bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronization and stability in automotive transportation networks
Authors: Klug Florian
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to analyze and evaluate synchronization and stability issues for the planning, operation, and control of processes in automotive transportation networks. We modeled transportation networks by using a coupled oscillator network based on a modified Kuramoto model. Each transport process was mapped as a phase oscillator indicating the transport time, period, and delay. The method could be applied to complex networks where it has not been possible to find analytical solutions. The novel generic oscillator approach was then applied to two transport topologies, namely, milk‐run and just‐in‐sequence transport, based on real‐world problems from a German car manufacturer. We conducted a detailed study of the parameter regions where different synchronization regimes occurred and investigated how the topology influenced the stability and dynamic behavior of transport networks. In particular, we focused on how transport period offsets and transport delays affected synchronous states. We showed that by the introduction of a transport synchronization matrix, the synchronization states in a transport network could be represented in a compact and comprehensive manner. Moreover, thresholds for round‐trip stability could be calculated by analyzing the phase decoupling of a milk‐run. These results were used for the vehicle route planning of milk‐runs with synchronization constraints. Furthermore, the influence of the time delay of a track and trace system on the transport synchronization was analyzed. Finally, for the subsequent investigation of a just‐in‐sequence transport network, we showed how an adaptive control mechanism could re‐synchronize an out‐of‐tune delivery process.
Deriving a robust deep‐learning model for subcortical brain segmentation by using a large‐scale database: Preprocessing, reproducibility, and accuracy of volume estimation
Authors: Weng Jenn‐Shiuan , Huang Teng‐Yi
Published: November 2022

Increasing the accuracy and reproducibility of subcortical brain segmentation is advantageous in various related clinical applications. In this study, we derived a segmentation method based on a convolutional neural network (i.e., U‐Net) and a large‐scale database consisting of 7039 brain T1‐weighted MRI data samples. We evaluated the method by using experiments focused on three distinct topics, namely, the necessity of preprocessing steps, cross‐institutional and longitudinal reproducibility, and volumetric accuracy. The optimized model, MX_RW—where “MX” is a mix of RW and nonuniform intensity normalization data and “RW” is raw data with basic preprocessing—did not require time‐consuming preprocessing steps, such as nonuniform intensity normalization or image registration, for brain MRI before segmentation. Cross‐institutional testing revealed that MX_RW (Dice similarity coefficient: 0.809, coefficient of variation: 4.6%, and Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.979) exhibited a performance comparable with that of FreeSurfer (Dice similarity coefficient: 0.798, coefficient of variation: 5.6%, and Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.973). The computation time per dataset of MX_RW was generally less than 5 s (even when tested without graphics processing units), which was notably faster than FreeSurfer. Thus, for time‐restricted applications, MX_RW represents a competitive alternative to FreeSurfer.
Supplementations of industrial multichamber parenteral nutrition bags in critically ill children: Safety of the practice
Authors: Jandot Elise , Savelli Morane , Pinte Guillaume , Sutherland Adam , Quessada Thierry , Valla Frédéric V.
Published: November 2022

Background

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is sometimes required in critically ill children because of contraindication or intolerance to full enteral nutrition. European guidelines recommend favoring multichamber bag PN (MCB PN), when possible, for quality purposes and ease of use. The prescribers may adjust the MCB PN through supplementations to better fulfill patient needs. The objective of this study is to investigate the use and supplementations of MCB PN.

Methods

This observational, single‐center, retrospective study was conducted in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We collected prescriptions of MCB PNs and their supplementations added directly into PN bags. A descriptive analysis and a comparison of electrolyte supplementations with the manufacturer's recommendations were undertaken.

Results

One hundred thirty‐five children (median age 39.2 months [7.0–118.8]) were included, 1449 MCB PNs were administered, and 1652 supplementations were carried out in 736 PN bags. Thirty‐two percent of supplementations were vitamins, 32.2% were trace elements, and 35.8% were electrolytes. Around 10% of electrolyte supplementations in PN bags were outside the manufacturer's recommendations. These nonconformities primarily concerned phosphate.

Conclusion

This study showed the real‐world clinical use of MCB PN in the PICU. Proper attention should be paid to septic risks and physicochemical risks to ensure efficient practice and safety of MCB PN use.
A numerical study on fractional optimal control problems described by Caputo‐Fabrizio fractional integro‐differential equation
Authors: Dehestani Haniye , Ordokhani Yadollah
Published: November 2022

This paper provides a numerical technique for evaluating the approximate solution of fractional optimal control problems with the Caputo‐Fabrizio (CF) fractional integro‐differential equation. First, due to the Gegenbauer polynomials definition and CF‐fractional derivative, we present the modified operational matrix and complement vector of integration and CF‐fractional derivative. Then, the corresponding discretization of the problem is obtained with the help of the optimization method and the Legendre‐Gauss‐Lobatto (LGL) quadrature rule. The technique of obtaining the proposed matrices and LGL‐quadrature method leads to obtaining the approximate solution with high precision. Moreover, the error of the performance index obtained by the computational method is investigated. Finally, we implement the methodology in several examples. So that, the effect of various parameters defined in the method is illustrated in tables and plots.
Synthesis and characterization of thermoplastic poly(piperazine succinate) metallopolymers coordinated to ruthenium(III) or iron(III)
Authors: Schneider Jessica K. , Ove Clarissa A. , Pirlo Russell K. , Biffinger Justin C.
Published: November 2022

Metal‐containing polymers represent an ever‐expanding frontier of material science. Of the numerous biocompatible ligands used to create a metallopolymer, piperazine‐containing polymers are still in their early development, even though piperazine is a common functional group in drug design and bioengineering scaffolding elements. We report the first synthesis and characterization (with NMR, IR, GPC, UV–vis spectroscopy, and thermal analysis) of two thermoplastic poly(alkyl piperazine succinate) diols with either propyl or hexyl alkane chains bridging the piperazines. These polyester diols were then chain extended with hexamethylene diisocyanate to create highly amorphous polyester urethane thermoplastic polymers. Ru(III) or Fe(III) was then successfully coordinated with these polymers, with approximately 30% of the bulk metallopolymer product becoming 250x the molecular weight of the non‐metal containing polymers. However, coordination of Fe(III), and to a lesser extent Ru(III), to these polypiperazines accelerated the hydrolysis of the polyester linkage in water over 15 days. Thus, these novel polymers are highly biodegradable with Fe(III) metallopolymers hydrolyzing faster than Ru(III) metallopolymers and poly(propyl piperazine succinate) polymers hydrolyzing faster than poly(hexyl piperazine succinate) polymers.
Clinical utility of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate in treatment selection for metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Naito Yushi , Kato Masashi , Kawanishi Hideji , Yamamoto Akiyuki , Sakamoto Fumitoshi , Hirabayashi Hiroki , Kobayashi Masataka , Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Kimura Tohru , Araki Hidemori , Nishikimi Toshinori , Kondo Atsuya , Yoshino Yasushi , Hashimoto Yoshimasa , Nakano Yojiro , Tsuzuki Toyonori
Published: November 2022

Background

In recent years, the usefulness of androgen receptor axis‐targeted agents (ARATs) such as abiraterone, enzalutamide, and apalutamide for the upfront treatment of metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) has been demonstrated. However, it remains unclear which patients would truly benefit from these treatments. Furthermore, intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC‐P) is a known poor prognostic factor in patients with prostate cancer. We investigated the association between the presence of IDC‐P and response to therapy in patients with mHSPC.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 318 patients with mHSPC who received treatment at Nagoya University and its 12 affiliated institutions between 2014 and 2021. Their biopsy specimens were evaluated for the presence of IDC‐P. The patients were classified according to their first‐line treatment into the ARAT (n = 100, receiving a combination of androgen‐deprivation therapy [ADT] and ARAT) or conventional therapy (n = 218, receiving ADT with or without standard antiandrogen agents) group. We compared the overall survival (OS) and second progression‐free survival (PFS2) between the ARAT and conventional groups according to the presence of IDC‐P to evaluate whether presence of IDC‐P predicts the response to each treatment. PFS2 was defined as the period from mHSPC diagnosis to disease progression on second‐line treatment or death. Propensity score matching with one‐to‐one nearest‐neighbor matching was used to minimize the potential effects of selection bias and confounding factors. The clinicopathological variables of the patients were well‐balanced after propensity score matching.

Results

Most patients in the ARAT (79%) and conventional therapy (71%) groups were ICD‐P positive. In the propensity score‐matched cohort, the OS and PFS2 of IDC‐P‐positive patients were significantly longer in the ARAT group than in the conventional group (OS: hazard ratio [HR], 0.36; p = 0.047; PFS2: HR, 0.30; p < 0.001). In contrast, no difference in OS and PFS2 was observed between the ARAT and conventional groups in IDC‐P‐negative patients (OS: HR, 1.09; p = 0.920; PFS2: HR, 0.40; p = 0.264).

Conclusions

The findings highlight a high prevalence of IDC‐P among patients with mHSPC and suggest that IDC‐P positivity may be a reliable indicator that ARAT should be implemented as first‐line treatment.
Identification and pharmacological characterization of the voltage‐gated potassium channel Shab in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Huo Xiaoyi , Ma Haihao , Zhu Hang , Liu Jia , Zhou Yong , Zhou Xiaomao , Liu Zheming
Published: November 2022

Background

Voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv2 is the primarily delayed rectifier in insect nerves and muscles involved in several crucial biological processes, including action potential regulation, photoreceptor performance, and larval locomotor. It is a potential molecular target for developing a novel pesticide for mosquitos. However, there are few studies on the Kv2 channel in agricultural pests.

Results

The only α‐subunit gene of the Kv2 channel in Plutella xylostella (L.), PxShab, was cloned, and its expression profile was analyzed. The relative expression level of PxShab was highest in the pupal stage of both sexes and male adults but lowest in female adults. Meanwhile, PxShab had the highest expression in the head in both larvae and adults. Then, PxShab was stably expressed in the HEK‐293 T cell line. Whole cell patch clamp recordings showed an outward current whose current–voltage relationship conformed to a typical delayed‐rectifier potassium channel. 20 μM quinidine could effectively inhibit the potassium current, while the channel was insensitive to 4‐AP even at 10 mM. Several potential compounds and botanical pesticides were assessed, and carvedilol (IC50 = 0.53 μM) and veratrine (IC50 = 2.22 μM) had a good inhibitory effect on the channel.

Conclusion

This study revealed the pharmacological properties of PxShab and screened out several high potency inhibitors, which laid the foundation for further functional research of PxShab and provides new insight into designing novel insecticides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Structural Phase Modulation in Lanthanum‐ and Tin‐Cosubstituted Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Ceramics and its Energy and Pyroenergy Storage Properties
Authors: Kandula Kumara Raja , Shet Tukaram , Nuthalapatib Mohan , Koneti Lokeswara Rao , Ansari Anees A. , Alotaibi Khalid M. , Alotaibi Abdullah A. , Atragada Chitti Babu , Nelaturi Narasimha Rao , Vadnala Sudharshan , Shankar Jakkula , Paritala Raghava Rao , Bhimireddi Rajasekhar
Published: November 2022

La‐ and Sn‐cosubstituted lead zirconate titanate () ceramics are synthesized using a solid‐state reaction route. These (PLZST) ceramics in pure form are found to exist in dual phase () and single phase (Cc) depending on the amount of La/Sn cosubstitution. PLZST ceramics exhibit thin P–E loops with enhanced polarization when measured at 393 K. Olsen cycle method is used to estimate the pyroenergy harvesting abilities of the samples under study. The estimated maximum energy storage density for PLZST () ceramics at 393 K is 1.16 J cm−3 [efficiency (η) > 96%]. The PLZST ceramics exhibit a remarkable hardness of 9.08 GPa. These results indicate that PLZST ceramics with excellent multifunctional properties are potential candidates in the field of electroceramic devices.
Micro‐Particle Induced X‐ray Emission Study of Lead‐Free and Lead‐Based Solders and Interactions with Copper Wires
Authors: Whitlow Harry J. , Nagy Gyula
Published: November 2022

Pb‐free electrical solders, such as Cu–Sn alloys, work well for reflow soldering under tightly controlled conditions. Hand soldering, however, often results in poor quality joints compared to conventional Pb–Sn solders. To investigate this under realistic workshop conditions, micro‐particle induced X‐ray emission (micro‐PIXE) with 2 MeV protons has been employed. Commercial flux‐cored Cu–Sn and Pb–Sn solder wires are studied. Solder blobs under two cooling conditions as well as tinning Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)‐compliant and legacy component wires are investigated. The results show that the long heating and slow cooling of Cu–Sn solder blobs lead to formation of an acicular precipitate that can be ascribed to Cu6 Sn5. Pb–Sn solder under the same conditions shows phase separation with regions of high Sn and regions with high Pb. In the case of rapidly cooled blobs where a shiny surface is produced, no phase separation in either solder is observed. Tinning of RoHS‐compliant and legacy Cu component wires with the two solders produce significantly different interfacial depth profiles with varying degrees of grading, indicative of intermetallic phase formation.
Extraction and Optimization of Compact Drain Current Model Parameters for GaN High‐Electron‐Mobility Transistors
Authors: Ganguly Pratik , Chakravorty Anjan , DasGupta Nandita , DasGupta Amitava
Published: November 2022

A detailed extraction strategy for a compact DC drain current model parameters for GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistor (HEMT) devices is presented. Further, an optimization is applied on the extracted parameter values in order to get a better accuracy of the estimated parameters. The implementation of the extraction scheme can be carried out by using only a four sets of measurement data. The efficacy of the parameters extraction and optimization schemes is demonstrated by means of SPICE simulated synthetic data corresponding to two different HEMT devices, and subsequently by using experimental data for two different AlGaN/GaN HEMTs having different gate lengths. High level of model accuracy proves the utility of the proposed methodology in each case.
Study on the Lateral Scattering of High‐Energy Heavy Ions Penetrating through Solids
Authors: Mao Guangbo , Guo Jinlong , Liu Wenjing , Wu Ruqun , Zhao Jing , Shen Cheng , Mou Hongjin , Li Junshuai , Du Guanghua
Published: November 2022

The lateral scattering of ions in solids can induce beam broadening and range uncertainty in the application of high‐energy heavy ions to cancer treatment, ion beam imaging, and nanofabrication. Herein, using membranes of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and diallyl glycol carbonates (CR‐39) of 25 μm–1.6 mm as nuclear track detectors, the lateral scattering of heavy ions with energy of 5.5–80.5 MeV u−1 Kr and C beams in solids are measured. The linear functional relationship between experimental and stopping and range of ions in matter (SRIM)‐simulated lateral scattering in these solid samples is established with determination coefficients R2 of 0.9979, through which the lateral scattering of ion penetrating through solids obtained from experiments can be reliably evaluated by the SRIM simulation results. The results also demonstrated that the resolution of the single ion localization system is better than 300 nm with the lateral scattering as the main limitation.
Fe‐Alloyed MoNi Nanohybrids as Oxygen Evolution Reaction/Oxygen Reduction Reaction Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Dang Linlin , Zhang Kai , Wang Qiguan , Xu Changhua , Wang Sumin
Published: November 2022

Active bifunctional electrocatalysts for both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are badly required for high‐efficiency zinc–air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a Fe‐alloyed MoNi nanohybrid (MoNiFe) as bifunctional catalyst is reported. The alloyed MoNiFe architecture with the decreased size compared with MoNi is obtained by a hydrothermal reduction method, which enhances the exposed active sites and promotes the charge transfer. Accordingly, MoNiFe exhibits good bifunctionality, with a positive half‐wave potential (0.896 V) near Pt/C (0.812 V) in ORR reaction and a low overpotential (0.295 V) similar to IrO2 (0.29 V) in OER process. The as‐derived rechargeable ZAB cells based on the bifunctional MoNiFe catalyst show the peak power density of 58 mW cm−2 with a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.319 V. Thus, this work paves a new alloying avenue for synthesizing effective bifunctional electocatalysts for ZABs.
An FSGO based Electronegativity Scale invoking the Electrophilicity Index
Authors: Kumari Dimple , Saloni  , Tandon Hiteshi , Labarca Martín , Chakraborty Tanmoy
Published: November 2022

Electronegativity is an important chemical construct that plays a pivotal role to explain several chemical, biochemical and physicochemical phenomena. The study of this periodic descriptor is still considered an active domain of research, and a number of scientists are involved to propose different scales of electronegativity based on experimental findings and theoretical concepts. In this study, we have proposed a model to compute atomic electronegativity values of 103 elements based on the Floating Spherical Gaussian Orbital approach invoking the atomic electrophilicity index as a descriptor. The computed electronegativity scale observes the periodic trend and justifies many chemical phenomena. Molecular electronegativity values have also been computed using the computed atomic electronegativity data and utilized to justify the Electronegativity Equalization Principle. In order to validate our proposed model, internuclear bond distances for some molecules have been deduced in terms of our computed atomic electronegativity data. A strong correlation with experimental counterparts proves the efficacy of our proposed model.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of All‐Inorganic CsPbIBr2 Light‐Absorber‐Layer based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ahmad Khursheed , Khan Mohd Quasim , Khan Rais Ahmad , Dagar Janardan , Parmasivam Gopinath , Unger Eva , Kim Haekyoung
Published: November 2022

In last few years, rapid surge in the construction of perovskite or perovskite‐like structures based photovoltaic cells have been noticed. Lead (Pb)‐halide perovskite materials possess excellent optoelectronic features which make it most significant light absorber layer for the construction of CsPbIBr2 based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In particular, CsPbIBr2 has unique optoelectronic properties and has been considered as a potential candidate for photovoltaic cells. In present work, we have used one‐dimensional (1‐D) solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) to optimize the photovoltaic performance of CsPbIBr2 based PSCs. The optimized simulated PSCs showed excellent efficiency of 14.11 %. Further, we have also fabricated PSCs which showed good efficiency of 10.18 %.
Polymethyl Methacrylate/Polypyrrole Porous Membranes Prepared by Breath Figure Method with Superior Salt Resistance for High‐Efficiency Interfacial Solar Evaporation
Authors: Yan Lijuan , Lu Nan , Cao Xiaoyin , Ma Yingjiao , Hu Zhentao , Li Jiyan , Sun Hanxue , Zhu Zhaoqi , Liang Weidong , Li An
Published: November 2022

A simple method for the fabrication of the double‐layer and salt‐resistant evaporator consists of a porous structure polymethyl methacrylate/polypyrrole (PMMA/PPy) photothermal membrane as the top layer and plant fiber‐wrapped expanded polyethylene (EPE) foam as the insulating bottom layer is demonstrated for the first time for efficient solar‐driven interfacial evaporation. For the fabrication of the porous PMMA/PPy membranes, a straightforward and affordable breath figure approach is used. Owing to its porous structure with low tortuosity and large pore size, excellent insulation of the EPE sponge, and the strong light absorption of PPy coating, the as‐prepared PMMA/PPy evaporator exhibits a stable photothermal conversion efficiency of 95.3%, corresponding to a high evaporation rate of 1.65 kg m−2 h−1, and outstanding salt resistance performance in 15%wt NaCl solution (evaporation rate of 1.54 kg m−2 h−1), under 1 sun irradiation, thus showing great potential for practical desalination application by combination with its simple, cost‐efficient, and easily scale‐up fabrication process. More importantly, the findings herein may also provide a versatile method for the design of novel photothermal materials with large pores using various polymers as substrates without limitation by shape or size only via a simple and “green” breath figure approach.
Dual Function of l‐Phenylalanine as a Modification Layer toward Enhanced Device Performance and Mitigated Lead Leakage in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yang , Han Yipeng , Liu Xufu , Kong Tengfei , Song Jing , Xie Haibing , Bi Dongqin
Published: November 2022

Although perovskite solar cells have achieved great breakthroughs in photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE), some challenges still need to be addressed before commercialization. Lead leakage is harmful to the environment and many methods are developed to prevent lead leakage; among them, chemical adsorption has proved to be an effective way. Herein, a simple and low‐cost strategy that can enhance the device performance and mitigate the lead leakage by applying l‐phenylalanine in the interface of NiOx/perovskite is reported. The results show that this strategy can improve the morphology and conductivity of the NiOx film, optimize the NiOx/perovskite interface energy level, resulting in an efficient and stable device with a PCE of 19.0%. Furthermore, the interface modification improves the stability of the perovskite film through strong interaction with the perovskite, inhibits the decomposition of the film in water, slows down the process of lead leakage, and protects the environment from lead pollution. The devices maintain 86% initial efficiency for 200 h maximum power point measurement and 94% for 2100 h under nitrogen.
Evaluation of serum concentration of acute‐phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloid A) in the affected Arabian foals with rhodococcosis
Authors: Hassanpour Ali , Moghaddam Sina
Published: November 2022

Background

Early detection of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals is essential for horse health and for veterinarians.

Objectives

This study aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of assessing the serum concentration of acute‐phase proteins (APPs) in the early diagnosis of pneumonia.

Methods

The study evaluated APPs in 19 Arabian foals with R. equi pneumonia and compared them with 18 normal Arabian foals in equestrian clubs in Tabriz, Iran. Affected foals were identified through history, clinical findings and bacterial culture of tracheal washing. Biochemical methods and polymerase chain reaction tests were performed by examining the 16S rRNA and vapA genes to confirm the diagnosis of bacterial isolates. Blood samples were taken from all sick and healthy horses, and their serum was isolated. APPs in the serum were measured in all the samples.

Results

Rhodococcosis increased the serum concentration of haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) (p < 0.001). The relationship between SAA and Hp was meaningful in the infected group (r = 0.933) but not in the healthy group. In cases where there are clinical findings of R. equi pneumonia, the concentration of SAA and Hp can help the effectiveness of treatment.‐

Conclusions

Serum concentration analysis of APPs can be helpful in early diagnosis and successfully treating foals with R. equi pneumonia.
Axial vectors in DarkCast
Authors: Baruch Chaja , Ilten Philip , Soreq Yotam , Williams Mike
Published: November 2022

Abstract

In this work, we explore new spin-1 states with axial couplings to the standard model fermions. We develop a data-driven method to estimate their hadronic decay rates based on data from τ decays and using SU(3)flavor symmetry. We derive the current and future experimental constraints for several benchmark models. Our framework is generic and can be used for models with arbitrary vectorial and axial couplings to quarks. We have made our calculations publicly available by incorporating them into the DarkCast package, see https://gitlab.com/darkcast/releases.
A high bar may benefit weak students
Authors: Arnold Ivo J.M.
Published: November 2022

This paper uses a large sample of students from a Dutch university to describe variations in academic performance following a change in the strictness of academic dismissal policies. The research setting includes one moment in which the performance threshold for academic dismissal has been changed, keeping constant other characteristics of the educational system. Using a descriptive approach, we show that after the threshold has been raised the number of credits earned by academically weak students increases. A higher threshold level also brings their study effort forward in time, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of no-shows and an increase in the number of credits earned during regular exams. We also show that some students perceive the minimum performance level as a target level. The evidence suggests that variations in the implementation of academic dismissal policies affect students’ tendency to procrastinate, especially among weaker students.
Virtual Reality in Vocational Training: A Study Demonstrating the Potential of a VR-based Vehicle Painting Simulator for Skills Acquisition in Apprenticeship Training
Authors: Mulders Miriam , Buchner Josef , Kerres Michael
Published: November 2022

Previous studies on Virtual Reality (VR)-enriched learning pointed out the advantages of immersive learning for the development of competencies. In the context of vocational education in vehicle painting, training opportunities are severely limited for many reasons. VR can be utilized to develop a comprehensive learning environment with authentic training tasks. Besides the need to train psychomotor skills, vehicle painting procedures are complex tasks requiring incremental training to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

This study aims to evaluate a VR training application for vehicle painting, focusing on the development of professional competencies regarding skills, knowledge, and attitudes.

47 apprentices participated in the evaluation study. A VR-simulated painting booth was developed based on the 4 C/ID model by van Merriënboer, where they dealt with typical painting jobs on 3D workpieces (e.g., car wings, engine hood).

Within the descriptive-inferential study, no significant differences between the types of competencies were revealed. The training application supports the acquisition of skills, knowledge, and attitudes equally. Further results regarding usability, cognitive load, etc., are promising.

The essential finding of this study is that the VR training application is generally suitable for supporting craftsmanship within the field of vehicle painting. Since training opportunities for apprentices in this context are often rare, VR offers a unique solution especially for skills training if it follows a proven instructional model for the development of competencies.
Oxidation of Hafnium Diboride—Silicon Carbide at 1500 °C in Air; Effect of Compressive Stress
Authors: DeGregoria A. J. , Ruggles-Wrenn M. B. , Pry G. E.
Published: November 2022

The long-term oxidation behavior of HfB2 and of HfB2-20 vol.% SiC was studied. Test samples of each material were oxidized at 1500 °C in air using a box furnace. The exposure times were 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 30, 45 and 90 h. Weight gain, oxide scale composition and oxide scale thickness were characterized for both materials. Crystal structure of the surface scales was analyzed using x-ray diffraction. Oxide scales were further characterized via scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. For HfB2 the oxide scale consists predominantly of porous HfO2. For HfB2-20 vol.% SiC, the oxide scale is composed of a borosilicate glass outer layer and a porous HfO2 layer. Weight gain and the growth of oxide scale with exposure time were measured. The oxidation kinetics were determined using the weight gain as well as the scale thickness measurements, and the parabolic rate constants were calculated for both materials. The addition of SiC dramatically inhibited the oxidation of HfB2. The effects of compressive stress on oxidation of HfB2-20 vol.% SiC were also examined. Samples were oxidized while being subjected to compressive stress of 50-150 MPa for up to 30 h at 1500 °C in air. Compressive stress was found to have little effect on the growth of oxide scale with time. The oxidation data were analyzed in terms of mechanistic models for the oxidation of monolithic and SiC-containing refractory diborides. For HfB2-20 vol.% SiC, the model predictions agreed well with experimental data. For HfB2, the model significantly under-predicted the scale thickness, but accounted for weight gain reasonably well except for the longest exposure time of 90 h.
ASCO update: hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinoma
Authors: Djanani Angela
Published: November 2022

At ASCO 2022 several studies were presented. This short review is about hepatocellular carcinoma, and cholangiocellular carcinoma and trials like STAMP, ImmunoTACE trial, FOENIX-CCA2, ImmunoTACE trial, for example.
Prostate Multiparametric MRI: Evaluation of Recurrence and Post-treatment Changes
Authors: Carpagnano F. A. , Eusebi L. , Giannubilo W. , Fenu F. , Safi M. , Bartelli F. , Guglielmi G.
Published: November 2022

Purpose of Review

This article reviews all the most common therapeutic strategies of prostate cancer, systemic or local, and all the following morpho-structural alterations, with the aim of helping the radiologist to recognize the signs of recurrence by using mp-MRI.

Recent Findings

According to the most recent evidences, prostate mp-MRI has now become a strong, non-invasive, and valid tool to evaluate all patient treated for prostatic carcinoma across the time, especially in the suspicion of biochemical recurrence.

The minimal signs of focal recurrence can put a strain on radiologists, especially if they are novice with multi-parametric prostate MRI. Familiarizing themselves with the outcomes of treatment, local or systemic, and its characteristics to MR imaging is indispensable to avoid diagnostic pitfalls and, subsequently, unnecessary reinterventions.
Adolescents in the Covid Net: What Impact on their Mental Health?
Authors: Ionio Chiara , Ciuffo Giulia , Villa Federica , Landoni Marta , Sacchi Maddalena , Rizzi Damiano
Published: November 2022

Given the impact of traumatic events in adolescence and early adulthood, the current Covid 19 pandemic poses a high risk to the well-being and mental health of this population. This study aims to shed light on the traumatic impact of Covid-19 on adolescents and young adults, taking into account their personal experiences, with a particular focus on their emotional regulation skills. From May 2021 to May 2022, 216 adolescents and young adults were surveyed using a series of self-report questionnaires to assess the potentially traumatic effects of Covid-19 and its impact on adolescents' and young adults' emotional regulation skills. Analyses revealed a significant traumatic effect of Covid-19 on the adolescents in our sample. Significant correlations also emerged between the impact of the traumatic event and adolescents' emotional regulation skills. Our findings underscore the importance of considering the psychological impact of Covid-19 on adolescents from both a restorative and preventive perspective.
ST-MAE: robust lane detection in continuous multi-frame driving scenes based on a deep hybrid network
Authors: Zhang Rongyun , Du Yufeng , Shi Peicheng , Zhao Lifeng , Liu Yaming , Li Haoran
Published: November 2022

Lane detection is one of the key techniques to realize advanced driving assistance and automatic driving. However, lane detection networks based on deep learning have significant shortcomings. The detection results are often unsatisfactory when there are shadows, degraded lane markings, and vehicle occlusion lanes. Therefore, a continuous multi-frame image sequence lane detection network is proposed. Specifically, the continuous six-frame image sequence is input into the network, in which the scene information of each frame image is extracted by an encoder composed of Swin Transformer blocks and input into the PredRNN. Continuous multi-frame of the driving scene is modeled as time-series by ST-LSTM blocks, and then, the shape changes and motion trajectory in the spatiotemporal sequence are effectively modeled. Finally, through the decoder composed of Swin Transformer blocks, the features are obtained and reconstructed to complete the detection task. Extensive experiments on two large-scale datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the competing methods in lane detection, especially in handling difficult situations. Experiments are carried out based on the TuSimple dataset. The results show: for easy scenes, the validation accuracy is 97.46%, the test accuracy is 97.37%, and the precision is 0.865. For complex scenes, the validation accuracy is 97.38%, the test accuracy is 97.29%, and the precision is 0.859. The running time is 4.4 ms. Experiments are carried out based on the CULane dataset. The results show that, for easy scenes, the validation accuracy is 97.03%, the test accuracy is 96.84%, and the precision is 0.837. For complex scenes, the validation accuracy is 96.18%, the test accuracy is 95.92%, and the precision is 0.829. The running time is 6.5 ms.
A collaborative path planning method for mobile cable-driven parallel robots in a constrained environment with considering kinematic stability
Authors: Xu Jiajun , Kim Byeong-Geon , Park Kyoung-Su
Published: November 2022

Mobile cable-driven parallel robot (MCDPR) is a variant of cable-driven parallel robots (CDPRs) by mounting several mobile bases to replace the conventional fixed frame. The novel modification of adding mobile bases leads MCDPRs being highly flexible and have great potential for complex environments. However, the issue of coupled mobile bases introduces actuated kinematic redundancies which present challenges for path planning. In this paper, we propose a collaborative path planning method for MCDPRs, and it allows the robot to deal with complex internal and external constraints in a high-dimensional state space efficiently. The proposed method quickly generates feasible paths for coupled mobile bases using the adaptive goal-biased rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) method, in which the adaptive sampling method is developed to enhance efficiency. Based on the feasible path of the mobile base, we proposed a grid-based search method to determine the position of the end-effector with considering the stability and kinematic performances. Furthermore, the planned paths are post-processed with the cubic splines to obtain continuous profiles for the robot. Finally, the proposed method is validated through the dynamic simulation software (CoppeliaSim) and experiments based on a MCDPR prototype with an eight-cable-driven parallel robot mounted on four mobile bases.
Ethical and legal considerations for nutrition virtual coaches
Authors: Calvaresi Davide , Carli Rachele , Piguet Jean-Gabriel , Contreras Victor H. , Luzzani Gloria , Najjar Amro , Calbimonte Jean-Paul , Schumacher Michael
Published: November 2022

Choices and preferences of individuals are nowadays increasingly influenced by countless inputs and recommendations provided by artificial intelligence-based systems. The accuracy of recommender systems (RS) has achieved remarkable results in several domains, from infotainment to marketing and lifestyle. However, in sensitive use-cases, such as nutrition, there is a need for more complex dynamics and responsibilities beyond conventional RS frameworks. On one hand, virtual coaching systems (VCS) are intended to support and educate the users about food, integrating additional dimensions w.r.t. the conventional RS (i.e., leveraging persuasion techniques, argumentation, informative systems, and recommendation paradigms) and show promising results. On the other hand, as of today, VCS raise unexplored ethical and legal concerns. This paper discusses the need for a clear understanding of the ethical/legal-technological entanglements, formalizing 21 ethical and ten legal challenges and the related mitigation strategies. Moreover, it elaborates on nutrition sustainability as a further nutrition virtual coaches dimension for a better society.
Building the foundation for equitable and inclusive research: Seed grant programs to facilitate development of diverse CBPR community–academic research partnerships
Authors: Coombe Chris M. , Simbeni Sophia , Neal Aaron , Allen Alex J. , Gray Carol , Guzman J. Ricardo , Lichtenstein Richard L. , Marsh Erica E. , Piechowski Patricia , Reyes Angela G. , Rowe Zachary , Weinert Julia , Israel Barbara A.
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

The effectiveness of community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnerships to address health inequities is well documented. CBPR integrates knowledge and perspectives of diverse communities throughout the research process, following principles that emphasize trust, power sharing, co-learning, and mutual benefits. However, institutions and funders seldom provide the time and resources needed for the critical stage of equitable partnership formation and development.

Methods:

Since 2011, the Detroit Urban Research Center, collaborating with other entities, has promoted the development of new community–academic research partnerships through two grant programs that combine seed funding with capacity building support from community and academic instructors/mentors experienced in CBPR. Process and outcomes were evaluated using mixed methods.

Results:

From 2011 to 2021, 50 partnerships received grants ranging from $2,500 to $30,000, totaling $605,000. Outcomes included equitable partnership infrastructure and processes, innovative pilot research, translation of findings to interventions and policy change, dissemination to multiple audiences, new proposals and projects, and sustained community–academic research partnerships. All partnerships continued beyond the program; over half secured additional funding.

Conclusions:

Keys to success included participation as community–academic teams, dedicated time for partnership/relationship development, workshops to develop equity-based skills, relationships, and projects, expert community–academic instructor guidance, and connection to additional resources. Findings demonstrate that small amounts of seed funding for newly forming community–academic partnerships, paired with capacity building support, can provide essential time and resources needed to develop diverse, inclusive, equity-focused CBPR partnerships. Building such support into funding initiatives and through academic institutions can enhance impact and sustainability of translational research toward advancing health equity.
Revised mixing coefficient scaling for sheared stably stratified turbulence
Authors: Yi Young R. , Koseff Jeffrey R.
Published: November 2022

We revisit and extend the turbulent Froude number (

$Fr_k$

) scaling for the mixing coefficient (

$\varGamma$

) introduced by Garanaik & Venayagamoorthy (GV) (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 867, 2019, pp. 323–333) by directly incorporating the effects of mean shear through the non-dimensional shear parameter

$S_{\ast } = S k/\epsilon _k$

. For flows where the effects of mean shear are stronger than the background vertical stratification, we find

$\varGamma \sim Fr_k^{-2} S_\ast ^{-1}$

for weakly stratified sheared turbulence and

$\varGamma \sim Fr_k^{-1}S_\ast ^{-1}$

for moderately stratified sheared turbulence. The scaling procedure is inconclusive for strongly stratified sheared turbulence, but using two independent datasets of homogeneous, sheared, stably stratified turbulence, we empirically observe

$\varGamma \sim Fr_k^{-0.5} S_\ast ^{-1}$

. Our revised scaling better collapses both datasets compared with the original GV scaling, and we note that the moderately stratified sheared regime is extremely narrow (or maybe even non-existent). We also apply our scaling to the time-varying open channel simulations of Issaev et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 935, 2022) and observe

$\varGamma \sim Fr_k^{-2}S_\ast ^{-1}$

for weakly stratified sheared turbulence, but we observe deviations from our revised scaling for moderate and strong stratifications due to time-varying mean shear and vertical transport. Finally, we apply our revised scaling to field measurements of Conry, Kit & Fernando (Environ. Fluid Mech., vol. 20, 2020, pp. 1177–1197) and observe

$\varGamma \sim Fr_k^{-2} S_\ast ^{-1}$

. We emphasize that our revised scaling is applicable only for stably stratified, vertically sheared turbulence with weak spatio-temporal variations of the mean shear and stratification, and we expect different scaling to apply when additional effects such as depth-varying radiative heating/cooling are present or when the orientation of the mean shear relative to the gravity vector is modified (e.g. horizontal shear).
Improved modelling of interfacial terms in the second-moment closure for particle-laden flows based on interface-resolved simulation data
Authors: Xia Yan , Yu Zhaosheng , Lin Zhaowu , Guo Yu
Published: November 2022

Correlations for the interfacial terms in the fluid dissipation rate equation and Reynolds stress equations are established for particle-laden flows, based on data from the interfaced-resolved direct numerical simulations of particle sedimentation in a periodic domain at a density ratio ranging from 0.01 to 1000, a particle concentration ranging from 2.3 % to 30.2 % and a particle Reynolds number below 250. The correlations for the mean drag and the pseudo-turbulent kinetic energy are also reported, which are used for the modelling of the interfacial term in the fluid dissipation rate equation. The interfacial term correlations obtained are then incorporated in the Reynolds stress model (RSM) (i.e. second-moment closure) for the simulation of vertical turbulent channel flows laden with the finite-size particles at relatively low particle volume fractions. The results show that the RSM with new interfacial term correlations can quantitatively predict particle-induced turbulence enhancement or suppression in vertical channel flows.
Galois representations of superelliptic curves
Authors: Pacetti Ariel , Villanueva Angel
Published: November 2022

A superelliptic curve over a discrete valuation ring
$\mathscr{O}$
of residual characteristic p is a curve given by an equation
$\mathscr{C}\;:\; y^n=\,f(x)$
, with
$\textrm{Disc}(\,f)\neq 0$
. The purpose of this article is to describe the Galois representation attached to such a curve under the hypothesis that f(x) has all its roots in the fraction field of
$\mathscr{O}$
and that
$p \nmid n$
. Our results are inspired on the algorithm given in Bouw and WewersGlasg (Math. J.59(1) (2017), 77–108.) but our description is given in terms of a cluster picture as defined in Dokchitser et al. (Algebraic curves and their applications, Contemporary Mathematics, vol. 724 (American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 2019), 73–135.).
The Market for Corporate Control as a Limit to Short Arbitrage
Authors: Meneghetti Costanza , Williams Ryan , Xiao Steven C.
Published: November 2022

We hypothesize that corporate takeover markets create significant constraints for short sellers. Both short sellers and corporate bidders often target firms with declining economic prospects. Yet, a target firm’s stock price generally increases upon a takeover announcement, resulting in losses for short sellers. Therefore, short sellers should require higher rates of return when the takeover likelihood is higher. Consistent with this prediction, the return predictability of monthly short interest increases with industry-level takeover probability and decreases as takeover defenses are implemented. Our results suggest that efficient takeover markets create trading frictions for short sellers and can therefore inhibit overall market efficiency.
Frailty as a Priority-Setting Criterion for Potentially Lifesaving Treatment—Self-Fulfilling Prophecy, Circularity, and Indirect Discrimination?
Authors: Holm Søren , Warrington Daniel Joseph
Published: November 2022

Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability to poor resolution of homeostasis after a stressor event. Frailty is most frequently assessed in the old using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CSF) which ranks frailty from 1 to 9. This assessment typically takes less than one minute and is not validated in patients with learning difficulties or those under 65 years old. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) developed guidelines that use “frailty” as one of the priority-setting criteria for how scarce, but potentially lifesaving, health care resources should be allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar guidelines have been developed elsewhere. This paper discusses the ethical implications of such rationing and argues that this is an unproven and ethically problematic form of health care rationing. It specifically discusses: (1) how the frailty ascription becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, (2) the problematic use of “frailty” in COVID-19 “triage,” (3) the circularity of the link between age and frailty, (4) indirect discrimination because of the use of a seemingly neutral criterion in health care rationing, and (5) the difficult link between comorbidities and frailty. It is found that there was no research into the use of global frailty scores as a criterion for access to acute treatment before January 2020 and so it is concerning how readily frailty scoring has been adopted to ration access to potentially lifesaving treatments. Existing gerontological frailty scoring systems have not been developed for this purpose, and repurposing them creates significant ethical issues.