bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Urban Populations of a Gliding Mammal Vulnerable to Decline?
Authors: Marks Anita J. , Goldingay Ross L.
Published: June 2023

Small populations are at high risk of extinction, and they are likely to need management intervention. Successful management, however, relies on sufficient long-term demographic data in order to determine whether apparent declines are natural fluctuations or the product of threatening processes. In this study, we monitored a small urban population of squirrel gliders (Petaurus norfolcensis) in Queensland, Australia, over a 16 year period. A reference population in a larger forest patch was also studied in order to investigate whether its demographic trends were similar. Using mark-recapture data to generate estimates of apparent survival and population size, we found evidence of a decline within the small population but not in the reference population over the monitoring period. We suggest that the influence of multiple factors may have led to the decline, but, ultimately, that the genetic condition of the small population may be responsible. Understanding demographic trends is an important context for management interventions of small populations, although causes of decline need to be identified for successful management. The squirrel glider provides a useful case study for small urban populations and particularly for arboreal mammals.
Pre-Implantation Bovine Embryo Evaluation—From Optics to Omics and Beyond
Authors: Rabel R. A. Chanaka , Marchioretto Paula V. , Bangert Elizabeth A. , Wilson Kenneth , Milner Derek J. , Wheeler Matthew B.
Published: June 2023

Approximately 80% of the ~1.5 million bovine embryos transferred in 2021 were in vitro produced. However, only ~27% of the transferred IVP embryos will result in live births. The ~73% pregnancy failures are partly due to transferring poor-quality embryos, a result of erroneous stereomicroscopy-based morphological evaluation, the current method of choice for pre-transfer embryo evaluation. Numerous microscopic (e.g., differential interference contrast, electron, fluorescent, time-lapse, and artificial-intelligence-based microscopy) and non-microscopic (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and nuclear magnetic resonance) methodologies have been tested to find an embryo evaluation technique that is superior to morphologic evaluation. Many of these research tools can accurately determine embryo quality/viability; however, most are invasive, expensive, laborious, technically sophisticated, and/or time-consuming, making them futile in the context of in-field embryo evaluation. However accurate they may be, using complex methods, such as RNA sequencing, SNP chips, mass spectrometry, and multiphoton microscopy, at thousands of embryo production/collection facilities is impractical. Therefore, future research is warranted to innovate field-friendly, simple benchtop tests using findings already available, particularly from omics-based research methodologies. Time-lapse monitoring and artificial-intelligence-based automated image analysis also have the potential for accurate embryo evaluation; however, further research is warranted to innovate economically feasible options for in-field applications.
Outcomes of Treatment of Eyelids and Third Eyelid Tumours in Dogs Using High-Frequency Radiowave Surgery
Authors: Navas Luigi , Di Palma Cristina , Pasolini Maria Pia , Montano Chiara , de Chiara Mariaelena , Lamagna Francesco , Uccello Valeria , Micieli Fabiana , Amalfitano Claudia , Paciello Orlando , Lamagna Barbara
Published: June 2023

In human ophthalmology, the benefits of using high-frequency radiowave (HFR) electrocautery for surgical procedures were demonstrated and include effective haemostasis, shorter surgery times, and rapid recovery. In canine eyelid surgery, intraoperative bleeding is a common feature that may obscure the surgical field view and lead to the increased swelling of adjacent tissues, bruising, and pain. To evaluate the efficacy and benefits of HFR electrocautery in canine eyelid and third eyelid surgery, the medical records of 48 surgical excisions of eyelid tumours (involving up to one-third of the eyelid length) and 4 third eyelid excisions were reviewed. The information was collected including the breed, age, clinical signs, HFR power setting and mode of the surgical unit, electrode used for the surgery, intraoperative complications, histopathological diagnosis, and postoperative outcomes. Surgical techniques were performed using the Surgitron Dual 3.8 MHz Frequency RF device (Ellman International, Oceanside, NY, USA). Intraoperative bleeding was recorded as absent or very mild, and the surgical procedures were very fast. No complications occurred during the procedures. Healing within 10 days was observed in all the dogs. No tumour recurrences were recorded at the 12-month follow-up. HFR electrosurgery proved to be a safe, effective, and easy-to-perform technique for the removal of eyelid and third eyelid tumours in dogs.
Haemodynamic Effects of Pimobendan during General Anaesthesia in Healthy Senior Dogs: A Prospective, Randomised, Triple-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Sández Ignacio , Redondo José I. , Donati Pablo A. , Gómez José
Published: June 2023

Pimobendan is an inotropic and vasodilator drug with no sympathomimetic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the haemodynamic effects of pimobendan during anaesthesia in healthy senior dogs. A prospective, randomised, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted. Thirty-three dogs (median [range]: 9 [7, 12] years) were anaesthetised for surgical procedures. The dogs were randomly allocated into two groups: eighteen dogs received intravenous pimobendan at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg (PIMOBENDAN), and fifteen dogs received intravenous saline solutions at a dose of 0.2 mL/kg (PLACEBO). Data were recorded before, 1 min, 10 min, and 20 min after injection. Velocity-time integral (VTI), peak-velocity (PV), and mean-acceleration (MA) were measured using an oesophageal Doppler monitor (ODM). Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were also registered. The data were analysed using a two-way ANOVA for trimmed means. Statistical differences were considered if p < 0.05. Twenty minutes after injection, the VTI (13.0 cm [10.4, 22.3]), PV (95.0 [83.0, 160] m/s), and MA (12.6 [9.40, 17.0] m/s2) were significantly higher in the PIMOBENDAN group compared to the PLACEBO group (VTI: 10.5 [6.50, 17.4] cm, PV: 80.0 [62.0, 103] m/s and MA: 10.2 [7.00, 16.0] ms2). No significant differences were observed in the rest of the variables. Using pimobendan during anaesthesia increases VTI, PV, and MA, as measured by an ODM.
In Vitro Activity of Finafloxacin against Panels of Respiratory Pathogens
Authors: Harding Sarah V. , Barnes Kay B. , Hawser Stephen , Bentley Christine E. , Vente Andreas
Published: June 2023

This study determined the in vitro activity of finafloxacin against panels of bacterial strains, representative of those associated with infection in cystic fibrosis patients and predominately isolated from clinical cases of respiratory disease. Many of these isolates were resistant to various antimicrobials evaluated including the aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, carbapenems and fluoroquinolones. Broth microdilution assays were performed at neutral and acidic pH, to determine antimicrobial activity. Finafloxacin demonstrated superior activity at reduced pH for all of the bacterial species investigated, highlighting the requirement to determine the activity of antimicrobials in host-relevant conditions.
Plant Extracts as Antimicrobial Agents in Sustainable Conservation of Erythrina caffra (Fabaceae) Historical Trees
Authors: Palla Franco , Bucchini Anahì E. A. , Giamperi Laura , Marino Pasquale , Raimondo Francesco M.
Published: June 2023

Microbial colonization plays a relevant role in the biodegradation and biodeterioration of cultural and natural heritage, representing a revealing problem in conservation strategy. In this study, the essential oil (EO) and hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE) of Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae), an aromatic perennial plant, representative of the Mediterranean basin, growing spontaneously and cultivated all over the world, were analysed. Natural products, such as essential oil and hydro-alcoholic extract, have strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and are ad hoc applied for the sustainable conservation of Erithryna caffra (Fabaceae). The main taxa revealed in the damaging of these arboreal heritage, are Bacillus sp., Streptomyces sp. and Terribacillus sp. (as bacteria), Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp. and Chaetomium sp. (as fungi). GS-MS analysis identified carvacrol, thymol and their biosynthetic precursors γ-terpinene and p-cymene, as main components, and the antimicrobial efficiency assayed by in vitro methods (Agar Dish Diffusion, Well Plate Diffusion). In this study, by combining the application/exposure of both HAE and EO, the bacterial and fungal colonies development has been in vitro countered. The results confirm the possible use of plant products as a valid alternative to the traditional synthetic chemical biocides, with full respect to the environment.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Antibacterial and Their Resistance in Medellín-Colombia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sampedro Restrepo Marcela , González Gaviria Manuela , Arango Bolaños Samuel , Higuita-Gutiérrez Luis Felipe
Published: June 2023

Objective: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) profile on bacterial resistance and antibiotic in the general population of Medellín. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2022, with 902 participants selected through stratified sampling with proportional allocation of different sectors of the city. The KAP scale was developed through a literature review, elimination of duplicate items, validity assessment, and reliability evaluation using Cronbach’s alpha. Each item was presented with absolute and relative frequencies on a Likert scale, with a total score ranging from 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates better knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Comparisons were made using Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, and linear regression. Results: The knowledge score median was 73.3 (IQR 63.3–93.3), with 36.9% reporting that antibiotics can be stopped once symptoms improve and 26.1% considering them as analgesics or antipyretics. The attitudes score was 83.3 (IQR 73.3–93.3), with 95.3% expressing concern about the impact on their health or that of their family and over 90% agreeing that more information is needed on antibiotic resistance. The practice score was the lowest at 63.9 (IQR 50–75), with 48% having been prescribed antibiotics at the pharmacy and 42.6% taking them to treat flu symptoms. Economic status (β 2.645), education in health-related areas (β 6.224), gender (β 2.892), and education level (β 3.257) determined knowledge. Knowledge (β 0.387), gender (β 2.807), and education level (β 0.686) influenced attitudes, but practices were only determined by Knowledge (β 0.084) attitudes (β 0.552) and age group (β 2.858). Conclusions: Knowledge about antibiotics and bacterial resistance does not significantly influence the practices of the population. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving knowledge need to be reconsidered as they may not contribute to the appropriate use of antibiotics and prevention of resistance to these drugs.
Relationship between COVID-19 and ICU-Acquired Bloodstream Infections Related to Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Piantoni Antoine , Houard Marion , Piga Gaetan , Zebian Ghadi , Ruffier des Aimes Sarah , Holik Bérénice , Wallet Frédéric , Rouzé Anahita , Kreitmann Louis , Loiez Caroline , Labreuche Julien , Nseir Saad
Published: June 2023

A bloodstream infection (BSI) is a severe ICU-acquired infection. A growing proportion is caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB). COVID-19 was reported to be associated with a high rate of secondary infections. However, there is a lack of data on the relationship between COVID-19 and the incidence of MDRB ICU-acquired BSI. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between COVID-19 and ICU-acquired BSI related to MDRB. This retrospective study was conducted in a single-center ICU during a one-year period. All adult patients admitted for more than 48 h were included. The cumulative incidence of ICU-acquired BSI related to MDRB was estimated using the Kalbfleisch and Prentice method. The association of COVID-19 status with the risk of ICU-acquired BSI related to MDRB was assessed using cause-specific Cox’s proportional hazard model. Among the 1320 patients included in the analysis, 497 (37.65%) had COVID-19. ICU-acquired BSI related to MDRB occurred in 50 patients (36 COVID patients (7%) and 14 non-COVID patients (1.6%)). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Enterobacteriacae (46%) and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (30%) were the most commonly isolated MDRB. COVID-19 was significantly associated with a higher risk of MDRB ICU-acquired BSI (adjusted cHR 2.65 (1.25 to 5.59) for the whole study period). However, this relationship was only significant for the period starting at day 15 after ICU admission. ICU-acquired BSI related to MDRB was significantly associated with ICU mortality (HR (95%CI) 1.73 (1–3)), although COVID-19 had no significant impact on this association (p het 0.94). COVID-19 is significantly associated with an increased risk of ICU-acquired BSI related to MDRB, mainly during the period starting at day 15 after ICU admission.
Development and Application of Digital Twin–BIM Technology for Bridge Management
Authors: Tita Elfrido Elias , Watanabe Gakuho , Shao Peilun , Arii Kenji
Published: June 2023

The concept and technology of a digital twin, which represent a replica of a real object in a virtual space called Industry 4.0, are widely used across all industries and purposes. Similarly, in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, there is an urgent need to develop a technology called BIM, a form of digital twin based on 3D models, for the purpose of improving productivity and reducing costs. Bridge structures are required to be safe, reliable, and durable, and various research studies have been conducted on maintenance and repair strategies and their development by fusing health monitoring and digital twins. In this study, we explore the development of digital twin–BIM technology and demonstrate its various applications for an existing bridge structure where the implementation of health monitoring is planned. Moreover, we evaluate the characteristics of the structural performance of the bridge structure using digital twin–BIM technology.
Assessment of Penetrability for Different Endodontic Irrigation Activating Techniques Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Periapical Digital Radiography—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Abdelhafeez Manal M. , Alharbi Afnan S. , Srivastava Swati , Abdelaziz Rehab , Eldwakhly Elzahraa , Almohareb Rahaf A. , Algahtani Fahda N. , Soliman Mai
Published: June 2023

The elimination of necrotic and inflamed pulp tissue, dentin debris, and microorganisms is essential for the success of endodontic treatment. However, the root canal’s complexity has led to incomplete cleaning and disinfection. This study aims to compare the efficacy of the penetrability of three different irrigation activating techniques to the apical third of the root canal. Sixty sound single-rooted human mandibular premolars are prepared with rotary instrumentation under continuous sodium hypochlorite irrigation. Three irrigation activation techniques are utilized: group 1 (n = 20), conventional needle irrigation (CN); group 2 (n = 20), side-vented endodontic needle irrigation (EN); and group 3 (n = 20), manual activation irrigation with gutta-percha cone (MA). The penetrability is assessed with the aid of a radiopaque irrigation solution using digital radiography in conjunction with cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) measurements. Data are analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), using multiple comparisons to compare the baseline and test values. One-way analysis of variance with post hoc analysis (Tukey honestly significant difference) is performed to detect the statistically significant differences between groups. Manual activation (MA) shows effective delivery of the irrigant into full WL, followed by endodontic needle (EN) and conventional (CN) methods of activation (p < 0.001). The results of the present study show that maximum penetrability of the irrigant is observed with manual activation (MA) using a gutta cone in comparison with the conventional needle (CN).
Determination of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Honey-Loaded Topical Formulations: A Focus on Western Australian Honeys
Authors: Hossain Md Lokman , Lim Lee Yong , Hammer Katherine , Hettiarachchi Dhanushka , Locher Cornelia
Published: June 2023

This study presents data on the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of honey-based topical formulations incorporating four Western Australian (WA) honeys along with New Zealand Manuka honey as a comparator honey. The antioxidant activity of the pure honeys and the various honey-loaded topical formulations were assessed by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) derivatization. An optimised agar overlay assay was employed to determine the antibacterial activity of the pure honeys and honey-loaded topical formulations with a Trimethoprim antibiotic disc acting as a positive control. It was found that the antioxidant activity was retained in all formulation types irrespective of the honey that was utilized. WA Manuka honey 2 and its formulations showed the highest antioxidant activity in the FRAP assay with a recorded activity of 6.56, 6.54, 6.53 and 18.14 mmol Fe2+ equivalent/kg honey, its pre-gel solution, and its corresponding wet and dry sheets, respectively. Additionally, the band activity of WA Manuka honey 2 and its formulations was also found to be the highest activity with values equivalent to 29.30, 29.28, 29.27 and 81.30 µg of gallic acid/g honey, its pre-gel solution, and also its corresponding wet and dry sheets, respectively. In the overlay assay, the antibacterial activity of honey-loaded formulations was recorded to be comparable to that of their respective pure honeys. The findings of this study suggest that WA honeys and the investigated semi-solid topical formulations that were loaded with these honeys exert antibacterial and antioxidant activities that at times exceeded that of the NZ Manuka honey, which was used as a comparator in this study.
Coordinated Mitigation Control for Wideband Harmonic of the Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Inverter
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Lisheng , Shan Pengbo , Yu Haidong , Zhang Shidong , Huang Min , Liu Wenbin , You Xinhong , Zhang Pengping , Sun Yuanyuan , Sun Kaiqi , Li Yahui
Published: June 2023

Under the current trend of power electronics in energy systems, a high percentage of renewable energy transports clean energy to the grid through grid-connected inverters. The pulse-width modulation (PWM) technique brings high-order harmonics near to the switching frequency, and LCL filters with low-pass characteristics become the common choice for grid-connected inverters. However, the low-order harmonics caused by nonideal switching characteristics are difficult to filter out, and the new resonance point introduced by the LCL filter causes a security problem for the energy systems. Firstly, the generation mechanism of the 6 k ± 1 order harmonic and high-frequency resonance from a PV grid-connected inverter is analyzed. Then, a virtual resistor is constructed by the active damping method to absorb the resonant component. Meanwhile, this paper also presents an adaptive modulation voltage compensation method to decrease the low-order harmonics. Finally, the actual measured data of user photovoltaic (PV) and multiple comparative simulations verify these theories. Simulation results show that the proposed coordinated control algorithm reduces the peak of the resonance point, and the rate of low-order harmonics mitigation is more than 50%. The proposed method is suitable for various operating conditions.
Modification of Values for the Horizontal Force of Tillage Implements Estimated from the ASABE Form Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Naji Al-Dosary Naji Mordi , Aboukarima Abdulwahed M. , Al-Hamed Saad A. , Zayed Moamen F. , Marey Samy A. , Kayad Ahmed
Published: June 2023

The famous empirical model for the horizontal force estimation of farm implements was issued by the American Society of Agricultural Biological Engineers (ASABE). It relies on information on soil texture through its soil texture adjustment parameter, which is called the Fi -parameter. The Fi-parameter is not measurable, and the geometry of the plow through the machine parameter values are not measurable; however, the tillage speed, implement width, and tillage depth are measurable. In this study, the Fi-parameter was calibrated using a regression technique based on a soil texture norm that combines the sand, silt, and clay contents of a soil with R2 of 0.703. A feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) with a backpropagation algorithm for training purposes was established to estimate the modified values of the horizontal force based on four inputs: working field criterion, soil texture norm, initial soil moisture content, and the horizontal force (which was estimated by the ASABE standard using the new—Fi-parameter). Our developed ANN model had high values for the coefficient of determination (R2) and their values in the training, testing, and validation stages were 0.8286, 0.8175, and 0.8515, respectively that demonstrated the applicability for the prediction of the modified horizontal forces. An Excel spreadsheet was created using the weights of the established ANN model to estimate the values of the horizontal force of specific tillage implements, such as a disk, chisel, or moldboard plows. The Excel spreadsheet was tested using data for a moldboard plow; in addition, a good prediction of the required horizontal force with a percentage error of 10% was achieved. The developed Excel spreadsheet contributed toward a numerical method that can be used by agricultural engineers in the future. Furthermore, we also concluded that the equations presented in this study can be formulated by any of computer language to create a simulation program to predict the horizontal force requirements of a tillage implement.
Effect of Carbon Dioxide Injection on Limestone Permeability Damage Induced by Alumina Nanoparticles for Enhanced Oil Recovery Applications
Authors: Alali Ragheed , Abe Kazunori , Seddiqi Khawaja Naweed , Fujii Hikari
Published: June 2023

Enhanced oil recovery using nanoparticles is a promising method. However, when injected into a reservoir, nanoparticles can block pores and cause permeability damage. Therefore, enhancing their performance to lower the permeability damage effect is crucial. This study investigated the effect of pH alteration through carbon dioxide (CO2) injection on the permeability damage of limestone caused by an aluminum oxide (α-Al2O3) nanofluid. The methodology involved nanofluid alternating CO2 core flooding experiments by using nanofluids with a pH of 4.5 and 2.8. After core flooding, the permeability damage was calculated as a percentage of the reduction in the original permeability. The results revealed that the permeability damage in the case of nanofluid alternating CO2 injection was 23.23%. In the nanofluid with a pH of 4.5 injection case, the permeability damage was 47.53%. In the 2.8 pH nanofluid injection case, the permeability damage was 31.01%. The retention of nanoparticles was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Permeability damage could be attributed to the large nanoparticles’ agglomeration size, roughness of pore surfaces, and nanoparticle sedimentation. The results of the study revealed that altering pH through the α-Al2O3 nanofluid alternating CO2 injection can effectively reduce the permeability damage of limestone.
Supporting Imaging of Austenitic Welds with Finite Element Welding Simulation—Which Parameters Matter?
Authors: Kalkowski Michał K. , Bézi Zoltán , Lowe Michael J. S. , Schumm Andreas , Spisák Bernadett , Szavai Szabolcs
Published: June 2023

The basic principle of ultrasound is to relate the time of flight of a received echo to the location of a reflector, assuming a known and constant velocity of sound. This assumption breaks down in austenitic welds, in which a microstructure with large oriented austenitic grains induces local velocity differences resulting in deviations of the ultrasonic beam. The inspection problem is further complicated by scattering at grain boundaries, which introduces structural noise and attenuation. Embedding material information into imaging algorithms usually improves image quality and aids interpretation. Imaging algorithms can take the weld structure into account if it is known. The usual way to obtain such information is by metallurgical analysis of slices of a representative mock-up fabricated using the same materials and welding procedures as in the actual component. A non-destructive alternative to predict the weld structure is based on the record of the welding procedure, using either phenomenological models or the finite element method. The latter requires detailed modelling of the welding process to capture the weld pool and the microstructure formation. Several parameters are at play, and uncertainties intrinsically affect the process owing to the limited information available. This paper reports a case study aiming to determine the most critical parameters and levels of complexity of the weld formation models from the perspective of ultrasonic imaging. By combining state-of-the-art welding simulation with time-domain finite element prediction of ultrasound in complex welds, we assess the impact of the modelling choices on the offset and spatial spreading of defect signatures. The novelty of this work is in linking welding simulation with ultrasonic imaging and quantifying the effect of the common assumptions in solidification modelling from the non-destructive examination perspective. Both aspects have not been explored in the literature to date since solidification modelling has not been used to support ultrasonic inspection extensively. The results suggest that capturing electrode tilt, welding power, and weld path correctly is less significant. Bead shape was identified as having the greatest influence on delay laws used to compute ultrasonic images. Most importantly, we show that neglecting mechanical deformation in FE, allowing for simpler thermal simulation supplemented with a phenomenological grain growth loop, does not reduce the quality of the images considerably. Our results offer a pragmatic balance between the complexity of the model and the quality of ultrasonic images and suggest a perspective on how weld formation modelling may serve inspections and guide pragmatic implementation.
K-Means Module Division Method of FDM3D Printer-Based Function–Behavior–Structure Mapping
Authors: You Ying , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Youqian , Peng Ning , Wang Jian , Huang Yizhe , Huang Qibai
Published: June 2023

Product performance, function, cost, and the level of module generalization are all significantly influenced by product modular design, but different goods require different division indicators and techniques. The purpose of this study is to provide a set of appropriate modular division techniques for FDM 3D printers. This research offers an ecologically friendly module division index and uses module clustering as the module division principle in accordance with the current industrial development trend and the fundamental requirements of FDM 3D printer consumers in the current market. The K-means algorithm is used to use the Jaccard similarity coefficient as the metric of similarity of the DSM clustering process to realize the module division of the FDM 3D printer after studying the function–behavior–structure mapping model of the 3D printer. Additionally, the elbow method–cluster error variance and average contour coefficient evaluation systems were built, respectively, in order to verify the viability of the FDM 3D printer module division method and obtain the best module division results. By analyzing these two systems, it was discovered that when the FDM 3D printer was divided into three modules, the in-cluster error variance diagram obviously had an inflection point, and the average profile coefficient and other modular approaches that need to be adjusted to their respective goods can use this division method as a theoretical foundation and point of reference.
Magnetic Interference Analysis and Compensation Method of Airborne Electronic Equipment in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Chen Bingyang , Huang Ling , Zhang Ke , Hu Jin , Zhu Wanhua
Published: June 2023

At present, the research and application of aeromagnetic compensation are almost all based on the Tolles–Lawson (T–L) model. With the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the number of intelligent electronic devices in UAVs is increasing, and the magnetic environment of the platform is becoming more and more complicated. Research shows that the magnetic interference caused by airborne electronic equipment has been very significant, sometimes even reaching 100 nT. The traditional airborne magnetic compensation method based on the T–L model cannot effectively compensate the magnetic interference caused by airborne electronic equipment. Aiming at the problem of magnetic interference of airborne electronic equipment of UAVs, this paper analyzes the origin of magnetic interference of airborne electronic equipment using experiments, and it was found that it is related to the power supply current, and the characteristics of magnetic interference are similar to permanent magnet materials. Based on this feature, we eliminated the magnetic interference caused by the working current of airborne equipment by establishing a linear compensation model based on the current’s source. The experimental data show that the current interference source model proposed in this paper can effectively compensate the magnetic interference generated by airborne electronic equipment and the compensation improvement ratio (IR) is greater than 10.
Optimal Control Algorithm for Subway Train Operation by Proximal Policy Optimization
Authors: Chen Bin , Gao Chunhai , Zhang Lei , Chen Junjie , Chen Jun , Li Yuyi
Published: June 2023

With the increasing scale of the urban subway, the total energy consumption of the subway has increased dramatically and poses a great challenge to the comfort of passengers and the punctuality of train operation. In order to ensure on-time train operation and passenger comfort, and at the same time reduce the energy consumption of subway operation, this paper proposes a Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO)-based optimization algorithm for the optimal control of subway train operation. Firstly, a reinforcement learning architecture for optimal control of subway train operation is constructed with the position and speed of train operation as the reinforcement learning state, energy consumption and comfort as the optimization objectives, and train operation time as the constraint. The proposed reinforcement learning model is trained by the PPO algorithm, and the reward scaling is added to the training process to accelerate the training speed and improve the efficiency of the algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed PPO with reward scaling algorithm can effectively reduce train energy consumption and improve passenger comfort while ensuring on-time train operation.
Anomaly Detection of Liquid Level in Mold during Continuous Casting by Using Forecasting and Error Generation
Authors: Wu Xiaojun , Kang Hongjia , Yuan Sheng , Jiang Wenze , Gao Qi , Mi Jinzhou
Published: June 2023

Anomaly detection of liquid levels in molds is an important task in continuous casting. Data that consists of a series of liquid levels in mold during a continuous casting process can be viewed as a time series, on which Time Series Anomaly Detection (TSAD) methods can be applied. However, the abnormal and normal data in the liquid data in the mold sequence share similar features. And due to manual control limitations, the anomaly sequence in liquid level in mold data lasts longer. Therefore, using existing TSAD methods based on AutoEncoders (AEs) often results in high false positive rates. In this paper, a novel framework is proposed for anomaly detection of liquid level in mold by using unsupervised deep-learning-based TSAD. The framework decomposes a time series into normal and error sequences. A forecasting network reconstructs the normal sequence to solve the first issue, which allows the proposed method to consider the context. An error extraction network generates errors from the original sequence to solve the second issue. It removes anomalies from the original sequence during training to prevent anomaly pollution and allows the forecasting network’s training to be free from anomaly pollution. A new dynamic threshold method is proposed to identify anomalies. The proposed method is evaluated on the actual casting dataset by comparing it with baseline methods. The experiment results indicate that the proposed framework outperforms some of the best anomaly detection methods in terms of accuracy, precision, and F1 score.
Influence of Coating a TiO2 Electrode with DN-F05 and DN-F05-Ag on the Photovoltaic Performance of DSSC Solar Cells
Authors: Supriyanto Agus , Saputri Diani Galih , Ahmad Mohd Khairul Bin , Sutomo Artono Dwijo , Ramelan Ari Handono
Published: June 2023

A DSSC’s performance depends on its working electrode. Since this working electrode functions as an electron carrier, it affects how well DSSC solar cells perform. This study focused on working electrodes that use the dye DN-F05 and the Ag ions in the hybrid dye DN-F05 as a sensitizer. This research was conducted using the spin-coating method. Based on structural, optical, and electrical data, the results obtained were related to each other. It was determined that Ag has a significant influence on DSSC performance, and this discovery was also the main goal of this study. Previous studies have shown that the addition of Ag as a doping agent is an effective strategy for improving chemical and electronic properties. This can be proven through electrical measurements, which have shown an efficiency of 5.33%. However, when a significant amount of Ag is hybridized in the dye DN-F05, it will cause a decrease in DSSC performance due to the accumulation of Ag particles on the semiconductor’s surface, creating a barrier to light absorption and aggregation. This is what led to the selection of a hybrid material (Ag metal), as Ag is unique and offers great potential with respect to boosting solar cells’ performance.
LSTM Network for the Oxygen Concentration Modeling of a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Toffanin Chiara , Di Palma Federico , Iacono Francesca , Magni Lalo
Published: June 2023

The activated sludge process is a well-known method used to treat municipal and industrial wastewater. In this complex process, the oxygen concentration in the reactors plays a key role in the plant efficiency. This paper proposes the use of a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network to identify an input–output model suitable for the design of an oxygen concentration controller. The model is identified from easily accessible measures collected from a real plant. This dataset covers almost a month of data collected from the plant. The performances achieved with the proposed LSTM model are compared with those obtained with a standard AutoRegressive model with eXogenous input (ARX). Both models capture the oscillation frequencies and the overall behavior (ARX Pearson correlation coefficient ρ = 0.833 , LSTM ρ = 0.921), but, while the ARX model fails to reach the correct amplitude (index of fitting FIT = 41.20%), the LSTM presents satisfactory performance (FIT = 60.56%).
Plane-Wave Diffraction from Resistive-Filled Circular Hole in Infinite Resistive Plane: An Analytically Regularizing Approach
Authors: Lucido Mario , Chirico Gaetano , Migliore Marco Donald , Pinchera Daniele , Schettino Fulvio
Published: June 2023

The study of the electromagnetic diffraction from penetrable screens with apertures and/or inhomogeneities is of great relevance today due to the huge number of modern applications in which they are involved. In this paper, the analysis of the plane wave scattering from a resistive-filled circular hole in a resistive plane is addressed. The uniquely solvable boundary value problem for the Maxwell equations, obtained via imposing generalized boundary conditions, power boundedness condition, and Silver–Muller radiation condition, is equivalently formulated in terms of an infinite set of singular dual integral equations in the vector Hankel transform domain. The Helmholtz–Galerkin technique allows for the discretization and, simultaneously, analytical regularization of the obtained integral equations. Fast convergence is guaranteed by a suitable choice of the basis functions reconstructing the physical behavior of the fields at the discontinuity between the two involved media. Moreover, the full-wave nature of the proposed approach allows the direct assessment of near-field and far-field parameters.
Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making for Medical Rescue Operations during Mass Casualty Incidents
Authors: Tomczyk Lukasz , Kulesza Zbigniew
Published: June 2023

Mass casualty incident (MCI) is an unpredictable situation where a great number of people have been injured after an accident or sudden disease. Survival of the injured in the MCI depends on the efficiency of the directed emergency system (DES). The organization and management of medical assistance is of paramount importance. The shortest possible time to provide medical services to injured persons is crucial. The medical service in the case of the MCI primarily requires decisions on the priority of the order of treatment of the injured, the choice of medical transport and the location of specialized emergency treatment. As part of this paper, the effectiveness of the DES has been analyzed, and criteria used to improve rescue operations have been formulated. A formalized mathematical description of the medical rescue operations in MCIs has been proposed, and the optimization problem as the mixed integer linear programming (MILP) task was formulated. Optimization of an example case of rescue operations in MCIs has been presented. A computer simulator for optimal decision-making in medical rescue operations (CSMRO) has been developed for this purpose. The CSMRO implements various multi-criteria optimization methods to solve the formulated problem of rescue operations optimization. The results of computations made with the developed CSMRO simulator significantly shorten the time of decision-making in mass casualty incident handling.
Comparative Evaluation of Viscosity, Density and Ultrasonic Velocity Using Deviation Modelling for Ethyl-Alcohol Based Binary Mixtures
Authors: Padmanaban Radhakrishnan , Gayathri Ahobilam , Gopalan Aanantha Iyengar , Lee Dong-Eun , Venkatramanan Kannan
Published: June 2023

This study reports the comparative deviations in experimental viscosity, density and ultrasonic velocity of two new ethanol-based binary liquid mixtures (ethanol + 1-hexanol and ethanol + 1-octanol) at 303.15 K by applying various theoretical models (Hind relation (ηH), Kendall and Monroe relation (ηK-M), Bingham relation (ηB), Arrhenius–Eyring relation (ηAE), Croenauer-Rothfus Kermore relation (ηCRK) and Gambrill relation (ηG)). Typically, the experimental densities are compared with theoretical methods like the Mchaweh–Nasrifar–Mashfeghian model (ρMNM), Hankinson and Thomson model (ρHT), Yamada and Gunn model (ρYG) and Reid et al. (ρR) model. Additionally, the experimental ultrasonic velocities are compared with various theoretical models like the Nomoto relation (UN), Van Dael and Vangeel relation (UIMR), Impedance relation (UIR), Rao’s specific velocity relation (UR) and Junjie relation (UJ). The average percentage of deviation (APD) is determined to identify the most suited model that can closely agree to the experimental values of the specified property (viscosity, density and ultrasonic velocity). From the APD values, it may be concluded that the ηK-M model is the most suitable theoretical method for estimating the viscosity for the ethanol + 1-hexanol system, and the Gambrill model is the suitable method for estimating viscosity for ethanol + 1-octanol liquid systems. Similarly, the model of Reid et al. and Jungie’s relation are the most suited theoretical models to predict the density and ultrasonic velocity of the binary liquid systems, respectively. Form the experimental data, various molecular interaction properties like adiabatic compressibility, intermolecular free length, free volume, internal pressure, and viscous relaxation time are analysed. The results of this study are expected to be useful in predicting the suitable molecular proportions that can be suited for industrial application (flavouring additive, insecticide, in the manufacture of antiseptics, perfumes for 1-hexanol based mixtures and flavouring, and as an antifoaming agent for 1-octanol based liquid mixtures).
Machine Learning Algorithms Combining Slope Deceleration and Fetal Heart Rate Features to Predict Acidemia
Authors: Esteban Luis Mariano , Castán Berta , Esteban-Escaño Javier , Sanz-Enguita Gerardo , Laliena Antonio R. , Lou-Mercadé Ana Cristina , Chóliz-Ezquerro Marta , Castán Sergio , Savirón-Cornudella Ricardo
Published: June 2023

Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is widely used in intrapartum care as the standard method for monitoring fetal well-being. Our objective was to employ machine learning algorithms to predict acidemia by analyzing specific features extracted from the fetal heart signal within a 30 min window, with a focus on the last deceleration occurring closest to delivery. To achieve this, we conducted a case–control study involving 502 infants born at Miguel Servet University Hospital in Spain, maintaining a 1:1 ratio between cases and controls. Neonatal acidemia was defined as a pH level below 7.10 in the umbilical arterial blood. We constructed logistic regression, classification trees, random forest, and neural network models by combining EFM features to predict acidemia. Model validation included assessments of discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. Our findings revealed that the random forest model achieved the highest area under the receiver characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.971, but logistic regression had the best specificity, 0.879, for a sensitivity of 0.95. In terms of clinical utility, implementing a cutoff point of 31% in the logistic regression model would prevent unnecessary cesarean sections in 51% of cases while missing only 5% of acidotic cases. By combining the extracted variables from EFM recordings, we provide a practical tool to assist in avoiding unnecessary cesarean sections.
A Fast Method for Determination of Ethylene Oxide Using Gas Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry GC-MS/MS
Authors: Wenio Iwona , Bartosiewicz Iwona , Derewiaka Dorota , Dewiszek Katarzyna , Karniłowicz Kamila
Published: June 2023

The ongoing influx of information regarding the presence of ethylene oxide in food requires the implementation of a simple and quick analytical procedure. This paper propounds one such effective procedure for the analysis of ethylene oxide (EtO) bactericides by GC-MS/MS in food. The presented method is based on the derivatization of ethylene oxide to 2-chloroethanol, with both the number of extraction steps and the volume of extraction solvent having been minimized. The purification of the final extract through a syringe filter has proved to significantly reduce the amount of recovery obtained. Since the definition of residue pesticide ethylene oxide, according to the directive 868/2015, states that ethylene oxide is the sum of ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol expressed as ethylene oxide, the validated method allows for the determination of this definition. The presented method has turned out to be faster than other methods and it complies with the latest European guidelines for the analysis of pesticide residues outlined in the SANTE/11312/2021 document. Linearity, limits of detection and quantification, matrix effects, accuracy, and precision of the method have been assessed with respect to the above-mentioned document. Expanded uncertainty RSDr was less than or equal to 20%, while the recovery achieved oscillated within the range of 70–120%. The laboratory has been accredited for using the described procedure of the chromatographic method, the competence of which has been confirmed by numerous proficiency tests.
A Novel Approach for Modeling and Evaluating Road Operational Resilience Based on Pressure-State-Response Theory and Dynamic Bayesian Networks
Authors: Yu Gang , Lin Dinghao , Xie Jiayi , Wang Ye. Ken
Published: June 2023

Urban roads face significant challenges from the unpredictable and destructive characteristics of natural or man-made disasters, emphasizing the importance of modeling and evaluating their resilience for emergency management. Resilience is the ability to recover from disruptions and is influenced by factors such as human behavior, road conditions, and the environment. However, current approaches to measuring resilience primarily focus on the functional attributes of road facilities, neglecting the vital feedback effects that occur during disasters. This study aims to model and evaluate road resilience under dynamic and uncertain emergency event scenarios. A new definition of road operational resilience is proposed based on the pressure-state-response theory, and the interaction mechanism between multidimensional factors and the stage characteristics of resilience is analyzed. A method for measuring road operational resilience using Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBN) is proposed, and a hierarchical DBN structure is constructed based on domain knowledge to describe the influence relationship between resilience elements. The Best Worst method (BWM) and Dempster–Shafer evidence theory are used to determine the resilience status of network nodes in DBN parameter learning. A road operational resilience cube is constructed to visually integrate multidimensional and dynamic road resilience measurement results obtained from DBNs. The method proposed in this paper is applied to measure the operational resilience of roads during emergencies on the Shanghai expressway, achieving a 92.19% accuracy rate in predicting resilient nodes. Sensitivity analysis identifies scattered objects, casualties, and the availability of rescue resources as key factors affecting the rapidity of response disposal in road operations. These findings help managers better understand road resilience during emergencies and make informed decisions.