bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distributed adaptive formation tracking for heterogeneous multiagent systems with multiple nonidentical leaders and without well‐informed follower
Authors: Hua Yongzhao , Dong Xiwang , Li Qingdong , Ren Zhang 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThis paper studies the time‐varying output formation tracking (OFT) problems for linear heterogeneous multiagent systems with multiple leaders, where both the followers and the leaders can have nonidentical dynamics and dimensions. The existing results on formation tracking with multiple leaders depend on the assumption that each follower is well‐informed or uninformed, where the well‐informed follower has all the leaders as its neighbor. To remove this assumption, a novel OFT approach is presented using a distributed observer scheme. Firstly, based on the local estimation and the interaction with neighboring followers, a fully distributed observer is designed for each follower to estimate the dynamical matrices and the states of multiple leaders without requiring the well‐informed follower assumption. The convergence of the distributed observer is proved by using Lyapunov theory. Then, an adaptive algorithm is proposed to solve the regulator equations in finite time based on the estimation of the leaders' dynamical matrices. Furthermore, the desired time‐varying output formation of each follower is generated by a local active exosystem. A time‐varying OFT protocol is presented using the estimated states of multiple leaders, the online solutions of the regulator equations, and the desired formation vector generated by the local exosystem. It is proved that the outputs of the followers can not only realize the expected formation shape but also track the predefined convex combination of multiple leaders. Finally, a simulation example is given to verify the theoretical results.
The response of anguilliform fish to underwater sound under an experimental setting
Authors: Deleau Mathias J. C. , White Paul R. , Peirson Graeme , Leighton Timothy G. , Kemp Paul S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTraditional physical screens designed to prevent fish entering dangerous areas (e.g., turbine intakes) can have negative impacts due to impingement or mechanical abrasion at high velocities. Behavioural deterrents may provide an alternative approach to screening. This study investigated the potential for a continuous broadband sound to modify the behaviour of two endangered species of anguilliform fish: European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis). Experiments were conducted in an experimental channel. Eel and lamprey were, respectively, released upstream and downstream of an “acoustic maze”. A single individual released per trial encountered two successive chambers that offered a choice of passage through either an ensonified or a control (ambient noise only) corridor with a speaker turned off. Two possible configurations were tested to control for any lateral bias with positions of the activated speakers reversed. The influence of treatment, chamber, and configuration on route selection, rejection, and time to pass were tested. No influence of any of the three factors on route selection was observed for eel. River lamprey tended to pass through the ensonified corridor more often under Configuration 2 but only in the first chamber. Both species were more likely to reject the ensonified corridors than the controls, and the time taken to pass these routes was greater for those that did so. For eel, the variation in time to pass was greater for the non‐migratory (yellow phase) life stage. Although the acoustic signal used in this study influenced fish behaviour, the response observed would likely be insufficient to induce a strong deterrent effect in the field if used in isolation.
Theoretical Insight towards Mechanism, Role of NHC and DBU in the Synthesis of Substituted Quinolines
Authors: Shyam Abhijit , Mondal Paritosh 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA plausible mechanism for the conversion of aldimine to 2‐phenyl‐4‐difluoromethylquinoline catalyzed by N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) in association with 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) is investigated in detail by using density functional theory (DFT) method. Six significant stages are proposed to be involved in the whole catalytic cycle, starting from the generation of NHC followed by its nucleophilic interaction with the carbon atom of C‐N in aldimine to generate corresponding aza‐Breslow intermediate. This aza‐Breslow intermediate further undergoes intramolecular umpolung addition followed by several proton transfers to regenerate the NHC along with 2‐phenyl‐4‐difluoromethylquinoline. The role of NHC in this intramolecular umpolung addition of aza‐Breslow intermediate has been investigated by using conceptual DFT. Apart from NHC; the role of DBU in this catalytic cycle has also been monitored carefully. These theoretical findings are in good agreement with experimental results and also provide a deeper insight into the mechanism of NHC catalyzed synthesis of 2‐phenyl‐4‐difluoromethylquinoline.
Organic‐Inorganic Composite Porous Membrane for Stable and High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Lin Wen , Jiao Jiajia , Li Hao , Li Danpeng , Zhu Taiyang , Song Jiangping , Zhao Shenqiu , Guo Weibin , Tang Haolin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe ionic conductivity of the separator is the essential parameter for performance of lithium ion batteries. Herein, we synthesize a new composite separator through coating of the mixture of poly (methyl methacrylate) and alpha alumina on the surface of commercial polyethylene separator. Benefiting from the excellent electrolyte wettability and high ionic conductivity of the poly (methyl methacrylate), the synthesized separator exhibits promising electrochemical properties. The lithium ion diffusion coefficient of the synthesized separator is 1.48×10−15 cm2 s–1, higher than that of the pristine polyethylene separator (0.808×10−15 cm2 s–1). Furthermore, the introduced alumina can prevent the blockage of the ion transport channels from the electrolyte absorption‐induced swelling of poly (methyl methacrylate), which in turn can improve the cycle performance of the thus‐assembled cells. it means that the cell assembled form the synthesized composite separator shows high charge–discharge cyclability, i. e. the cell assembled from the synthesized composite separator maintains 93.9% of initial discharge capacity after 200 charge‐discharge cycles under the rate of 1 C.
Neural changes following a body-oriented resilience therapy with elements of kickboxing for individuals with a psychotic disorder: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: van der Stouwe Elisabeth C. D. , Pijnenborg Gerdina H. M. , Opmeer Esther M. , de Vries Bertine , Marsman Jan-Bernard C. , Aleman André , van Busschbach Jooske T. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIndividuals with a psychotic disorder are at an increased risk of becoming the victim of a crime. A body-oriented resilience therapy (BEATVIC) aimed at preventing victimization by addressing putatively underlying factors was developed. One of these factors is social cognition, particularly facial affect processing. The current study investigated neural effects of BEATVIC on facial affect processing using two face processing tasks. Participants were randomized to either BEATVIC or a ‘Befriending’ control group. Twenty-seven patients completed an Emotional Faces task and the Wall of Faces task during fMRI, pre- and post-intervention. General linear model analyses yielded no differences between groups over time. Independent component analyses revealed increased activation of the salience network to angry and fearful faces in BEATVIC compared to Befriending. Increased activation of the salience network may suggest an increased alertness for potentially dangerous faces.
Evaluation of microbiological quality of atmospheric air in a selected sewage treatment plant in Lesser Poland
Authors: Paśmionka Iwona 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe adverse impact of sewage treatment plants on the environment, resulting from the emission of harmful biological agents to the atmosphere, depends mainly on the size of the facility, the quantity and composition of treated sewage as well as the technologies and equipment used. The aim of the conducted research was to determine the microbiological quality of atmospheric air at Municipal-Industrial Sewage Treatment Plant in Oświęcim, which is one of the largest treatment plants in Lesser Poland. Bioaerosol measurements were made at four points (raw sewage inlet, aeration chamber, purified sewage outlet and 150 m from the treatment plant, at the background point) in the period from January to December 2018. Bioaerosol samples were collected using Microbiological Air Sampler MAS-100 by Merck. The tested atmospheric air was characterized by a qualitatively and quantitatively diverse microflora. The largest source of emission of microorganisms to the atmosphere was the mechanical part of the sewage treatment plant (raw sewage inlet) and the biological reactor. The highest number of mesophilic bacteria was observed near the biological reactor (in the summer), the least at the control point. During the research, the least β-hemolytic bacteria was isolated at the purified sewage outlet—on average 3 CFU m−3, the highest at the biological reactor 16 CFU m−3. Most of α-hemolytic bacteria was observed near the raw sewage inlet and was not found at the control point. Actinomycetes also occurred in a small amount (0–40 CFU m−3). A high concentration of mildew fungi occurred in summer when the air temperature was highest, the smallest quantities of these microorganisms were found in January and February.
A game theoretic analysis of resource mining in blockchain
Authors: Singh Rajani , Dwivedi Ashutosh Dhar , Srivastava Gautam , Wiszniewska-Matyszkiel Agnieszka , Cheng Xiaochun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBlockchain and cryptocurrency are a hot topic in today’s digital world. In this paper, we create a game theoretic model in continuous time. We consider a dynamic game model of the bitcoin market, where miners or players use mining systems to mine bitcoin by investing electricity into the mining system. Although this work is motivated by BTC, the work presented can be applicable to other mining systems similar to BTC. We propose three concepts of dynamic game theoretic solutions to the model:Social optimum,Nash equilibriumandmyopic Nash equilibrium. Using the model that a player represents a single “miner” or a “mining pool”, we develop novel and interesting results for the cryptocurrency world.
The SAMPL6 challenge on predicting octanol–water partition coefficients from EC-RISM theory
Authors: Tielker Nicolas , Tomazic Daniel , Eberlein Lukas , Güssregen Stefan , Kast Stefan M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractResults are reported for octanol–water partition coefficients (log P) of the neutral states of drug-like molecules provided during the SAMPL6 (Statistical Assessment of Modeling of Proteins and Ligands) blind prediction challenge from applying the “embedded cluster reference interaction site model” (EC-RISM) as a solvation model for quantum-chemical calculations. Following the strategy outlined during earlier SAMPL challenges we first train 1- and 2-parameter water-free (“dry”) and water-saturated (“wet”) models for n-octanol solvation Gibbs energies with respect to experimental values from the “Minnesota Solvation Database” (MNSOL), yielding a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.5 kcal mol−1 for the best-performing 2-parameter wet model, while the optimal water model developed for the pKa part of the SAMPL6 challenge is kept unchanged (RMSE 1.6 kcal mol−1 for neutral compounds from a model trained on both neutral and ionic species). Applying these models to the blind prediction set yields a log P RMSE of less than 0.5 for our best model (2-parameters, wet). Further analysis of our results reveals that a single compound is responsible for most of the error, SM15, without which the RMSE drops to 0.2. Since this is the only compound in the challenge dataset with a hydroxyl group we investigate other alcohols for which Gibbs energy of solvation data for both water and n-octanol are available in the MNSOL database to demonstrate a systematic cause of error and to discuss strategies for improvement.
People with Positive Time Perspective are More Grateful and Happier: Gratitude Mediates the Relationship Between Time Perspective and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Przepiorka Aneta , Sobol-Kwapinska Malgorzata 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe current study examined the associations between time perspective, dispositional gratitude, and life satisfaction. The aim of the study was to check if gratitude mediates the relationship between time perspectives and life satisfaction. The participants were 591 Polish people aged 18–73 (M = 30, SD 5.45). We used several measures: the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Gratitude Questionnaire, the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, the Carpe Diem Scale, and the Present-Eudaimonic Time Perspective Scale. We found that gratitude played a mediating role between the dimensions of time perspective and life satisfaction. The presented results were interpreted in the context of the Pollyanna effect.
Noise Measurements of a Low-Noise Amplifier in the FDM Readout System for SAFARI
Authors: Wang Qian , Audley Michael D. , Khosropanah Pourya , van der Kuur Jan , de Lange Gert , Aminaei Amin , Boersma Dick , van der Tak Floris , Gao Jian-Rong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe SPICA-SAFARI instrument requires extremely sensitive transition edge sensor (TES) arrays with a noise equivalent power of $$2 \times 10^{ - 19} \;{\text{W/}}\sqrt {\text{Hz}}$$2×10-19W/Hz and a readout system with an output noise that is dominated by the detector noise. It is essential to ensure the frequency domain multiplexing (FDM) readout system in SAFARI meets the noise requirement. The FDM system in SAFARI consists essentially of LC filters, a superconducting quantum interference device, a room-temperature low-noise amplifier (LNA), and a demultiplexer. Here we present a noise study of the LNA from a laboratory amplifier chain. We found the equivalent current and voltage noise of the LNA to be $$5.4\;{\text{pA/}}\sqrt {\text{Hz}}$$5.4pA/Hz and $$315\;{\text{pV/}}\sqrt {\text{Hz}}$$315pV/Hz, respectively, which are low enough to read out SAFARI’s TES arrays.
Convergence in the p-Contest
Authors: Kennerberg Philip , Volkov Stanislav 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe study asymptotic properties of the following Markov system of $$N \ge 3$$N≥3 points in [0, 1]. At each time step, the point farthest from the current centre of mass, multiplied by a constant $$p>0$$p>0, is removed and replaced by an independent $$\zeta $$ζ-distributed point; the problem, inspired by variants of the Bak–Sneppen model of evolution and called a p-contest, was posed in Grinfeld et al. (J Stat Phys 146, 378–407, 2012). We obtain various criteria for the convergences of the system, both for $$p<1$$p<1 and $$p>1$$p>1. In particular, when $$p<1$$p<1 and $$\zeta \sim U[0,1]$$ζ∼U[0,1], we show that the limiting configuration converges to zero. When $$p>1$$p>1, we show that the configuration must converge to either zero or one, and we present an example where both outcomes are possible. Finally, when $$p>1$$p>1, $$N=3$$N=3 and $$\zeta $$ζ satisfies certain mild conditions (e.g. $$\zeta \sim U[0,1]$$ζ∼U[0,1]), we prove that the configuration converges to one a.s. Our paper substantially extends the results of Grinfeld et al. (Adv Appl Probab 47:57–82, 2015) and Kennerberg and Volkov (Adv Appl Probab 50:414–439, 2018) where it was assumed that $$p=1$$p=1. Unlike the previous models, one can no longer use the Lyapunov function based just on the radius of gyration; when $$0<p<1$$0<p<1 one has to find a more finely tuned function which turns out to be a supermartingale; the proof of this fact constitutes an unwieldy, albeit necessary, part of the paper.
Engaging Expectant and Parenting Adolescents: Lessons from the Massachusetts Pregnant and Parenting Teen Initiative
Authors: Egan Justine , Bhuiya Nazmim , Gil-Sanchez Lissette , Campbell Stephanie , Clark Jill 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Programs supporting adolescent parents have been shown to increase socio-economic opportunities and promote healthy child development for young families, but retaining young parents is challenging. The Massachusetts Pregnant and Parenting Teen Initiative (MPPTI) offers case management and linkages to community and clinical services to young families. We examine engagement strategies identified by MPPTI participants and staff members in relation to participant retention by program site to identify potential strategies for increasing program engagement.

Methods
We employed a mixed-methods approach incorporating quantitative data on program participant characteristics and program retention by site with qualitative data from staff and participant interviews and focus groups.

Results
Key program engagement strategies identified by both MPPTI staff and youth participants were social-emotional supports, staffing model, and concrete supports. We found significant differences in program retention by site; the two sites with the highest levels of program retention offered all engagement strategies identified.

Discussion
Quantitative data on program retention coupled with qualitative data from staff and youth interviews suggests that in our program, there may be an association between the engagement strategies identified and levels of program retention.
Molecular investigation on the anomalous phenomenon at liquid desiccant surfaces for air conditioning
Authors: Luo Yimo , Akkurt Nevzat , Zhang Kai , Peng Hao , Zhang Xiaosong , She Xiaohui 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIt is necessary to disclose the two-phase interphase behavior in the liquid desiccant dehumidifier/regenerator applicable for air conditioning, but the present investigation is far from enough. In this paper, the surface structure of liquid desiccant solution is analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations. LiBr-H2O is chosen as the working solution with a concentration of 1 M and the system model is built with Gromacs. System temperatures vary from 300 to 350 K covering the temperature range of liquid desiccant dehumidification and regeneration. Density profiles of ions and water molecules are plotted along the vertical directions, and their distribution preferences on the solution surface are discussed. With the molecular simulation, it is found there is an ions-vapor layer with a thickness of 6–9 Å between the saturated vapor and bulk solution, which is not shown in the traditional macroscopic models. The results show that the density of water remains stable in the bulk while decreases sharply on the solution surface. However, the salt ions, i.e. Li+ and Br-, have a peak density on the surface. This ions-vapor layer behaves like a buffer to transfer water molecules from/to the bulk solution. More research will be required to investigate how to control the ions-vapor layer, so that air dehumidification and solution regeneration can be easily operated, which provides significant energy savings for the liquid desiccant air conditioning.
An evaluation of the skills group component of DBT-A for parent/guardians: a mixed methods study
Authors: Flynn Daniel , Gillespie Conall , Joyce Mary , Spillane Ailbhe 
Published: January 2020

Objectives:Previous research indicates that dialectical behaviour therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) is effective in treating emotionally dysregulated adolescents with self-harm and/or suicidal ideation. As part of the DBT-A programme, parents attend the weekly skills group with their child. However, few studies have evaluated parental outcomes in DBT-A. This multi-site study aims to explore the outcomes and experiences of parents who participated in a 16-week DBT-A programme in Ireland.Methods:This study was conducted in community-based child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the national public health system in Ireland. Participants were parent/guardians of adolescents attending a DBT-A programme in their local CAMHS. Participants attended the group skills component of the DBT-A programme. This study utilised a mixed methods approach where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from participants. Self-report measures of burden, grief and parental stress were completed at pre-intervention, post-intervention and 16-week follow-up. Qualitative written feedback was obtained at post-intervention. The data were analysed using multi-level linear mixed-effects models and content analysis.Results:One hundred participants (76% female) took part in this study. Significant decreases were reported for objective burden, subjective burden, grief and parental stress from pre- to post-intervention (p< 0.01). Participants reported that the skills component of DBT-A was useful in meeting their own needs and the needs of their child.Discussion:DBT-A shows promise for parents as well as their adolescent child. Future studies should evaluate changes to family relationships following completion of the programme and also include controlled comparison groups.
Comparison of calculated and measured basic dosimetric parameters for total body irradiation with 6- and 18-MV photon beams
Authors: Hoseinnezhad Elham , Geraily Ghazale , Esfahani Mahbod , Farzin Mostafa , Gholami Somayeh 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPurpose:Total body irradiation (TBI) is an external beam radiation therapy in which large field size and extended source skin distances (SSDs) are applied to deliver a therapeutic dose to the whole body. As measurements in such situations are not common and have more uncertainties in comparison to standard dosimetry situations, it is more precise if calculated beam data can be used instead of measurements taken under TBI situations. The purpose of this study is to compare calculated beam data [percentage depth dose (PDD) and dose rate] with those obtained from simulated treatment measurements.Materials and methods:PDD and dose rates were measured for the 6- and 18-MV photon beams under TBI and standard conditions using 9,000 cm3water phantom and ion chambers (Markus and Farmer). The results were then compared with the calculated PDD and dose rate data. The beam flatness was also measured under TBI and standard conditions for both 6- and 18-MV photon beams, and the results were then compared.Results:A comparison of the measurement and calculated beam data shows that the difference between calculated and measured PDD values is −6·97 and −4·14% for the 6- and 18-MV photon beams, respectively. The ratio of calculated to measured dose rate was 1·09 and 1·02 for the 6- and 18-MV photon beams, respectively. The beam flatness under TBI conditions was 4·59% for 6-MV and 5·37% for 18-MV photon beam, whereas under standard conditions, these values were 1·50 and 1·98% for 6- and 18-MV radiation beams, respectively.Findings:According to the results, due to a high error level in dose rate and PDD calculations, these parameters must be directly measured under TBI conditions; however, regarding the obtained results, direct measurement is not necessary for the 18-MV photon beam.