bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using satellite tracking to assess the use of protected areas and alternative roosts by Whooper and Bewick's Swans
Authors: Wilson Joshua C. , Wood Kevin A. , Griffin Larry R. , Brides Kane , Rees Eileen C. , Ezard Thomas H. G.
Published: October 2024

Protected areas are one of the major tools used in the conservation of biodiversity, but animals are unlikely always to remain within these human‐made boundaries. Understanding when and why species choose to leave protected areas can help us to improve the effectiveness of these management tools. Here, we investigate the use of protected and non‐protected areas by two migratory species undergoing rapid wintering population changes in northwest Europe: Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus and Bewick's Swans Cygnus columbianus bewickii. Global positioning system tags were fitted to 15 Whooper Swans in winter 2008/09 and to 18 Bewick's Swans from winter 2013/14 to 2014/15 at the Ouse Washes Special Protection Area (an internationally important roost for wintering waterbirds) and on adjacent fields in southeast England. Here, swans feed on farmland during the day but return to designated reserves to roost at night, where they receive protection from predators and disturbance within managed roost habitats. When swans roost elsewhere at alternative sites, they may face more adverse conditions, and so understanding the extent and causes of the use of alternative roosts is important for swan conservation efforts. The alternative roosting proportion, defined as the proportion of nights spent outside protected reserves, was 0.237 for Bewick's Swans and challenging to quantify accurately for Whooper Swans. A generalized additive mixed model to model repeated measurements on individuals showed that the proportion of time that Bewick's Swans spent at alternative roosts correlated positively with river level and negatively with temperature. Competition and foraging flight distances are thought to drive these relationships, as swans seek access both to roost space and to nearby feeding habitats. Our findings improve our understanding of the environmental conditions under which migratory waterbirds may choose to roost outside protected areas.
Analysis of the Informational Content of Turkish Videos on YouTube About Tooth Brushing
Authors: Ozdemir Busra , Ozdemir Seyit Bilal , Karadeniz Betul Kubra Kurucu
Published: October 2024

Introduction

To examine the content of Turkish videos on YouTube about tooth brushing and to evaluate their usefulness in providing information to the public.

Methods

Two keywords were determined using the website Google Trends. For each keyword, the top 100 most watched videos were determined according to the searches made on YouTube and a total of 200 videos were examined. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 99 videos were included in the study. The URL address of each video included, the number of views, the number of likes, the number of dislikes, the duration of the video, the time elapsed since the upload date (days) and whether the videos was narrated by a dentist, commercial institution or individual user was recorded. In addition, the interaction index and viewing rates of the videos were calculated. The contents of the videos included were evaluated by a specialist dentist.

Results

Based on the evaluation of the information content of the videos, 54.5% of them contained minimal information, 38.4% poor information, 5.1% good information and 2% excellent information. The two videos containing excellent information include 10 of the 12 topics evaluated and both videos are narrated by a dentist.

Conclusion

Turkish videos about tooth brushing on YouTube are insufficient in terms of content and accurate information. For this reason, individuals should be directed to professional sources in order to receive accurate and up‐to‐date information, and dentists should share videos containing sufficient content and quality information on this platform.
Can money buy peace? Efficiency of side‐payments to avoid costly conflicts
Authors: Kim Jubin , Kim Young‐Han
Published: October 2024

On the basis of a simple two‐player bargaining game model, we investigate whether a side‐payment strategy can be used to avoid costly conflicts caused by informational barriers. Assuming that utility is transferable with zero transaction cost, we demonstrate that a side‐payment not only provides the incentives to play a peaceful strategy but also contributes to overcoming informational barriers as credible signals. In addition, we show that when actions are strategic complements, a dovish player pays a larger side‐payment while a hawkish pays a higher side‐payment if actions are strategic substitutes. When negotiating parties are homogeneous with actions being either strategic complements or substitutes for both players, it is more likely that informational barriers can be removed with a higher probability of peace equilibrium. When players are asymmetric with one player's actions being strategic complements while the other player's being strategic substitutes, informational barriers might not be removed with higher chances of costly conflicts.
Overview on Hereditary Spherocytosis Diagnosis
Authors: Polizzi A. , Dicembre L. P. , Failla C. , Matola T. Di , Moretti M. , Ranieri S. Chiatamone , Papa F. , Cenci A. M. , Buttarello M.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a congenital haemolytic disorder, resulting from plasma membrane protein deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs). Typical pathological signs are anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly; in newborns, jaundice is the main symptom.

Material and Methods

This study focused on the state of art about the HS diagnosis, from traditional to innovative methods, including diagnostic algorithms that can be applied for pediatric and adult patients, for different laboratory diagnostic levels.

Results

The first erythrocyte parameters used for HS diagnosis were the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW); nowadays new parameters are used in blood cell counter. Advia analyzers (Siemens Medical Solutions) supply the hyper‐dense cell percentage (% Hyper), which reflects the red blood cells hyperchromia. Sysmex instruments (i.e. XT‐4000i, XE‐5000, XN‐Series) provide the MicroR, that is the percentage of erythrocytes smaller than 60 fL, Hypo‐He, which is the percentage of erythrocytes with a content of hemoglobin less than 17 pg and % Hyper‐He, which represents the percentage of RBC with cellular hemoglobin content higher than 49 pg. CELL‐DYN Sapphire (Abbott Diagnostics) introduced the HPR parameter (% HPR), which represents the erythrocytes with hemoglobin > 410 g/L. Beckman Coulter instruments supply the mean sphered corpuscular volume (MSCV), which is the average volume of all erythrocytes, including mature erythrocytes and reticulocytes. Other reference tests for screening and diagnosis of HS are the acidified glycerol lysis test (AGLT), the eosin‐5‐maleimide (EMA) binding test and genetic testing by next‐generation sequencing.

Conclusions

The diagnostic workup of hereditary spherocytosis could be improved thanks to all the available tests, including new molecular tools. However, it requires synergy between clinicians and laboratory staff, evaluating clinical manifestations, all available data related to the disease and the prognosis to fill the diagnostic gaps in the near future.
Algorithmic Bias in BERT for Response Accuracy Prediction: A Case Study for Investigating Population Validity
Authors: Gorgun Guher , Yildirim‐Erbasli Seyma N.
Published: October 2024

Pretrained large language models (LLMs) have gained popularity in recent years due to their high performance in various educational tasks such as learner modeling, automated scoring, automatic item generation, and prediction. Nevertheless, LLMs are black box approaches where models are less interpretable, and they may carry human biases and prejudices because historical human data have been used for pretraining these large‐scale models. For these reasons, the prediction tasks based on LLMs require scrutiny to ensure that the prediction models are fair and unbiased. In this study, we used BERT—a pretrained encoder‐only LLM for predicting response accuracy using action sequences extracted from the 2012 PIAAC assessment. We selected three countries (i.e., Finland, Slovakia, and the United States) representing different performance levels in the overall PIAAC assessment. We found promising results for predicting response accuracy using the fine‐tuned BERT model. Additionally, we examined algorithmic bias in the prediction models trained with different countries. We found differences in model performance, suggesting that some trained models are not free from bias, and thus the models are less generalizable across countries. Our results highlighted the importance of investigating algorithmic fairness in prediction models utilizing algorithmic systems to ensure models are bias‐free.
Turkish validity and reliability of the universal mental health literacy scale for adolescents (10‐14 years): A methodological study
Authors: Uysal Gülzade , Semerci Remziye , Şengün Rukiye , Düzkaya Duygu Sönmez
Published: October 2024

Rationale

Mental health literacy enables adolescents to acquire information that will accompany them in their future lives and to define their attitudes and behaviors.

Aims and Objectives

This study evaluated the Turkish validity and reliability of the Universal Mental Health Literacy Scale for Adolescents (10–14 years).

Methods

This is a methodological, correlational, cross‐sectional, and descriptive study. The study was conducted with 223 adolescents. Data were collected by ‘Information Form’ and ‘Universal Mental Health Literacy Scale for Adolescents.’ Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Pearson Correlation analysis were used to assess the validity and reliability of the UMHL‐A.

Results

Item Content Validity Index (I‐CVI) scores ranged from 0.94 to 0.96, while the Scale Content Validity Index (S‐CVI) was 0.95. For ‘Help‐seeking and Stigma dimensions’ χ2/df = 3.347, NFI = 0.804, IFI = 0.854, TLI = 0.778, CFI = 0.849, RMSEA = 0.103. For ‘Knowledge of Mental Health and Knowledge of Mental Illnesses dimensions’ χ2/df = 1.959, NFI = 0.731, IFI = 0.847, TLI = 0.774, CFI = 0.837, RMSEA = 0.066. The internal consistency and time stability were affirmed by a Hotelling T‐square value of 15.241 and an F‐test result of 27.793.

Conclusions

This study reveals that the Turkish validity and reliability of the Universal Mental Health Literacy Scale for Adolescents is a valid and reliable tool for assessing mental health literacy among adolescents. The UMHL‐A scale is a valid tool to evaluate critical aspects of mental health literacy in adolescent populations and can be used in both research and clinical practice in mental health education and intervention. It is recommended that the Turkish version of the Universal Mental Health Literacy Scale should be used to determine resilience in adolescents.
A New Indicator of Common Wage Inflation
Authors: AHN HIE JOO , CHEN HAN , KISTER MICHAEL
Published: October 2024

We develop a new indicator of common wage inflation (CWI) by extracting and aggregating the common components from detailed industry‐level nominal wage data. We show that the CWI is better aligned with the unemployment rate gap for the post‐Great Recession period than are other indicators of wage inflation. The CWI indicates a tighter economy than popularly cited wage measures during the expansion after the Great Recession, and the industry‐specific factors largely account for the subdued wage growth despite the continued tightening in the labor market.
Monoammonium Glutamate: What Is Its Potential in the Reduction of Sodium Content in Different Food Matrices?
Authors: Rocha Renata Abadia Reis , Rocha Lenízy Cristina Reis , Gonçalves Carla Saraiva , Abrahão Fernanda Rezende , da Rocha Roney Alves , Carneiro João de Deus Souza
Published: October 2024

The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of monoammonium glutamate (MAG) in reducing the sodium chloride (NaCl) content (CCRD) of food matrices, including shoestring potatoes, requeijão cheese, and beef burgers. To this end, a time intensity (TI) analysis, temporal dominance of sensations (TDSs), and acceptance tests were employed to evaluate the NaCl reduction in various food items. The TI analysis showed that all experimental units had a mean salty taste intensity that equaled or exceeded the control. The TDS profiles of shoestring potatoes and requeijão cheese and the control were similar. However, the requeijão cheese exhibited significantly lower acceptance than the controls. The food matrices influenced the potential use of MAG and the CCRD. The addition of 2% MAG to the formulation reduced the NaCl content by up to 50% in shoestring potatoes and 65% in beef burgers without compromising the temporal perception of a salty taste and sensory acceptance.
Estimation for conditional moment models based on martingale difference divergence
Authors: Song Kunyang , Jiang Feiyu , Zhu Ke
Published: October 2024

We provide a new estimation method for conditional moment models via the martingale difference divergence (MDD). Our MDD‐based estimation method is formed in the framework of a continuum of unconditional moment restrictions. Unlike the existing estimation methods in this framework, the MDD‐based estimation method adopts a non‐integrable weighting function, which could capture more information from unconditional moment restrictions than the integrable weighting function to enhance the estimation efficiency. Due to the nature of shift‐invariance in MDD, our MDD‐based estimation method can not identify the intercept parameters. To overcome this identification issue, we further provide a two‐step estimation procedure for the model with intercept parameters. Under regularity conditions, we establish the asymptotics of the proposed estimators, which are not only easy‐to‐implement with expectation‐based asymptotic variances, but also applicable to time series data with an unspecified form of conditional heteroskedasticity. Finally, we illustrate the usefulness of the proposed estimators by simulations and two real examples.
A 23‐million‐year record of morphological evolution within Neotropical grass pollen
Authors: Wei Caixia , Li Mao , Mao Limi , Mander Luke , Jardine Phillip E. , Gosling William D. , Hoorn Carina
Published: October 2024

Grass‐dominated biomes in South America comprise c. 20 million years of history, yet their evolution and underlying drivers remain poorly understood.

Here we apply a novel approach that combines scanning electron microscopy imaging with computational analysis to quantify the morphometrics of grass (Poaceae) pollen micro‐ornamentation from the Neotropics since the Early Miocene (23 million years ago). Three spatial–temporal pollen sets were assembled to further elucidate the variation and evolutionary traits of grasses through space and time.

Our results reveals that three spatial–temporal pollen groups occupy unique, partially overlapping regions of their exine morphospace. The direction of this shift is consistent over time, progressing towards less dense ornamentation. Interestingly, the extent of the occupied morphospace did not vary significantly. This is the first time that the true morphological variation in Poaceae pollen micro‐ornamentation becomes apparent through time.

We hypothesize that changes in grass pollen exine since the Early Miocene were driven by evolutionary processes (evolutionary drift and/or directional selection), and potentially migration at the continental scale. The high diversity in pollen micro‐ornamentation is likely related to their evolutionary success in the Neogene.
Stretched Vascular Endothelial Cells Polarized Neutrophils to N2 Type via TRPC1‐IL13‐STAT3 Axis
Authors: Jiang Ting , Chen Jiayi , Ouyang Ningjuan , Tang Guohua
Published: October 2024

Objective

VECs play a crucial role in regulating the function of neutrophils, which is essential for immune responses and inflammation. As stretch‐sensitive cells, VECs sense mechanical stretch through surface mechanoreceptors, converting external mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of neutrophil behavior by stretched VECs.

Materials and Methods

The key cytokine‐inducing neutrophil N2 polarization in the conditioned medium from stretched vascular endothelial cells (CM‐stretch) was validated through multifactorial matrix and flow cytometry. Additionally, the molecular mechanism underlying the response of vascular endothelial cells to stretch was systematically verified through layer‐by‐layer analysis using WB.

Results

IL13, not IL4, was ultimately identified as a key cytokine‐inducing neutrophil N2 polarization in CM‐stretch. Inhibition of the transient receptor potential channel (TRPC1) and siRNA‐mediated knockdown of TRPC1 both significantly decreased IL13 production. Furthermore, neutralizing IL13 in the CM‐stretch or inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation inhibited neutrophil N2 polarization, as evidenced by reduced CD206 and VEGFA expression.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that stretched VECs initiate a signaling cascade that induces neutrophil N2 polarization through the TRPC1‐IL13‐STAT3 axis, suggesting that mechanical stretching of VECs could shift neutrophil function from a pro‐inflammatory to a more regulatory and healing role.
Salivary Extracellular Vesicles Separation: Analysis of Ultracentrifugation‐Based Protocols
Authors: Itzel Castillejos‐García , Eduardo Martínez‐Martínez , Velia Ramírez‐Amador , Mireya Cisneros‐Villanueva , Alfredo Hidalgo‐Miranda , Pilar Ramos‐Godínez María del , Gabriela Anaya‐Saavedra
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The clinical potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is widely acknowledged, yet the standardization and reproducibility of its separation remain challenging. This study compares three protocols: ultracentrifugation (UC), UC with purification step (UC + PS), and a combined protocol using polymer‐based precipitation and UC (PBP + UC).

Methods

Salivary samples were collected from healthy donors. EVs were separated (UC, UC + PS, and PBP + UC) and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, EV purity, RNA concentration, and Western blotting. miRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative RT‐PCR. Statistical analyses comparing groups were performed using ANOVA.

Results

All methods successfully separated CD9+ and CD63+ EVs from saliva. The UC + PS and PBP + UC protocols yielded the highest concentrations of EVs, enriched in < 200 nm vesicles. EV purity and RNA recovery were comparable among all methods. Expression of miR‐16, miR‐27a, and miR‐99a was successfully detected using all methods.

Conclusions

The UC + PS and PBP + UC protocols demonstrate comparable efficiency in separating salivary EVs. However, the combined PBP + UC protocol, with its simplified processing capability, offers a significant advantage, particularly in the initial phase of EV separation. This finding suggests its potential application in clinical settings where time‐sensitive simple processing is critical. Further validation is needed to confirm its effectiveness for transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.
Optimal designs for testing pairwise differences: A graph‐based game theoretic approach
Authors: Singh Arpan , Singh Satya Prakash , Davidov Ori
Published: October 2024

In a variety of experimental settings there is an interest in comparing pairs–of–treatments. Such experiments usually address one of the following two scientific questions: (1) is there a difference within any of the selected pairs of treatments? or (2) is there a difference within all of the selected pairs of treatments? In this article, we propose max–min optimal designs for testing the above hypotheses using a graph‐based game theoretic approach. Some of the max–min designs obtained are well known, but not recognized as optimal, others are novel and provide an improvement over naive designs.
Eight Novel HLA Class I Alleles Identified in Unrelated Haematopoietic Cell Donors and Recipients
Authors: Minshall Elizabeth J. , Cambridge Charlotte A. , Hopper Sebastian J. F. , Marsh Steven G. E. , Mayor Neema P.
Published: October 2024

Eight novel HLA class I alleles have been identified using full gene sequencing.
Expansion and Strength Evolution Mechanism of Granite-Based Geopolymer Based on the Reactivity of Calcium Expansive Agents
Authors: Gomado Foster Dodzi , Agista Madhan Nur , Khalifeh Mahmoud
Published: October 2024

In this article, the role of the reactivity of different heat-treated calcium oxides on the properties of a granite-based geopolymer was investigated for low-temperature application to attain high linear expansion and its strength as well as understanding the probable underlying mechanism. The reactivity of the calcium oxide was investigated using the combination of isocalorimetry and BET. The heat-treated calcium oxides were classified as low reactive, medium reactive, and highly reactive with respect to their heat release in water. In addition to this, the resultant effect of the heat-treated calcium oxide was explored in terms of the exothermic behavior, linear expansions, compressive strength, and the pore volume distribution at a dosage of 0.1 wt% of the solid phase of the geopolymer mix. The results indicate that the different reactivities of the calcium oxide impact the linear expansion as well as the compressive strength. The different reactive calcium oxides improved the linear expansion by at least 100%. However, the low reactive calcium tends to decrease the compressive strength by 35% as a result of overexpansion. Therefore, this calls for the optimization of the reactivity of CaO for its application geopolymer for the best properties.
Adaptive Shock Control Bump With Shape Memory Alloy Wires on a Morphing Spoiler
Authors: Künnecke Sven Christian , Riemenschneider Johannes , Monner Hans Peter
Published: October 2024

Conventional transport aircraft operate under transonic conditions in which the transonic shock leads to an increase in wave drag. Shock control bumps (SCBs) can mitigate the shock strength, leading to reduced drag. Preceding studies show the applicability of adaptive SCBs on morphing spoilers. However, with increasing airflow velocities the shock moves downstream, making it structurally challenging to realize sufficient curvature on the rear spoiler end.

In this study, a morphing spoiler is structurally designed to form an adaptive SCB utilizing a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. A fiberglass composite structure is constructed to enable a form variable region, sufficiently stiff for handling aerodynamic loads but flexible enough for SMA actuation. To prevent the spoiler trailing edge lifting from the flap during bump deployment, a structural pre-bend is implemented on three regions. However, for SCB crest locations near the spoiler rear end, a strong pre-bend would be required, leading to significant contour deviations and waviness in clean configuration with retracted bump.

An additional actuator combined with structural pre-bends can enable more downstream bump crest locations than a single spoiler actuator. Since installation space for this additional actuator may be limited, SMAs are considered in this work. In modeling the two-way effect of the SMA, a simplified methodology is utilized. Despite the observed stress limits within the SMA wire being exceeded, the results demonstrate potential and indicate the possible utility of SMA for adaptive shock control on aircraft spoilers.
Nonlinear Effect in Physical Reservoir Computing Using a Mechanical Oscillator
Authors: He Shan , Musgrave Patrick
Published: October 2024

Physical reservoir computing (PRC) has emerged as a promising machine learning technique owing to its simplified training and minimal computational demands. When applied to mechanical systems, such as autonomous vehicles, PRC offers potential for efficient on-board processing of sensory data. Despite the benefits of PRC, there remains an absence in designing of mechanical systems that effectively embody reservoir computing for optimizing prediction performance. PRC leverages the nonlinear dynamics of a physical system to predict spatiotemporal input-output relationships, where the majority of the information is processed within the physical body of the system itself, thus achieving computational efficiency. This simple training process and low computational requirements enable real-time sensing and rapid decision-making in autonomous mechanical systems. To design optimal mechanical systems as physical implementation of reservoir computing, it is necessary to understand how the physical properties of these systems affect their ability to process information.

In this study, we investigated the relationship between the nonlinearity and the information processing capability of a one-dimensional Spring-Mass-Damper (SMD) network as a physical implementation of reservoir computing. We established a numerical model of the SMD network as a test system and conducted a parametric study by tuning the nonlinear spring stiffness of the system. Using a benchmark task of 2nd-order Nonlinear Autoregressive Moving Average (NARMA-2), we generated a target output for performance evaluation. We trained the system using linear regression to determine a set of optimal weights which relate between the target output and the mass displacement readouts. We then estimated the output using a linear summation of the displacement readout signals with their corresponding trained weights. We computed the prediction accuracy using a performance metric of R2 error between the target output and the estimated output. Our result indicates that optimal level of nonlinearity in the springs of the SMD system significantly improves PRC prediction performance. However, both linear and overly nonlinear systems result in poor performance. These findings emphasize the importance of a balanced level of nonlinearity in the SMD system’s dynamics, as it significantly influences its ability to process information and the PRC prediction. This study deepens our understanding of how nonlinearity affects PRC performance, providing insights for the design of optimal mechanical structures to serve as effective physical reservoir computers.
Structural Design and Optimization of Piezo-Activated Morphing CFRP Fan Blades
Authors: Kleinwechter Felix , Seidler Marcel , Monner Hans Peter , Friedrichs Jens
Published: October 2024

Modern aeronautical engines and their fans are currently conceived for optimal performance at a design point defined by the conditions of the dominant flight phase. Due to the resulting fixed blade geometry, engine efficiency is reduced during off-design conditions. A switch to shape-adaptive blades enables the adjustment of the geometry to prevailing conditions, increasing efficiency. Therefore, a methodology was developed for the design of piezo-activated morphing metallic engine blades within the Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Aviation SE2A Cluster of Excellence. To cover more off-design conditions, it is necessary to increase the morphing deformations. This paper introduces an extension of the methodology that enables the design of blade bodies from plies of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers. The goal is to use the anisotropic material properties of these composites to increase the achievable morphing deformations. A genetic algorithm is used to optimize the carbon fiber orientations of two fan blade architectures to maximize the morphing related change in turning angle or stagger angle. These tailored morphing composite fan blades achieve higher angular changes at a lower mass compared to titanium alloy blades.
Systematic, Scalable Manufacturing Process for Rolled Dielectric Elastomers
Authors: Weber Tobias , Kunze Julian , Faupel Benedikt , Motzki Paul
Published: October 2024

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) have emerged as promising materials for next-generation soft actuators and artificial muscles, due to their remarkable electromechanical properties, such as low power consumption and high energy density. Due to their sensitivity and wide sensing range, they can also be used as sensors. Among various DE configurations, coreless rolled dielectric elastomer actuators (RDEAs) play a significant role due to their unique advantages in terms of manufacturing efficiency and enhanced performance. This contribution presents the innovations and advancements in the scalable manufacturing process of RDEAs. The goal is to be able to produce them more efficiently, with the eventual goal of series production. We have successfully addressed challenges related to uniformity, scalability, and reproducibility, paving the way for RDEAs to become a viable option for large-scale applications and bundling of multiple RDEAs, for example in valve applications and concert subwoofers. This contribution aims to stimulate further research and collaboration in this rapidly evolving field, ultimately contributing to the development of more efficient and versatile soft actuation technologies.
A Novel Tactile Feedback Wristband Based on a Dielectric Elastomer
Authors: Roth Lukas , Croce Sipontina , Baltes Matthias , Nalbach Sophie , Motzki Paul
Published: October 2024

Smart wearable devices are becoming increasingly popular in daily life due to recent technological advances. They have various applications in the medical field (e.g., heart rate monitoring, blood pressure, blood oxygen), industrial field (e.g., worker assistance, gesture-based process control, recognition of unsafe conditions), and in the field of interactive virtual games (e.g., virtual reality, augmented reality). However, these devices must achieve their goals while meeting human needs during their use, such as wearability and adaptability. They must therefore be flexible, lightweight, and easy to understand with an intuitive interface. To fulfil these requirements, the challenge is to integrate flexible sensors and actuators into common clothing fabrics, minimizing the hardware needed and maximizing the wearer’s comfort.

In this paper, we present a novel dielectric elastomer (DE)-based wearable device that can provide tactile feedback on its wearer. It consists of a pouch-like air pocket with a passive and an active silicone membrane (DE). This pouch or bubble is inflated with air pressure, which acts as the necessary bias mechanism pre-stretching both the passive and the active DE membrane. The device is designed in a way that the passive membrane side of the pouch is in contact with the wearer’s skin.

In addition, to better understand how the passive membrane affects the overall system behavior, we provide experimental characterization studies on design parameters (i.e., thickness and initial pretension of the passive silicone membrane) for different internal pressure values. This results in the membranes having many layers with no pretension to minimize leakage.
A Conceptual Development of an Active Camber Morphing Airfoil for an Improved Aerodynamic Performance With Flexible Cellular Skin
Authors: Soltane Meryem , Restrepo Vanessa
Published: October 2024

Driven by the need to improve the performance and energy efficiency of aircraft, morphing wings became a promising bioinspired solution with its potential to continuously alter the wing shape for optimal efficiency at any flight condition. A primary challenge on the road to this feature is the realization of a flexible skin with a smooth camber variation profile and a high load-bearing capacity in a balanced manner. Within this paper, a new concept of morphing wing design is proposed to meet performance requirements, consisting of a corrugated structure and an internal honeycomb core with a flexible surface bonded on both sides. The equivalent flexible skin is coupled with the skeleton mechanism of the design. The critical dimensions and parameters are optimized through a parametric study based on the 2D finite element model of the design. Subsequently, the computational fluid dynamics method is employed to analyze the aerodynamic performance of the morphing wing design. The present study demonstrates the effectiveness and potential of the proposed camber morphing concept which can be further tested experimentally to assess its performance.
Resonance-Optimized Dielectric Pump Demonstrator With Self-Sensing Based Pressure Feedback
Authors: Baltes Matthias , Croce Sipontina , Bruch Daniel , Motzki Paul
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces a method for obtaining pressure feedback in a resonance-optimized dielectric elastomer-based pump, employing a self-sensing approach. Despite their increasing relevance, achieving energy-efficient control and optimized operation within various load ranges remains a significant challenge for dielectric elastomer-based pumps. As a result, dielectric elastomer-based pumps, regardless of their advantages such as silent operation, light weight and cheap base materials, have not yet found use in many everyday applications. In this work, the first step is taken to solve this problem with the help of a self-sensing approach and thus lays the foundation for the design of an energy-efficient control of dielectric elastomer-based pumps.

To develop, investigate and validate the self-sensing approach a demonstrator is designed, which operates in resonance under maximum load conditions, thereby ensuring consistent attainment of the target pressure and efficient pump performance in this exact operating point. For lower load pressures, the pump is not yet optimized as the resonance shifts under these conditions, due to a pressure-dependent stiffness change of the entire system. Depending on the target volume, this may result in a longer duration to reach the target pressure with simultaneous increased energy consumption. Solving this issue is the missing step in making dielectric elastomer-based pumps suitable for everyday use.

For designing an optimized control strategy across the entire load progression, and the resulting varying system stiffness when building up the target pressure, it is essential to always know the exact pressure at the target volume, as the system stiffness is proportional to this pressure. Conventional pumps have the same issue, which is often solved with the help of external pressure sensors. The target of this work is to exploit the advantages of dielectric elastomers and use their self-sensing capability. With this self-sensing approach, the final goal is to develop an independent actuator system that can work smart, and energy optimized without external sensors.

In this work, the pressure generated within the target volume can be determined utilizing electrical characteristics’ measurements on the demonstrator, which works under the previously described conditions. With a real-time current measurement during operation, the pressure can be determined using a microcontroller. This approach is validated by additionally equipping the demonstrator with an external pressure sensor and investigation of the two feedback signals of the pressure in the target volume.

Even without a specific control strategy, this already enables the use of dielectric elastomer-based pumps in applications that require various specific target pressures, such as pneumatic actuators, vacuum pumps, massage pillows and many other pressure-controlled applications.
Data Driven 1D - Modal Dispersion Estimation in Hydraulic Fluid Media
Authors: Beals Matthew David , Gosavi Hrishikesh , Malladi Vijaya V. N. Sriram
Published: October 2024

Acoustics are commonly analyzed using a source-path-receiver paradigm, in which the source and receiver are often pre-determined by design requirements. Consequently, the characteristics of the path typically have the most significant effect on the acoustic profile developed by a dynamic system. In particular, the wave propagation characteristics of the medium are critical for analyzing the propagation of noise through a system. As a result, understanding the behavior of wave propagation within a medium is essential to characterize the acoustic properties exhibited by a system. The most relevant of these characteristics is the speed at which a wave propagates, which can be derived from the relationship between spatial wavenumber and cyclic frequency. Current testing approaches rely on time-of-arrival, or “Pitch and Catch”, analysis which is limited to higher frequencies where reflection from boundaries does not interfere with time estimation. To accurately estimate arrival time, a sufficient number of wavelengths are required between measurement locations to allow measurable time to pass. This results in cumbersome and impractical testing conditions that are often unobtainable for low frequency measurements. To experimentally determine the relationship between wave number and frequency without relying on time-of-arrival methods, estimated acoustic mode shapes can be utilized to compute their spatial wave number. This wave number is plotted against the corresponding resonance frequency to form a dispersion curve. Multiple harmonic modes are measured to more accurately estimate dispersion properties across a range of frequencies. Acoustic modes are measured using a variable position hydrophone within a medium-filled wavetube to capture adequate measurements for dispersion estimation. Such a method removes the necessity for multiple wavelengths between measurement locations and allows for measurements to be taken at the lowest resonance frequency of the wave tube, enabling a compact test bench that can be utilized across a wider range of frequencies and mediums. By taking advantage of standing waves within a wavetube rather than avoiding them, a simpler testing method can be employed to extract clearer dispersion information across more frequencies than traditional estimation techniques.
The Meiotic Drive: Intragenomic Competition and Selection
Authors: Zakharov I. A.
Published: October 2024

The article considers the distribution and mechanisms of the meiotic drive as a phenomenon manifested in unequal transmission of gene alleles and/or homologous chromosomes into gametes during meiosis. The meiotic drive has been studied in the most detail in Drosophila, mice, corn, and ascomycete fungi of the genera Neurospora and Podospora. The consequence of the meiotic drive is a shift in the frequencies of alleles in the gene pool and the maintenance of nonadaptive traits in the population.
Dependence of Sputtering Coefficient on Energy and Incidence Angle of Bombarding Particles. Energy Spectrum and Average Energy of Sputtered Particles by the Example of a Tungsten Target
Authors: Babenko P. Yu. , Mikhailov V. S. , Shergin A. P. , Zinoviev A. N.
Published: October 2024

An overview of the functional dependences (formulas) for describing the properties of atomic particles sputtered during ion bombardment of the surface of a solid body is presented. The dependence of sputtering coefficients on the energy and angle of incidence of the bombarding particle is considered. The energy spectra and average energies of sputtered particles are presented. Formulas for calculating the quantities under consideration are proposed by the example of a target made of tungsten and hydrogen isotopes as projectiles. These data are necessary to estimate the entry of sputtered tungsten atoms as an impurity into a hot plasma using transport codes. When the tungsten impurity concentration is higher than the critical one, it is impossible to carry out a controlled thermonuclear reaction with the planned energy output in the ITER tokamak reactor. Sputtering coefficients also play an important role in simulating the entry of impurities into plasma facilities as a result of the interaction between hydrogen fuel atoms and the materials of the divertor and the first wall.
Brain Mechanisms Involved in Post COVID Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gulyaeva N. V.
Published: October 2024

Potentially, patients with COVID-19 can experience long-term disturbances after the acute infection period, even people with no symptoms or mild illness. Our current understanding of brain-associated post COVID-19 condition and why some people are more affected is limited. Post COVID syndrome or long COVID, with continuing symptoms of impaired brain functioning, in particular, ‘brain fog’, chronic fatigue, cognitive decline, mood disturbances, anxiety, and depression, is due to multiple molecular mechanisms. This narrative review updates most important cellular and molecular brain mechanisms as well as system mechanisms underlying post COVID syndrome.
Effects of long-term nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on soil phosphorus forms and dynamics under continuous wheat production in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Cade-Menun Barbara J. , Bainard Luke D.
Published: October 2024

Many agricultural crops require both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers to sustain crop yields. However, long-term application of NH4–N fertilizers can cause soil acidification, which alters soil abiotic and biotic processes, including soil P dynamics. Long-term continuous wheat plots in Saskatchewan, Canada, were used to assess effects of N and P fertilization from 1967 and P fertilizer cessation in subplots from 1995. General soil chemical properties and soil P pools and forms were determined and then correlated with soil pH, total N (TN), and total P (TP) concentrations to show the relative importance on soil P dynamics of (a) crop nutrition (TN and TP); (b) soil acidification (pH); or (c) P fertilization/cessation. Fertilization with NH4–N decreased soil pH and altered exchangeable cation concentrations; however, long-term crop growth was poor in no-N plots and was best with both N and P fertilizers, in turn increasing soil carbon and organic matter. Applying P fertilizers without N increased soluble phosphates and the risk of P losses in runoff. Soil organic P (TPo) concentrations were correlated negatively to pH and positively to TN, but the concentrations of P compounds were not correlated to pH. This suggests that TPo accumulation may be from increased long-term crop residue inputs from crops with N and P fertilizers, rather than increased sorption from reduced pH. However, soil pH will continue to decrease with continued NH4–N fertilization, affecting soil chemistry and future P cycling; monitoring with a suite of wet chemistry and spectroscopic techniques is recommended.
Occurrence of Centrosaurus apertus (Ceratopsidae: Centrosaurinae) in Saskatchewan, Canada, and expanded dinosaur diversity in the easternmost exposure of the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Dinosaur Park Formation
Authors: Demers-Potvin Alexandre V. , Larsson Hans C.E.
Published: October 2024

Late Campanian terrestrial communities of western Canada are best known from the fluvial–paralic deposits of the Dinosaur Park Formation (DPF) in Dinosaur Provincial Park (DPP), Alberta. However, a growing list of localities from isolated DPF outcrops, outside of the DPP area, offers a glimpse into palaeocommunities that evolved isochronously with DPP biotas in greater proximity to the Western Interior Seaway. Over the past decade, one such locality was explored along Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park. The initial palaeoecological analysis of this marginal marine community was based on palynomorph and vertebrate microfossil diversity and has laid a foundation for the current study of its monodominant ceratopsian bonebed. The latter has resulted in new occurrences of Centrosaurus apertus and of the elmisaurine Citipes elegans for Saskatchewan based on incomplete yet diagnostic specimens. Centrosaurus apertus is unequivocally identified by a parietal bar bearing two prominent P1 and P2 hooks, which expands the geographical and habitat range of this species to the most coastal environment known from the DPF. Furthermore, the presence of Centrosaurus apertus suggests that the DPF in this region of Saskatchewan is closer in age to the lower DPF than to the uppermost DPF in DPP, which is at odds with a previous palynostratigraphic interpretation. The faunal composition of this bonebed also supports the presence of a widely distributed metacommunity across these deposits. This contribution demonstrates how evidence from multiple localities in the DPF along a spatial gradient, beyond the temporal gradient available within DPP alone, expands the picture of this metacommunity as a potential model system for biotic turnover in response to sea level rise at a geological temporal scale.
Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in Semiurban Nepal: Result From a Community‐Based Cross‐Sectional Screening
Authors: Koju Shrestha Rojeena , Bista Durga , Shakya Rajani , Koju Rajendra Prasad , Gurung Ram Bahadur
Published: October 2024

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common morbid arrhythmia that can cause thromboembolic events such as stroke. Despite advancements in diagnostic technologies, a significant number of AF patients may remain undetected and undiagnosed, and these asymptomatic patients possess sufficient risk of cardioembolic stroke. Identifying such patients through appropriate screening techniques and timely initiation of systemic anticoagulation therapy is essential to prevent such life‐threatening complications.

Objectives: The objectives of this study encompass screening of AF among residents of the Dhulikhel Municipality and identifying its prevalence, along with evaluation of stroke risk and use of antithrombotic therapy in patients confirmed with AF.

Methods: All residents of four wards of Dhulikhel Municipality, aged 50 years and above (n = 2048), underwent one‐time electrocardiogram (ECG) screening using a portable 12‐lead ECG machine. The cardiologist checked the cardiogram, and suspected AF cases were referred to the hospital for further evaluation and appropriate management. They were followed up to find out information on disease confirmation and management.

Results: Out of 2048 participants, AF was detected in 16 participants, resulting in an overall prevalence of 0.78% (CI 0.4%–1.3%). The prevalence of AF was highest (2.98%) in population aged 80 years and above. Among individuals with AF, the median age was 71.5 (66.3–79.5) years, 50.0% were male and 75.0% had high stroke risk as indicated by a CHA2DS2‐VASc score ≥ 2. Among these patients, only 41.66% were treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs), while 58.34% were treated either with single or dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

Conclusion: This study provided important insight into the prevalence of AF at the community level. Many AF patients were at high risk of stroke, but the OAC use was less than 50%. Screening of AF needs to be carried out on a larger scale in Nepal for early detection and timely management of the disease.
Targeting lncRNA MALAT1: A Promising Approach to Overcome Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Aihemaiti Gulandanmu , Song Ning , Luo Junyi , Liu Fen , Toyizibai Jianaerguli , Adili Niyaziaili , Liu Chang , Ji Wei , Yang Yi-Ning , Li Xiaomei
Published: October 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, central obesity, and hypertension. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of metabolic balance, influencing the genes associated with MetS. Although the prevalence of insulin resistance is rising, leading to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its vascular complications, there is still a notable gap in understanding the role of lncRNAs in the context of clinical diabetes. Among lncRNAs, lung adenocarcinoma metastasis‐associated transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been identified as a significant regulator of metabolism‐related disorders, including T2DM and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review explores the mechanism of lncRNA MALAT1 and suggests that targeting it could offer a promising strategy to combat MetS, thereby enhancing the prognosis of MetS.