bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust stability and stabilization conditions for uncertain switched positive systems under mode‐dependent dwell‐time constraints
Authors: Li Shuo , Xiang Zhengrong , Zhang Junfeng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe article addresses the problems of robust stability and stabilization in exponential sense for uncertain switched positive systems (SPSs) under mode‐dependent dwell‐time constraints including mode‐dependent constant dwell time (MDCDT) constraint, mode‐dependent minimum dwell time (MDMDT) constraint, and mode‐dependent ranged dwell time (MDRDT) constraint. At first, the mixed time‐varying delay case is studied, and sufficient conditions of robust stability and stabilization in exponential sense are provided for uncertain SPSs with MDMDT, MDCDT, and MDRDT constraints, respectively. Next, the robust stability and stabilization issues are also studied for SPSs in delay‐free case. With mode‐dependent dwell‐time constraints, a new discretized linear copositive Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional technique is introduced in this article. Meanwhile, for some specific situations, the proposed conditions of robust stability and stabilization can be degenerated into the ones for SPSs in mode‐independent dwell‐time constraint case and in non‐uncertainty case, respectively. At last, we give five examples to explain the importance and effectiveness of the results.
VDES R‐Mode performance analysis and experimental results
Authors: Wirsing Markus , Dammann Armin , Raulefs Ronald 
Published: September 2021

SummaryGlobal Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have become an essential part of maritime navigation, in particular to improve situational awareness and vessel traffic management. The dependence on GNSS creates vulnerability for maritime shipping. Driven by this vulnerability, the desire for a backup system for maritime navigation has been emerging. The VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) standard provides communication capabilities for maritime applications. VDES is currently being revised. As part of this revision, VDES will be extended by ranging and navigation functionalities, called R‐Mode, as an alternative for maritime navigation. In this paper, we address system design aspects and evaluate the positioning performance of VDES R‐Mode. We derive estimation theory bounds on the accuracy of VDES R‐Mode distance and velocity. In a case study, we discuss and evaluate the benefit of satellite links to complement VDES R‐Mode positioning. Furthermore, we introduce a Kalman filter for position and velocity tracking, which we apply to experimental data. We describe an experiment we conducted at Lake Ammer, southwest of Munich, and evaluate the VDES R‐Mode positioning performance for this setup. Our experimental results show that VDES R‐Mode is capable of achieving a 95th‐percentile horizontal position error of 22 m. Thus, VDES R‐Mode is a promising approach for a maritime backup system that can meet the IALA accuracy requirements.
Honeycomb‐like hierarchical porous silicon composites with dual protection for ultrastable Li‐ion battery anodes
Authors: Peng Xudong , Xiong Cheng , Lin Yanke , Zhao Chen , Zhao Tianshou 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSilicon offers a high theoretical specific capacity for anodic lithium storage. However, its applications are hindered by the electrode instability caused by the sharp volume change, and the limited rate performance resulted from the insulating property. Herein, we introduce a facile and fast method of preparing honeycomb‐like silicon‐based anodes (MXene‐Si@C) with porous structure using MXene and carbon‐coated silicon. The dual protection from both the surface coating and as‐formed interlayered vacant spaces ameliorate the volume expansion of the silicon and thus reinforce the mechanical stability of the electrode. In addition, the highly conducting MXene and the surface carbon coating form a hierarchical and consecutive electron‐conducting network with evidently reduced resistance. With this proposed composite, a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.73% and high capacity retention of 82.4% after 300 cycles at 1 A/g can be achieved even with an areal loading around 1.5 mg/cm2. Coupled with an NCM523 cathode, the proof‐of‐concept full cell delivers a high capacity of 164.2 mAh/g with an extremely high energy density of 574 Wh/kg (based on the mass of the electrode materials) at 0.2 C and an excellent cyclability at 0.5 C of 100 cycles with decent capacity retention (80.28%).
Incorporation of hydrogen‐bonding units into polymeric semiconductors toward boosting charge mobility, intrinsic stretchability, and self‐healing ability
Authors: Yu Xiaobo , Li Cheng , Gao Chenying , Zhang Xisha , Zhang Guanxin , Zhang Deqing 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe soft nature has endowed conjugated polymers with promising applications in a wide range of field‐effect transistor (FET) based flexible electronics. With unremitting efforts on revealing the molecular structure–property relationships, numerous novel conjugated polymers with high mobility and excellent mechanical property have been developed in the past decades. Incorporating hydrogen‐bonding (H‐bonding) units into semiconducting polymers is one of the most successful strategies for designing high‐performance semiconducting materials. In this review, we aim to highlight the roles of H‐bonding units in the performances of polymeric FETs from three aspects. These include (i) charge mobility enhancement for semiconducting polymers after incorporation of H‐bonding units into the side chains, (ii) the effects of H‐bonding units on the stretchability of conjugated polymers, and (iii) the improvement of self‐healing properties of conjugated polymers containing dynamic hydrogen bonds due to the H‐bonding units in the side chains or conjugated backbones.
Nickel Sulfide Microrockets as Self‐Propelled Energy Storage Devices to Power Electronic Circuits “On‐Demand”
Authors: Urso Mario , Iffelsberger Christian , Mayorga‐Martinez Carmen C. , Pumera Martin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMiniaturized energy storage devices are essential to power the growing number and variety of microelectronic technologies. Here, a concept of self‐propelled microscale energy storage elements that can move, reach, and power electronic circuits is reported. Microrockets consisting of a nickel sulfide (NiS) outer layer and a Pt inner layer are prepared by template‐assisted electrodeposition, and designed to store energy through NiS‐mediated redox reactions and propel via the Pt‐catalyzed decomposition of H2O2 fuel. Scanning electrochemical microscopy allows visualizing and studying the energy storage ability of a single microrocket, revealing its pseudocapacitive nature. This proves the great potential of such technique in the field of micro/nanomotors. On‐demand delivery of energy storage units to electronic circuits has been demonstrated by releasing microrockets on an interdigitated array electrode as an example of electronic circuit. Owing to their self‐propulsion ability, they reach the active area of the electrode and, in principle, power its functions. These autonomously moving energy storage devices will be employed for next‐generation electronics to store and deliver energy in previously inaccessible locations.
Synthesis of Nanocapsules Based on Biosynthesized Nickel Nanoparticles and Potato Starch: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Hashem Amr H. , Al Abboud Mohamed A. , Alawlaqi Mohamed M. , Abdelghany Tarek M. , Hasanin Mohamed 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBiogenic fabrication of nanoparticles (NPs) by fungi becomes
a promising protocol due to effective and environmentally friendly bioprocess. The capsulation of nanoparticles into biopolymer has received considerable attention owing to improve stability. The nickel nanoparticles (Ni‐NPs) are synthesized using Penicillium chrysogenum and capsulated into potato starch to produce nanocapsules (Ni‐NPs@st) for enhancing their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Physicochemical properties of Ni‐NPs and Ni‐NPs@st are carried out using UV‐vis, FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), TEM, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Results reveal that Ni‐NPs@st has antimicrobial activity more than Ni‐NPs against Escherichia coli ATCC25922, Bacillus subtilis ATCC605, Candida albicans ATCC90028, Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 14116, Aspergillus niger RCMB 02724, and A. fumigatus RCMB 02568. Moderate antioxidant activity is recorded using Ni‐NPs@st and Ni‐NPs with IC50 60 and 97 µg mL−1, respectively, in contrast to IC50 (7 µg mL−1) of ascorbic acid. Cytotoxicity test of Ni‐NPs@st and Ni‐NPs against Vero cell line indicated that IC50 of Ni‐NPs@st and Ni‐NPs is 204 and 238 µg mL−1, respectively. Likewise, moderate anticancer activity of Ni‐NPs@st and Ni‐NPs toward cancerous cell lines MCF7 is observed with IC50 118 and 217 µg mL−1, respectively. This study shows prospective biological activities for Ni‐NPs@st nanocapsule which can be treat the chronic infections.
Vertical cracking at girder ends during post‐tensioning of prefabricated prestress concrete bridge T‐girders
Authors: Jia Junfeng , Zhang Kaidi , Wu Suiwen , Xiong Tianxiang , Bai Yulei , Li Weifeng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPrefabricated post‐tensioned pre‐stress concrete (PC) T‐girder is one of the common structural forms for bridge superstructure to achieve better quality control, higher construction speed and lower downtime to the transportation system. However, vertical cracks are frequently observed at the web of girder ends after prestress is applied, which could impose an adverse effect on the durability of girders when exposed to aggressive environment. In this paper, the mechanism of this cracking pattern and corresponding countermeasures were investigated by a numerical study as well as practical engineering applications. To begin with, a nonlinear three‐dimensional (3D) finite element model was developed to simulate a typical PC T‐girder in the platform of ABAQUS. The model was loaded based on the sequence of post‐tensioning. It was found that the vertical crack pattern is caused by the large friction resistance and bond strength at the contact surface between the girder and supporting steel pedestal as well as the stress concentration at the girder ends due to the cambering effect of girder during the application of prestress. In addition, a practical method was proposed to control this crack pattern by introducing an isolation cushion made of a thin wood piece to the bottom of girder end. The reliability of this method was verified by numerical analysis and engineering practice. Therefore, it can be used to control vertical cracks at the ends of prefabricated post‐tensioned PC bridge T‐girders during construction.
A Bridge to Alkaloid Synthesis
Authors: Zhai Li , Tang Ye , Zhang Yan , Huang Sha‐Hua , Zhu Lili , Hong Ran 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe construction of a structurally rigid architecture with chiral complexity, necessary to enhance the interaction with binding sites of drug targets, has been adapted as an intriguing approach in drug development. In the past few years, we have been interested in the synthesis of biologically significant and bridged alkaloids via novel synthetic methods and strategies based on recognition of the privileged pattern. Therefore, nitroso‐ene and aza‐Wacker cyclizations were elevated for the first time to construct bridged alkaloids, such as hosieine A, kopsone, melinonine‐E and strychnoxanthine. Mechanistic investigations, including computational calculations for nitroso‐ene reaction and deuterated experiments for aza‐Wacker reaction, enable us to gain more insights into the chemical reactivity and selectivity of specific functional groups in developing viable synthetic methods.
Effect of aromatase inhibitors on sex differentiation and embryonic development in chicks
Authors: Abdulateef Salwan M. , Majid Ahmad A. , Al‐Bayer Mohammed A. , Shawkat Srwd S. , Tatar Ahmad , Mohammed Thafer T. , Abdulateef Firas M. , Al‐Ani Mohammed Q. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundSexual differentiation can occur after exposure to aromatase into the left gonad at 6.5 days of incubation. Aromatase inhibitors work by inhibiting the action of the aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogens by a process called aromatization.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of in ovo exposure to the aromatase inhibitor from tomato and garlic extract on sexual differentiation and embryonic development in chicken embryos.MethodsThree hundred eggs divided into five groups: Control 1 (CO; no injection); control 2 distilled water, DW; 0.1 ml/egg); garlic extract (GAR; 0.1 mg/egg); tomato extract (TOM; 0.1 mg/egg); and garlic and tomato extract mixed (ATM, 0.1 ml/egg). The solution was prepared and injected into the albumin from the thin end of the eggs on day five by using a 1 ml syringe with a 23‐gauge needle. The embryonic test (embryo/egg weight) conducted at 7, 14 and 17 days of incubation. After hatching, feather sexing conducted to determine the initial male. Chicks sex was later confirmed on day 42 by an optical microscope lens.ResultsThe results revealed that there was a significant increase (p < 0.01) in embryonic growth traits in all experimental treatments as compared to control treatments. There was a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the percentage of hatchability for all experimental treatments compared to control treatments and a significant increase (p < 0.01) in chick quality including one‐day‐old chick length and body weight. All experimental treatments showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the male‐to‐female ratio compared to control treatments.ConclusionsThe effect of in ovo exposure to aromatase inhibitors stimulated female‐to‐male sex reversal and improved embryonic development.
Unilateral extramural ureteral ectopia in a cat: Ultrasonographic and computed tomography findings
Authors: Brzozowska Magdalena , Marzec Magdalena , Czerski Albert , Kiełbowicz Zdzisław , Lodzinska Joanna 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA 6‐months‐old male intact Maine Coon cat presented for investigation of urinary incontinence and a palpable mass in the right cranial abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) revealed marked right hydronephrosis and hydroureter and raised a suspicion of ureteral ectopia, but the exact location of the ureterovesical junction was not visualised. Abdominal CT was performed and provided excellent information about opening of the ureter and confirmed the diagnosis of right extramural ureteral ectopia. The patient underwent ureteronephrectomy and recovered without complications. No urinary incontinence was detected after surgery. The patient continues to do well and remains free from clinical signs up to date. This is the first case report describing the use of CT and US in diagnosis of a rare anomaly of ureteral ectopia in a cat. It also highlights the important role of diagnostic imaging modalities in investigating and treatment planning of ectopic ureters in feline patients.
High-intensity laser-driven secondary radiation sources using the ZEUS 45 TW laser system at the Institute of Plasma Physics and Lasers of the Hellenic Mediterranean University Research Centre
Authors: Clark E. L. , Grigoriadis A. , Petrakis S. , Tazes I. , Andrianaki G. , Skoulakis A. , Orphanos Y. , Kaselouris E. , Fitilis I. , Chatzakis J. , Bakarezos E. , Dimitriou V. , Benis E. P. , Papadogiannis N. A. , Tatarakis M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe rapid development of high-intensity laser-generated particle and photon secondary sources has attracted widespread interest during the last 20 years not only due to fundamental science research but also because of the important applications of this developing technology. For instance, the generation of relativistic particle beams, betatron-type coherent X-ray radiation and high harmonic generation have attracted interest from various fields of science and technology owing to their diverse applications in biomedical, material science, energy, space, and security applications. In the field of biomedical applications in particular, laser-driven particle beams as well as laser-driven X-ray sources are a promising field of study. This article looks at the research being performed at the Institute of Plasma Physics and Lasers (IPPL) of the Hellenic Mediterranean University Research Centre. The recent installation of the ZEUS 45 TW laser system developed at IPPL offers unique opportunities for research in laser-driven particle and X-ray sources. This article provides information about the facility and describes initial experiments performed for establishing the baseline platforms for secondary plasma sources.
Legal Documents as Means of Financial Abstraction: How Bankers’ Lawyers Constructed Swaps and Changed Finance
Authors: Cornut St-Pierre Pascale 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFinance rests on a process of abstraction, based on various material devices that have been studied by economic sociologists in recent years. The fact that many of those devices are legal in nature has not attracted much attention, even though financial instruments are typically embodied in legal documents. This paper argues that interactions involving legal documents shape both financial markets and their regulation, by specifying the contextual elements that will be deemed relevant in interpreting financial commitments. It takes as a case study the emergence of swaps since the 1980s. Through their work in standardizing, commenting, and litigating swaps contracts, bankers’ lawyers were able to recast obligations between banks and their clients in more abstract terms, discarding all references to specific business projects. Such abstraction simultaneously allowed the spectacular development of swaps markets, their positioning on the fringes of regulations, and the strengthening of bankers’ prerogatives against their clients.
Modifiable factors of 20-year blood pressure trajectories among normotensives and their associations with hypertension : a prospective study
Authors: Zhang Xiaofan , Ouyang Yifei , Huang Feifei , Zhang Jiguo , Su Chang , Jia Xiaofang , Du Wenwen , Li Li , Bai Jing , Zhang Bing , Wang Zhihong , Du Shufa , Wang Huijun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLittle is known about the impact of modifiable risk factors on blood pressure (BP) trajectories and their associations with hypertension (HTN). We aimed to identify BP trajectories in normotensive Chinese adults and explore their influencing factors and associations with HTN. We used data from 3436 adults with at least four BP measurements between 1989 and 2018 in the China Health and Nutrition Survey, an ongoing cohort study. We measured BP using mercury sphygmomanometers with appropriate cuff sizes in all surveys. We used group-based trajectory modelling to identify BP trajectories between 1989 and 2009 and multiple logistic and Cox regression models to analyse their influencing factors and associations with HTN in 2011–2018. We identified five systolic blood pressure (SBP) trajectories, ‘Low-increasing (LI)’, ‘Low–stable (LS)’, ‘Moderate-increasing (MI)’, ‘High-stable (HS)’ and ‘Moderate-decreasing (MD)’, and four diastolic blood pressure (DBP) trajectories classified as ‘Low-increasing (LI)’, ‘Moderate–stable (MS)’, ‘Low-stable (LS)’ and ‘High-increasing (HI)’. People with higher physical activity (PA) levels and lower waist circumferences (WC) were less likely to be in the SBP LI, MI, HS and MD groups (P < 0·05). People with higher fruit and vegetable intakes, lower WCs and salt intakes and higher PA levels were less likely to be in the DBP LI, MS and HI groups (P < 0·05). Participants in the SBP HS group (hazard ratio (HR) 2·01) or the DBP LI, MS and HI groups (HR 1·38, 1·40, 1·71, respectively) had higher risks of HTN (P < 0·05). This study suggests that BP monitoring is necessary to prevent HTN in the Chinese population.
Weight management behaviours mediate the relationship between weight cycling, BMI and diet quality among US Army Soldiers
Authors: Allen Jillian T. , Jayne Julianna , Karl J. Philip , McGraw Susan M. , O’Connor Kristie , DiChiara Adam , Cole Renee E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWeight cycling is prevalent in sports/professions with body composition standards, and has been associated with weight management behaviours that may contribute to suboptimal diet quality and weight gain. US Army Soldiers may be at increased risk of weight cycling relative to civilians due to mandated body composition standards. However, the relationship between weight cycling, weight management behaviours, BMI and diet quality among Soldiers is unknown. In this cross-sectional study, 575 Soldiers (89 % enlisted, 90 % male, 23 ± 4 years) at Army installations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK, Joint-Base Lewis McChord, WA, and Fort Campbell, KY completed questionnaires on food frequency, health-related behaviours and history of weight cycling (≥ 3 weight fluctuations ≥ 5 % body weight). Weight cycling was reported by 33 % of Soldiers. Those who reported weight cycling reported higher BMI (27 ± 4v. 25 ± 3 kg/m2,P< 0·001) and higher prevalence of engaging in weight management behaviours prior to body weight screening but did not report lower dietary quality (Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI) scores 59 ± 10v59 ± 11,P= 0·46) relative to those who did not report weight cycling. Results of mediation analyses suggested that weight cycling may affect BMI both directly (c’= 1·19, 95 % CI: 0·62, 1·75) and indirectly (ab= 0·45, 95 % CI: 0·19, 0·75), and HEI scores indirectly (ab= 0·69, 95 % CI: 0·20, 1·35) through the adoption of weight management behaviours. Weight cycling is common in Soldiers and is associated with higher BMI and higher prevalence of engaging in weight management behaviours that mediate associations between weight cycling, BMI and diet quality.
Olfactory dysfunction amongst children and adolescents with laboratory confirmed coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review
Authors: Saniasiaya J , Kulasegarah J , Narayanan P 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite the rapidly emerging reports of olfactory dysfunction amongst adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019, cases involving children and adolescents are scarcely reported. The literature was reviewed to elucidate olfactory dysfunction amongst children and adolescents with coronavirus disease 2019.MethodsA search of the literature published from 1 December 2019 to 30 April 2021 was conducted using four databases, based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The search was performed over one month (May 2021).ResultsOnly 9 articles were identified, with a total of 316 laboratory confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 positive children and adolescents, of whom 156 reported olfactory dysfunction. Four studies reported olfactory dysfunction based on subjective tests; four studies carried out objective assessment. Most studies reported on olfaction recovery.ConclusionThe literature review revealed an olfactory dysfunction rate of 49 per cent amongst children and adolescents with coronavirus disease 2019. Persistence of olfactory dysfunction was reported in 7.1 per cent of the patients. Further studies involving objective measures need to be carried out in children and adolescents with coronavirus disease 2019.