bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft‐switching boundary and piecewise control of LLC converter with hybrid modulation
Authors: Liu Baoquan , Han Meng , Zhou Qihao , Liu Yan
Published: August 2024

The voltage gain range of LLC converter can be effectively broadened by using the hybrid modulation of phase‐shift modulation (PSM) and pulse frequency modulation (PFM). However, the harmonic of resonant tank increases dramatically in PSM mode, and the first harmonic approximation is no longer suitable for solving the voltage gain. Moreover, the conditions for soft switching in PSM mode are not clear. Meanwhile, the small‐signal models of the converter in different modulation modes are quite different, and it is difficult for a fixed controller to ensure a good dynamic performance of the converter in both modulation modes. To address above issues, a voltage gain modeling method of PSM mode LLC converter is proposed. By establishing the function between input current and resonant current, the voltage gain model of the converter is obtained according to the power conservation. Moreover, considering the parasitic capacitance charge and resonant current commutation time, the condition for soft switching is derived. Furthermore, a control strategy of LLC converter in hybrid modulation is proposed. The piecewise proportional integral (PI) controller is adopted, and the parameters of the controller are dynamically adjusted with the modulation mode, so that the converter has excellent dynamic performance in both modes. And the hysteresis control is used to ensure the stability of mode switching. An experimental prototype with 200–340 V input and 28 V/1 kW output was built based on gallium nitride (GaN) devices. The peak efficiency was 97.82%, and the power density was 65.76 w/in3.
Misalignment‐tolerant coupling cell of 2‐D modular WPT system for charging area simplified extension
Authors: Wu Xi , Cai Changsong , Shao Jianwei , Wang Junhua , Wan Leke , Du Yinfeng , Zhang Qiye , Jiang Yufeng
Published: August 2024

2‐D modular wireless power transfer (WPT) system needs to have stable output when coil misalignment occurs. In order to improve the misalignment tolerance of the system coupling unit, this article proposes a magnetic coupling structure based on the LCC‐S compensation topology by combining a rectangular coil with two sets of mutually orthogonal solenoidal compensation coils. The rectangular coil is used to receive the vertical magnetic flux, and the two sets of compensating coils are used to receive the magnetic flux in the directions of X‐axis and Y‐axis on the horizontal plane, separately. The receiving side of the 2‐D wireless power transmission array cells cascaded half‐bridge rectifiers to connect each group of coils. This arrangement effectively compensates for the voltage drop of the rectangular coil caused by positional offset in any direction, so that the output voltage of the receiving side remains stable. The article firstly establishes the equivalent circuit model of the proposed design and deduces in detail the relationship equations between the output characteristics of the system and each influence factor. Secondly, the magnetic coupling structure is designed by finite element electromagnetic simulation software, and the total equivalent mutual inductance fluctuation of the proposed design is verified to be within 3.9% over the range of 2‐D transmission array cells. Finally, a 150 W experimental platform is built to verify the misaligment‐tolerant of the proposed design in the range of 2‐D transmission array cells. The experimental results show that the output voltage fluctuation of the proposed design within 4.27% at all directional offsets. Moreover, the stable output performance can be obtained in the case of vertical and rotational misalignment.
Role of nutraceuticals in viral infections as immunomodulators: A comprehensive review
Authors: Biswas Sunanda , Biswas Souti , PadmaPriya Gopalakrishnan , Kaur Jaspreet , Pramanik Atreyi , Islam Fakhar , Tariq Fatima , Imran Ali , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: August 2024

Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements produced from food sources that are intended to improve health through immune system modulation or by helping to prevent and treat a variety of ailments. Their anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant qualities are well recognized. In certain instances, they even show direct microbiological efficacy against viral infections. Because of their special capacity, they may be able to help slow the spread and effects of very infectious illnesses, such as pandemics like COVID‐19. Nutraceuticals work well against viral infections because of a number of intricate processes. Reducing the harm that infections do to the immune system is one of the main effects. Nutraceuticals have the power to stimulate and activate the immune system, improving the body's capacity to identify and eliminate infections. Additionally, they are essential in reducing oxidative damage, which can result in serious consequences and is frequently intensified during viral infections. Nutraceuticals also strengthen immunity by promoting regulatory T cell differentiation and proliferation, which is crucial for preserving immune system homeostasis and limiting hyperinflammatory reactions. They control the production of proinflammatory cytokines, which helps to avoid cytokine storms during viral infections that may seriously harm tissue. This regulation lowers the danger of hyperinflammation and enhances overall results by supporting a balanced immune response. Through a number of biochemical mechanisms, nutraceuticals can strengthen the body's defenses against viral infections. They promote a more effective and efficient immune response by regulating immune cell activities, oxidative stress reduction, and antioxidant pathway activation. Furthermore, by interacting with different cellular signaling pathways, nutraceuticals can affect the synthesis and function of important immune components. This study clarifies the molecular processes behind the immunomodulatory effects of nutraceuticals, highlighting their crucial role in both treating and preventing viral infections.
Subchronic Effects of Tetrachloroethylene on Two Freshwater Copepod Species: Implications for Groundwater Risk Assessment
Authors: Di Cicco Mattia , Tabilio Di Camillo Agostina , Di Marzio Walter , Sáenz Maria Elena , Galassi Diana Maria Paola , Pieraccini Giuseppe , Galante Angelo , Di Censo Davide , Di Lorenzo Tiziana
Published: August 2024

Aliphatic chlorinated hydrocarbons, notably tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene [PCE]), are persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) and/or very persistent, mobile, and toxic (vPMT) groundwater pollutants, often exceeding safe drinking water thresholds. The present study delves into the groundwater risk assessment of PCE with a novel focus on the sensitivity of stygobitic species—organisms uniquely adapted to groundwater environments. Through a comparative analysis of the subchronic effects of PCE on the locomotion behavior of two copepod species, the stygobitic Moraria sp. and the nonstygobitic Bryocamptus zschokkei, we highlighted the inadequacy of the current European predicted-no-effect concentration of PCE for groundwater ecosystems. Our findings indicate significant behavioral impairments in both species at a concentration (32 ng/L PCE) well below the threshold deemed safe, suggesting that the current European guidelines for groundwater risk assessment may not adequately protect the unique biodiversity of groundwater habitats. Importantly, B. zschokkei demonstrated sensitivity to PCE comparable to or greater than that of the target stygobitic species, suggesting its utility as a substitute species in groundwater risk assessment. The present study adds to the limited research on the ecotoxicological sensitivity of groundwater species to PMT/vPMT chemicals and highlights the need for refined groundwater risk-assessment methodologies that consider the susceptibilities of stygobitic species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2515–2527. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Enhancing 5G massive MIMO systems with EfficientNet‐B7‐powered deep learning‐driven beamforming
Authors: Ilyas Bendjillali Ridha , Sofiane Bendelhoum Mohammed , Ali Abderrazak Tadjeddine , Miloud Kamline
Published: August 2024

The development of wireless communication systems is a challenging and constantly evolving field and the issue of gaining optimal performance is of utmost importance. This work intends to give a thorough and detailed description of massive MIMO technology and its properties, with a significant emphasis on digital beamforming (FDB) and hybrid beamforming (HBF) techniques and the potential of combining them with the most recent and exciting frontier of research: deep learning. On one hand, FDB provides accurate signal control but, on the other hand, it deals with substantial needs like high‐power consumption. This challenge makes the focus shift to HBF—the innovative technology successfully coupled with deep learning's powerful potential. The chosen research explores extensively the major areas of application and compatibility of this operating mode in a diverse range of operational situations in the interference environment as well as in different levels of noise conditions. Moreover, the study offers a comprehensive comparison, which is highly effective in exploring further methods that focus on improving spectral efficiency. Significantly, the “Proposed Method” is suggested to be at the leading position, which demonstrates superior performance. Showing outstanding generalization capability, versatile robustness, and efficiency of usage in the proposed framework rely on EfficientNet‐B7 as the major portion. This makes it adaptive to its dynamic surroundings and puts it as a powerful tool in the world of advanced connectivity and massive MIMO technology. Due to its core ability to respond to changes in conditions effectively and efficiently, the proposed framework is seen as one of the most powerful approaches that could be used to change wireless communication systems.
Multimodal Neuroimaging Fusion for Alzheimer's Disease: An Image Colorization Approach With Mobile Vision Transformer
Authors: Odusami Modupe , Damasevicius Robertas , Milieskaite‐Belousoviene Egle , Maskeliunas Rytis
Published: August 2024

Multimodal neuroimaging, combining data from different sources, has shown promise in the classification of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) stage. Existing multimodal neuroimaging fusion methods exhibit certain limitations, which require advancements to enhance their objective performance, sensitivity, and specificity for AD classification. This study uses the use of a Pareto‐optimal cosine color map to enhance classification performance and visual clarity of fused images. A mobile vision transformer (ViT) model, incorporating the swish activation function, is introduced for effective feature extraction and classification. Fused images from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), the Whole Brain Atlas (AANLIB), and Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS) datasets, obtained through optimized transposed convolution, are utilized for model training, while evaluation is achieved using images that have not been fused from the same databases. The proposed model demonstrates high accuracy in AD classification across different datasets, achieving 98.76% accuracy for Early Mild Cognitive Impairment (EMCI) versus LMCI, 98.65% for Late Mild Cognitive Impairment (LMCI) versus AD, 98.60% for EMCI versus AD, and 99.25% for AD versus Cognitive Normal (CN) in the ADNI dataset. Similarly, on OASIS and AANLIB, the precision of the AD versus CN classification is 99.50% and 96.00%, respectively. Evaluation metrics showcase the model's precision, recall, and F1 score for various binary classifications, emphasizing its robust performance.
Erinnerungen an PAVEL IVANOVICH DOHOFEEV (1911–1985)
Authors: Mai Dieter Hans
Published: August 2024

Es sollte eine Laudatio zum 75. Geburtstag sein, nun wird es ein Nekrolog! Pavel Ivanovich Dorofeev ist am 10. August 1985 nach schwerer Krankheit verstorben. Für uns, die wir ihn kannten und verehrten, lebt er weiter in der Erinnerung und spricht aus seinen Werken. Über 130 wissenschaftliche Publikationen entstammen seiner Feder, charakteristisch durch die einprägsamen, unverwechselbaren Zeichnungen, den klaren, knappen Stil, durch die er Grundlegendes zur Paläokarpologie mitteilte. Er war es, der diese Fachdisziplin der Paläobotanik in der Sowjetunion zu hohem Ansehen brachte, der sie meisterhaft beherrschte und uns lehrte, wie man geduldig und kritisch, Art neben Art legend, vergleichend, messend, zeichnend, schneidend fossile Früchte und Samen von der Kreide bis ins Holozän wissenschaftlich bearbeitet. Aber er war nicht nur einer der fleiβigsten und kritischsten wissenschaftlichen Arbeiter, sondern auch ein treuer Freund und väterlicher Berater, frei von Dünkel und Vorurteilen, ein bescheidener und guter Mensch.
Die Familie Apocynaceae Juss. in Vietnam Teil 2: Spezieller Teil (1)
Authors: Lý Trån Đính
Published: August 2024

Siehe Teil 1, Feddes Repertorium Bd. 97, Heft 5–6, S. 235–273
A palynological study of some Nigerian dicotyledonous weeds
Authors: Gill L. S. , Oshorakpo E. O.
Published: August 2024

Pollen grain morphology of 60 dicotyledonous weedy species belonging to 24 families are described. Seventeen families are eurypalynous while the remaining 7 are stenopalynous. The presently obtained results were compared with the general pollen description of the families concerned. The pollen of the family Onagraceae exhibit bilateral symmetry and occur in tetragonal tetrads with pororate apertural form. This is the first report of this type of grains for this family. All other families found to have either 3‐colpate grain, 6‐colpate, pantocolpate or 3‐colporate, 3‐porate and pantoporate grains. All the taxa studied except Convolvulaceae (with apopolar grain) have isopolar grains. Pollen grains of the family Passifloraceae are saccate.
Ökologische und physiologische Aspekte des Serpentinbodens und seiner Pflanzengesellschaften
Authors: Helmecke Klaus , Menendez Leda
Published: August 2024

In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden kurz die ökologischen Faktoren dargestellt, die für das Zustandekommen der typischen Serpentinvegetation in Kuba verantwortlich sein können. Als derartige Faktoren werden diskutiert: Nährstoffarmut, Belegung des Sorptionskomplexes, Stickstoffaktor, fehlendes Ionengleiehgewicht in Boden und Pflanze, Wirkung des Magnesiums, Schwermetallgehalt.
Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Pilzflora Cubas
Authors: Arnold Günter R. W.
Published: August 2024

Im Ergebnis mykologischer Sammeltätigkeit in Cuba können folgende Gattungen und Arten als neue Taxa für dieses Land vorgestellt werden: A piocrea chrysosperma (Anamorphe Sepedonium chrysospermum), Hypomyces aurantius(Anamorphe Diplocladium minus), H. trichothecoides (Anamorphe Trichothecium sp.), H. ochraceus (Anamorphe Verticillium agaricinum), H. rosellus (Anamorphe Dactylium dendroides), H. odoratus (Anamorphe Diplocladium elegans), Leiosepium chlorinum, Sepedonium ampullosporum, Hypocrea fungicola, H. citrina, Nectria episphaeria, Cladobotryum sp. 1 und sp. 2. Arnoldiomyces sp., Spinellus sp. und Cantharellus sp. aff. C. cibarius.
Rubus dollnensis Spribille, eine vorzugsweise im östlichen Mitteleuropa verbreitete, bislang verkannte Art
Authors: Weber H. E.
Published: August 2024

Rubus dollnensis Spribille ist eine weit verbreitete, bislang verkannte Brombeere der Sect. Corylifolii Ser. Hystricopses. Sie ist hier erstmals ausführlich beschricben und abgebildet sowie nomenklalorisch einschließlich ihrer Synonyme behandelt. Die Unterschiede zu Arten, mil denen sic bislang meist verwechselt wurde, sind diskutiert. Ihr Areal reicht vom nordöstlichen Bayern (BRD) durch die südliche DDR sowie durch die ČSSK bis in das südliche Polen. Zur Dokumentation der Verbreitung sind exemplariscbe Herbarbelege angegeben.
Two new species of the lichen genus Anthracothecium from Angola
Authors: Upreti D. K. , Singh Ajay
Published: August 2024

The paper presents detailed description of two new species of the lichen genus Anthracothecium from Angola, that are A. angolense and A. welwitschii.
Notes on pondweeds — outlines for a monographical treatment of the genus Potamogeton L.
Authors: Wiegleb Gerhard
Published: August 2024

A review of the systematics of the genus Potamogeton L. on a world wide scale is presented. There exist several problems, the causes of which are analyzed, and for which solutions are outlined as far as possible.

The variability of many Potamogeton species is often underestimated leading still to superfluous descriptions of new species and hybrids. Based on own experience and reliable literature records the species are classified into three groups according to their degree of variability.

The value of stem anatomical and fruit morphological characters both having received special recognition in the history of Potamogeton systematics is investigated. Both groups of characters, if handled carefully. can give a valuable contribution to the distinction of species.

The hybrid problem is discussed extensively. The frequency of hybrids shows strong regional differences, which led to different judgement in the past. Those hybrids that can be regarded as sufficiently described are presented in a list. Only few of them really occur frequently.

The importance of the analysis of life history and growth form in Potamogeton systematics is stressed. There exists a strong deficit in knowledge, particularly as to quantitative data. Necessary requirement for progress in study of this subject is a more precise definition of morphological terms in Potamogeton.

The analysis of the geographical distribution of the species is still preliminary, as identity or non‐identity of various species of different parts of the world is un‐proven. Nevertheless, species can be classified in appr. 17 distribution types. The highest density of species occurs in Eastern North America.

Evolutionary questions are discussed using certain species groups as models. The broad‐leaved, reticulateveined species are considered as most primitive, which is supported by morphological, physiological and biogeographical evidence. Appr. 15 species groups can be distinguished the actual relation of which, however, is not yet clear. Also the distribution of chromosome numbers gives no direct information, as polyploidy and aneuploidy are more frequent than so far assumed.

The biosystematical problems described have caused a great taxonomical confusion. A literature research revealed more than 1300 names (incl. hybrid combinations), which most probably refer to only 80 to 90 actually existing species (plus appr. 40 confirmed hybrids). The recognized species are presented in a list ordered according to their supposed affinity. Herbarium studies showed that several not yet described species may be added in the future. Some controversial cases like P. pusillus, P. tepperi, P. fluitans, and P. pedersenii are used to illustrate typical taxonomical problems.
The association between school bullying and executive functions in children and adolescents: A three‐level meta‐analysis
Authors: Jia Wei , Huang Chenhui , Hu Na , Cai Dan
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Even though existing amounts of results have shown that school bullying could be related to the main components of executive functions (EFs) (inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility), research focused on this association yields inconsistent results.

Method

To address this research gap, the current study conducted a three‐level meta‐analysis approach and simultaneously considered the two perspectives of the bully and victim to clarify the relationship between school bullying experienced by children and EFs. It also explored the moderating variables that affect the relationship between school bullying and EFs.

Results

Based on 18 studies reporting 73 effect sizes (N = 21,725), the results revealed that the overall effect size for the association between both the bullies and victims of school bullying incidents with EFs (rbullies = −0.154, p < .05; rvictims = −0.187, p < .001). Moderator analyses revealed that the negative correlation between bullies of school bullying and EFs was moderated by EF components, but it was not affected by gender, age, and the EF measurement method. Moreover, the negative correlation between victims of school bullying and EFs was not affected by the form of bullying, source of report, facet of EFs, EF measurement, gender, age, and culture.

Conclusions

The present meta‐analysis revealed a relationship between school bullying and EFs. Both bullies and victims appear to have lower EF levels. The results also emphasized that lower inhibitory control was more likely to be a crucial risk factor for bullying behavior.
Optical Longitudinal‐Lateral Force Directed in Arbitrary Directions by a Linearly Polarized Beam
Authors: Li Hang , Zhu Tongtong , Cao Yongyin , Jia Qi , Shi Bojian , Zhang Yanxia , Tang Donghua , Li Xiaoxin , Feng Rui , Sun Fangkui , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Ding Weiqiang
Published: August 2024

Optical forces arise from the transfer of linear momentum between light and objects, while the tailoring schemes for longitudinal and lateral forces are always complicated and incompatible, which prevents them from achieving the same configuration. Here it is demonstrated that the exclusive longitudinal and lateral forces can be harnessed collaboratively, i.e., optical longitudinal‐lateral force (OLLF), which can scan the whole 2π space by solely rotating the half‐wave plate to switch the linear polarization of the incident beam. It is found that, through the interplay between s‐ and p‐polarized light induced by a particle on the interface, the longitudinal force can be altered from pushing to pulling, while the lateral force can be altered from left to right independently. Due to the merit of large amplitude and flexible tunability, the OLLF can act as the engine to drive a micro vehicle along the arbitrary direction in a 2D plane. This work paves a new way for versatile applications of optical manipulation in theory and applications.
MEMS‐enabled Ultralow Power Consumption Programmable Arbitrary Order Mode Switch
Authors: Sun Haoyang , Qiao Qifeng , Lee Chengkuo , Zhou Guangya
Published: August 2024

Mode‐division‐multiplexing (MDM) recently attracted much interest due to its ability to enhance the capacity for optical information communication. To meet growing data transmission demands and enable flexible on‐chip mode manipulation, programmable optical mode converter switches are essential. This work introduces a micro‐electromechanical‐system (MEMS)‐enabled programmable arbitrary order mode switch, capitalizing on the benefits of MEMS technology such as low power consumption, robust modulation capabilities, and seamless large‐scale integration. Employing newly developed MEMS‐tunable mode converter (MTMC) units, the system achieves high conversion efficiencies from the fundamental mode to arbitrary higher‐order modes and supports programmable power distribution among different modes by cascading multiple MTMCs. As a proof‐of‐concept, a programmable TE0–TE0/1/2 mode switch operates in the 3.64 to 3.71 µm wavelength range, achieving maximum crosstalk values of –9.56 and –9.88 dB for TE0 to TE1 and TE0 to TE2 mode conversion, respectively, and a remarkably low power consumption of 67 pW. Furthermore, a programmable mode multiplexer is developed by simultaneously actuating two MEMS actuators to modulate phase matching conditions, enabling arbitrary power splitting ratios among these modes. The demonstrated scalability and flexibility of the proposed system highlight its potential as a foundational component for MDM systems.
Surgical management of rare tumors (Part 1)
Authors: Stetson Alyssa , Saluja Saurabh , Cameron Danielle B. , Mansfield Sara A. , Polites Stephanie F. , Honeyman Joshua N. , Dahl John P. , Austin Mary T. , Aldrink Jennifer H. , Christison‐Lagay Emily R.
Published: August 2024

With an annual cumulative occurrence of approximately 15,000 in North America, all childhood cancers are rare. Very rare cancers as defined by both the European Cooperative Study Group for Rare Pediatric Cancers and the Children's Oncology Group fall into two principal categories: those so uncommon (fewer than 2 cases/million) that their study is challenging even through cooperative group efforts (e.g., pleuropulmonary blastoma and desmoplastic small round cell tumor) and those that are far more common in adults and therefore rarely studied in children (e.g., thyroid, melanoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor). Treatment strategies for these latter tumors are typically based on adult guidelines, although the pediatric variants of these tumors may harbor different genetic signatures and demonstrate different behavior. If melanoma and differentiated thyroid cancer are excluded, other rare cancer types account for only 2% of the cancers in children aged 0 to 14. This article highlights several of the most common rare tumor types.
Tensile and bending properties of sandwich films of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics‐polypropylene sheet processed by a simple hot‐press method
Authors: Xu Kai , Chu Pinjung , Rumon Rokibul Hasan , Fujimori Atsuhiro
Published: August 2024

To develop a material with strong impact resistance, bending direction and in‐plane direction, the tensile and bending properties of sandwich films obtained by placing and re‐pressing a compression‐molded polypropylene sheet between two sheets of carbon‐fiber‐reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs) were evaluated. Three types of CFRTP were investigated, and thermoplastic nylon 66, polyurethane, and polyphenylene sulfite were used as the resin base materials to wrap the carbon fiber. Regarding the tensile properties of the sandwich films, the Young's modulus and maximum stress values were lower compared with those of the CFRTP sheets, regardless of the resin base material. However, improvements in elongation properties of 97%, 109%, and 156%, respectively were found, transforming the film into a softer and stronger film. Regarding the bending properties of the sandwich films, the Young's modulus and maximum stress values were higher compared with those of the CFRTP sheet. To examine the influence of the number of layers, the five‐layer sheet, in which the sandwich film was placed in two CFRTP sheets, exhibited inferior elongation properties to the three‐layer sheet during the tensile test. However, the results of the bending test found a significant improvement in Young's modulus of approximately 2.5 times and final strength of approximately three times. We anticipate that this material could be applicable to components requiring specific mechanical properties in both bending and in‐plane directions in future applications.

Highlights

CFRTP sandwich sheets were fabricated using a simple hot‐press method.

The sandwich sheet showed improved mechanical properties in the in‐plane directions.

Both the tensile modulus and the bending modulus have reached the GPa‐order.

The sandwich film in question had particularly excellent bending properties.

The sandwich film showed dependence on the number of layers.

In‐plane elasticity of the films was evaluated using a falling ball test.
Advanced hybrid malware identification framework for the Internet of Medical Things, driven by deep learning
Authors: Safeer Ehtesham , Tahir Sidra , Nawaz Asif , Humayun Mamoona , Shaheen Momina , Khan Maqbool
Published: August 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) effortlessly enables communication between items on the World Wide Web and other systems. This extensive use of IoTs has created new services and automation in numerous industries, enhancing the standard of living, especially in healthcare. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) adoption has been beneficial during pandemic conditions by enabling remote patient monitoring and therapy. Nevertheless, the excessive use of IoMT has raised security concerns as it can compromise critical data. This breach in security can result in an inaccurate diagnosis or violate privacy. This research presents a novel approach to hybrid deep learning‐based detection of malware solutions for the IoT. This study uses RNN‐Bi‐LSTM to detect and extract significant features related to an already existing dataset. The proposed model exhibits a detection accuracy of 98.38% when evaluated using these existing datasets. Statistical tests like Mathew co‐relation and Log Loss also indicated reliability of proposed framework. The distinguished feature of our framework is its ability to combine complex deep learning models for IoMT security, which is of economic and scientific importance. It certainly offers a reliable solution for healthcare applications that rely on real‐time functionality and dependency on IoMT systems.
Ecological and geological security risk assessment of underground space development in cold and arid canyon cities—Taking Ping'an District, Haidong City, Qinghai Province, as an example
Authors: Wang Shuaiwei , Sun Weichao , Peng Hongming , Yuan Youjing , Wang Xiuyan , Liu Changli
Published: August 2024

The ecological and geological problems caused by the rise of groundwater level due to the development of underground space in cold and arid canyon cities are particularly typical. Reasonably assessing the ecological and geological security risks of utilizing underground space is conducive to reducing the occurrence of ecological and geological problems during the construction and operation of underground engineering projects. Taking Ping'an District of Haidong City as an example, the topography and geomorphology of the research area were investigated in the field, and the distribution of topography and geomorphology in the research area was understood; through geological drilling and geotechnical engineering testing, the distribution of different strata in the research area was obtained; through pumping and seepage experiments, the recharge, runoff, and discharge relationship between surface water and groundwater in the research area and the water abundance of different strata are obtained, and the causes and mechanisms of geological safety risks in forest and grassland ecosystems, farmland ecosystems, and human settlements ecosystems were analyzed based on literature. Corresponding ecological geological safety risk assessment index systems and methods were established, and the ecological geological safety risks before and after the development of underground rail transit projects along both banks of the Huangshui River in the study area were evaluated.

Practitioner Points

The development of underground space in canyon type cities can easily lead to ecological and geological problems.

Taking Haidong City, Qinghai Province, as an example, this study investigates the causes of ecological and geological problems caused by the development of underground spaces in canyon type cities.

An ecological geological security risk assessment index system and method for canyon‐type cities were established.

An evaluation was conducted on the ecological and geological safety risks before and after the development of the underground rail transit projects on both sides of the research area.
Einleitung
Authors: Mueller Nicole Marion
Published: August 2024

Nicole M. Mueller nähert sich mithilfe digitaler Methoden dem japanischen Übersetzungspluralismus im 20. Jahrhundert und seinen historischen Rahmenbedingungen an. Dabei bezieht sie sich auf Thomas Mann, der Japans Intellektuelle wie kaum ein anderer deutscher Autor geprägt hat, sodass Erzählwerke wie Tonio Kröger intensiv rezipiert und in zweistelliger Anzahl übersetzt wurden. Diese Übersetzungsvielfalt, einschließlich der zuvor verborgenen Wechselwirkungen zwischen unterschiedlichen Übersetzungsvarianten sowie der Zusammenhänge mit historischen Kontextfaktoren, wird durch Implementierung eines auf digitalen Themenmodellen basierenden Mixed Method-Ansatzes erstmalig erschlossen.
Äußere Übersetzungsgeschichte II: Kontexte erster Ordnung
Authors: Mueller Nicole Marion
Published: August 2024

Das sich ebenfalls mit der äußeren Übersetzungsgeschichte von Tonio Kröger in Japan auseinandersetzende Kapitel 4 knüpft unmittelbar an Kapitel 3 an, befasst sich jedoch mit Einflusskontexten erster Ordnung. Während im dritten Kapitel also der weiter gefasste historische Rahmen der japanischen Thomas Mann-Übersetzung abgesteckt worden ist, setzt sich das vierte Kapitel mit den die Texte unmittelbarer und konkreter tangierenden Kontextfaktoren auseinander, zu denen der jeweilige Publikationsrahmen, die öffentliche Wahrnehmung sowie die Individualbiografien der Übersetzenden gehören.
From United Steel to Waymo: industrializing simulation
Authors: Hind Sam
Published: August 2024

The use of computers for simulation work can be traced back to the 1950s, and the pioneering work of Stafford Beer, KD Tocher and others at Cybor House in Sheffield, UK, the research and development (R&D) department of British steelmakers, United Steel. This innovative simulation work sought to offer an abstracted, ‘total’ environment of the steelmaking process in which different operational activities could be modeled. Critical to this work was the ability of computer simulations to perform such modelling at a fraction of the cost, wasting fewer material resources, and in a considerably shorter timeframe. Such work can be understood as the earliest example of the application of industrial-scale ‘automated computation’ to a real-world industrial process. Similarly indebted to the early principles of computer simulation, Waymo engineers are also engaged in the building of so-called ‘conflict typologies’ designed to encode material properties of everyday driving interactions between road users, rather than simply road users themselves. Through ‘motion planning’, coupled with the categorization of driving interactions, Waymo engineers build instrumental understanding of their own system’s purported intelligence in navigating everyday driving situations. Functioning as ‘generative mechanisms’ rather than simply evaluative devices, engineers seek to industrialize—instrumentalize, scale up, rationalize—everyday driving knowledge. Through conflict typologies, instrumental knowledge of the actual capacities of autonomous vehicles is industrialized, materialized, and realized.
Characterization of fatigue behavior of 3D printed pneumatic fluidic elastomer actuators
Authors: Torzini Lorenzo , Puggelli Luca , Volpe Yary , Governi Lapo , Buonamici Francesco
Published: August 2024

Soft robots have gained significant interest due to their high flexibility and adaptability to various working conditions. Recent advancements in engineering and innovative materials have enabled the design and production of sophisticated soft robotic systems with enhanced capabilities. This study aims to evaluate the fatigue behavior of bellow-type pneumatic soft actuators fabricated through fused filament fabrication (FFF) using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), compared to silicone rubber cast actuators. The actuators were equipped with resistive flex sensors to monitor bending motion, and fatigue tests were performed with cycles of inflation and deflation until failure. Results showed that 3D printed TPU actuators could withstand a significant number of cycles before failure, with an average of 6410 cycles at 3 bar pressure, compared to 3439 cycles at 1 bar pressure for the silicone actuators. The study identified a set of fabrication parameters that positively affect the durability of TPU actuators, providing valuable insights for replicating these results. Additionally, the study established a plausible range of utilization for 3D-printed FFF actuators in terms of the number of cycles they can endure, offering critical data for engineers and designers to make informed decisions about the design and application of these actuators in various practical scenarios. The findings demonstrate the potential of FFF for producing durable, long-lasting pneumatic soft actuators.
Central bank information effects in Japan: the role of uncertainty channel
Authors: Morita Hiroshi , Matsumoto Ryo , Ono Taiki
Published: August 2024

This study identifies central bank information shocks and pure monetary policy shocks for Japan by combining high-frequency identification with sign restrictions. The empirical findings provide robust evidence of the central bank information effect in Japan. Specifically, the central bank’s optimistic outlook, conveyed through contractionary monetary actions, reduces economic uncertainty and leads to increases in stock prices and output. Additionally, changes in uncertainty play a significant role in the transmission of the central bank’s information effect. The overall impact of monetary policy and information shocks, as identified through our method, is found to be larger than that identified using conventional techniques such as Cholesky decomposition.
ESR Essentials: imaging of middle ear cholesteatoma—practice recommendations by the European Society of Head and Neck Radiology
Authors: Touska Philip , Connor Steve E. J.
Published: August 2024

Although non-malignant, middle ear cholesteatoma can result in significant complications due to local bone erosion and infection. The treatment of cholesteatoma is surgical, but residual disease is common and may be clinically occult, particularly when the canal wall is preserved or reconstructive techniques are employed. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the management of patients with middle ear cholesteatoma—aiding clinical diagnosis, identifying complications, planning surgery, and detecting residual disease at follow-up. Computed tomography is the primary imaging tool in the preoperative setting since it can provide both a surgical roadmap and detect erosive complications of cholesteatoma. The ability of magnetic resonance imaging with non-echoplanar diffusion-weighted sequences to accurately detect residual disease has led to a shift in the diagnostic paradigm for post-surgical follow-up of cholesteatoma, such that routine “second-look” surgery is no longer required. The following practice recommendations are aimed at helping the radiologist choose appropriate imaging approaches and understand the key diagnostic considerations for the evaluation of pre- and post-surgical middle ear cholesteatoma.

Key Points

In the preoperative setting, CT is the first-line imaging modality and MRI is reserved for rare clinical scenarios (low evidence).

Non-echoplanar imaging (EPI) DWI is the optimal MRI sequence for the detection of residual cholesteatoma (moderate evidence).

Non-EPI DWI plays an important role in the postoperative surveillance of cholesteatoma (moderate evidence).
Echocardiographic assessment of atrial, ventricular, and valvular function in patients with atrial fibrillation—an expert proposal by the german working group of cardiovascular ultrasound
Authors: Hagendorff Andreas , Stöbe Stephan , Helfen Andreas , Knebel Fabian , Altiok Ertunc , Beckmann Stephan , Bekfani Tarek , Binder Thomas , Ewers Aydan , Hamadanchi Ali , ten Freyhaus Henrik , Groscheck Thomas , Haghi Dariush , Knierim Jan , Kruck Sebastian , Lenk Karsten , Merke Nicolas , Pfeiffer Dietrich , Dorta Elena Romero , Ruf Tobias , Sinning Christoph , Wunderlich Nina C. , Brandt Roland , Ewen Sebastian
Published: August 2024

Echocardiography in patients with atrial fibrillation is challenging due to the varying heart rate. Thus, the topic of this expert proposal focuses on an obvious gap in the current recommendations about diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF)—the peculiarities and difficulties of echocardiographic imaging. The assessment of systolic and diastolic function—especially in combination with valvular heart diseases—by echocardiography can basically be done by averaging the results of echocardiographic measurements of the respective parameters or by the index beat approach, which uses a representative cardiac cycle for measurement. Therefore, a distinction must be made between the functionally relevant status, which is characterized by the averaging method, and the best possible hemodynamic status, which is achieved with the most optimal left ventricular (LV) filling according to the index beat method with longer previous RR intervals. This proposal focuses on left atrial and left ventricular function and deliberately excludes problems of echocardiography when assessing left atrial appendage in terms of its complexity. Echocardiography of the left atrial appendage is therefore reserved for its own expert proposal.
Modern heart failure treatment is superior to conventional treatment across the left ventricular ejection spectrum: real-life data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry 2013–2020
Authors: Karlström Patric , Pivodic Aldina , Dahlström Ulf , Fu Michael
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study is aimed to compare the effectiveness of modern therapy including angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) with conventional heart failure treatment in the real world.

Background

Since ARNI and SGLT2i were introduced to treat heart failure (HF), its therapeutic regimen has modernized from previous treatment with beta-blocker (BB) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) as added-on in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, a comparison between conventional and modern treatment strategies with drugs in combination has not been performed.

Methods

This observational study (2013–2020), using the Swedish HF Registry, involved 20,849 HF patients. Patients received either conventional (BB, ACEi/ARB, with/without MRA, n = 20,140) or modern (BB, ACEi/ARB, MRA, SGLT2i or BB, ARNI, MRA with/without SGLT2i, n = 709) treatment at the index visit. The endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality.

Results

Modern HF therapy was associated with a significant 28% reduction in all-cause mortality (adjusted HR [aHR], 0.72 (0.54–0.96); p = 0.024) and a significant 62% reduction in CV mortality (aHR, 0.38 (0.21–0.68); p = 0.0013) compared to conventional HF treatment. Similar results emerged in a sensitivity analysis using propensity score matching. The interaction analyses did not reveal any trends for EF (< 40% and ≥ 40%), sex, age (< 70 and ≥ 70 years), eGFR (< 60 and ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2), and etiology of HF subgroups.

Conclusion

In this nationwide study, modern HF therapy was associated with significantly reduced all-cause and CV mortality, regardless of EF, sex, age, eGFR, and etiology of HF.

Graphical abstract
Over-the-scope clip for closure of persistent gastrocutaneous fistula after gastrostomy tube removal: a multicenter pediatric experience
Authors: Corsello Antonio , Antoine Matthieu , Sharma Shishu , Bertrand Valérie , Oliva Salvatore , Fava Giorgio , Destro Francesca , Huang Andrew , Fong Wei S. W. , Ichino Martina , Thomson Mike , Gottrand Frederic
Published: August 2024

Background

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is commonly used for enteral nutritional access, but gastrocutaneous fistulae (GCF) may persist after tube removal, posing clinical challenges. The use of endoscopic closure devices, including over-the-scope clips (OTSC), has shown promise in managing non-healing fistulae, although data in the pediatric population are limited.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter study analyzed pediatric patients who underwent GCF closure following gastrostomy tube removal. Data from seven centers across multiple countries were collected, including patient demographics, procedural details, complications, and outcomes. Closure techniques were compared between OTSC and surgical closure.

Results

Of 67 pediatric patients included, 21 underwent OTSC closure and 46 had surgical closure. Surgical closure demonstrated a higher success rate (100%) compared to OTSC closure (61.9%, P < 0.001). While procedural duration was shorter for OTSC closure (25 vs. 40 min, P = 0.002), complications, and scar quality were comparable between techniques. A subsequent sub-analysis did not reveal differences based on center experience.

Conclusion

OTSC closure is feasible and safe in pediatric patients, but surgical closure remains superior in achieving sustained GCF closure, although OTSC offers benefits, such as shorter procedural duration, potentially reducing the duration of general anesthesia exposure. Non-operative approaches, including OTSC, may be a valuable alternative to surgical closure.

Graphical abstract
Comparative analyses of immune cells and alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells under the immunological microenvironment between with and without dense fibrosis in primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Takei Jun , Maeda Miku , Fukasawa Nei , Kawashima Masaharu , Miyake Misayo , Tomoto Kyoichi , Nawate Shohei , Teshigawara Akihiko , Suzuki Tomoya , Yamamoto Yohei , Nagashima Hiroyasu , Mori Ryosuke , Fukushima Ryoko , Matsushima Satoshi , Kino Hiroyoshi , Muroi Ai , Tsurubuchi Takao , Sakamoto Noriaki , Nishiwaki Kaichi , Yano Shingo , Hasegawa Yuzuru , Murayama Yuichi , Akasaki Yasuharu , Shimoda Masayuki , Ishikawa Eiichi , Tanaka Toshihide
Published: August 2024

Histopathologic examinations of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) reveal concentric accumulation of lymphocytes in the perivascular area with fibrosis. However, the nature of this fibrosis in “stiff” PCNSL remains unclear. We have encountered some PCNSLs with hard masses as surgical findings. This study investigated the dense fibrous status and tumor microenvironment of PCNSLs with or without stiffness. We evaluated by silver-impregnation nine PCNSLs with stiffness and 26 PCNSLs without stiffness. Six of the nine stiff PCNSLs showed pathological features of prominent fibrosis characterized by aggregation of reticulin fibers, and collagen accumulations. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive spindle cells as a cancer-associated fibroblast, the populations of T lymphocytes, and macrophages were compared between fibrous and control PCNSLs. Fibrous PCNSLs included abundant αSMA-positive cells in both intra- and extra-tumor environments (5/6, 87% and 3/6, 50%, respectively). Conversely, only one out of the seven control PCNSL contained αSMA-positive cells in the intra-tumoral area. Furthermore, the presence of extra-tumoral αSMA-positive cells was associated with infiltration of T lymphocytes and macrophages. In conclusion, recognizing the presence of dense fibrosis in PCNSL can provide insights into the tumor microenvironment. These results may help stratify patients with PCNSL and improve immunotherapies for these patients.