T. sinensis in China and 12 environmental factors. Using integrated modeling and ArcGIS software (v10.8), the potential geographic distribution of T. sinensis under climate change was predicted to assess its future impact on distribution and ecological niche. Additionally, on-site surveys were conducted to compare the characteristics of T. sinensis forest communities across different habitability zones. The study also proposes conservation strategies based on the influence of climate change on the distribution of T. sinensis and the characteristics of its forest communities. The results indicate that (1) the current highly suitable areas for T. sinensis are primarily located in the municipal regions where Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, and Guizhou provinces meet, covering an area of 20.44 × 104 km2. (2) In three suitable community categories, T. sinensis is consistently a subdominant species, with the community in moderately suitable areas being the most diverse and exhibiting higher stability and evenness. (3) Under future climate change scenarios, the potential distribution area for T. sinensis will gradually decrease with rising temperatures. It will shift toward northern higher latitude regions, with the degree of ecological niche migration also increasing. (4) Conservation measures for T. sinensis primarily involve in situ and ex situ protection approaches. These results provide a theoretical basis for the scientific management and resource conservation of T. sinensis.
Progeny Selection and Genetic Diversity in a Pinus taeda Clonal Seed Orchard
Authors: Torres-Dini Diego , Sebbenn Alexandre Magno , de Aguiar Ananda Virginia , Vargas Ana , Rachid-Casnati Cecilia , Resquín Fernando
Published: September 2024

The present article describes the development of an improved Pinus taeda clonal seed orchard adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of Uruguay. Initially, 2068 hectares distributed in nine companies were prospected, and 124 plus trees were identified based on growth, straightness, and health traits. These trees were clonally propagated via grafting to establish a clonal seed orchard. For the genetic evaluation of the orchard, two progeny tests were carried out in the Rivera and Paysandú municipalities. Quantitative genetic analyses allowed us to identify a simple genotype–environment interaction and an expected genetic gain for volumes of 17%, 13%, and 8% for selection intensities of 12%, 25%, and 50%, respectively. Moreover, the genetic diversity of the 124 clones of the orchard was assessed using 10 microsatellite markers. The fingerprinting profiles allowed us to identify a total of 224 alleles. The polymorphism information content of the different markers was in the range of 0.594 to 0.895. The combined probability of identity and probability of identity among siblings had a discrimination power of 8.26 × 10–14 and 5.91 × 10–5, respectively. Analysis of the genetic structure demonstrated that the seed orchard population was not structured by the supplier.
Driving Factors of Forest Typological Diversity in the Moscow Region
Authors: Chernenkova Tatiana , Belyaeva Nadezhda , Novikov Alexander , Kotlov Ivan
Published: September 2024

The identification of the main factors influencing forest diversity, including both direct and indirect effects, as well as the compatibility of different-level approaches, is a key topic in community ecology and biogeography. The aim of the current study is to assess the contributions of natural and anthropogenic factors to forest diversity in the Moscow region (Russia). This study is based on a quantitative analysis of the linkage between forest diversity and biotopic local factors (LFs) at a lower spatial level, using geobotanical relevés, and external factors (EFs) at an upper spatial level, based on global environmental databases. The classification of 1040 field relevés (including forest-forming tree species, moisture conditions, and soil nutrients) resulted in the identification of eight forest types. A nonmetric multidimensional scaling algorithm, ANOVA post hoc test, hierarchical clustering, and multiple regression analysis were used in data processing. LFs are calculated based on complete species lists using Ellenberg ecological scales. According to a Duncan’s test, LFs provided significant differences between the eight forest types (p < 0.05). At the upper spatial level, the linkage between forest diversity and EFs was most pronounced for climatic factors, soil properties, and topography, including annual mean temperature, soil carbon, clay particle content, and DEM (elevation and slope). The contribution of anthropogenic factors was significantly smaller compared to the natural EFs in the study region.