bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X‐Band Air‐Filled Coaxial Bandpass Filter With Wideband Input‐Reflectionless Performance
Authors: Li Zhe‐Ming , He Ying‐Qian , Lin Jing‐Yu , Zhang Zhi‐Cong , Zhang Xiao , Zhu Lei , Wong Sai‐Wai 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTReflectionless bandpass filters (BPF) have been realized in the waveguide and planar circuits; however, the literature does not report reflectionless air‐filled coaxial BPF. In this article, an X‐band input‐reflectionless air‐filled coaxial BPF is presented. The proposed filter has two transmission zeros (TZs) at the lower and upper stopband, respectively, to improve the selectivity. An equivalent circuit of this filter is provided to explain its reflectionless filtering response, which contains a BPF section and a bandstop filter (BSF) section. For verification, a reflectionless BPF centered at 10.2 GHz with an in‐band fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 6.39% has been designed and fabricated. The frequency range of measured 10‐dB return loss is from 4.75 to 13.00 GHz (10‐dB‐absorption FBW of 80.9%), showing a very attractive wideband reflectionless filtering behavior.
Psychometric Testing of the Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patient Assets, Risks, and Experiences (PRAPARE) in Patients With Heart Failure and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Thapa Ashmita , Rayens Mary Kay , Chung Misook Lee , Biddle Martha J. , Wu Jia‐Rong , Lin Chin‐Yen , Kang JungHee , Moser Debra K. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe social determinants of health (SDOH) have been recognized as an important contributor to an individual's health status. A valid and reliable instrument is needed for researchers and clinicians to measure SDOH. However, there is considerable variability in the screening methodologies, as well as a lack of standardization in definitions and methods for capturing and reporting SDOH data for both electronic health record software vendors and national experts on SDOH. The Protocol for
Responding to and
Assessing
Patient
Assets,
Risks, and
Experiences (PRAPARE) is a commonly used instrument for measuring SDOH. We evaluated the psychometric properties of the PRAPARE instrument in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and heart failure (HF), focusing on its reliability and validity for assessing SDOH. We assessed internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, and construct validity using data from 234 patients with CHD and/or HF recruited from outpatient clinics in Kentucky. The PRAPARE instrument demonstrated high internal consistency (KR‐20 score: 0.76) and test‐retest reliability (correlation coefficient: 0.88). Factor analysis identified three distinct factors (Factor I: basic necessities and services, Factor II: housing and personal well‐being, and Factor III: insurance, education, and work situation) of SDOH. PRAPARE scores were significantly correlated with depressive symptoms (PHQ‐9 scores) and functional outcomes of sleep (FOSQ‐10 scores). PRAPARE is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing SDOH in patients with CHD and HF, highlighting its potential for clinical and research applications.
Toughened polyolefin alloys of core‐shell morphology: Correlations among processing, microstructure, micromechanics, and macroscopic mechanical performance
Authors: Mazidi Majid Mehrabi , Razavi Aghjeh Mir Karim , Arezoumand Sahar , Pegoretti Alessandro 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPolyolefin alloys with superior balance of stiffness, toughness, and processability properties are progressively being developed for structural applications. The technologies employed and design strategies utilized for producing these multicomponent systems have brought about the formation of specific morphological structures in these materials, which are responsible for their far advantageous overall characteristics compared with traditional toughened binary blends. This review examines the state‐of‐the‐art and recent developments in the field of such high‐performance toughened polyolefin (mostly polypropylene‐based) alloys showing encapsulated (core‐shell) morphology. Two families of toughened polyolefin alloys are examined in‐detail in this paper: physical blends and reactor alloys. In the case of physical blending approach, the necessity for modification of interfacial and/or rheological characteristics of blends' systems has triggered the formation of composite dispersed droplet morphology in the resulting alloys. The reactor alloy technology usually offers materials with a multi‐layered core‐shell structure. The impacts of manufacturing parameters, processing conditions, and various microstructural (molecular, architectural, compositional, rheological, and physical) characteristics involved in the production technologies of these multiphase systems on the morphology evolution of resulting alloys are reviewed thoroughly. Then, the impact of ultimate morphology on the macroscopic mechanical behavior of the resulting alloys is discussed. The involved nano‐ and micro‐mechanics of deformations associated with different phase structures and dispersion states of core‐shell micro‐structures during both high‐speed impact and quasi‐static fracture mechanics tests are demonstrated. The advantages of reactor alloying method over physical blending, in terms of having far better control over the interfacial interactions, morphological features, and rheological properties for specific applications, are highlighted. This is accomplished through proper design and/or manipulation of polymerization conditions/sequences and engineering the chain architectures. Finally, research perspectives and possible directions for further progress in this field are outlined.Highlights
Toughened polyolefin alloys of core‐shell morphologies are reviewed.
Both melt blending and reactor alloy technologies are considered.
Processing‐microstructure‐micromechanics‐property correlations are presented.
Specific attention is paid to the (micro)‐mechanical deformation processes.
Role of structural and technological factors on properties is discussed in detail.
Cover Image
Authors: Irimia‐Vladu Mihai , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe cover image is based on the article Natural polymers for emerging technological applications: cellulose, lignin, shellac and silk by Mihai Irimia‐Vladu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.6697.
image
Acetylshikonin Derived From Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst Kills Multidrug‐Resistant Gram‐Positive Pathogens In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Xiao Xia , Huang Yanhu , Liu Wei , Liu Yuan , Zhang Haijie , Meng Chuang , Wang Zhiqiang 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe rising prevalence of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Gram‐positive bacteria threatens the effectiveness of current antibiotic therapies. However, the development of new antibiotics has stagnated in recent years, highlighted the critical need for the discovery of innovative antimicrobial agents. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of naphthoquinones derived from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst (ADNs) and elucidate their underlying mechanisms. The antibacterial efficacy of ADNs was assessed using the microbroth dilution method. The antibacterial mechanism of acetylshikonin (ASK) was further explored through scanning electron microscopy, RNA‐Seq and transcriptomic analysis, fluorescent probes, high‐performance liquid chromatography, qRT‐PCR and molecular docking. The results demonstrated that all the ADNs exhibit potent antibacterial activity against MDR Gram‐positive pathogens, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus, and linezolid‐resistant Enterococcus. Notably, ASK showed minimum inhibitory concentration of 1–2 μg/mL against MRSA. Mechanistic investigations revealed that ASK operates through a multifaceted antibacterial mechanism. First, ASK disrupts bacterial membrane integrity and dissipates proton motive force by targeting membrane phospholipids. Further analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in oxygen consumption and ATP production, indicative of respiratory chain inhibition. Additionally, ASK interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis, as evidenced by reduction of peptidoglycan precursors and downregulated expression of genes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis. In conclusion, ASK represents a promising antimicrobial agent with potential efficacy against infections caused by MDR Gram‐positive bacteria and offers valuable insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
An Improved Uncertainty Calibration Approach for Reliable Satellite Temperature Interval Prediction
Authors: Xu Yingchun , Zheng Xiaohu , Yao Wen , Zhang Xiaoya , Xie Yang 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPrecise forecasting of satellite temperature interval prediction is essential for assessing the reliability and health of satellites. Yet, traditional methods for quantifying uncertainty often fall short when it comes to the intricate challenge of satellite temperature prediction, leading to less accurate estimates. Consequently, there is a pressing need to refine the accuracy of uncertainty quantification by readjusting the uncertainty outcomes. This paper presents a sophisticated approach to calibrating model uncertainty for satellite temperature forecasting, utilizing Monte Carlo dropout (MCD) and quantile calibration techniques. The MCD technique is used to estimate model uncertainty by generating samples of the output distribution. Simultaneously, the quality of uncertainty estimation is improved by fine‐tuning the quantile levels through quantile calibration, leading to a more precisely calibrated forecast interval. The effectiveness of this proposed methodology is confirmed through two simulation scenarios and a practical engineering application, showing that the calibrated forecast interval's coverage probability is more closely aligned with the desired confidence levels, thus enhancing the credibility of the projected uncertainty range.
Privacy Preservation by Public Design in Cloud‐Based Cooperative LQG Control Systems
Authors: Lin Wenhao , Ni Yuqing , Ren Xiaoqiang , Yang Wen , Yang Chao 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we study a cooperative linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control system realized by a cloud‐based structure, consisting of a user and a server. In this system, the user runs a plant to control and employ the server, sharing necessary information with it to obtain the optimal LQG control inputs. However, the user considers its state trajectories as private. Therefore, we propose a privacy scheme utilizing a public privacy processor, whose certain parameters are also open to the server. This scheme manages to make the server unable to directly access the states of the user, so that the user's privacy is preserved; meanwhile, the server's public knowledge of the privacy processor allows the user to have satisfactory performance of LQG control. We then analyze the performances of privacy preservation and LQG control. Lastly, we propose an optimization problem to analyze the trade‐off between privacy and LQG control, which we solve using an efficient numerical method.
Bumpless Transfer Control for Synchronization of Switched Neutral‐Type Neural Networks With a Reachable Set Strategy
Authors: Li Fang , Sang Hong , Wang Peng , Zhao Ying , Ma Yajing , Dimirovski Georgi M. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis investigation primarily centers on the reachable‐set‐based bumpless transfer control (BTC) for the synchronization of switched neutral‐type neural networks (SNNNs). In order to mitigate the conservatism inherent in the traditional state‐dependent switching strategies (SDSSs) and combined switching strategies (CSSs), an improved CSS leveraging the historical information of neuron states and neutral delay is developed. By constructing a time‐dependent multiple Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional (TDMLF) technique, a less conservative criterion for reachable set estimation (RSE) is first established. In the subsequent, the established design framework is further employed by the BTC for the synchronization of SNNNs. The corresponding synchronization criterion is derived, which ensures that the resultant synchronization error influenced by bounded external inputs can be confined to an anticipated bounded set. Also, the underlying control bumps at switching instants during switching instants are effectively constrained to a specific level. Ultimately, the practicability and superiority of the proposed design framework are confirmed via two simulation examples.
A Map Segmentation Method Based on Image Processing for Robot Complete Coverage Operation
Authors: Si Haojun , Miao Zhonghua , Zhang Wen , Sun Teng 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPath planning is crucial for autonomous robot navigation and operation. Tasks like cleaning, inspection, and mining, all require complete coverage operation. For maps of convex regions, a reciprocating coverage method can be used. However, for maps of concave shapes, it is unsuitable. For this purpose, this paper proposes an image‐based map segmentation method for complete coverage path planning. Taking the grip map as an image, it is used to divide a concave map into convex subregions. For each convex region, it will generate a batch of waypoints for the robot controller. The subregions are then connected to achieve a complete coverage of the entire region. On the basis of a global path planning, a local path following, and real‐time obstacle avoidance methods, the complete coverage operation is achieved. Moreover, a coverage ratio calculation method is proposed and shown real‐timely in a visual interface. Extensive experiments in simulations and real‐world environments demonstrate the effectiveness of this method, achieving an average coverage ratio of 97.89% and a maximum of 92.19% in the presence of obstacles. Most importantly, this method has been successfully tested on an autonomous mining vehicle, achieving an average coverage ratio of 96% in given maps.
Investigation of the mechanical characteristics of hollow reinforced concrete columns under impact loading
Authors: Fei Honglu , Duan Guangyan , Zhang Zhiqiang , Liu Shuwang , Guo Jiwei 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn order to explore the mechanical characteristics of hollow reinforced concrete (RC) columns under impact loading, seven hollow RC column specimens were prepared to perform drop hammer impact tests. Impact force–time, mid‐span displacement–time, and steel bar strain–time curves were recorded, and their crack morphologies were observed. Axial compression tests were performed by a 5000 kN testing machine, and the failure modes and axial force–displacement curves of the specimens were drawn. Finite element model of hollow RC columns under impact loading was developed according to drop hammer test results. The obtained results showed that hollow RC member crack patterns under different impact velocities were mainly consisted of inclined cracks and a combination of inclined and vertical cracks. At constant impact velocity, an increase in concrete strength improved the impact resistance of the specimen while decreasing ductility. Replacing the inner steel cage with the same amount of steel tube increased ductility, but decreased residual load capacity. Finite element simulation results presented good agreement with impact test results.
Leishmaniasis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A National Multicenter Study of GETECCU
Authors: Madero‐Velázquez L , Mínguez A , Mayorga L , Ramírez JJ , Moreno N , Amorós C , Nieto MA , Mena R , Benítez JM , Gimeno‐Pitarch L , Maroto N , Suria C , Rodríguez‐Moranta F , Ordás I , Ruiz L , García‐Brenes MA , Martín‐Cardona A , de Célix C Rubín , Cárdenas K , Ginard D , Medina L , Pedrero N , Plaza R , Salmoral R , Martínez‐Pérez TJ , Algara V , Merino E , Zabana Y , Gutiérrez A ,   Young Group of GETECCU
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundLeishmaniasis (LI) is a vector‐borne illness caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania. Data on the features of LI in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are scarce.AimTo describe the characteristics of patients with IBD who present with leishmaniasis, infection outcomes and the risk factors associated with developing visceral leishmaniasis (VL).MethodsAn observational retrospective study performed in 26 hospitals in Spain, including all adult patients with IBD who developed Leishmaniasis from 2012 to 2022.ResultsA total of 73 patients were included [mean age 48 years; 65% male; 68% Crohn's disease]. Sixty patients (82.2%) presented localized cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL), 2 (2.7%) diffuse CL, 3 (4.1%) mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL) and 8 (11%) VL. All patients were under biologicals (69 [94.5%]) or immunosuppressants (IMM) (4 [5.5%]) at Leishmaniasis diagnosis. AntiTNF was used in 97%, while 2 patients (3%) were receiving ustekinumab. Leishmaniasis resolution was achieved by 48% and 96% of the patients after 1 and 12 months, respectively. Biological withdrawal after Leishmaniasis diagnosis was not statistically related to increased rates of infection resolution among patients with localized CL. Age was the only risk factor associated with VL (OR 1.2, 95%CI 1.04–1.39; p = 0.012).ConclusionsLeishmaniasis in patients with IBD doesn't seem to follow a complicated clinical course, even in those with localized CL who do not discontinue biological therapy after infection diagnosis. Age might be a risk factor for developing VL. This infection should be considered for immunosuppressed patients with IBD and suggestive symptoms dwelling or travelling to endemic areas.
Hotelling tubes, confidence bands and conformal inference
Authors: Koenker Roger 
Published: January 2025

AbstractStochastic frontier models and methods as pioneered by Peter Schmidt in Aigner et al. (J Econom 6:21–37, 1977), Horrace and Schmidt (J Product Anal 7:257–282, 1996), Amsler et al. (J Econom 190:280–288, 2016) constitute a rare departure from the usual econometric obsession with models for conditional means. They also provided an early stimulus for the development of quantile regression methods. After a brief tutorial on Hotelling tube methods for constructing confidence bands for nonparametric quantile regression, strengthened performance guarantees for such bands are described based on recent developments in conformal inference. These methods may be considered to be a rather idiosyncratic new approach to nonparametric inference for stochastic frontier models.
Simultaneity in binary outcome models with an application to employment for couples
Authors: Honoré Bo E. , Hu Luojia , Kyriazidou Ekaterini , Weidner Martin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractTwo of Peter Schmidt’s many contributions to econometrics have been to introduce a simultaneous logit model for bivariate binary outcomes and to study estimation of dynamic linear fixed effects panel data models using short panels. In this paper, we study a dynamic panel data version of the bivariate model introduced in Schmidt and Strauss (Econometrica 43:745–755, 1975) that allows for lagged dependent variables and fixed effects as in Ahn and Schmidt (J Econom 68:5–27, 1995). We combine a conditional likelihood approach with a method of moments approach to obtain an estimation strategy for the resulting model. We apply this estimation strategy to a simple model for the intra-household relationship in employment. Our main conclusion is that the within-household dependence in employment differs significantly by the ethnicity composition of the couple even after one allows for unobserved household specific heterogeneity.
Composite Facade with Timber and Concrete Connected by Bonding
Authors: Assal Roufaida , Michel Laurent , Ferrier Emanuel 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe harmonious integration of wood and concrete in facade elements represents a breakthrough in construction, offering a synergistic combination of their respective properties. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the field of building emphasizes the need for developing structures including more wood. The facade elements including wood as a structural component will also reduce the thermal insulation of the walls.The bonding between the two materials not only guarantees resistance to environmental and mechanical stresses but also minimizes the risk of premature deterioration, even though it can accede a lot of advantages, this method needs to be studied, particularly in the case of wood–concrete facades. Analysis of the mechanical response to thermal load becomes an essential aspect in the design of glued wood–concrete facades. When a facade is subjected to thermal loading with a difference between internal and external walls, the materials of which it is composed, such as wood and concrete, may react in different ways due to their different coefficients of thermal expansion, these materials can expand or contract at distinct rates in response to a temperature change. This dimensional variation can lead to stress concentration at the interface, which can affect bond quality. This research presents in detail the experimental results of wood–concrete façade panels and aims to understand the thermal responses and expansions induced by a thermal gradient applied to façade panels. It also involved targeted heating of the concrete and cooling of the wood to create a controlled thermal gradient. The results were analyzed in terms of temperature variations observed on the facade surface, as well as thermal expansion measurements taken on both the wood and concrete sections. These observations revealed distinct behaviors between the two materials in response to thermal variations, underlining the importance of judicious design to ensure the stability and durability of composite façade panels.
Resource-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Design of Concrete Structures Through Advanced Structural Safety Concepts
Authors: Hingorani Ramon , Köhler Jochen 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAs the bones and muscles of our built environment, engineering structures support all kind of societal activities. However, they consume huge amounts of resources and significantly contribute to impact on our environment. Structural design codes play an important matter in this regard since they regulate the use of materials by use of prescribed decision rules. These relatively simple and generalized rules offer significant potential for improvement. Grounded on risk-based optimization approaches, this paper explores this potential in connection with the design of reinforced concrete floor systems. Assuming a large variety of realistic design situations, representative sets of such members are defined and designed according to the semi-probabilistic safety concept in the Eurocodes. The benefits of a risk-informed structural design compared to the use of these standardized decision rules are demonstrated in terms of material consumption and CO2 emissions.
Dynamic Behavior of Imperfect FGM Beams with Various Porosity Distribution Rates: Analysis and Modeling
Authors: Hadji Lazreg , Plevris Vagelis , Madan Royal 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study delves into the ramifications of manufacturing-induced defects, particularly porosities, on the dynamic behavior of functionally graded material (FGM) beams. These defects possess considerable potential to alter the structural integrity and performance of such elements. The principal objective of this investigation is to examine the free vibration properties of FGM beams incorporating porosities. A power-law formulation is employed to delineate the distribution of Young’s modulus across the beam thickness, while Poisson’s ratio is held constant. Diverse configurations of porosity distribution are thoroughly explored, and the fidelity of the proposed model is rigorously evaluated through comparative assessments. Additionally, this research endeavors to elucidate the effects of variations in porosity distribution rate, power-law index, and thickness ratio on the fundamental frequency of the beams.