bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of smoking intensity by age at smoking onset among Iranian adult male using generalized additive model
Authors: Manoochehri Zohreh , Faradmal Javad , Moghimbeigi Abbas
Published: October 2022

Because the age at which a person first starts smoking has such a strong correlation with future smoking behaviours, it's crucial to examine its relationship with smoking intensity. However, it is still challenging to accurately prove this relationship due to limitations in the methodology of the performed studies. Therefore the main purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential risk factors affecting the intensity of smoking, especially the age of smoking onset among Iranian adult male smokers over 18 years of age using a generalized additive model (GAM). In GAM a latent variable with logistic distribution and identity link function was considered. Data from 913 Iranian male current smokers over the age of 18 was evaluated from a national cross-sectional survey of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in 2016. Individuals were classified into: light, moderate, and heavy smokers. A GAM was used to assess the relationship. The results showed that 246 (26.9%) subjects were light smokers, 190 (20.8%) subjects were moderate smokers and 477 (52.2%) subjects were heavy smokers. According to the GAM results, the relationship was nonlinear and smokers who started smoking at a younger age were more likely to become heavy smokers. The factors of unemployment (OR = 1.364, 95% CI 0.725–2.563), retirement (OR = 1.217, 95% CI 0.667–2.223), and exposure to secondhand smoke at home (OR = 1.364, 95% CI 1.055–1.763) increased the risk of heavy smoking. but, smokers with high-income (OR = 0.742, 95% CI 0.552–0.998) had a low tendency to heavy smoking. GAM identified the nonlinear relationship between the age of onset of smoking and smoking intensity. Tobacco control programs should be focused on young and adolescent groups and poorer socio-economic communities.
Seismic design of setback irregular steel structures based on life cycle cost
Authors: Jebelli Sajad Taheri , Behnam Behrouz , Tehrani Payam
Published: October 2022

The seismic design of conventional structures is mainly addressed considering the direct construction cost; the life cycle costs (LCCs) are often neglected. This paper proposes a performance-based framework for optimal seismic design of irregular steel structures; the LCC is involved as an optimization criterion. Two regular 7- and 10-story structures are first designed based on the design earthquake; their geometries are then changed to make them setback irregular having in overall four cases to investigate. Nonlinear analyses are performed to estimate the target displacement for annual exceedance probabilities, different specified acceleration levels, and, accordingly, the extent of the structural damage. The LCCs of the cases studied are calculated to achieve two objectives: an LCC-based optimal design of steel structures, and evaluating the extent of irregularity on the structures’ LCCs. Results indicate that in the regular and irregular 7-story structures, a 40% and a 50% increase in the seismic loads can respectively reduce the LCCs by 31.3% and 34.9%. In the same vein, in the 10-story regular and irregular structures, increasing the seismic loads by 50% can reduce the LCCs by 33.4% and 31.7%, respectively. The results highlight the point that irregular structures, overall, require a higher initial cost than regular structures when the LCC is taken into account as an optimization criterion.
Carbon-encapsulated core–shell structure ZnFe2O4 sphere composites coupled with excellent microwave absorption and corrosion resistance
Authors: Cui Jin , Huang Li , Ma Jingwei , Li Yibin , Yuan Ye
Published: October 2022

Herein, carbon shell encapsulated core–shell structured zinc ferrate (ZnFe2O4) sphere composites (CSZF@C) were fabricated. CSZF@C-1 exhibited a considerable reflection loss of −53.5 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of up to 6.56 GHz.
N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalysed homoenolate addition reaction to 3-cyano-2-imino-2H-chromenes: synthesis of C4-functionalized 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-chromene
Authors: Shukla Pushpendra Mani , Pratap Aniruddh , Maji Biswajit
Published: October 2022

A NHC-catalyzed homoenolate addition reaction between enals and iminochromenes to yields of a new type of C4-functionalized 2-amino-4H-chromenes has been developed.
Construing the metaxin-2 mediated simultaneous localization between mitochondria and nucleolus using molecular viscometry
Authors: Dutta Tanoy , Das Sreeparna , Gupta Ishaan , Koner Apurba Lal
Published: October 2022

A small-molecule fluorescent viscometer deciphered the dual organelle response of mitochondria and nucleolus in live cells. Proteome analysis helped to identify a common protein metaxin-2 that establishes the communication between the two organelles.
Axially chiral indolenine derived chromophore dimers and their chiroptical absorption and emission properties
Authors: Freytag Emely , Holzapfel Marco , Swain Asim , Bringmann Gerhard , Stolte Matthias , Würthner Frank , Lambert Christoph
Published: October 2022

From an axially chiral oxindole, squaraine and merocyanine chromophore dimers with pronounced chiroptical properties were prepared.
Passive robust control for uncertain Hamiltonian systems by using operator theory
Authors: Bu Ni , Zhang Yuyi , Li Xiaoyong , Chen Wei , Jiang Changan
Published: October 2022

In this study, the passivity‐based robust control and tracking for Hamiltonian systems with unknown perturbations by using the operator‐based robust right coprime factorisation method is concerned. For the system with unknown perturbations, a design scheme is proposed to guarantee the uncertain non‐linear systems to be robustly stable while the equivalent non‐linear systems is passive, meanwhile the asymptotic tracking property of the plant output is discussed. Moreover, the design scheme can be also used into the general Hamiltonian systems while the simulation is used to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Analysing the structure of the bulge with Mira variables
Authors: Chrobáková Ž. , López-Corredoira M. , Garzón F.
Published: October 2022

Context. The Galactic bulge at latitude 4 <  |b|(deg) <  10 was claimed to show an X-shape, which means that stellar density distributions along the line of sight have a double peak. However, this double peak is only observed with the red-clump population, and doubt has been cast on its use as a perfect standard candle. As such, a boxy bulge without an X-shape is not discarded.

Aims. We aim to constrain the shape of the bulge making use of a different population: Mira variables from the new Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment data release, OGLE-IV, with an average age of 9 Gyr.

Methods. We analysed an area of the bulge far from the plane, where we fitted the density of the Miras with boxy bulge and X-shaped bulge models and calculated the probability of each model.

Results. We find that the probability of a boxy bulge fitting the data is p = 0.19, whereas the probability for the X-shaped bulge is only p = 2.85 × 10−6 (equivalent to a tension of the model with the data of a 4.7σ level). Therefore, the boxy bulge model seems to be more appropriate for describing the Galactic bulge, although we cannot exclude any model with complete certainty.
Perspective directions of mechanical power transmission research
Authors: Ivanov Viktor , Ivanova Svitlana , Tonkov Georgi , Urum Galyna
Published: October 2022

A lot of publications are devoted to the study of gear transmission, which cover all the features of their design, operation and repair. An in-depth analysis of factors that were not taken into account a decade ago was carried out. The efficiency of the drive, taking into account air resistance, and the stress-strain state of the tooth, taking into account centrifugal deformations, were determined. Thus, there are constant complication of the tasks that researchers set themselves. At the same time, recent achievements in the natural sciences have led to a narrowing of the field of use of gears. Thus, the electric motor replaced the internal combustion engine, which was an important object of research for mechanical engineers. The widespread use DC motors with speed control has led to the abandonment of gearboxes in electric vehicles and metalworking machines. Application of mechanical gears in devices. starting with ordinary watches, and ending with the mechanisms of computer disk drives, is a thing of the past. Further in-depth studies of gears, in some cases, don’t make sense, since the object of research disappears. It is important to identify areas of research that remain relevant in the 21st century. First of all, these are transmission studies that use the latest achievements in other areas of science. These include: the use of new materials in gears; use of new forms of tooth profiles and longitudinal forms of the tooth, without technological restrictions; analysis of the operation of the gear drive based on indirect indicators - the spectrum of noise and thermal fields of housings. Also, the study of gears in which the tooth is a working body, such as chain conveyors and pumps, will never lose relevance. Or, in which the gear train combines a number of functions, for example, the worm gears of elevators, which reduce the angular velocity and serve as a fuse.
Study of the influence of the design of a centrifugal wheel on the pressure characteristics of a multistage pump
Authors: Isametova Madina , Abilezova Gazel
Published: October 2022

The article presents the results of an experimental study of the influence of the number of blades on the pressure-energy characteristics of a multistage centrifugal pump. A vertical submersible multistage centrifugal pump was tested, in which impellers with a different number of blades (6, 7 and 8 blades) were varied. The wheels were manufactured using the latest rapid prototyping technology through SLA printing on high strength polymer resin. The operating speed of the pump was varied at 1450, 2050 and 2850 revolutions per minute (rpm). The effect of different numbers of impeller blades on the performance of a centrifugal pump was investigated on three parameters: pump head (H), hydraulic power and efficiency (η). As a result of the experiments, the dominant influence of the speed on the performance of the centrifugal pump was revealed. It was also found that all pump performance characteristics are generally sensitive to changes in rotational speed, and not to changes in the number of blades. As a result of the research, it was revealed that the flow rate during pump operation plays a key role in head, power and efficiency indicators. The conducted research allowed to conclude that the number of blades does not have a significant impact on the performance of a centrifugal pump.
On the using of two-carrier planetary gear trains with two compound and four external shafts as change-gears
Authors: Peneva Mariya , Radkova Kristiyana , Troha Sanjin , Karaivanov Dimitar
Published: October 2022

An overview of all possible structural schemes of two-carrier planetary gear trains (PGTs) with two compound and four external shafts is made. One of possible application of these PGTs is as change-gears. A few cases of this application are presented and investigated through the torque method. Kinematical possibilities of PGTs in question as function of parameters of component simple PGTs are discussed.
Extended Wear Lifetime Calculation for Grease Lubricated Gears in Consideration of Surface Hardness and Roughness
Authors: Siewerin Benedikt J. , Tobie Thomas , Stahl Karsten
Published: October 2022

Greases have a variety of advantages when special operating conditions apply for gear lubrication, e. g. improved properties against continuous (or slow speed) wear. Often, gears with different surface hardness are combined, in order to reduce costs during manufacturing and heat treatment. However, this has detrimental effect on the wear lifetime. Consequently, the calculation of the wear service life within the gear design process is essential. One common way of wear lifetime prediction is the calculation method acc. to Plewe that is typically combined with a standardized wear test with case carburized gears. It allows to calculate the wear carrying capacity for different gear-lubricant-systems, but a conversion between gear stages of different gear materials is not possible so far. Based on theoretical studies, influences from different surface hardness and surface roughness values as well as lubricating conditions were investigated on FZG back-to-back test rig. The results prove that hard-soft gear pairings have a higher risk for strong wear compared to case hardened gear stages, but basically follow the same trends and mechanisms. Furthermore, surface roughness of the harder gear has an effect on the wear life time of the softer gear. Based on these results the existing calculation method for the wear lifetime of gears was extended.
Grüneisen parameters in the quantum paramagnet with the magnetoelectric coupling
Authors: Zvyagin A. A. , Zvyagina G. A.
Published: October 2022

It is shown theoretically that magnetic Grüneisen parameter for the quantum orthorhombic paramagnet manifests features similar to the ones observed in many-body quantum spin systems at critical points. For the paramagnet with the strong coupling between the spin and electric subsystems, we have introduced the electric Grüneisen parameter, which is the characteristic of the electrocaloric effect in the system. The low-temperature behavior of both Grüneisen parameters is determined by the crossover points of the spectrum of the quantum paramagnet.
Interaction of phonons with spherical nanoparticles embedded densely in simple crystalline matrix. Case of nitrogen-palladium nanocomposite
Authors: Nikonkov R. V. , Stachowiak P.
Published: October 2022

The results of experimental investigations of thermal conductivity of nanocomposites built of palladium spherical nanoparticles embedded in the structure of crystalline nitrogen are presented in this paper. The investigations were carried out on the samples containing the Pd nanospheres of diameters of 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, and 24 nm at the palladium fraction amounting to 15% of the nanocomposite volume. The measurements were performed with a steady-state heat flow method in the temperature interval of 2–35 K. For the analysis of the experimental results, the relaxation time approximation in the frame of the thermal conductivity Debye model was used. The analysis shows that the nitrogen matrix phonons can effectively interact with spherical nanoparticles in, at least, four different mechanisms. Two of those mechanisms, a diffuse scattering by the boundary of two media (which are the matrix and the material of the nanoparticle) and an oscillating resultant of interaction of nanoparticle phonons with the matrix phonons, result in a decrease of the nanocomposite thermal conductivity. The remaining two mechanisms would be considered nonthermal resistive scattering processes: The first of them is the specular scattering of the matrix phonons by the matrix and the nanoparticle material interface. The second one is a forward scattering, in which the matrix phonon penetrates the nanoparticle and afterward penetrates another one without any resistive interaction with phonons of the crystalline matrix. The analysis shows that the nonresistive processes are significantly more frequent in the investigated nanocomposites than the resistive ones. Such a conclusion is in perfect agreement with the results of the analysis of the phonon mean free path in the nitrogen crystal-palladium nanospheres composite.
Optical properties of cylindrical quantum dots with diluted magnetic semiconductors structure
Authors: Babanli A. M. , Sabyrov Vepa
Published: October 2022

The optical properties of diluted magnetic semiconductor cylindrical quantum dot caused by interband transitions are investigated. The behavior of a quantum dot as a function of the energy of an incident photon is studied for various values of temperature, magnetic field, and structural parameters. It is shown that a change in the distance between the energies of electrons and holes in identical quantum states affects the maximum of the absorption coefficient. According to the results obtained, an increase in temperature increases the absorption maximum and shifts it toward lower energy. As the magnetic field increases, the absorption maximum decreases and shifts toward higher energy. In addition, it was found that the absorption threshold frequency varies linearly at high temperatures and nonlinearly at low temperatures depending on the magnetic field.
A superconductor/TMR composite magnetic sensor for pico-Tesla magnetic field detection
Authors: Sun Kun , Yang Lan , Li Peisen , Tao Jun , Zhang Xinmiao , Ji Minhui , Peng Junping , Pan Mengchun , Chen Dixiang , Hu Jiafei , Qiu Weicheng , Zhang Qi , Hu Yueguo
Published: October 2022

A highly sensitive superconductor/tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) composite magnetic sensor was designed and fabricated to satisfy the demands of detecting weak magnetic fields down to the pT range at low frequencies. First, analysis of the 1/f noise provided an optimized design scheme for the TMR unit to reduce the noise level. Then, the key structural parameters of the superconducting flux transformation amplifier (SFTA) were optimized with focus on the bonding quality between SFTA and TMR units using the finite element method to enhance the magnetic field magnification factor. An SFTA–TMR composite method with secondary alignment and multi-step bonding was proposed to fabricate the composite magnetic sensor and ensure the designed bonding gap and alignment accuracy. Experiments showed that the magnetic field sensitivity reached 5 pT/Hz0.5 (@ 13 Hz), which is beyond the highest level of superconductor/TMR composite magnetic sensors reported to date and is a further step toward the application of weak magnetic field detection.
Thermoelectric properties of Rashba compounds KSnX (X = Sb, Bi)
Authors: Barman Niharendu , Matin Md. , Barman Arabinda , Haldar Prabir Kumar
Published: October 2022

Here, we have presented the results of the detailed theoretical study of thermoelectric properties of two Rashba compounds KSnSb and KSnBi using first principles calculations based on density functional theory and Boltzmann transport theory taking spin–orbit coupling (SOC) into account. As these compounds have layered-type crystal structures, their transport parameters are found to be highly anisotropic. For KSnBi (KSnSb), the calculated lattice thermal conductivity κl along its crystallographic c axis is found to have ultralow value of 0.49 W m−1 K−1 (0.78 W m−1 K−1) even at room temperature, whereas almost twofold larger value of κl is estimated along its crystallographic a axis. However, large values of other transport parameters like electrical conductivity σ and thermopower S desirable for a high power factor (S2σ) are found along the a axis of these compounds. For KSnSb, the optimum a axis ZT=2.6 can be reachable for an electron concentration of 3.3 × 1019 cm−3 and at a temperature of 800 K. Comparable value of optimum a axis ZT=2.5 is also noted for KSnBi despite its strong susceptibility to bipolar conduction. Both these non-centrosymmetric compounds exhibit SOC-driven Rashba spin splitting of electronic bands, which affects both thermopower and electrical conductivity of these compounds. However, such Rashba spin splitting induced change in thermopower is almost negated by the concomitant change in electrical conductivity, resulting in no appreciable impact on power factor and hence ZT of the studied compounds.
Non-inductive plasma vertical position measurement for the 1056 s discharge on EAST
Authors: Lian H. , Liu H. Q. , Brower D. L. , Ding W. X. , Huang Y. , Wang S. X. , Li W. M. , Chu Y. Q. , Zhu R. J. , Jie Y. X.
Published: October 2022

Vertical position stability plays a crucial role in maintaining safe and reliable plasma operation for long-pulse fusion devices. In general, the vertical position is measured by using inductive magnetic coils installed inside the vacuum vessel; however, the integration drift effects are inherent for steady-state or long-pulse plasma operation. Developing a non-magnetic approach provides a fusion reactor-relevant steady-state solution that avoids the negative impact of integration drift. In this paper, we compare the non-inductively determined vertical position achieved by line-integrated interferometer and polarimeter measurements to that employing an inductive flux loop for a 1056 s discharge recently achieved on EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak). Experimental results show that the non-inductive measurement is more robust than flux loops after 300 s if the integrator is not reset to suppress integrator drift. Real-time vertical position control using the non-inductive system is proposed for the next EAST experimental campaign.
Study on the electronic and structural properties of oxidized copper films
Authors: Rafei Mouna , Miranda La Hera Vladimir , Reza-Barzegar Hamid , Gracia-Espino Eduardo , Wågberg Thomas
Published: October 2022

A detailed study of the oxidation of Cu substrates was carried out under controlled conditions by regulating the pressure, atmosphere composition, process time, and temperature. By tuning the synthesis conditions, the formation of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) or cupric oxide (CuO) could be preferentially promoted. The oxidation temperature was varied from 400 to 1050 °C, and a gradual oxidation of metallic Cu to Cu2O was achieved at mild oxidation conditions (400–600 °C), while the formation of CuO was only observed at higher temperatures (≥900 °C). The surface morphology was also affected changing from a highly granular texture (400 °C) with grain sizes between 0.59 ± 0.15 µm to smooth large crystallites (≥900 °C) with a size within 2.76 ± 0.97 µm. We also show that by controlling the oxidation temperature (400–1050 °C), it is possible to tune the work function and the ionization potential of the resulting Cu2O/CuO film, properties that are important for various optoelectronic applications.
Building health workforce capacity in Northern Australia
Authors: Johnston Michael , Smith-Vaughan Heidi , Bowman-Derrick Sophie , Hopkins Jayde , McCrory Kelly , Collins Raelene , Marsh Robyn , Griffiths Kalinda , Mayo Mark
Published: October 2022

The Menzies Ramaciotti Regional and Remote Health Sciences Training Centre (Menzies-Ramaciotti Centre) is located within the Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) in Darwin, Northern Territory (NT). The Menzies-Ramaciotti Centre is contributing to the development of a local health workforce in the NT, including a strong biomedical workforce. The Centre facilitates health workforce career progression for regional and remote youth, with a focus on career development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) youth. The Centre works in collaboration with a range of industry and education partners, who also have strong workforce development goals and a commitment to serving a vital community need to build pathways into work and study with First Nations peoples. Part of the Centre’s focus entails delivery of high-quality training in biomedical sciences, including theoretical and practical skill development in microbiology, laboratory techniques, immunology, public health, data science, allied health, and health research. The Centre uses a non-linear, strengths-based approach to training with a multiplicity of entry and exit points including high school work experience placements, traineeships, vocational placements, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate placements.
Paroemiological argumentation in Italian and French journalistic discourse
Authors: Bletsas Marina
Published: October 2022

Proverbs are often used in argumentation to convey an epistemic or deontic point of view. While their
argumentative potential has not failed to gain the attention of linguists, much remains to be done in terms of analyzing their
pragmatic function in single argumentative contexts and languages. With a view to this desideratum, and embracing a contrastive
perspective, I pose the question of the argumentative role of proverbs in Italian and French journalistic discourse. In a
pragma-dialectical framework, I take the rhetorical perspective to pertain to argumentation as much as the dialectical one and
show the potential of proverbs in both spheres. However, I then focus mainly the former perspective, showing how paroemiological
argumentation can help mitigate the difference of opinion especially in the case of dissent and facilitate argumentative
effectiveness thanks to protagonist-centered and antagonist-oriented strategies involving linguistic polyphony and
non-directness.
(De-)constructing New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern’s initiative to wear the hijab after the Christchurch terrorist attack
Authors: Salahshour Neda , Serafis Dimitris
Published: October 2022

This paper examines the discursive construction of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after she wore a veil following
the unprecedented terror attack in two mosques in the city of Christchurch in 2019. The articles analyzed are collected from three
main newspapers published in New Zealand’s three main cities. Analyzed using principles and tools from Critical Discourse Studies
(CDS) and Argumentum Model of Topics (AMT) more specifically, the articles reveal key arguments from both sides i.e. in support of
and against this unparalleled initiative on behalf of a political leader in the western world. On the one hand, the majority of
the news articles under analysis portray PM’s initiative as one that attempts to mitigate tension and conflict while bringing
solidarity to a grief-stricken nation; and thus, are based on the ‘locus from ontological implications’. While the perspectives
that oppose the initiative vary from explicit racist ones that present Muslims as threat to Zealand, to those who strongly believe
such actions support the women oppression. Through a (de-)construction of the arguments opposing this move, the findings
demonstrate that the opposition towards PM’s initiative is based on two main loci namely the ‘locus from correlates’ and the
‘locus from termination and setting up’
Free-standing nanowire layer-transfer parametric optimisation of multi-response process by Grey Taguchi design
Authors: Muduli Sakti Prasanna , Kale Paresh
Published: October 2022

Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) possess advantages over bulk silicon, such as higher surface-to-volume ratio and light trapping capability. The metal-assisted chemical etching fabricates SiNWs, and anodisation-electropolishing lifts off a free-standing film of the vertically aligned nanowires. The paper shows the reusability of the substrate for cost-effectiveness with a minute change in the surface roughness. Owing to multiple controlling and output parameters involved during fabrication, optimising process parameters for a specific application by the factorial method is expensive and tedious. Pure Taguchi design struggles with a multi-response system, whereas the Grey relational analysis converts the multi-response system to a single-response system by assigning grades. The Grey Taguchi design optimises the fabrication parameters for the optimum outcome, which is validated by experimentation.
Boundary condition analysis of first and second order topological insulators
Authors: Wu Xi , Kimura Taro
Published: October 2022

We analytically study boundary conditions of the Dirac fermion models on a lattice, which describe the first and second order topological insulators. We obtain the dispersion relations of the edge and hinge states by solving these boundary conditions, and clarify that the Hamiltonian symmetry may provide a constraint on the boundary condition. We also demonstrate the edge-hinge analog of the bulk-edge correspondence, in which the nontrivial topology of the gapped edge state ensures gaplessness of the hinge state.
A novel denoising method for low SNR NMR logging echo signal based on deep learning
Authors: Liu Yao , Cai Jun , Jiang Zhimin , Zhang Pu , Cheng Jingjing
Published: October 2022

The T
2 spectrum obtained by inversion of the nuclear magnetic resonance logging echo signal can provide various petrophysical parameters to help technicians effectively identify the type of fluid. However, raw logging data with a low signal-to-noise ratio can cause inversion results to deviate from the truth. Therefore, a deep learning denoising method is proposed to eliminate the limitations of traditional mathematical transform methods. A one-dimensional deep convolutional generative adversarial networks model is designed to fit the noise distribution of actual logging data, then generate simulation data. A multi-scale echo denoising network (MsEDNet) is designed to adaptively learn the multi-exponential decay characteristics of the signal and the optimal transform space. The denoising dataset consists of simulation data and logging data, which is applied to train MsEDNet and improve the generalization performance. With effectiveness analysis and various denoising experiments, it is validated that the proposed method has excellent denoising performance on simulation data, logging data, and water tank data.
Progress on physics understanding of improved confinement with fishbone instability at low q
95 < 3.5 operation regime in EAST
Authors: Zhang B. , Gong X. , Qian J. , Zeng L. , Xu L.Q. , Duan Y.M. , Zhang J.Y. , Hu Y.C. , Jia T.Q. , Li P. , Liang R.R. , Wang Z.H. , Zhu X. , Wang S.X. , Ma Q. , Ye L. , Huang J. , Ding R. , the EAST Team
Published: October 2022

Improved confinement at the low q
95 < 3.5 operation regime with fishbone instability compared to sawtooth oscillation has been observed and investigated on the EAST under the dominant electron heating condition with a tungsten divertor. The formation of an internal transport barrier in the ion thermal channel strongly correlates to the excitation of the fishbone, accompanied by reduced particle outward transport in the core region identified by a central peaked density profile. Current density distribution is found to change from a monotonic shape with q
0 < 1 during sawtooth oscillation to a central flat structure, magnetic shear s ∼ 0 at ρ < 0.4, with the fishbone instability at where the higher off-axis bootstrap current fraction might play a critical role. Linear gyrokinetic simulation by NLT code was carried out to investigate the turbulent transport characteristics, which is qualitatively in good agreement with experimental measurements from CO2 laser collective scattering diagnostics. The electron-scale trapped electron mode that dominates the turbulent transport during sawtooth is found to be stabilized with the fishbone at identical heating power and plasma configurations.
Challenges and progress in the application of physiological models for clinical decision support in cardiovascular medicine
Authors: Hose D R , Lawford PV , Halliday I , Rafiroiu D , Lungu A
Published: October 2022

The IUPS Physiome and the European Commission’s Virtual Physiological Human (VPH), funded under the Framework 7 programme, are just two of the major initiatives that have supported the development of physiological models for clinical decision support. There is significantprogress in the formalisation of the concept of the Digital Twin for human physiology and in processes for model personalisation, verification and validation. The VPH Institute and the Avicenna Alliance continue to promote best practice in this area. One of the most important challenges is to achieve the right level of complexity in the model. The most comprehensive models seek to capture all that is known about the physiological system, including detailed anatomy, organ interactions, control functions, and physical, chemical and biological processes. These models can be of enormous value in understanding human physiology, but can also be terribly difficult to personalise to support the clinical management of an individual. There is inevitable conflict between model complexity and the pragmatic limitation of data collection in the clinical pathway. In this presentation we make the case for a 3-axis digital twin, including recognition of the individual physiological envelope, and introduce three applications in cardiovascular medicine.
Measurements of Human Exposure to EMF from 4G systems: some experimental issues in urban environments
Authors: Betta G , Capriglione D , Cerro G , Miele G , Suka D , Ruttner M
Published: October 2022

Assessments of human exposure to EMF in urban environments represent one of the most complex tasks because of the factors causing large temporal variations and spatial non-uniformities of the measurement results among which are increased number of RF sources, numerous reflections, and scattering objects. In this sense, human exposure to 4G systems became a real challenge due to its current wide spreading. Following the guidelines provided by the relevant technical standards in force, this paper describes the experimental results achieved by performing a long-term analysis for several days and weeks on three network operators and three frequency bands adopted in Italy for 4G communications. In particular, the stability of the 4G pilot signal levels, i.e. PBCH, is analyzed. Indeed, such a level is involved in the maximum extrapolation techniques which should always warrant worst-case and time-independent estimations of the maximum E field. The effects of the averaging time on raw data is evaluated for quantifying its effect on the possibility of reducing the variability of human exposure assessment based on the use of the extrapolation techniques. Another important issue that is related to exposure safety requirements is the determination of compliance boundaries from RBS transmitting antennas (when put into service), mainly estimated by measurements and calculations (or simulations) for the areas accessible by the general public. In this regard, here are illustrated examples for measurement and simulation approaches for a roof terrace exposure conditions at two different locations in Austria.
Expected benefits and foreseen steps in creating energy communities in Romania
Authors: Darabant L
Published: October 2022

In 2019 the EU updated its energy policy (by adopting the Clean energy for all Europeans package) to enhance the transition from fossil fuels towards green energy - implementing the commitments of the EU’s Paris Agreement (adopted at the COP21 in December 2015) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement on this new energy rulebook marked a significant step towards implementing the energy union strategy, published in 2015. Through this package, the EU has introduced the concept of energy communities in its legislation, notably as citizen energy communities and renewable energy communities. To incorporate the new regulations introduced by this package in the Romanian law, the Romanian government issued an Emergency Ordinance (143/December 28, 2021), that updates the Electrical energy and natural gas law (123/2012). The concept of energy communities is, from now on, part of our own legislation, and the creation of such communities in Romania can start, although there are still many questions regarding the effective steps to be taken in this process. This paper tries to emphasize the foreseen advantages of this new concept and how it could be implemented in our country.
Biological neural network model based on a non-linear stochastic system
Authors: Popovici C , Pătraşcu Cutaru A , Tuţă L , Roşu G , Fichte Lars Ole , Baltag O
Published: October 2022

As a contribution to recent activities in the field of modelling electro-biological phenomena, we would like to present an investigation on the electrical properties of a network of neuron and propose a simplified model for brain activity, based on a biological neural network represented by a non-linear system with stochastic components. The network’s fundamental element is represented by Izhikevich model, and including several types of responses, grouped into excitatory and inhibitory response. The network’s electrical activity is compared to a biological signal obtained from an electroencephalogram recording, and it is noted that the correlation between the biological and the simulated signal increases with the number of neurons in the network.
Automatic detection of melanoma by deep learning models-based feature extraction and fine-tuning strategy
Authors: Barburiceanu S , Terebeș R
Published: October 2022

Skin cancer is one of the most common and lethal cancers in the world. Even though melanoma accounts for a small fraction of all skin cancer types, it is currently the leading cause of skin cancer fatalities. In order to accurately identify the disease in the initial stages, dermoscopy was designed to help specialists and increase the detection rate. Deep learning has been found in recent research to be particularly beneficial in the detection of skin cancer and medical diagnostics. Within this context, we propose adopting two deep-learning algorithms to detect benign and melanoma skin conditions. The first option entails extracting features from CNN pre-trained networks and applying machine-learning classification to make predictions, while the second explores using a fine-tuning methodology combined with data augmentation. The goal of this work is to compare the two methodologies in terms of classification performance and time efficiency. A public database including dermoscopic images of melanoma and normal skin lesions is used for the experimental evaluation. The experimental evaluation reveals that pre-trained models offer superior performance in terms of accuracy and processing time.
Game-based virtual reality solution for post-stroke balance rehabilitation
Authors: Ciorap R , Andriţoi D , Casuţă A , Ciorap M , Munteanu D
Published: October 2022

In recent years, there has been a remarkable decline in stroke-related mortality. However, it remains one of the leading causes of death and the most prominent cause of lifelong disability in adults. This positive development results from increased accessibility to various stroke treatment options. In addition, the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation offers a possible alternative to traditional methods of medical rehabilitation of the upper limbs, improving muscle strength or balance. An early diagnosis of equilibrium deficits brings an incredible contribution to recovery. Analysis tests using stabilometric platforms have begun to be used more recently due to the advantages offered. This assessment method highlights and analyzes balance disorders and determines the body's center of gravity position through several sensors or arrays of sensors that transmit information to the processing software. This work aimed to develop a low-cost, stabilometric platform that could be used to build a recovery system using virtual reality-based games. The developed platform uses an Arduino UNO microcontroller that takes data from 4 force sensors. Two applications have been created. The first one was for balance maintenance and the second for execute balance exercises in the anteroposterior and mediolateral direction.
Observing the different optimizations in communication protocols for more efficient algorithms in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zanaj B , Peci A , Zanaj E
Published: October 2022

The different optimization performed for data exchange between the nodes of a wireless sensor network is necessary to reduce as much as possible the energy consumption. The battery constrain is the main challenge in this kind of network implementation. The protocol used for data communication from the source the sensing node toward the sink needs to bring an improvement. It will allow a longer lifetime duration for the network by keeping the nodes alive for a longer time. A longer the lifetime of the network allows its usability in different environment where the monitoring of different conditions maybe a necessity. But lately the Wireless Sensor Networks are used as well for tracking purposes like finding the nurses and doctors in a hospital centre. The data exchange and choices of the next sensor node to pass the data in the new algorithms apply the social behaviour of the birds, bees, ants in their search for food where those are in bunches or colonies. Also, within Wireless Sensor Networks application the nodes communicate by mimicking their social behaviour within the algorithm used for the data exchange, with the only purpose that data transmission and communication with the other nodes might not drain the battery.
Evaluation of a panoramic dental radiography properties by using Canny method
Authors: Stăncioi C M , Munteanu M , Abrudean M , Mureşan V , Bunta O
Published: October 2022

The main goal of this paper is to analyse the panoramic dental radiography by applying the Canny technique which is customized for this type of images and to obtain an image much more clear to interpret after processing it. From the resulted image then can be extracted all the necessary information for giving a diagnostic. The method can be extended and an application can be designed in such a way that a dental specialist can use it to better examine the characteristics of a patient's intraoral configuration. The simulations on different images hard to read by the human eye were done using the Matlab work environment. Image-processing techniques represent a very important part in this process and the best method which was successful will be detailed in this paper. Some image properties can be identified automatically even before the original image has been processed, but after the processing step, all the information and also the hidden details can be observed by a specialist. As a conclusion, each step performed and described in this article will aid in the analysis of panoramic dental radiography characteristics.
Solution to a conjecture of Schmidt and Tuller on one-dimensional packings and coverings
Authors: Frankl Nóra , Kupavskii Andrey , Sagdeev Arsenii
Published: October 2022

In 2008, Schmidt and Tuller stated a conjecture concerning optimal packing and covering of integers by translates of a given three-point set. In this note, we confirm their conjecture and relate it to several other problems in combinatorics.
Geometric quadratic Chabauty over number fields
Authors: Čoupek Pavel , Lilienfeldt David , Xiao Luciena X. , Yao Zijian
Published: October 2022

This article generalizes the geometric quadratic Chabauty method, initiated over

Q

\mathbb {Q}

by Edixhoven and Lido, to curves defined over arbitrary number fields. The main result is a conditional bound on the number of rational points on curves that satisfy an additional Chabauty type condition on the Mordell–Weil rank of the Jacobian. The method gives a more direct approach to the generalization by Dogra of the quadratic Chabauty method to arbitrary number fields.
Emerin prevents BAF-mediated aggregation of lamin A on chromosomes in telophase to allow nuclear membrane expansion and nuclear lamina formation
Authors: Snyers L. , Löhnert R. , Weipoltshammer K. , Schöfer C.
Published: October 2022

The nuclear envelope LEM-domain protein emerin prevents BAF-mediated accumulation of lamin A on the chromosome surface in telophase, allowing expansion of the nuclear membrane at the core region and rapid reformation of the lamin A/C-based nuclear lamina. The LEM-domain and lumenal domain of emerin are required for its targeting to the core region.
Membrane stretching activates calcium permeability of a putative channel Pkd2 during fission yeast cytokinesis
Authors: Poddar Abhishek , Hsu Yen-Yu , Zhang Faith , Shamma Abeda , Kreais Zachary , Muller Clare , Malla Mamata , Ray Aniruddha , Liu Allen P. , Chen Qian
Published: October 2022

The fission yeast polycystin channel Pkd2 is required for the expansion of cell volume during cell growth and cytokinesis. Here, we discovered that Pkd2 is permeable to calcium when it is activated by membrane stretching, and this putative channel promotes separation calcium spikes during cytokinesis.
The role of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors in frail older adults with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Evans Marc , Morgan Angharad R , Davies Sarah , Beba Hannah , Strain William David
Published: October 2022

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors offer significant outcome benefits beyond glucose lowering, including reduced risk of cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, hospitalisations for heart failure and progression of renal disease. Considering these therapeutic effects, minimal incremental risk for hypoglycaemia and simplicity of administration, this drug class appears to be an attractive therapeutic option for older adults, and post hoc analysis of trial data provides support for the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in this population. Nevertheless, despite favourable clinical trial data, there has been some hesitance in clinical practice prescribing these drugs to older frail adults due to the limited therapeutic experience in this population and insufficient long-term safety data. In this review article, we evaluate the risk–benefit profile for the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in this population and suggest that rather than being a treatment to avoid, SGLT2 inhibitors should be considered a valid therapeutic option for older frail adults with or without diabetes.
Peer-supported exercise intervention for persons with mild cognitive impairment: a waitlist randomised controlled trial (the BRAin Vitality Enhancement trial)
Authors: Li Polly W C , Yu Doris S F , Siu Parco M , Wong Schwinger C K , Chan Bernice S
Published: October 2022

Background

motivating older people with cognitive impairment to remain physically active is challenging.

Objective

this study aimed to examine the effects of a peer-supported exercise intervention on the cognitive function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Design

a two-arm randomised controlled trial.

Setting and participants

community-dwelling persons with MCI were recruited from community centres for older adults in Hong Kong.

Methods

participants randomised to the intervention group received an 8-week group-based peer-supported multicomponent exercise intervention, while the waitlist control group received usual care. A battery of neuropsychological tests and the Short Form-36 were administered at baseline, immediately post-intervention and 3 months post-intervention.

Results

two hundred and twenty-nine participants were randomised to the intervention (n = 116) or control (n = 113) group. Compared with the control group, participants in the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in processing speed and attention measured by the Colour Trails Test 1 (β = 7.213, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.870–11.557, P = 0.001) and working memory measured by the Digit Span Backward Test (β = 0.540, 95% CI = 0.199–0.881, P = 0.002) immediately post-intervention. The effects were sustained at 3 months post-intervention. Similarly, significantly greater improvements in sequencing and mental flexibility measured by the Colour Trails Test 2 were observed in the intervention group 3 months post-intervention (β = 6.979, 95% CI = 3.375–10.584, P < 0.001). Changes in global cognition, short-term memory and HRQoL were not significant.

Conclusion

the peer-supported exercise intervention was effective at sustaining improvements in executive function, attention and working memory in persons with MCI.