bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of mitochondrial metabolism is a driver for fast skeletal muscle loss during mouse aging
Authors: Fernando Raquel , Shindyapina Anastasia V. , Ost Mario , Santesmasses Didac , Hu Yan , Tyshkovskiy Alexander , Yim Sun Hee , Weiss Jürgen , Gladyshev Vadim N. , Grune Tilman , Castro José Pedro 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSkeletal muscle aging is characterized by the loss of muscle mass, strength and function, mainly attributed to the atrophy of glycolytic fibers. Underlying mechanisms driving the skeletal muscle functional impairment are yet to be elucidated. To unbiasedly uncover its molecular mechanisms, we recurred to gene expression and metabolite profiling in a glycolytic muscle, Extensor digitorum longus (EDL), from young and aged C57BL/6JRj mice. Employing multi-omics approaches we found that the main age-related changes are connected to mitochondria, exhibiting a downregulation in mitochondrial processes. Consistent is the altered mitochondrial morphology. We further compared our mouse EDL aging signature with human data from the GTEx database, reinforcing the idea that our model may recapitulate muscle loss in humans. We are able to show that age-related mitochondrial downregulation is likely to be detrimental, as gene expression signatures from commonly used lifespan extending interventions displayed the opposite direction compared to our EDL aging signature.
Reconstructing the post-glacial spread of the sand fly Phlebotomus mascittii Grassi, 1908 (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Europe
Authors: Kniha Edwin , Dvořák Vít , Koblmüller Stephan , Prudhomme Jorian , Ivović Vladimir , Hoxha Ina , Oerther Sandra , Heitmann Anna , Lühken Renke , Bañuls Anne-Laure , Sereno Denis , Michelutti Alice , Toniolo Federica , Alarcón-Elbal Pedro M. , Bravo-Barriga Daniel , González Mikel A. , Lucientes Javier , Colella Vito , Otranto Domenico , Bezerra-Santos Marcos Antônio , Kunz Gernot , Obwaller Adelheid G. , Depaquit Jerome , Alić Amer , Kasap Ozge Erisoz , Alten Bulent , Omeragic Jasmin , Volf Petr , Walochnik Julia , Sebestyén Viktor , Trájer Attila J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPhlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In Central Europe, Phlebotomus mascittii is the predominant species, but largely understudied. To better understand factors driving its current distribution, we infer patterns of genetic diversity by testing for signals of population expansion based on two mitochondrial genes and model current and past climate and habitat suitability for seven post-glacial maximum periods, taking 19 climatic variables into account. Consequently, we elucidate their connections by environmental-geographical network analysis. Most analyzed populations share a main haplotype tracing back to a single glacial maximum refuge area on the Mediterranean coasts of South France, which is supported by network analysis. The rapid range expansion of Ph. mascittii likely started in the early mid-Holocene epoch until today and its spread possibly followed two routes. The first one was through northern France to Germany and then Belgium, and the second across the Ligurian coast through present-day Slovenia to Austria, toward the northern Balkans. Here we present a combined approach to reveal glacial refugia and post-glacial spread of Ph. mascittii and observed discrepancies between the modelled and the current known distribution might reveal yet overlooked populations and potential further spread.
Cooling of hydrothermal fluids rich in carbon dioxide can create large karst cave systems in carbonate rocks
Authors: Roded Roi , Aharonov Einat , Frumkin Amos , Weber Nurit , Lazar Boaz , Szymczak Piotr 
Published: December 2023

AbstractKarst systems, comprising interconnected voids and caves, are ubiquitous in carbonate formations and play a pivotal role in the global water supply. Accumulating evidence suggests that a significant portion of the global karst is hypogenic, formed via rock dissolution by groundwater ascending from depth (rather than by infiltration from the surface), yet the exact formation mechanism remains unclear. Here we show that cooling of carbon dioxide-rich geothermal fluids, which turns them into highly corrosive agents due to their retrograde solubility, can dissolve and sculpt large caves on short geological timescales. A conceptual hydro-thermo-geochemical scenario is numerically simulated, showing cave formation by rising hot water discharging into a confined layer. Our models predict field observations characteristic of hypogenic caves, including enigmatic locations of the largest passages and intricate maze-like networks. Finally, we suggest that deep-seated carbon dioxide consumption during karst formation may constitute a link to the global carbon cycle.
High nitrous oxide emissions from temporary flooded depressions within croplands
Authors: Elberling By Bo , Kovács Gyula M. , Hansen Hans Frederik E. , Fensholt Rasmus , Ambus Per , Tong Xiaoye , Gominski Dimitri , Mueller Carsten W. , Poultney Daniel M. N. , Oehmcke Stefan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNitrous oxide is an important greenhouse gas and emissions from managed ecosystems are directly correlated to anthropogenic nitrogen input. Here we have measured nitrous oxide emissions from flooded depressions within croplands and from incubated soil samples. We scaled emissions to >20,000 comparable flooded depressions across Zealand in Denmark using a deep-learning approach based on aerial photos and satellite images. We show that flooded depressions within cultivated fields, representing less than 1% of the total cultivated area, can release 80 times more nitrous oxide compared to rest of the fields. Fluxes can remain high for more than two months after fertilisation and can account for 30 ± 1% of the nitrous oxide budget during that period. This highlights the urgent need for assessment of nitrous oxide hotspots, as managing these hotspots appear to represent an important part of the overall greenhouse gas emissions from managed croplands and an efficient mitigation action.
Global inequities in population exposure to urban greenspaces increased amidst tree and nontree vegetation cover expansion
Authors: Leng Song , Sun Ranhao , Yang Xiaojun , Chen Liding 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCities worldwide are expanding greenspaces, including parks, urban forests, and grasslands. However, population exposure to tree and nontree vegetation is less well understood. Here, we use multiple satellite-derived datasets on vegetation, climate, and socioeconomic factors to examine the variations of urban tree and nontree vegetation cover, drivers of changes, and the impacts on global urban population exposure between 2000 to 2020. We find that approximately 90% of cities experienced an ascending trend in tree cover, and 49% of cities showed growth in nontree vegetation (p < 0.05). The increase in urban tree cover is most evident in high-latitude areas, such as Eastern Russia and Northern Europe. Human exposure to urban tree vegetation considerably declined in the Global South, widening the disparity between the North and South. Our study underscores persistent inequalities in human exposure to green space in cities and calls for evidence-based strategies that reduce increasing disparities.
Autotuning of PID controller using the modified relay feedback test and optimization under uncertainty principle for robotic manipulators
Authors: Rehan Ahmed , Boiko Igor , Zweiri Yahya 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe development of an autotuning mechanism for robotic manipulators, inspired by the success of autotuners in industrial systems, aims to reduce the time and cost of tuning robotic manipulators. This paper introduces an auto‐tuning method for PID controllers in robotic manipulators using the Modified Relay Feedback Test (MRFT) and the Optimization Under Uncertainty (OUU) principle. The mechanism is versatile, suitable for manipulators of varying scales and motor power capacities. It incorporates actuator dynamics and a combined model of Brushless DC motors with an n‐link manipulator for TR development. Various manipulator models, including commercial and open‐source types were used to refine and test the TR. An algorithm is also proposed for tuning commercial manipulators' controllers without changing the existing closed‐loop system structure. Experimental and simulation tests demonstrate the method's effectiveness, showing better performance than traditional approaches, particularly in reducing overshoot and settling time.
Dual‐channel pre‐regulator structure for the bandgaps in high step‐down DC‐DC converters
Authors: Ren Jiarui , Zhao Yue , Xiao Zhiming 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHigh step‐down DC‐DC converters require a robust and low power pre‐regulated supply for bandgap reference. This paper proposes a structure that comprised of two current paths to achieve energy efficient pre‐regulation under high and low input voltage conditions. The design eliminated large size resistors for current limiting which is usually required for high input supplies. The presented pre‐regulator structure combined with the bandgap circuit was realized with the TSMC 180‐nm BCD process. The measured results show the proposed structure has a wide input voltage range of 3.5–45 V, a temperature coefficient of 5.63 ppm/°C and typical average current consumption of 1.1 μA.
LWE‐based verifiable essential secret image sharing scheme ((t,s,k,n)$( {t,s,k,n} )$ ‐ VESIS)
Authors: Dehkordi Massoud Hadian , Farahi Seyed Taghi , Mashhadi Samaneh 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn traditional secret image sharing schemes, shareholders have similar situations, and to recover the secret image, they must be present as many as the threshold. However, in scenarios where the shareholders occupy different positions, essential and non‐essential, the use of essential secret image sharing schemes becomes necessary. This article presents a novel verifiable essential secret image sharing scheme based on LWEs that incorporates Bloom filters and hash functions for verification purposes. The proposed scheme for a secret image does not require any pre‐processing. The shadow images of both essential and non‐essential shareholders are of the same size, eliminating the need for concatenating sub‐shadows. Furthermore, shadow images for essential and non‐essential shareholders are produced simultaneously in a single step. The scheme is also quantum safe thanks to the use of quantum‐resistant primitives. The experimental results confirm the security and efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Distributed non‐linear model predictive control with Gaussian process dynamics for two‐dimensional motion of vehicle platoon
Authors: Hu Xiaorong , Shi Yao , Xie Lei , Su Hongye 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe platoon control of connected and automated vehicles is an important topic in transportation research. The characteristics of non‐linearities, external disturbances, and strong coupling are non‐negligible in two‐dimensional motion control. An integrated longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics is required. A Gaussian Process‐based Distributed Stochastic Model Predictive Control (GP‐DSMPC) for two‐dimensional motion is proposed. It achieves global longitudinal stability and lateral error suppression. Gaussian process (GP) regression is employed to approximate the unknown model error. For the two‐norm chance constraints, over‐approximating the confidence ellipse to an outer polyhedron is an effective way to reduce the conservativeness and coupling effect in longitudinal and lateral motion. A neighbour‐average target trajectory is designed with an upper‐level optimization for adjustable target coefficients. The sum of the local cost functions is used as a Lyapunov candidate to achieve the global stability of the longitudinal motion. Some conditions on penalty weights and target coefficients among subsystems, and terminal outputs are derived. Simulation results reveal that the proposed method is effective for disturbance attenuation and performs better than distributed non‐linear model predictive control without GP estimation under low‐friction road conditions.
Rate coefficients for the rotational de-excitation of OCS by collision with He
Authors: Denis-Alpizar Otoniel , Guerra Cristian , Zarate Ximena 
Published: December 2023

Context. In typical molecular clouds, analyzing the physicochemical conditions with nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium models requires knowledge of the collisional rate coefficients between the detected molecule and the most common colliders in the interstellar medium (ISM); for example H2, He, and H. The OCS molecule has been widely observed in the ISM. However, the collision data available for this species were calculated using a potential energy surface (PES) that shows differences with surfaces presented recently.
Aims. The main goal of this work is to report a new set of rate coefficients for the collision of OCS with He based on a new PES computed at a high level of theory.
Methods. We developed an analytical PES using a large set of ab initio energies calculated using the coupled cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations (CCSD(T)) method at the completed basis set limit for the OCS+He complex. We used this surface in close-coupling calculations, and computed a new set of collisional rate coefficients for OCS and He.
Results. We compare the de-excitation rate coefficients with previously available data. Furthermore, we observe a |Δj| = 1 propensity rule. Finally, we report a set of rate coefficients for the lower 39 rotational states of OCS, which is the largest set determined to date for this collision.
Acoustic research for telecoms: bridging the heritage to the future
Authors: Nicol Rozenn , Monfort Jean-Yves 
Published: December 2023

In its early age, telecommunication was focused on voice communications, and acoustics was at the heart of the work related to speech coding and transmission, automatic speech recognition or speech synthesis, aiming at offering better quality (Quality of Experience or QoE) and enhanced services to users. As technology has evolved, the research themes have diversified, but acoustics remains essential. This paper gives an overview of the evolution of acoustic research for telecommunication. Communication was initially (and for a long time) only audio with a monophonic narrow-band sound (i.e. [300–3400 Hz]). After the bandwidth extension (from the wide-band [100–7000 Hz] to the full-band [20 Hz–20 kHz] range), a new break was the introduction of 3D sound, either to provide telepresence in audioconferencing or videoconferencing, or to enhance the QoE of contents such as radio, television, VOD, or video games. Loudspeaker or microphone arrays have been deployed to implement “Holophonic” or “Ambisonic” systems. The interaction between spatialized sounds and 3D images was also investigated. At the end of the 2000s, smartphones invaded our lives. Binaural sound was immediately acknowledged as the most suitable technology for reproducing 3D audio on smartphones. However, to achieve a satisfactory QoE, binaural filters need to be customized in relation with the listener’s morphology. This question is the main obstacle to a mass-market distribution of binaural sound, and its solving has prompted a large amount of work. In parallel with the development of technologies, their perceptual evaluation was an equally important area of research. In addition to conventional methods, innovative approaches have been explored for the assessment of sound spatialization, such as physiological measurement, neuroscience tools or Virtual Reality (VR). The latest development is the use of acoustics as a universal sensor for the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected environments. Microphones can be deployed, preferably with parcimony, in order to monitor surrounding sounds, with the goal of detecting information or events thanks to models of automatic sound recognition based on neural networks. Applications range from security and personal assistance to acoustic measurement of biodiversity. As for the control of environments or objects, voice commands have become widespread in recent years thanks to the tremendous progress made in speech recognition, but an even more intuitive mode based on direct control by the mind is proposed by Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs), which rely on sensory stimulation using different modalities, among which the auditory one offers some advantages.
Barriers and drivers of positive COVID-19 vaccination behaviours among healthcare workers in Europe and Central Asia: a qualitative cross-country synthesis
Authors: Jackson Cath , Smith Sian , Aghasaryan Anastas , Andreasyan Diana , Aregay Aron Kassahun , Habersaat Katrine Bach , Hovhannisyan Lusine , Bogdan Ignat V. , Chistyakova Darya P. , Cilović-Lagarija Šeila , Colonescu Silviu , Hajiyev Jeyhun , Ilves Anna , Isahakyan Anna , Isahakyan Shushanik , Jusupov Nursultan , Kachkachishvili Iago , Kender Elisa , Kjosevska Elena , Nielsen Siff Malue , Mazhnaia Alyona , Oona Marje , Păunescu Bogdan , Šabanović Haris , Săndulescu Anca-Irina , Vasilevska Ana , Warsi Sahil , Yusifli Elvin , Zamfirescu Raisa-Gabriela , Craig Brett 
Published: December 2023

AbstractVaccination uptake is essential to controlling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a critical role in receiving, recommending and delivering COVID-19 vaccination. Understanding the specific influences on each behaviour enables the development of targeted and tailored interventions to improve vaccination uptake. This paper presents a qualitative synthesis of HCWs’ individual and context barriers and drivers to these three vaccination behaviours across 10 countries in Europe and Central Asia. Qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions with 378 HCWs between December 2020 and March 2022 were synthesised and organised by four COM (capability, physical and social opportunity, motivation) factors. Differences by stage of COVID-19 vaccine roll-out (in preparation, early and late delivery) were explored. Receiving vaccination related to all four factors. Recommending vaccination mostly related to capability and motivation. HCWs were generally well-informed by official sources and viewed vaccination as the way to end the pandemic, acknowledging their important role in this. Colleagues, family and friends were positive influences on personal vaccination decisions. However, knowledge gaps were evident, particularly amongst nurses who relied on (social) media. Concerns about safety and effectiveness, often connected to knowledge gaps, were heightened by the accelerated timeline for COVID-19 vaccine development and approval. This impeded some HCWs’ motivation to receive and recommend vaccination even in the later roll-out countries. Delivering vaccination was facilitated by support from public health organisations, teamwork and service re-organisation, more evident amongst later roll-out countries. Ongoing high workloads, stress and burnout hindered delivery. Complex and inter-related factors affecting HCWs’ vaccination behaviours were identified. These insights should inform the design of multifaceted interventions (e.g., communication skills training, management support for HCWs’ mental health, and engaging them in decision-making for service redesign); not only for COVID-19 vaccination as it is integrated into routine services but for routine immunization as a whole.
Shivalik Plasma Device-I, a glow discharge device to study the collective dynamics of dusty plasma
Authors: Sharma Sachin , Sharma Meenakshee , Prakash G. Veda , Srivastav Prabhakar , Saxena Yogesh , Bose Sayak , Tiwari Sanat 
Published: December 2023

Using a uniquely configured glow discharge-based Shivalik Plasma Device-I, we demonstrate a variety of collective phenomena in dusty plasma away from the glow discharge region. The cylindrical glass device produces plasma using parallel disc-shaped electrodes with a smaller anode size than the cathode. The dust microparticles are initially sprinkled over the grounded cathode. These particles acquire a significant negative charge upon plasma formation, resulting in their levitation due to the balance between the Coulomb force and gravity. The new device supports the levitation of a big-sized (10 × 8 × 5 cm3) three-dimensional dust cloud over the glass surface. It contrasts the dusty plasma formations in-between electrodes reported earlier. As the discharge voltage varies from high to low, the dust cloud travels from over the glass surface to between the electrodes. A complex interplay of dust void over the cathode, a sharp density gradient, and gravity lead to self-excitation of collective dust phenomena. It includes dust density waves (phase velocity, vph ∼ 4 cm/s), dust cloud oscillation (frequency, f = 5 Hz), sheared flow (flow velocity, vf ∼ 1 cm/s), and multiple-sized dust vortices. These dust vortices provided an excellent platform for studying turbulent mixing phenomena. The power spectrum analysis agreed with two-dimensional Kolmogorov power-law scaling. This is an ideal dusty plasma apparatus where we can create or move the dust cloud to a location of choice from the glass surface to in-between the electrodes and excite one among many collective dust dynamics.
Radiation properties of the accretion disk around a black hole in Einstein-Maxwell-scalar theory*
Authors: Alloqulov Mirzabek , Shaymatov Sanjar , Ahmedov Bobomurat , Jawad Abdul 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this study, we explore the properties of a non-rotating black hole in the Einstein-Maxwell-scalar (EMS) theory and investigate the luminosity of the accretion disk surrounding it. We determine all the orbital parameters of particles in the accretion disk, including the radius of the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) with angular velocity, angular momentum, and energy. Further, we study the radiative efficiency for different values of black hole parameters. Finally, we analyze the flux, differential luminosity, and temperature of the accretion disk.
Low Harmonics Plug-in Home Charging Electric Vehicle Battery Charger BMS State of Charge Balancing using Priority and Sequencing Technique
Authors: Arof Saharul , Mawby Philip , Arof Hamzah , Noorsal Emilia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Poor battery state of health (SOH) or unit cell replacement of a damaged battery may cause an imbalance in the state of charge (SOC) or battery voltage terminal of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, which can negatively impact EV performance and EV batteries when charging. Battery Management System (BMS) monitor charges safely and efficiently. BMS can maximize battery life, can estimate SOC and State of health (SOH). EV Charger charge batteries individually in sequence (parallel) or, at once while in series connection. BMS cell balance controls battery charging in series or parallel using macro charging circuits. This study discusses series motor DC drive Electric Car (EC) Battery Management System (BMS) utilizing macro charging circuit and cell balancing control method. The MATLAB/Simulink software used to test the control algorithm shows that the proposed BMS cell balancing algorithm works effectively and meets our expectations.