bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calibration plots for multistate risk prediction models
Authors: Pate Alexander , Sperrin Matthew , Riley Richard D. , Peek Niels , Van Staa Tjeerd , Sergeant Jamie C. , Mamas Mamas A. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , O'Flaherty Martin , Barrowman Michael , Buchan Iain , Martin Glen P. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThere is currently no guidance on how to assess the calibration of multistate models used for risk prediction. We introduce several techniques that can be used to produce calibration plots for the transition probabilities of a multistate model, before assessing their performance in the presence of random and independent censoring through a simulation.MethodsWe studied pseudo‐values based on the Aalen‐Johansen estimator, binary logistic regression with inverse probability of censoring weights (BLR‐IPCW), and multinomial logistic regression with inverse probability of censoring weights (MLR‐IPCW). The MLR‐IPCW approach results in a calibration scatter plot, providing extra insight about the calibration. We simulated data with varying levels of censoring and evaluated the ability of each method to estimate the calibration curve for a set of predicted transition probabilities. We also developed and evaluated the calibration of a model predicting the incidence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease among a cohort of patients derived from linked primary and secondary healthcare records.ResultsThe pseudo‐value, BLR‐IPCW, and MLR‐IPCW approaches give unbiased estimates of the calibration curves under random censoring. These methods remained predominately unbiased in the presence of independent censoring, even if the censoring mechanism was strongly associated with the outcome, with bias concentrated in low‐density regions of predicted transition probabilities.ConclusionsWe recommend implementing either the pseudo‐value or BLR‐IPCW approaches to produce a calibration curve, combined with the MLR‐IPCW approach to produce a calibration scatter plot. The methods have been incorporated into the “calibmsm” R package available on CRAN.
DNA Self‐Assembly Optimization by Betaine and Its Analogs
Authors: Sun Zhengyang , Shen Yue , Wang Wen , Wei Bryan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe self‐assembly yield of DNA nanostructures can be exponentially lower with increasing structural complexity. Few optimizing strategies are available in the DNA nanotechnology field for the assembly yield improvement. Here, betaine and its analogs are applied as supplementary ingredients in DNA self‐assembly. Such a simple implementation results in effective yield improvement. Through a comprehensive investigation, a reliable yield improvement of two‐ to threefold is achieved for a number of DNA nanostructures with considerable complexity.
Achieving Uniform Li Deposition and Suppressed Electrolyte Flammability in Li‐Metal Batteries via Designing Localized High‐Concentration Electrolytes
Authors: Wang Xingkai , Huang He , Zhang Hong , Dong Qiujiang , Zhang Wanxing , Gao Meng , Li Jinyang , Chen Biao , Guo Hao , Han Xiaopeng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe increasing need for energy storage devices with high energy density has led to significant interest in Li‐metal batteries (LMBs). However, the use of commercial electrolytes in LMBs is problematic due to their flammability, inadequate performance at low temperatures, and tendency to promote the growth of lithium dendrites and other flaws. This study introduces a localized high‐concentration electrolyte (LHCE) that addresses these issues by employing non‐flammable electrolyte components and incorporating carefully designed additives to enhance flame retardancy and low‐temperature performance. By incorporating additives to optimize the electrolyte, it is possible to attain inorganic‐dominated solid electrolyte interphases on both the cathode and anode. This achievement results in a uniform deposition of lithium, as well as the suppression of electrolyte decomposition and cathode deterioration. Consequently, this LHCE achieve over 300 stable cycles for both LiNi0.9Mn0.05Co0.05O2||Li cells and LiCoO2||Li cells, as well as 50 cycles for LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NCM811||Li) pouch cells. Furthermore, NCM811||Li cells maintain 84% discharge capacity at −20 °C, in comparison to the capacity at room temperature. The utilization of this electrolyte presents novel perspectives for the safe implementation of LMBs.
3D‐Printed Mullite‐Reinforced SiC‐Based Aerogel Composites
Authors: Miao Mulin , Yin Jianan , Mao Zhengyi , Chen Yuhan , Lu Jian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThere is a growing demand for thermal management materials in electronic fields. Aerogels have attracted interest due to their extremely low density and extraordinary thermal insulation properties. However, the application of aerogels is limited by high production costs and the requirement that aerogel structures not be load‐bearing. In this study, mullite‐reinforced SiC‐based aerogel composite (MR‐SiC AC) is prepared through 3D printing combined with in situ growth of SiC nanowires in post processing. The fabricated MR‐SiC AC not only has ultra‐low thermal conductivity (0.021 W K m−1) and high porosity (90.0%), but also a high Young's modulus (24.4 MPa) and high compressive strength (1.65 MPa), both exceeding the measurements of existing resilient aerogels by an order of magnitude. These properties make MR‐SiC AC an ideal solution for the precision thermal management of lightweight structures having complex geometry for functional devices.
Balancing the Kinetic and Thermodynamic Synergetic Effect of Doped Carbon Molecular Sieves for Selective Separation of C2H4/C2H6
Authors: Liu Ru‐Shuai , Wang Miao , Li Wen‐Cui , Zhang Xue‐Jie , Wang Cheng‐Tong , Hao Guang‐Ping , Lu An‐Hui 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSelective separation of ethylene and ethane (C2H4/C2H6) is a formidable challenge due to their close molecular size and boiling point. Compared to industry‐used cryogenic distillation, adsorption separation would offer a more energy‐efficient solution when an efficient adsorbent is available. Herein, a class of C2H4/C2H6 separation adsorbents, doped carbon molecular sieves (d‐CMSs) is reported which are prepared from the polymerization and subsequent carbonization of resorcinol, m‐phenylenediamine, and formaldehyde in ethanol solution. The study demonstrated that the polymer precursor themselves can be a versatile platform for modifying the pore structure and surface functional groups of their derived d‐CMSs. The high proportion of pores centered at 3.5 Å in d‐CMSs contributes significantly to achieving a superior kinetic selectivity of 205 for C2H4/C2H6 separation. The generated pyrrolic‐N and pyridinic‐N functional sites in d‐CMSs contribute to a remarkable elevation of Henry selectivity to 135 due to the enhancement of the surface polarity in d‐CMSs. By balancing the synergistic effects of kinetics and thermodynamics, d‐CMSs achieve efficient separation of C2H4/C2H6. Polymer‐grade C2H4 of 99.71% purity can be achieved with 75% recovery using the devised d‐CMSs as reflected in a two‐bed vacuum swing adsorption simulation.
Synthesis of PDMS Chain Structure with Introduced Dynamic Covalent Bonding for High‐Performance Rehealable Tactile Sensor Application
Authors: Nguyen My Thi Ngoc , Nguyen Trong Danh , Han Jae‐Hee , Lee Jun Seop 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn addressing the increasing demand for wearable sensing systems, the performance and lifespan of such devices must be improved by enhancing their sensitivity and healing capabilities. The present work introduces an innovative method for synthesizing a healable disulfide bond contained in a polydimethylsiloxane network (PDMS−SS) that incorporates ionic salts, which is designed to serve as a highly effective dielectric layer for capacitive tactile sensors. Within the polymer network structure, the cross‐linking agent pentaerythritol tetrakis 3‐mercaptopropionate (PTKPM) forms reversible disulfide bonds while simultaneously increasing polymer softness and the dielectric constant. The incorporation of dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (DOSS) significantly improves the capacitance and sensing properties by forming an electrical double‐layer through interactions between the electrode charge and salt ions at the contact interface. The developed polymer material‐based tactile sensor shows a strong response signal at low pressure (0.1 kPa) and maintains high sensitivity (0.175 kPa−1) over a wide pressure range (0.1–10 kPa). It also maintains the same sensitivity over 10 000 repeated applications of external pressure and is easily self‐healed against mechanical deformation due to the dynamic disulfide covalent bonding, restoring ≈95% of its detection capacity.
Variational inference for the latent shrinkage position model
Authors: Gwee Xian Yao , Gormley Isobel Claire , Fop Michael 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe latent position model (LPM) is a popular method used in network data analysis where nodes are assumed to be positioned in a ‐dimensional latent space. The latent shrinkage position model (LSPM) is an extension of the LPM which automatically determines the number of effective dimensions of the latent space via a Bayesian nonparametric shrinkage prior. However, the LSPM's reliance on Markov chain Monte Carlo for inference, while rigorous, is computationally expensive, making it challenging to scale to networks with large numbers of nodes. We introduce a variational inference approach for the LSPM, aiming to reduce computational demands while retaining the model's ability to intrinsically determine the number of effective latent dimensions. The performance of the variational LSPM is illustrated through simulation studies and its application to real‐world network data. To promote wider adoption and ease of implementation, we also provide open‐source code.
An assessment of microplastic contamination in beach sediment of Maharashtra State, India, with special reference to anthropogenic activities
Authors: Shinde Riddhi , Rabari Vasantkumar , Duggal Rishiraj , Patel Ashish , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Trivedi Jigneshkumar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe escalating issue of microplastic (MP) pollution poses a significant threat to the marine environment due to increasing plastic production and improper waste management. The current investigation was aimed at quantifying the MP concentration on 25 beaches on the Maharashtra coast, India. Beach sediments (1 kg) were collected from each site, with five replicates to evaluate the extent of MPs. The samples were homogenized, and three 20 g replicas were prepared for subsequent analysis. Later, the samples were sieved, and MPs were extracted using previously published protocols. The abundance of MPs found as 1.56 ± 0.79 MPs/g, ranges from 0.43 ± 0.07 to 3 ± 0.37 MPs/g. Fibers were found as the most abundant shape of MPs. Size‐wise classification revealed dominance of <1 mm and 1–2 mm‐sized MPs. Blue‐ and black‐colored MPs were recorded dominantly. Polymer identification of MPs revealed polyurethane, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic or polymethyl methacrylate, and rubber. The findings revealed that MPs were found to be higher at highly impacted sites, followed by moderately impacted sites and low‐impacted sites, possibly due to a different degree of anthropogenic pressure. The study recommended the urgent need for effective policy to prevent plastics accumulation in the coastal environment of Maharashtra State, India.Practitioner Points
The study investigated the abundance and distribution of microplastics in the marine environment, specifically in sediments.
The most common type of microplastic found was fibers, followed by fragments and films.
Microplastics were found to pose a potential risk to the marine ecosystem, although further research is needed to fully understand their ecological impact.
Future research should focus on expanding the sample size, assessing long‐term effects, exploring sources and pathways, and considering size and shape of microplastics.
The findings recommended urgent action to mitigate plastic pollution in Maharashtra coast.
Soft mechanical sensors for wearable and implantable applications
Authors: Papani Rithvik , Li Yang , Wang Sihong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWearable and implantable sensing of biomechanical signals such as pressure, strain, shear, and vibration can enable a multitude of human‐integrated applications, including on‐skin monitoring of vital signs, motion tracking, monitoring of internal organ condition, restoration of lost/impaired mechanoreception, among many others. The mechanical conformability of such sensors to the human skin and tissue is critical to enhancing their biocompatibility and sensing accuracy. As such, in the recent decade, significant efforts have been made in the development of soft mechanical sensors. To satisfy the requirements of different wearable and implantable applications, such sensors have been imparted with various additional properties to make them better suited for the varied contexts of human‐integrated applications. In this review, focusing on the four major types of soft mechanical sensors for pressure, strain, shear, and vibration, we discussed the recent material and device design innovations for achieving several important properties, including flexibility and stretchability, bioresorbability and biodegradability, self‐healing properties, breathability, transparency, wireless communication capabilities, and high‐density integration. We then went on to discuss the current research state of the use of such novel soft mechanical sensors in wearable and implantable applications, based on which future research needs were further discussed.This article is categorized under:
Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices
Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Exploring the properties and potential of the neural extracellular matrix for next‐generation regenerative therapies
Authors: Ortega J. Alberto , Soares de Aguiar Gisele P. , Chandravanshi Palash , Levy Natacha , Engel Elisabeth , Álvarez Zaida 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and complex network of proteins and molecules that surrounds cells and tissues in the nervous system and orchestrates a myriad of biological functions. This review carefully examines the diverse interactions between cells and the ECM, as well as the transformative chemical and physical changes that the ECM undergoes during neural development, aging, and disease. These transformations play a pivotal role in shaping tissue morphogenesis and neural activity, thereby influencing the functionality of the central nervous system (CNS). In our comprehensive review, we describe the diverse behaviors of the CNS ECM in different physiological and pathological scenarios and explore the unique properties that make ECM‐based strategies attractive for CNS repair and regeneration. Addressing the challenges of scalability, variability, and integration with host tissues, we review how advanced natural, synthetic, and combinatorial matrix approaches enhance biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and functional recovery. Overall, this review highlights the potential of decellularized ECM as a powerful tool for CNS modeling and regenerative purposes and sets the stage for future research in this exciting field.This article is categorized under:
Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease
Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Influence of Adaptive Controlling Strategies of Floating Offshore Wind Turbine on Corrosion Fatigue Deterioration of Supporting Towers
Authors: Heng Junlin , Zhang Jiaxin , Dong You , Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Baniotopoulos Charalampos 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFloating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) demonstrate very promising potential in unlocking the plentiful wind resource in deep-water oceans. Meanwhile, the combination of the harsh marine environment and strong dynamics complicate the long-term deterioration of FOWT-supporting towers, specifically the escalating corrosion fatigue (C-F) coupled deterioration in critical connections. Unlike traditional engineering structures, an interoperable control is available in FOWTs, such as the pitching, yawing and torque controllers, which can mitigate structural oscillation and loads. With the recent advances in smart sensing, a better prognosis of current and future deterioration can be guaranteed with increasingly accessible data. Thus, a refined adaptive control strategy is hence deemed essential based on the site-specific data, to curb the operation and maintenance (O&M) costs of FOWT towers based on the structural condition. The present work elaborates on the influence of various adaptive controlling strategies of FOWTs on the C-F deterioration of supporting towers, lending itself to preliminary references for balanced trade-offs between power generation and structural reliability. Multi-physics simulations of FOWTs are initially carried out to establish fatigue stress spectra from site-specific wind-wave distribution, using various types of control strategies. Structural reliability assessment is then conducted by incorporating the spectra into a time-variant C-F deterioration model in which the ambient corrosivity is accounted for. The result suggests a compelling C-F deterioration faced by FOWT towers due to strong wind-wave loads, high corrosivity and improved structural flexibility. More critically, the finding underscores the apparent influence of controlling strategies on the C-F deterioration of FOWT structures, especially under certain regimes of wind velocities. In addition, preliminary but innovative perspectives are elucidated on the delicate balance and conflict between generation efficiency and structural reliability.
Design of Photovoltaic/Thermal Collectors with Thermal Storage and Batteries to Enhance Building Performance and Resilience in Cold Climate
Authors: Pelletier-De Koninck Jean-Christophe , Athienitis Andreas , Nouanegue Hervé Frank 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study consists of a sensitivity analysis of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors, liquid thermal storage, and battery systems applied for the offices of a school building near Montreal, Canada to enhance building performance and resiliency to power outages during winter operation. The analysis was applied for 3 days in January with mixed solar conditions by varying the sizing of each of the components to achieve at least 8 h of self-sufficiency, the average length of power outages. It was found the optimal sizing for the studied system, while minimizing component costs, is to dimensions PV/T collectors to meet the base heating load, while maximizing thermal storage, and diminishing battery capacity to meet the base heat pump electricity consumption. For the case study, the optimal configuration was 27 PV/T, a 908 L thermal storage tank, and 10 kWh of battery capacity, to consistently achieve over 8 h of self-sufficiency in mixed sunny and cloudy winter conditions.
Reliability and Durability of Built Environment Under Impact of Climate Natural Hazards
Authors: Dubina Dan , Dinu Florea 
Published: May 2024

AbstractConstructions should be able to remain stable for their designed lifetime, from 50 to 100 years, even more. As climate change intensifies, extreme weather events such as temperature variation, humidity, heavy rainfall, floods, and windstorms become more frequent and more severe. These events pose a significant threat to conventional building designs and infrastructures. Consequently, there is a growing demand for climate-resilient constructions that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Protecting infrastructure and buildings to cope with these threats is a complex challenge. Building materials, design, and construction techniques need to be adapted to ensure the durability and safety of structures in the face of changing climatic conditions. The safety margins and robustness of constructions for undesired events in technical regulations and standards should therefore be continuously re-evaluated so that the designed level of reliability is maintained. To control by design, alternatively to traditional prescriptive design codes, where the building must conform to a set of given requirements that results in a hard-to-quantify performance, a Performance-Based Design (PBD) method might apply to explicitly define and achieve the desired structural performance. Based on the review and analysis of dedicated literature and research reports related to this complex problem, potential technical solutions are discussed. Also, two real study cases, one caused by extreme wind and the other by extreme drifted snow, are presented.
Life Cycle Assessment of the Lightweight Timber Structures with Bio-Based Aggregate Composites
Authors: Bajare Diana , Puzule Liga , Sinka Maris , Tambovceva Tatjana , Bumanis Girts 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe lightweight structures play a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of buildings throughout their lifespan. There is an interest in exploring various agricultural by-products as effective aggregates for filling framed timber structures. Natural fibers, such as hemp shives, are gaining attention for their environmental benefits, including biodegradability, renewability, recyclability, composability, and their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By harnessing these natural fibers, it is possible to reduce emissions associated with the most popular wall structures. Moreover, this approach reduces agricultural waste and facilitates integration into a circular economy model. This study delves into the effects of bio-composites created from hemp shives, combined with starch, gypsum, and a geopolymer binder, in fabricating lightweight timber structures. These lightweight structures are compared among themselves and conventionally used wall structures, assuming one square meter of wall with a specific U-value as the comparative unit. Results from a life cycle assessment revealed that these innovative lightweight timber wall structures yield CO2 emissions ranging from −13.94 to 82.89 kg of CO2 equivalent per square meter. In contrast, compared to traditional brick wall constructions, these structures offer substantial savings, potentially reducing emissions by up to 149.38 kg of CO2 equivalent per square meter. This research underscores the promising environmental advantages of utilizing natural fiber-based bio-composites in constructing lightweight timber structures, emphasizing their potential to reduce carbon footprints in building construction significantly.
Thermal-Structural Modelling and Temperature Control of Roller-Compacted Concrete Gravity Dam: A Parametric Study
Authors: Malkawi Abdallah I. Husein , Malkawi Dima A. Husein , Bani-Hani Khaldoon A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis research is a Parametric study that investigates the temperature and thermal stress distributions in Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) dams. The analysis used in this study involved the RCC placement temperature, the Modulus of Elasticity, tensile strain capacity, the placement schedule of RCC layers, the number of layers, and the thickness of each layer. The Metolong Dam Project in the South African state of Lesotho is used in this research as a case study, in addition to ANSYS, a well-known computer code. The sensitivity of each of the parameters listed above is investigated, and the results are presented in tables and graphs. Conclusions are drawn to better understand the effect of each parameter on the temperature distribution and thermal stress in the RCC dams.