bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of modulated signal waveform in fully digital programmable optical frequency comb
Authors: Ru Mengyuan , Xue Jiayin , Zhang YiQiong , Xie Xiaolong , Jin Lukui , Xue Quan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a new design method of digital baseband signal for generating fully digital programmable optical frequency comb (OFC), which solves the problem of how to optimally select the digital baseband signal when OFC is generated by binary digital signal modulation. The inverse Fourier transform is used to study the waveform of binary digital signal which is used to generate OFC. It is found that the number of “0” bits of digital signal determines the flatness of comb lines. Based on this, a tunable ultra‐fine and ultra‐flat OFC was obtained by using a digital signal containing a large number of “0” bits in the experiment. This saves substantial computing time and resources compared to the current method of the k‐means clustering algorithm.
Isolation enhancement of compact co‐polarized circular patch antennas using embedded series resonator
Authors: Wan Zhengyuan , He Yijing , Shi Ruisong , Bai Yuming , Sun Houjun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAn embedded series resonator for compact co‐polarized circular patch antenna pairs is presented in this paper. With a compact center spacing (CS) of 0.32λ0 and edge spacing (ES) of 0.03λ0 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength at the center frequency), strong mutual coupling inevitably arises. However, by introducing a cross‐shaped fence and two quarter‐wavelength open‐ended slots onto a circular patch, port isolation of the first proposed antenna pair is significantly enhanced by 25.2 dB within a bandwidth of 6.2%. Moreover, the effectiveness of the embedded series resonator is demonstrated by achieving a wider 20‐dB decoupling bandwidth of 10.4% for the second proposed compact bandwidth‐enhanced antenna pair. For validation, both proposed prototypes are fabricated and measured, showing good agreement between measurements and simulations. To demonstrate the universality, a 1 × 8 patch array with an embedded series resonator can achieve a beam scanning angle of ±70◦ with a gain attenuation of 2.6 dB. Benefiting from compact size, high isolation, and enhanced decoupling bandwidth, the proposed designs hold promising potential for application in multiple‐input multiple‐output system and antenna array.
An intelligent impulsive noise mitigation with deep learning method
Authors: Yang Guo , Qian Yuwen , Wang Zikun , Zhou Xiangwei , Wu Wen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo enable message transmission among sensors and equipment, power line communication (PLC) is a widely adopted smart grid. However, due to the occurrence of impulsive noise (IN), reliable transmissions over PLC channels in the smart grid are challenging. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an adaptive noise mitigation scheme to clip the IN with the sliding window‐based method, where the altitude of the received signal in the current time slots is obtained by computing the average altitude of signals in the previous and next time slots. To detect the states of IN and dynamically estimate the power threshold of signals for the IN mitigation scheme, we develop an intelligent algorithm based on the long short‐term memory network. To prevent the useful signals from being eliminated as IN signals, we propose the accelerated proximal gradient method (APGM) based on tone reservation to reduce the peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) for the transmitting signals with low computational complexity. In addition, the closed‐form expression of the bit error rate (BER) is derived for the proposed sliding window‐based IN mitigation scheme according to the probability density function of the IN. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed IN mitigation scheme achieves a better BER performance than the conventional IN mitigation schemes. In addition, the APGM aided by IN mitigation can further improve BER performance due to the PAPR reduction.
Capturing the dilution effect of risk‐based grouping with application to COVID‐19 screening
Authors: Chatterjee Sohom , Aprahamian Hrayer 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe investigate the problem of screening a large population for an infectious disease (i.e., classifying subjects as positive or negative) using group testing while considering important test and population‐level characteristics. Group testing, in which multiple samples are pooled together into a master sample and tested simultaneously, has the potential to significantly expand screening efforts, and, owing to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the topic has seen a surge of interest recently. In this paper, we construct optimal group testing designs that consider a heterogeneous population (i.e., with subject‐specific risk), imperfect tests, and while also modeling the dilution effect of grouping (a phenomenon in which the test accuracy of the master sample is affected by the concentration of the virus in the pool), which is often ignored in the literature. We conduct an exhaustive analysis under both a general dilution function and a specific (yet still calibratable) form of the dilution function. Our analytical results of the resulting challenging optimization problems unveil key structural properties that hold in an optimal solution, which we utilize to construct efficient solution schemes. We complement the analysis with two case studies, one on the screening of blood for the Hepatitis B Virus and the other on the screening of subjects for COVID‐19. Our results reveal significant benefits over current practices, individual testing, as well as prior studies that ignore the dilution effect. Such results underscore the importance of incorporating both test and population‐level characteristics into the modeling framework.
Flow Analysis of Central Venous Outflow Tract: A New Approach to Understanding Pulse‐Synchronous Tinnitus
Authors: Reddy Adithya , Pan Yu , Finberg Ariel , Dong Haibo , Kesser Bradley 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivePulse‐synchronous tinnitus (PST) has been linked to multiple anatomical variants of the central venous outflow tract (CVOT) including sigmoid sinus (SS) dehiscence and diverticulum. This study investigates flow turbulence, pressure, and wall shear stress along the CVOT and proposes a mechanism that results in SS dehiscence and PST.Study DesignCase series.SettingTertiary Academic Center.MethodsVenous models were reconstructed from computed tomography scans of 3 patients with unilateral PST. Two models for each patient are obtained: a symptomatic and contralateral asymptomatic side. A turbulent model‐enabled commercial flow solver was used to simulate the pulsatile blood flow over the cardiac cycle through the models. Fluid flow through the transverse and SS junction was analyzed to observe the velocity, pressure, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and shear stress over a simulated cardiac cycle.ResultsFluid flow on the symptomatic side showed increased vorticity in the presence of an SS diverticulum. Higher TKE with periodicity following the cardiac cycle was observed on the symptomatic side, and a sharp increase was observed if SS diverticulum was present. Shear stress was highest near the narrowest segments of the vessel. Pressure was observed to be lower on the symptomatic side at the transverse‐SS junction for all 3 patients.ConclusionComputational fluid dynamics modeling of blood flow through the CVOT in PST suggests that low pressure may be the cause of dehiscence, and tinnitus may result from periodic increases in TKE.
β‐Carotene‐reinforced Poly(methyl methacrylate): A step forward in bioactive bone cements
Authors: Marin Elia , Idrus Daniel Muhammad Bin , Boschetto Francesco , Honma Taigi , Adachi Tetsuya , Lanzutti Alex , Rondinella Alfredo , Zhu Wenliang , Morita Tatsuro , Kanamura Narisato , Yamamoto Toshiro , Pezzotti Giuseppe 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBy making use of the outstanding osteoinductive effects of β‐carotene, in this innovative research, we investigate the potential for application of β‐carotene‐reinforced PMMA resins. Different amounts of β‐carotene, from 0% to 5%, have been mixed with standard bone cements and characterized by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques before testing with KUSA‐A1 murine mesenchymal cells. In vitro results showed that not only the amount of bone produced by the cells on the composite is comparable if not superior to modern bioglasses but also both adhesion and cellular proliferation are strongly promoted by the presence of β‐carotene. The increased biological properties came at the price of a small loss in elastic modulus, but it was observed that the presence of β‐carotene leads to an increase of ultimate strength, reaching an increase of about 30% at a concentration of about 2.5%. The enhanced bioactivity and mechanical strength make β‐carotene‐reinforced PMMA a promising, innovative material for biomedical applications.
In‐situ polymerizable thermoplastic and bio‐epoxy based composites for offshore renewable energy applications
Authors: Bhatia Gursahib Singh , Hejjaji Akshay , Pothnis Jayaram R. , Portela Alexandre , Comer Anthony J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study evaluates various quasi‐static mechanical properties of an in‐situ polymerizable thermoplastic and a bio‐based thermosetting composite comprising of non‐crimp fabric reinforcement for potential use in the next generation of Offshore Wind and Tidal Power platforms. Mechanical properties are characterized under tensile, flexural, in‐plane shear and interlaminar shear loading. Results reveal that the evaluated properties differ based upon matrix type. Fractographic evidence from scanning electron microscopy is used to explain the differences observed and was generally consistent in terms of revealing cohesive failure at the fiber‐matrix interface for the thermoplastic composite and contrasting adhesive failure for the thermosetting composite. For glass fiber reinforcement, the thermoplastic composite is superior in terms of flexural 90° properties (+20%) while the thermosetting composite performed better in flexure 0° in terms of both strength (+15%) and modulus (+25%). In terms of interlaminar shear, the thermosetting composite exhibited higher strength (+14%) while Tensile and in‐plane shear properties are similar for composites of both resin systems. Overall, neither composite is superior in terms of overall mechanical properties and both matrices show promise as a stepping stone towards the use of more sustainable constituents in offshore structures.Highlights
Quasi‐static mechanical performance and failure analysis of relatively sustainable composites are presented.
Failure analysis indicate cohesive failure of the thermoplastic based composite and interfacial failure of the thermosetting based composite.
Proposed composites are benchmarked against the composites manufactured using conventional resins.
Overall, both matrices show promise as a stepping stone towards more sustainable offshore structures.
Psychosocial characteristics of the general population who habitually use hypnotics: Results from a national survey on drug use among the Japanese
Authors: Mizuno Satomi , Shimane Takuya , Inoura Satoshi , Matsumoto Toshihiko 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of habitual hypnotic users in Japan.MethodsThis nationwide, cross‐sectional survey used self‐administered questionnaires. Data were collected from four national surveys conducted every 2 years between 2015 and 2021. The participants were Japanese individuals who had taken prescription hypnotics in the past year or had never taken them. We divided 13,396 participants into three groups to compare the social background and status of taking medication and controlled drugs, drinking, and smoking among the three groups: people who use hypnotics habitually daily (habitual hypnotic users [HUs]), people who use them only occasionally (occasional hypnotic users [OUs]), and people who do not use them (hypnotic non‐users [NUs]). We compared the perception of using hypnotics between the HU and OU groups.ResultsHUs were more likely to be older, unemployed, and to habitually use anxiolytics and analgesics than NUs. The main reasons for taking anxiolytics in HUs were alleviating insomnia and reducing anxiety, whereas the main reason for taking analgesics was improving joint pain. Additionally, the HU group had a higher proportion of habitual smokers than the OU group. There was no difference in drinking status or taking of controlled drugs among the three groups. HUs were more likely to use hypnotics and to have concerns about their side‐effects than OUs.ConclusionHUs were more likely to be unemployed, habitually use anxiolytics and analgesics, smoke heavily, and take hypnotic drugs with concerns regarding side‐effects. These results may help encourage the appropriate use of hypnotics.
Neighborhood deprivation is not associated with abortion consideration or completion in patients with fetal myelomeningocele
Authors: Papastefan Steven T. , Bian Yuqi , Singh Manmeet , Marriott William S. , Ito Joyceline A. , Fry Jessica , Shaaban Aimen F. , Premkumar Ashish 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate whether patient‐level neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) was associated with termination of pregnancy consideration and completion in patients presenting with fetal myelomeningocele.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort analysis of patients with fetal myelomeningocele presenting to a fetal treatment center (FTC) in Illinois between 2018 and 2024. The exposure was NDI calculated from patient zip codes. The NDI was analyzed as both a dichotomous and ordinal exposure. The co‐primary outcomes were abortion consideration prior to FTC consultation, ascertained by nurse intake, and abortion completion after consultation. Bivariate and log‐binomial regression analyses were performed. Covariates were selected based on p < 0.10 on bivariate analyses. Otherwise, p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.ResultsA total of 157 participants were included. Evaluation of neighborhood deprivation as a dichotomous exposure revealed no association with abortion consideration or completion. AdditionallLy, no association was found on log binomial modeling after controlling for gestational age at presentation to the FTC and maternal race or ethnicity for abortion consideration (aRR 0.87, 95% CI 0.59–1.28) or completion (aRR 0.86, 95% CI 0.59–1.28). These results were similar when treating the NDI as an ordinal exposure.ConclusionsContrary to our hypothesis, NDI is not associated with abortion consideration or completion in patients with fetal myelomeningocele.
The optimization of mechanical properties of polypropylene/styrene butadiene rubber/silicon carbide nanocomposites using response surface methodology
Authors: Hajibeigi Mohsen , Nakhaei Mohammad Reza , Rahi Abbas , Naderi Ghasem 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPolypropylene is a useful and widely consumed thermoplastic with very good properties that can be mixed with a combination of rubber and nanoparticles in order to eliminate its shortcomings. In this paper, the simultaneous combination of both the toughening effect of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) and the reinforcing effect of silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles were investigated in polypropylene matrix. Mechanical properties (tensile and impact strength [TS and IS]) of compounds were analyzed using the central composite design approach in Design‐Expert software. With two factors for input variables of SBR and SiC weight percentages, and their five levels (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25) and (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6), respectively, the central composite design approach employs 11 experiments for creation of models and the analysis of variance investigations with two output responses of TS and IS. Statistical results revealed that SBR and SiC contents had a significant effect on TS, IS, and the microstructure of compounds, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy images. To maximize all mechanical properties simultaneously with desirability functions, TS and IS of the optimum sample were computed to be 21.98 MPa and 8.66 kJ/m2 in amounts of 13.45 and 2.80 weight percentage (wt%) of SBR and SiC, respectively.Highlights
By increasing silicon carbide (SiC) in polypropylene/styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR), tensile strength decreases after a peak due to agglomeration effect.
By increasing SiC in polypropylene/SBR, impact strength decreases after a peak due to agglomeration effect.
By increasing SiC, the rubber particles' dimensions decrease according to scanning electron microscopy analysis.
Simultaneous maximum of tensile strength and impact strength are 21.98 MPa and 8.66 KJ/m2, respectively.
Optimum value of SBR and SiC in above maximums are 13.45 and 2.8 wt%, respectively.
Soy‐based polyester: Sustainable solutions for emerging materials
Authors: Chaudhary Mayankkumar L. , Patel Rutu , Parekh Sonu , Chaudhari Sujal , Gupta Ram K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractInnovative and renewable polymers and additives are the focus of increased research due to public and environmental pressure. There has been a recent uptick in interest from scientists in biobased “green” plasticizers that can be covalently bonded to replace harmful and migratory phthalate‐based plasticizers. Vegetable oils (VOs) are one of the biosources, as they are both plentiful and sustainable. This review aims to highlight the synthesis methods for soy‐based polyesters. Therefore, the chemistry of soybean oil as a polymeric material and its role in the synthesis of polyesters derived from soybeans are the primary topics of this review. This review covers the many ways in which soybean oil and its derivatives can be used to synthesize polyester, either directly or indirectly.Highlights
The need for sustainable polymers is explored.
Soybean oil‐based polyesters are covered.
Modification and chemistry to convert soybean oil into polyester are described.
Applications of soybean‐based polyesters are provided.
Students' perspectives and utilization of school resource officers after experiences with school discipline or law enforcement
Authors: Jancaric Michelle , Jewett Patricia , Borowsky Iris W. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSchool resource officer (SRO) programs were expanded to improve school safety, but limited research has assessed factors impacting students' perspectives on and intended utilization of SROs. We analyzed the relationships of students' experiences with law enforcement and school discipline with views and intended use of SROs. We used multilevel logistic regression models based on the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey to estimate odds ratios of negative attitudes toward SROs. Among all students, 94.4% agreed having an SRO at school was a good idea, 62.1% said they would feel comfortable going to their SRO with a problem, and 68.1% that they would tell their SRO if they saw something unsafe. Among students with recent suspensions, a parent/guardian who was ever in prison, or attending alternative learning centers, there was still widespread support for SROs, albeit lower support for SROs. Furthermore, only about half of students with recent suspensions or impacted by parental incarceration stated they would utilize SROs. These findings highlight discrepancies in students' attitudes toward versus utilization of SROs, especially for those disproportionately impacted by law enforcement or school discipline. This is relevant, as having trusted adults to turn to with problems has been identified as a cornerstone of school safety.
Supramolecular hydrogels based on hydrogen bonding: Impact of ionic comonomers
Authors: Jangizehi Amir , Sprenger Cora , Seiffert Sebastian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe polymerization of N‐acryloyl glycineamide (NAGA) in water results in the creation of robust supramolecular hydrogels, exhibiting a network structure through inter‐chain crosslinking formed by hydrogen bonds between NAGA units. The stability of these hydrogen bonds in water is based on the aggregation of NAGA units into microdomains or clusters, thereby effectively shielding the hydrogen bonds from the surrounding aqueous medium. Beyond the inherent water absorption characteristics of these hydrogels, the unique ability for the dissociation and re‐association of their physical crosslinks imparts features such as reversible swelling and shrinking as well as self‐healing and remolding capabilities. In this study, we synthesize a series of supramolecular hydrogels through copolymerization of NAGA and ionic sodium acrylate comonomers for a dual purpose: first, to regulate water absorption levels, and second, to introduce a salt partitioning effect into the hydrogels during their swelling in salt solution. Our findings indicate that the properties of these hydrogels are intricately influenced by the volume fraction of the solid network, the concentration of ionic units, and temperature. Notably, supramolecular samples with ionic units exhibit a 16% salt rejection in a single cycle of salt partitioning during their swelling in a 1 g·L−1 sodium chloride solution.
Has the human biological interaction with SARS‐CoV2 variants entered a pliant “Faustian bargain”?
Authors: Head Richard J. , Popovic Marko , Martin Jennifer H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe hypothesize that a “Faustian bargain”—the trading of increased SARS—CoV2 viral infection with a concurrent potential for prevention of life‐threatening lower lung infection explains the previous and future morbidity and mortality from COVID‐19. Further, this trade‐off is made feasible by fundamental principles of thermodynamics and receptor affinity.
Leading by example: Culture, leadership, and accountability
Authors: Broadribb Michael P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractProcess safety practices and management systems have been in place for many years and have been widely credited for reductions in major accident risk. However, many organizations today are challenged by inadequate management system performance, resource pressures, and stagnant or declining process safety performance. Systems for managing process safety have not been fully successful in some organizations due to a variety of issues; major, frequent contributors include a lack of senior management commitment and poor safety culture. Senior management commitment and safety culture are inextricably linked, as the quality of an organization's leadership and their commitment will drive or limit the culture. Changes to improve management systems are relatively easy to implement, but extremely difficult to sustain without strong leadership commitment and total line management support. It is not just a case of changing the systems, but also changing the safety culture of the organization. Safety culture tends to be the result of everything that happened or failed to happen and represents the organization's shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors with respect to safety (occupational safety and process safety). To change the safety culture and sustain the change, leadership must care and explicitly show that they care all of the time. Only then can an organization begin to improve its culture. The first step for any organization is identifying and understanding their existing culture. This paper will present the essential features of a sound safety culture and a methodology for identifying safety culture weaknesses based upon a culture, leadership, and accountability (CLA) review protocol used at different levels of the organization. Other key steps involved in changing and sustaining an improved safety culture will also be addressed.