bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an in vivo methylation system for transformation of Ruminiclostridium cellulolyticum
Authors: Cheng Ying , Jiang Yuanyuan , Ren Zhenxing , Fu Yuejun , Xu Chenggang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Aims
Ruminiclostridium cellulolyticum, an anaerobic cellulolytic bacterium producing an efficient cellulolytic extracellular complex named cellulosome, is a promising host for biofuel production from lignocellulose. This study aims to develop a rapid transformation method for R. cellulolyticum avoiding its restriction system.

Methods and Results
The CceI restriction system is a major barrier to introduction of foreign DNA into R. cellulolyticum cells. To improve the transformation efficiency of R. cellulolyticum, the gene encoding CceI methyltransferase (M.CceI) of R. cellulolyticum H10 was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli, resulting in an in vivo methylation system for transformation of R. cellulolyticum. The electrotransformation experiments of R. cellulolyticum H10 with the E. coli-Clostridium shuttle plasmid pMTC6 showed that the transformation efficiency reached up to 2.6 × 103±0.23 × 103 CFU per μg plasmid DNA. The results demonstrated that the system is able to confer the M.CceI-specific DNA methylation pattern to its resident plasmid, which makes the plasmid resistant to the CceI restriction and efficiently transferred into R. cellulolyticum.

Conclusions
In this study, we generated an in vivo methylation system of R. cellulolyticum, allowing interspecies DNA transfer and improving transformation efficiency.

Significance and Impact of the Study
This research result will greatly facilitate the metabolic engineering of R. cellulolyticum for biofuel production directly from cellulose.
A tale of many jurisdictions: how universal jurisdiction is creating a transnational judicial space
Authors: LEFRANC SANDRINE 
Published: November 2021

AbstractUniversal jurisdiction (UJ), which not very long ago seemed condemned to extinction, is now becoming routine. It has been endorsed by 109 states, and the number of prosecutions is increasing. This article is based on an ethnographic study of the recent trial in France of Pascal Simbikangwa, a Rwandan accused of participating in the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. Using the concepts of ‘vernacularization’ and ‘transnational legal orders’, it shows how UJ is creating a transnational judicial space (TJS). Involving both partisan and ordinary actors, this process is fraught with multiple conflicts. Although UJ does not participate in the dissemination of a uniform definition of genocide, it makes various jurisdictions work together. This fragmented transnational justice is paradoxically contributing to the integration of national legal systems.
Digital product innovation management: Balancing stability and fluidity through formalization
Authors: Pesch Robin , Endres Herbert , Bouncken Ricarda B. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWhile an increasing body of research is considering the role of digital product innovation for firms’ survival, there is still a dearth of studies on how firms can best pursue digital product innovations. The development of these innovations is often accompanied by uncertainty and ambiguity. Thus, firms might benefit from the greater clarity and guidance that result from formalization. However, the application of formalized procedures and structures might also lead to the suppression of fluidity, creativity, or change. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine if formalization at the project level can enhance digital product innovation. A partial duality logic integrating evidence of both the positive and negative effects of formalization builds the fundament for the hypothesized model. We use survey and patent data for a sample of 395 firms operating in the manufacturing industry to test the model. The results suggest the diminishing marginal utility of formalization—that is, formalization enhances digital product innovation radicalness and digital product innovation performance but with decreasing positive marginal returns. These findings challenge the widespread assumptions on the relationship between formalization and innovation. This new perspective on the relationship between formalization and innovation helps identify conditions in which formalization can facilitate firms’ efforts to develop profitable, innovative digital products. For example, the results demonstrate that older firms in particular can benefit from formalization. In turn, beyond providing insights for executives, this study offers answers to persistent research questions concerning which organizational arrangements are optimal for enhancing digital product innovation.
Molecular profiling of intrabony defects' gingival crevicular fluid
Authors: Koidou Vasiliki P. , Hagi‐Pavli Eleni , Cross Samantha , Nibali Luigi , Donos Nikolaos 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimTo profile, for the first time, the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of intrabony defects against a wide array of inflammatory and regenerative markers.Materials and methodsTwenty‐one patients contributed one intrabony defect and one periodontally healthy site. Clinical and radiographic measures were obtained. GCF samples were analyzed with multiplex bead immunoassays over 27 markers previously identified by our group. Comparisons were performed using Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐ranks tests, using a Bonferroni corrected α = 0.05/27 = 0.0019.ResultsIntrabony defect sites presented significantly increased GCF volume and disease‐associated clinical and radiographic characteristics (p < .05). Intrabony defect sites presented significantly increased IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IFN‐γ, and MMP‐8 levels compared with periodontally healthy sites (p < .0019). For regeneration markers, significantly higher FGF basic and VEGF levels were observed (p < .0019). Notably, traits of cell senescence were identified for the first time in the GCF.ConclusionsThe differentiation of intrabony defects from periodontally healthy control sites can be based on clinical and radiographic measures and on a differentiated GCF profile that is site‐specific. Alongside catabolic processes, through significant up‐regulation of inflammation and connective tissue remodeling, unique molecular characteristics of intrabony defects may render them a microenvironment amenable to regeneration. Traits of the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype may suggest the existence of senescent cells during periodontal inflammation in intrabony defects.
Financial reporting transparency, citizens' understanding, and public participation: A survey experiment study
Authors: Langella Cecilia , Anessi‐Pessina Eugenio , Botica Redmayne Nives , Sicilia Mariafrancesca 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study investigates the conditions under which transparency contributes to citizens' understanding of financial reporting and examines how this enhanced understanding is associated with public participation. To this end, a survey experiment was conducted in which two attributes of financial reporting transparency (i.e., content clarification and presentation format) were the manipulated variables, whereas citizens' understanding and public participation were the outcome variables. Results demonstrate that the provision of explanations to clarify obscure technical jargon does have a positive effect on citizens' understanding. A similar effect was found for the provision of graphical and visual representations. However, the study reveals that there is no additional benefit in simultaneously providing both explanations of technical jargon and visual aids. Furthermore, findings show that the levels of public participation are highest among the individuals who felt they understood the financial information the best, but yet possessed the lowest level of actual understanding.
Synergistic Lubricating Performance of h-BN/GF Nanoparticles as Oil Additives for Steel-Steel Contact
Authors: Li Shuai , Ma Qiang , Tong Zhe , Liu Qi , Dong Guangneng 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The major objective of this work is to investigate the synergistic lubricating performance of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and graphite fluoride (GF) nanoparticles (NPs) in white oil. The tribological tests were carried out on steel-steel contacts using a reciprocating ball-on-disk tribometer. Compared with white oil, an addition of 0.1 wt% h-BN/GF could reduce the friction coefficient, wear-rate and wear depth by 41.1%, 89.1%, and 92.3%, respectively. Furthermore, compared with 0.1 wt% h-BN and 0.1 wt% GF, 0.1 wt% h-BN/GF nanocomposite also showed the best lubrication and wear resistance performances. The synergistic lubrication mechanism of h-BN/GF nanocomposite was investigated, and the unique microstructure of the h-BN/GF composite and the weak interfacial interaction between h-BN and GF were found to be beneficial to the formation of continuous and adhesive tribo-films at the interface.
Uncertainty Quantification in Support of Severe Accident Analysis Code User Confidence Using MELCOR-DAKOTA
Authors: Boafo Emmanuel K. , Numapau Gyamfi Emmanuel 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Uncertainty and Sensitivity analysis methods are often used in severe accident analysis for validating the complex physical models employed in the system codes that simulate such scenarios. This is necessitated by the large uncertainties associated with the physical models and boundary conditions employed to simulate severe accident scenarios. Uncertainty analysis involves primarily the estimation of the distribution of a key figure-of-merit (FOM) following the propagation of uncertainty in selected input parameters through a system code. The input parameters are sampled within defined ranges based on assigned probability distribution functions (PDFs) for the required number of code runs/realizations using stochastic sampling techniques. Input parameter selection is based on their importance to the key FOM, which is determined by the parameter identification and ranking table (PIRT). Sensitivity analysis investigates the contribution of each uncertain input parameter to the uncertainty of the selected FOM. In this study, the integrated severe accident analysis code MELCOR was coupled with a design analysis kit for optimization and terascale applications (DAKOTA), an optimization and uncertainty quantification tool in order to investigate the effect of input parameter uncertainty on hydrogen generation. The methodology developed was applied to the Fukushima Daiichi unit 1 nuclear power plant (NPP) accident scenario, which was modeled in another study. The results show that there is approximately 22.46% uncertainty in the amount of hydrogen generated as estimated by a single MELCOR run given the uncertainty in selected input parameters. The sensitivity analysis results also reveal that MELCOR input parameters: COR_SC 1141(melt flow rate per unit width at breakthrough candling), COR_ZP (porosity of fuel debris beds), and COR_EDR (characteristic debris size in the core region) contributed most significantly to the uncertainty in hydrogen generation.
Deterministic and Probabilistic Evaluations of Structures and Components Credited for Seismic Design Extension Conditions
Authors: Saudy Ayman , Elgohary Medhat 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
There is “high confidence” in the ability of the structures, systems, and components (SSCs) of nuclear power plants (NPPs) to perform as designed for design basis accidents (DBAs). For design extension conditions (DECs), the SSCs are required to perform as designed with “reasonably high confidence.” DECs represent scenarios or accidents that are more severe than DBAs. Typically, a spectrum of initiating events including random failure of systems or components, internal and external hazards is used in defining scenarios leading to the DECs. Seismic events that exceed the design basis earthquake (DBE) of a station could be considered seismic DECs. A deterministic design method is proposed to address higher demands of seismic DECs in the new and existing Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) NPPs. The deterministic method builds on the current requirements of applicable codes and standards and recommends more relaxed acceptance criteria. Nevertheless, a means to probabilistically evaluate built-in margin exceeding the demand induced by a seismic DEC would provide a measure of the confidence in a DEC-assigned structure or component performing its function. Therefore, a probabilistic method that estimates the probability of survivability for a structure or component when subjected to the demand induced by a seismic DEC is proposed. The probabilistic method could be used to indicate whether there is a need for applying design modification to existing design features to address demands of seismic DEC. The mean, 5th-percentile, and 95th-percentile fragility functions of these SSCs are used. These fragility functions are typically developed to determine the high-confidence-low-probability-of-failure (HCLPF) value associated with the contribution of a structure or component to the overall plant seismic risk. Sample cases for design features that were implemented in existing CANDU NPPs to address seismic DECs are presented. Both the deterministic and probabilistic methods are applied to cases of civil structures, passive mechanical and electrical components, as well as active control and instrumentation components.
Topology Optimization Taking Into Account Geometrical Constraint of No-Closed Hole for Additive Manufacturing Based on Fictitious Physical Model Concept
Authors: Yamada Takayuki , Noguchi Yuki 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes a topology optimization method that considers the geometrical constraint of a non-closed hole for additive manufacturing based on the fictitious physical model concept. First, the basic topology optimization concept and level set-based method are introduced. Second, the concept of a fictitious physical model for geometrical constraint in the topology optimization framework is discussed. Then, the model for the geometrical constraint of a non-closed hole for additive manufacturing is proposed. Numerical examples are provided to validate the proposed model. In addition, topology optimization considering this geometrical constraint is formulated, and topology optimization algorithms are constructed using the finite element method. Finally, optimization examples are provided to validate the proposed topology optimization method.
Business Intelligence and Obsolescence Engineering: Prediction, Performance and Innovation, Linked Destinies
Authors: Boissie Kevin , Vigier Thomas , Zolghadri Marc , Addouche Sid-Ali 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This paper establishes the process in which resilience leads to obsolescence requires a close link between information literacy in one’s sector (industrial and economic) and the ability to anticipate changes (technical and sectoral). Based on an industrial case study, in the automotive manufacturing sector, it is intended to be an engineering analysis in industrial technology with the aim of demonstrating that there is a new axis of reflection, allowing a better performance of the company. This research applies to the life cycles that we have defined and which are sections of the global life cycle. Links are demonstrated between the economic risks to the different types of obsolescence. This article addresses a new research axis in business intelligence, for the benefit of a better technological and industrial management, but also, a new source of data collection to predict market developments, support decision making and the implementation of strategic development plans.
Improving Customer Attribute Management Within the House of Quality by Integrating the Non-User
Authors: Augustin Laura , Wolffram Andrea , Beyer Christiane , Kokoschko Björn , Frilling Peter 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The House of Quality is an established model for human centric product development, that among other aspects uses both customer attributes and product requirements to define a product and its most important features. Industry application of this model is difficult due to its overall complexity and lack of clear instructions on how to specifically build a catalogue of customer attributes from user research in particular and how to prioritize them.
This contribution seeks to simplify customer attribute formation and management by introducing the concept of non-use within a use case. Types of non-use and reasons for non-use of robot vacuums are examined and decoded into attributes. Attributes of users and non-users are compared and analyzed. By introducing a clear interview structure for users and non-users, this contribution visualizes how to translate interviews to attributes used within the House of Quality.
The use case discussed in this contribution indicates that non-use can yield more information than conventional user research, since non-users’ reasons for non-use were more extensive than users’ negative feedback about the product and could therefore generate more attributes. Industry feedback suggests that non-user attributes are similar to user attributes and can therefore be used in place of user attributes.
Pre-Bending Motion Strategy Analysis of a 3-DOF UACT Robotic Finger
Authors: Qiao Shangling , Wang Yichen , Guo Hongwei , Xiao Hong , Deng Zongquan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Motion strategy analysis at the pre-bending stage is a fundamental component of underactuated finger grasp research. This study presents the pre-bending motion strategy and corresponding analysis of cable driving forces a 3-DOF underactuated finger comprising cable truss units. This robotic finger uses a tendon-pulley transmission and parallel four-linkage mechanism to realize the grasp capability. The structure and four motion strategies at the pre-bending stage are illustrated. The equivalent joint-driven and quasi-static motion models are established in the case where one or two cable driving forces drive the finger. In accordance with the virtual work principle, the tendon-pulley transmission is transformed into an equivalent joint-driven system. On the basis of the constraints of maximum motion space of the finger, the joint spring stiffness distributions are discussed and the finger quasi-static motion space is analyzed under the condition of single motor driving force. The unique coupled motion process and corresponding cable driving force of the finger driven by a single motor are assessed. Furthermore, three other typical quasi-static motion strategies and their corresponding cable driving forces are discussed. Valid simulation experiments are conducted to verify the accuracy of the quasi-static motion strategy. The analysis of this study can provide guidance and a theoretical reference for the design of cable-driven underactuated hands and control of the couple-driven underactuated mechanism.
Cross-Sensitivity Characteristics of Instrumented Wheelset Associated With Longitudinal Force and Lateral Contact Position
Authors: Hondo Takatoshi , Tanaka Takayuki , Kuniyuki Shoya , Suzuki Mitsugi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
It is crucial to grasp wheel-rail contact forces in the evaluation of running safety and curving performance of railway vehicles. To measure the wheel-rail contact forces, instrumented wheelset, which has the strain gauges on the wheel surface, is widely used. The purpose of this research is to increase the measurement accuracy of the wheel-rail contact forces by understanding the detailed characteristics of the instrumented wheelset. Although the various researches on the instrumented wheelset have been carried out to increase the measurement accuracy of wheel-rail contact forces, there are few works considering the longitudinal force and the lateral shift of the wheel-rail contact point. However, sometimes the longitudinal force has a non-negligible influence on the measurement accuracy on the instrumented wheelset. In this paper, the authors clarify the cross-sensitivity characteristics of the instrumented wheelset when the longitudinal force is applied to the various lateral position on the wheel tread through the FEM analysis and the static load test. The authors also propose a method to approximate the cross-sensitivity as an analytical function of the lateral and circumferential contact positions.
A Gaussian Mixture Variational Autoencoder-Based Approach for Designing Phononic Bandgap Metamaterials
Authors: Wang Zihan , Xian Weikang , Baccouche M. Ridha , Lanzerath Horst , Li Ying , Xu Hongyi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Phononic bandgap metamaterials, which consist of periodic cellular structures, are capable of absorbing energy within a certain frequency range. Designing metamaterials that trap waves across a wide wave frequency range is still a challenging task. In this study, we proposed a deep feature learning-based framework to design cellular metamaterial structures considering two design objectives: bandgap width and stiffness. A Gaussian mixture variational autoencoder (GM-VAE) is employed to extract structural features and a Gaussian Process (GP) model is employed to enable property-driven structure optimization. By comparing the GM-VAE and a regular variational autoencoder (VAE), we demonstrate that (i) GM-VAE has the advantage of learning capability, and (ii) GM-VAE discovers a more diversified design set (in terms of the distribution in the performance space) in the unsupervised learning-based generative design. Two supervised learning strategies, building independent single-response GP models for each output and building an all-in-one multi-response GP model for all outputs, are employed and compared to establish the relationship between the latent features and the properties of interest. Multi-objective design optimization is conducted to obtain the Pareto frontier with respect to bandgap width and stiffness. The effectiveness of the proposed design framework is validated by comparing the performances of newly discovered designs with existing designs. The caveats to designing phonic bandgap metamaterials are summarized.
Sequentially Utility Maximizing Path Planning Using a Distributed Pool Architecture
Authors: Mollan Calahan , Pandey Vijitashwa , Slon Christopher , Gorsich David 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Operation of ground vehicles in remote unstructured terrains is a challenging task. While information on terrain parameters such as elevation, slope, and soil content and its use in tasks such as path planning and vehicle simulation is immensely useful, it requires detailed analyses that are computationally expensive and time-consuming. At the same time, higher-level decisions made without a full understanding of the terrain properties and vehicle capabilities are bound to be suboptimal, possibly even leading to mission failure. In this paper, we approach the problem from a decision-making standpoint to address both the aspects described above. The approach divides a given terrain into smaller cells and progressively finds the path to the goal. At each step, the operator’s utility between competing immediate terrain cells is compared so that the vehicle chooses the best next step considering detailed vehicle simulation. To account for the increased computational effort, a pool-based distributed computing architecture is employed to speed-up pathfinding and provide resilience towards failure of processors and communication links. The pool architecture also admits heterogeneous, geographically distributed processors and storage locations. Concurrently, the multiattribute utility formulation takes into account the tradeoff between different attributes and the uncertainty in the vehicle performance. The proposed method can be used for medium and long-range navigation in unstructured environments for efficient rough path planning or re-planning based on changing mission requirements and dynamically arriving terrain data. The method is demonstrated on data acquired from USGS sources.