bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distributed constrained control for multi‐train systems with multiple cars
Authors: Sun Xiao , Zeng Mengxiang , Lin Peng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn practical multi‐train systems, there are four different kinds of necessary nonlinearities cause by the interactive forces between adjacent cars, the nonlinear resistances, the input constraints, and the velocity constraints. However, most of the existing works on distributed control for multi‐train systems only focused one or two kinds of these nonlinearities. To the best of our knowledge, there are only a few works considering three kinds of these nonlinearities. In this paper, the effects of control input and velocity constraints, interactive forces between adjacent cars and the train running resistance on the system are studied, and a distributed cooperative control algorithm based on the state information of adjacent cars is proposed. The analysis is given based on model transformations, appropriate parameter selection and convex analysis. It is proved that all trains finally run in a given formation even when the inputs and velocities of all trains are constrained to lie in some given sets. Numerical simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the theoretical conclusions.
Intermittent boundary control for robust fixed‐time stabilization of uncertain reaction‐diffusion systems
Authors: Hu Xiaofang , Wang Leimin , Chen Guici , Zhu Song , Wen Shiping 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAchieving the robust fixed‐time stabilization (FxTS) of uncertain reaction‐diffusion systems (RDSs) utilizing intermittent boundary control is a valuable and unresolved problem. This paper simultaneously considers the influence of the uncertainty of non‐diffusion and diffusion coefficients on RDSs and provides an effective solution for the treatment of the uncertainty of diffusion coefficient in the investigation of FxTS. Then, a fixed‐time control scheme is presented to stabilize uncertain RDSs within a fixed time, which incorporates the merits of intermittent and boundary control and reduces control costs in both the spatial and temporal domains. Besides, some sufficient conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities are deduced to guarantee the robust FxTS of uncertain RDSs with Neumann and mixed boundary conditions, respectively, which contain and generalize some existing results. Finally, the validity of the intermittent boundary control scheme and the FxTS criteria developed in this paper are verified by numerical simulations.
One‐Step Pyrolysis Construction of Bimetallic Atom‐Cluster Sites for Boosting Bifunctional Catalytic Activity in Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Wang Youpeng , Katyal Naman , Tang Yang , Li Hua , Shin Kihyun , Liu Wenqian , He Ruilin , Xu Maowen , Henkelman Graeme , Bao Shu‐Juan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDue to their unique advantages, single atoms and clusters of transition metals are expected to achieve a breakthrough in catalytic activity, but large‐scale production of active materials remains a challenge. In this work, a simple solvent‐free one‐step annealing method is developed and applied to construct diatomic and cluster active sites in activated carbon by utilizing the strong anchoring ability of phenanthroline to metal ions, which can be scaled for mass productions. Benefiting from the synergy between the different metals, the obtained sub‐nano‐bimetallic atom‐cluster catalysts (FeNiAC‐NC) exhibit high oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) activity (E1/2 = 0.936 V vs. RHE) and a small ORR/oxygen evolution reaction (OER) potential gap of only 0.594 V. An in‐house pouch Zn‐air battery is assembled using an FeNiAC‐NC catalyst, which demonstrates a stability of 1000 h, outperforming previous reports. The existence of clusters and their effects on catalytic activity is analyzed by density functional theory calculations to reveal the chemistry of nano‐bimetallic atom‐cluster catalysts.
2D Ordered Mesoporous Lamellar Hetero‐Nanochannels with Asymmetric Wettability for Controllable Ion Transport
Authors: He Yanjun , Huang Zilin , Xie Lei , Zhang Xin , Hu Xiaomeng , Liang Kang , Jiang Lei , Zhou Shan , Kong Biao 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHeterogeneous membranes play a crucial role in osmotic energy conversion by effectively reducing concentration polarization. However, most heterogeneous membranes mitigate concentration polarization through an asymmetric charge distribution, resulting in compromised ion selectivity. Herein, hetero‐nanochannels with asymmetric wettability composed of 2D mesoporous carbon and graphene oxide are constructed. The asymmetric wettability of the membrane endows it with the ability to suppress the concentration polarization without degrading the ion selectivity, as well as achieving a diode‐like ion transport feature. As a result, enhanced osmotic energy harvesting is achieved with a power density of 6.41 W m−2. This represents a substantial enhancement of 102.80–137.85% when compared to homogeneous 2D membranes, surpassing the performance of the majority of reported 2D membranes. Importantly, the membrane can be further used for high‐performance ionic power harvesting by regulating ion transport, exceeding previously reported data by 89.1%.
Closed-form expressions for partial safety factors used in the seismic assessment of existing RC buildings
Authors: Pereira Nuno , Skoulidou Despoina , Romão Xavier 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA new set of partial safety factors is proposed for the seismic safety assessment of existing reinforced concrete buildings. These safety factors are derived using a framework that focuses on the determination of the uncertainty in the limit state capacities. Existing seismic safety assessment standards, such as EN1998-3 or ASCE 41-17, follow a component-based approach that consider limit-state acceptance criteria based on capacity-related parameters to verify the safety of ductile and brittle failure modes. Despite their similar limit-state philosophy, these standards consider different conceptual formats for introducing the effects of uncertainties: the current version of EN1998-3 adopts confidence factors (CF) that factorize the mean values of material strength, while ASCE 41-17 uses a knowledge factor (k) to reduce the capacity of the component. The CF-based approach of EN1998-3 has been seen to lead to unclear levels of safety that may not reflect the impact of all the uncertainties about the different parameters or the sensitivity of different capacity models to these parameters. To address these issues, the proposed framework establishes a set of partial safety factors derived using an approach similar to that of ASCE 41-17, and involves recent capacity models, their uncertainties and a clear uncertainty management strategy. Furthermore, these new partial safety factors can also be seen to be compatible with the safety format proposed by the upcoming second-generation EN1998-3.
Autonomous Systems and Technology Resistance:
New Tools for Monitoring Acceptance, Trust, and Tolerance
Authors: Cappuccio Massimiliano L. , Galliott Jai C. , Eyssel Friederike , Lanteri Alessandro 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We introduce the notion of Tolerance for
autonomous artificial agents (and its antithetical concept, Intolerance), motivating its theoretical adoption in the fields of social
robotics and human—agent interaction, where it can effectively complement two
contiguous, but essentially distinct, constructs—Acceptance and Trust—that are broadly
used by researchers. We offer a comprehensive conceptual model of Tolerance, construed
as a user’s insusceptibility or resilience to Autonomy
Estrangement (i.e., the uncanny sense of isolation and displacement
experienced by the humans who believe, for right or wrong reasons, that robots can
subvert and/or control their lives). We also refer to Intolerance to indicate the
opposite property, that is the user’s susceptibility or proneness to Autonomy
Estrangement. Thus, Tolerance and Intolerance are inverse representations of the same
phenomenological continuum, with Intolerance increasing when Tolerance decreases and
vice versa. While Acceptance and Trust measure how the user’s interaction with a
particular robot is satisfying and efficacious, the dyad Tolerance/Intolerance reflects
how the user’s attitude is affected by deeply held normative beliefs about robots in
general. So defined, a low Tolerance (that is a high Intolerance) is expected to
correlate to antagonistic responses toward the prospect of adoption: specifically,
Intolerant attitudes predict the kind of anxious and hostile behaviours toward Agents
that originate from the concerns that autonomous systems could deeply disrupt the lives
of humans (affecting their work cultures, ways of living, systems of values, etc.) or
dominate them (making humans redundant, undermining their authority, threatening their
uniqueness, etc.). Thus, Negative beliefs and worldviews about Agents are the cause of
the Intolerant attitude toward Agents, which predicts Autonomy Estrangement, which in
turn correlates to low Adoption Propensity and avoidance and rejection
behaviours.
Generative AI and the Automating of Academia
Authors: Watermeyer Richard , Phipps Lawrie , Lanclos Donna , Knight Cathryn 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe neoliberal transformation of higher education in the UK and an intertwined focus on the productive efficiency and prestige value of universities has led to an epidemic of overwork and precarity among academics. Many are found to be struggling with lofty performance expectations and an insistence that all dimensions of their work consistently achieve positional gains despite ferocious competition and the omnipresent threat of failure. Working under the current audit culture present across education, academics are thus found to overwork or commit to accelerated labour as pre-emptive compensation for the habitual inclemency of peer-review and vagaries of student evaluation, in accommodating the copiousness of ‘invisible’ tasks, and in eluding the myriad crevasses of their precarious labour. The proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools and more specifically, large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, offers potential relief for academics and a means to offset intensive demands and discover more of a work-based equilibrium. Through a recent survey of n = 284 UK academics and their use of GAI, we discover, however, that the digitalisation of higher education through GAI tools no more alleviates than extends the dysfunctions of neoliberal logic and deepens academia’s malaise. Notwithstanding, we argue that the proliferating use of GAI tools by academics may be harnessed as a source of positive disruption to the industrialisation of their labour and catalyst of (re)engagement with scholarly craftsmanship.
Fabrication, spectroscopic properties, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Chitosan-CaLi@Flumox nanocomposites
Authors: Mansour A. M. , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed S. , Gad Abdul Aziz M. , Abou Hammad Ali B. , El Nahrawy Amany M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn the current study, we examined the impact of introducing Flumox into the chitosan/calcium lithium (Chitosan-CaLi) nanocomposite on its spectroscopic, thermal, and antimicrobial characteristics. The formation of the nanocomposites was achieved using the sol–gel method/polymerization, which was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and straightforward processing. The UV–Visible optical analysis shows an absorption peak at 290 nm across all samples. Both direct and indirect energy gap types are available where the indirect event exhibits a higher value than the direct transition. There is a noticeable decrease in both transition energies with the increase in Flumox content. The findings indicated that as the Flumox concentration increased, the Ic50 value also increased, signifying a decrease in antioxidant capacity. The results from the obtained systems revealed that chitosan-CaLiO nanoparticles loaded with Flumox exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating the highest growth inhibition rate. However, in the case of Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, the antimicrobial activity was comparatively lower.
Outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Serratia marcescens in an intensive care unit
Authors: Vanni Tazio , Sudbrack Letícia Olivier , de Campos Tatiana Amabile , da Silva Rafael Nakamura , da Silva André Pitondo , Estefani Rodrigo Pereira , de Oliveira Tatyana Botelho , Canedo Paulo Henrique Caixeta , Guzman Ricardo Domingues , Laureto Jordana Rey , Ribeiro Julival Fagundes 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We present the investigation and control of an extensively drug-resistant Serratia marcescens outbreak in a 30-bed intensive care unit (ICU). Within 6 weeks, 4 critically ill trauma patients were infected by the same strain. Intensive containment measures limited the spread of this strain while sustaining the capacity of the trauma ICU.
Perceptions of mental health services among the children who are in conflict with the law in Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Ahmed Mohd Manshoor , John Jilly 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Due to the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, many teenagers are involved in disputes with the law. The conflict made generations suffer for decades. Such children made the mobs; being involved in life-threatening situations and the risk they confront develop psychiatric disorders. As a result of the various tense conditions when applied in multiple anti-social activities, aberrant children sent to correctional homes have to encounter numerous psychological disorders.
Aim: The motive of the study is to explore the level of awareness, availability of services, stigma and obstacles to seeking assistance.
Method: Due to the open-ended interview questions and a small sample size of 15 respondents, this study employed a qualitative methodology – a thematic analysis was done.
Results: The findings revealed that, although the stigma is not publicly acknowledged, children who break the law and seek mental health services (MHS) are stigmatised. It was also shown that minor offenders fear that when they receive services provided by the staff of the observation home (OH), there will be a violation of their privacy and fear unforeseen repercussions.
Conclusion: Collaborative action must proactively raise appropriate awareness to lessen the stigma linked with mental health problems, especially regarding MHS among these teenagers.
Association between the dietary antioxidant index and relative telomere length of leucocytes in the Chinese population
Authors: Zhao Linhai , Jin Wenjia , Zhang Tiantian , Lu Yufu , Liu Qiumei , Cai Jiansheng , Luo Lei , Teng Kaisheng , Guan Qinyi , Wu Songju , Rong Jiahui , Liang Yu Jian , Cao Jiejing , Qin Lidong , Huang Chuwu , Wang Xuexiu , Li You , Zhang Zhiyong , Qin Jian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDietary antioxidant indices (DAI) may be potentially associated with relative telomere length (RTL) of leucocytes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between DAI and RTL. A cross-sectional study involving 1656 participants was conducted. A generalised linear regression model and a restricted cubic spline model were used to assess the correlation of DAI and its components with RTL. Generalised linear regression analysis revealed that DAI (β = 0·005, P = 0·002) and the intake of its constituents vitamin C (β = 0·043, P = 0·027), vitamin E (β = 0·088, P < 0·001), Se (β = 0·075, P = 0·003), and Zn (β = 0·075, P = 0·023) were significantly and positively correlated with RTL. Sex-stratified analysis showed that DAI (β = 0·006, P = 0·005) and its constituents vitamin E (β = 0·083, P = 0·012), Se (β = 0·093, P = 0·006), and Zn (β = 0·092, P = 0·034) were significantly and positively correlated with RTL among females. Meanwhile, among males, only vitamin E intake (β = 0·089, P = 0·013) was significantly and positively associated with RTL. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed linear positive associations between DAI and its constituents’ (vitamin E, Se and Zn) intake and RTL in the total population. Sex-stratified analysis revealed a linear positive correlation between DAI and its constituents’ (vitamin E, Se and Zn) intake and RTL in females. Our study found a significant positive correlation between DAI and RTL, with sex differences.
Towards a Public Law Perspective on the Constitutional Law of Privacy in South Africa in the Age of Digitalization
Authors: Cachalia Firoz , Klaaren Jonathan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRapid and radical digitalization and the “fourth industrial revolution” are generally associated with progress, but also pose significant risks to privacy rights and democracy. This article proposes a public law reading of the South African Constitution to respond to the dangers posed by disruptive technological change, in light of the constitution's rights-orientated and rule-of-law-centred approach to interpreting the right to privacy. It examines the legal resources available in the South African legal system and, specifically, its constitution. The article emphasizes the way South African privacy jurisprudence infuses the right to privacy with the value of dignity, and how this allows an interpretation that sees privacy as a public, as well as private, right. The article concludes that this rights jurisprudence, alongside the constitutional principles of proportionality, subsidiarity and supremacy, has established a working foundation to articulate the right to privacy in a way that is suitable in the digital age.
Subject dislocation in Ontario English: Insights from sociolinguistic typology
Authors: Tagliamonte Sali A. , Jankowski Bridget L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSubject dislocation (SD) is common across languages. In French, it is a vernacular norm. In English, it is comparatively rare. This article examines English SD in a unique contrastive situation in Ontario, Canada: two communities where SD is a community norm, one where individuals speak both English and French (Kapuskasing), and the other where the population speaks English only (Parry Sound). Dislocated subjects are produced by the same underlying linguistic mechanisms in both places, with parallel constraints by type of subject and intervening material, suggesting a typological universal. However, SD is age-graded in Kapuskasing, regardless of heritage language. In Parry Sound, it is obsolescent, in steady decline over the twentieth century. We conclude that while typological trends are underlain by universal cognitive processes, locally embedded sociocultural influences are the source of differentiation.
Preliminary evaluation of a scenario-based nutrition literacy online programme for college students: a pilot study
Authors: Lai I-Ju , Chang Li-Chun , Lee Chia-Kuei , Liao Li-Ling 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to develop and evaluate a scenario-based nutrition literacy (NL) online programme for Taiwanese college students.Design:A randomised pilot trial design was used in this study.Setting:The study was conducted at a university in Taiwan. The intervention consisted of a five-unit web-based NL programme including videos of real-life scenario-based stories, situational analysis teaching and after-unit quizzes. Theme-related website information and smartphone apps (both iOS and Android systems) were offered for reference in every unit. The NL measure consisted of a self-rated scale, a scenario-based test and a healthy eating behaviour survey. Paired sample t-tests and ANCOVA were performed to test the effects on NL and healthy eating behaviour.Participants:Participants were ninety-eight students, with a retention rate of 98 %. The ratio of men to women was 0·2:1. Most students were freshmen (48 %).Results:Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant post-intervention improvements in the NL and healthy eating behaviours after controlling for pretest scores.Conclusions:This pilot study offers preliminary evidence of the potential positive effects of implementing a scenario-based NL online programme for college students. It offers a possibly novel strategy to enhance health-promoting behaviours in Taiwanese universities. Further research with larger sample sizes and more rigorous designs is warranted to confirm and build upon these initial findings.
Growth and yield response of peanut to simulated drift of glufosinate at vegetative and reproductive growth stages
Authors: Daramola Olumide S. , Singh Navjot , Iboyi Joseph E. , Devkota Pratap 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe increased incidence of glyphosate-resistant weeds has led to an exponential increase in the use of glufosinate on glufosinate-resistant corn, cotton, and soybean crops. Field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate peanut response to glufosinate at 25 and 60 d after planting, corresponding to vegetative (V3) and reproductive (R4) growth stages, at 1.2, 4.7, 18.9, 75.5, and 302 g ai ha−1 representing 1/514 to 1/2 of the labeled rate of 604 g ha−1. Peanut injury and canopy and yield reductions from glufosinate were <10% when applied at 1.2, 4.7, and 18.9 g ha−1. However, at 75.5 and 302 g ha−1 peanut injury ranged from 24% to 72% at the V3 exposure timing and 33% to 54% at the R4 exposure timing. Similarly, glufosinate applied at 75.5 and 302 g ha−1 reduced peanut canopy width by 10% to 23% at the V3 exposure timing and by 43% to 57% at the R4 exposure timing. Averaged across exposure timing, peanut yield was reduced by 15% and 61% when glufosinate was applied at 75.5 and 302 g ha−1, respectively. Averaged across rates, peanut yield reduction was 18% at the V3 exposure timing, with glufosinate at 298 g ha−1 required to cause an estimated 50% reduction in yield. Peanut yield was reduced by 20% when glufosinate was applied at the R3 peanut growth stage, whereas glufosinate applied at 243 g ha-1 caused an estimated 50% reduction in yield. There was no difference in normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) values between untreated plants and peanut exposed to glufosinate at 1.2, 4.7, and 18.9 g ha−1. However, peanut exposed to glufosinate at 75.5 and 302 g ha−1 was distinguished from untreated plants with lower NDVI values. Based on the Pearson correlation coefficient, the best timing for assessing potential yield reduction based on injury was between 2 and 4 wk after treatment.
Escalating Hot‐Dry Extremes Amplify Compound Fire Weather Risk
Authors: Fan Xuewei , Miao Chiyuan , Zscheischler Jakob , Slater Louise , Wu Yi , Chai Yuanfang , AghaKouchak Amir 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFire weather compounded by extremely hot and dry conditions often severely impacts society and ecosystems. To mitigate and better adapt to these compound fire weather (CFW) events, a better understanding of recent and future CFW trends is needed. Here we show that in the period 1981–2020, the global average frequency and intensity of CFW events increased by 0.6 days/yr and 0.4%/yr, respectively. Increases in temperature and decreases in relative humidity were responsible for significant trends in the frequency of CFW events in 81.7% and 58.6% of locations, respectively. The same trends contributed to significant increases in CFW intensity in 72.1% and 57.9% of locations. We further demonstrate that anthropogenic climate change (due primarily to greenhouse gas emissions) has aggravated the frequency and intensity of CFW events, particularly in the Amazon region, with over 2‐fold and 1.3‐fold increases, respectively. Future projections reveal that other (individual) fire weather events are likely to shift toward CFW events accompanied by hot‐dry conditions, along with an expected rise in CFW intensity. Furthermore, the increased occurrence of CFW events is likely to substantially augment future population exposure to CFW conditions. Under the SSP5‐8.5 scenario, climate change is estimated to contribute 62.6% of the projected increase in population exposure to CFW events by the end of this century. Our findings underscore the urgent need for strong climate action to reduce population exposure to the growing threat of future fire weather events compounded with hot and dry conditions.