bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association between High Preoperative MRI‐based Vertebral Bone Quality (VBQ) Score and Titanium Mesh Cage Subsidence after Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion
Authors: Li Qiujiang , Zhu Ce , Xia Qinghong , Yang Huiliang , Liu Limin , Feng Ganjun , Song Yueming 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveRecently, the MRI‐based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score has been shown to correlate with Hounsfeld units (HU) value, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) T‐score and predict osteoporotic fractures. Preoperative cervical HU value is an independent correlative factor for early titanium mesh cage (TMC) subsidence after anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). However, to date the direct association between cervical VBQ score and TMC subsidence has not been studied. This study aims to investigate the predictive effect of cervical VBQ score derived from sagittal non‐contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI on the early TMC subsidence after ACCF.MethodsPatients who underwent one‐level ACCF from January 2016 to January 2020 were included. We retrospectively collected baseline data on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), disease type, level of surgery and radiology parameters. The cervical VBQ score was measured using preoperative non‐contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to screen the independent risk factors of TMC subsidence. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve (AUC) were performed to assess the predictive ability of TMC subsidence based on the cervical VBQ score. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlations between the cervical VBQ score and TMC subsidence.ResultsA total of 134 patients who underwent one‐level ACCF were included in this study, and 46 (34.33%) patients had TMC subsidence. Univariable analyses demonstrated that the age, TMC placement depth and VBQ score were associated with subsidence. The cervical VBQ score in the subsidence group was significantly higher than that in the no subsidence group (3.75 ± 0.45 vs. 3.20 ± 0.42, p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis proved that the higher VBQ score (odds ratio[OR] = 13.563, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.968 ‐ 37.031, p < 0.001) was the only variable that significantly predicted subsidence. Using a VBQ score cutoff value of 3.445, the cervical VBQ score yielded a sensitivity of 69.6% and a specificity of 85.2% with an AUC of 0.810 to differentiate patients with subsidence and with no subsidence.ConclusionPreoperative higher cervical VBQ score is an independent risk factor for TMC subsidence after ACCF. The cervical VBQ score may be a valuable tool for assisting in distinguishing the presence of TMC subsidence.
Unreliability of Serum‐ or Plasma‐based Assays of D‐dimer or Fibrin (Fibrinogen) Degradation Product for Diagnosing Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Prospective Parallel Study
Authors: Xu Hong , Zhou Jing , Huang Qiang , Huang Zeyu , Xie Jinwei , Zhou Zongke 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThe ability of D‐dimer to diagnose periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) before revision hip or knee arthroplasty is still controversial, and the differences in diagnostic ability between serum‐ or plasma‐based assays of D‐dimer and fibrin (fibrinogen) degradation product (FDP) are uncertain. The prospective parallel study was performed to determine the ability of D‐dimer to diagnose PJI before revision hip or knee arthroplasty, and the differences in diagnostic ability between serum‐ or plasma‐based assays of D‐dimer and FDP.MethodsPatients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty at our institution were prospectively enrolled into the following groups: those without inflammatory diseases who were undergoing primary arthroplasty (“Prim” group), those with inflammatory arthritis who were undergoing primary arthroplasty (“Prim/Inflam”), those undergoing revision arthroplasty because of aseptic failure (“Rev/Asept”), or those undergoing revision arthroplasty because of PJI (“Rev/PJI”). The ability of preoperative levels of D‐dimer or FDP in serum or plasma to diagnose PJI in each group was assessed using areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) and other diagnostic performance indicators. The diagnostic performance of these assays was compared with that of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).ResultsIn the final analysis, Prim included 42 patients; Prim/Inflam, 40; Rev./Asept, 62; and Rev./PJI, 47. D‐dimer assays led to AUCs of 0.635 in serum and 0.573 in plasma, compared to 0.593 and 0.607 for FDP. Even in combination with CRP or ESR, these assays failed to perform as well as the combination of CRP and ESR for diagnosing PJI.ConclusionLevels of D‐dimer or FDP in serum or plasma, whether used alone or together with CRP or ESR, are unreliable for diagnosing PJI before revision arthroplasty.
New insight into highly efficient CSA@g‐C3N4 for photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol and thioanisole: NAEDS as a promoter of photoactivity under blue LED irradiation
Authors: Hosseini Saber , Azizi Najmedin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAn open new perspective has been established toward synthesizing eco‐friendly CSA@g‐C3N4 employing surface engineering. The carbon nitride modified through camphorsulfonic acid was designed and developed in a category of the new generation of photocatalysts for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and thioanisole in the existence of a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES). In comparison with pure g‐C3N4, not only does CSA@g‐C3N4 exhibit an extraordinarily higher ability for harvesting visible light stemming from declining the recombination rate of electrons/holes dependent on PL results but it also reveals notable photocatalytic oxidation capability in the transformation of alcohols as well as thiols into relevant compounds. In addition, non‐metal compound (CSA) incorporation would result in considerably diminishing the energy band gap value from 2.8 to 2.28 eV to escalate the visible‐light absorption of g‐C3N4. While the conventional consensus implies that inherent properties of photocatalysts bring on high photoactivity, this study indicates that deploying choline chloride–urea deep eutectic solvent as an external factor plays the role of photoactivity accelerator. Furthermore, readily recycling and reusability can be achieved for the photocatalytic setup of CSA@g‐C3N4 ascribed to its heterogeneous nature with no drop in the photoactivity.
Rebalancing social & personality psychology methods: The case for naturalistic observation
Authors: Robbins Megan L. , Jonnalagadda Pavani , Spahr Chandler M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThough naturalistic observation methods are lauded for their utility, they are often neglected in social and personality psychology research. This paper describes evidence of the absence of naturalistic observation methods in our field, and some historical roots of this methodological imbalance in social/personality (SP) psychology. The paper then provides an overview of existing naturalistic observation methods relevant to SP psychology, describes various types of barriers to conducting such research, and concludes with recommendations for overcoming these barriers to produce a more well‐rounded science. It is time to rebalance SP psychological methods by valuing and investing in naturalistic observation research.
Language acquisition in the theological classroom: A case study in comprehensible input
Authors: Westengard Brandon L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLanguages have played a significant role in the shaping of theological and religious leaders. Historically consisting mostly of biblical and ancient languages, contemporary theological education includes the study of modern foreign languages for research and ministerial purposes. If written and spoken communication in a variety of languages is a foundational aspect of the theological classroom, why is it, then, that seminaries and theological institutions give little attention to theories and pedagogies of second language acquisition? This article seeks to expose theological educators to the most significant theory in the study of language pedagogy and provides a case study of a course taught to students in a seminary setting. In addition to scholarly studies, it relies on the influence of autodidactic polyglots, an indispensable source of experience and wisdom in the world of language acquisition. By improving practices around language instruction, the future of theological education can better engage with a multi‐cultural and global society.
A comparison of seven innovative robotic weeding systems and reference herbicide strategies in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris L.) and rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Gerhards Roland , Risser Peter , Spaeth Michael , Saile Marcus , Peteinatos Gerassimos 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMore than 40 weeding robots have become commercially available, with most restricted to use in crops or fallow applications. The machines differ in their sensor systems for navigation and weed/crop detection, weeding tools and degree of automation. We tested seven robotic weeding systems in sugar beet and winter oil‐seed rape in 2021 and 2022 at two locations in Southwestern Germany. Weed and crop density and working rate were measured. Robots were evaluated based on weed control efficacy (WCE), crop stand loss (CL), herbicide savings and treatment costs. All robots reduced weed density at least equal to the standard herbicide treatment. Band‐spraying and inter‐row hoeing with RTK‐GPS guidance achieved 75%–83% herbicide savings. When hoeing and band spraying were applied simultaneously in one pass, WCE was much lower (66%) compared to the same treatments in two separate passes with 95% WCE. Hoeing robots Farmdroid‐FD20®, Farming Revolution‐W4® and KULTi‐Select® (+finger weeder) controlled 92%–94% of the weeds. The integration of Amazone spot spraying® into the FD20 inter‐row and intra‐row hoeing system did not further increase WCE. All treatments caused less than 5% CL except for the W4‐robot with 40% CL and the combination of conventional inter‐row hoeing and harrowing (21% CL). KULT‐Vision Control® inter‐row hoeing with the automatic hydraulic side‐shift control resulted in 80% WCE with only 2% CL. Due to the low driving speed of maximum 1 km h−1 of hoeing robots with in‐row elements, treatment costs were high at 555–804 € ha−1 compared to camera‐guided inter‐row hoeing at 221 € ha−1 and broadcast herbicide application at 307–383 € ha−1. Even though the costs of robotic weed management are still high, this study shows that robotic weeding has become a robust, and effective weed control method with great potential to save herbicides in arable and vegetable crops.
Machine Learning Aided Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Hydrodynamic Performance in the Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler
Authors: Mercy Vasan A. , Sridharan M. , Gopalakrishnan V. , Shiva Ranjani R. S. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study attempts to illustrate the benefits of integrating the concepts of machine learning algorithms with the field of thermo-fluidic applications. The current work is aimed at identifying effective or significant hydrodynamic input parameters, which are capable of deriving full benefit of fluidization that could yield a better circulating fluidized bed (CFB) furnace design using the Apriori algorithm. For this, historical datasets from the literature are collected and pretreated based on the design under observation. Association analysis performed by this Apriori algorithm measures the comparative strength of parameters under consideration. Also, this algorithm is capable of identifying the right combinations of parameters that can produce maximum fluidization performance. The end results suggested by this Apriori algorithm are validated using the computational fluid dynamics package. For this, the transient behavior of a scaled-down (1:20) reactor model of a real-time industrial CFB boiler is simulated using ansys fluent 18.0. In specific, the effects of fluidizing velocities, inventory heights of the bed, and particle sizes recommended by the Apriori algorithm are investigated. Here, the effects are assessed in terms of volume fraction distribution and axial velocity profile distribution profiles. From the results of simulations, it was clearly found that 2 m/s inlet velocity produced good circulating fluidized bed patterns on a bed inventory height of 0.5 m for a mean particle size of 200 µm. The results obtained from the simulations are once again validated visually against snapshots obtained during real-time laboratory fluidization experimental runs. Among all the cases of comparisons, the best agreement is demonstrated by Apriori algorithm compared to the numerical and the experimentally obtained results. Also, it is found that the manual time taken to identify the right combinations of parameters is drastically reduced by this method compared to conventional optimization algorithm and trial error methods.
Aerothermal Performance Robustness and Reliability Analysis of Turbine Blade Squealer Tip With Film Cooling
Authors: Huang Ming , Zhang Kaiyuan , Li Zhigang , Li Jun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The uncertainty quantification in the turbine components' aerodynamic and heat transfer performances is widely considered to be the most challenging topic due to its intricate and nonlinear characteristics. This paper first proposes an efficient uncertainty quantification method based on an original parallel framework combining Polynomial Chaos Expansions (PCE) with two forms (stochastic response surface-based and Galerkin projection-based) and the Universal Kriging method. The rigorous mathematical tests are performed to verify the reliability and computational efficiency of the proposed method, and the results support that this method can dramatically reduce computational samples compared to the conventional PCE method while maintaining computational accuracy. Then, the genetic algorithm was introduced to establish an efficient uncertainty quantification framework, and it is applied to the aerothermal performance robustness investigation of the GE-E3 rotor blade tip with and without film cooling. Based on the findings of uncertainty quantification, the injection of cooling air drastically enhances the unstable tendency of the flow and thermal fields, resulting in the actual aerothermal performance of the squealer tip being much lower than that predicted by deterministic calculations. The setting of the film cooling, although effective in reducing the heat flux around the cooling holes, also induces more chaotic flow and thermal fields, leading to sharp heat flux fluctuations around the cooling holes. Finally, our novel reliability analysis algorithm, rooted in the quantification of uncertainty, corroborates the assertion that the introduction of coolant gas, while extending the operational longevity of turbine blades, confers only marginal improvements in the mitigation of lifespan variability. The comprehensive lifespan assessment elucidates that the mean operational longevity of the conventional squealer tip design stands at an estimated 16,169.44 h, accompanied by a standard deviation of 2,750.31 h. In stark contrast, the mean operational longevity of the squealer tip integrated with film cooling measures a significantly enhanced 17,035.17 h, exhibiting a standard deviation of 2,492.73 h. Consequently, the operational lifespan of the conventional squealer tip experiences a decrement of 10.17% in comparison to the anticipated mean lifespan, whereas the reduction for the film-cooled squealer tip registers at 5.36%.
A Model of Mass and Heat Transfer for Disc Temperature Prediction in Open Compressor Cavities
Authors: Nicholas Tom E. W. , Scobie James A. , Lock Gary D. , Tang Hui 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Accurate prediction of heat transfer in compressor cavities is crucial to the design of efficient and reliable aircraft engines. The heat transfer affects the thermal expansion of the compressor rotor and, in turn, the tip clearance of the compressor blades. This article presents a novel, physically based predictive theoretical model of heat transfer and flow structure in an open compressor cavity, which can be used to accurately calculate disc temperatures. The radially higher region of the cavity is dominated by buoyancy effects created by the temperature difference between the hot mainstream flow and the axial throughflow used to cool the turbine. Strong interaction between the air in the cavity and this throughflow creates a mixing region at low radius. For a given geometry, the heat transfer and flow physics are governed by four parameters: the rotational Reynolds number Reϕ, the buoyancy parameter βΔT, the compressibility parameter χ, and the Rossby number Ro. The model quantifies both the buoyancy- and throughflow-induced mass and heat transfer, producing a reliable prediction of the disc and air temperatures. The model takes into account a twofold effect of the throughflow: being entrained into the cold radial plumes directly and creating a toroidal vortex in the radially lower region of the cavity. The exchange of mass between the cavity and throughflow is related to the mass flowrate in the radial plumes in the buoyancy-induced region, considering the effect of flow reversal at low Ro. The model is validated using data collected in the Bath compressor cavity rig and can be incorporated in engine design codes to robustly compute the thermal stress and expansion of the compressor rotor, contributing to more efficient engine designs.
A Novel Redacted Extended Kalman Filter and Fuzzy Logic-Based Technique for Measurement of State-of-Charge of Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Bera Chinmay , Mandal Rajib , Kumar Amitesh 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a novel technique based on an adaptive approach of redacted extended Kalman filter (REKF) assimilating fuzzy logic features for measuring the state-of-charge (SoC) of lithium-ion batteries. Accurately determining SoC is crucial for maximizing battery capacity and performance. However, existing extended Kalman filtering algorithms suffer from issues such as inadequate noise resistance and noise sensitivity, as well as difficulties in selecting the forgetting factor. The aforementioned REKF technique addresses these challenges adequately for accurate measurement of SoC. The proposed method involves establishing a Thevenin equivalent circuit model and using the recursive least squares with forgetting factor (RLSFF) to identify model parameters. Furthermore, an evaluation factor is established, and to adaptively adjust the value of the forgetting factor, fuzzy control is utilized, which enhances the extended Kalman filtering algorithm with noise adaptive algorithm features to estimate the SoC accurately. This modified algorithm considers the identification results from the parameter estimation step and executes them circularly to achieve precise SoC estimation. Results demonstrate that the proposed method has excellent robustness and estimation accuracy compared to other filtering algorithms, even under variable working conditions, including a wide range of state-of-health (SOH) and temperature. The proposed method is expected to enhance the performance of battery management systems for various applications.
A Highly Compact, Multi-Material, Fluid Powered Actuation System for MRI-Guided Surgical Intervention
Authors: Peters John E. , Grillo Abby M. , Esser Daniel S. , Garrow Sarah J. , Kumar Nithin S. , Ball Tyler , Naftel Robert , Englot Dario J. , Neimat Joseph , Grissom William A. , Webster Robert J. , Barth Eric J. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This paper presents an inherently safe, compact, 3D-printed, fluid-powered stepper actuation system enabling surgical precision within the demanding and confined space of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The intense magnetic field and limited workspace of an MRI excludes the use of traditional, ferromagnetic robotics. Additionally, scanner image quality is sensitive to interference, creating a strict constraint on the electromagnetic and ferromagnetic signature of the actuator. While non-ferromagnetic, fluid powered actuators exist, they are often bulky and difficult to control. Using high resolution, material jetting technology, we’re able to 3D print small, standalone multi-material designs with variable rigidity. Leveraging these advances in additive manufacturing technology, we have developed a modular set of miniature flexible fluidic actuators (FFAs). These actuators are capable of translating, rotating, and gripping a slender rod and are inherently safe to valve, control, or pressure faults, due to the stepping sequence. Using a specific clinical application as a use case, we assembled these components into a highly compact needle steering system for MRI-guided neurosurgery. This two-degree-of-freedom actuation system is driven pneumatically, taking advantage of sterile, hospital instrument air and is electromagnetically transparent to the MRI scanner. In addition to detailing the actuator system design, this paper also demonstrates a robust, nonlinear control strategy for precision sub-step motion control. This paper reports the actuator system’s operating pressure and bandwidth, translational and rotational accuracy, and maximum force and torque capabilities.
Modelling of Pumps and Motors As Source Flow Ripple and Source Impedance
Authors: Johnston Nigel , Dumnov Daniil , Melling Jonathan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The fluid borne noise characteristics of hydraulic pumps and motors are commonly represented in the frequency domain using a source flow ripple spectrum in parallel with a source impedance spectrum. This is equivalent to Norton’s theorem for electrical sources in which the source is represented as a current source in parallel with a resistance or impedance. The validity of this representation is considered for two types of piston pump through simulation and for a third piston pump through experiment. It is shown that the Norton model of source flow ripple and source impedance is a reasonable approximation to the fluid-borne noise characteristics of positive displacement pumps. However for pumps in which fluid compression is a dominant feature in the source flow ripple, such as piston pumps, the source flow ripple varies somewhat with the system pressure ripple, and this causes significant problems with the Two Loads method, resulting in unrealistic source impedance measurements.
The Case for Replacement of Pilot Valves With Pilot Pumps in Hydraulic Control Systems
Authors: Wiens Travis 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Traditionally, hydraulic servo power for high bandwidth primary stage actuation in electrohydraulic pumps and valves is provided by small pilot stage valves. These often operate in a pressure-control mode against a spring to effect position control of the main valve spool or pump swash plate. This paper presents the case for replacing these valves with small fixed-displacement, electronically speed-controlled pumps. Depending on the system, advantages can include more linear control, faster response, lower development and component cost, and higher energy efficiency.
This paper presents comparative analysis of this concept for two common cases: a two-stage spool valve, and an axial piston load sensing pump. The first demonstrates that for systems of comparable flow capacity a pump-controlled-pump system will respond faster than a valve controlled system due to supplying its maximum flow for the majority of the response, as opposed to a valve controlled system whose flow reduces as pressures equalize. This system also exhibits a more linear response, easing closed loop control design.
The second case study presents a pump flow control application, which demonstrates the pump-controlled-pump system can be more easily and safely designed using linearized control system analysis techniques. The linearized analysis correctly identifies the stability limits for the pump-controlled-pump, but dangerously overestimates the proportional gain limits for a valve-controlled system.