bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supply- and demand-side drivers of the change in the sugar density of food purchased between 2015 and 2018 in Great Britain
Authors: Gressier Mathilde , Frost Gary S. , Hill Zoe , Li Danying , Olney Jack , Pineda Elisa , Targett Victoria , Young Michelle , Sassi Franco
Published: October 2024

The UK government launched a two-component sugar-reduction programme in 2016, one component is the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages, the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, and the second is a voluntary sugar reduction programme for products contributing most to children’s sugar intakes. These policies provided incentives both for industry to change the products they sell and for people to change their food and beverage choices through a ‘signalling’ effect that has raised awareness of excess sugar intakes in the population. In this study, we aimed to identify the relative contributions of the supply- and demand-side drivers of changes in the sugar density of food and beverages purchased in Great Britain. While we found that both supply- and demand-side drivers contributed to decreasing the sugar density of beverage purchases (reformulation led to a 19 % reduction, product renewal 14 %, and consumer switching between products 8 %), for food products it was mostly supply-side drivers (reformulation and product renewal). Reformulation contributed consistently to a decrease in the sugar density of purchases across households, whereas changes in consumer choices were generally in the opposite direction, offsetting benefits of reformulation. We studied the social gradient of sugar density reduction for breakfast cereals, achieved mostly by reformulation, and found increased reductions in sugar purchased by households of lower socio-economic status. Conversely, there was no social gradient for soft drinks. We conclude that taxes and reformulation incentives are complementary and combining them in a programme to improve the nutritional quality of foods increases the probability of improvements in diet quality.
Field-evolved cross-resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides in redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) populations and alternative chemical options for effective control
Authors: Papapanagiotou Aristeidis P. , Alvanou Maria V. , Giantsis Ioannis A. , Kati Vaya A. , Eleftherohorinos Ilias G.
Published: October 2024

Twelve putative-resistant (R) redroot pigweed populations were collected in sunflower and soybean fields located in northeastern Greece, after repeated exposure to the acetolactate synthase (ALS)–inhibiting herbicides imazamox and tribenuron-methyl. Studies were conducted to determine the resistance status to these two ALS-inhibiting herbicides and evaluate alternative postemergence and preemergence herbicides for effective control. Two susceptible (S) populations were also included for comparison. Among the 12 putative-R populations studied in the whole-plant dose–response pot experiments, 11 were characterized as cross-resistant (R) to the imidazolinone imazamox and the sulfonylurea tribenuron-methyl. In contrast, the putative R5 and the two reference populations (S1, S2) populations were found to be susceptible. Sequencing of the ALS gene revealed that a point mutation (TGG to TTG at position 574) was selected in domain B, where in combination with domain A the majority of point mutations conferring resistance have been detected, resulting in an amino acid substitution from tryptophan (Trp) to leucine (Leu) in the 11 R populations. By contrast, all sequenced plants of the three susceptible populations were found with the wild-type allele encoding Trp574. The labeled rate of the postemergence herbicides tembotrione and dicamba provided fair to excellent control of the populations with ALS cross-resistance. In contrast, at this rate the preemergence herbicides S-metolachlor + terbuthylazine, isoxaflutole, aclonifen, metribuzin, and pendimethalin provided excellent control. These findings strongly suggest that 11 redroot pigweed populations have evolved cross-resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides, but viable options for chemical control of this weed still exist.
Auxin herbicides, halosulfuron, sulfentrazone, and topramezone disparately affect morphology and ultraviolet features of weedy flowers and associated pollinator foraging
Authors: Godara Navdeep , Askew Shawn D.
Published: October 2024

Pollinators risk exposure to insecticide residue when visiting weedy flowers in urban landscapes. Previous research shows that pollinators are routinely exposed to a variety of pesticides, but herbicides have exhibited minimal toxicity and did not contribute to the modeled risk quotients. Herbicides from different modes of action may deter pollinators from visiting turfgrass weeds, but their temporal influence on floral quality and pollinator foraging is unaddressed. Research experiments were conducted at Blacksburg, VA, in 2023 to assess the effect of four herbicides on floral morphology and ultraviolet (UV) reflectance of three different UV floral classes of weeds and associated pollinator foraging visits. Among 1,080 assessments per weed species, honeybees (Apis mellifera), bumble bees (Bombus spp.), solitary bees (Chelostoma florisomne), and flies (Diptera spp.) accounted for 94%, 2%, 3%, and 1%, respectively, of the total pollinator visitations on white clover (Trifolium repens L.) inflorescences; 71%, 2%, 0%, and 27%, respectively, on dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.) flowers; and 0%, 0%, 78%, and 22%, respectively, on bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus L.) flowers. Pollinator visitation and floral quality were temporarily affected by herbicide application, with some herbicides eliminating food resources, while others transiently impacted floral quality and density. The combination of 2,4-D + dicamba + MCPP and topramezone eliminated pollinator foraging visits, but on differing temporal scales of 3 d for auxins and 14 d for topramezone. Halosulfuron and sulfentrazone transiently suppressed floral quality and density, with varying degrees of deterrence on pollinators depending on the weed species. All evaluated herbicides reduced radiometric UV reflectance of T. officinale petal apices, but only synthetic auxin and topramezone reduced digitally assessed floral UV-reflecting area. Petal UV reflectance appears to contribute but not solely influence pollinator foraging behavior. UV-absorbing and UV-reflecting flowers differed in UV-reflectance response to herbicides, but pollinators were similarly deterred. Results suggest that herbicides may offer a variety of management solutions to pollinator deterrence in areas slated for insecticide treatment, including long-term or transient deterrence with potential food-resource preservation.
Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) ecology in wheat-cropping systems of the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Oreja Fernando , Genna Nicholas , Gourlie Jennifer , Barroso Judit
Published: October 2024

Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.) is a significant summer annual weed in the semiarid Pacific Northwest, causing yield losses of up to 50%. Understanding the biology and ecology of S. tragus is vital for developing effective integrated weed management strategies. This study focused on (1) S. tragus emergence and seedbank persistence in two cropping systems: fallow–winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and spring wheat–fallow–winter wheat rotations, and (2) S. tragus plant biomass and viable seed production in fallow and spring wheat fields. A 4-yr experiment (2020 to 2023) was conducted at the Columbia Basin Agriculture Research Center in Adams, OR, using a randomized block design with four replications. Salsola tragus seeds were sprinkled only at the beginning of the experiment, and seedling numbers were recorded throughout. Most seedlings emerged in the first year, with the highest rates in spring wheat (72%) and fallow (32%), followed by significantly lower rates (0.25% to 5%) in subsequent years. Seedling emergence began in late March and early April in the first and second years but was delayed to May in the third year. Plant biomass and viable seed production were greater in fallow than in spring wheat, with early-season plants having more biomass than later-emerging plants. Plants emerged between early and mid-May produced the most viable seeds. Viable seed production was very low until it peaked in mid-September. Findings indicated that most S. tragus seedlings emerged in the first year after dispersal coinciding with spring precipitation and lasting approximately 2 mo. Additionally, most S. tragus plants produce viable seeds in September, and seeds persist in the soil for more than 2 yr. These results demonstrate the need for growers to control S. tragus emergence to prevent reinfestations and ultimately the need to control S. tragus plants before September to prevent the species from producing viable seed.
Comparison of patients with occlusive or hemorrhagic access site	complications requiring reintervention after percutaneous transfemoral	transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Wegner Moritz , Smeets Reinier R. , Veenstra Leo F. , Ahmad Wael , Behrens Amelie L. , Kursch Florian , Wienemann Hendrik , Dorweiler Bernhard , Baldus Stephan , Adam Matti , Mees Barend M. E. , Meertens Max M.
Published: October 2024

Summary: Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) via transfemoral (TF) access is increasingly integral to aortic valve disease treatment, expanding beyond high-risk patients. Despite technical advancements, access-related vascular complications, occurring in approximately 10% of TAVI procedures, remain a substantial challenge. Objective: This study investigated the clinical and morphological characteristics of percutaneous TF-TAVI patients experiencing occlusive (OC) and hemorrhagic (HC) complications managed with surgical or endovascular reintervention. Methods: The cohort included patients from a Dutch and a German tertiary referral hospital, managed with TF-TAVI procedures between 2017 and 2021 that required reintervention for OC or HC. Demographics, comorbidities, procedural details, and preoperative imaging data were collected and compared between groups. Results: Among 109 TF-TAVI patients, 32 with OC and 77 with HC required reintervention. The OC group presented significantly smaller access arterial diameters (common femoral artery: OC 6.7 mm vs. HC 8.9 mm, p<.001; external iliac artery: OC 7.2 mm vs. HC 8.3 mm, p<.001; common iliac artery: OC 9.4 mm vs. HC 10.5 mm, p=.012) while the HC group presented higher tortuosity index (TI) (OC 1.24 vs. HC 1.30; p=.017). No differences were observed regarding baseline characteristics, vessel calcification or vascular closure device use. Conclusions: In patients requiring reintervention following TF-TAVI, smaller arterial diameters were associated with OC, while higher TI was linked to HC. These findings emphasize the importance of preoperative imaging in developing individualized prevention strategies.
Why Doesn't the Observed Field‐Aligned Current Saturate With Increasing Interplanetary Electric Field?
Authors: Yang Ziyi , Zhang Binzheng , Lei Jiuhou , Lotko William
Published: October 2024

Theoretical studies indicate that electric potential saturation in a polar cap ionosphere is regulated by the limited reconnection rate at the magnetopause associated with field‐aligned currents (FACs), predicting the possible saturation of FACs under large interplanetary electric field (IEF). However, recent statistical studies have shown that observed FACs increase linearly with IEF. To reconcile this disparity, numerical experiments are conducted to explore the response of FACs under large IEF. Results show that FACs may exhibit either linear or saturated responses, depending on the Alfvén Mach number. The magnetospheric closure paths of region 1 currents differ significantly between the linear and saturated conditions. In the linear case, essential parts of the region 1 current extend toward dayside and connect to the magnetopause currents, whereas these parts of currents almost disappear in the saturation state. Saturation usually occurs under sub‐Alfvénic solar wind conditions, so the observed FACs generally grow linearly with IEF.
Large Mixed Layer Salinity Variation in the Southern Tropical Indian Ocean Due To the Blending of Water Masses
Authors: Zhao Zhangzhe , Sprintall Janet , Du Yan
Published: October 2024

The southern tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) displays large mixed layer salinity (MLS) variation. Circulation in this region is governed by the Indian Ocean tropical gyre (IOTG), where the source water proportion and associated mixing remain unclear. Particles integrating into the IOTG and entering the central southern TIO originate from the Bay of Bengal, Malacca Strait, western Indian Ocean, and Indonesian Throughflow. Surprisingly, cross‐equatorial advection is particularly important, implying a significant connection between both the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea via Malacca Strait into the southern TIO. The anomalous anticlockwise circulation weakens the IOTG during positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). An opposite pattern is observed in the negative IOD. A particle experiment reveals that water masses are modulated by the anomalous circulation that drives the redistribution of MLS by changing the proportion of the different source waters. This represents a potential predictability for the southern TIO MLS variability.
Does the Scenario of Connection Between the Positive Leader Tip and the Lateral Surface of the Negative Leader Exist?
Authors: Qi Qi , Wu Bin , Lyu Weitao , Lyu Fanchao , Ma Ying , Chen Lyuwen , Jiang Xiaoling
Published: October 2024

Based on the high‐speed video observations obtained at the Tall‐Object Lightning Observatory in Guangzhou (TOLOG), the attachment processes of three lightning flashes seem to belong to the connections between “the lateral surface of negative leader and positive leader tip” which had never been reported before were investigated. The leader connection processes of these flashes were examined in detail, and a mechanism behind connecting behavior between the lateral surface of negative leader and positive leader tip was discussed. Observation shows that negative leaders usually have abundant branches. Although some may extinguish, they still maintain a certain conductivity. When the positive leader tip comes close to the lateral surface of the negative leader (usually a few tens of meters), the previously disappeared short branch can be reactivated. It is easier for the positive leader tip to connect the tips of these branches (whether they have been extinguished or not).
Projected Changes of the Warm Arctic‐Cold North American Pattern
Authors: Yu Bin , Lin Hai
Published: October 2024

The Warm Arctic‐Cold North American (WACNA) pattern features opposing surface temperature anomalies, with centers over the Chukchi‐Bering Seas (CBS) and the North American Great Plains. The pattern is mainly driven by meridional heat transport and damped by the generation of available potential energy through diabatic heating. The Canadian Earth System Model CanESM5, part of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), reasonably reproduces this pattern and its formation mechanisms. Future projections under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 8.5 (SSP5‐8.5) suggest a significant weakening of WACNA with global warming. Notable changes in pattern intensity and spatial structure are anticipated, particularly a decrease in intensity over the CBS. WACNA changes are also found in 31 CMIP6 multi‐model ensemble simulations. These changes are attributed to Arctic amplification associated with global warming, which diminishes the equator‐to‐pole temperature gradient and consequently reduces meridional heat transport, particularly over the CBS region.
Effects of Chemical Alteration on Frictional Properties in a Deep, Granitic, Geothermal System in Cornwall: Direct Shear Experiments at Near In Situ Conditions
Authors: Harpers N. , Forbes Inskip N. , Allen M. J. , Buckman J. , Faulkner D. R. , Claes H. , Shail R. , den Hartog S. , Busch A.
Published: October 2024

The geochemical alteration of host rocks might affect the productivity and the potential for induced seismicity of geothermal systems. In addition to natural alteration, following production and heat extraction, re‐injected fluids at lower temperatures and different pressures may be in chemical disequilibrium with the rock, impacting mineral solubility and dissolution/precipitation processes. In this study, we investigate the effect of geochemical alteration on the frictional behavior of granites, and their seismogenic potential, by conducting direct shear experiments using samples with varying degrees of alteration. The samples originate from the Carnmenellis granite in Cornwall, SW England, and represent the formation used in the United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Project for heat extraction. Experiments were conducted on granite powders (referred to as gouges) at room temperature and 180°C, at simulated in situ confining and pore pressures of 130 and 50 MPa, respectively (∼5 km depth). With increasing degree of alteration, the frictional strength of the gouges decreases while frictional stability increases. At high temperature, frictional stability is reduced for all samples while maintaining the trend with alteration stage. Microstructural investigation of the sheared gouges shows alteration delocalizes shear by reducing grain size and increasing clay fraction, which promotes the formation of pervasive shear fabrics. Our work suggests that, within the range of tested pressures, more alteration of granite initially causes more stable shearing in a fault. This behavior with alteration is sustained at high temperatures, but the overall frictional stability is reduced which increases the potential for induced seismicity at higher temperatures.
Parameterization of the Vertical Mixing for the Luzon Undercurrent in the Northern Western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Chen Xianliang , Gan Jianping , Hui Chiwing , McWilliams James C.
Published: October 2024

The Luzon Undercurrent (LUC) is one of the most significant western boundary undercurrents in the northern western Pacific Ocean (WPO), essential for subsurface water transport and connecting subtropical–equatorial circulations. Over the last three decades, abundant observational progress has been made in revealing the basic features of the LUC. However, the dynamics and thus successful modeling of the LUC remain unresolved. In this work, we conducted a high‐resolution (3 km, 60 levels) numerical investigation of the WPO circulation using the China sea multi‐scale ocean modeling system. We paid particular attention to the vertical mixing, aiming to reasonably resolve the LUC by modifying the vertical mixing parameterization. Based on physics reasoning and experiments of physically based modeling, we designed an adaptive mixing scheme (AMS), which used a Munk‐like function in the thermocline for enhanced vertical mixing in the areas of small Richardson numbers. Using the AMS, we reproduced the two‐layer WPO circulations well and captured the inshore component of the LUC consistent with observations. Furthermore, we studied the dynamics of the LUC by analyzing the momentum balance and found that the LUC is primarily maintained by baroclinic pressure gradient force due to strong thermocline tilting near the western boundary. Enhanced vertical mixing in this highly sheared region crucially provides sufficient geostrophic support to sustain the LUC. Also, nonlinearity and submesoscale motions contribute positively to the LUC. This work advances physical understanding of the current‐undercurrent system and improves numerical capability in capturing the LUC and WPO circulations.
Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition Controls Interannual Variability of Net Primary Production in the Bohai Sea
Authors: Yao Yuan , Yu Guirui , Han Lang , Chen Zhi , Wang Tiejun , Yan Zhifeng , Wang Jilong , Sun Mingyu
Published: October 2024

Increasing human activities and climate change have resulted in significant changes in net primary production (NPP) of the marginal sea in the past several decades. The Bohai Sea (BHS) is a shallow semi‐enclosed marginal sea of North China, the knowledge of the relative impacts of human activities and climate change on the NPP in the BHS remains limited. This study primarily aimed to elucidate the interannual variability of NPP and its influencing factors in the BHS during the 2002–2021 period by synthesizing four widely‐used global NPP models, namely the vertically generalized production model (VGPM), the Eppley‐VGPM, the size‐fractioned phytoplankton pigment absorption‐based model (SABPM), and the carbon, absorption, and fluorescence euphotic‐resolving model (CAFE). The multi‐model average NPP showed significant interannual variation, with an increasing trend from 2002 to 2012 and a decreasing trend from 2012 to 2021. The concentration of DIN in the BHS was primarily affected by atmospheric nitrogen deposition. The structural equation model demonstrated that chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) concentration, influenced by DIN concentration, had an important effect on NPP. In brief, atmospheric nitrogen deposition impacted the DIN concentration and thus controlled the Chl‐a concentration and NPP change in the BHS. Furthermore, atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the BHS have potential ecological impacts on the red tide features. These findings hold valuable implications for future marine resource planning and marine ecological management in the BHS.
Evaluation of 10‐m Wind Speed From ISD Meteorological Stations and the MERRA‐2 Reanalysis: Impacts on Dust Emission in the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Faber E. , Rocha‐Lima A. , Colarco P. , Baker B.
Published: October 2024

Mineral dust is one of the most important aerosols when studying the radiative balance and climate of the planet. There are different dust emission schemes utilized by the atmospheric modeling communities, many of which disagree on basic output quantities such as mass of dust emitted and distribution of mass among size bins. In this work, we examined mineral dust emission from a leading model scheme, the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART), as utilized in the Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA‐2) Reanalysis and compared it to dust emissions calculated using wind measurements from ground based weather stations located in the Arabian Peninsula that are included in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) integrated surface database (ISD). An intercomparison of 10‐m wind speed is shown for the Arabian Peninsula region, differences of the observed and modeled wind field are quantified, and impacts of differences on dust emissions are calculated. This analysis shows 10‐m winds in the ISD were generally lower than MERRA‐2 winds, which propagated to dust emissions errors. Our estimate of one of the most significant mass impacts in dust emission is 0.178 Tg/year/grid box with a percent change of over 200% to the recalculated dust emissions from MERRA‐2. These differences in wind speed propagated to a difference in dust mass emitted by the use of a static source function which aids in scaling the mass emitted by the availability of dust in each grid. Additionally, the magnitude of these differences varies seasonally.
Quality control for single-cell analysis of high-plex tissue profiles using CyLinter
Authors: Baker Gregory J. , Novikov Edward , Zhao Ziyuan , Vallius Tuulia , Davis Janae A. , Lin Jia-Ren , Muhlich Jeremy L. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Santagata Sandro , Guerriero Jennifer L. , Sorger Peter K.
Published: October 2024

Tumors are complex assemblies of cellular and acellular structures patterned on spatial scales from microns to centimeters. Study of these assemblies has advanced dramatically with the introduction of high-plex spatial profiling. Image-based profiling methods reveal the intensities and spatial distributions of 20–100 proteins at subcellular resolution in 103–107 cells per specimen. Despite extensive work on methods for extracting single-cell data from these images, all tissue images contain artifacts such as folds, debris, antibody aggregates, optical aberrations and image processing errors that arise from imperfections in specimen preparation, data acquisition, image assembly and feature extraction. Here we show that these artifacts dramatically impact single-cell data analysis, obscuring meaningful biological interpretation. We describe an interactive quality control software tool, CyLinter, that identifies and removes data associated with imaging artifacts. CyLinter greatly improves single-cell analysis, especially for archival specimens sectioned many years before data collection, such as those from clinical trials.
Tribocharging of granular materials flowing in grounded inclined tubes
Authors: Preud’homme Nicolas , Schockmel Julien , Opsomer Eric , Lumay Geoffroy
Published: October 2024

Numerical simulations using the patch model and the method of image charges, validated against experiments, show that tribocharging in granular materials within inclined grounded tubes depends on the tube's tilt angle and length.
Simulated ischaemia/reperfusion impairs trophoblast function through divergent oxidative stress- and MMP-9-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Barron Aaron , Tuulari Jetro J. , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , O'Keeffe Gerard W. , McCarthy Cathal M.
Published: October 2024

Early-onset pre-eclampsia is believed to arise from defective placentation in the first trimester, leading to placental ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) and oxidative stress. However, our current understanding of the effects of I/R and oxidative stress on trophoblast function is ambiguous in part due to studies exposing trophoblasts to hypoxia instead of I/R, and which report conflicting results. Here, we present a model of simulated ischaemia/reperfusion (SI/R) to recapitulate the pathophysiological events of early-onset pre-eclampsia (PE), by exposing first trimester cytotrophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells to a simulated ischaemia buffer followed by reperfusion. We examined different ischaemia and reperfusion times and observed that 1 h ischaemia and 24 h reperfusion induced an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (P<0.0001) and oxygen consumption rate (P<0.01). SI/R-exposed trophoblast cells exhibited deficits in migration, proliferation, and invasion (P<0.01). While the deficits in migration and proliferation were rescued by antioxidants, suggesting an ROS-dependent mechanism, the loss of invasion was not affected by antioxidants, which suggests a divergent ROS-independent pathway. In line with this, we observed a decrease in MMP-9, the key regulatory enzyme necessary for trophoblast invasion (P<0.01), which was similarly unaffected by antioxidants, and pharmacological inhibition of MMP-9 replicated the phenotype of deficient invasion (P<0.01). Collectively, these data demonstrate that I/R impairs trophoblast migration and proliferation via a ROS-dependent mechanism, and invasion via an ROS-independent loss of MMP-9, disambiguating the role of oxidative stress and providing insights into the response of trophoblasts to I/R in the context of early-onset PE.
How to Efficiently Measure the Intelligibility of People With Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Dahl Kimberly L. , Balz Magdalen A. , Cádiz Manuel Díaz , Stepp Cara E.
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine the most efficient approaches to measuring the intelligibility of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) when considering the estimation method, listener experience, number of listeners, number of sentences, and the ways these factors may interact.

Method:

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and inexperienced listeners estimated the intelligibility of people with and without PD using orthographic transcription or a visual analog scale (VAS). Intelligibility estimates were based on 11 Speech Intelligibility Test sentences. We simulated all combinations of listeners and sentences to compare intelligibility estimates based on fewer listeners and sentences to a speaker-specific benchmark estimate based on the mean intelligibility across all sentences and listeners.

Results:

Intelligibility estimates were closer to the benchmark (i.e., more accurate) when more listeners and sentences were included in the estimation process for transcription- and VAS-based estimates and for SLPs and inexperienced listeners. Differences between the benchmark and subset-based intelligibility estimates were, in some cases, smaller than the minimally detectable change in intelligibility for people with PD.

Conclusions:

The intelligibility of people with PD can be measured more efficiently by reducing the number of listeners and/or sentences, up to a point, while maintaining the ability to detect change in this outcome. Clinicians and researchers may prioritize either fewer listeners or fewer sentences, depending on the specific constraints of their work setting. However, consideration must be given to listener experience and estimation method, as the effect of reducing the number of listeners and sentences varied with these factors.
Rehabilitation exoskeleton system with bidirectional virtual reality feedback training strategy
Authors: Gao Yongsheng , Lang Guodong , Zhang Chenxiao , Wu Rui , Zhu Yanhe , Zhao Yu , Zhao Jie
Published: October 2024

Virtual reality (VR) technology revitalises rehabilitation training by creating rich, interactive virtual rehabilitation scenes and tasks that deeply engage patients. Robotics with immersive VR environments have the potential to significantly enhance the sense of immersion for patients during training. This paper proposes a rehabilitation robot system. The system integrates a VR environment, the exoskeleton entity, and research on rehabilitation assessment metrics derived from surface electromyographic signal (sEMG). Employing more realistic and engaging virtual stimuli, this method guides patients to actively participate, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of neural connection reconstruction—an essential aspect of rehabilitation. Furthermore, this study introduces a muscle activation model that merges linear and non‐linear states of muscle, avoiding the impact of non‐linear shape factors on model accuracy present in traditional models. A muscle strength assessment model based on optimised generalised regression (WOA‐GRNN) is also proposed, with a root mean square error of 0.017,347 and a mean absolute percentage error of 1.2461%, serving as critical assessment indicators for the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Finally, the system is preliminarily applied in human movement experiments, validating the practicality and potential effectiveness of VR‐centred rehabilitation strategies in medical recovery.
Research on construction method of command and control network model based on complex network theory
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Pan Chengsheng
Published: October 2024

The command and control (C2) network is a complete organizational system that connects operational units at all levels based on command relationships. Its purpose is to ensure that the C2 system can fully perform its command functions, achieving high precision and efficiency in decision‐making. As warfare models evolve rapidly from network‐centric warfare to multi‐domain operations, traditional C2 networks, which utilize a tree structure for connectivity, exhibit only a single hierarchical relationship, making it challenging for different operational units at the same level to interconnect. Furthermore, with the diversification of warfare, the three types of nodes in traditional C2 network models are insufficient to encompass all operational units. In response, this paper proposes a method for edge weighting in C2 networks based on a combination of node attributes and network attributes described by complex network theory. The node attributes mainly include node information transmission capacity, task coordination ability between nodes, node distance, and response time. The network attributes are primarily represented by hierarchy and betweenness centrality. Additionally, the traditional C2 network model's three types of nodes are expanded to five types of nodes. Based on the edge weighting method, internal command edges, inter‐network collaborative edges, and cross‐level command edges are generated within the C2 network. Simulation results demonstrate that the constructed C2 network model's characteristic parameters are superior to those of traditional C2 networks and collaborative C2 networks. This improvement enhances command and coordination abilities, aligns more closely with real‐world scenarios, and effectively improves network command and control efficiency.
Multi‐scale feature extraction for energy‐efficient object detection in remote sensing images
Authors: Wu Di , Liu Hongning , Xu Jiawei , Xie Fei
Published: October 2024

Object detection in remote sensing images aims to interpret images to obtain information on the category and location of potential targets, which is of great importance in traffic detection, marine supervision, and space reconnaissance. However, the complex backgrounds and large scale variations in remote sensing images present significant challenges. Traditional methods relied mainly on image filtering or feature descriptor methods to extract features, resulting in underperformance. Deep learning methods, especially one‐stage detectors, for example, the Real‐Time Object Detector (RTMDet) offers advanced solutions with efficient network architectures. Nevertheless, difficulty in feature extraction from complex backgrounds and target localisation in scale variations images limits detection accuracy. In this paper, an improved detector based on RTMDet, called the Multi‐Scale Feature Extraction‐assist RTMDet (MRTMDet), is proposed which address limitations through enhancement feature extraction and fusion networks. At the core of MRTMDet is a new backbone network MobileViT++ and a feature fusion network SFC‐FPN, which enhances the model's ability to capture global and multi‐scale features by carefully designing a hybrid feature processing unit of CNN and a transformer based on vision transformer (ViT) and poly‐scale convolution (PSConv), respectively. The experiment in DIOR‐R demonstrated that MRTMDet achieves competitive performance of 62.2% mAP, balancing precision with a lightweight design.
Recursive dynamic state estimation for power systems with an incomplete nonlinear DAE model
Authors: Katanic Milos , Lygeros John , Hug Gabriela
Published: October 2024

Power systems are highly complex, large‐scale engineering systems subject to many uncertainties, which makes accurate mathematical modeling challenging. This article introduces a novel centralized dynamic state estimator designed specifically for power systems where some component models are missing. Including the available dynamic evolution equations, algebraic network equations, and phasor measurements, the least squares criterion is applied to estimate all dynamic and algebraic states recursively. The approach generalizes the iterated extended Kalman filter and does not require static network observability, relying on the network topology and parameters. Furthermore, a topological criterion is established for placing phasor measurement units (PMUs), termed topological estimability, which guarantees the uniqueness of the solution. A numerical study evaluates the performance under short circuits in the network and load changes and shows superior tracking performance compared to robust procedures from the literature with computational times in accordance with the typical PMU sampling rates.
MRS‐Net: Brain tumour segmentation network based on feature fusion and attention mechanism
Authors: Shen Xiaoyan , Wang Ju , Zhao Yuhua , Zhou Rui , Gao Han , Zhang Jiakai , Shen Hongming
Published: October 2024

Accurate segmentation of brain tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for treatment planning. Addressing the challenges of complex tumor structures and inadequate cross‐channel information utilization in Unet‐based segmentation, this paper proposes the multi‐scale residual brain tumor MRI segmentation network (MRS‐Net) incorporating an attention mechanism to enhance segmentation accuracy. First, the double residual feature fusion module is utilized to enhance the fusion of feature information between different levels. Second, the Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling is introduced as a bridging module of the network to capture the features at different scales of the image, so as to enhance the extraction capability of the network for detailed features. Finally, the inverted residual coordinate attention module replaces the direct splicing in Unet to fuse the large feature information at each level and scale, thus enhancing the model's ability to recognize the spatial location information of brain tumors. The Dice coefficients, positive predictive values (PPVs), sensitivities (Sensitivity) and Hausdorff distance (HD), which are the four evaluation indexes, reach 84.54%, 87.43%, 88.37% and 2.248, respectively, which are improved by 1.85%, 2.11%, 2.88% and 6.0%, respectively, compared with Unet. The experimental results show that MRS‐Net achieves better brain tumor image segmentation.
A hybrid equivalent circuit model and plane wave spectrum method for decoupling surface designs in multi‐band shared‐aperture antenna arrays
Authors: Deng Xuan , Chen Yikai , Yang Shiwen
Published: October 2024

Shared‐aperture antenna arrays are attractive for 5G base stations, owing to their compact size and multi‐band frequency coverage. Decoupling surfaces are effective for suppressing crossband mutual coupling. However, their designs typically rely on full‐wave simulations of scattering parameters, which may not ensure a good radiation performance and is time‐consuming. A systematic methodology based on the hybrid equivalent circuit model and plane wave spectrum method is proposed for decoupling surface designs. The decoupling surface is represented by its equivalent circuit and the spectral expression converts the electromagnetic field into a circuit problem. Both the scattering parameter and radiation pattern can be solved with the circuit, offering an efficient design method that ensures consistent radiation patterns between the model and full‐wave simulations. A double‐layer decoupling surface with wide stopbands, high transmission property, and sharp roll‐off transition was realised. Furthermore, to reduce the overall profile height, the reflection phase of the decoupling surface was tuned. A triple‐band shared‐aperture base station antenna array was developed. Simulated and measured results demonstrate the array works properly in the 0.69–0.96 GHz, 1.7–2.7 GHz, and 3.3–3.8 GHz frequency bands with stable radiation patterns, and crossband mutual coupling is well suppressed, validating the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Analysis of active impedance characteristics and harmonic deterioration of multiple grid connected inverters considering nonlinear factors
Authors: Li Jianwen , Song Shanshan , Li Rong , Sun Wei
Published: October 2024

The harmonic problems caused by non‐linear factors of the grid connected inverter (GCI) system are more complicated, including both non‐characteristic harmonics emitted by the dead‐time and the changes in harmonic impedance characteristics. Harmonics interact with the changing impedance, and even cause harmonic amplification and resonance. The harmonic deterioration of the multiple GCIs system is serious. To analyse the mechanism and way of harmonic deterioration in grid‐connected system caused by nonlinear factors, the active impedance models of single inverter and multiple GCIs system including dead‐time effect and digital control delay are established first. In view of this, the influence mechanism of non‐linear factors on system stability is explored. The improved modal analysis method is used to traverse the network series parallel resonance caused by nonlinear factors. The results show that both the dead‐time effect and digital control delay reduce phase margin of the system, resulting in the resonant frequency shift and the resonant peak increase. When the harmonic excitation source interacts with the complex network under the influence of nonlinear factors, it will lead to further deterioration of harmonics. Finally, based on the MATLAB and RT‐LAB hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation platforms, a multiple GCIs system model is built to verify the correctness of the established active impedance model and harmonic deterioration analysis.
Subspace‐based distributed target detection method with small training data samples
Authors: Wei Guangfen , Zhou Zhan , Luo Yuan , Jian Tao , Tang Xiaoming
Published: October 2024

Detecting distributed targets precisely in homogeneous environments has been a hot topic in radar signal processing. Generally, distributed targets are often modelled with subspace models of unknown coordinates, and clutter is modelled as the complex Gaussian distribution with zero mean and unknown covariance matrix, while covariance matrix is estimated with a set of training data without the target signal. However, in practice, the complexity of the external environment makes the training data that satisfy the condition of independent homogeneous distribution less available. Therefore, it is assumed that the covariance matrix of the clutter is persymmetric structure and the approach of dimensionality reduction using subspace transformations is introduced, two detectors based upon generalised likelihood ratio test criterion and Wald test criterion in homogeneous environments are proposed. Theoretical analyses indicate the constant false alarm rate characteristics of the two proposed detectors for unknown clutter covariance matrices. Simulation analyses indicate that the proposed detector works well even with fewer training data samples, and its detection performance outperforms that of existing contrast detectors.
Vibrations of a dual-rotor system in aero-engine induced by the support misalignment
Authors: Ma Pingping , Liu Muge , Guo Junkai , Wang Haoyu , Dong Yuehui
Published: October 2024

In this paper, an analytical model of a rotor-bearing-rotor coupling system is established for aero-engine from the Lagrange equation, based on the dynamics theory of the dual-rotor system and combined with its stiffness, damping, and misalignment characteristics. In the model, the misalignment fault simulation method is introduced. The coupling effect between the low-pressure rotor and high-pressure rotor and the influence of misalignment of the support on low-pressure coupling are considered. The vibration characteristics of the dual-rotor system with the misalignment fault of the low-pressure turbine rear support are studied. The time-domain responses, the frequency spectra, and the shaft-center trajectory of the dual-rotor system with different misalignments are obtained. The influence of unbalance on the vibration characteristics of the low-pressure rotor and the high-pressure rotor with misalignment fault is analyzed. Finally, test verification is carried out by the designed dual-rotor test rig. The experimental results are consistent with the analytical results, confirming the established model's feasibility and simulation method in this paper. The results may provide a theoretical basis for research on the misalignment fault in aero-engine dual-rotor systems.
Wind turbine gearbox multi-scale condition monitoring through operational data
Authors: Castellani Francesco , Vedovelli Matteo , Canali Alessandro , Belcastro Francesca
Published: October 2024

Since wind is expected to play a crucial role on the worldwide electricity production scenario, the reliability of the turbines is attracting attention of both industry and academia. New techniques for efficient condition monitoring of key components can be fundamental to optimising the performance and maintenance of a large fleet of turbines. The gearbox and bearings are the most critical mechanical components as they are responsible for a large proportion of the downtime of a wind turbine over its lifetime. However, the monitoring of wind turbine gearboxes is challenging due to the non-stationary nature of the operation and the lack of noise-free vibration measurements. In the present work, a new approach for efficient long to short term monitoring of wind turbine gearboxes has been developed based on real data. An turbine drivetrain failure was used as a test case to develop a new approach based on the use of multi-scale data sources. On the one hand, SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) data were used for general monitoring of the condition of the machine component on long to medium term time scales, while on the other hand, high resolution, triggered event data collected by a CMS (Condition Monitoring System) were used to refine the diagnosis and prognosis of the fault on a shorter time scale. Even though triggered spot events are very difficult to manage, the results show that the use of multi-scale high resolution CMS data can be fast and useful in fault diagnosis to classify a target machine with a healthy reference one. In the present work, the one-class SVM (Support Vector Method) was used for novelty detection. The approach, when applied to all available time scales, can be very precise in detecting the faulty machine and can therefore be proposed as a fast detection approach requiring less data compared to the classical data-driven regression normal behaviour model developed with continuously available SCADA data.
Validity of Diagnosis of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Based on International Classification of Diseases Coding in a Claims Database
Authors: Umemura Yutaka , Yamakawa Kazuma , Mori Hirotaka , Okamoto Kohji , Oda Jun , Fujimi Satoshi
Published: October 2024

Background Accuracy in diagnoses recorded using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding is the most important element ensuring the foundation of research using real-world data analyses.

Objective To evaluate the validity of ICD coding for diagnoses of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) using the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) overt DIC criteria and the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) DIC criteria as reference standards.

Methods This retrospective observational study included adult hospitalized patients diagnosed as having diseases potentially causing DIC extracted from a part of a large-scale database in Japan. The index test was a diagnosis of DIC based on the ICD-10 codes. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated using ISTH overt DIC criteria and JAAM-2 DIC criteria as the reference standards. We also conducted subgroup analyses according to the underlying diseases.

Results We included 84,300 patients in this study. In the overall study population, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the ICD-based diagnosis for ISTH criteria were 26.28, 98.10, 35.12, and 97.14%, respectively. In subgroup analyses according to the underlying disease, sensitivity ranged from 9.48 to 52.08%, and specificity ranged from 96.94 to 99.47%. The accuracy of the ICD-based diagnosis for JAAM-2 criteria was similar to that for ISTH criteria.

Conclusion Identification of DIC patients using ICD-10 codes had relatively low sensitivity but very high specificity for DIC diagnostic criteria. Approximately 65% of patients identified by ICD coding are likely to meet the JAAM-2 DIC criteria.
Living with Wildlife
Authors: Loos Tanya
Published: October 2024

Possums in the roof, an echidna in the garden, or perhaps a python in the pantry? Living with Wildlife: A Guide for Our Homes and Backyards explores commonly asked questions and issues about encounters with wildlife. Taking a wildlife-friendly approach, Tanya Loos provides practical information, advice and solutions, based on current guidance from wildlife rescue organisations and the latest research.

Living with Wildlife features helpful advice on wildlife rescue, both for every day and during extreme weather events, as well as common issues such as feeding wildlife, pets and driving. As urbanisation and climate change effects intensify, Australian wildlife need our help now more than ever, making this a timely guide for successfully living alongside our wild neighbours.