bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transferable multi-objective factory layout planning using simulation-based deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Klar Matthias , Schworm Philipp , Wu Xiangqian , Simon Peter , Glatt Moritz , Ravani Bahram , Aurich Jan C. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Factory layout planning aims at finding an optimized layout configuration under consideration of varying influences such as the material flow characteristics. Manual layout planning can be characterized as a complex decision-making process due to a large number of possible placement options. Automated planning approaches aim at reducing the manual planning effort by generating optimized layout variants in the early stages of layout planning. Recent developments have introduced deep Reinforcement Learning (RL) based planning approaches that allow to optimize a layout under consideration of a single optimization criterion. However, within layout planning, multiple partially conflicting planning objectives have to be considered. Such multiple objectives are not considered by existing RL-based approaches. This paper addresses this research gap by presenting a novel deep RL-based layout planning approach that allows consideration of multiple objectives for optimization. Furthermore, existing RL-based planning approaches only consider analytically formulated objectives such as the transportation distance. Consequently, dynamic influences in the material flow are neglected which can result in higher operational costs of the future factory. To address this issue, a discrete event simulation module is developed that allows simulating manufacturing and material flow processes simultaneously for any layout configuration generated by the RL approach. Consequently, the presented approach considers material flow simulation results for multi-objective optimization. To investigate the capabilities of RL-based factory layout planning, different RL architectures are compared based on a simplified application scenario. Throughput time, media supply, and material flow clarity are considered as optimization objectives. The best performing architecture is then applied to an exemplary application scenario and compared with the results obtained by a combined version of the genetic algorithm and tabu search, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm, and the optimal solution. Finally, an industrial planning scenario with 43 functional units is considered. The results show that the performance of RL compared to meta-heuristics depends on the considered computation time. It is found that meta-heuristics lead to superior results in the early computation phase. However, with time, RL achieves comparable results for throughput time and better results for material flow clarity. Finally, the potential of applying transfer learning is investigated for three different application scenarios. It is observed that RL can learn generalized patterns for factory layout planning, which allows to significantly reduce the required training time and can lead to improved solution quality.
New vehicle control strategy for fuel consumption and battery state of health improvement in a series hybrid vehicle utilizing fuzzy logic
Authors: Moghimi Mohsen , Teymoori Mohammad Mahdi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Series hybrid vehicles have become increasingly popular due to their high efficiency and low fuel consumption. However, the efficiency of a series hybrid electric vehicle largely depends on its control strategy. This paper presents a practical control strategy that optimizes the performance of series hybrid vehicle in terms of fuel consumption. To achieve this objective, the power-follower strategy which uses a fuzzy controller was employed. The combination of the fuzzy controller and the optimal working method for the combustion engine resulted in improvements in fuel consumption and battery state of health. To validate the GT-Power model, experiments were designed and conducted. Three control strategies (thermostat, power-follower, and Max-SOC) were simulated and compared to evaluate the fuel efficiency of the vehicle model. The power-follower strategy led to a 3.7% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the thermostat strategy (currently implemented as the RUNNA strategy), and a 60.1% reduction compared to the Max-SOC strategy. Moreover, using the power-follower method instead of a thermostat prevented frequent charging and discharging of the battery, which is beneficial for improving the battery's state of charge.
Navigating the Unforeseen: Dental Students' Perspectives on Sudden Curriculum Shift
Authors: Nafea Ebtihaj 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Sudden changes in the educational system can have adverse effects on students. At ... University, dental students experienced two unexpected curriculum changes within a two-year period: the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the national transition to a three-term system. This study aims to investigate the impact of these changes on dental students.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten fifth-year students, focusing on their perceptions of the curriculum changes and their thoughts and strategies for adapting to them.
Results: The findings revealed that the abrupt curriculum changes were associated with elevated stress levels and hindered academic achievements. The students viewed the national curriculum transition negatively, considering it to be even more challenging than the pandemic itself.
Conclusions: The manner in which the reasons for curriculum changes were justified had a significant influence on students' perceptions. This research provides recommendations for facilitating a seamless curriculum transition.
Experimental study on buildability and mechanical properties of 3D printing cob
Authors: Wu xikai , Shi Qingxuan , Huo Jian , Tao Yi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The application of 3D printing technology to earth buildings conforms to the development concept of low carbon, green and intelligent construction. The key issue lies in the development of earth material with both favorable buildability and sufficient mechanical properties. In this study, the printing parameters of mixture for 3D printing with different water contents were optimized. The optimum water content of 3D printing cob was determined based on the buildability. The result shows that when the flow spreading diameter is between 140 mm and 160 mm, 3D printing cob has good buildability performance. The optimum water content is 24.6%. In addition, anisotropic performance was analyzed by compressive strength tests from three orthogonal directions. In particular, according to the test results of single printing limit height and yield stress, the buildability of 3D printing cob wall was analyzed. The building strategy of the printing divided into multiple times was obtained.
Effect of whitening toothpastes on the surface roughness and microhardness of human teeth – an in vitro study
Authors: Jamwal Navodita , Rao Ashwini , MC Gowri Shankar , Shenoy Ramya , BH Mithun Pai , Jodalli Praveen , KS Aparna , BR Avinash 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective: To determine the effect of whitening toothpastes on the surface roughness and microhardnessof human teeth.
Methodology: Surface roughness was estimated using the Talysurf instrument, and microhardness was estimated using theVickers hardness tester before and after the application of whitening toothpastes on mounted extracted human teeth.
Results: In the activated charcoal group, there was a reduction in the surface roughness from 1.21 at baseline to 1.09 at 1 month and a further reduction to 1.02 at 3 months, which was found to be statistically significant. However, no statistically significant difference in surface roughness was found in the other toothpaste groups. With respect to microhardness, all 4 whitening toothpastes showed a statistically significant reduction in microhardness after 3 months of brushing. There was a statistically significant difference between groups 2 and 5 and 4 and 5, indicating a greater reduction in microhardness values in groups 2 and 4.
Conclusion: This study showed that whitening toothpaste containing activated charcoal significantly reduced the surface roughness, whereas toothpastes with blue covarine and toothpastes containing activated charcoalsignificantly reduced the microhardness of the tooth.
Clinical relevance: This study emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential disadvantages of whitening toothpastes and make evidence-based decisions when recommending the product to patients.
Discovery of the origin of the enormous 88Zr neutron-capture cross section and quantifying its impact on applications
Authors: Stamatopoulos Athanasios , Koehler Paul , Cooper Andrew , Couture Aaron , DiGiovine Brad , Matyskin Artem , Mocko Veronika , Morrell Jonathan , O'Brien Ellen , Vermeulen Christiaan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The probability for a radioactive 88Zr nucleus (83.4 day half life) to absorb neutrons across resonance energies — its neutron-capture resonance integral — is the largest ever reported and implies that the neutron-capture cross section is orders of magnitude larger than previously thought at energies relevant to nuclear test diagnostics and nucleosynthesis applications. However, these applications require the shape of this cross section across a range of energies, not just this integral quantity. We measured the 88Zr neutron total cross section from 0.0253 to 500 eV. Because the same resonances or other nuclear structure responsible for the neutron capture-cross section are reflected in the total cross section, we used these data to extract the former from the latter as a function of energy. Our data reveal a resonance at 0.171 eV and result in a thermal neutron-capture cross section of 771,000±31,000 barns, in good agreement with the recently published value. In contrast, the neutron-capture resonance integral extracted from our data, 15,210±670 barns, is a factor of 200 smaller than the recently reported value. We discuss the impact of this difference on applications.
Predictive Role of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and Neutrophil/lymphocyte Ratio Values in Infants with Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Oruz Oguzhan , Dervişoğulları Mehmet , İncekaş Caner 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives: To search the relationship between serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) values with the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the requirement for laser treatment.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was carried out with 195 preterm infants between 2012 and 2023. The NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII values were calculated on both the first day and at the end of the first month after birth. The association between development of ROP and other risk factors were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results Of patients, 92 infants were with ROP. Laser treatment was administered to 36 infants. The postnatal first-day NLR and SII values were higher in infants with ROP than in infants without ROP (p < 0.001 for both). Postnatal first-month NLR, LMR, and SII values were higher in infants with ROP (p < 0.001, p = 0.007, and p < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analyses, postnatal first-day NLR and first-month LMR values were regarded as independent risk factors for the development of ROP (OR:8.867 and 1.286, p = 0.002 and p = 0.009, respectively). In multivariate analyses performed for laser treatment requirement, postnatal first-month PLR and SII values were determined as independent risk factors (OR:0.951 and 1.011, respectively, p = 0.004 for both).Conclusions Postnatal first-day NLR and first-month LMR values were determined as independent risk factors for the development of ROP. For the requirement of laser treatment, the postnatal first-month PLR and SII values were determined as independent risk factors.
Dual-inhibition of NAMPT and PAK4 induces anti-tumor effects in 3D-spheroids model of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
Authors: Annunziata Christina , Kudo Kei , Greer Yoshimi , Yoshida Teruhiko , Harrington Brittney , Korrapati Soumya , Shibuya Yusuke , Henegar Leah , Kopp Jeffrey , Fujii Takeo , Lipkowitz Stanley 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Ovarian cancer follows a characteristic progression pattern, forming multiple tumor masses enriched with cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the abdomen. Most patients develop resistance to standard platinum-based drugs, necessitating better treatment approaches. To target CSCs, inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in the salvage pathway for NAD+ synthesis, has been explored in ovarian cancer. KPT-9274 is an innovative drug targeting both NAMPT and PAK4. However, its effectiveness against ovarian cancer has not been validated. Here, we show the efficacy and mechanisms of KPT-9274 in treating 3D-cultured spheroids that are resistant to platinum-based drugs. In these spheroids, KPT-9274 not only inhibited NAD+ production in NAMPT-dependent cell lines, but also suppressed NADPH and ATP production, indicating reduced mitochondrial function. It also downregulated expression of genes involved with inflammation and DNA repair. Moreover, KPT-9274 impaired the kinase activity of PAK4 by altering the localization from cytoplasmic to nucleus, leading to decreased phosphorylation of S6 Ribosomal protein, AKT, and β-Catenin in the cytoplasm in a NAD+- dependent manner. These findings suggest that KPT-9274 is a promising treatment for ovarian cancer patients resistant to platinum drugs. Our study also indicates that the identification of specific NAD+-producing pathway is required for stratification of patients who can benefit from a KPT-9274 therapy.
A substitutional quantum defect in WS2 discovered by high-throughput computational screening and fabricated by site-selective STM manipulation
Authors: Thomas John , Chen Wei , Xiong Yihuang , Barker Bradford , Zhou Junze , Chen Weiru , Rossi Antonio , Kelly Nolan , Yu Zhuohang , Zhou Da , Kumari Shalini , Barnard Edward , Robinson Joshua , Terrones Mauricio , Schwartzberg Adam , Ogletree D. Frank , Rotenberg Eli , Noack Marcus , Griffin Sinéad , Raja Archana , Strubbe David , Rignanese Gian-Marco , Weber-Bargioni Alexander , Hautier Geoffroy 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Point defects in two-dimensional materials are of key interest for quantum information science. However, the space of possible defects is immense, making the identification of high-performance quantum defects extremely challenging. Here, we perform high-throughput (HT) first-principles computational screening to search for promising quantum defects within WS2, which present localized levels in the band gap that can lead to bright optical transitions in the visible or telecom regime. Our computed database spans more than 700 charged defects formed through substitution on the tungsten or sulfur site. We found that sulfur substitutions enable the most promising quantum defects. We computationally identify the neutral cobalt substitution to sulfur (Co$_{\rm S}^{0}$) as very promising and fabricate it with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The Co$_{\rm S}^{0}$ electronic structure measured by STM agrees with first principles and showcases an attractive new quantum defect. Our work shows how HT computational screening and novel defect synthesis routes can be combined to design new quantum defects.
Vascular E-Learning in Mainland China: results of the e-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic (EL-COVID) study
Authors: Bartos Oana , Patelis Nikolaos , Jing Zaiping , Feng Jiaxuan , Trenner Matthias , Reis Paulo Eduardo Ocke , Nugroho Nyityasmono Tri , Elkouri Stephane , Karam Lamisse , Ionac Mihai , Berczeli Marton , Jongkind Vincent , Yeung Kak Khee , Katsargyris Athanasios , Avgerinos Efthymios , Moris Demetrios , Choong Andrew , Ng Jun Jie , Cvjetko Ivan , Antoniou George A. , Ghibu Phillipe , Svetlikov Alexei , Pedrajas Fernando Gallardo , Ebben Harm , Stepak Hubert , Kostiv Sviatoslav , Ancetti Stefano , Mekkar Akli , Magnitskiy Leonid , Domingos Liliana Fidalgo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose: With the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, digitalization came to the forefront of education delivery and continuous professional development took place predominantly online. We investigate the relevance of e-Learning in the vascular surgery community in mainland People’s Republic of China (PRC) and address the regional variability in comparison with the international community
Methods: The international EL-COVID survey took place online from June 15, 2020 to October 15, 2020. We subtracted and analyzed the data from the PRC participants.
Results: From 84 different countries, PRC had the largest contribution to the EL-COVID study (n = 109, 12.7%). Most of the Chinese responders were experienced vascular surgeons (73.39% vs. 53.81%; p=0.0001) and attended more than four eL activities (52.29% vs. 54.08%; not significant). Female vascular surgeons were underrepresented: 7.33% vs. 23.15%; p=0.0002. While participation at international activities did not vary, attendance at national eL activities was reduced (27.52% vs. 73.62%, p<0.0001). Obtaining official accreditation/CME points was relevant in choosing what eL opportunities to attend. Employers were less supportive of participation during working hours (17.43% vs. 46.52%; p<0,0001). eL opportunities were mainly promoted on social media (44.04% vs. 27.17%; p=0.0003) and to a lesser degree through direct contact from national/international societies (27.52% vs. 39.49%; p=0.016).
Conclusion: As in other countries, eL is gaining relevance in the vascular surgery community of PRC. Adequate support as well as improving the dissemination strategy of national societies are needed to meet the demands of the modern vascular surgeon.
Identification of a novel small molecule to inhibit gastric cancer cells growth
Authors: Nie Shuangfa , Li Lei , Hu Xiaofeng , Wang Tao , Fei Jiandong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
A majority of gastric cancer (GC) patients die from tumor metastasis or recurrence as GC is not sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It is in desperate need to develop new therapeutic agents. In this study, we screened a novel compound against gastric cancer cells and subsequently investigated the molecular mechanisms. Gastric cancer AGS cells were used as models to determine the cytotoxic effect of 450 compounds (10 µM) from the Topscience Preclinical Compound Library by CCK-8 assay. Our studies demonstrated that 32 compounds showed inhibitory effect on the growth of AGS cells, with ZM-241385 be the most potent one, which killed all the AGS cells at 48h. Next, ZM-241385 was shown to induce autophagy in AGS cells by the activation of AMPK pathway. In addition, ZM-241385 induced cell apoptosis dependent on caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9. Finally, inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine augmented ZM-241385 induced apoptotic cell death, indicating that autophagy exerts a protective role against ZM-241385 induced apoptosis. Together, our data indicate that we have screened a novel compound which inhibits AGS cell proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis and activates autophagy which, however, attenuates ZM-241385 induced apoptosis.
Estimation of sodium consumption in hypertensive patients based on urine sodium excretion: A Preliminary study
Authors: Usman Suharno 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Adults and children ingested an average of 8.0–4.7 grams (444.45–261.11 mmol) of sodium daily, with an average urine sodium excretion of 151.78–54.78 mmol/l. As a result, it is strongly advised to limit sodium intake. The objective of this study to investigate and identify sodium intake by estimating urinary sodium excretion in hypertensive patients. A cross-sectional assessment of the 73 samples of 24-hour urine collection procedure using the KME-03 salinity checker and blood pressure (BP). Estimates of average daily salt (sodium) consumption (6.44 grams; 110.104 mmol). Female participants had greater estimated average sodium intake than males (6.49 grams110.99 mmol; 6.35 g-108.57 mmol). The correlation with systolic BP had no significance with direction negative correlation (r=-.330, p =.054) and positive correlation with diastolic BP (r=.343, p =.371). The participants' average urine salt excretion exceeded the reference norm and salt consumption was more than five g/d. Diverse population, repeated measurements, and determining the frequency of meals were needed
Extension of synthetic panels and the multilevel model to study the dynamics and factors of variation in primary learners performance
Authors: AKPO TALAGBÉ GABIN , Houéssigbédé Anselme , Alladatin Judicael 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Recent studies show that the skills developed by learners are the result of many factors linked to the learner, the education system or external conditions. The approach generally used is macroeconomic, comparing the level of learners based on the characteristics of school systems and subtracting the temporal evaluation of performance. Thus, determining the elements contributing to changes in reading in mathematics is of public utility importance. In this study, we use the multilevel model and synthetic panel construction for hierarchical data to determine the explanatory factors for skills at the start and end of primary school. Using research data from the PASEC project conducted in 2014 and 2019 for the Grade 2 and Grade 6 levels of education, we use two-level hierarchical linear models and synthetic panel construction to study the temporal dynamics and explanatory factors impacting performance. We obtain from the synthetic panel model that learners' performance in reading increased slightly in 2019, from 62.44% and 63.33%. In math, on the other hand, performance subsequently balanced out, rising to 85.74% and 50.16% in math and reading respectively. In addition, factors such as Gender, Like to read and Understand your teacher had a negative impact on performance in French, while the variables Electricity available, Eat lunch and Country area had a positive impact on performance. The impact of these results on the challenges of improving the education system is discussed. This study clearly shows that performance has not improved significantly, and that mathematics performance has regressed. It therefore suggests that training needs to be reviewed, starting with the factors that have a negative impact on competence, such as the gender effect and the availability of resources at home. It also calls for parents to be involved in early childhood education.