bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of sumac supplementation on insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity in adults with metabolic syndrome: A randomized crossover clinical trial
Authors: Hajhashemy Zahra , Mirenayat Fateme Sadat , Siavash Mansour , Saneei Parvane
Published: November 2022

The impact of sumac supplementation was not previously examined in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). So, we investigated the influence of sumac supplementation on insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant markers in adults with MetS. The current study was a single‐center, triple‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover clinical trial that was conducted on 47 patients with MetS. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control in the first phase. They received capsules containing 500 mg sumac or placebo (lactose) twice a day, after lunch and dinner, for 6 weeks. After a 2‐week washout period, the subjects crossed over to the alternate arm. In both arms, fasting venous blood samples were obtained at baseline and at the sixth week of the intervention to determine glycemic status, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and antioxidant enzymes activity. The mean (±SD) age, weight, and body mass index of participants were respectively 58.7 ± 5.83 years, 79.9 ± 14.35 kg, and 31.6 ± 4.6 kg/m2; 80.9% of subjects were females (n = 38). Based on per‐protocol analyses, the serum fasting insulin concentration was unexpectedly decreased in the placebo group (change in sumac vs. control: 0.95 ± 3.9 vs. −1.17 ± 3.9 mU/L; p = 0.04). Sumac supplementation, compared to control, has marginally enhanced catalase activity (change in sumac vs. control: 2.91 ± 9.5 vs. −1.07 ± 9.1 nmol/min/ml; p = 0.06). This supplementation has also increased serum TAC and the activity of superoxide dismutase, but these changes were not significant. This intervention did not affect other insulin resistance, inflammatory, or oxidative stress markers. We found that 1 g/day sumac consumption for 6 weeks, as adjuvant therapy, could improve the antioxidant defense system in adults with MetS but did not affect insulin resistance, inflammation, or oxidative stress.
The effects of flaxseed or its oil supplementations on polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Emamat Hadi , Najafpour Boushehri Saeid , Eslami Mohammad Ali , Saneei Totmaj Ali , Ghalandari Hamid
Published: November 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders around the world that can endanger reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health in women. Flaxseed is considered as a functional food which provides remarkable amounts of α‐linolenic acid (ALA), phytosterogenic lignans, and dietary fibers. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of flaxseed or its oil supplementation on PCOS patients. We systematically searched all published randomized clinical trials indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from inception up to May 2022. Intended exposure and outcome were flaxseed or its oil and metabolic, anthropometric, and hormonal status of women with PCOS, respectively. Initial search via related keywords revealed 69 articles. After excluding duplicates, title and abstract of 55 remaining papers were screened. Fourteen papers were obtained for full text screening. Finally, nine clinical trials published between 2011 and 2021 were included in qualitative synthesis. Based on the results of the present systematic review, we suggest that flaxseed supplementation has the potential to improve metabolic, hormonal, and anthropometric parameters in women with PCOS. However, we also deduce that due to the scarcity of high‐quality studies, additional studies need to be conducted in order to derive a solid conclusion.
Biodegradable polymers: A review about biodegradation and its implications and applications
Authors: La Fuente Carla Ivonne Arias , Maniglia Bianca Chieregato , Tadini Carmen Cecília
Published: November 2022

Plastic waste pollution is a global environmental problem that could be solved by biodegradable materials. In addition, its biodegradability has been important for medical applications. In this way, the biodegradability performance has been investigated for different materials under diversified environmental conditions. In this context, this review shows the main up‐to‐date biodegradable polymers (from renewable sources and fossil‐based), their structure and properties, and their biodegradability characteristics. Also, this review shows the effect of polymer properties and environmental conditions on biodegradability, methods of biodegradability and toxicity determination, modification processes to enhance biodegradability, and main applications of biodegradable polymers for agriculture, medical, and packaging. Finally, this review presents a discussion of the implications of biodegradation on the environment, the current context, and future perspectives of plastic biodegradation.
A solution to the trilemma of the moist Charney–Phillips staggering
Authors: Bendall Thomas M. , Wood Nigel , Thuburn John , Cotter Colin J.
Published: November 2022

The Charney–Phillips grid, used in many numerical models of the atmosphere, involves vertically staggering the nodes of the density variable with the nodes of the entropy‐type variable. When moisture is included in such a model, it is either co‐located with density so that moisture can be transported conservatively and consistently with dry mass, or with the entropy‐type variable so that the coupling between moisture and temperature can be represented well. Both properties are desirable, yet at first it appears difficult to obtain both simultaneously. Here, we present a framework to resolve this problem, by co‐locating the moisture mixing ratio with potential temperature but formulating its transport as that of a density on a vertically shifted mesh. Within this framework, particular choices of the operators involved provide the desired conservation and consistency properties of the moisture transport. The framework is described in the context of a finite‐element approach. We also present an explicit Runge–Kutta time‐stepping scheme that is appropriate for use within this framework. This approach is then illustrated through numerical tests, which demonstrate that it does indeed have the desired conservation and consistency properties.
Validating and improving the uncertainty assumptions for the assimilation of ocean‐colour‐derived chlorophyll a into a marine biogeochemistry model of the Northwest European Shelf Seas
Authors: Fowler Alison M. , Skákala Jozef , Ford David
Published: November 2022

The correct specification of all sources of uncertainty is critical to the success of data assimilation (DA) in improving the realism and accuracy of forecasts and reanalyses. This work focuses on improving the uncertainty assumptions made during the assimilation of ocean‐colour‐derived chlorophyll into an operational marine coupled physical–biogeochemical DA system, which produces daily biogeochemistry forecasts on the Northwest European Shelf Seas. Analysis of the observation–model misfits shows significant biases in chlorophyll , which vary strongly with season. The behaviour of these misfits agrees well with previous studies and can be attributed to systematic errors within the coupled model. Diagnostic metrics, used frequently within numerical weather prediction, are applied to separate out the random component of the observation and model errors, allowing for the derivation of new error covariance matrices. These new error covariance matrices are then modified to account for the biases in the model that cannot be treated explicitly within the operational DA system. This has the effect of inflating both the error variances and the correlation length‐scales. Experiments show that the new error covariances can result in significant improvements in the accuracy of the analysis and forecast. In particular, the new error covariance matrices reduce the bias in the spring phytoplankton bloom present when using the previous error covariances. Validation against independent glider observations in the North Sea also shows reductions in bias in chlorophyll and oxygen that extend below the surface to the depth of the mixed layer. Accounting for the biases in the model in the error correlations can lead to much larger improvements than not accounting for them; however, there are also regions where large degradations are seen that may indicate model instabilities. This may be improved by estimating the bias separately for the different regions on the shelf.
Modeling and vibration control for a nonlinear three‐dimensional flexible moving string system with input quantization and event‐triggering
Authors: Ji Ning , Liu Jinkun , Xing Xueyan
Published: November 2022

In this article, modeling and vibration control issues are addressed for a nonlinear three‐dimensional flexible moving string system with input quantization and event‐triggering. The flexible string with a payload takes the bridge crane as a moving carrier. The system models are established by Hamilton's principle, including a group of partial differential equations and ordinary differential equations. Logarithmic and hysteretic quantizers are both adopted to compare quantitative effects, and then the quantized control input signals are processed effectively to further relieve communication burdens by event‐triggering, which is based on the fixed threshold strategy. The proposed control scheme can drive the cart to the desired position and suppress the vibration of the three‐dimensional flexible string. The uniform ultimate boundedness of the closed‐loop system is proved via the Lyapunov direct method. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to verify the control effect.
Multiple leaders formation tracking with switching topology and aperiodic sampled data under intermittent control scheme
Authors: Liu Xiongding , Deng Feiqi , Zhao Xueyan , Wei Wu
Published: November 2022

This article studies the problem of second‐order formation tracking with multiple leaders under intermittent control scheme in stochastic multi‐agent networked systems. Based on the aperiodic sampled data, the formation tracking control protocol is proposed by considering switching topology and the time‐varying transmission delay of information interaction between each agent. Using the algebraic graph theory, stochastic systems theory, Lyapunov theory, and Halanay inequality, the sufficient conditions of mean square stability for formation tracking with multiple leaders are obtained. To further alleviate the computation resources of the controller, the intermittent control strategy is proposed. Meanwhile, a novel stability analysis method for intermittent control is introduced based on an auxiliary system and comparison principle. Furthermore, the lower bound of the duty cycle for a certain control period is obtained and the desired formation mode is also reached under the designed intermittent control scheme. Finally, numerical examples are given to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Particle filter‐based aerial tracking for moving targets
Authors: Yılmaz M. Koray , Bayram Haluk
Published: November 2022

This paper considers the problem of tracking a moving target with a radio transmitter using an aerial robot in an online manner. The aerial robot is equipped with a low‐cost directional antenna and Software Defined Radio receiver to obtain the signal emitted by the target. The aerial robot rotates around itself and collects a predefined number of signal recordings from each direction to determine the bearing angle to the target in which the received signal strength is maximized. The measurement uncertainty is assumed to be bounded and represented by two triangular areas divided by a bisector. To localize and track the target, a particle filter‐based approach is proposed. In this approach, we integrate the discrete and bounded measurement model with the particle filter in such a way that the particles' weights are updated based on a novel method which considers the measurement wedge and the particle locations with respect to this wedge along with a logistic function. We also incorporate the doubling strategy into the particle filter to determine the next measurement locations and avoid arbitrarily large number of measurements. We choose wildlife monitoring as a use case scenario in which a radio transmitter is put on the animal under consideration to allow wildlife researchers to track it. Since each animal has its own motion behavior, we consider different motion models for the target, which are used in modeling animal movements in wildlife studies. Therefore, the proposed approach is validated using a target moving with varying velocity and acceleration. We verified the tracking performance of the approach through a series of extensive simulations. We compared the proposed approach with the optimal offline strategy in terms of the empirical competitive ratio of the total distance traveled and the tracking distance. We also developed a low‐cost hardware platform and software infrastructure for the proposed tracking system. Using this platform, we conducted field experiments for the stationary and moving targets.
RECeUS: Ratio estimation of censored uncured subjects, a different approach for assessing cure model appropriateness in studies with long‐term survivors
Authors: Selukar Subodh , Othus Megan
Published: November 2022

The need to model a cure fraction, the proportion of a cohort not susceptible to the event of interest, arises in a variety of contexts including tumor relapse in oncology. Existing methodology assumes that follow‐up is long enough for all uncured subjects to have experienced the event of interest at the time of analysis, and researchers have demonstrated that fitting cure models without sufficient follow‐up leads to bias. Few statistical methods exist to evaluate sufficient follow‐up, and they can exhibit poor performance and lead users to falsely conclude sufficient follow‐up, leading to bias, or to falsely claim insufficient follow‐up, possibly leading to additional, costly data collection. We propose a new quantitative statistic (RECeUS) to evaluate whether cure models may be appropriate to apply to censored data. Specifically, we propose that the estimated proportion of censored uncured subjects in a study can be used to evaluate cure model appropriateness. We evaluated the performance of RECeUS against existing methods via simulation and with two data examples, and we observe that RECeUS displays superior performance. In simulated and real‐world settings, RECeUS correctly identifies both situations in which data appear appropriate for cure modeling and when data seem inappropriate for fitting cure models.
Proteomic Profiling of Sweat in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis Provides New Insights into Epidermal Homoeostasis
Authors: Cornet Matthieu , Nguyen-Khoa Thao , Kelly-Aubert Mairead , Jung Vincent , Chedevergne Frédérique , Le Bourgeois Muriel , Aoust Laura , Roger Kévin , Guerrera Chiara Ida , Sermet-Gaudelus Isabelle
Published: November 2022

Background

A high proportion of patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) also present the rare skin disease aquagenic palmoplantar keratoderma. A possible link between this condition and absence of a functional CF Transmembrane conductance Regulator protein in the sweat acinus and collecting duct remains unknown.

Methods

In-depth characterization of sweat proteome profiles was performed in 25 CF patients compared to 12 healthy controls. A 20 μL sweat sample was collected after pilocarpine iontophoresis and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomic analysis was performed.

Results

Sweat proteome profile of CF patients was significantly different from that of healthy subjects with 57 differentially expressed proteins. Cystic Fibrosis sweat proteome was characterized by an increase in 25 proteins including proteases (Kallikrein 7 and 13, Phospholipase B domain containing 1, Cathepsin A L2 and B, Lysosomal Pro-X carboxypeptidase); proinflammatory proteins (Annexin A2, Chitinase-3-like protein 1); cytochrome c and transglutaminases. Thirty-two proteins were downregulated in CF sweat including proteases (Elastase 2), antioxidative protein FAM129 B; membrane-bound transporter SLC6A14 and regulator protein Sodium-hydrogen antiporter 3 regulator 1.

Conclusion

This study is the first to report in-depth characterization of endogenous peptides in CF sweat and could help understand the complex physiology of the sweat gland. The proteome profile highlights the unbalanced proteolytic and proinflammatory activity of sweat in CF. These results also suggest a defect in pathways involved in skin barrier integrity in CF patients. Sweat proteome profile could prove to be a useful tool in the context of personalized medicine in CF.
Ichthyosis Vulgaris: An Updated Review
Authors: Jaffar Huda , Shakir Zobia , Kumar Gaurav , Ali Iman Fatima
Published: November 2022

Ichthyosis vulgaris is an inherited, non-syndromic form of ichthyosis that presents with skin problems. Making up more than 95% cases of ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris is caused by heterozygous loss-of-function mutation of the filaggrin gene, raising the fragility and permeability of the stratum corneum. It typically presents in infancy as xerosis, skin lesions, keratosis pilaris, palmoplantar hyper linearity, scaly dermatosis, and erythroderma, clearly identifiable by age 5. Although majority of patients have a normal lifespan, possible complications include a vitamin D deficiency and auditory problems due to scaling in the ears, besides a drop in quality of life due to dermatological changes. Urea-based creams with 10% urea, ceramides, and other ceramides are often the first line therapy in ichthyosis vulgaris. There is no known curative treatment for ichthyosis vulgaris, but lifelong treatment can alleviate the symptoms. Urea-based creams are highly therapeutic, whereas ammonium lactate 12% lotion with a physiological lipid-based repair cream can help with scaling and dryness. There is also evidence in favour of propylene glycol solutions. Risankizumab, an anti-interleukin-23 drug, and enhancement of natural moisturizing factors are also two highly promising solutions that require additional research. This review aims to provide updates on the manifestation, evaluation, and treatment of ichthyosis vulgaris.
A Catena Between Psychiatric Disorders and Non-Scarring Alopecias—A Systematic Review
Authors: Forneris Crego Ana L. , Therianou Anastasia , Hashemi Parastoo , Higgins Claire A.
Published: November 2022

For many years, clinical observations have suggested that there is an intrinsic connection between psychological state and skin diseases. Stress responses are typically mediated by several hormones, which are modulated via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This typical stress response is not only one theory for psychiatry disorder pathophysiology, but it also modifies hair growth by altering the skin's inflammatory environment. Given that different forms of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, or telogen effluvium, and hair follicle cycling can be altered by immune cells within the follicle milieu, we hypothesized that specific forms of hair loss are correlated to psychiatric illnesses. To address this, we conducted a systematic review by searches in April and May 2021 through Ovid MEDLINE and PUBMED (ranging from 1951 to the present day), identifying 179 reports. A further 24 reports were identified through website and citation searches giving a total of 201 reports. After applying exclusion criteria, 21 papers were reviewed, and 17 were included for data analysis. It is undeniable that hair loss greatly affects Health-related Quality of Life (HrQol) and it is heavily associated with major depressive disorder and anxiety. The correlation between hair loss and mental health disorders was significant, however, due to the low number of publications with quantitative data we were not able to identify correlations between each hair loss type with each psychiatric disorder. Further studies to better connect specific hair loss diseases to specific disorders are therefore critical in bettering the way both psychiatric disease, and hair loss, are managed.
Diverse Defects in Alkali Niobate Thin Films: Understanding at Atomic Scales and Their Implications on Properties
Authors: Waqar Moaz , He Qian , Chai Jianwei , Lim Poh Chong , Yao Kui , Wang John
Published: November 2022

Defects in ferroelectric materials have many implications on the material properties which, in most cases, are detrimental. However, engineering these defects can also create opportunities for property enhancement as well as for tailoring novel functionalities. To purposely manipulate these defects, a thorough knowledge of their spatial atomic arrangement, as well as elastic and electrostatic interactions with the surrounding lattice, is highly crucial. In this work, analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is used to reveal a diverse range of multidimensional crystalline defects (point, line, planar, and secondary phase) in (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN) ferroelectric thin films. The atomic‐scale analyses of the defect‐lattice interactions suggest strong elastic and electrostatic couplings which vary among the individual defects and correspondingly affect the electric polarization. In particular, the observed polarization orientations are correlated with lattice relaxations as well as strain gradients and can strongly impact the properties of the ferroelectric films. The knowledge and understanding obtained in this study open a new avenue for the improvement of properties as well as the discovery of defect‐based functionalities in alkali niobate thin films.
Strain Regulating and Kinetics Accelerating of Micro‐Sized Silicon Anodes via Dual‐Size Hollow Graphitic Carbons Conductive Additives
Authors: Shi Qitao , Cheng Yuanhao , Wang Jiaqi , Zhou Junhua , Ta Huy Quang , Lian Xueyu , Kurtyka Klaudia , Trzebicka Barbara , Gemming Thomas , Rümmeli Mark H.
Published: November 2022

Micro‐sized silicon (µSi) anode features fewer interfacial side reactions and lower costs compared to nanosized silicon, and has higher commercial value when applied as a lithium‐ion battery (LIB) anode. However, the high localized stress generated during (de)lithiation causes electrode breakdown and performance deterioration of the µSi anode. In this work, hollow graphitic carbons with tailored dual sizes are employed as conductive additives for the µSi anode to overcome electrode failure. The dual‐size hollow graphitic carbons (HGC) additives consist of particles with micrometer size similar to the µSi particles; these additives are used for strain regulation. Additionally, nanometer‐size particles similar to commercial carbon black Spheron (SP) are used mainly for kinetics acceleration. In addition to building an efficient conductive network, the dual‐size hollow graphitic carbon conductive additive prevents the fracture of the electrode by reducing local stress and alleviating volume expansion. The µSi anode with dual‐size hollow graphitic carbons as conductive additives achieves an impressive capacity of 651.4 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at a high current density of 2 A g−1. These findings suggest that dual‐size hollow graphitic carbons are expected to be superior conductive additives for micro‐sized alloy anodes similar to µSi.
Probing the Ni(OH)2 Precursor for LiNiO2 at the Atomic Scale: Insights into the Origin of Structural Defect in a Layered Cathode Active Material
Authors: Pokle Anuj , Weber Daniel , Bianchini Matteo , Janek Jürgen , Volz Kerstin
Published: November 2022

In lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the layered cathode materials of composition LiNi1−x−yCoxMnyO2 are critical for achieving high energy densities. A high nickel content (>80%) provides an attractive balance between high energy density, long lifetime, and low cost. Consequently, Ni‐rich layered oxides cathode active materials (CAMs) are in high demand, and the importance of LiNiO2 (LNO) as limiting case, is hence paramount. However, achieving perfect stoichiometry is a challenge resulting in various structural issues, which successively impact physicochemical properties and result in the capacity fade of LIBs. To better understand defect formation in LNO, the role of the Ni(OH)2 precursor morphology in the synthesis of LNO requires in‐depth investigation. By employing aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and precession electron diffraction, a direct observation of defects in the Ni(OH)2 precursor preparedis reported and the ex situ structural evolution from the precursor to the end product is monitored. During synthesis, the layered Ni(OH)2 structure transforms to partially lithiated (non‐layered) NiO and finally to layered LNO. The results suggest that the defects observed in commercially relevant CAMs originate to a large extent from the precursors, hence care must be taken in tuning the co‐precipitation parameters to synthesize defect‐free Ni‐rich layered oxides CAMs.
Core–Shell Filament with Excellent Wound Healing Property Made of Cellulose Nanofibrils and Guar Gum via Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Complexation Spinning
Authors: Wu Meiyan , Liu Yinuo , Liu Chao , Cui Qiu , Zheng Xin , Fatehi Pedram , Li Bin
Published: November 2022

Natural polymer‐based sutures have attractive cytocompatibility and degradability in surgical operations. Herein, anionic cellulose nanofibrils (ACNF) and cationic guar gum (CGG) are employed to produce nontoxic CGG/ACNF composite filament with a unique core–shell structure via interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC) spinning. The comprehensive characterization and application performance of the resultant CGG/ACNF filament as a surgical suture are thoroughly investigated in comparison with silk and PGLA (90% glycolide and 10% l‐lactide) sutures in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Results show that the CGG/ACNF filament with the typical core–shell structure and nervation pattern surface exhibits a high orientation index (0.74) and good mechanical properties. The tensile strength and knotting strength of CGG/ACNF suture prepared by twisting CGG/ACNF filaments increase by 69.5%, and CGG/ACNF suture has a similar friction coefficient to silk and PGLA sutures. Moreover, CGG/ACNF suture with antibiosis and cytocompatibility exhibits better growth promotion of cells than silk suture, similar to PGLA suture in vitro. In addition, the stitching experiment of mice with the CGG/ACNF suture further confirms better healing properties and less inflammation in vivo than silk and PGLA sutures do. Hence, the CGG/ACNF suture with a simple preparation method and excellent application properties is promising in surgical operations.
Access and Management of Sweat for Non‐Invasive Biomarker Monitoring: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Saha Tamoghna , Del Caño Rafael , De la Paz Ernesto , Sandhu Samar S. , Wang Joseph
Published: November 2022

Sweat is an important biofluid presents in the body since it regulates the internal body temperature, and it is relatively easy to access on the skin unlike other biofluids and contains several biomarkers that are also present in the blood. Although sweat sensing devices have recently displayed tremendous progress, most of the emerging devices primarily focus on the sensor development, integration with electronics, wearability, and data from in vitro studies and short‐term on‐body trials during exercise. To further the advances in sweat sensing technology, this review aims to present a comprehensive report on the approaches to access and manage sweat from the skin toward improved sweat collection and sensing. It is begun by delineating the sweat secretion mechanism through the skin, and the historical perspective of sweat, followed by a detailed discussion on the mechanisms governing sweat generation and management on the skin. It is concluded by presenting the advanced applications of sweat sensing, supported by a discussion of robust, extended‐operation epidermal wearable devices aiming to strengthen personalized healthcare monitoring systems.
Performance of cost effective engineered cementitious composite in exterior beam‐column connections under cyclic loading
Authors: Singh Maninder , Saini Babita , Hanuman Devidas Chalak
Published: November 2022

The present research examines the structural performance of exterior beam‐column connections made with the hybrid use of fibers and stone waste in engineered cementitious composite (ECC). The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), recron 3 s polyester (PET) and micro steel fiber (MSE) were dispersed in various ECC mixtures to analyze the impact of fiber hybridization. The stone waste (SW) was utilized in different ECC mixtures as replacement of silica sand (SS). The performance of ECC beam‐column connection specimens was judged in terms of hysteresis load–deflection behavior, energy dissipation, ductility, and cracking pattern. The recorded results of ECC reinforced specimens were compared with specimens made with normal concrete (NC). Recorded results revealed that the connections made with ECCs exhibited better performance in terms of ductility and various parameters as compared to NC connections. The hybrid dispersion of fibers and addition of SW also contributed in improving the behavior of ECC specimens. The higher deformation, loading response, energy dissipation and ductility indicated that structures made with ECC can withstand strong ground earthquake motions.
Tensile behavior of ultra‐high performance concrete reinforced with different hybrid fibers
Authors: Li Jiayue , Deng Zongcai
Published: November 2022

Seventy eight dog‐bone shaped ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC) tensile specimens were designed to study the effects of single steel fiber and hybrid steel fiber with polyolefin (PP) fiber, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber, glass fiber (GF), polyester (PET) fiber, and basalt fiber (BF) on the compressive strength, tensile strength, peak strain, and fracture energy of UHPC. The results showed that hybrid fiber reinforced UHPC had good toughness damage characteristics, which reflected the strengthening and toughening effects of different fibers. The tensile stress–strain curves of hybrid fiber reinforced UHPC could be divided into the rising section and softening section, and the softening section was significantly influenced by the type and volume content of fibers. Among the microfiber (PVA fiber, GF, and BF), GF had the most significant strengthening effect, PVA fiber had the best ability to improve the deformation of UHPC, and BF had the most significant effect on the improvement of fracture energy. Among macrofiber (PP fiber, PET fiber), PP fiber had a better ability to improve UHPC deformation than PET fiber, but both were lower than microfiber. When the total volume content of steel fiber and PVA fiber was 2.5%, the best toughening and crack resistance effect was achieved when the volume content of steel fiber was 1.5% and the volume content of PVA fiber was 1.0%. Combined with the experimental results, the UHPC tensile σ–ω curves of single steel fibers, hybrid steel–PVA fibers, and hybrid steel–PVA–PET fibers were established, and the predicted curves were in good agreement with the experimental curves.
Mechanical properties and constitutive model of coral aggregate concrete subjected to dynamic uniaxial and triaxial compression
Authors: Deng Zhiheng , Liu Wentao , Jiang Jiasheng , Yang Xuanwei
Published: November 2022

The dynamic compressive mechanical performance of coral aggregate concrete (CAC) has been studied by the servo‐controlled true triaxial testing machine (TAWZ‐5000/3000), the failure modes and the stress–strain curves were obtained under various loading conditions. The effect of strain rates and the constant lateral pressure on the strength, deformation capacity, and failure modes of CAC were analyzed according to the results obtained from the test. The results show that the lateral pressure significantly changes the failure mode while the strain rate only affects the degree. The strength and deformation capacity will improve with the increase of strain rate and lateral pressure, and the lateral pressure diminishes the strain rate effect on mechanical properties. A 5‐parameter empirical dynamic failure criterion was established based on the William‐Warnke criterion. Finally, a 2‐stage dynamic multiaxial compressive constitutive model obeying the Weibull and Lognormal statistical distributions was established, and the model had well‐fitting results with the experimental results.
Autogenous and drying shrinkage of structural concretes incorporating recycled concrete aggregates from different sources
Authors: Amario Mayara , Pepe Marco , Rangel Caroline Santana , Toledo Filho Romildo Dias
Published: November 2022

The main relevant difference between recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) in comparison with the companion natural ones, is the presence of the Attached Mortar content which confers to the RCAs higher porosity and, consequently, higher water absorption capacity. In the last decades, several studies have been performed worldwide for unveiling the role of the employed RCAs on the resulting concrete mixture performances at both fresh and hardened states. On the other hand, the effects of RCA on the early‐age and/or long‐term concrete deformations (e.g., shrinkage) are still very limited. In this context, this article summarizes the results of a wide experimental campaign aimed at evaluating the influence of RCAs on the autogenous and drying shrinkage of normal (35 MPa) and high (60 MPa) strength recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) mixtures. A total of 10 mixtures were realized by considering the variation of both the original source and size of employed RCAs. The results showed a clear correlation between the intrinsic properties (i.e., Attached Mortar content) of the employed RCAs and the resulting concrete deformation. Moreover, although the drying shrinkage is higher for RAC mixtures, the presence of a more porous aggregates mitigates the observed autogenous shrinkage. Consequently, the overall total shrinkage result to be almost unaffected by the presence of the recycled particles.
Attempts to introduce a system of national, racial and/or ethnocultural discrimination in codes of biological nomenclature should not be tolerated: Comments on some recent proposals (Wright & Gillman, 2022, etc.)
Authors: Mosyakin Sergei L.
Published: November 2022

With their article “Restoring indigenous names in taxonomy”, Gillman & Wright (2020) initiated a discussion that culminated in a set of proposals to amend theInternational Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants(ICN) by allowing the retroactive replacement of scientific names and/or epithets of plants and other organisms in favor of “indigenous names” (vernacular names used by Indigenous Peoples). Here I emphasize several main topics and questions critically important for the suggested implementation of the proposals by Wright and Gillman. My conclusions regarding the proposals by Wright and Gillman are as follows. The “definition” of Indigenous People proposed by Wright and Gillman for theICNis dramatically different from the working definitions and identification/self‐identification criteria of Indigenous Peoples provided in the UNDeclaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples(United Nations, 2007) and other relevant international documents. That “definition” is vague, potentially discriminatory, may bring unnecessary conflicts, and cannot be used in practice. Nomenclatural committees and the taxonomic community as a whole should not be involved in political debates about which peoples are indigenous and which are not, which bodies represent those peoples and which do not have that right. Giving special privileges in nomenclature to some groups of Indigenous Peoples but not to other peoples with comparable levels of traditional knowledge would be an act of unexplainable and unjustified discrimination. The argument of “demonstrable chronological priority” of vernacular “indigenous” names over scientific names used by Wright and Gillman is irrelevant in biological nomenclature and taxonomy and cannot be used in practice. The proposal to allow the use of “indigenous” diacritics in biological nomenclature would result in allowance of dozens diacritic signs actually used by various Indigenous ethnic groups, and should not be accepted. The replacement procedure proposed by Wright and Gillman will not work as they intended because they failed to outline workable rules for it. Science (the scientific nomenclature of organisms included) should not be biased or distorted politically, racially, ethnically, socially, genderly, religiously or otherwise. Any attempts or proposals aimed at granting preferences in biological nomenclature to any political, racial, ethnic, social, gender, religious or other group or groups should be rejected as discriminatory acts. Consequently, the “proposals” by Wright and Gillman should be rejected by the international community of taxonomists of plants, fungi, and algae.
Collective memory and autobiographical memory: Perspectives from the humanities and cognitive sciences
Authors: Heux Lucrèce , Rathbone Clare , Gensburger Sarah , Clifford Rebecca , Souchay Céline
Published: November 2022

The current overview provides an interdisciplinary synthesis of autobiographical and collective memory studies, focusing on history and cognitive psychology, to help other scholars bridge the disciplinary gap. We describe the various interpretative frameworks used to build theoretical knowledge on how autobiographical memory and collective memory are intertwined. We expose how research exploring self, social and directive functions of autobiographical memory echoes three main functions that can be identified for collective memory, that is, social identity, social schemata, and means for actions, or a political decision tool of research in these fields. In doing so, we hope to stimulate opportunities for more interdisciplinary research.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Memory

Psychology > Theory and Methods
Error control in tree structured hypothesis testing
Authors: Miecznikowski Jeffrey C. , Wang Jiefei
Published: November 2022

This manuscript reviews some recent and popular error control methods for tree structured hypothesis testing. We review a common setting/definition for hypotheses arranged in a tree structure and we discuss two common Type I errors present in multiple testing: family wise error rates (FWERs) and false discovery rate (FDR). We also contrast these methods with a recent development designed to control the false selection rate (FSR). We discuss the algorithms used to implement these error controls and the strategies used to navigate tree structures in light of these errors. We highlight the assumptions necessary in these strategies, summarize the available R software packages to implement these approaches, and show them at work on an example.

This article is categorized under:

Data: Types and Structure > Image and Spatial Data

Applications of Computational Statistics > Genomics/Proteomics/Genetics

Data: Types and Structure > Microarrays
ExplainFix: Explainable spatially fixed deep networks
Authors: Gaudio Alex , Faloutsos Christos , Smailagic Asim , Costa Pedro , Campilho Aurélio
Published: November 2022

Is there an initialization for deep networks that requires no learning? ExplainFix adopts two design principles: the “fixed filters” principle that all spatial filter weights of convolutional neural networks can be fixed at initialization and never learned, and the “nimbleness” principle that only few network parameters suffice. We contribute (a) visual model‐based explanations, (b) speed and accuracy gains, and (c) novel tools for deep convolutional neural networks. ExplainFix gives key insights that spatially fixed networks should have a steered initialization, that spatial convolution layers tend to prioritize low frequencies, and that most network parameters are not necessary in spatially fixed models. ExplainFix models have up to ×100 fewer spatial filter kernels than fully learned models and matching or improved accuracy. Our extensive empirical analysis confirms that ExplainFix guarantees nimbler models (train up to 17% faster with channel pruning), matching or improved predictive performance (spanning 13 distinct baseline models, four architectures and two medical image datasets), improved robustness to larger learning rate, and robustness to varying model size. We are first to demonstrate that all spatial filters in state‐of‐the‐art convolutional deep networks can be fixed at initialization, not learned.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Machine Learning

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Explainable AI

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Key Design Issues in Data Mining
Magnetically‐activated lipid nanocarriers in biomedical applications: A review of current status and perspective
Authors: Sun Xiaohan , Tan Angel , Boyd Ben J.
Published: November 2022

Magnetically‐activated lipid nanocarriers have become a research hotspot in the field of biomedicine. Liposomes and other lipid‐based carriers possess good biocompatibility as well as the ability to carrying therapeutic cargo with a range of physicochemical properties. Previous studies have demonstrated that magnetic materials have potential wide applications in clinical diagnosis and therapy, such as in MRI as contrast agents and in hyperthermic obliteration of cancer tissues. More recently magneto‐thermal activation of lipid carriers to stimulate drug release has extended the range of further therapeutic benefits. Here, an overview of the current development of magnetically‐activated lipid nanocarriers in the field of biomedicine is provided, including the methods of fabrication of the nanocarriers and their in vitro and in vivo performance. A discussion of the current barriers to translation of these materials as medicines is provided in the context of clinical and regulatory complexities of using magnetically responsive materials in therapeutic applications.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid‐Based Structures

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Correction to: Creativity and Learning
Authors: Lemmetty Soila , Collin Kaija , Glăveanu Vlad Petre , Forsman Panu
Published: November 2022

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Multiple Users’ Experiences of an AI-Aided Educational Platform for Teaching and Learning
Authors: Niu Shuanghong Jenny , Li Xiaoqing , Luo Jiutong
Published: November 2022

This chapter aims to provide a better understanding of how AI technology can be used to assist in teaching and learning at schools. The Smart Learning Partner (SLP) educational platform is based on AI technology to provide new possibilities for individualized learning and more educational resources. We used a case study approach to investigate how this AI-aided SLP platform helped to assist in teaching and learning from the multiple users’ perspectives of students, teachers, and the principal at a Chinese school. This chapter starts with a description of AI used in education and learning. The AI-aided SLP educational platform is then presented to illustrate in what ways it works to assist in teaching and learning. Based on the users’ self-reported experience, this platform can support students’ learning by providing students with individualized diagnostic feedback and assessments as well as information about the progress of their learning. In addition, students receive recommendations of micro lectures from the platform to aid improvement based on the students’ assessment results. Additionally, students can also access various micro lectures according to their interests. This platform provides teachers with reports of real-time learning situations and progress at the individual or class level. Accordingly, teachers can better adjust their pedagogical decision and teaching according to the students’ needs. The principal used the information to allocate resources and assist in curriculum planning at school. In conclusion, all users positively stated that this AI-aided SLP platform assisted in teaching and learning at school even though there were still certain challenges. At the end of the chapter, recommendations for the future platform design are offered.
Curiosity and Interactive Learning in Artificial Systems
Authors: Haber Nick
Published: November 2022

As “scientists in the crib,” children learn through curiosity, tirelessly seeking novelty and information as they interact—really, play—with both physical objects and the people around them. This flexible capacity to learn about the world through intrinsically motivated interaction continues throughout life. How would we engineer an artificial, autonomous agent that learns in this way – one that flexibly interacts with its environment, and others within it, in order to learn as humans do? In this chapter, I will first motivate this question by describing important advances in artificial intelligence in the last decade, noting ways in which artificial learning within these methods are and are not like human learning. I will then give an overview of recent results in artificial intelligence aimed at replicating curiosity-driven interactive learning. I will then close by speculating on how AI that learns in this fashion could be used as fine-grained computational models of human learning.
Introduction
Authors: Bielejewski Aaron
Published: November 2022

Policing is one of those defining concepts of modernity about which much has written—to the point where it is difficult to imagine that there is much left to be said—that is, at the same time, decisively modern. The modern conceptualization of police referring to a fixed and commonly identifiable role, occupation and organization, rather than simply a practice performed by the state through its various arms and agents, is not yet 200 years old. Egon Bittner wrote that, “the most remarkable fact about the timing of the foundation of the modern police is that it is sequentially the last of the basic building blocks in the structure of modern executive government.”
Our Town: The Sociology of Policing Communities
Authors: Bielejewski Aaron
Published: November 2022

Marshal Will Kane of Hadleyville, in the New Mexico Territory, has recently married and is looking forward to retirement and leaving his frontier town behind to open a store and raise a family. When word comes that the outlaw Frank Miller is returning to town and seeking vengeance against Kane, the marshal decides to remain on duty for one more day to prevent Miller and his gang from overrunning the town before the replacement marshal can arrive. Even as the judge who sentenced Miller to prison, the bitter deputy who was passed over for the job as marshal, and Will’s predecessor either refuse to help or prepare to flee the town, the marshal remains adamant.
Setting the Stage: Setting, Method, and Perspective
Authors: Bielejewski Aaron
Published: November 2022

The present study is based on fieldwork accompanying on-duty (and occasionally off-duty) police officers in the pseudonymous county of Falkenmark in the German state of Brandenburg in 2014 and 2015. The primary focus was on the officers of the Revierpolizei, but observations were also made with additional units and unstructured interviews were conducted with a variety of officers and administrators.
Violence and the Police
Authors: Bielejewski Aaron
Published: November 2022

The tasks and types of work performed by the police are legion; theoretical approaches to explaining police behavior have often either stumbled in the attempt to include such diverse and seemingly unrelated acts or fallen into the trap of viewing policing as simply the gateway to the criminal justice system and only focusing on the law enforcement tasks prescribed by judicial or administrative institutions. One consistent common thread running through conceptualizations of police work is the inclusion of violence and risk.