bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fault Estimation and Fault‐Tolerant Control of Multiple Faults and Uncertain Disturbances Based on Generalized Sliding Mode Method
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Zhang Fangfang , Li Jie , Liu Yuanhong , Kou Lei , Van Wyk Michaël Antonie
Published: December 2024

Measuring element is always accompanied by uncertainty disturbances and multiple faults during the long time operation of industrial system in complex environment such as blade and pitch system of floating wind turbines. Timely detection of the fault and fault‐tolerant control (FTC) perform a significant part in ensuring the stable operation of the system and saving maintenance fees. Sliding mode control is extensively applied to FTC because of its good robustness. Therefore, a sliding mode controller is constructed to guarantee the stability of the industrial plant which suffers multiple faults and uncertain disturbances. At the same time, most existing literature does not take into account several faults and uncertain disturbances. Firstly, employing generalized sliding mode method, we devise a sliding mode observer for evaluating state vector, actuator fault and sensor fault of the system. Secondly, according to the state estimation, we construct a sliding mode controller and prove its validity by Lyapunov's theorem. Our controller achieves satisfactory performance, and it is easier to be implemented in practical engineering than other controllers. Finally, we establish a SIMULINK model of blade and pitch system and make simulation experiments. Simulation outcomes validate the availability and practicability of our controller, which also provides a general scheme for fault estimation and FTC of other industrial plants.
Nonparametric Expectile Regression Meets Deep Neural Networks: A Robust Nonlinear Variable Selection method
Authors: Yang Rui , Song Yunquan
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the variable selection problem in expectile regression under nonparametric conditions. In practical scenarios, data often exhibits heterogeneity and has a heavy‐tailed distribution. Expectile regression combines the advantages of mean regression and quantile regression, and can show the distribution characteristics of data at different expectile values. For actual data obtained, not all variables are important, selecting important variables can significantly reduce the cost of data collection and also reduce computational overhead. To extract representative feature subsets, various variable selection methods have been proposed for linear expectile regression models. However, in practice, there may be complex nonparametric relationships between explanatory and response variables. This paper extends the nonlinear variable selection method based on deep neural network DFS to nonparametric expectile regression to study the distribution correlation between explanatory and response variables in nonparametric situations. We validated the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method in numerical simulations and applied it to the used car transaction price dataset.
The Impact of Physical Activity on the Disability‐Related Stress of Individuals With Physical Disabilities: A Five‐Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kim Jaehyun , Lee JungJoo , Kim Junhyoung
Published: December 2024

People with physical disabilities report a higher prevalence of psychological distress and chronic stress than those without disabilities. Participation in physical activity (PA) has been considered an effective coping strategy to deal with stressors and improve the mental health of people with disabilities. However, very little research has been conducted to explore the relationship between disability‐related stress and PA participation by people with physical disabilities longitudinally on an international scale. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of PA participation on disability‐related stress among people with physical disabilities longitudinally. This study used data from the second wave of the Korean Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (PSED) from 2016 to 2022. The results of generalised estimated equation modelling indicated that higher levels of PA participation were associated with lower disability‐related stress levels over time in the Koreans with physical disabilities who participated in our study. Our findings suggest that participating in 130–150 min of PA per week is the optimal range for reducing disability‐related stress. The practical implications of improving the mental health of people with physical disabilities and future research directions were discussed.
Improved Therapeutic Efficiency of Senescent Cell‐specific, Galactose‐Functionalized Micelle Nanocarriers
Authors: Parshad Badri , Baker Andrew George , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Estepa‐Fernández Alejandra , Muñoz‐Espín Daniel , Fruk Ljiljana
Published: December 2024

Cellular senescence has recently been recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer, aging, as well as many age‐related disorders, sparking significant interest in the development of senolytics, compounds that can remove senescent cells. However, most current pharmacological strategies face challenges related to non‐specific delivery, leading to significant side effects that hinder safe and effective treatments. To address these issues, galactose‐functionalized amphiphiles are synthesized that can self‐assemble into micelles and be loaded with a senolytic cargo. These galactose‐micelles are responsive to the lysosomal β‐galactosidase enzyme, present in elevated amounts in senescent cells, and are employed for specific delivery of the senolytic Bcl2‐inhibitor Navitoclax. This novel formulation showed reduced delivery and toxicity to non‐senescent cells, thereby increasing the senolytic index of Navitoclax and making it suitable for future in vivo experimental designs to improve selectivity and safety profiles.
Skin‐Inspired, Multifunctional, and 3D‐Printable Flexible Sensor Based on Triple‐Responsive Hydrogel for Signal Conversion in Skin Interface Electronics Health Management
Authors: Zheng Shuhuai , Ruan Lingyang , Meng Fanmao , Wu Zhihong , Qi Yiyao , Gao Yukui , Yuan Weizhong
Published: December 2024

Hydrogel‐based flexible electronic components have become the optimal solution to address the rigidity problem of traditional electronics in health management. In this study, a multipurpose hydrogel is introduced, which is formed by combining a dual‐network consisting of physical (chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)) and chemical (poly(isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM)‐co‐acrylamide (AM))) cross‐linking, along with signal conversion fillers (eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn), Ti3C2 MXene, polyaniline (PANI)) for responding to external stimuli. Multiple sensing of dynamic and static signals is permissible for it. The strain sensor based on the hydrogel exhibits up to a 1000% resistance change within a 400% stretch range, and significant capacitance variations are observed upon touch. The temperature sensor yields a sensitivity of ≈−2.9% °C−1 at 20–40 °C and ≈65% °C−1 at 0–20 °C. The pH sensor responds with a sensitivity of near −13.68 mV pH−1. A paper‐based triboelectric nanogenerator can be assembled to collect action energy at 83 mW m−2. The skin contact interface is kept in good condition owing to its 3D‐printability, controllable antibacterial properties, along high cell survival rate. This multifunctional hydrogel holds promise in facilitating the integration of diagnosis and maintenance.
Carrier Recirculation Induced Ultrasensitive Photodetectors of InSe/CdTe Heterostructure Featuring an Interfacial Holes Layer
Authors: Zhao Xuefeng , Zhao Dongyang , Hu Tao , Cao Hechun , Jia Yu , Chen Yan , Wang Xudong , Yang Jing , Zhang Yuanyuan , Tang Xiaodong , Bai Wei , Wang Jianlu , Chu Junhao
Published: December 2024

Photodetectors (PDs) based on mix‐dimensional heterojunctions (MDHJs) built from 2D layered materials and covalent‐bonded semiconductors show the prospect of compensating the intrinsic weakness of 2D materials to realize their full potential. However, there is an open issue to improve the temporal response of PDs while maintaining high gain and sensitivity. Herein, photoconductive type MDHJs PDs with 2D InSe and covalent‐bonded CdTe thin film are designed and fabricated in which InSe is the active layer and CdTe is the medium gain one. The conductivity of InSe is improved by exceeding 50 times led by the formation of p–p heterojunction because of that an interfacial hole accumulation at InSe side and a built‐in field at CdTe one are formed. Benefiting from the synergistic function of photoconductive and photogating effects, carrier recirculation induced responsitivity, detectivity, and external quantum efficiency with orders of magnitude increment reach 4.31 × 104 AW−1, 7.55 × 1013 Jones and 1.01 × 107%, and more optimal response time than those of other InSe PDs is demonstrated. This device construction strategy with exceptional performance hints at the prospect of optoelectronic devices of 2D InSe.
Loosening the Solvation Cage in Polysaccharide Polymer Electrolyte for Sustainable Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Sheng Ouwei , Jin Tenglong , Wang Tianyu , Yang Tao , Han Qingyue , Tao Xinyong , Jin Chengbin
Published: December 2024

Biomass with naturally ion‐conducting segments (e.g., hydroxyl) holds promise for sustainable batteries. Several expeditions are proposed to successfully enhance the ion conduction in biomass polymer mainly by intermolecular structure regulation. Presently, the recognition and research of biomass polymer electrolytes are still limited, requiring continuous explorations to promote the application of such promising electrolytes. Herein, a molecularly asymmetric electrolyte is produced, comprising polysaccharides of starch and chitosan. The strong Li+−O (hydroxyl) interactions are replaced by weak Li+−oxygen (O) of ester carbonyl, and the steric hindrance group −NH3+ promotes the immobilization of anion and stabilization of the interface. Such intermolecular chemical modulations of biomass are achieved by a one‐pot esterification and protonation of polysaccharides. A loosely‐solvating cage structure with the participation of O of ester carbonyl, glycerol, and anion, allowing the rapid conduction (1.82 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 30 °C) and a high migration number (0.49) of Li+. Moreover, Li symmetric cells (2500 h) and Li4TiO5 | Li cells (400 cycles) employing the SCA electrolyte show superior cycling stability. The polysaccharide BPEs and solvation regulation strategy open up a promising avenue for constructing sustainable batteries.
A Review on MXene/Nanocellulose Composites: Toward Wearable Multifunctional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Application
Authors: Li Yuhong , Wang Yang , Huang Yi
Published: December 2024

With the rapid development of mobile communication technology and wearable electronic devices, the electromagnetic radiation generated by high‐frequency information exchange inevitably threatens human health, so high‐performance wearable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are urgently needed. The 2D nanomaterial MXene exhibits superior EMI shielding performance owing to its high conductivity, however, its mechanical properties are limited due to the high porosity between MXene nanosheets. In recent years, it has been reported that by introducing natural nanocellulose as an organic framework, the EMI shielding and mechanical properties of MXene/nanocellulose composites can be synergically improved, which are expected to be widely used in wearable multifunctional shielding devices. In this review, the electromagnetic wave (EMW) attenuation mechanism of EMI shielding materials is briefly introduced, and the latest progress of MXene/nanocellulose composites in wearable multifunctional EMI shielding applications is comprehensively reviewed, wherein the advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods and various types of composites are summarized. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are discussed, regarding the performance improvement, the performance control mechanism, and the large‐scale production of MXene/nanocellulose composites. This review can provide guidance on the design of flexible MXene/nanocellulose composites for multifunctional electromagnetic protection applications in the future intelligent wearable field.
High‐Performance Sunlight‐Induced Polymerized Hydrogels and Applications in 3D and 4D Printing
Authors: Feng Ji , Liu Zheng , Gao Tong , Gigmes Didier , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Schmitt Michael , Dietlin Celine , Petithory Tatiana , Pieuchot Laurent , Zhang Jing , Shan Wenpeng , Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: December 2024

Currently, there are only few reports on water‐soluble photoinitiating systems. In this study, a highly water‐soluble organic dye i.e. sodium (E)‐3,3′‐((4‐(2‐(3‐methylbenzo[d]thiazol‐3‐ium‐2‐yl)vinyl)phenyl)azanediyl)dipropionate iodide, was synthesized and served as a photoinitiator. Notably, this water‐soluble initiator, at a low concentration of just 0.01 wt%, demonstrates a high photoinitiation ability, with some hydrogel formulations achieving nearly 100% double bond conversion under sunlight. Photopolymerization kinetics were monitored using Real‐Time Fourier Transform Infrared. To explore the complex chemical principles of radical polymerization, UV‐visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, steady‐state photolysis, fluorescence quenching experiments and cyclic voltammetry were employed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the photochemical mechanism involved. Additionally, several characteristics of the synthesized hydrogels were also investigated i.e. the water content, the water swelling, and the volume swelling. In addition to their excellent photoinitiation capabilities, the hydrogel formulations developed in this study also supported 3D printing. 3D objects with smooth surface and a high spatial resolution could be successfully printed using direct laser writing. The fabricated hydrogels could reversibly change of shape in response to water (adding or removing water), enabling successful 4D printing behavior. Furthermore, the efficient photoinitiation ability of the water‐soluble formulations opens new avenues for sunlight‐polymerized hydrogels and potential applications in bioprinting.
Advancing Software Project Effort Estimation: Leveraging a NIVIM for Enhanced Preprocessing
Authors: Sarmad Ali Syed , Ren Jian , Wu Ji , Zhang Kui , Chao Liu
Published: December 2024

Software development effort estimation (SDEE) is essential for effective project planning and relies heavily on data quality affected by incomplete datasets. Missing data (MD) are a prevalent problem in machine learning, yet many models treat it arbitrarily despite its significance. Inadequate handling of MD may introduce bias into the induced knowledge. It can be challenging to choose optimal imputation approaches for software development projects. This article presents a novel incomplete value imputation model (NIVIM) that uses a variational autoencoder (VAE) for imputation and synthetic data. By combining contextual and resemblance components, our approach creates an SDEE dataset and improves the data quality using contextual imputation. The key feature of the proposed model is its applicability to a wide variety of datasets as a preprocessing unit. Comparative evaluations demonstrate that NIVIM outperforms existing models such as VAE, generative adversarial imputation network (GAIN), ‐nearest neighbor (K‐NN), and multivariate imputation by chained equations (MICE). Our proposed model NIVIM produces statistically substantial improvements on six benchmark datasets, that is, ISBSG, Albrecht, COCOMO81, Desharnais, NASA, and UCP, with an average improvement in RMSE of 11.05% to 17.72% and MAE of 9.62% to 21.96%.
Cyanogroup‐Modified PEO‐Based Electrolytes Achieve High Free Al3+ Concentration and Improve the Transport Dynamics in Solid‐State Aluminum‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pan Hongquan , Sun Qiwen , Zhang Wenming , Li Zhanyu
Published: December 2024

Polymer‐based solid electrolyte boasting ultra‐high safety, energy density, mechanical strength and flexibility, attracting much attention in the field of battery applications. However, its widespread application is hindered by the low conductivity, insufficient aluminium salt dissociation, high crystallization degree, short service life, etc. To solve the above problems, a composite solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) design based on polyethylene oxide (PEO, Mw = 6 000 000) with AlCl3·6H2O as aluminum salt and butanedinitrile (SN) as plasticizer is proposed in this paper. The disorder and mobility of the PEO chains, conductivity, degree of aluminum salt dissociation, and service life are enhanced by the addition of plasticizer SN. Theoretical calculation demonstrates the formation of solvated sheath‐like structure [SN…Al3+] has strong interactions with the polymer PEO, allowing rapid transport of Al3+ through the polymer segments. These results are also further verified by subsequent tests, which can reveal the Al3+ transport mechanism of room‐temperature SPEs in a more reasonable way. Meanwhile, the relatively strong binding energy between PEO and SN can help to avoid the parasitic reaction between SN and Al, increase the service life of solid‐state aluminium‐ion batteries. Providing a promising solution for the design of solid‐state battery electrolytes that can be applied at room temperature.
The Sweet Spirits of the Mineral Acids: Diethyl Ether, Ethyl Nitrite, and Chloroethane. Late Medieval‐Early Modern Organic Chemistry
Authors: Wentrup Curt
Published: December 2024

The “sweet spirits” of sulfuric, nitric, and hydrochloric acids, viz. diethyl ether, ethyl nitrite, and chloroethane, have a history dating back to the late Middle Ages. The compound variously known as philosophorum spiritus vini, aqua Lulliana, Paracelsus’ Schwefel süss, Cordus’ dulce Vitrioli oleum, and Frobenius’ æther is identical with diethyl ether. The spiritus nitri dulcis was discovered by Glauber, although it was first described clearly by Kunckel. It is largely ethyl nitrite. Spiritus salis dulci was discovered by Paracelsus and is identical with chloroethane. The historical preparations of the mineral acids as well as their sweet spirits obtained by reaction with ethanol are described in detail with particular emphasis on the experimental methods and the pyrolysis/distillation apparati used. These preparations of derivatives of ethanol are among the earliest examples of organic synthesis, although the true nature of the compounds was not recognized until the 19th century.
Prestressed and prepolarized piezoelectric material with an elliptical hole
Authors: Craciun Eduard-Marius , Ghita Gilbert-Marius-Daniel , Rapeanu Eleonora
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the antiplane state problem of an elliptic hole in a prestressed and prepolarized piezoelectric material loaded by constant, uniform remote shear stresses was performed. A compact and elementary form solution of the problem is obtained utilizing the conformal mapping technique and representation of the incremental stress and electrical fields by complex potentials. Using the boundary conditions, the coefficients of complex potentials developed as Laurent series, for the case of a piezoelectric material of class

$$\bar{4}2m$$

4

¯

2
m

, and implicitly the components of incremental stress and electric displacement fields are obtained in a final compact and closed form.
Evaluating mixing methods for FFF-printed PLA-HA composites: Towards high-performance composites and advancements in additive manufacturing
Authors: Sardar Muhammad Zaryyab , Gide Kunal Manoj , Stuart Alexander , Rostobaya Violetta , Zarrabinia Kian , Beheshti Ali , Bagheri Shaghayegh
Published: December 2024

Additive manufacturing, particularly fused filament fabrication (FFF), enables the creation of polymer composites with precisely controlled mechanical properties. This control depends heavily on the mixing method during filament fabrication, which significantly impacts how reinforcing elements are distributed within the material. Despite its importance, a critical knowledge gap exists regarding how different mixing methods affect the mechanical properties of FFF-printed composites. This study evaluates three mixing methods—magnetic stirring (MS), wet speed mix (WSM), and dry speed mix (DSM) for polylactic acid-hydroxyapatite (PLA-HA) composites printed using the FFF method. The fabricated composites were assessed for mechanical properties using micro-indentation and isostatic compression tests, as well as topography and elemental composition via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. Micro-indentation revealed the highest elastic modulus, indentation hardness, and creep resistance for DSM samples. Isostatic compression tests also corroborated these findings, with DSM leading to higher modulus of elasticity, modulus of resilience, absorbed plastic energy, and achievable compressive stress. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of HA particles within the PLA matrix for all three sample types. Among these three widely used mixing procedures, the findings of this study suggest that the DSM mixing method holds promise for fabricating high-performance FFF-printed polymer composites. While this study is limited to PLA-HA composites, the approach may offer a pathway for exploring its application to other ceramic-reinforced polymer composites in future research.
Two-way random effects model with serial correlation
Authors: Baltagi Badi H. , Bresson Georges , Etienne Jean-Michel
Published: December 2024

This paper derives a feasible GLS estimator for a two-way error component model with serial correlation on both the time effects as well as the remainder disturbances. This estimator is based on two methods, one proposed by De Porres and Krishnaku mar(2013) for deriving the spectral decomposition of a general error component structure and the other based on an inversion trick for the variance-covariance matrix of this model suggested by Skoglund and Karlsson (2001). While the last paper used maximum likelihood methods under the normality assumption, we use method of moments estimators following Baltagi and Li (1991) for the one-way error component model with serially correlated remainder disturbances and its extension by Brou et al. (2011) for the two-way model with serially correlated time effects as well as remainder disturbances. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to compare the performance of these two estimators as well as a bias correction version based on Nobach (2023). Our results find that the method based on the (Skoglund and Karlsson 2001) inverse that is bias corrected a la (Nobach 2023) performs the best in root mean square error (RMSE) as well as mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and is recommended.
Bilinear control of semilinear elliptic PDEs: convergence of a semismooth Newton method
Authors: Casas Eduardo , Chrysafinos Konstantinos , Mateos Mariano
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we carry out the analysis of the semismooth Newton method for control-constrained bilinear control problems of semilinear elliptic PDEs. We prove existence, uniqueness and regularity for the solution of the state equation, as well as differentiability properties of the control to state mapping. Then, first and second order optimality conditions are obtained. Finally, we prove the superlinear convergence of the semismooth Newton method to local solutions satisfying no-gap second order sufficient optimality conditions as well as a strict complementarity condition.
Language aptitude is related to the anatomy of the transverse temporal gyri
Authors: Ramoser Carmen , Fischer Aileen , Caspers Johanneke , Schiller Niels O. , Golestani Narly , Kepinska Olga
Published: December 2024

Why is it that some people seem to learn new languages faster and more easily than others? The present study investigates the neuroanatomical basis of language learning aptitude, with a focus on the multiplication pattern of the transverse temporal gyrus/gyri (TTG/TTGs) of the auditory cortex. The size and multiplication pattern of the first TTG (i.e., Heschl’s gyrus; HG) and of additional posterior TTGs, when present, are highly variable both between brain hemispheres and individuals. Previous work has shown the multiplication pattern of the TTGs to be related to musical and linguistic abilities. Specifically, one study found that high language learning aptitude correlated with more TTGs in the right hemisphere, even though language functions are generally left-lateralized. In this study, we used the recently developed TASH (Toolbox for the Automated Segmentation of Heschl’s Gyrus) and MCAI (Multivariate Concavity Amplitude Index) toolboxes to automatically extract structural (e.g., cortical volume, surface area, thickness) and multiplication pattern measures of the TTGs from 82 MRI scans, and related them to participants’ language aptitude scores. In contrast to previous results, we found that higher language aptitude was related to fewer TTGs in the right hemisphere and to greater surface area of the first right TTG and of the second left TTG. Furthermore, more languages learned in life were associated with higher language learning aptitude, opening up questions about the structure–function relationship of the TTGs and language learning, and about how language aptitude and language learning are related.
The nitrogenase mechanism: new roles for the dangler?
Authors: Warmack Rebeccah A. , Rees Douglas C.
Published: December 2024

Dangler sites protruding from a core metallocluster were introduced into the bioinorganic lexicon in 2000 by R.D. Britt and co-workers in an analysis of the tetramanganese oxygen-evolving cluster in photosystem II. In this perspective, we consider whether analogous dangler sites could participate in the mechanism of dinitrogen reduction by nitrogenase. Two possible roles for dynamic danglers in the active site FeMo cofactor are highlighted that might occur transiently during turnover. The first role for a dangler involves the S2B belt sulfur associated with displacement by carbon monoxide and other ligands, while the second dangler role could involve the entire cluster upon displacement of the His- $\alpha$
α
 442 side chain to the molybdenum by a free carboxyl group of the homocitrate ligand. To assess whether waters might be able to interact with the cofactor, a survey of small ligands (water and alkali metal ions) contacting [4Fe4S] clusters in synthetic compounds and proteins was conducted. This survey reveals a preference for these sites to pack over the centers of 2Fe2S rhombs. Waters are excluded from the S2B site in the resting state of nitrogenase, suggesting it is unlikely that water molecules coordinate to the FeMo cofactor during catalysis. While alkali metal ions are found to generally influence the properties of catalysts for dinitrogen reduction, no convincing evidence was found that any of the waters near the FeMo cofactor could instead be sodium or potassium ions. Dangler sites, if they exist in the nitrogenase mechanism, are likely formed transiently by localized changes to the resting-state FeMo cofactor structure.

Graphical abstract
Analysing medical waste transportation using periodic vehicle routing problem for Surabaya public health facilities
Authors: Anityasari Maria , Rinardi Hilmi Cahya , Warmadewanthi I. D. A. A.
Published: December 2024

Medical waste management is crucial in densely populated urban areas of developing nations. The disposal of biohazardous medical waste requires strict monitoring due to potential environmental and public health risks. In developing countries, several constraints present as challenges to medical waste disposal, including inaccessible biohazardous disposal plants, limited in-facility biohazardous waste storage, government regulation, and cost. Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, experiences these challenges. Currently, the Surabaya Health Department (SHD) relies on third-party waste processing vendors to handle infectious waste from 63 health facilities due to hazardous waste disposal only being permitted at the provincial level. In addition, waste collection occurs monthly for most health facilities, with a regulated 14-day storage period to prevent accumulation which contradicts the minimum 25-kg threshold that third-party vendors implement. This study utilizes Surabaya’s context to develop an effective medical waste disposal and transportation strategy and logistics using the Periodic Vehicle Routing Problem (PVRP). Results indicate that the 14-day storage requirement benefits SHD and vendors, improving operational efficiency and mitigating risks. Compliance with storage regulations reduces travel distances compared to scenarios without storage requirements. This study’s methodology applies to developing countries exhibiting similar constraints and acts as a guideline to develop similar medical waste disposal strategies.
Multi-species Population Ethics with Critical Levels
Authors: Cato Susumu , Ishida Shu
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the notion of species-relative critical levels, which is a crucial ethical issue in multi-species population ethics. First, the formal conditions are provided under which there are species-relative critical levels (e.g., the critical level for human beings is different from that for non-human beings). In particular, we find it a salient question of animal ethics whether the existence of a human being is morally better than that of a non-human animal when their utility levels are the same. Subsequently, we illustrate two general classes of multi-species critical-level utilitarian orderings. One class employs species-relative critical levels, which entails either the animal repugnant conclusion or the animal sadistic conclusion. The other employs species-relative critical levels plus species-lexical ordering. Although it can avoid both the animal repugnant conclusion and the animal sadistic conclusions, it has the problem of speciesism.
Deep learning-based prediction approaches of binary star parameters
Authors: Helmy Islam , Ismail Mohamed , Eid Doaa
Published: December 2024

The precise computation of binary star parameters is crucial for understanding their formation, evolution, and dynamics. However, large datasets of available astronomical measurements require substantial effort for computing using classic astronomical methods. Deep learning (DL) is a promising approach that can provide a proper solution for estimating the parameters and reducing the burden of the lengthy procedures of astronomical computations. This study proposes two DL-based models for estimating binary star parameters. The first is the well-known multi-layer perceptron (MLP) model, whereas the second is based on long short-term memory (LSTM). We rely on databases, such as large sky multi-object fiber spectroscopic telescope area (LAMOST), to train the proposed models. In addition, we verify the training ratio showing that the performance of both models at a low training ratio of

$$30\%$$

30
%

, based on the mean square error (MSE), results in acceptable performance. Furthermore, the LSTM-based DL model outperforms the conventional MLP for different training ratios. Eventually, the two models have superiority compared to the benchmark methods.
What is the minimum time interval for reporting of intraoperative core body temperature measurements in pediatric anesthesia? A secondary analysis
Authors: Miller Clemens , Bräuer Anselm , Wieditz Johannes , Nemeth Marcus
Published: December 2024

Given that perioperative normothermia represents a quality parameter in pediatric anesthesia, numerous studies have been conducted on temperature measurement, albeit with heterogeneous measurement intervals, ranging from 30 s to fifteen minutes. We aimed to determine the minimum time interval for reporting of intraoperative core body temperature across commonly used measurement intervals in children. Data were extracted from the records of 65 children who had participated in another clinical study and analyzed using a quasibinomial mixed linear model. Documented artifacts, like probe dislocations or at the end of anesthesia, were removed. Primary outcome was the respective probability of failing to detect a temperature change of 0.2 °C or more at any one measurement point at 30 s, one minute, two minutes, five minutes, ten minutes, and fifteen minutes, considering an expected probability of less than 5% to be acceptable. Secondary outcomes included the probabilities of failing to detect hypothermia (< 36.0 °C) and hyperthermia (> 38.0 °C). Following the removal of 4,909 exclusions, the remaining 222,366 timestamped measurements (representing just over 60 h of monitoring) were analyzed. The median measurement time was 45 min. The expected probabilities of failing to detect a temperature change of 0.2 °C or more were 0.2% [95%-CI 0.0-0.7], 0.5% [95%-CI 0.0-1.2], 1.5% [95%-CI 0.2–2.6], 4.8% [95%-CI 2.7–6.9], 22.4% [95%-CI 18.3–26.4], and 31.9% [95%-CI 27.3–36.4], respectively. Probabilities for the detection of hyperthermia (n = 9) were lower and omitted for hypothermia due to low prevalence (n = 1). In conclusion, the core body temperature should be reported at intervals of no more than five minutes to ensure the detection of any temperature change in normothermic ranges. Further studies should focus on hypothermic and hyperthermic ranges.
A Model-Based Evaluation of Noninvasive Biomarkers to Reflect Histological Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Scores
Authors: Minichmayr Iris K. , Plan Elodie L. , Weber Benjamin , Ueckert Sebastian
Published: December 2024

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises multiple heterogeneous pathophysiological conditions commonly evaluated by suboptimal liver biopsies. This study aimed to elucidate the role of 13 diverse histological liver scores in assessing NAFLD disease activity using an in silico pharmacometric model-based approach. We further sought to investigate various noninvasive patient characteristics for their ability to reflect all 13 histological scores and the NAFLD activity score (NAS).

Methods

A histological liver score model was built upon 13 biopsy-based pathological features (binary and categorical scores) from the extensive NASH-CRN (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis-Clinical Research Network) observational NAFLD Database study (n = 914 adults) using the concept of item response theory. The impact of 69 noninvasive biomarkers potentially reflecting NAFLD activity was quantitatively described across the entire spectrum of all 13 histological scores.

Results

The model suggested that four different disease facets underlie the cardinal NAFLD features (steatosis, inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning (= NAS); fibrosis; highest correlations: corrballooning-fibrosis = 0.69/corrinflammation-ballooning = 0.62/corrsteatosis-inflammation = 0.60). The 13 histological liver scores were best described by contrasting noninvasive biomarkers: Age and platelets best reflected the fibrosis score, while alanine and aspartate aminotransferase best described the NAS, with diverging contributions of the three individual NAS components to the results of the overall NAS.

Conclusions

An in silico histological liver score model allowed to simultaneously quantitatively analyze 13 features beyond NAS and fibrosis, characterizing different disease facets underlying NAFLD and revealing the contrasting ability of 69 noninvasive biomarkers to reflect the diverse histological (sub-)scores.

Graphical Abstract
No saturation of soil carbon under long-term extreme manure additions
Authors: Heinemann Henrike , Don Axel , Poeplau Christopher , Merbach Ines , Reinsch Thorsten , Welp Gerhard , Vos Cora
Published: December 2024

Background and aims

According to the carbon (C) saturation concept, the capacity of soils to accumulate stabilized organic C is limited by the number of binding sites on mineral surfaces. The concept and its application are highly debated. Therefore, we aimed at testing this theory using field experimental data.

Methods

Soils were sampled from four long-term field experiments with different amounts of organic fertilisation going up to extreme high C inputs (20 Mg C ha−1 yr−1) five times higher than in common agricultural practice. Soils were fractionated by particle size to obtain sand-sized, coarse silt and fine silt plus clay fractions.

Results

We found a linear relation between C input and soil organic carbon stocks (SOC) even with vast amounts of organic C inputs to the soil at three experimental sites. Across all experiments, C stocks in the sand-sized fraction increased on average by 146%, whereas C stocks in the fine silt plus clay fraction (< 20 µm) increased by just 17% without distinct saturation behaviour. The C sequestration efficiency (amount of C retained as SOC per amount of C input) tended to increase with initial SOC content which is not in line with the saturation theory.

Conclusion

The experiments were subject to C inputs via organic fertilisation that would and should rarely be reached in agricultural practice due to negative side effects. Even under these artificial conditions experiments did not show a distinct saturation behaviour.

Initial SOC stocks or SOC in the mineral-associated fraction did not appear to limit the potential of soils to sequester additional SOC. It can be concluded that C sequestration is mainly limited by the availability of C inputs from biomass.
Mapping and comparing the quality of life outcomes in childhood and adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: an umbrella review and future directions
Authors: Bolliger Céline , Way Kirsty , Michel Gisela , Sodergren Samantha C. , Darlington Anne-Sophie ,   On behalf of the EORTC Quality of Life Group
Published: December 2024

Background

A cancer diagnosis early in life can leave a legacy in terms of compromised Quality of Life (QoL). There is a lack of clarity regarding the impact on QoL according to age at diagnosis, with childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and adolescents and young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) often combined. As part of an EORTC Quality of Life Group study, this umbrella review aims to (1) identify the QoL outcomes reported in the literature for both CCS and AYACS, and (2) investigate the similarities and differences in QoL challenges between both groups.

Methods

A systematic literature search of systematic reviews and meta-analyses was conducted in December 2023 using PubMed, PsychInfo, and CINAHL. Methodological quality was evaluated using the AMSTAR tool.

Results

Overall, 1457 articles were assessed, and 39 systematic reviews and meta-analyses met the inclusion criteria. QoL outcomes were categorized into eight QoL domains, all of which were reported in both groups of young survivors. However, reviews on CCS often focused on outcomes relating to emotional functioning, cognitive difficulties, social challenges, school functioning, body image and overall happiness, whereas AYACS reviews had a greater focus on depressive symptoms, outcomes related to sexual health and reproductive health, employment, financial difficulties, self-image and identity and the impact of cancer.

Conclusion

This umbrella review comprehensively explores QoL outcomes among CCS and AYACS, revealing both shared and distinct challenges. Future research should focus on developing tailored questionnaires, emphasizing transition periods and incorporating a life perspective to capture unique developmental tasks of young survivors.
New Sub-grid Model for Convective Mixing in Field-Scale $${\textrm{CO}}_2$$ Storage Simulation
Authors: Mykkeltvedt Trine S. , Sandve Tor Harald , Gasda Sarah E.
Published: December 2024

Solubility trapping involves dissolution of supercritical carbon dioxide (CO

$$_\text {2}$$

2

) into the resident brine and is considered an important trapping mechanism for any Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project. Previous experimental and numerical studies indicate that density-driven convective mixing can greatly enhance solubility trapping, and is thus a key mechanism to capture when assessing the capacity of industry-scale CCS projects. However, convective mixing is a centimeter-scale phenomenon that is computationally challenging to resolve in standard reservoir simulation that uses coarse grid blocks. Therefore, the goal of this work is to incorporate convective mixing as a sub-grid effect within the traditional formulation of slightly miscible two-phase flow. We do this by adapting the classical model applied in individual grid cells to account for the transient behavior of the underlying convection and the downward transport of dissolved CO

$$_\text {2}$$

2

through the cell. The new sub-grid model for convective mixing is a mechanistic formulation based on observations from high-resolution simulations. The model employs a set of non-dimensional parameters, calibrated against 2D simulations that allow it to be applied generally to any reservoir properties. We show that the calibrated sub-grid model is easily implemented in a 3D reservoir simulator and benchmark it against a fully resolved field-scale simulation of CO

$$_\text {2}$$

2

injection in a sloping aquifer. The sub-grid model shows a marked improvement in computing the total amount of CO

$$_\text {2}$$

2

dissolved over time compared with the classical model for the tested cases. The new implementation is further applied to the openly available model for the Smeaheia storage site in the Norwegian North Sea, to demonstrate the utility of the new model to improve estimates of CO

$$_\text {2}$$

2

dissolution and explore parameter sensitivities for realistic storage projects.
Extending the demand system approach to asset pricing
Authors: Gehrig Thomas , Sögner Leopold , Westerkamp Arne
Published: December 2024

This article introduces a shrinkage procedure which allows to improve upon the parametric portfolio approach introduced in Brandt et al (Review of Financial Studies 22(9): 3411–3477, 2009) and more general factor conditional frameworks. We analyze optimal investment decisions for constant absolute and constant relative risk aversion. In both preference classes, especially out-of-sample performance of the optimal strategies is rather volatile. In order to reduce parameter and model uncertainty, we augment the optimal strategies by a shrinkage device that pulls the portfolio weights toward a predetermined policy portfolio. Our theoretical approach thereby extends the demand systems approach of Koijen and Yogo (Journal of Political Economy, 127(4):1475–1515, 2019) to more general classes of preferences and provides conditions for the existence of equilibrium. As a side product, we establish that the characteristics-based parametric portfolio approach of Brandt et al. (Review of Financial Studies 22(9): 3411–3477, 2009) can only be justified as optimal investments under exceedingly strong assumptions. In empirical US data, our shrinkage approach outperforms the parametric approach and the naive 1/N-strategy over quite a wide range of levels of absolute and relative risk aversion.
A virtual patient authoring tool for transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Razavizadeh Seyedsina , Kofler Markus , Kunz Matthias , Kempfert Joerg , Braun-Dullaeus Ruediger , Weidling Janine , Preim Bernhard , Hansen Christian
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Computer-based medical training scenarios, derived from patient’s records, often lack variability, modifiability, and availability. Furthermore, generating image datasets and creating scenarios is resource-intensive. Therefore, patient authoring tools for rapid dataset-independent creation of virtual patients (VPs) is a pressing need.

Methods

An authoring tool and a virtual catheterization laboratory environment were developed. The tool allows customised VP generation through a real-time morphable heart model and Euroscore parameters. The generated VP can be examined inside the vCathLab using a fluoroscopy and monitoring device, both on desktop and immersive virtual reality. Seven board-certified experts evaluated the proposed method from three aspects, i.e. System Usability Scale, qualitative feedback, and its performance in VR.

Results

All participants agreed that this method could provide the necessary information and is anatomically correct within an educational context. Its modifiability, variability, and simplicity were well recognised. The prototype achieved excellent usability score and considerable performance results.

Conclusion

We present a highly variable VP authoring tool that enhances variability in medical training scenarios. Although this work does not aim to explore didactic aspects, the potential of using this approach in an educational context has been confirmed in our study. Accordingly, these aspects can benefit from a thorough investigation in the future. In addition, our tool can be improved to provide more realistic parameter ranges for procedure-specific cases.
Are all renewable energy sources the same? A comparative analysis of public perceptions and preferences for renewable energy types in Southeast Asian cities
Authors: del Barrio Alvarez Daniel , Wang Nan , Sugiyama Masahiro , Numata Masako , Thuy Truong Dang , Aziz Azlina Abd , Palanca-Tan Rosalina , Ze Ya Aung , Yusuf Ariel Anshory , Ghani Awang Noor Abd. , Castillo Gem , Siyaranamual Martin Daniel , Phrakonkham Sengprasong , Nitivattananon Vilas , Swe Wunna
Published: December 2024

The realization of a sustainable energy transition in Southeast Asia will require the overcoming of the current high reliance on fossil fuels in the energy mix and the steady and rapid growth in energy demand in the region. To achieve an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable energy transition in the region, it is vital to utilize all available renewable energy sources to the greatest extent possible. It is therefore essential to gain an understanding of how citizens in each country perceive the available renewables. However, the majority of existing literature in this region has been constrained by a narrow focus on a comparison between fossil and renewable energy. Furthermore, while previous research has predominantly concentrated on single-country analyses, there are significant implications that could be disseminated across ASEAN countries. In light of the aforementioned limitations of existing literature, this paper aims to make a contribution by undertaking a comparative analysis of public preferences for renewable energy sources in eight major urban areas in seven Southeast Asian countries. The findings of this study indicate that, while climate change (or global warming) is perceived as a significant issue, it is often regarded as a secondary concern compared to other environmental issues. This is despite the fact that many of these issues are closely interlinked with and would be exacerbated by climate change. Furthermore, the findings suggest that solar energy is the most preferred renewable source across all urban areas surveyed. In contrast, bioenergy (or biomass) is generally the least preferred source of energy in all cities. There is considerable variation in perceptions of wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, with a high degree of variability between and within countries. These similarities and differences in preferences for renewable energy sources appear to be associated with varying levels of knowledge or familiarity with each source, which is consistent with differing willingness to pay for each source. These findings highlight the necessity for policies that address this apparent lack of understanding of how the transition to a sustainable energy system and each renewable energy technology can help mitigate the impact of environmental problems highlighted in each society.