bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Local Residents Benefiting from the Latest Urbanization Dynamic in China? China’s Characteristic Town Strategy from a Resident Perspective: Evidence from Two Cases in Hangzhou
Authors: Yang Yi , Kidokoro Tetsuo , Seta Fumihiko , Wang Ziyi
Published: February 2023

The Characteristic Town (CT) program is one of the most notable strategies in China’s urbanization process in recent years, responding to the drawbacks of the past decades of crude urbanization development model and maintaining and promoting capital accumulation and economic growth with innovative approach to space production. However, no studies have been conducted to examine whether residents actually benefit from it. Therefore, we combined desk research, participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires to evaluate its influence on residents in two representative cases in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, where the program originated. The results show limited improvement in public benefits: a general but insignificant improvement in the living standard of the residents; residents’ public participation is generally lacking; residents’ cognition of self-identity has begun to appear deviation, and barriers between them and foreign workers have begun to emerge; residents’ assessment of the new development strategy varies from case to case. Compared to other urban and rural redevelopment, renewal, and construction practices around the world, the CT program does not seem to appear to be overly special or advanced in terms of securing and enhancing public benefits. To this end, this study concluded that it is necessary to consider the need to adopt an official evaluation system that attaches equal importance to economic, environmental, and social factors, further strengthen the supervision of local financial expenditure, effectively strengthen the role of the public, improve infrastructure and public service facilities, and enhance the comprehensive training of indigenous people.
How a Short-Lived Rumor of Residential Redevelopment Disturbs a Local Housing Market: Evidence from Hangzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Yanjiang , Fan Hongyi , Liu Qingling , Yu Xiaofen , Yang Shangming
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates how a short-lived rumor of residential redevelopment triggered herding trading and housing price overreactions in a local housing market in Hangzhou. Through event studies, we find that herding purchasing caused a short-term housing price overreaction. Simultaneously, existing homeowners became reluctant to sell, and the number of new listings for sale decreased temporarily. However, we find no evidence of a decrease in market efficiency. A herding investor who purchased an average home may have suffered a loss of CNY 593,907 after the rumor weakened, equivalent to 8.7 years of income for an average resident in Hangzhou in 2021. This study reveals the importance of government policy communication, and the detrimental impact of ambiguous urban renewal policies on housing market stability and wealth redistribution.
Novel Approaches in the Drug Development and Delivery Systems for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Paliwal Himanshu , Prajapati Bhupendra Gopalbhai , Srichana Teerapol , Singh Sudarshan , Patel Ravish J.
Published: February 2023

The number of patients with ocular disorders has increased due to contributing factors such as aging populations, environmental changes, smoking, genetic abnormalities, etc. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the common ocular disorders which may advance to loss of vision in severe cases. The advanced form of AMD is classified into two types, dry (non-exudative) and wet (exudative) AMD. Although several therapeutic approaches are explored for the management of AMD, no approved therapy can substantially slow down the progression of dry AMD into the later stages. The focus of researchers in recent times has been engaged in developing targeted therapeutic products to halt the progression and maintain or improve vision in individuals diagnosed with AMD. The delivery of anti-VEGF agents using intravitreal therapy has found some success in managing AMD, and novel formulation approaches have been introduced in various studies to potentiate the efficacy. Some of the novel approaches, such as hydrogel, microspheres, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, implants, etc. have been discussed. Apart from this, subretinal, suprachoroidal, and port delivery systems have also been investigated for biologics and gene therapies. The unmet potential of approved therapeutic products has contributed to several patent applications in recent years. This review outlines the current treatment options, outcomes of recent research studies, and patent details around the novel drug delivery approach for the treatment of AMD.
Epigenetic Modification Factors and microRNAs Network Associated with Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells toward Cardiomyocytes: A Review
Authors: Zare Afshin , Salehpour Aria , Khoradmehr Arezoo , Bakhshalizadeh Shabnam , Najafzadeh Vahid , Almasi-Turk Sahar , Mahdipour Mahdi , Shirazi Reza , Tamadon Amin
Published: February 2023

More research is being conducted on myocardial cell treatments utilizing stem cell lines that can develop into cardiomyocytes. All of the forms of cardiac illnesses have shown to be quite amenable to treatments using embryonic (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In the present study, we reviewed the differentiation of these cell types into cardiomyocytes from an epigenetic standpoint. We also provided a miRNA network that is devoted to the epigenetic commitment of stem cells toward cardiomyocyte cells and related diseases, such as congenital heart defects, comprehensively. Histone acetylation, methylation, DNA alterations, N6-methyladenosine (m6a) RNA methylation, and cardiac mitochondrial mutations are explored as potential tools for precise stem cell differentiation.
Hippocampal Metabolic Alterations in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Christidi Foteini , Argyropoulos Georgios D. , Karavasilis Efstratios , Velonakis Georgios , Zouvelou Vasiliki , Kourtesis Panagiotis , Pantoleon Varvara , Tan Ee Ling , Daponte Ariadne , Aristeidou Stavroula , Xirou Sofia , Ferentinos Panagiotis , Evdokimidis Ioannis , Rentzos Michail , Seimenis Ioannis , Bede Peter
Published: February 2023

Background: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been overwhelmingly applied to motor regions to date and our understanding of frontotemporal metabolic signatures is relatively limited. The association between metabolic alterations and cognitive performance in also poorly characterised. Material and Methods: In a multimodal, prospective pilot study, the structural, metabolic, and diffusivity profile of the hippocampus was systematically evaluated in patients with ALS. Patients underwent careful clinical and neurocognitive assessments. All patients were non-demented and exhibited normal memory performance. 1H-MRS spectra of the right and left hippocampi were acquired at 3.0T to determine the concentration of a panel of metabolites. The imaging protocol also included high-resolution T1-weighted structural imaging for subsequent hippocampal grey matter (GM) analyses and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for the tractographic evaluation of the integrity of the hippocampal perforant pathway zone (PPZ). Results: ALS patients exhibited higher hippocampal tNAA, tNAA/tCr and tCho bilaterally, despite the absence of volumetric and PPZ diffusivity differences between the two groups. Furthermore, superior memory performance was associated with higher hippocampal tNAA/tCr bilaterally. Both longer symptom duration and greater functional disability correlated with higher tCho levels. Conclusion: Hippocampal 1H-MRS may not only contribute to a better academic understanding of extra-motor disease burden in ALS, but given its sensitive correlations with validated clinical metrics, it may serve as practical biomarker for future clinical and clinical trial applications. Neuroimaging protocols in ALS should incorporate MRS in addition to standard structural, functional, and diffusion sequences.
Numerical Response of Owls to the Dampening of Small Mammal Population Cycles in Latvia
Authors: Avotins Andris , Avotins Andris , Ķerus Viesturs , Aunins Ainars
Published: February 2023

Strong numerical and functional responses of owls to voles in cyclic environments are well known. However, there is insufficient knowledge from the boreonemoral region in particular, with depleted populations of small mammals. In this study, we describe the dynamics of the small mammal population in Latvia from 1991 to 2016 and link them to owl population characteristics. We used food niche breadth, number of fledglings, and population trends to lay out the numerical response of six owl species to dampened small mammal population cycles. We found temporarily increasing food niche breadth in tawny and Ural owls. There were no other responses in the tawny owl, whereas the breeding performance of three forest specialist species—pygmy, Tengmalm’s, and Ural owls—corresponded to the vole crash years in Fennoscandia. Moreover, the populations of forest specialist owls decreased, and the change in the Ural owl population can be attributed to the depletion of small mammal populations. We found evidence of a carry-over effect in the eagle owl arising from a strong correlation of declining breeding performance with the small mammal abundance indices in the previous autumn. We conclude that dampening of the small mammal population cycles is an important covariate of the likely effects of habitat destruction that needs to be investigated further, with stronger responses in more specialized (to prey or habitat) species.
Assessing the Suitability of a Virtual ‘Pink Warrior’ for Older Breast Cancer Survivors during COVID-19: A Pilot Study
Authors: Swartz Maria C. , Robertson Michael C. , Christopherson Ursela , Wells Stephanie J. , Lewis Zakkoyya H. , Bai Jinbing , Swartz Michael D. , Silva H. Colleen , Martinez Eloisa , Lyons Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the conduct of in-person physical activity (PA) interventions among older survivors of BC, who need such interventions to stay active and prevent functional decline. We tested the feasibility of virtually delivering an exergame-based PA intervention to older BC survivors. We enrolled 20 female BC survivors ≥55 years and randomly assigned them to two groups. The intervention group (Pink Warrior 2) received 12 weekly virtual exergame sessions with behavioral coaching, survivorship navigation support, and a Fitbit for self-monitoring. The control group received 12 weekly phone-based survivorship discussion sessions and wore a Mi Band 3. Feasibility was evaluated by rates of recruitment (≥0.92 participants/center/month), retention (≥80%), and group attendance (≥10 sessions), percentage of completed virtual assessments, and number of technology-related issues and adverse events. Intervention acceptability was measured by participants’ ratings on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The recruitment rate was 1.93. The retention and attendance rates were 90% and 88% (≥10 sessions), respectively. Ninety-six percent completed virtual assessments without an adverse event. Acceptability was high (≥4). The intervention met benchmarks for feasibility. Additional research is needed to further understand the impact of virtually delivered PA interventions on older BC survivors.
Evaluation of Morphological and Structural Skin Alterations on Diabetic Subjects by Biophysical and Imaging Techniques
Authors: Moraes Veronica Rego , Melo Maisa Oliveira , Maia Campos Patrícia M. B. G.
Published: February 2023

Diabetes causes increased production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which may lead to irreversible damage to collagen fibers, and early and more accentuated signs of skin aging. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate diabetic skin’s mechanical and morphological characteristics and compare these to healthy skin. Twenty-eight female participants aged between 39 and 55 years were enrolled: half had type 2 diabetes, and the others were healthy. Wrinkles, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum water content, skin color, elasticity, morphological and structural characteristics of epidermis and dermis echogenicity were evaluated using biophysical and skin imaging techniques. Higher TEWL values were observed in participants with diabetes, who also showed lower skin elasticity and wrinkles with greater volume, area, and depth. In addition, the Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) imaging analysis showed that all participants with diabetes presented polycyclic papillae and deformed and amorphous collagen fibers. The obtained data showed significant differences between healthy and diabetic skin and could help develop more specific topical treatments to improve the treatment of skin conditions in people with diabetes. Finally, RCM is an advanced imaging technique that allows for a more profound analysis of diabetic skin, which could assist in the evaluation of dermocosmetic treatments to improve the skin alterations caused by this disease.
Left Ventricular Unloading in Patients on Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy in Cardiogenic Shock: Prophylactic Versus Bail-Out Strategy
Authors: Radakovic Darko , Zittermann Armin , Rojas Sebastian V. , Opacic Dragan , Razumov Artyom , Prashovikj Emir , Fox Henrik , Schramm René , Morshuis Michiel , Rudolph Volker , Gummert Jan , Flottmann Christian , Deutsch Marcus-André
Published: February 2023

Background: The benefit of prophylactic left ventricular (LV) unloading during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in selected patients at risk of developing LV distension remains unclear. Methods: We enrolled 136 patients treated with Impella pump decompression during VA-ECMO therapy for refractory cardiogenic shock. Patients were stratified by specific indication for LV unloading in the prophylactic vs. bail-out group. The bail-out unloading strategy was utilized to treat LV distension in VA-ECMO afterload-associated complications. The primary endpoint was all-cause 30-day mortality after VA-ECMO implantation. The secondary endpoint was successful myocardial recovery, transition to durable mechanical circulatory support (MCS), or heart transplantation. Results: After propensity score matching, prophylactic unloading was associated with a significantly lower 30-day mortality risk (risk ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.23–0.62, and p < 0.001) and a higher probability of myocardial recovery (risk ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.48–4.54, and p = 0.001) compared with the bail-out strategy. Heart transplantation or durable MCS did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: Prophylactic unloading compared with the bail-out strategy may improve clinical outcomes in selected patients on VA-ECMO. Nevertheless, randomized trials are needed to validate these results.
Conformational Dependence of the First Hyperpolarizability of the Li@B10H14 in Solution
Authors: Brandão Idney , Fonseca Tertius L. , Georg Herbert C. , Castro Marcos A. , Pontes Renato B.
Published: February 2023

Using the ASEC-FEG approach in combination with atomistic simulations, we performed geometry optimizations of a Cs conformer of the lithium decahydroborate (Li@B10H14) complex in chloroform and in water, which has been shown to be the most stable in the gas phase and calculated its first hyperpolarizability. At room temperature, ASEC-FEG calculations show that this conformer is stable only in chloroform. However, it is found that the nonlinear response of the Cs conformer in chloroform is mild, and the result for the hyperpolarizability is markedly decreased in comparison with the result of the C2v conformer.
Analysis of Changes in Soot Content in Engine Oils under Operating Conditions
Authors: Zając Grzegorz , Gołębiowski Wojciech , Szczepanik Małgorzata , Wolak Artur , Sejkorová Marie
Published: February 2023

Oil has an enormous influence on the condition of the engine. Determining its degradation allows companies to maximize the availability of a specific vehicle and fleet of vehicles in general. In the evolution of engine oil degradation, one of the variables considered to be the most important is soot content. This article examines the direction and severity of soot content and dispersion changes in engine oil occurring during actual engine operation during four complete change intervals. The oil under study was operated in a city bus. It belonged to the fleet of vehicles of a transport company from new to the mileage of about 200,000 km. Soot content was determined in accordance with ASTM E2412-10, while dispersion size was determined using the dried drop test in accordance with ASTM D7899. The results obtained provide the basis for the conclusion that the direction of change in soot content in each interval is characterized by a high degree of homogeneity. With respect to the degree of soot build-up, a high level of similarity was observed between the intervals studied. The study of change in the degree of oil dispersion using the “drop on blotter” method made it possible to confirm the trend of decreasing dispersion as the run increases. The obtained results led to the development of a statistical model describing these relationships.
An Unsupervised Vibration Noise Reduction Approach and Its Application in Lubrication Condition Monitoring
Authors: Morgan Wani J. , Chu Hsiao-Yeh
Published: February 2023

Accelerometers are sensitive devices that capture vibrational fault signatures from industrial machines. However, noise often contaminates these fault signatures and must be eliminated before analysis. A data-driven (DD) denoising algorithm capable of filtering useful vibrational fault signatures from background noises was derived in this study. The algorithm was first validated by comparing its denoised result with a numerically generated ideal signal with a known exact solution. The DD denoising approach reduced the Mean Squared Error (MSE) from 0.459, when no denoising was performed, to 0.068, indicating an 85.2% decrease in noise. This novel approach outperformed the Discrete Wavelet (DW) denoising approach, which had an MSE of 0.115. The proposed DD denoising algorithm was also applied to preprocess vibration data used for the real-time lubrication condition monitoring of the plastic injection molding machine’s toggle clamping system, thereby reducing false positive relubrication alarms. The false positive rates, when analysis was performed on the raw vibration and the DW denoised vibration, were 10.7% and 7.6%, respectively, whereas the DD denoised vibration yielded the lowest false positive rate at 1%. This low false positive rate of the DD denoised vibration indicates that it is a more reliable condition monitoring system, thereby making this technique suitable for the smart manufacturing industry.
Fabrication of 3D HierarchicalSphericalHoneycomb-Like Nd2O3/Co3O4/Graphene/Nickel Foam Composite Electrode Material for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Liang Huihui , Wang Shasha , Lu Shixiang , Xu Wenguo , Zhou Min
Published: February 2023

A 3D hierarchical spherical honeycomb-like composite electrode materialof neodymium oxide (Nd2O3), cobalt tetraoxide (Co3O4), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on nickel foam (named as Nd2O3/Co3O4/rGO/NF) were successfully fabricated by combining the hydrothermal synthesis method and the annealing process. Nickel foam with a three-dimensional spatial structure was used as the growth substrate without the use of any adhesives. The Nd2O3/Co3O4/rGO/NF composite has outstanding electrochemical performance and can be used directly as an electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs). By taking advantage of the large specific surface area of the electrode material, it effectively slows down the volume expansion of the active material caused by repeated charging and discharging processes, improves the electrode performance in terms of electrical conductivity, and significantly shortens the electron and ion transport paths. At a 1 A/g current density, the specific capacitance reaches a maximum value of 3359.6 F/g. A specific capacitance of 440.4 F/g with a current density of 0.5A/g is still possible from the built symmetric SCs. The capacitance retention rate is still 95.7% after 30,000 cycles of testing at a high current density of 10 A/g, and the energy density is 88.1 Wh/kg at a power density of 300 W/kg. The outcomes of the experiment demonstrate the significant potential and opportunity for this composite material to be used as an electrode material for SCs.
Effects of Riboflavin Collagen Crosslinker on Dentin Adhesive Bonding Efficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Eusufzai Sumaiya Zabin , Barman Aparna , Jamayet Nafij Bin , Ahmad Wan Muhamad Amir W , Mahdi Syed Sarosh , Sheikh Zeeshan , Daood Umer
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate published data regarding riboflavin (RF) as a cross-linker for improved adhesive bond strength to dentin and to analyze previous studies for optimal concentration of riboflavin range suitable for dentin bond. Saliva and distilled water were used as storage media and aging time was 24 h and 6 months. Results of meta-analysis were synthesized using a statistical method of inverse variance in random effects with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Cochrane review manager 5.4.1 was used to determine results of the meta-analysis. In total, 3172 articles were found from search databases “PubMed”, “Scopus”, and “Google Scholar”. Six of the fifteen studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Micro tensile strength shows significant improvement with the addition of riboflavin (p < 0.05) compared to without the addition of riboflavin from with 95% CI. A significant difference has been found in micro tensile bond strength between use of the riboflavin cross-linker and without use of the riboflavin crosslinker in the dentin adhesive system. With a 95% confidence interval (CI), the I2 for micro tensile strength was 89% with strong heterogeneity, Chi2 = 44.76, df = 5 (p < 0.00001), and overall effect size is Z = 2.22 (p = 0.03) after immediate aging. Chiang et al. 2013 shows maximum mean differences which is 38.50 [17.93–59.07]. After 6 months of aging in distilled water or artificial saliva micro tensile bond strength has been increased with the addition of riboflavin (p < 0.05). It can be clearly seen that pooled effect and 95% CI did not cross the line of no effect. With a 95% confidence interval (CI), the I2 for micro tensile strength was 96% with strong heterogeneity, Chi2 = 117.56, df = 5 (p < 0.00001), and overall effect size is Z = 2.30 (p = 0.02). Subgroup analysis proved a similar effect of distilled water and artificial saliva as storage media on micro tensile bond strength after incorporating riboflavin as a collagen crosslinker. An artificial saliva aged forest plot also showed considerable heterogeneity with I2 = 96%; Tau2 = 257.32; Chi2 = 94.37; df = 2 (p < 0.00001); test for overall effect, Z = 1.06 (p = 0.29). Riboflavin prior to or with bonding is recommended to improve the bonding of different adhesive systems.
Hot Corrosion Behavior of TWAS and HVOF NiCr-Based Coatings in Molten Salt
Authors: Lencová Kateřina , Frank Netrvalová Marie , Vostřák Marek , Lukáč František , Mušálek Radek , Česánek Zdeněk , Houdková Šárka
Published: February 2023

In order to extend the life of boilers by applying an anti-corrosion coating without the need to dismantle them, it is advisable to find coatings that can be applied using cheaper and portable techniques, such as Twin Wire Arc Spray technology (TWAS). In this study, we compare selected NiCr-based coatings and two uncoated steel substrates (steel 1.7715 and 1.4903). Two coatings, Cr3C2 - 25% NiCr and Hastelloy C-276 are deposited using High velocity oxygen-fuel technology (HVOF) and three coatings, NiCrTi, NiCrMo, and Inconel 625, are deposited using TWAS. In addition to the corrosion weight gain during 50 cycles of loading in an 18% Na2SO4 and 82% Fe2(SO4)3 salt environment at 690 °C evaluated using the gravimetric method, the microstructure and phase composition of the coatings were analyzed on the samples after the exposure in order to compare the properties and gain a deeper understanding of the corrosion kinetics. Coating cross-sections and free-surfaces were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with an energy-dispersive (EDX) system. The phase composition was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. No significant differences were observed between the TWAS and HVOF coating methods for the coatings compared. Due to the similar corrosion products found on all coatings, a very effective corrosion protective layer was formed on the surface, forming a barrier between the corrosive environment and the coating regardless of the used deposition technology. Therefore, for industrial use on the inner surface of coal-fired boilers we recommend NiCrTi, NiCrMo, or Inconel coatings prepared with the more cost-effective and portable TWAS technology.
Effect of the Dislocation Substructure Parameters of Hadfield Steel on Its Strain Hardening
Authors: Russakova Alyona , Zhilkashinova Almira , Alontseva Darya , Abilev Madi , Khozhanov Alexandr , Zhilkashinova Assel
Published: February 2023

This article presents a study of changes in the microstructure of Hadfield steel depending on the tensile deformation and cold rolling with the strain/stress level. It has been established that the change in the “σ-ε” curve (at ε = 5%) is accompanied by a 1.5-times decrease in the strain-hardening coefficient. At ε = 0 to 5%, the structure contains dislocation loops, the interweaving of elongated dislocations, single-layer stacking faults. At ε = 5%, the structure contains multilayer stacking faults and mechanical microtwins. At ε > 5%, there is an intense microtwinning with no long dislocations and stacking faults. The most intense twinning develops in the range of deformation degrees of 5–20%, while the number of twins in the pack increases from 3–4 at ε = 10% to 6–8 at ε = 20%. When mechanical twinning is included, a cellular dislocation substructure begins to develop intensively. The cell size decreases from 700 nm at ε = 5% to 150 nm at ε = 40%. Twinning develops predominantly in systems with the largest Schmid factor and facilitates the dislocation glide. The results may be of interest to the researchers of the deformation processes of austenitic alloys.
The Chemistry, Recrystallization and Thermal Expansion of Brannerite from Akchatau, Kazakhstan
Authors: Chen Ruiqi , Siidra Oleg I. , Firsova Vera A. , Arevalo-Lopez Angel , Colmont Marie , Ugolkov Valery L. , Bocharov Vladimir N.
Published: February 2023

Numerous studies expose the potential of brannerite to become a good matrix, concentrating fission products and actinides. Minerals can complement the data collected from the synthetic materials and offer an advantage of a long-time exposure to radiation. Natural metamict brannerite from Akchatau, Kazakhstan, and its annealed sample were studied by EPMA, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, DSC, XRD and HTXRD. The radioactivity of pristine and annealed samples of brannerite was measured. Brannerite from Akchatau is characterized by the absence of significant amounts of REE and yttrium. The studied brannerite regains its structure at a temperature ~650 °C, revealed by the HTXRD and DSC. HTXRD was also performed on the annealed recrystallized brannerite. The thermal expansion for brannerite has been determined for the first time. The brannerite structure expands anisotropically with temperature increase. All the thermal expansion coefficients are positive except for αβ. The decreasing beta parameter indicates a “shear structural deformation“. The angle between the 1st axis of the tensor and the crystallographic a axis decreases with the increase of the temperature. The structure expands mostly in the α11 direction, approaching the bisector of the β angle. Brannerite has a low CTE at room temperature—αv = 16 × 10−6 °C−1, which increases up to 39.4 × 10−6 °C−1 at 1100 °C. In general, the thermal stability of brannerite is comparable to that of the other perspective oxide radioactive waste-immobilizing matrices (e.g., Ln2Zr2O7, CePO4, CaTiO3, CaZrTi2O7). The calculated thermal expansion of brannerite and the understanding of its underlying crystal chemical mechanisms may contribute to the behavior prediction of the material (both metamict and crystalline) at high temperatures.
Experimental, Theoretical, Numerical and Big-Data-Based Investigations on Characterizations for Geomaterials
Authors: Wang Shaofeng
Published: February 2023

Rock and rock-like materials such as concrete, soil, and underground backfilling materials are considered to be geomaterials [...]
Melt Pool Shape Evaluation by Single-Track Experiments and Finite-Element Thermal Analysis: Balling and Lack of Fusion Criteria for Generating Process Window of Inconel738LC
Authors: Katagiri Jun , Kusano Masahiro , Minamoto Satoshi , Kitano Houichi , Daimaru Koyo , Tsujii Masakazu , Watanabe Makoto
Published: February 2023

Defects occur in laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) such as the keyholing, lack of fusion, and the balling depending on the laser power (P) and the scan speed (V). The figure shows that the occupied regions of each defect are the process window and are essentially important to fabricate a high-quality part. This paper is a study of process window generation using single-track experiments and finite-element method simulation of thermal conduction for Inconel738LC alloy. A series of single-track experiments were conducted varying the range of P and V and the results were classified into keyholing, lack of fusion, balling, and good track. A series of simulations were conducted and validated by comparison with the experiments. To quantitively identify the balling, the isolines from the contour map generated by the results of simulations and the balling criteria of the ratio of melt pool length and the depth (L/D) of 7.69 were determined considering the past theoretical studies. The lack of fusion criteria: the ratio of the overlap depth in fabrication using multi-scan (Dov) and powder layer thickness (t) of 0.1 was obtained. Using the criteria obtained from the experiments and simulation, the process window was generated.
Effect of the Application of Sunflower Biochar and Leafy Trees Biochar on Soil Hydrological Properties of Fallow Soils and under Soybean Cultivation
Authors: Sadowska Urszula , Zaleski Tomasz , Kuboń Maciej , Latawiec Agnieszka , Klimek-Kopyra Agnieszka , Sikora Jakub , Gliniak Maciej , Kobyłecki Rafał , Zarzycki Robert
Published: February 2023

Soils enriched with biochar are recommended as a cultivation grounds, especially in case they contain significant amount of sand. However, the interactions between biochar and plants, as well as the influence of the biochar on water retention, cultivation and air properties of soils, are still not obvious. The present study aimed to determine the impact of various biochar doses on soils used for soya cultivation, in comparison to soils maintained as black fallow soil, on their water retention and productivity, for the period of two years. Sunflower husk biochar (BC1) and biochar of leafy trees (BC2), in doses of 0, 40, 60, 80 t·ha−1, were used for field experiments. The water retention was investigated with porous boards in pressure chambers by a drying method. No differences in the hydrological properties of the soils that were differently managed (black fallow soil, crop) were observed following biochar application. Addition of BC1, in the amounts of 40, 60, and 80 t·ha−1, caused an increase in the plant available water capacity (AWC) by 15.3%, 18.7%, and 13.3%, respectively, whereas the field capacity (FC) increased by 7.4%, 9.4%, and 8.6% for soils without biochar. Application of BC2 analogously resulted in higher AWC, by 8.97, 17.2%, and 33.1%, respectively, and higher FC by 3.75, 7.5%, and 18.3%, respectively. Increasing the doses of BC1 and BC2, both on black fallow soils and soils enriched with soya, caused a rise in total porosity (TP) and drainage porosity (DP), and a decrease in soil bulk density (SBD). Biochar with a higher total area and higher porosity (BC1) applied to soils with soya cultivation resulted in lower reductions in AW and FC than BC2 in the second year of investigation.
Intelligent-PID with PD Feedforward Trajectory Tracking Control of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Bingul Zafer , Gul Kursad
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the model-free trajectory tracking control problem for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) subject to the ocean currents, external disturbances, measurement noise, model parameter uncertainty, initial tracking errors, and thruster malfunction. A novel control architecture based on model-free control principles is presented to guarantee stable and precise trajectory tracking performance in the complex underwater environment for AUVs. In the proposed hybrid controller, intelligent-PID (i-PID) and PD feedforward controllers are combined to achieve better disturbance rejections and initial tracking error compensations while keeping the trajectory tracking precision. A mathematical model of an AUV is derived, and ocean current dynamics are included to obtain better fidelity when examining ocean current effects. In order to evaluate the trajectory tracking control performance of the proposed controller, computer simulations are conducted on the LIVA AUV with a compelling trajectory under various disturbances. The results are compared with the two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) i-PID, i-PID, and PID controllers to examine control performance improvements with the guaranteed trajectory tracking stability. The comparative results revealed that the i-PID with PD feedforward controller provides an effective trajectory tracking control performance and excellent disturbance rejections for the entire trajectory of the AUV.
Euler Representation-Based Structural Balance Discriminant Projection for Machinery Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Maoyan , Zhu Yanmin , Su Shuzhi , Fang Xianjin , Wang Ting
Published: February 2023

Fault diagnosis methods are usually sensitive to outliers and it is difficult to obtain and balance global and local discriminant information, which leads to poor separation between classes of low-dimensional discriminant features. For this problem, we propose an Euler representation-based structural balance discriminant projection (ESBDP) algorithm for rotating machine fault diagnosis. First, the method maps the high-dimensional fault features into the Euler representation space through the cosine metric to expand the differences between heterogeneous fault samples while reducing the impact on outliers. Then, four objective functions with different structure and class information are constructed in this space. On the basis of fully mining the geometric structure information of fault data, the local intra-class aggregation and global inter-class separability of the low-dimensional discriminative features are further improved. Finally, we provide an adaptive balance strategy for constructing a unified optimization model of ESBDP, which achieves the elastic balance between global and local features in the projection subspace. The diagnosis performance of the ESBDP algorithm is explored by two machinery fault cases of bearing and gearbox. Encouraging experimental results show that the algorithm can capture effective fault discriminative features and can improve the accuracy of fault diagnosis.
High-Dimensional Covariance Estimation via Constrained Lq-Type Regularization
Authors: Wang Xin , Kong Lingchen , Wang Liqun , Yang Zhaoqilin
Published: February 2023

High-dimensional covariance matrix estimation is one of the fundamental and important problems in multivariate analysis and has a wide range of applications in many fields. In practice, it is common that a covariance matrix is composed of a low-rank matrix and a sparse matrix. In this paper we estimate the covariance matrix by solving a constrained Lq-type regularized optimization problem. We establish the first-order optimality conditions for this problem by using proximal mapping and the subspace method. The proposed stationary point degenerates to the first-order stationary points of the unconstrained Lq regularized sparse or low-rank optimization problems. A smoothing alternating updating method is proposed to find an estimator for the covariance matrix. We establish the convergence of the proposed calculation method. The numerical simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach for high-dimensional covariance estimation.
Credibilistic Cournot Game with Risk Aversion under a Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Feng Zhongwei , Ma Yan , Yang Yuzhong
Published: February 2023

The classic Cournot game ignores the influence of the players’ psychological behavior on the decision and cannot deal with the game problem of fuzzy information. To address such game situations, a credibilistic Cournot game is developed, where the optimistic value criterion derived from credibility theory is used to describe risk-averse behavior of manufacturers and the associated parameters are characterized by fuzzy variables. Then, a concept of the (α1, α2)-optimistic equilibrium quantity is proposed and its uniqueness is shown. Finally, the relevant results of the credibilistic Cournot game are applied to an example to illustrate the availability of our model, and a sensitivity analysis of the relationship between the (α1, α2)-optimistic equilibrium quantity and confidence levels is performed. The results show that manufacturers’ (α1, α2)-optimistic equilibrium quantity is positively related to the risk aversion level of their competitors and negatively to their own risk aversion level.
Lie Bialgebras on the Rank Two Heisenberg–Virasoro Algebra
Authors: Su Yihong , Chen Xue
Published: February 2023

The rank two Heisenberg–Virasoro algebra can be viewed as a generalization of the twisted Heisenberg–Virasoro algebra. Lie bialgebras play an important role in searching for solutions of quantum Yang–Baxter equations. It is interesting to study the Lie bialgebra structures on the rank two Heisenberg–Virasoro algebra. Since the Lie brackets of rank two Heisenberg–Virasoro algebra are different from that of the twisted Heisenberg–Virasoro algebra and Virasoro-like algebras, and there are inner derivations (from itself to its tensor space) which are hidden more deeply in its interior algebraic structure, some new techniques and strategies are employed in this paper. It is proved that every Lie bialgebra structure on the rank two Heisenberg–Virasoro algebra is triangular coboundary.
Study on Chaotic Multi-Attribute Group Decision Making Based on Weighted Neutrosophic Fuzzy Soft Rough Sets
Authors: Zhang Fu , Ma Weimin
Published: February 2023

In this article, we have proposed a multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) with a new scenario or new condition named Chaotic MAGDM, in which not only the weights of the decision makers (DMs) and the weights of the decision attributes are considered, but also the familiarity of the DMs with the attributes are considered. Then we applied the weighted neutrosophic fuzzy soft rough set theory to Chaotic MAGDM and proposed a new algorithm for MAGDM. Moreover, we provide a case study to demonstrate the application of the algorithm. Our contributions to the literature are as follows: (1) familiarity is rubbed into MAGDM for the first time in the context of neutrosophic fuzzy soft rough sets; (2) a new MAGDM model based on neutrosophic fuzzy soft rough sets has been designed; (3) a sorting/ranking algorithm based on a neutrosophic fuzzy soft rough set is constructed.
Barriers to Using Cloud Computing in Sustainable Construction in Nigeria: A Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation
Authors: Omer Mazen M. , Kineber Ahmed Farouk , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Kingsley Chukwuma , Alyanbaawi Ashraf , Rached Ehab Farouk , Elmansoury Ali
Published: February 2023

This study aims to assess the barriers impeding cloud computing (CC) applicability in sustainable construction. A total of 11 barriers in the use of CC were identified for the literature review. A questionnaire survey was used to collect the data from construction stakeholders. In total, 101 valid responses were obtained and analyzed using mean ranking, normalized value (NV), overlapping analysis, Kruskal–Wallis H test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE). The EFA extracted four interrelated components: social, economic, expertise, and connectivity. These components were exported for mathematical analyzing using the FSE technique. As a result, the FSE indicated that connectivity is the highest-impacted component, while the overall impact level of barriers is inclined to high regarding CC applicability in sustainable construction. This is due to other components having an average to high impact level. In this regard, the findings reflect the actual current status of developing countries in using CC in sustainable construction. These research findings will allow construction stakeholders to take proactive steps toward increasing the use of CC in their current and future sustainable construction. Decision-makers could also make accurate decisions that are well-informed in managing CC barriers. This paper provides stakeholders, researchers, and decision-makers with a list of CC barriers that hinder developing countries.
On Modulated Lacunary Statistical Convergence of Double Sequences
Authors: de la Rosa María
Published: February 2023

In earlier works, F. León and coworkers discovered a remarkable structure between statistical convergence and strong Cesàro convergence, modulated by a function f (called a modulus function). Such nice structure pivots around the notion of compatible modulus function. In this paper, we will explore such a structure in the framework of lacunary statistical convergence for double sequences and discover that such structure remains true for lacunary compatible modulus functions. Thus, we continue the work of Hacer Şenül, Mikail Et and Yavuz Altin, and we fully solve some questions posed by them.
Magnetohydrodynamic Bioconvective Flow of Williamson Nanofluid over a Moving Inclined Plate Embedded in a Porous Medium
Authors: Abbas Amir , Khandelwal Radhika , Ahmad Hafeez , Ilyas Asifa , Ali Liaqat , Ghachem Kaouther , Hassen Walid , Kolsi Lioua
Published: February 2023

Research interest in nanotechnology is growing due to its diversified engineering and medical applications. Due to the importance of bioconvection in biotechnology and various biological systems, scientists have made significant contributions in the last ten years. The present study is focusing on the investigation of the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) bioconvective heat transfer of a Williamson nanofluid past an inclined moving plate embedded in a porous medium. The partial differential equations governing the considered configuration are established, then transformed into ordinary differential equations using suitable similarity transformations. The variables corresponding to the velocity, temperature, nanoparticle volume fraction, and density of motile micro-organisms along with their gradients, are computed using the bvp4c-MATLAB built-in numerical solver. Results showed the rising of the buoyancy ration parameter leads to an increase in the flow velocity. It has been also observed that the flow intensity becomes more important with an increase in the Weissenberg number, and the opposite occurs with an increase in the bioconvective Rayleigh number. As an effect of the Brownian motion, a random fluid particle’s motion is encountered.
Programming for High-Performance Computing on Edge Accelerators
Authors: Kang Pilsung
Published: February 2023

The field of edge computing has grown considerably over the past few years, with applications in artificial intelligence and big data processing, particularly due to its powerful accelerators offering a large amount of hardware parallelism. As the computing power of the latest edge systems increases, applications of edge computing are being expanded to areas that have traditionally required substantially high-performant computing resources such as scientific computing. In this paper, we review the latest literature and present the current status of research for implementing high-performance computing (HPC) on edge devices equipped with parallel accelerators, focusing on software environments including programming models and benchmark methods. We also examine the applicability of existing approaches and discuss possible improvements necessary towards realizing HPC on modern edge systems.
New Results Involving the Generalized Krätzel Function with Application to the Fractional Kinetic Equations
Authors: Tassaddiq Asifa , Srivastava Rekha
Published: February 2023

Sun is a basic component of the natural environment and kinetic equations are important mathematical models to assess the rate of change of chemical composition of a star such as the sun. In this article, a new fractional kinetic equation is formulated and solved using generalized Krätzel integrals because the nuclear reaction rate in astrophysics is represented in terms of these integrals. Furthermore, new identities involving Fox–Wright function are discussed and used to simplify the results. We compute new fractional calculus formulae involving the Krätzel function by using Kiryakova’s fractional integral and derivative operators which led to several new identities for a variety of other classic fractional transforms. A number of new identities for the generalized Krätzel function are then analyzed in relation to the H-function. The closed form of such results is also expressible in terms of Mittag-Leffler function. Distributional representation of Krätzel function and its Laplace transform has been essential in achieving the goals of this work.
A Comparison of Two Hormonal Fertility Monitoring Systems for Ovulation Detection: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mu Qiyan , Fehring Richard Jerome
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Accuracy in detecting ovulation and estimating the fertile window in the menstrual cycle is essential for women to avoid or achieve pregnancy. There has been a rapid growth in fertility apps and home ovulation testing kits in recent years. Nevertheless, there lacks information on how well these apps perform in helping users understand their fertility in the menstrual cycle. This pilot study aimed to evaluate and compare the beginning, peak, and length of the fertile window as determined by a new luteinizing hormone (LH) fertility tracking app with the Clearblue Fertility Monitor (CBFM). Materials and Methods: A total of 30 women were randomized into either a quantitative Premom or a qualitative Easy@Home (EAH) LH testing system. The results of the two testing systems were compared with the results from the CBFM over three menstrual cycles of use. Potential LH levels for estimating the beginning of the fertile window were calculated along with user acceptability and satisfaction. Results: The estimates of peak fertility by the Premom and EAH LH testing were highly correlated with the CBFM peak results (R = 0.99, p < 0.001). The participants had higher satisfaction and ease-of-use ratings with the CBFM compared to the Premom and EAH LH testing systems. LH 95% confidence levels for estimating the beginning of the fertile window were provided for both the Premom and EAH LH testing results. Conclusions: Our pilot study findings suggest that the Premom and EAH LH fertility testing app can accurately detect impending ovulation for women and are easy to use at home. However, successful utilization of these low-cost LH testing tools and apps for fertility self-monitoring and family planning needs further evaluation with a large and more diverse population.