bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controlled Directional Cu Outflow in Cu/W Nanomultilayers
Authors: Lorenzin G. , Rheingans B. , Janczak-Rusch J. , Cancellieri C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, we have investigated the feasibility of localized, focused ion beam (FIB)-stimulated Cu outflow in Cu/W nanomultilayers (NMLs) for manufacturing of heterogeneous micro-/nanojoints. Sub-micron-sized trenches were created on the nanomultilayer surface prior to heat treatment with the aim of directing the diffusion of Cu to locally defined NML surface regions. Cu outflow was triggered by annealing at 500 °C in a reducing atmosphere and lead to formation of (sub-)micron-sized Cu particles that are firmly joined to the W-terminated Cu/W NML. The results show that not only the depth of trenches (i.e., the parameters of the FIB treatment), but also the stress and the microstructure of the NMLs influence the Cu directional transport. The Cu outflow was found to be much more pronounced when the multilayer has a disordered microstructure with pores and open grain boundaries, as observed for NMLs with a tensile stress. We have thus demonstrated that FIB surface patterning enables the localized generation of (sub-)micron-sized Cu particles that can be used for manufacturing of micro-/nanojoints.
Evaluation of Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Heartworm Infection for Dogs in Rio de Janeiro with Access to Veterinary Care
Authors: Guedes Mariana , Gomes Tamiris , Alberigi Bruno , Prudente Emilene , Bendas Alexandre , Souza Thalita , Mendes-de-Almeida Flavya , Knackfuss Fabiana Batalha , Merlo Alexandre , Labarthe Norma 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHeartworm infection is a chronic disease with clinical signs and effects ranging from an asymptomatic condition to severe disease and death. The prevalence of heartworm disease in the state of Rio de Janeiro has been reported to be high (21.3%). The present study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence and risk factors of heartworm infection for the canine population with access to veterinary services in different areas of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 1787 canine blood samples were obtained from 135 practices across 8 different areas of Rio de Janeiro state (Rio de Janeiro municipality, São Gonçalo municipality, Niterói municipality, Baixada Fluminense, and the northern, southern, eastern, and mountainous areas) and tested for the presence of Dirofilaria immitis antigens and antibodies against several tick-borne disease pathogens using a commercial immunochromatography technique (Vetscan® Flex 4 Rapid Test; Zoetis; NJ USA). Pet owners reported living conditions, physical characteristics, demographics, and clinical signs for evaluation of risk factors for heartworm infection. Only two evaluated risk factors were shown to enhance the risk for D. immitis infection, including having a short hair coat vs. having a medium or long hair coat (OR 2.62) or positive for antibodies to tick-borne disease parasites (OR 3.83). Clinical signs reported for dogs with heartworm disease were typical for that condition. The overall prevalence of heartworm disease in the state was 8.2%, ranging from 2.4% in the mountainous region to 29.4% in the eastern area. It could not be determined if veterinarians were not diligent about dispensing heartworm preventatives or if poor levels of compliance by dog owners were responsible for higher infection rates in some areas of the state.
Ideal suturing technique for robot-assisted microsurgical anastomoses
Authors: Wessel Kai J. , Wendenburg Isa , Varnava Charalampos , Wellenbrock Sascha , Dermietzel Alexander , Hiort Mirkka , Kampshoff David , Wiebringhaus Philipp , Hirsch Tobias , Kueckelhaus Maximilian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe development of novel robotic devices specifically designed for open microsurgery leads to increasing applications in reconstructive procedures. While initial studies revealed improved precision and surgical ergonomics upon robotic assistance, surgical time was consistently observed to be increased. This study compares two robotic suturing techniques using the Symani Surgical System and RoboticScope in a preclinical setting, to further leverage the benefits of novel robotic devices in microsurgery. Six experienced microsurgeons performed three microvascular anastomoses with a “steady-thread” suturing technique and a “switch-thread” technique on 1.0-mm-diameter artificial silicone vessels. Time for anastomosis and participant’s satisfaction with the techniques and robotic setup were recorded. Anastomosis quality and microsurgical skills were assessed using the Anastomosis Lapse Index and Structured Assessment of Microsurgery Skills. Lastly, technical error messages and thread ruptures were quantified. Knot tying was significantly faster and evaluated significantly better by participants using the steady-thread technique (4.11 ± 0.85 vs. 6.40 ± 1.83 min per anastomosis). Moreover, microsurgical skills were rated significantly better using this technique, while both techniques consistently led to high levels of anastomosis quality (2.61 ± 1.21 vs. 3.0 ± 1.29 errors per anastomosis). In contrast, the switch-thread technique was associated with more technical error messages in total (14 vs. 12) and twice as many unintended thread ruptures per anastomosis (1.0 ± 0.88 vs. 0.5 ± 0.69). This study provides evidence for the enhanced performance of a steady-thread suturing technique, which is suggested to be applied upon robot-assisted microsurgical procedures for optimized efficiency.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Prebiotic Carbohydrates from Lactose: Integration of Osmotic Membrane Distillation with Batch Reactor System
Authors: Cinar Kadir , Gulec Haci Ali , Onsekizoglu Bagci Pelin , Bagci Ufuk , Gunes Gurbuz 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to enhance galactooligosaccharide (GOS) yield by maintaining high lactose concentration levels using osmotic membrane distillation (OMD) throughout the synthesis. The main problem influencing GOS yield during transgalactosylation is the decrease of lactose concentration over extended reaction periods. By integrating OMD with a continuous stirred batch reactor, water was progressively removed from the reaction medium. Compared to a standard batch reactor, the OMD-integrated system not only increased GOS yield by a maximum of 20.1% but also reduced the time needed for equivalent lactose conversion about 15–90 min. This integration particularly boosted the formation of longer-chain GOS. A consistent GOS yield of 67% was achieved, with up to 28% lactose conversion, surpassing the non-integrated reactor’s performance. The proposed reactor design shows promise for enhancing GOS production efficiency while concurrently concentrating the reaction medium in a single step.
Prediction of the Fatty Acid Profiles of Iberian Pig Products by Near Infrared Spectroscopy: A Comparison Between Multiple Regression Tools and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Hernández-Jiménez Miriam , Revilla Isabel , Hernández-Ramos Pedro , Vivar-Quintana Ana María 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, the feasibility of predicting the lipid profiles of Iberian ham and shoulder samples by using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was evaluated. Gas chromatography analysis was the reference method used. The muscles analyzed and recorded by NIR spectroscopy were 76 Biceps femoris for Iberian hams and 72 Brachiocephalicus for Iberian shoulders. NIR calibrations were carried out by using two methods: modified partial least squares regression (MPLS) and artificial neural networks (ANN). With the MPLS method, it was possible to obtain equations with regression’s coefficients (RSQ) of > 0.5 for 5 individual fatty acids and 3 summations: polyunsaturated fatty acids, n3 and n6. The use of neural networks made it possible to find equations with RSQ of > 0.5 for 10 individual fatty acids, all of which are present in over 90% of the samples, and 5 summations of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (SFA, MUFA, PUFA), n3 and n6, finding that the calibration curves of the fatty acids C18:1, C18:2n6, and C18:3n3 presented RSQ’s of > 0.7. The results obtained indicate that NIR spectroscopy could be a very useful technology for the quality control of cured products as it allows estimating the main fatty constituents quickly and without using reagents.
How does sutures pattern influence stomach motility after endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty? A computational study
Authors: Berardo Alice , Polese Lino , Carniel Emanuele Luigi , Toniolo Ilaria 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe relatively recent adoption of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) amongst obese patients has gained approval within the surgical community due to its notable benefits, including significant weight loss, safety, feasibility, repeatability, and potential reversibility. However, despite its promising clinical outcomes and reduced invasiveness, there is still a lack of standardised procedures for performing ESG. Multiple suture patterns and stitching methods have been proposed over time, yet rational tools to quantify and compare their effects on gastric tissues are absent. To address this gap, this study proposed a computational approach. The research involved a case study analyzing three distinct suture patterns (C-shaped, U-shaped and Z-shaped) using a patient-specific computational stomach model generated from magnetic resonance imaging. Simulations mimicked food intake by placing wire features in the intragastric cavity to replicate sutures, followed by applying a linearly increasing internal pressure up to 15 mmHg. The outcomes facilitated comparisons between suture configurations based on pressure–volume behaviours and the distribution of maximum stress on biological tissues, revealing the U-shaped as the more effective in terms of volume reduction, even if with reduced elongation strains and increased tissues stresses, whereas the Z-shaped is responsible of the greatest stomach shortness after ESG. In summary, computational biomechanics methods serve as potent tools in clinical and surgical settings, offering insights into aspects that are challenging to explore in vivo, such as tissue elongation and stress. These methods allow for mechanical comparisons between different configurations, although they might not encompass crucial clinical outcomes.
Philosophical Investigations into AI Alignment: A Wittgensteinian Framework
Authors: Pérez-Escobar José Antonio , Sarikaya Deniz 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe argue that the later Wittgenstein’s philosophy of language and mathematics, substantially focused on rule-following, is relevant to understand and improve on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) alignment problem: his discussions on the categories that influence alignment between humans can inform about the categories that should be controlled to improve on the alignment problem when creating large data sets to be used by supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms, as well as when introducing hard coded guardrails for AI models. We cast these considerations in a model of human–human and human–machine alignment and sketch basic alignment strategies based on these categories and further reflections on rule-following like the notion of meaning as use. To sustain the validity of these considerations, we also show that successful techniques employed by AI safety researchers to better align new AI systems with our human goals are congruent with the stipulations that we derive from the later Wittgenstein’s philosophy. However, their application may benefit from the added specificities and stipulations of our framework: it extends on the current efforts and provides further, specific AI alignment techniques. Thus, we argue that the categories of the model and the core alignment strategies presented in this work can inform further AI alignment techniques.
Chaotic Artificial Algae Algorithm for Solving Global Optimization With Real-World Space Trajectory Design Problems
Authors: Turkoglu Bahaeddin , Uymaz Sait Ali , Kaya Ersin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe artificial algae algorithm (AAA) is a recently introduced metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the behavior and characteristics of microalgae. Like other metaheuristic algorithms, AAA faces challenges such as local optima and premature convergence. Various strategies to address these issues and enhance the performance of the algorithm have been proposed in the literature. These include levy flight, local search, variable search, intelligent search, multi-agent systems, and quantum behaviors. This paper introduces chaos theory as a strategy to improve AAA's performance. Chaotic maps are utilized to effectively balance exploration and exploitation, prevent premature convergence, and avoid local minima. Ten popular chaotic maps are employed to enhance AAA's performance, resulting in the chaotic artificial algae algorithm (CAAA). CAAA's performance is evaluated on thirty benchmark test functions, including unimodal, multimodal, and fixed dimension problems. The algorithm is also tested on three classical engineering problems and eight space trajectory design problems at the European Space Agency. A statistical analysis using the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests confirms that CAA demonstrates successful performance in optimization problems.
Uniformly Loaded Logarithmic Beam Mode with Spatially Varying Flexural Rigidity
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This analysis explores natural leading modes represented by logarithmic functions, achieved by imposing four boundary constraints at the ends of an elastic inhomogeneous beam. The beam possessing constant material inertia, is assumed to be uniformly loaded, and is composed of material with variable stiffness. It is sought analytical expressions for beam deflections in terms of logarithmic functions. Our findings demonstrate that such formulae can be derived for a beam under axially uniform load and with spatially distributed flexural rigidity. Subsequently, the beam shapes and material properties for four specific scenarios are identified: free-free logarithmic beam, cantilevered logarithmic beam, simply-supported logarithmic beam, and simply-supported sliding logarithmic beam. Explicit logarithmic beam responses, governed by a limited number of shape parameters, are illustrated graphically using normalized deflections with respect to the maximum deflection. Highly deflected elastic logarithmic modes emerge as a consequence of high flexural rigidity influenced by the uniformly applied transverse load. These elucidated logarithmic beam modes offer potential practical applications in the structural design of functionally graded materials. They also serve as valuable testing platforms for numerical techniques employed in the analysis of more complex beam problems.
An Innovative Approach for Enhancing Relay Coordination in Distribution Systems Through Online Adaptive Strategies Utilizing DNN Machine Learning and a Hybrid GA-SQP Framework
Authors: Al-Bhadely Faraj , İnan Aslan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe present study addresses the issue of varying fault locations within a distribution system, which leads to fluctuations in short-circuit currents and requires the implementation of adaptive protection strategies for network reliability. This paper presents a novel adaptive protection scheme that specifically considers these fault location variations using directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs). Unlike previous research on adaptive protection, which does not adequately account for fault location variations, this method employs deep neural networks (DNNs) for online fault location detection. In the verification process, the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies was assessed by analyzing the time derivative of a trained machine learning model for fault identification. This approach enables the immediate detection of fault locations within the distribution system and facilitates the transmission of the setting group index to activate preset optimal coordination parameter values for the system relays. Crucially, the proposed method ensures that the coordination constraints remain intact across various adaptive settings, relying on precise fault identification through machine learning. The practical significance of this approach lies in its applicability to real-world systems because the proposed solutions and protective settings can be easily implemented using commercially available relays. To evaluate its effectiveness, the adaptive protection scheme was tested on three distribution networks: IEEE 14-Bus, 15-Bus and 30-Bus. The comparative test results highlight that the proposed method significantly improves the speed of the protection system for distribution networks when compared to existing studies, making it a valuable contribution to enhancing network reliability and performance.
Mediation Analysis using Semi-parametric Shape-Restricted Regression with Applications
Authors: Yin Qing , Jeong Jong-Hyeon , Qin Xu , Peddada Shyamal D , Adibi Jennifer J 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOften linear regression is used to estimate mediation effects. In many instances the underlying relationships may not be linear. Although, the exact functional form of the relationship may be unknown, based on the underlying science, one may hypothesize the shape of the relationship. For these reasons, we develop a novel shape-restricted inference-based methodology for conducting mediation analysis. This work is motivated by an application in fetal endocrinology where researchers are interested in understanding the effects of pesticide application on birth weight, with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as the mediator. Using the proposed methodology on a population-level prenatal screening program data, with hCG as the mediator, we discovered that while the natural direct effects suggest a positive association between pesticide application and birth weight, the natural indirect effects were negative.
5α-Epoxyalantolactone from Inula macrophylla attenuates cognitive deficits in scopolamine-induced Alzheimer’s disease mice model
Authors: Ma Rui , Feng Xu-Yao , Tang Jiang-Jiang , Ha Wei , Shi Yan-Ping 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative condition. 5α-epoxyalantolactone (5α-EAL), a eudesmane-type sesquiterpene isolated from the herb of Inula macrophylla, has various pharmacological effects. This work supposed to investigate the improved impact of 5α-EAL on cognitive impairment. 5α-EAL inhibited the generation of nitric oxide (NO) in BV-2 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with an EC50 of 6.2 μM. 5α-EAL significantly reduced the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while also inhibiting the production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) proteins. The ability of 5α-EAL to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) was confirmed via a parallel artificial membrane permeation assay. Scopolamine (SCOP)-induced AD mice model was employed to assess the improved impacts of 5α-EAL on cognitive impairment in vivo. After the mice were pretreated with 5α-EAL (10 and 30 mg/kg per day, i.p.) for 21 days, the behavioral experiments indicated that the administration of the 5α-EAL could alleviate the cognitive and memory impairments. 5α-EAL significantly reduced the AChE activity in the brain of SCOP-induced AD mice. In summary, these findings highlight the beneficial effects of the natural product 5α-EAL as a potential bioactive compound for attenuating cognitive deficits in AD due to its pharmacological profile.
Graphical Abstract
Management Of The Pediatric Difficult Airway: New Strategies Unveiled
Authors: Khan Sabina Ali , Matuszczak Maria 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
This article outlines recent advancements in pediatric difficult airway management, driven by collaborative research and technology. It highlights challenges in newborns and infants, emphasizing initiatives like the Pediatric Difficult Intubation Registry (PeDI-R) and large-scale observational studies like APRICOT and NECTARINE. These endeavors aim to refine management strategies, enhancing approaches to both anticipated and unforeseen difficult pediatric airways.

Recent Findings
Studies have elucidated various facets of pediatric airway management, including difficult intubation incidence, contributing factors and efficacy of diverse techniques and devices. Noteworthy advancements include videolaryngoscopy, hybrid techniques, passive oxygenation, sedation, and muscle relaxation with a focus on reducing intubation attempts. Additionally, ultrasound’s utility and the significance of extubation planning are highlighted.

Summary
To summarize, continued research and collaboration refine strategies for difficult pediatric airway management, striving to enhance patient outcomes and safety through dissemination of knowledge and leveraging recent insights.
A novel fuzzy finite-horizon economic lot and delivery scheduling model with sequence-dependent setups
Authors: Sangari Esmat , Jolai Fariborz , Sangari Mohamad Sadegh 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper addresses the economic lot and delivery scheduling problem (ELDSP) within three-echelon supply chains, focusing on the complexities of demand uncertainty, limited shelf-life of products, and sequence-dependency of setups. We develop a novel mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) model for a supply chain comprising one supplier, multiple manufacturers with flexible flow shop (FFS) production systems, and multiple retailers, all operating over a finite planning horizon. The common cycle (CC) strategy is adopted as the synchronization policy. Our model employs fuzzy set theory, particularly the “Me measure,” to effectively handle the retailers’ demand uncertainty. Our findings indicate that total supply chain costs escalate with an increase in demand, final components’ holding costs, and sequence-dependent setup costs, but decrease with increasing production rates. Furthermore, while total costs are significantly sensitive to changes in demand, they are relatively insensitive to fluctuations in sequence-dependent setup times. The models developed offer valuable managerial insights for optimizing costs in synchronized multi-stage supply chains, aiding managers in making informed decisions about production lot sizes and delivery schedules under both deterministic and fuzzy demand scenarios. Additionally, the proposed models bridge key research gaps and provide robust decision-making tools for cost optimization, enhancing supply chain synchronization in practical settings.
Fatigue response of AlSi10Mg by laser powder bed fusion: influence of build orientation, heat, and surface treatments
Authors: Fini S. , Croccolo D. , De Agostinis M. , Olmi G. , Paiardini L. , Scapecchi C. , Mele M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyze how the fatigue behavior of AlSi10Mg by laser powder bed fusion is affected by build orientation, heat, and surface treatments. A three-by-three factorial plan has been arranged for this purpose. Particularly, regarding the heat treatment, three levels were considered (as built, age hardening, and stress relief); whereas, for the surface treatment, three levels were investigated (micro-shot-peening, micro-shot-peening plus fine blasting, and machining and lapping following laser powder bed fusion). Regarding the build orientation, the specimens were manufactured using three different build orientations (0°, 45°, and 90°). The obtained data have been statistically analyzed by a three-factor ANOVA-based method. The results, supported by fractographic and micrographic microscopy analyses, indicate that the age-hardening treatment yields the maximum benefits, whereas stress relief may even have a detrimental effect. As for surface treatments, a positive influence of shot-peening has been found.