bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon and oxygen isotope characteristics of the Clydach Valley Subgroup, Courceyan, South Wales‐Mendip shelf, UK
Authors: Raven Madeleine J. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe Clydach Valley Subgroup (Courceyan) records a dip section through an Early Carboniferous shallow marine, carbonate shelf and consists of three oolitic formations separated by paludal/peritidal units with abundant evidence of subaerial exposure in proximal areas. The lower part correlates with the Kinderhookian–Osagean Boundary Excursion, with allochem data indicating a minimum δ13C value for marine carbonate of +4.5‰, with associated δ18O of −4.6‰. Marine carbonate δ13C and δ18O values of +2‰ and −2‰, respectively, were estimated for the younger part. Allochem isotopic data yield a well‐defined mixing line consistent with stabilisation in meteoric water at varied water: rock ratios, the degree of stabilisation increasing up‐dip and up‐stratigraphy. Two distinct diagenetic styles closely correlate with evidence for the presence (Diagenetic Regime 1) or absence (Diagenetic Regime 2) of subaerial exposure, non‐ferroan and ferroan calcite cement dominating respectively. Five cement zones (Zones 2–6) defined by iron content occur in Diagenetic Regime 1, irrespective of formation, indicating a similar sequence of palaeohydrological changes affected repeated depositional cycles. Zones 3–5 are considered meteoric based on their isotopic composition (δ18O: −5.8 to −11.1‰ and δ13C: −3.7 to −6.2‰) and form distinct clusters dependent on zone, age and location. Pedogenic carbonates and meteoric cements record a long term increase in meteoric δ18O values: −7.8‰ during the Kinderhookian–Osagean Boundary Excursion, −6.9‰ during diagenesis of the upper part of the subgroup and −6.3‰ associated with initial deposition of the overlying Llanelly Formation. This is consistent with global sea water trends, but an element of climate change cannot be ruled out. Increases in cement δ18O values as meteoric systems become established (Zone 3–4) indicate repeated short term variation in rainwater composition probably driven by climate change, but also suggests a link between climate and the depositional cycle.
Potential impact of land‐use change on habitat quality in the distribution range of crocodile lizards in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Qin Xudong , Alvarez Facundo , Chen Zening , Wu Zhengjun 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe over‐exploitation of land resources poses a serious threat to biodiversity on a global scale. Changes in land‐use and human exploitation have had a major impact on wild populations and their habitat in China. We assessed how habitat quality has changed over time (1995–2020). Specifically, we analyzed how the habitat quality of crocodile lizard has changed over time based on multi‐temporal land‐use data (1995, 2000, 2010, 2015 and 2020) using a land‐use transfer matrix and habitat quality model. The results showed that the main landscape types in the study area were arable land (21.21% of the area) and woodland (69.59% of the area) during the period. Construction land (land used for development) had decreased by 991 km2, a decrease rate of 59.84% from 1995 to 2000, and increased to 2349 km2, an increase rate of 71.69% from 2000 to 2020. The proportion of grasslands and areas with water were negligible and overall, did not vary significantly in size over the study period. The main feature of land use change in the study area was the loss of grasslands and woodlands through development. The habitat quality model indicated that habitat quality was highest and degradation was lowest in Dayao mountain, Guxiu town, Qichong village and Beituo town. Habitat quality improved in Daguishan and Luokeng areas. Habitat quality was good in Daping mountain and Linzhouding, but they were highly fragmented with patches of low‐quality habitat of varying sizes. Habitats were severely degraded in the Dateng Gorge area. The rate of habitat degradation has slowed over time in the study area, but gradually increased in degradation intensity, and low‐quality habitats were widely distributed and overlapped with the crocodile lizards distribution area. We recommend that protected areas for the crocodile lizard be more closely monitored and managed to halt further decline in habitat quality.
Variations of trophic structure and niche space in fish community along a highly regulated subtropical large river
Authors: Ru Huijun , Zhong Liqiao , Wei Nian , Li Yunfeng , Sheng Qiang , Ni Zhaohui 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe trophic interactions between consumers and resources play a vital role in the stability of communities. In river systems, fragmentation of natural habitats and environmental changes alters the energy basis and community composition, consequently leading to variations in the community's trophic structure and niche space. However, our understanding of how the trophic structure responds to environmental changes is still very limited. Here, based on stable isotope data, we explored and compared trophic positions (TPs), community‐wide trophic metrics, and isotope niche space of fish communities in three reaches with different hydrogeomorphic conditions along a highly regulated subtropical river over three seasons. The community trophic structure and niche space showed notable spatiotemporal variations. Overall, the downstream reach had lower TPs, trophic diversity but higher trophic redundancy. The middle reach occupied a wider isotope niche space than other reaches, with the largest niche size during autumn. Furthermore, the niche overlap was relatively high in winter between reaches and in the downstream between seasons. The results implied a homogenization of feeding functional groups and energy flow pathways of species in the downstream community associated with the change of energy source and stability of hydrological conditions. The relationship between trophic structure and environmental factors suggested that the dam‐induced alteration in hydrological‐related aspects may drive the changes in the functional group composition, together with changes in energy basis, resulting in differences in the trophic structure of the community. The results of the present study deepen our understanding of how ecosystem functions respond to disturbance, thus contributing to improved ability to conserve river ecosystems.
Assist control for human‐robot cooperative transportation systems using nonlinear disturbance observer
Authors: Okura Yuki , Nakada Tomohiro , Kojima Chiaki 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate an assist control for a system in which a human and a robot cooperate to transport an object toward a designated position and angle. We consider a situation where the force due to the human to the object cannot be measured directly. In order to tackle this situation, an assist control with a nonlinear disturbance observer is proposed. By using the observer, we estimate the control input due to the human from position and angle of the object. Moreover, we design the control input by the robot to assist the human input based on the estimates by the disturbance observer. The effectiveness of the proposed method is discussed by numerical simulations for the minimum jerk model.
Regional‐scale partitioning of transmission losses and groundwater recharge using satellite estimates of actual evapotranspiration in an arid environment
Authors: Crosbie Russell S. , Holland Kate L. , McVicar Tim R. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractRivers in arid regions often rely on flow generated from wetter regions upstream, leading to high transmission losses of downstream flows. These transmission losses support a range of ecosystems, but partitioning the volume of the transmission losses across the floodplain, riparian zone and in‐channel is difficult. This study presents a methodology relying primarily on multi‐decade satellite remotely sensed actual evapotranspiration estimates to partition these losses. The method was applied to the ~40,000 km2 floodplain of Cooper Creek in the central Australian arid zone, where first, the alluvial landscape was classified based on actual evapotranspiration rates, and second, both regional‐ (i.e., for the entire floodplain) and local‐scale (i.e., for each waterhole) water balances were calculated to partition these losses. Regional‐scale results estimated that 82% of transmission losses occurred on the floodplain, 13% in the riparian zone and 5% from open water in the river channel and waterholes. These results showed that a refinement of the conceptual model of recharge from the waterholes is necessary as vast areas of the riparian zone are likely to be accessing a shallow freshwater lens rather than a discrete freshwater lens below the permanent waterholes. This method can be used in other data‐poor arid river systems as it uses globally accessible data sources.
Exergaming in patients with a left ventricular assist device: a feasibility study
Authors: Hammer Yoav , Shaul Aviv A. , Ben‐Avraham Binyamin , Zadok Osnat Itzhaki Ben , Barac Yaron D. , Rubchevsky Victor , Yaari Vicky , Gutrov Ema , Strömberg Anna , Klompstra Leonie , Jaarsma Tiny , Ben‐Gal Tuvia 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAimsExercise games (exergames) have been recently proposed as a mode of facilitating physical activity in patients with chronic diseases. Although patients supported with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) benefit from physical activity, specific LVAD‐related issues hinder their ability to exercise properly. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of exergaming in LVAD‐supported patients.Methods and resultsEleven LVAD‐supported patients were enrolled in a 4 week exergaming programme using Nintendo Wii console with five sport games. Patients were instructed to play for 30 min a day, 5 days a week. Data on exercise capacity and exergaming were collected by using the 6 min walk test (6MWT) and a daily self‐report diary, respectively. Feasibility of using the console and its safety was assessed by a semi‐structured patient interview. Quality of life was assessed by the Minnesota Living with Heart failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and the Cantril's Ladder of Life. Safety was assessed by patient's report in interview and diary. The study group consisted of 10 male patients and 1 female patient, mean age of 67 ± 7 years, of whom 10 were supported with the HeartMate 3 LVAD for a median of 10 (interquartile range 3, 21) months. Baseline exercise capacity assessed by the 6MWT ranged from 240 to 570 m (mean 448 ± 112). After 4 weeks of exergaming, 6MWT distance increased from a mean of 448 ± 112 (evaluated in six patients) to 472 ± 113 m (P = 0.023). Patients' Cantril's Ladder of Life score improved numerically from an average of 6.13 to 7.67, as did their MLHFQ score from 45.9 ± 27 to 38.7 ± 18, with higher and lower scores, respectively, reflecting higher quality of life. No specific LVAD‐related safety issues regarding exergaming were reported.ConclusionsExergaming was found to be a safe and feasible mode for encouraging physical activity in LVAD‐supported patients and carries a potential for improving exercise capacity and quality of life in these patients. Larger scale studies are warranted to further investigate the effect of exergaming in this patient population.
Stereoselective Production of Imino‐d‐ribitol and C‐Azanucleosides through Electrochemical C−H Functionalization
Authors: Morizumi Haruka , Okamoto Kazuhiro , Akahane Shinnosuke , Takemae Hitoshi , Oba Mami , Okada Yohei , Kitano Yoshikazu , Mizutani Tetsuya , Chiba Kazuhiro 
Published: October 2022

AbstractHerein, we report a practical method for de novo preparation of imino‐d‐ribitol and C‐azanucleosides. The diastereopure Imino‐d‐ribitol was synthesized on a multigram scale by simple manipulation, and late‐stage anomeric derivatization by regio‐ and diastereoselective electrochemical C(sp3)−H activation enabled the efficient synthesis of the corresponding C‐azanucleosides with high β‐selectivity.
A multiple‐input, multiple‐output broadcasting system with space, time, polarization, and labeling diversity
Authors: Patel Sulaiman Saleem , Quazi Tahmid 
Published: October 2022

AbstractEnhancing the reliability of wireless links plays an important role in addressing the digital divide between under‐developed and developed nations. Diversity techniques are used in wireless communication to improve link reliability. This article presents a broadcasting system that incorporates space, time, polarization and labeling diversity. The key challenge in incorporating labeling diversity into a system is the design of appropriate bit‐to‐symbol mappers. The latest technique to designing bit‐to‐symbol mappers is to use a genetic algorithm approach, which is applicable to any generic modulation scheme. This article presents a modified genetic algorithm mapper design algorithm based on recent advances in labeling diversity evaluation theory. The proposed system is studied under ideal (uncorrelated) conditions, as well as in the presence of inter‐beam and inter‐antenna inference (correlated conditions). Analytical expressions are presented to model both the correlated and uncorrelated systems, and are verified via Monte Carlo simulations. When compared to the best comparable scheme at a bit‐error‐rate of , results show that the proposed system improves performance by 7 dB for a 16APSK system configuration, and by 5 dB for both 32APSK and 64APSK system configurations. Results also show that the proposed system is highly sensitive to correlation at the transmitting node. In particular, transmit‐side correlation degrades link reliability by 4 orders of magnitude for the 8APSK configuration studied at 25 dB.
Quality of Service aware secure data transmission model for Internet of Things assisted wireless sensor networks
Authors: Velmurugadass P. , Dhanasekaran S. , Anand S. Shasi , Vasudevan V. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWireless sensor networks (WSNs) are the most critical networks in developing various Internet of Things (IoT) based applications. However, such intelligent devices have drawbacks for energy, memory, processing, and computation resources. In addition, achieving Quality of Service (QoS) with secure data transmission (DT) is a significant challenge for WSNs. This article proposes efficient IoT authentication and energy‐aware safe DT models for achieving better QoS and security with lower energy consumption (EC) in WSNs. Initially, the network randomly deploys the sensor nodes (SNs) and performs the registration of the SNs with the base station (BS). Second, the Entropy‐based Jaccard similarity induced fuzzy C‐means clustering (EJS‐FCM) model clusters the SNs based on the intrinsic qualities of nodes. Then the boosted grasshopper optimization algorithm (BGOA) selects the cluster heads (CHs) optimally by considering major fitness parameters such as communication distance, energy, and distance centroid. Following that, an Adler‐32 hashing‐based authentication scheme performs authentication of every IoT node deployed in the network to provide safer DT. After successful authentication, secure hash elliptical curve cryptography (SHECC) encrypts the data collected from the CHs by incorporating a hashing function both in encryption and decryption, enhancing the IoT data's security level. Finally, in a cloud server (CS), the decentralized blockchain (BC) stores the encrypted data and the authentication credentials of the IoT devices from the BS, which provide additional security to the network. The results of the presented model show its performance efficiency over existing approaches for energy efficiency (EE), QoS, and security.
The science behind “values”: Applying moral foundations theory to strategic foresight
Authors: Mills Brent , Wilner Alex 
Published: October 2022

Abstract“Values” play an oversized role in strategic foresight: they help define scanning frameworks, direct scanning efforts, inform change driver and scenario development, and underpin change within various systems and domains (e.g., politics, society, etc.). And yet, values are largely understudied within foresight. They are rarely defined consistently or explored with reference to a theoretical model of how values emerge or evolve. Rather, values are researched using dissimilar methods depending on the foresight research at hand, which can lead to gaps in analysis and inconsistency between foresight projects. Moral Foundations Theory (MFT), a social psychological theory that identifies common human moral values, offers a solution. MFT describes six moral values or “foundations”—care, fairness, loyalty, authority, sanctity, and liberty—each explained through the evolutionary development of humanity and detectable across cultures. Within foresight, MFT can be applied to understand and identify shifts in the influence of different values, which can result in more novel and unexpected conclusions. With these potential benefits available, we propose adopting and adapting MFT for use within the foresight to improve the way it approaches, identifies, and utilizes values. Our article unpacks MFT into its core tenets and illustrates how it can be used to inform scanning, change driver development, and scenario construction.
Characterization of ultrasonically extracted flaxseed polysaccharide gum and assessing its lipid‐lowering potential in a rat model
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad Nadeem , Khalil Anees Ahmed , Bilal Ahmed , Afzaal Muhammad , Tufail Tabussam , Saeed Rabia , Siddique Rabia , Nemat Arash , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal 
Published: October 2022

AbstractFlaxseed polysaccharide gum (FPG) was extracted through the ultrasound‐assisted process using water as a solvent with a yield ranging from 8.05 ± 0.32% to 12.23 ± 0.45% by changing different extraction variables. The extracted FPG was analyzed for its functional groups and antioxidant potential. The maximum DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity (≈100%) of FPG was noted at concentrations beyond ≈10 mg·ml−1. The maximum inhibition percentage through ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis 3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (72.4% ± 1.9%) was noted at 40 mg·ml−1, which was observed to be less when compared to DPPH at the same concentration. The total antioxidant potential of the FPG solution at a concentration of 10 mg·ml−1 was equivalent to 461 mg ascorbic acid, which tends to increase with concentration at a much lower scope. The in vivo trial suggested that the least weight gain was noted in experimental groups G2 and Gh2. A significant reduction in total cholesterol was noticed in G1 (−14.14%) and G2 (−17.72%) and in Gh1 (−22.02%) and Gh2 (−34.68%) after 60 days of the trial compared to the baseline values. The maximum reduction in total triglyceride was observed in Gh2 (−25.06%) and Gh1 (−22.01%) after 60 days of the trial. It was an increasing trend in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) in different experimental groups G2 (10.51%) than G1 (5.35%) and Gh2 (48.96%) and Gh1 (31.11%), respectively, after 60 days of study interval. Reduction of −5.05% and − 9.45% was observed in G1 and G2, while similar results were observed in Gh1 and Gh2. Conclusively, results suggested a possible protective role of FPG against hyperlipidemia.
Dietary exposure to acrylamide of university students in Ningxia of Northwest China and the effect on their neurobehavioral performance and oxidative stress in serum
Authors: Gao Qinghan , Xue Yanzhong , Yuan Xiao , Gao Hua , Wu Chunsen 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis study aims to investigate dietary exposure to acrylamide (AA) and also make an assessment of its effect on the neurobehavioral performance and oxidative stress in the serum of university students in Ningxia. The place primarily consists of arid, dry desert, and wheat‐based foods are the staple food there. A total of 803 university students in Ningxia participated in this cross‐sectional study. Diet intake of AA was estimated with FFQ. The AA risk was calculated as margin of exposure (MOE) values. NCTB questionnaires were used to assess neurobehavioral performance. The serum oxidative stress levels of the university students were measured as GSH, MDA, and SOD. The mean for AA exposure of university students was 0.515 μg kg−1 bw day−1. The highest contributor was traditional Chinese grain products, representing 34.71% of the total daily AA intake. Followed were deep‐fried potato products, traditional Western grain products, soft drinks, and nuts, which accounted for 23.87%, 16.59%, 11.15%, and 11%, respectively. The median AA exposure were 480 (BMDL10 = 0.18 mg kg−1 bw day−1) and 827 (BMDL10 = 0.31 mg kg−1 bw day−1), respectively. The results indicated that diet AA may have an effect on the emotional status and neurobehavior among this population. We observed no significant differences in oxidative stress under the three levels of AA exposure (p > .05). It suggests a health concern for university students in Northwest China that should get society's attention.
Sliding mode control for fuel cell supported battery charger in vehicle‐to‐vehicle interaction
Authors: İnci Mustafa , Büyük Mehmet , Özbek Necdet Sinan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn typical vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V) charging systems, energy transfer is provided from a battery electric vehicle (BEV) to charge the energy storage unit of another BEV. In this study, the utilization of a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) as an energy provider is purposed to charge the energy storage unit of a BEV in V2V interaction. Since FCEVs are filled with hydrogen, it also eliminates the disadvantages of traditional BEV energy providers, such as a reduction in the amount of stored energy and the need for more time to charge fully. In the designed system, a new plug‐in external V2V battery charger topology supported by an FCEV has been proposed to supply electrical energy. In order to control the energy transfer between electric vehicles (EVs), a sliding mode controller is adapted to manage the external converter interface located between vehicles. The designed controller shows improved robustness against the system dynamics uncertainties and disturbances generated by a variety of internal and external causes. In the designed section, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with the maximum operational rating of 75 kW is used as an energy provider to feed consumer loads. The proposed system has been designed and analyzed for several loading situations from 20% to 100% loading and obtained performance results have been compared with a conventional controlled V2V battery charger system. The case studies validate that the proposed V2V charger system gives better results than the conventional controlled FC‐supported V2V. The stability and robustness of output electrical waveforms are better for the designed system. In this context, the tracking error of the conventional controller is about 8% larger than that of the designed sliding mode control for dynamic load changes. The sliding mode controller has a faster settling time (approximately 0.12 s) in comparison with the conventional controlled V2V charger system. Also, mean absolute error values verify that the designed sliding mode controller operates smoothly under all cases except load transition compared to the typical control method. As a result, the case studies show that satisfactory results have been obtained for the designed system.