bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foraminiferal and Palynological Records of an Abrupt Environmental Change at the Badenian/Sarmatian Boundary (Middle Miocene): A Case Study in Northeastern Central Paratethys
Authors: Peryt Danuta , Gedl Przemysław , Worobiec Elżbieta , Worobiec Grzegorz , Peryt Tadeusz Marek
Published: March 2024

The Badenian/Sarmatian boundary in the Central Paratethyan basins is characterised by a change from open marine conditions during the late Badenian to the assumed brackish conditions during the early Sarmatian. The foraminiferal and palynological results of the Badenian/Sarmatian boundary interval in the Babczyn 2 borehole (in SE Poland) showed that the studied interval accumulated under variable, unstable sedimentary conditions. The Badenian/Sarmatian boundary, as correlated with a sudden extinction of stenohaline foraminifera, is interpreted as being due to the shallowing of the basin. The lack of foraminifera and marine palynomorphs just above the Badenian/Sarmatian boundary can reflect short-term anoxia. The composition of the euryhaline assemblages, characteristic for the lower Sarmatian part of the studied succession, indicates from marine to hypersaline conditions.
The Effect of Vocational Training on Visually Impaired People’s Quality of Life
Authors: Chu Hui-Ying , Chan Hui-Shan
Published: March 2024

Background: Quality of life (QOL) is frequently utilized in clinical medicine and research to assess a patient’s health status and treatment effectiveness. Objectives: This study investigates the impact of vocational training on the QOL of visually impaired individuals. Methods: We employed the brief Taiwan version of the World Health Organization QOL Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREFTW) to assess four domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental, using a nonequivalent pretest–posttest control group design. The experimental group participated in 6 months of vocational training, including life and career reconstruction. After completing the vocational training, the average QOL score for the experimental group was 3.34 ± 0.18, while the control group had a score of 3.10 ± 0.85. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) results revealed a notable improvement of 10.81 (1.10) in the posttest overall QOL scores compared to the pretest scores in the control group. Conclusion: Vocational training significantly improves the overall QOL for visually impaired individuals. It is noteworthy that the psychological, social relationship, and physical health domains of WHOQOL-BREF TW exhibited the most significant improvements. This emphasizes the following: 1. professional knowledge and technical learning can enhance the abilities of the visually impaired. 2. The improvement in QOL occurs primarily at physical, psychological, and social levels. These levels involve maintaining physical health, reducing dependence on medical care, and enhancing self-care abilities for life reconstruction. 3. Integrating electronics with directional action can help to mitigate the risks associated with outdoor activities.
Understanding the Impact of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain on Daily Life from a Gender Perspective Using the PAIN_Integral Scale©
Authors: Cáceres-Matos Rocío , Vázquez-Santiago Soledad , Pabón-Carrasco Manuel , Cabrera-León Andrés , Gil-García Eugenia
Published: March 2024

The experience of chronic non-cancer pain differs between women and men due to gender-related factors. This study (1) assessed the difference in responses to the impact of chronic non-cancer pain on daily life in women and men using the PAIN_Integral Scale© and (2) evaluated its invariance through multigroup confirmatory factor analysis. This was conducted by means of an analysis of invariance through a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis. A cross-sectional sample of 400 participants over 18 years of age with Chronic Non-Oncological Pain in Pain Units and Primary Care Centres belonging to the Spanish Public Health System was recruited (January to March 2020). An analysis was performed to assess whether any of the items in the instrument showed different behaviours. All analyses were performed using AMOS® v.26 software. The results showed that the structure of the PAIN_Integral© Scale remained adequate when analysing its invariance in women and men, showing no metric, scalar and/or strict invariance. Therefore, these results indicated that the PAIN_Integral Scale© instrument has a different interpretation for women and men, identifying eight items with a singular functioning in both sexes and belonging to the subscales of proactivity, resilience and support network. These findings can be explained by gender stereotypes, since the dimensions where there are differences have an important social burden.
Effectiveness of Preoperative Immunonutrition in Improving Surgical Outcomes after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: Study Protocol for a Multicentre, Open-Label, Randomised Trial (INu-RC)
Authors: Da Prat Valentina , Aretano Lucia , Moschini Marco , Bettiga Arianna , Crotti Silvia , De Simeis Francesca , Cereda Emanuele , Casirati Amanda , Pontara Andrea , Invernizzi Federica , Klersy Catherine , Gambini Giulia , Musella Valeria , Marchetti Carlo , Briganti Alberto , Cotogni Paolo , Naspro Richard , Montorsi Francesco , Caccialanza Riccardo
Published: March 2024

Radical cystectomy (RC) with pelvic lymph node dissection is the standard treatment for patients with limited-stage muscle-invasive bladder cancer. RC is associated with a complication rate of approximately 50–88%. Immunonutrition (IMN) refers to the administration of substrates, such as omega-3 fatty acids, arginine, glutamine, and nucleotides, that modulate the immune response. IMN has been associated with improved outcomes following surgery for esophagogastric, colorectal and pancreatic cancer. In this paper, we describe a study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, open-label clinical trial to evaluate the effect of IMN in patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer. A 7-day preoperative course of IMN is compared with a standard high-calorie high-protein oral nutritional supplement. The primary outcome of this study is the rate of complications (infectious, wound-related, gastrointestinal, and urinary complications) in the first 30 days after RC. Secondary outcomes include time to recovery of bowel function and postoperative mobilisation, changes in muscle strength and body weight, biochemical modifications, need for blood transfusion, length of stay, readmission rate, and mortality. The results of this study may provide new insights into the impact of IMN on postoperative outcomes after RC and may help improve IMN prescribing based on patient nutritional status parameters.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Tachycardia Therapies: Past, Present and Future Directions
Authors: Leong Andrew M. , Arnold Ahran D. , Whinnett Zachary I.
Published: March 2024

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have a long history and have progressed significantly since the 1980s. They have become an essential part of the prevention of sudden cardiac death, with a proven survival benefit in selected patient groups. However, with more recent trials and with the introduction of contemporary heart failure therapy, there is a renewed interest and new questions regarding the role of a primary prevention ICD, especially in patients with heart failure of non-ischaemic aetiology. This review looks at the history and evolution of ICDs, appraises the traditional evidence for ICDs and looks at issues relating to patient selection, risk stratification, competing risk, future directions and a proposed contemporary ICD decision framework.
Arthroscopically Assisted Coracoclavicular (CC) Stabilization Using a Suture Button Device for Lateral Clavicle Fractures with CC Ligament Injury
Authors: Saigo Yoshimasa , Morikawa Daichi , Itoigawa Yoshiaki , Uehara Hirohisa , Kawasaki Takayuki , Kaketa Takefumi , Shibuya Kenta , Tsurukami Hironori , Hatae Fumitoshi , Yoshimura Yasutaka , Yoshida Kazuki , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: March 2024

Background: Lateral clavicle fractures represent approximately 10–15% of all clavicle fractures. However, controversy exists regarding the optimal surgical treatment because of instability associated with the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament injury and a small lateral fragment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of arthroscopically assisted CC stabilization using a suture button device for lateral clavicle fractures accompanied by CC ligament injury. Methods: A retrospective observational study involved six patients with modified Neer type IIB fractures, which were treated with the technique and followed for 12 months. Postoperative range of motion (ROM) and X-rays were evaluated every 3 months. Shoulder functional scores (University of California Los Angeles score, Japanese Orthopedics Association score) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain (at rest, at night, and during motion) and for satisfaction were analyzed 12 months after surgery. Results: Early phase ROM recovery and excellent outcomes were achieved. All patients achieved bone union. Slight superior clavicle displacement and bone hole dilation occurred with no critical complications. Conclusions: Arthroscopically assisted CC stabilization with a suture button device for unstable lateral clavicle fractures can produce satisfactory radiological and clinical results.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Procalcitonin, Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptors, and C-Reactive Protein in Diagnosing Urinary Tract Infections in the Emergency Department—A Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Hertz Mathias Amdi , Johansen Isik Somuncu , Rosenvinge Flemming S. , Brasen Claus Lohman , Andersen Eline Sandvig , Heltborg Anne , Skovsted Thor Aage , Petersen Eva Rabing Brix , Cartuliares Mariana Bichuette , Nielsen Stig Lønberg , Mogensen Christian Backer , Skjøt-Arkil Helene
Published: March 2024

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a leading bacterial infection in the emergency department (ED). Diagnosing UTIs in the ED can be challenging due to the heterogeneous presentation; therefore, fast and precise tests are needed. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic precision of procalcitonin (PCT), soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptors (suPARs), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in diagnosing UTIs, grading the severity of UTIs, and ruling out bacteremia. Methods: We recruited adults admitted to three Danish EDs with suspected UTIs. PCT, suPAR, and CRP were used in index tests, while blood cultures, expert panel diagnosis, and severity grading were used in the reference tests. Logistic regression and area under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUROCs) were utilized to evaluate the models and determine the optimal cut-offs. Results: We enrolled 229 patients. PCT diagnosed UTI with an AUROC of 0.612, detected severe disease with an AUROC of 0.712, and ruled out bacteremia with an AUROC of 0.777. SuPAR had AUROCs of 0.480, 0.638, and 0.605, while CRP had AUROCs of 0.599, 0.778, and 0.646. Conclusions: The diagnostic performance of PCT, suPAR, or CRP for UTIs or to rule out severe disease was poor. However, PCT can safely rule out bacteremia in clinically relevant numbers in ED patients suspected of UTI.
Unraveling the Connection: Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Schwann Cells
Authors: Garajová Ingrid , Trentini Francesca , Leonardi Francesco , Giovannetti Elisa
Published: March 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal solid malignancies, characterized by its aggressiveness and metastatic potential, with a 5-year survival rate of only 13%. Progress in the management of metastatic disease has been modest. A robust connection between nervous system and tumor progression exists, with prominent neural alterations having been observed during pancreatic cancer’s progression, including neural hypertrophy, neural density, and neural remodeling. The pancreatic tumor microenvironment includes s set of cells and structures that constantly dialogue with cancer cells, influencing its growth and behavior. The microglia is key cellular components of the tumor microenvironment, and Schwann cells are the principal glial cells in the peripheral neural system. Schwann cells can regulate changes in the tumor microenvironment and immune responses by secreting a variety of factors and can support a tumor’s invasion of nerves and distant metastasis, with further pain exacerbation. Schwann cells secrete various pain-related molecules, such as the neural growth factor, to mediate the activation of primary sensory neurons, leading to pain induction. The binding of the neural growth factor to tropomyosin receptor kinase A is an important signaling mechanism for pain perception in humans. Consequently, directing efforts towards targeting neural invasion may provide an alternative strategy to improve the prognosis of and alleviate pain in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Novel Antidiabetic Drugs and the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Małyszczak Artur , Przeździecka-Dołyk Joanna , Szydełko-Paśko Urszula , Misiuk-Hojło Marta
Published: March 2024

Background: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) on the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2). Methods: We systematically searched the databases Pubmed, Embase, and Clinicaltrials up to October 2, 2023, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of drugs from the GLP-1RA, SGLT-2i, and DPP-4i groups, with at least 24 weeks duration, including adult patients with DM2 and reported ocular complications. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of DR incidents. Results: Our study included 61 RCTs with a total of 188,463 patients and 2773 DR events. Pairwise meta-analysis showed that included drug groups did not differ in the risk of DR events: GLP1-RA vs. placebo (OR 1.08; CI 95% 0.94, 1.23), DPP-4i vs. placebo (OR 1.10; CI 95% 0.84, 1.42), SGLT2i vs. placebo (OR 1.02; CI 95% 0.76, 1.37). Empagliflozin may be associated with a lower risk of DR, but this sub-analysis included only three RCTs (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.17, 0.88, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Based on currently available knowledge, it is challenging to conclude that the new antidiabetic drugs significantly differ in their effect on DR complications.
Toxicological Evaluation toward Refined Montmorillonite with Human Colon Associated Cells and Human Skin Associated Cells
Authors: Wang Zhou , Jiang Yibei , Tian Guangjian , Zhu Chuyu , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2024

Montmorillonite has been refined to overcome uncertainties originating from different sources, which offers opportunities for addressing various health issues, e.g., cosmetics, wound dressings, and antidiarrheal medicines. Herein, three commercial montmorillonite samples were obtained from different sources and labeled M1, M2, and M3 for Ca-montmorillonite, magnesium-enriched Ca-montmorillonite, and silicon-enriched Na-montmorillonite, respectively. Commercial montmorillonite was refined via ultrasonic scission-differential centrifugation and labeled S, M, or L according to the particle sizes (small, medium, or large, respectively). The size distribution decreased from 2000 nm to 250 nm with increasing centrifugation rates from 3000 rpm to 12,000 rpm. Toxicological evaluations with human colon-associated cells and human skin-associated cells indicated that side effects were correlated with excess dosages and silica sand. These side effects were more obvious with human colon-associated cells. The microscopic interactions between micro/nanosized montmorillonite and human colon-associated cells or human skin-associated cells indicated that those interactions were correlated with the size distributions. The interactions of the M1 series with the human cells were attributed to size effects because montmorillonite with a broad size distribution was stored in the M1 series. The M2 series interactions with human cells did not seem to be correlated with size effects because large montmorillonite particles were retained after refining. The M3 series interactions with human cells were attributed to size effects because small montmorillonite particles were retained after refining. This illustrates that toxicological evaluations with refined montmorillonite must be performed in accordance with clinical medical practices.
Precision Engineering of Chondrocyte Microenvironments: Investigating the Optimal Reaction Conditions for Type B Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogel Matrix for TC28a2 Cells
Authors: Hu Qichan , Torres Marc A. , Pan Hongjun , Williams Steven L. , Ecker Melanie
Published: March 2024

Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is a photocrosslinkable biomaterial that has gained widespread use in tissue engineering due to its favorable biological attributes and customizable physical and mechanical traits. While GelMA is compatible with various cell types, distinct cellular responses are observed within GelMA hydrogels. As such, tailoring hydrogels for specific applications has become imperative. Thus, our objective was to develop GelMA hydrogels tailored to enhance cell viability specifically for TC28a2 chondrocytes in a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture setting. We investigated GelMA synthesis using PBS and 0.25M CB buffer, analyzed the mechanical and physical traits of GelMA hydrogels, and evaluated how varying GelMA crosslinking conditions (GelMA concentration, photoinitiator concentration, and UV exposure time) affected the viability of TC28a2 chondrocytes. The results revealed that GelMA synthesis using 0.25M CB buffer led to a greater degree of methacrylation compared to PBS buffer, and the LAP photoinitiator demonstrated superior efficacy for GelMA gelation compared to Irgacure 2959. Additionally, the stiffness, porosity, and swelling degree of GelMA hydrogels were predominantly affected by GelMA concentration, while cell viability was impacted by all crosslinking conditions, decreasing notably with increasing GelMA concentration, photoinitiator concentration, and UV exposure time. This study facilitated the optimization of crosslinking conditions to enhance cell viability within GelMA hydrogels, a critical aspect for diverse biomedical applications.
Study of Hydrokinetic Energy Harvesting of Two Tandem Three Rigidly Connected Cylinder Oscillators Driven by Fluid-Induced Vibration
Authors: Chao Haocheng , Luo Zhumei , Yang Tao , Dong Guanghe
Published: March 2024

This study utilizes a bidirectional fluid–structure interaction numerical method to investigate the hydrodynamic and energy harvesting characteristics of two tandem three rigidly connected cylinder oscillators with different inter-oscillator spacing ratios. The analysis considers inter-oscillator spacing ratios of 8, 12, and 16 within a reduced velocity range of U* = 2–13 (equivalent to flow velocities of 0.18–1.16 m/s). The research explores the hydrodynamic interference features, energy harvesting variations, and the efficiency and density of energy harvesting of both upstream and downstream three-cylinder oscillators. The findings indicate that with increasing reduced velocity and inter-oscillator spacing ratio, the mutual interference between upstream and downstream oscillators diminishes. Wake patterns observed in the two series-connected three-cylinder oscillators include 2P, 2S, and 2T patterns, with fragmented vortices and banded vortices at specific reduced velocities. The most significant disparity in energy harvesting efficiency between upstream and downstream oscillators is observed at U* = 9.
Potential Role of Sugars in the Hyphosphere of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi to Enhance Organic Phosphorus Mobilization
Authors: Jin Zexing , Wang Guiwei , George Timothy S. , Zhang Lin
Published: March 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi engage in symbiosis with more than 80% of terrestrial plants, enlarging root phosphorus (P) absorption volume by producing extensive extraradical hyphae (ERH) in the soil. In addition, AM fungi recruit and cooperate with soil bacteria to enhance soil organic P mobilization and improve fungal and plant fitness through hyphal exudates. However, the role of the dominant compounds in the hyphal exudates in enhancing organic P mobilization in the mycorrhizal pathway is still not well understood. In this study, we added sugars, i.e., glucose, fructose, and trehalose, which are detected in the hyphal exudates, to the hyphal compartments (HCs) that allowed the ERH of the AM fungus to grow or not. The results showed that in AM fungus-inoculated pots, adding three sugars at a concentration of 2 mmol C kg−1 soil significantly increased the phosphatase activity and facilitated the mobilization of organic P in the HCs. The addition of fructose at a concentration of 2 mmol C kg−1 soil was the most efficient in increasing the phosphatase activity and enhancing organic P mobilization. The released inorganic P was then absorbed by the ERH of the AM fungus. The enhanced mobilization of organic P was correlated with the increase in phoD gene number and the changing bacterial community in the presence of fungal hyphae. The sugar addition enriched the relative abundance of some bacterial taxa, e.g., Betaproteobacteriales. Our study suggested that the addition of the sugars by mycorrhizae could be a pivotal strategy in managing P uptake in agricultural production, potentially directing future practices to optimize plant–fungi–bacteria interactions for improved P use efficiency.
A Comprehensive Assessment of Ultraviolet-Radiation-Induced Mutations in Flammulina filiformis Using Whole-Genome Resequencing
Authors: Huang Qianhui , Han Xing , Tong Zongjun , Deng Youjin , Xie Luyu , Liu Shengrong , Xie Baogui , Zhang Weirui
Published: March 2024

Nucleotide substitutions have played an important role in molecular evolution, and understanding their dynamics would contribute to genetic studies. Related research with defined DNA sequences lasted for decades until whole-genome sequencing arose. UV radiation (UVR) can generate base changes and other genetic variations in a short period of time, so it would be more meaningful to explore mutations caused by UVR from a genomic perspective. The monokaryon enoki strain WT583 was selected as the experimental material in this study because it can spontaneously produce large amounts of oidia on PDA plates, and the monokaryons originating from oidia have the same genotype as their mother monokaryon. After exposure to UV radiation, 100 randomly selected mutants, with WT583 as the reference genome, were sent for genome sequencing. BWA, samtools, and GATK software were employed for SNP calling, and the R package CMplot was used to visualize the distribution of the SNPs on the contigs of the reference genome. Furthermore, a k-mer-based method was used to detect DNA fragment deletion. Moreover, the non-synonymous genes were functionally annotated. A total of 3707 single-base substitutions and 228 tandem mutations were analyzed. The immediate adjacent bases showed different effects on the mutation frequencies of adenine and cytosine. For adenine, the overall effects of the immediate 5′-side and 3′-side bases were T > A > C > G and A > T > G > C, respectively; for cytosine, the overall effects of the immediate 5′-side and 3′-side bases were T > C > A > G and C > T > A > G, respectively. Regarding tandem mutations, the mutation frequencies of double-transition, double-transversion, 3′-side transition, and 5′-side transition were 131, 8, 72, and 17, respectively. Transitions at the 3′-side with a high mutation frequency shared a common feature, where they held transversions at the 5′-side of A→T or T→A without covalent bond changes, suggesting that the sequence context of tandem motifs might be related to their mutation frequency. In total, 3707 mutation sites were non-randomly distributed on the contigs of the reference genome. In addition, pyrimidines at the 3′-side of adenine promoted its transversion frequency, and UVR generated DNA fragment deletions over 200 bp with a low frequency in the enoki genome. The functional annotation of the genes with non-synonymous mutation indicated that UVR could produce abundant mutations in a short period of time.
Tracking the Effects of Mangrove Changes and Spartina alterniflora Invasion on Soil Carbon Storage: A Case Study of the Beibu Gulf of Guangxi, China
Authors: Huang Zengshiqi , Yao Huanmei , Wang Mengsi , Liu Yin , Chen Meijun , Zhong Maoyuan , Qiao Junchao
Published: March 2024

In order to clarify the long-term changes in mangroves in the Beibu Gulf of Guangxi and the carbon storage changes after the invasion of Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) in the Dandou Sea area, the Continuous Change Detection and Classification (CCDC) algorithm combined with feature indices was first used to track the changes. Subsequently, the random forest algorithm was applied to classify each change segment, and then sampling was conducted based on the distribution of S. alterniflora in different invasion years. The results showed that the Kappa coefficient of the classification result of the latest change segment was 0.78. The rapid expansion of S. alterniflora, aquaculture pond construction, and land reclamation activities have led to changes in mangroves, causing a decrease in the area of the mangrove region. A total of 814.57 hectares of mangroves has been converted into other land-cover types, with most pixels undergoing one to two changes, and many of these changes were expected to continue until 2022. An analysis of the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic carbon storage (SOCS) at different invasion stages revealed that SOC and SOCS were mainly influenced by soil bulk density, soil moisture content, and electrical conductivity. It was found that S. alterniflora had higher SOC content compared to the mudflats. With the increase in invasion years, S. alterniflora continuously increased the SOC and SOCS content in coastal wetlands.
Your Favourite Park Is Not My Favourite Park: A Participatory Geographic Information System Approach to Improving Urban Green and Blue Spaces—A Case Study in Edinburgh, Scotland
Authors: Wendelboe-Nelson Charlotte , Wang Yiyun , Bell Simon , McDougall Craig W. , Ward Thompson Catharine
Published: March 2024

Access to urban green and blue spaces (UGBSs) has been associated with positive effects on health and wellbeing; however, the past decades have seen a decline in quality and user satisfaction with UGBSs. This reflects the mounting challenges that many UK cities face in providing appropriate public facilities, alongside issues such as health inequalities, an ageing population, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. At present, little is known about the preferences of different population subgroups and, specifically, the UGBSs they visit and the spaces they avoid. Using a public participatory geographic information system (PPGIS), the overall aim of the research presented here was to investigate the preferences of different population subgroups in urban areas, and the UGBSs they visit, using Edinburgh, Scotland as a case study. We created a baseline visitor demographic profile for UGBS use, and highlighted how visitors perceive, physically access, use, and engage with UGBSs. The results revealed considerable variation in UGBS preference: one person’s favourite UGBS may be one that someone else dislikes and avoids. It is clear that adapting UGBSs to suit local communities should not be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. The conflicting views and preferences of different groups of respondents point to the importance of developing policies and park management plans that can accommodate a variety of uses and experiential qualities within individual parks. PPGIS approaches, such as those utilised in this study, offer opportunities to address this issue and provide evidence to increase equitable UGBS usage.
Design and Analysis of a Moment of Inertia Adjustment Device
Authors: Zeng Liping , Wan Zihao , Li Gang
Published: March 2024

The vibration frequency characteristics of a rotor system are directly related to its moment of inertia. In this paper, a moment of inertia adjustment device is proposed to adjust the frequency characteristics of a rotor system and better reduce vibration by changing the moment of inertia. First, a mathematical model of the moment of inertia and the temperature field are established. A finite element simulation model of the electromagnetic field of the electromagnetic control unit in the device is established. The influence of current and air gap on the electromagnetic forces is discussed. Then, the validity of the finite element simulation for the electromagnetic control unit is verified using experimental results. In addition, the variations in the displacement and force of the moving mass and the moment of inertia of the device with speed are analyzed. The results show that the proposed moment of inertia adjustment device can be used to significantly adjust the moment of inertia, which provides a reference for better controlling vibrations in rotor systems. Finally, a finite element simulation model for an electromagnetic field analysis of the electromagnetic control unit in the device is established. The results show that the maximum temperature of the electromagnetic control device is 332 K in 60 min, which is in accordance with the requirements.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Resilient Control of Multi-Robot Systems with a Leader–Follower Model under Byzantine Attacks in the Context of the Industrial Internet of Things
Authors: Nasir Muhammad , Maiti Ananda
Published: March 2024

In this paper, an adaptive and resilient consensus control mechanism for multi-robot systems under Byzantine attack, based on sliding mode control, is proposed. The primary aim of the article is to develop a finite-time consensus control strategy even in the presence of a Byzantine attack. In the start, a finite-time consensus control mechanism is proposed to identify the essential conditions required for ensuring consensus accuracy in multi-robot systems, even when faced with Byzantine attacks using Lyapunov theory. Subsequently, a sliding mode control is combined with an adaptive technique for multi-robot systems that lack prior knowledge of Byzantine attack. Later, an attack observer is proposed to estimate the performance of multi-robot systems in the presence of a Byzantine attack. Additionally, chattering effects are mitigated by employing integral sliding mode control. As a result, resilient consensus performance of multi-robot systems can be achieved in a finite time interval. A simulation example is also presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model. Furthermore, we delve into the data structure of the proposed method and explore its integration with Artificial Intelligence for seamless incorporation into the Industrial Internet of Things applications.
An Analysis of the WPT Function for Pattern Optimization to Detect Defects in Bearings
Authors: Zamorano Marta , Gómez María Jesús , Castejon Cristina
Published: March 2024

New trends in maintenance techniques are oriented to digitization and prognosis. The new electronic devices based on IoT (Internet of Things) technology among others that support the industry 4.0 paradigm let enhance the traditional condition monitoring techniques to better understand and predict the state of a machine in service. Related to maintenance applications, one of the important steps in condition monitoring tasks for fault diagnosis is the selection of the optimal pattern to provide accurate results (avoiding fault positives/negatives) with adequate computation time. When implementing this, the selection of optimal parameters and thresholds for setting alarms are important to detect problems in the machine before the failure occurs. Vibratory signals have been proved to be a good variable to determine their mechanical behavior. Nevertheless, parameters obtained from time domain measurements are not computationally efficient nor good patterns to compare different machine conditions. In this sense, tools that represent the frequency domain or time–frequency domain have been useful to detect defects in rotating elements such as bearings. In this work, defects in ball bearings are studied using wavelet packet transform. For this, a methodology will be developed for the optimal selection of the mother wavelet, incorporating intelligent classification systems, and using a medium Gaussian support vector machine model. In this way, it will be verified that the correct selection of this function influences both the results and the ease and reliability of detection. The results using the selected mother wavelet will be compared to those using Daubechies 6, since it is the mother wavelet that has been used in previous works and which was selected based on experience. For it, vibratory signals are obtained from a testbench with different bearing conditions: healthy bearings and defective bearings (inner and outer race).
Uncertain Asymptotic Stability Analysis of a Fractional-Order System with Numerical Aspects
Authors: Aderyani Safoura Rezaei , Saadati Reza , O’Regan Donal , Alshammari Fehaid Salem
Published: March 2024

We apply known special functions from the literature (and these include the Fox H–function, the exponential function, the Mittag-Leffler function, the Gauss Hypergeometric function, the Wright function, the G–function, the Fox–Wright function and the Meijer G–function) and fuzzy sets and distributions to construct a new class of control functions to consider a novel notion of stability to a fractional-order system and the qualified approximation of its solution. This new concept of stability facilitates the obtention of diverse approximations based on the various special functions that are initially chosen and also allows us to investigate maximal stability, so, as a result, enables us to obtain an optimal solution. In particular, in this paper, we use different tools and methods like the Gronwall inequality, the Laplace transform, the approximations of the Mittag-Leffler functions, delayed trigonometric matrices, the alternative fixed point method, and the variation of constants method to establish our results and theory.
5th-Order Multivariate Edgeworth Expansions for Parametric Estimates
Authors: Withers C. S.
Published: March 2024

The only cases where exact distributions of estimates are known is for samples from exponential families, and then only for special functions of the parameters. So statistical inference was traditionally based on the asymptotic normality of estimates. To improve on this we need the Edgeworth expansion for the distribution of the standardised estimate. This is an expansion in n−1/2 about the normal distribution, where n is typically the sample size. The first few terms of this expansion were originally given for the special case of a sample mean. In earlier work we derived it for any standard estimate, hugely expanding its application. We define an estimate w^ of an unknown vector w in Rp, as a standard estimate, if Ew^→w as n→∞, and for r≥1 the rth-order cumulants of w^ have magnitude n1−r and can be expanded in n−1. Here we present a significant extension. We give the expansion of the distribution of any smooth function of w^, say t(w^) in Rq, giving its distribution to n−5/2. We do this by showing that t(w^), is a standard estimate of t(w). This provides far more accurate approximations for the distribution of t(w^) than its asymptotic normality.
Queuing-Inventory System with Catastrophes in the Warehouse: Case of Rare Catastrophes
Authors: Melikov Agassi , Poladova Laman , Sztrik Janos
Published: March 2024

A model of a single-server queuing-inventory system (QIS) with a limited waiting buffer for consumer customers (c-customers) and catastrophes has been developed. When a catastrophe occurs, all items in the system’s warehouse are destroyed, but c-customers in the system are still waiting for replenishment. In addition to c-customers, negative customers (n-customers) are also taken into account, each of which displaces one c-customer (if any). The policy (s, S) is used to replenish stocks. If, when a customer enters, the system warehouse is empty, then, according to Bernoulli’s trials, this customer either leaves the system without goods or joins the buffer. The mathematical model of the investigated QIS is constructed in the form of a continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC). Both exact and approximate methods for calculating the steady-state probabilities of constructed CTMCs are proposed and closed-form expressions are obtained for calculating the performance measures. Numerical evaluations are presented, demonstrating the high accuracy of the developed approximate formulas, as well as the behavior of performance measures depending on the input parameters. In addition, an optimization problem is solved to obtain the optimal value of the reorder point to minimize the expected total cost.
The Influence of Platen Stiffness on a Specimen’s Failure Initiation Point and the Failure Pattern of Brittle Materials in the Standardized Uniaxial Compression Test
Authors: Guerrero-Miguel Diego-José , Álvarez-Fernández Martina-Inmaculada , Gutiérrez-Moizant Ramón , Prendes-Gero María-Belén , González-Nicieza Celestino
Published: March 2024

Uniaxial compressive strength is a variable necessary for adequately characterizing a material’s mechanical properties. However, a specimen’s geometric deviations and elastic properties may lead to undesirable stress states, which cause strong discrepancies between the results of the uniaxial compression test and its theoretical foundations. While geometric deviations may cause non-uniform contact between the platen and the specimen, elastic properties can provoke severe end effects that disturb the local stress field near the points of contact. To address how the relative stiffness between the platen and the specimen influences the induced stress field, numerical simulations considering the stiffness ratios Ep/Es=3, Ep/Es=1 and Ep/Es=0.05 were performed. Subsequently, these results were employed to establish the relation between relative stiffness and specimen failure patterns in brittle materials, particularly in three different rocks. The results prove that the platen stiffness must be accurately selected to match that of the tested material, in order to avoid undesirable local stress fields near the point of contact and to induce homogeneous uniaxial compression that guarantees reliable uniaxial compressive strength characterization. Furthermore, the brittle failure patterns reported in previous studies were correlated with the induced stress fields inside the specimen depending on its platen stiffness, allowing the validity of the test results to be verified based on a simple visual inspection.
A Forward–Backward Simheuristic for the Stochastic Capacitated Dispersion Problem
Authors: Gomez Juan F. , Martínez-Gavara Anna , Panadero Javier , Juan Angel A. , Martí Rafael
Published: March 2024

In an effort to balance the distribution of services across a given territory, dispersion and diversity models typically aim to maximize the minimum distance between any pair of facilities. Specifically, in the capacitated dispersion problem (CDP), each facility has an associated capacity or level of service, and the objective is to select a set of facilities so that the minimum distance between any pair of them (dispersion) is maximized, while ensuring a user-defined level of service. This problem can be formulated as a linear integer model, where the sum of the capacities of the selected facilities must match or exceed the total demand in the network. Real-life applications often necessitate considering the levels of uncertainty affecting the capacity of the nodes. Failure to account for this uncertainty could lead to low-quality or infeasible solutions in practical scenarios. However, research addressing the stochastic version of the CDP is scarce. This paper introduces two models for the CDP with stochastic capacities, incorporating soft constraints and penalty costs for violating the total capacity constraint. The first model includes a probabilistic constraint to ensure the required level of service with a certain probability, while the second model introduces a soft constraint with penalty costs for violations. To solve both variants of the model, a forward–backward simheuristic algorithm is proposed. Our approach combines a metaheuristic algorithm with Monte Carlo simulation, enabling the efficient handling of the random behavior of node capacities and obtaining reliable solutions regardless of their probability distribution.
Cohen–Macaulayness of Vertex Splittable Monomial Ideals
Authors: Crupi Marilena , Ficarra Antonino
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we give a new criterion for the Cohen–Macaulayness of vertex splittable ideals, a family of monomial ideals recently introduced by Moradi and Khosh-Ahang. Our result relies on a Betti splitting of the ideal and provides an inductive way of checking the Cohen–Macaulay property. As a result, we obtain characterizations for Gorenstein, level and pseudo-Gorenstein vertex splittable ideals. Furthermore, we provide new and simpler combinatorial proofs of known Cohen–Macaulay criteria for several families of monomial ideals, such as (vector-spread) strongly stable ideals and (componentwise) polymatroidals. Finally, we characterize the family of bi-Cohen–Macaulay graphs by the novel criterion for the Cohen–Macaulayness of vertex splittable ideals.
Meta-Interpretive LEarning with Reuse
Authors: Wang Rong , Sun Jun , Tian Cong , Duan Zhenhua
Published: March 2024

Inductive Logic Programming (ILP) is a research field at the intersection between machine learning and logic programming, focusing on developing a formal framework for inductively learning relational descriptions in the form of logic programs from examples and background knowledge. As an emerging method of ILP, Meta-Interpretive Learning (MIL) leverages the specialization of a set of higher-order metarules to learn logic programs. In MIL, the input includes a set of examples, background knowledge, and a set of metarules, while the output is a logic program. MIL executes a depth-first traversal search, where its program search space expands polynomially with the number of predicates in the provided background knowledge and exponentially with the number of clauses in the program, sometimes even leading to search collapse. To address this challenge, this study introduces a strategy that employs the concept of reuse, specifically through the integration of auxiliary predicates, to reduce the number of clauses in programs and improve the learning efficiency. This approach focuses on the proactive identification and reuse of common program patterns. To operationalize this strategy, we introduce MILER, a novel method integrating a predicate generator, program learner, and program evaluator. MILER leverages frequent subgraph mining techniques to detect common patterns from a limited dataset of training samples, subsequently embedding these patterns as auxiliary predicates into the background knowledge. In our experiments involving two Visual Question Answering (VQA) tasks and one program synthesis task, we assessed MILER’s approach to utilizing reusable program patterns as auxiliary predicates. The results indicate that, by incorporating these patterns, MILER identifies reusable program patterns, reduces program clauses, and directly decreases the likelihood of timeouts compared to traditional MIL. This leads to improved learning success rates by optimizing computational efforts.
Characterization of Mn5Ge3 Contacts on a Shallow Ge/SiGe Heterostructure
Authors: Hutchins-Delgado Troy A. , Addamane Sadhvikas J. , Lu Ping , Lu Tzu-Ming
Published: March 2024

Mn5Ge3 is a ferromagnetic phase of the Mn-Ge system that is a potential contact material for efficient spin injection and detection. Here, we investigate the creation of Mn5Ge3-based contacts on a Ge/SiGe quantum well heterostructure via solid-state synthesis. X-ray diffraction spectra fitting indicates the formation of Mn5Ge3-based contacts on bulk Ge and Ge/SiGe. High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy verify the correct Mn5Ge3-based phase formation. Schottky diode measurements, transmission line measurements, and Hall measurements reveal that Mn5Ge3-based contacts serve as good p-type contacts for Ge/SiGe quantum well heterostructures due to having a low Schottky barrier height of 0.10eV (extracted from a Mn5Ge3/n-Ge analogue) and a contact resistance in the order of 1 kΩ. Furthermore, we show that these electrical characteristics have a gate-voltage dependence, thereby providing tunability.
A Novel PDMS-Based Flexible Thermoelectric Generator Fabricated by Ag2Se and PEDOT:PSS/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with High Output Performance Optimized by Embedded Eutectic Gallium–Indium Electrodes
Authors: Guo Rui , Shi Weipeng , Guo Rui , Yang Chenyu , Chen Yi , Wang Yonghua , Cui Danfeng , Liu Dan , Xue Chenyang
Published: March 2024

Flexible thermoelectric generators (FTEGs), which can overcome the energy supply limitations of wearable devices, have received considerable attention. However, the use of toxic Te-based materials and fracture-prone electrodes constrains the application of FTEGs. In this study, a novel Ag2Se and Poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) FTEG with a high output performance and good flexibility is developed. The thermoelectric columns formulated in the work are environmentally friendly and reliable. The key enabler of this work is the use of embedded EGaIn electrodes, which increase the temperature difference collected by the thermoelectric column, thereby improving the FTEG output performance. Additionally, the embedded EGaIn electrodes could be directly printed on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds without wax paper, which simplifies the preparation process of FTEGs and enhances the fabrication efficiency. The FTEG with embedded electrodes exhibits the highest output power density of 25.83 μW/cm2 and the highest output power of 10.95 μW at ΔT = 15 K. The latter is 31.6% higher than that of silver-based FTEGs and 2.5% higher than that of covered EGaIn-based FTEGs. Moreover, the prepared FTEG has an excellent flexibility (>1500 bends) and output power stability (>30 days). At high humidity and high temperature, the prepared FTEG maintains good performance. These results demonstrate that the prepared FTEGs can be used as a stable and environmentally friendly energy supply for wearable devices.
Platycodi Radix Extract Prevents Hepatic Steatosis by Enhancing Bile Acid Synthesis in a High-Fat Diet-Induced Fatty Liver Mouse Model
Authors: Kim Wooyoung , Baek Woon Hee , Yun Sung Ho , Lee Hayoung , Kim Mi Jeong , Lee Sang-Yeop , Kim Gun-Hwa , Kim Seung Il , Jeong Hye Gwang , Park Edmond Changkyun
Published: March 2024

We aimed to identify the mechanism underlying the preventive effects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through Platycodi Radix consumption using liver proteomic and bioinformatic analysis. C57BL/6J mice were categorized into three groups: those receiving a standard chow diet (NCD), those on a high-fat diet (HFD), and those on an HFD supplemented with 5% Platycodi Radix extract (PRE). After a 12-week period, PRE-fed mice exhibited a noteworthy prevention of hepatic steatosis. Protein identification and quantification in liver samples were conducted using LC-MS/MS. The identified proteins were analyzed through Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software, revealing a decrease in proteins associated with FXR/RXR activation and a concurrent increase in cholesterol biosynthesis proteins in the PRE-treated mouse liver. Subsequent network analysis predicted enhanced bile acid synthesis from these proteins. Indeed, the quantity of bile acids, which was reduced in HFD conditions, increased in the PRE group, accompanied by an elevation in the expression of synthesis-related proteins. Our findings suggest that the beneficial effects of PRE in preventing hepatic steatosis may be mediated, at least in part, through the modulation of FXR/RXR activation, cholesterol biosynthesis, and bile acid synthesis pathways.