bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroadaptive tracking control for uncertain pure‐feedback systems under dynamic constraints
Authors: Cheng Hong , Song Yongduan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis paper presents a neuroadaptive tracking control method for a class of pure‐feedback nonlinear systems in the presence of dynamic constraints and unmodeled dynamics simultaneously. By introducing a nonlinear mapping (NM), the tracking control problem for constrained pure‐feedback system is recast into a regulation problem of the converted system without constraints. Such transformation allows the states to be confined within given regions directly, this is in contrast to the commonly used Barrier Lyapunov Function method that relies on the upper bound of the virtual control errors. To handle the unmodeled dynamics in the system, a dynamic compensation signal is introduced. It is shown that in the proposed scheme the neural networks (NN) not only act as a universal approximator to deal with unknown nonlinearity, but also function as a decoupler to cope with the coupling effects between state and the new variable arising from the introduction of the NM and the backstepping design. Simulation results also confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Spaceborne LiDAR for characterizing forest structure across scales in the European Alps
Authors: Mandl Lisa , Stritih Ana , Seidl Rupert , Ginzler Christian , Senf Cornelius 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe launch of NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) mission in 2018 opens new opportunities to quantitatively describe forest ecosystems across large scales. While GEDI's height‐related metrics have already been extensively evaluated, the utility of GEDI for assessing the full spectrum of structural variability—particularly in topographically complex terrain—remains incompletely understood. Here, we quantified GEDI's potential to estimate forest structure in mountain landscapes at the plot and landscape level, with a focus on variables of high relevance in ecological applications. We compared five GEDI metrics including relative height percentiles, plant area index, cover and understory cover to airborne laser scanning (ALS) data in two contrasting mountain landscapes in the European Alps. At the plot level, we investigated the impact of leaf phenology and topography on GEDI's accuracy. At the landscape‐scale, we evaluated the ability of GEDIs sample‐based approach to characterize complex mountain landscapes by comparing it to wall‐to‐wall ALS estimates and evaluated the capacity of GEDI to quantify important indicators of ecosystem functions and services (i.e., avalanche protection, habitat provision, carbon storage). Our results revealed only weak to moderate agreement between GEDI and ALS at the plot level (R2 from 0.03 to 0.61), with GEDI uncertainties increasing with slope. At the landscape‐level, however, the agreement between GEDI and ALS was generally high, with R2 values ranging between 0.51 and 0.79. Both GEDI and ALS agreed in identifying areas of high avalanche protection, habitat provision, and carbon storage, highlighting the potential of GEDI for landscape‐scale analyses in the context of ecosystem dynamics and management.
Human activities rather than climate dominated the grassland net primary production in the three basins of the Hexi Corridor, North‐Western China
Authors: Wang Yutao , Dou Tianbao 
Published: March 2023

AbstractActual net primary production (ANPP) is affected by both natural conditions and human activities in many areas, while the contributions of these factors to NPP remain unknown because it is difficult to isolate their effects. This knowledge gap hinders our implementation of environmental protection and restoration. In this study, we selected three basins of the Hexi Corridor, North‐western China, as the study area. Based on the monthly growth of grassland and field observations, we identified the undisturbed grids and then calculated the potential net primary productivity (PNPP) of these grids. Using the Carnegie‐Ames‐Stanford‐Approach (CASA) model, we calculated the ANPP in these areas. The influence of human activities on NPP (HNPP) was then calculated as the difference between ANPP and PNPP. The results showed that from 2001 to 2017, the mean grassland HNPP was −236.25 gC m−2 a−1. The area with a relative contribution index (RCI) of human activity greater than 0.5 accounted for more than 50% of the total, indicating that human activities were a dominant factor in the NPP change. After the implementation of ecological governance projects in the Hexi Corridor in 2006, HNPP exhibited a negative weakening rate of 2.79 gC m−2 a−1 (p < 0.05), and the RCI decreased from 0.708 at the beginning of the study period to 0.522 at the end (p < 0.01), indicating that reducing human interference with nature was an effective measure for ecological restoration. Based on these findings, we concluded that the changes in NPP in the three basins of the Hexi Corridor was dominated by human activities. Our results suggest that future studies pertaining to the response of NPP to climate change should consider the impact of human activities in semi‐arid regions.
High‐Activity Fe3C as pH‐Universal Electrocatalyst for Boosting Oxygen Reduction Reaction and Zinc‐Air Battery
Authors: Ruan Qi‐Dong , Feng Rui , Feng Jiu‐Ju , Gao Yi‐Jing , Zhang Lu , Wang Ai‐Jun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTransition metal catalysts are regarded as one of promising alternatives to replace traditional Pt‐based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this work, an efficient ORR catalyst is synthesized by confining Fe3C nanoparticles into N, S co‐doped porous carbon nanosheets (Fe3C/N,S‐CNS) via high‐temperature pyrolysis, in which 5‐sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) demonstrates as an ideal complexing agent for iron (ΙΙΙ) acetylacetonate while g‐C3N4 behaves as a nitrogen source. The influence of the pyrolysis temperature on the ORR performance is strictly examined in the controlled experiments. The obtained catalyst exhibits excellent ORR performance (E1/2 = 0.86 V; Eonset = 0.98 V) in alkaline electrolyte, coupled by exhibiting the superior catalytic activity and stability (E1/2 = 0.83 V, Eonset = 0.95 V) to Pt/C in acidic media. In parallel, its ORR mechanism is carefully illustrated by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, especially the role of the incorporated Fe3C played in the catalytic process. The catalyst‐assembled Zn‐air battery also exhibits a much higher power density (163 mW cm–2) and ultralong cyclic stability in the charge–discharge test for 750 h with a gap increase down to 20 mV. This study provides some constructive insights for preparation of advanced ORR catalysts in green energy conversion units correlated systems.
Moisture‐Adaptive Contractile Biopolymer‐Derived Fibers for Wound Healing Promotion
Authors: Dong Lizhong , Zhang Wei , Ren Ming , Li Yuxuan , Wang Yulian , Zhou Yurong , Wu Yulong , Zhang Zhijun , Di Jiangtao 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe advancement in thermosensitive active hydrogels has opened promising opportunities to dynamic full‐thickness skin wound healing. However, conventional hydrogels lack breathability to avoid wound infection and cannot adapt to wounds with different shapes due to the isotropic contraction. Herein, a moisture‐adaptive fiber that rapidly absorbs wound tissue fluid and produces a large lengthwise contractile force during the drying process is reported. The incorporation of hydroxyl‐rich silica nanoparticles in the sodium alginate/gelatin composite fiber greatly improves the hydrophilicity, toughness, and axial contraction performance of the fiber. This fiber exhibits a dynamic contractile behavior as a function of humidity, generating ≈15% maximum contraction strain or ≈24 MPa maximum isometric contractile stress. The textile knitted by the fibers features excellent breathability and generates adaptive contraction in the target direction during the natural desorption of tissue fluid from the wounds. In vivo animal experiments further demonstrate the advantages of the textiles over traditional dressings in accelerating wound healing.
Peripheral cord insertion is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome only when accompanied by clinically significant placental pathology
Authors: Stapleton D. , Darmonkow A. , Ravi Chandran A. , Milligan N. , Saghian R. , Shinar S. , Whitehead C. L. , Hobson S. R. , Serghides L. , Macgowan C. K. , Sled J. G. , Kingdom J. C. , Baschat A. A. , Parks W. T. , Cahill L. S. 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo examine the relationship between umbilical cord insertion site, placental pathology and adverse pregnancy outcome in a cohort of normal and complicated pregnancies.MethodsSonographic measurement of the cord insertion and detailed placental pathology were performed in 309 participants. Associations between cord insertion site, placental pathology and adverse pregnancy outcome (pre‐eclampsia, preterm birth, small‐for‐gestational age) were examined.ResultsA total of 93 (30%) participants were identified by pathological examination to have a peripheral cord insertion site. Only 41 of the 93 (44%) peripheral cords were detected by prenatal ultrasound. Peripherally inserted cords were associated significantly (P < 0.0001) with diagnostic placental pathology (most commonly with maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM)); of which 85% had an adverse pregnancy outcome. In cases of isolated peripheral cords, without placental pathology, the incidence of adverse outcome was not statistically different when compared to those with central cord insertion and no placental pathology (31% vs 18%; P = 0.3). A peripheral cord with an abnormal umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) corresponded to an adverse outcome in 96% of cases compared to 29% when the UA‐PI was normal.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that peripheral cord insertion is often part of the spectrum of findings of MVM disease and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. However, adverse outcome was uncommon when there was an isolated peripheral cord insertion and no placental pathology. Therefore, additional sonographic and biochemical features of MVM should be sought when a peripheral cord is observed. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Effect of type of polymerization catalyst system on the degradation and stabilization of polyethylenes in the melt state—Part 4: Comparative antioxidant effectiveness on organoleptic extractables
Authors: Allen Norman S. , del Teso Sánchez Karmele , Edge Michele , Liauw Christopher M. , Hussain Sajid , Hall Keith 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSeveral polyethylene resins using Ziegler, metallocene, and Phillips catalyst technologies were examined to obtain more detailed information about the effect of different polymerization catalyst systems on the production of extractable thermo‐oxidative degradation products formed during melt processing cycles. This produces volatile organoleptic components (VOCs and extractable) such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. Although some of the oxidation products are in‐chain bound, many are produced as free, easily extractable entities or volatile components. The purpose of this study is to identify the nature of the products by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and FTIR analysis. The identity of the VOCs formed is necessary to modify the product's quality or establish which are toxic and/or leachable with food products. The results show that the evolution of carbonyl products, nature, and quantity is influenced significantly by the polymer type and catalyst used. Over 300 organoleptics low molar mass degradation products, such as alkane, alkene, carbonyl, and alcohol functionalities were detected by GC–MS analysis coupled with FTIR analysis on hexane extractables. Certain stabilizers can control the generation of certain functionalities and inhibit others. Of importance was the discovery of the relationship between additive activity and structure and inhibition of the formation of specific types of oxidation functionalities to a particular catalyst system.
Application of sustainable treatments to fiber surface for performance improvement of elastomeric polyurethane reinforced with basalt fiber
Authors: Tayfun Ümit 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn order to overcome compatibility leakage between composite phases, which is a significant challenge in multidimensional composite applications, it is crucial to optimize the chemical nature of additives. The surface of basalt fiber (BF) was chemically enriched via biobased epoxy resin sizing and functional silanization process to improve its interfacial adhesion to the ecograde elastomeric polyurethane (EPU) matrix. The surface properties of BF were examined with the help of scanning electron microscopy X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Impacts of surface modifications were compared based on mechanical, morphological, thermomechanical, and melt‐flow behaviors of composites involving pristine and modified BF. Findings revealed that surface‐modified BF inclusions improved the tensile strength and Shore‐hardness values of composites. Tensile strength of EPU raised from 27.1 to 37.1 MPa after compounding with epoxy‐sized BF. Additionally, the resin‐coated BF incorporation exhibited a two‐fold increase in the tensile modulus of EPU. Thermomechanical response of EPU exhibited an increasing trend by BF inclusions regardless of treatment type. Glass transition temperature of EPU shifted to 5 units higher value with modified BF loadings. SEM investigations confirmed the increased interfacial interaction between the EPU matrix and surface‐sized BF. The chemically enriched surface of BF improves composite performance by improving adhesion at the EPU‐BF interface. The results of this study confirmed that enhanced interfacial adhesion led to performance improvements for BF‐loaded EPU composites.
The emergence of delta shock in the limit process for two‐dimensional steady nonisentropic relativistic Euler flow onto a straight wedge
Authors: Cheng Jie , Chen Fangqi , Wang Zejun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we mainly study the limit of solutions to the two‐dimensional steady nonisentropic relativistic Euler flow onto a straight wedge. It turns out that the sequence of shock solutions tends to a delta wave adhering to the wedge surface when the velocity of the incident flow goes to the speed of light and the adiabatic index tends to 1 in turn. Meanwhile, it also verifies that the pressure coefficient in the limit case is consistent with the Newtonian sin‐squared law when the speed of light tends to infinity. To this end, we also derive the generalized Bernoulli equation, Taub adiabat (or the generalized Hugoniot adiabat) and a shock polar, and so forth. Furthermore, we give the construction of the delta wave by the definition of weak solution.
The Importance of Being Digital
Authors: Viola Lorella 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this chapter, I present the post-authentic framework, a theoretical framework for knowledge creation in the digital, and I introduce two concepts central to the framework, symbiosis and mutualism. In light of the considerations reasoned in Chap. 1, I discuss and question the relevance of notions of authenticity and completeness in relation to digital objects. I take the example of a digital cultural heritage object to highlight how ideas of authenticity and completeness have consequences not only for the production of digital heritage and with respect to heritage values and practices but, more widely, for our understanding of digital objects and knowledge production in a digital society. Finally, I rework such notions using the formation of the digital heritage collection ChroniclItaly 3.0 as an example of how the post-authentic framework can guide the fluid interactions between human and technological processes that are required in the contemporary context of digital knowledge creation.
The Opposite of Unsupervised
Authors: Viola Lorella 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOne widespread way to enhance access to digital material is through a method called ’content enrichment’. Enrichment consists of several techniques such as entity annotation (e.g., named entity recognition—NER), entity linking (e.g., entity disambiguation), text classification and linguistic annotation (e.g., parts-of-speech tagging—POS). In this chapter, I present the enrichment of ChroniclItaly 3.0 as an example of how the post-authentic framework can be used as the applied theory for the curation of digital material. ChroniclItaly 3.0 has been enriched for NER, geocoding and sentiment. Throughout the chapter, I show fundamental concepts and methods of the post-authentic framework by focussing specifically on the key parts of the enrichment process that draw attention to the fluid exchanges between computational and human agency. I argue that in the contemporary context of digital knowledge creation practices, the task of digital enrichment cannot be handled as a fully automatic operation. As computational models are based on biased and incomplete datasets, I make a case for a dynamic conceptualisation of the digital object as unfinished, situated and intentional, acknowledged as containing its past ecosystem alongside present and future curators’ and users’.
Evaluation of Quantification Algorithms
Authors: Esuli Andrea , Fabris Alessandro , Moreo Alejandro , Sebastiani Fabrizio 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this chapter we discuss the experimental evaluation of quantification systems. We look at evaluation measures for the various types of quantification systems (binary, single-label multiclass, multi-label multiclass, ordinal), but also at evaluation protocols for quantification, that essentially consist in ways to extract multiple testing samples for use in quantification evaluation from a single classification test set. The chapter ends with a discussion on how to perform model selection (i.e., hyperparameter optimization) in a quantification-specific way.
Collaborative Working
Authors: Perković Paloš Andrijana 
Published: March 2023

AbstractResearch collaborations offer numerous professional opportunities as well as challenges, especially for early career researchers. This is why it is important to know the rights and responsibilities of researchers in collaborations. The aim of this chapter is to help early career researchers apply principles of good research practices of European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity in collaborative working, including interdisciplinary and international collaborations. We will indicate potential problems that can arise in different stages of collaborations. We will also provide recommendations with regard to determining your roles and responsibilities in collaborations, procedures on handling research misconduct, and possible publication disputes.
Exercise and Nutrition Interventions in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Bossi Paolo , Stucchi Erika 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOverall Survival (OS) and late quality of life of patients with locally advanced, HPV-negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer (HNSCC) are not satisfactory. Nutritional status at the beginning of both surgical and non-surgical treatment with curative intent has been linked to OS and quality of life. Weight loss, body-mass index, functional parameters, and biochemical examinations have been associated with the risk of treatment-related adverse events, mortality, quality of life and outcome. Moreover, there is a strong need for effective preventive approaches that could be implemented after completion of curative treatment to reduce recurrences, second tumors and improve quality of life. Aerobic exercise training, which is known to stimulate the immune system, and nutritional interventions represent easy, acceptable and reproducible methods to increase immune and nutritional competence, impacting thus on the aforementioned objectives. Participating in exercise training programs has been well accepted by patients with HNSCC, underlining the feasibility of such an intervention. There are also immunological arguments to promote an adequate physical activity in HNSCC patients. Baseline and after treatment immune competence of HNSCC should be weighted, as it may impact on cancer recurrence and OS. Patients with HNSCC have significantly lower absolute numbers of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8 + T cells than normal controls, and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are associated with prognosis. Aerobic exercise training prevents immune senescence, and therefore may prevent cancer development. The immune system activity is accompanied by an increased rate of metabolism, requiring energy sources, substrates for biosynthesis and regulatory molecules, which are ultimately derived from the diet. Hence, an adequate supply of a wide range of nutrients is essential to support the immune system to function optimally. Therefore, a regular nutritional counselling combined with personalized exercise training is a simple and very cheap way that could improve patient’s nutritional condition and immunological function, and ultimately impact on survival and quality of life. There is a strong need for well conducted clinical trials aimed at evaluating, in homogeneous groups of HNSCC patients, the impact of nutritional interventions (also comprising immunonutrition) and physical exercise. The evaluation of surrogate endpoints like circulating immune cells should also be explored to identify feasible and effective interventions. Integrating these interventions within immunotherapy approaches represents another area deserving further studies.
How to Standardize Molecular Profiling Programs for Routine Patient Care
Authors: Tinhofer Ingeborg , Keilholz Ulrich , Rieke Damian 
Published: March 2023

AbstractManagement of patients with advanced cancer includes individualized treatment recommendations guided by molecular profiles. Refined complex molecular and immunological diagnostics are developed in parallel to the rapidly growing number of targeted therapies for defined genetic alterations and novel immunotherapies. For adequate counseling, patients are presented to Molecular Tumor Boards within the framework of precision oncology programs established at virtually all large cancer centers worldwide. The annotation and clinical interpretation of molecular pathology results are carried out by a multiprofessional team of experts formulating individualized treatment recommendations, taking also into account clinical characteristics. The process of annotation and clinical interpretation of molecular events in tumors also considers predictive factors defined in randomized studies as well as clinical judgement. All steps described above are not standardized, resulting in relevant heterogeneity in treatment recommendations among MTBs in different institutions.In this chapter, contemporary challenges will be discussed, including intratumoral heterogeneity, use of diverse molecular diagnostic systems with inherent differences in sensitivity and specificity of detecting genetic alterations; the yet insufficiently addressed need for harmonizing variant annotation and interpretation; and the currently rather intuitive inclusion of multiple further “soft” parameters; all of which may significantly contribute to the current heterogeneity of recommendations.