bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple practical to measure energy stored when stretching a spring
Authors: Harrison Mark 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
After deriving the equations for energy stored in a stretched spring which obeys Hooke’s Law (E= ½Fx = ½kx
2), a practical demonstration was required to show that the energy stored in the spring was proportional to the square of the spring’s extension. Using existing equipment in the school laboratory, a bank of charged capacitors was discharged into a motor which wound a string to extend the spring. Measurements taken showed the required proportionality convincingly.
Boundary delineation in transrectal ultrasound images for region of interest of prostate
Authors: Peng Tao , Dong Yan , Di Gongye , Zhao Jing , Li Tian , Ren Ge , Zhang Lei , Cai Jing 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Accurate and robust prostate segmentation in transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images is of great interest for ultrasound-guided brachytherapy for prostate cancer. However, the current practice of manual segmentation is difficult, time-consuming, and prone to errors. To overcome these challenges, we developed an accurate prostate segmentation framework (A-ProSeg) for TRUS images. The proposed segmentation method includes three innovation steps: (1) acquiring the sequence of vertices by using an improved polygonal segment-based method with a small number of radiologist-defined seed points as prior points; (2) establishing an optimal machine learning-based method by using the improved evolutionary neural network; and (3) obtaining smooth contours of the prostate region of interest using the optimized machine learning-based method. The proposed method was evaluated on 266 patients who underwent prostate cancer brachytherapy. The proposed method achieved a high performance against the ground truth with a Dice similarity coefficient of 96.2% ± 2.4%, a Jaccard similarity coefficient of 94.4% ± 3.3%, and an accuracy of 95.7% ± 2.7%; these values are all higher than those obtained using state-of-the-art methods. A sensitivity evaluation on different noise levels demonstrated that our method achieved high robustness against changes in image quality. Meanwhile, an ablation study was performed, and the significance of all the key components of the proposed method was demonstrated.
Saturating quantum efficiency of SNSPDs with disorder manipulation of NbN films
Authors: Yin Rui , Wang Hao , Zhang Labao , Wang Xiaohan , Ma Liang , Guan Yanqiu , Yang Zhuolin , Chen Qi , Tu Xuecou , Zhao Qingyuan , Jia Xiaoqing , Chen Jian , Kang Lin , Wu Peiheng 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Quantum efficiency is one of the most important performance metrics for superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs). Specifically, near-infrared NbN-SNSPDs with high quantum efficiency are extremely desirable in quantum communications. However, due to the high energy gap of NbN, it is difficult to achieve a saturated quantum efficiency. In this paper, we systematically investigated the primary determinants of fabricating highly saturated NbN-SNSPD by changing the stoichiometric ratio during the growth of NbN thin films. Through electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching processes, NbN-SNSPDs with a saturated quantum efficiency were fabricated. It is worth noting that the saturated quantum efficiency is observed to be closely related to the stoichiometric ratio of NbN films. Artificially increasing the disorder in NbN films can enhance the probability of superconducting phase transition during photon detection. Our work provides a consistently simple and effective method for the fabrication of highly efficient quantum devices, which is crucial for achieving higher precision in future quantum communications.
Artificial Neural Network controller for Solar PV based Electric Vehicle Charging Station with Supercapacitor
Authors: Singh Abhishek Pratap , Kumar Yogendra 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this article, a hybrid energy system for a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station is proposed. A hybrid energy storage system is made up of a battery and a supercapacitor. If the solar power varies, a fast shift in supply from the storage system is required. Furthermore, power fluctuation is observed when power is drawn from the storage system. A standalone battery cannot adjust for this quick shift in supply. To address these issues, a hybrid energy storage system consisting of a supercapacitor and a battery is proposed for solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations. Power fluctuation is also compensated for using the hybrid energy system. The findings are obtained using a traditional PI controller and an ANN controller. The result taken with ANN controller are found better in comparison to results taken with the conventional PI controller. The results are obtained using MATLAB SIMULINKS.
Feasibility and Techno-Economic analysis of Renewable Energy based Hybrid System for rural community of India
Authors: Sharma Bandana , Rizwan M , Anand Priyanka 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
On account of ever-increasing electricity demand and the growing awareness of the importance of addressing environmental concerns, renewable energy sources have come to play an increasingly important role in the generation of electricity. These sources offer numerous benefits, including the fact that they are environmentally friendly, readily available, inexpensive, and abundant. India has vast potential for these RES, even though many rural areas can still not get reliable and quality power supplies. To fulfil the above target, there is an urgent need to harness RES to a large extent for electric power generation. As these RES provide fluctuating power during the day, it is essential to provide a feasible solution with constant power generation using the available energy resources. The feasibility analysis of hybrid systems based on RES is carried out using the HOMER Pro software for the selected rural site in Uttar Pradesh, India. The locally available RES were used in this study to develop hybrid power generation systems. A feasible hybrid system is selected for Gramin health care and school buildings, at the proposed site. The results obtained from the optimal system were compared with those of the other hybrid models and found to be more accurate.
Application of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Algorithm for PID Parameter Tuning in Speed Control of Brushless DC (BLDC) Motor
Authors: Bhandari Pratap , Pancha Basanta , Poudel Yam Krishna , Lal Ajay Kumar , Chapagain Madan Raj , Achary Narayan , Niraula Dayasagar 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
With the advancement in the technology of power electronics and microelectronics, the use of brushless DC motor has been increasingly expanded. The numerous benefits of brushless DC motor are one of the prime factors that has helped in the rapid expansion in the use of BLDC motor. Simple operation and maintenance, compact volume, light weight, energy conservation, high efficiency, easy regulation of speed and high reliability are some the merits that promotes the increasing use of BLDC motor. Its current application is observed in almost all the sectors of industrial control. BLDC motor drivers are most widely used in motion control applications. With the increasing necessity of designing effective control strategy, the use of electronically commuted brushless DC motors is increasing rapidly in various industrial applications. For this purpose, cheap and efficient speed regulator is needed for the motor. Proper tuning of PID can also be one of the ways of controlling BLDCM. This paper adopts intelligent controlling technique for the reduction of torque ripple, settling time and overshoot through the use of MATLAB and SIMULINK.
DRISHTI: Visual Navigation Assistant for Visually Impaired
Authors: Joshi Malay , Shukla Aditi , Srivastava Jayesh , Rastogi Manya , Mujumdar Suvarna , Tripathi Himanshu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In today’s society, where independent living is becoming increasingly important, it can be extremely constricting for those who are blind. Blind and visually impaired (BVI) people face challenges because they need manual support to prompt information about their environment. In this work, we took our first step towards developing an affordable and high-performing eye wearable assistive device, DRISHTI, to provide visual navigation assistance for BVI people. This system comprises a camera module, ESP32 processor, Bluetooth module, smartphone and speakers. Using artificial intelligence, this system is proposed to detect and understand the nature of the users’ path and obstacles ahead of the user in that path and then inform BVI users about it via audio output to enable them to acquire directions by themselves on their journey. This first step discussed in this paper involves establishing a proof-of-concept of achieving the right balance of affordability and performance by testing an initial software integration of a currency detection algorithm on a low-cost embedded arrangement. This work will lay the foundation for our upcoming works toward achieving the goal of assisting the maximum of BVI people around the globe in moving independently.
PLC-based home automation system for maintaining efficient task scheduling and security
Authors: Mittal Udit , Gupta Ankit , Kaushal Gaurav , Lokesh  , Abhishek  
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based smart task scheduling system for home automation is presented in this paper. This system is automatically controlled, energy-efficient, and scalable to smart homes with basic features that save energy and increase comfort for residents. The work demonstrates how PLCs can be used in the home to control and monitor lights, sensors, and other electronic equipment. As an added benefit, the proposed technology ensures home safety. The aim of this study is to develop an affordable system that can be installed in every household to improve security and energy efficiency by making home appliances more user-friendly and effectively performing every activity as per a schedule that is defined by user demands.
Nanomechanical resonators fabricated by atomic layer deposition on suspended 2D materials
Authors: Liu Hanqing , Basuvalingam Saravana B , Lodha Saurabh , Bol Ageeth A , van der Zant Herre S J , Steeneken Peter G , Verbiest Gerard J 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Atomic layer deposition (ALD), a layer-by-layer controlled method to synthesize ultrathin materials, provides various merits over other techniques such as precise thickness control, large area scalability and excellent conformality. Here we demonstrate the possibility of using ALD growth on top of suspended 2D materials to fabricate nanomechanical resonators. We fabricate ALD nanomechanical resonators consisting of a graphene/MoS2 heterostructure. Using atomic force microscope indentation and optothermal drive, we measure their mechanical properties including Young’s modulus, resonance frequency and quality factor, showing a lower energy dissipation compared to their exfoliated counterparts. We also demonstrate the fabrication of nanomechanical resonators by exfoliating an ALD grown NbS2 layer. This study exemplifies the potential of ALD techniques to produce high-quality suspended nanomechanical membranes, providing a promising route towards high-volume fabrication of future multilayer nanodevices and nanoelectromechanical systems.
A retrospective survey to establish institutional diagnostic reference levels for CT urography examinations based on clinical indications: preliminary results
Authors: Efthymiou Fotios O , Metaxas Vasileios I , Dimitroukas Christos P , Delis Harry B , Zikou Kiriaki D , Ntzanis Epameinondas S , Zampakis Petros E , Panayiotakis George S , Kalogeropoulou Christina P 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objective. To establish institutional diagnostic reference levels (IDRLs) based on clinical indications (CIs) for three- and four-phase computed tomography urography (CTU). Methods. Volumetric computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP), patients’ demographics, selected CIs like lithiasis, cancer, and other diseases, and protocols’ parameters were retrospectively recorded for 198 CTUs conducted on a Toshiba Aquilion Prime 80 scanner. Patients were categorised based on CIs and number of phases. These groups’ 75th percentiles of CTDIvol and DLP were proposed as IDRLs. The mean, median and IDRLs were compared with previously published values. Results. For the three-phase protocol, the CTDIvol (mGy) and DLP (mGy.cm) were 22.7/992 for the whole group, 23.4/992 for lithiasis, 22.8/1037 for cancer, and 21.2/981 for other diseases. The corresponding CTDIvol (mGy) and DLP (mGy.cm) values for the four-phase protocol were 28.6/1172, 30.6/1203, 27.3/1077, and 28.7/1252, respectively. A significant difference was found in CTDIvol and DLP between the two protocols, among the phases of three-phase (except cancer) and four-phase protocols (except DLP for other diseases), and in DLP between the second and third phases (except for cancer group). The results are comparable or lower than most studies published in the last decade. Conclusions. The CT technologist must be aware of the critical dose dependence on the scan length and the applied exposure parameters for each phase, according to the patient’s clinical background and the corresponding imaging anatomy, which must have been properly targeted by the competent radiologist. When clinically feasible, restricting the number of phases to three instead of four could remarkably reduce the patient’s radiation dose. CI-based IDRLs will serve as a baseline for comparison with CTU practice in other hospitals and could contribute to national DRL establishment. The awareness and knowledge of dose levels during CTU will prompt optimisation strategies in CT facilities.
Inhibiting metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 after stroke restores brain function and connectivity
Authors: Hakon Jakob , Quattromani Miriana J , Sjölund Carin , Talhada Daniela , Kim Byungchan , Moyanova Slavianka , Mastroiacovo Federica , Di Menna Luisa , Olsson Roger , Englund Elisabet , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Ruscher Karsten , Bauer Adam Q , Wieloch Tadeusz 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Stroke results in local neural disconnection and brain-wide neuronal network dysfunction leading to neurological deficits. Beyond the hyper-acute phase of ischaemic stroke, there is no clinically-approved pharmacological treatment that alleviates sensorimotor impairments. Functional recovery after stroke involves the formation of new or alternative neuronal circuits including existing neural connections. The type-5 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR5) has been shown to modulate brain plasticity and function and is a therapeutic target in neurological diseases outside of stroke. We investigated whether mGluR5 influences functional recovery and network reorganization rodent models of focal ischaemia.
Using multiple behavioural tests, we observed that treatment with negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of mGluR5 (MTEP, fenobam and AFQ056) for 12 days, starting 2 or 10 days after stroke, restored lost sensorimotor functions, without diminishing infarct size. Recovery was evident within hours after initiation of treatment and progressed over the subsequent 12 days. Recovery was prevented by activation of mGluR5 with the positive allosteric modulator VU0360172 and accelerated in mGluR5 knock-out mice compared with wild-type mice. After stroke, multisensory stimulation by enriched environments enhanced recovery, a result prevented by VU0360172, implying a role of mGluR5 in enriched environment-mediated recovery. Additionally, MTEP treatment in conjunction with enriched environment housing provided an additive recovery enhancement compared to either MTEP or enriched environment alone. Using optical intrinsic signal imaging, we observed brain-wide disruptions in resting-state functional connectivity after stroke that were prevented by mGluR5 inhibition in distinct areas of contralesional sensorimotor and bilateral visual cortices. The levels of mGluR5 protein in mice and in tissue samples of stroke patients were unchanged after stroke.
We conclude that neuronal circuitry subserving sensorimotor function after stroke is depressed by a mGluR5-dependent maladaptive plasticity mechanism that can be restored by mGluR5 inhibition. Post-acute stroke treatment with mGluR5 NAMs combined with rehabilitative training may represent a novel post-acute stroke therapy.
Reflex Hepatitis C Virus Viral Load Testing Following an Initial Positive Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Test: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tao Yusha , Tang Weiming , Fajardo Emmanuel , Cheng Mengyuan , He Shiyi , Bissram Jennifer S , Hiebert Lindsey , Ward John W , Chou Roger , Rodríguez-Frías Francisco , Easterbrook Philippa , Tucker Joseph D 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Many people who have a positive hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (Ab) test never receive a confirmatory HCV RNA viral load (VL) test. Reflex VL testing may help address this problem. We undertook a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of reflex VL testing compared with standard nonreflex approaches on outcomes across the HCV care cascade.

Methods
We searched 4 databases for studies that examined laboratory-based reflex or clinic-based reflex VL testing approaches, with or without a nonreflex comparator, and had data on the uptake of HCV RNA VL test and treatment initiation and turnaround time between Ab and VL testing. Both laboratory- and clinic-based reflex VL testing involve only a single clinic visit. Summary estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses.

Results
Fifty-one studies were included (32 laboratory-based and 19 clinic-based reflex VL testing). Laboratory-based reflex VL testing increased HCV VL test uptake versus nonreflex testing (RR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.16–1.58) and may improve linkage to care among people with a positive HCV RNA test (RR: 1.47; 95% CI: .81–2.67) and HCV treatment initiation (RR: 1.03; 95% CI: .46–2.32). The median time between Ab and VL test was &lt;1 day for all laboratory-based reflex studies and 0–5 days for 13 clinic-based reflex testing.

Conclusions
Laboratory-based and clinic-based HCV reflex VL testing increased uptake and reduced time to HCV VL testing and may increase HCV linkage to care. The World Health Organization now recommends reflex VL testing as an additional strategy to promote access to HCV VL testing and treatment.

Clinical Trials Registration
PROSPERO CRD42021283822.
24. A NOVEL TUMOR STAGING SYSTEM INCORPORATING CN STATUS FOR STRATIFYING EARLY STAGE ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA PATIENTS AFTER TRIMODAL THERAPY
Authors: Li Xiaokun , Yuan Yong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Backgrounds
The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of cN status for early stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and construct a new staging model for individual survival prediction.

Methods
Patients from West China Hospital and Nanjing Jinling Hospital were included for training and validation, respectively. Patients with ESCC who underwent nCRT and esophagectomy were included in this study. Prognostic factors were investigated in patients with ypT0–3N0M0 using survival analysis and Cox regression model.

Results
For patients with ypI stage, cN status was a significant prognostic factor. The patients with cN1–3 yielded significantly worse OS (p = 0.014) and DFS (p = 0.008) compared with patients with cN0. However, for patients with ypII stage, cN status was not a significant prognostic factor (OS: p = 0.100 and DFS: p = 0.110). Cox regression analysis showed that only cN status was an independent prognostic factor for both OS (p = 0.030) and DFS (p = 0.019) in patients with stage ypI. A new staging model was established based on ypTNM stage and cN status by precisely stratifying ypI ESCC patients.

Conclusion
We constructed a new staging system based on ypTNM stage and cN status to precisely stratify the patients with ypI stage. Our new ypTNM-cN staging system provides new insights for classifying stage ypI ESCC and shows reliable classification efficacy for all ESCC patients after nCRT and surgery.
241. EVALUATION OF THE PYLORUS FOLLOWING GASTRIC CONDUIT RECONSTRUCTION IN OESOPHAGECTOMY USING IMPEDANCE PLANIMETRY—A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Arkle Thomas , Lam Stephen , Kumar Bhaskar 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Gastric conduit dysfunction (GCD) is one of the most challenging late complications of oesophagectomy and can have a significant detrimental effect on patient’s quality of life. Functional obstruction at the pylorus may be a contributory factor, however, few studies have directly examined the physiology of the pylorus in the gastric conduit. This review aims to determine if impedance planimetry (IP), using EndoFLIP®, can be used to demonstrate a significant alteration in pyloric physiology following oesophagectomy.
We conducted a systematic literature search using EMBASE and MEDLINE to identify studies that compared results of IP analysis using EndoFLIP® in healthy volunteers with patients following oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. Selection of studies was conducted in line with the PRISMA guidelines against pre-determined inclusion criteria and the review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023401664). Meta-analysis, using a pooled mean and mean difference, was conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference in mean pyloric distensibility index (DI), a widely used and validated measure of sphincter functioning, following oesophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction compared to healthy volunteers.
A total of 2751 studies were identified following database search and four studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. All studies reported mean pyloric DI values following oesophagectomy and protocols for EndoFLIP® analysis were consistent. The pooled mean pyloric DI from all studies (n = 109) was 9.12mm2/mmHg following oesophagectomy, compared to a pre-validated normal value of 25.2mm2/mmHg in healthy volunteers. Mean difference calculation, using a fixed effects model, from two studies including original results for healthy volunteers (n = 42) and patients following oesophagectomy (n = 14), showed that pyloric distensibility was 14.41mm2/mmHg higher in healthy volunteers compared to those post-oesophagectomy (95% CI 11.81–17.00, p &lt; 0.00001).
Studies suggest that pyloric distensibility is significantly reduced following oesophagectomy compared to healthy volunteers. A lack of pyloric distensibility may adversely affect gastric conduit emptying and contribute to GCD. It remains unclear whether DI measurements will correlate with severity of GCD or show changes pre- and post-operatively for individual patients. The effect of surgical pyloroplasty on pyloric distensibility and physiology needs to be examined as a potential means of reducing the incidence of GCD.