bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Free‐Will Arbitrary Time Tracking of a Class of Uncertain SISO Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Yoo Sung Jin 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the free‐will arbitrary time (FWAT) tracking problem for a class of single‐input single‐output (SISO) strict‐feedback nonlinear systems without/with parametric uncertainties. First, we design an FWAT backstepping tracking controller for strict‐feedback nonlinear systems without uncertainties in a recursive manner. It is shown that the proposed virtual controllers and their derivatives are continuously differentiable for the backstepping design, and the tracking error converges to zero within the pre‐specified settling time independent of design parameters and initial conditions and remains at zero after the pre‐specified settling time. Second, we address the adaptive FWAT tracking problem of SISO strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with parametric uncertainties in the practical stability sense. The continuously differentiable and nonsingular time‐varying adjustment functions for practical FWAT tracking are developed to transform error variables for the recursive backstepping design. Then, the adaptive FWAT backstepping tracking design and stability analysis strategy are established to ensure practical FWAT convergence within the pre‐specified settling time independent of design parameters and initial conditions. The designed adaptive virtual and actual controllers are continuous for all . Furthermore, a practical adaptive prescribed‐time tracking scheme is provided using the proposed practical adaptive FWAT tracking scheme. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical approaches is confirmed through a simulation example and an experimental result.
Interaction With Exhibits: The Significance of Instrumentalization
Authors: Iłowiecka‐Tańska Ilona , Potęga vel Żabik Katarzyna 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHow is it that the millions of visitors who flock to science centers each year are able to make use of the exhibits there? How do they discover the properties of previously unknown machines? How much time does it take? What is the significance of the process? An issue of particular interest to us is how visitors figure out what they can do with an exhibit and how they can do it. We interpret this as a process of instrumentalization, transforming an object into an instrument of human activity. Drawing on the Instrumented Activity Situations Model, this paper focuses on the instrumentalization of exhibits and the sense‐making process within the visitor–exhibit physical interaction. After discussing two empirical cases of children (9 and 11 years old) interacting with an open‐ended dynamical exhibit, we claim that by instrumenting an exhibit under a set of inherent constraints, visitors develop new enactive competence (coordinated motor action tethered to new perceptual orientation), just as one would learn to ride a bicycle or to work with a lathe machine. We argue that the attention of researchers, hitherto focused primarily on content‐based knowledge development, should be equally focused on the kind of procedural knowledge development evident in “making a machine one's own.”
Utilizing Coconut Biochar as a Bio‐reinforcing Agent in Natural Rubber Composites
Authors: Sittitanadol Ing‐orn , Srakeaw Nuan La‐ong , Somdee Patcharapon , Chumsamrong Pranee , Noyming Sombut , Singsang Witawat , Prasoetsopha Natkrita 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis research investigates the pyrolysis of biochar from different parts of residual aromatic young coconut waste, namely coconut fruit, coconut bunch, and coconut leaf, to be used as fillers in natural rubber (NR). Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy reveals that biochar has a flake‐like structure with a high carbon content (67%–77%). The biochar is mixed with NR using a two‐roll mill at filler contents of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 phr (part per hundred of rubber). Adding coconut fruit biochar at 40 phr increases the Shore A hardness to 59.62, a remarkable 47% improvement compared with unfilled NR. The maximum tensile strength occurs at 20 phr, while the highest tensile modulus (4.53 MPa) and tear strength (17,344 N m−1) are observed at 40 phr. Moreover, the swelling index of composites in toluene decreases slightly as biochar content increases, and the crosslink density is higher for NR filled with coconut fruit biochar than for other biochar types. Based on these results, coconut fruit biochar is identified as the most effective reinforcement filler for NR among the biochar types studied. Consequently, it can be used as a bio‐reinforcing agent in NR composites, contributing to sustainability and eco‐friendliness.
Impact of pain, fatigue and bowel incontinence on the quality of life of people living with inflammatory bowel disease: A UK cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Roukas Chris , Miller Laura , Cléirigh Büttner Fionn , Hamborg Thomas , Stagg Imogen , Hart Alisa , Gordeev Vladimir Sergeevich , Lindsay James O. , Norton Christine , Mihaylova Borislava 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsPeople with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often experience pain, fatigue and bowel incontinence and are at an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Our aim was to assess the impact of these symptoms on health‐related quality of life (QoL) in IBD.MethodsIn the IBD‐BOOST survey, over 26,000 people with IBD across the UK were approached; 8486 participant‐completed surveys were returned. Participants' QoL was measured using the EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire and their QoL was calculated on a scale ranging from 1 (perfect health) to −0.594 (worst health). Item non‐response was imputed. Stages of linear regression models assessed the associations of symptoms with QoL controlling for IBD type, socio‐demographic characteristics, co‐morbidities and, in further analysis, for IBD activity and IBD control.ResultsThe EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire was fully completed by 8093 (95.4%) participants (mean age of 50 years [SD 15]; 49% with Crohn's disease). The mean QoL was 0.76 (SD 0.23). From the three IBD‐related symptoms, pain was associated with the largest QoL decrement (−0.159), followed by fatigue (−0.140) and bowel incontinence (−0.048). Co‐occurrence of pain and fatigue further reduced QoL. Clear graded associations were observed between symptom severity and QoL decrements (all trend p < 0.001). Depression and anxiety were also associated with significant QoL decrements (−0.102 and −0.110 for moderate‐to‐severe anxiety and moderately severe depression, respectively). Worse IBD control and higher IBD activity were associated with lower QoL.ConclusionsWe report strong associations between symptoms of pain, fatigue, bowel incontinence, anxiety, depression, and their severity and reduced QoL in IBD. These estimates could inform future IBD management interventions.
Polyaniline as a dual flame retardant and electrostatic dissipative additive in polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Adisa Akeem , Asante Joseph K. O. , Ojijo Vincent O. , Mapossa António B. , Mhike Washington 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPolyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE), are highly flammable and electrically insulative, limiting their applicability. The study explored the flame‐retardancy and electrical conductivity of PE/polyaniline (PE/PANI) nanocomposites containing undoped PANI, PANI doped, and co‐doped with various acids and PANI modified with a double layered hydroxide or ammonium polyphosphate (APP). The nanocomposites were synthesized through in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline and compression molding. Flame retardancy was evaluated using UL 94 tests and cone calorimetry. All nanocomposites, except the de‐doped PANI nanocomposite, attained a UL 94 V2 rating. Cone calorimeter results showed that PANI doped with H3PO4 reduced the peak heat release rate by 20% compared to neat PE, whereas co‐doping PANI with H3PO4 and phytic acid reduced it by 31%. The nanocomposites exhibited volume resistivity for suitable for electrotactic dissipation applications but showed marginally reduced mechanical properties. This study demonstrates the potential to develop electrostatic dissipative and flame‐retardant PE nanocomposites incorporating PANI.Highlights
PE/PANI nanocomposites were synthesized.
PANI doped with H3PO4 reduced the peak HRR by 20%.
Co‐doping PANI with H3PO4 and phytic acid further reduced peak HRR.
Nanocomposites attained a UL 94 V2 rating.
PE/PANI nanocomposites were electrostatic dissipative.
Flow of a biomagnetic fluid embedded by magnetic dipole over a continuously moving sheet
Authors: Anjum Jumana Sadia , Ferdows Mohammad , Tzirtzilakis Efstratios Em , Murtaza Mohammad Guhlum 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the investigation of steady, two‐dimensional, and laminar boundary layer flow of a biomagnetic fluid over a continuously moving sheet in the presence of a magnetic dipole. The magnetic field resulting from the dipole is contemplated to be strong enough to saturate the biofluid. The magnetization of the fluid is regarded to be a linear function of temperature. The solution procedure involves the reduction of a nonlinear system of coupled PDEs into ODEs that comprise five parameters. The transformed ODEs along with the boundary conditions are then solved numerically by introducing an efficient numerical technique based on the finite difference algorithm. The velocity, as well as temperature profiles within the boundary layer, are illustrated at specified values of free stream velocity (), wall velocity () and ferrohydrodynamic interaction parameter (). The demonstration of the Nusselt number and friction factor are achieved for various governing parameters. Considering a specified Prandtl number () and normalized velocity difference , higher values of the friction factor are obtained for increasing and than that of . Whereas for the Nusselt number, we attain higher values for decreasing and . Moreover, an increase in the velocity ratio results in a decrease in both heat transfer rate as well as friction factor. Furthermore, as increases, the heat transfer rate decreases yet we get higher values for higher and . In the case of friction factor, it increases with increasing and gives higher values for lower and higher . We have also depicted the streamlines for the 2‐D boundary layer flow of the biomagnetic fluid for different . The graphical results manifest that the flow field is greatly impacted by the ferrohydrodynamic field, which could be of interest in medical as well as bioengineering implementations, like, magnetic drug delivery in blood cells, separating RBCs as well as controlling the flow of blood during surgical procedures.
Cities Cluster II: High Diversity and High Segregation
Authors: Pisarevskaya Asya , Scholten Peter 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe second cluster of cities of migration in terms of their diversity configuration that we defined in the inductive analysis of Chap. 3, involves cities which are very diverse but are relatively segregated. For this cluster, we also selected one city from each of the four selected countries to develop a better understanding of it: Ingolstadt (GER), Modena (ITA), Nîmes (FRA) and Rotterdam (NL).
Recursion for Wilson-line form factors
Authors: Cohen Timothy , Riembau Marc 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Matrix elements of Wilson-line dressed operators play a central role in the factorization of soft and collinear modes in gauge theories. When expressed using spinor helicity variables, these so-called form factors admit a classification starting from a Maximally Helicity Violating configuration, in close analogy with gauge theory amplitudes. We show that a single-line complex momentum shift can be used to derive recursion relations that efficiently compute these helicity form factors at tree-level: a combination of lower point form factors and on-shell amplitudes serve as the input building blocks. We obtain novel compact expressions for the 1 → 2 and 1 → 3 splitting functions in QCD, which also serves to validate our methods.
Removal of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Organic Matter, and Heavy Metals from Pig-Farming Wastewater Using a Microalgae-Bacteria Consortium
Authors: Sacristan de Alva M. , Oceguera-Vargas I. , Lamas-Cosío E. , León-Aguirre K. , Arcega-Cabrera F. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWastewater generated by the pork industry urgently requires the implementation of low-cost, high-benefit, and efficient treatment systems. Accordingly, a microalgae-bacteria consortia-based treatment system is proposed for the removal of contaminants released, by the pork-producing industry, in swine wastewater. In this study, different inoculum concentrations of the microalgae-bacteria consortium were tested to document variation in the removal of nutrients from the wastewater. At varying concentrations, it was efficient and did not present a significant difference in the removal kinetics. The treatment with the greatest amount of inoculum removed close to 87% of total nitrogen, approximately 70% of orthophosphate, and 77% of chemical oxygen demand. Removals of 84% iron, 44% copper, and 48% manganese were also obtained. These results demonstrate that microalgae-bacteria consortia are an economically viable and environmentally desirable option for the efficient treatment of wastewater from the pork industry.
The last-success stopping problem with random observation times
Authors: Gnedin Alexander , Derbazi Zakaria 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSuppose N independent Bernoulli trials with success probabilities $$p_1, p_2,\ldots $$

p
1

,

p
2

,
…

are observed sequentially at times of a mixed binomial process. The task is to maximise, by using a nonanticipating stopping strategy, the probability of stopping at the last success. The case $$p_k=1/k$$

p
k

=
1
/
k

has been studied by many authors as a version of the familiar best choice problem, where both N and the observation times are random. We consider a more general profile $$p_k=\theta /(\theta +k-1)$$

p
k

=
θ
/

(
θ
+
k
-
1
)

and assume that the prior distribution of N is negative binomial with shape parameter $$\nu $$
ν
, so the arrivals occur at times of a mixed Poisson process. The setting with two parameters offers a high flexibility in understanding the nature of the optimal strategy, which we show is intrinsically related to monotonicity properties of the Gaussian hypergeometric function. Using this connection, we find that the myopic stopping strategy is optimal if and only if $$\nu \ge \theta $$

ν
≥
θ

. Furthermore, we derive formulas to assess the winning probability and discuss limit forms of the problem for large N.
Adjoint-Based Calibration of Nonlinear Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Bartsch Jan , Denk Robert , Volkwein Stefan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo study the nonlinear properties of complex natural phenomena, the evolution of the quantity of interest can be often represented by systems of coupled nonlinear stochastic differential equations (SDEs). These SDEs typically contain several parameters which have to be chosen carefully to match the experimental data and to validate the effectiveness of the model. In the present paper the calibration of these parameters is described by nonlinear SDE-constrained optimization problems. In the optimize-before-discretize setting a rigorous analysis is carried out to ensure the existence of optimal solutions and to derive necessary first-order optimality conditions. For the numerical solution a Monte–Carlo method is applied using parallelization strategies to compensate for the high computational time. In the numerical examples an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck and a stochastic Prandtl–Tomlinson bath model are considered.
Combinations of physical and cognitive training for subcortical neurodegenerative diseases with physical, cognitive and behavioral symptoms: a systematic review
Authors: Chartier Coline , Godard Julien , Durand Sylvain , Humeau-Heurtier Anne , Menetrier Emmanuelle , Allain Philippe , Besnard Jérémy 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
The onset of the symptoms of subcortical NDs is due to a unique part of the brain which strengthens the idea of reciprocal influence of physical activity and cognitive training in improving clinical symptoms. Consequently, protocols combining the two stimulations are becoming increasingly popular in NDs. Our threefold aim was to (A) describe the different combinations of physical and cognitive training used to alleviate the motor and cognitive symptoms of patients with subcortical neurodegenerative disorders, (B) compare the effects of these different combinations (sequential, dual tasking, synergical) on symptoms, and (C) recommend approaches for further studies.

Methods
We conducted literature searches of PubMed, BASE and ACM, to carry out a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and controlled trials of combined physical and cognitive training among patients with Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lewy body dementia, spinocerebellar ataxia, Friedreich’s ataxia, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Physical, neuropsychological, behavioral outcomes were considered. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to verify the critical appraisal.

Results
Twenty-one studies focused on Parkinson’s disease with 940 participants were included. Despites promising benefits on cognitive and physical function, our results revealed discrepant findings for research on combined training.

Discussion
Inconsistencies were linked to the choice of tests, the functions that were targeted, disease progression, and trainings. There was a dearth of follow-up data.

Conclusions
Differences between combined training are unclear, particularly regarding the role of cognitive load. Future studies should focus on comparing the feasibility, tolerability, and effectiveness of different combinations of motor-cognitive training.
Strategy complexity of limsup and liminf threshold objectives in countable MDPs, with applications to optimal expected payoffs
Authors: Mayr Richard , Munday Eric 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe study Markov decision processes with a countably infinite number of states. The $$\limsup $$
lim sup
(resp. $$\liminf $$
lim inf
) threshold objective is to maximize the probability that the $$\limsup $$
lim sup
(resp. $$\liminf $$
lim inf
) of the infinite sequence of directly seen rewards is non-negative. We establish the complete picture of the strategy complexity of these objectives, i.e., the upper and lower bounds on the memory required by $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-optimal (resp. optimal) strategies. We then apply these results to solve two open problems from (Sudderth in Decis Econ Finan 43:43–54, 2020) about the strategy complexity of optimal strategies for the expected$$\limsup $$
lim sup
(resp. $$\liminf $$
lim inf
) payoff.
The role of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in preventing opportunistic infections in systemic lupus erythematosus patients receiving low-level immunosuppressive treatment: an open-label, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Munthananuchat Paopat , Ngamjanyaporn Pintip , Pisitkun Prapaporn , Rotjanapan Porpon 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy are at risk for opportunistic infections (OIs), particularly Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) as primary prophylaxis against OIs and its adverse effects in SLE patients receiving low-level immunosuppressive treatment in a real-world setting. Methods: This open-label randomized controlled trial enrolled SLE patients receiving low-level immunosuppressive treatment at Ramathibodi Hospital between May 2021 and December 2022. Patient demographics and relevant clinical data were collected. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive TMP/SMX or no prophylaxis, with dose adjustments according to renal function. The incidences of TMP/SMX-sensitive OIs and adverse events were monitored for 12 months post-enrollment. Results: The trial was terminated early due to a high rate of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with TMP/SMX. In total, 138 SLE patients receiving low-level immunosuppressive treatment were enrolled. Most patients (98.4%) were in disease remission. No TMP/SMX-sensitive OIs were observed in either group during the 12-month follow-up period. Among individuals receiving TMP/SMX, 10/70 (14.3%) developed ADRs. Of these 10 patients, eight experienced grade 1 ADRs, and two had grade 3 ADRs; all declined to resume prophylaxis. There were no deaths in the study. Conclusions: During the 12-month follow-up period, no TMP/SMX-sensitive OIs occurred in SLE patients receiving low-level immunosuppressive therapy, suggesting that primary prophylaxis with TMP/SMX may not significantly benefit this population. The high rate of ADRs observed underscores the need for clinicians to carefully consider the risks and benefits of TMP/SMX prophylaxis in these patients.
High-rate bridge displacement monitoring with low-rate virtual reference station data
Authors: Qu Xuanyu , Ding Xiaoli , Yu Wenkun , Li Xinrui , Xu You-Lin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We present a new Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) positioning approach that utilizes low-rate Virtual Reference Station (VRS) data to achieve high-rate displacement monitoring. The method integrates tightly the VRS technology with asynchronous Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) method to overcome the limitation of VRS in high-rate structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. When this approach is used, no local reference station is required so that the efforts and cost of setting up reference stations can be avoided. Experiments with datasets from a controlled shaking platform and a long-span bridge in Hong Kong with both temperature and typhoon excitations have indicated that the proposed approach worked effectively. The results demonstrated that when a baseline exceeded about 3 km, the vertical errors of RTK GNSS positioning could be up to about 15.9 mm (standard deviations), insufficient for most SHM applications. In this case, the proposed method enhanced the accuracy by about 60% to 6.0 mm when using VRS data openly available in Hong Kong. The accuracy achieved was equivalent to that of RTK positioning using a 1.2 km baseline. The shaking platform trial demonstrated that the monitoring station could be up-sampled to 100 Hz without a noticeable loss in accuracy. The proposed method could capture precisely the peak frequencies and amplitudes of vibrations, with errors as low as 0.001 Hz and 0.1 mm. This method broadens the applicability of GNSS positioning in SHM applications.