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[Display omitted] • An ultra-fast humidity sensor based on C 60 -OH/PDDA/SiO 2 composite is proposed. • A human-machine interface based on an ultra-fast humidity sensor is presented for assisting aphasia patients with semantic expressions. • This interface is particularly suitable for aphasic patients with limited physical mobility. Communication between aphasic patients and health care professionals (HCPs) is often difficult, which is even more complex for aphasic patients with limited physical mobility. In this study, we have proposed a C 60 -OH/PDDA/SiO 2 -based humidity sensor with an extremely short response/recovery time (13 ms/30 ms). This is closely related to the electrostatic adsorption of PDDA which effectively alleviates the aggregation of C 60 -OH and the introduction of SiO 2 microspheres which increases the diffusion space of water molecules. The fast response and recovery rates gave the sensor good respiratory monitoring capability, which can be used to develop a human–machine interface (HMI) to assist aphasic patients for semantic expression. In this HMI, aphasia patients can generate different respiratory signals through the ultrafast humidity sensors to express specific semantics (such as thirst, hunger, etc.). In contrast to traditional semantic expression devices, this interface does not require the user to have vocal or physical movement, and therefore is extremely friendly to aphasic patients with limited mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A multidimensional construct of safety climate is proposed, considering the most salient factors from the literature, and including psychological capital as a new factor. • This research contributes to the literature by being the first empirical research, that incorporates the psychological capital factor as an element affecting safety climate, especially in the construction sector studies. • Accurate methodological description. Descriptive analyses and Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to assess the quality of the measurement instrument and the hypotheses of the proposed model. • This study proposes and validates a structural model to explain workers' mental and physical health as a function of safety climate, mediated by job satisfaction. • The sample of Spanish construction workers was composed by all random observations contained in the EWCS of all workers in the Spanish sector, totaling 232 workers. • Workers' mental and physical health are influenced by several factors, including, but not limited to, safety climate, work-life balance, and job rewards and compensations. • This study provides some recommendations for construction company managers providing a ranking of all the factors affecting the safety climate and the workers' health. Introduction: The number of physical and mental problems caused by occupational accidents and diseases increases every year. To control them, the safety climate at work is a recognized critical factor. However, a widely applicable model to capture the safety climate for various industries and organizations is lacking. Method: This study proposes a theoretical model to measure the direct and indirect effects of safety climate on workers' physical and mental health, mediated by job satisfaction, in the construction sector. We propose a multidimensional construct of safety climate, considering the most salient factors from the literature, and including psychological capital as a new factor. Using data from the last wave of the European Working Conditions Survey (2015) in Spain, the proposed model was validated using structural equation modeling. Results: Our findings suggest that to further improve the mental health of construction workers, work-life balance and job rewards and compensation must be prioritized along with safety climate. As for physical health, safety climate and work-life balance are crucial. Finally, we provide some recommendations for construction company managers based on a ranking of all the factors affecting the safety climate and the workers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-sectional studies on diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis have focused on its incidence and related factors. However, the long-term changes caused by the disease remain unclear. This longitudinal cohort study aimed to elucidate the progression of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and its effects on physical function, health-related quality of life, and spinal alignment. We recruited 255 older adults (87 men and 168 women; average age, 71.3 years in 2014) who attended local health checkups in 2014 and 2020. Height, body weight, body mass index, blood pressure, grip strength, functional reach, and bone mineral density were measured. The prevalence, location, number of ossified contiguous vertebrae, and spinopelvic parameters were estimated using whole-spine standing radiographs. For health-related quality of life assessment, the Oswestry disability index and EuroQuol-5D were obtained. We performed a 1:1 case-control study with age and sex-matched patients with and without diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and analyzed progression over a 6-year period. In 2014, 39 (15.3%) of 255 patients were diagnosed with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (24 males and 15 females), which occurred more frequently in the elderly and males. In 2020, 12 (4.3%) patients were newly diagnosed with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and 28 (71.7%) of 39 patients diagnosed in 2014 showed varying degrees of progression. Compared with age- and sex-matched patients without diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, patients with the condition had higher body mass index and lumbar bone mineral density, larger sagittal vertical axis, and greater T1-pelvic angle. Changes in physical function and spinal-pelvic parameters during the 6-year period did not differ between the groups. Over a 6-year period, the prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis increased by 4.3%, and it progressed in 71.7% of patients. However, it had little effect on longitudinal physical function, health-related quality of life, and spinopelvic parameters in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated intramuscular fat (IMF) in quadriceps femoris (QF) and hamstring muscles in the middle-aged women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). We also examined the relationship between muscular infiltration of QF and hamstring muscles and muscle architecture and physical performance of the women with KOA.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 72 women were included. Body muscle and fat mass were measured by BIA, isometric muscle strength was evaluated by hand-held dynamometer. IMF and muscle architecture were calculated from rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VIM), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST) and semimembranosus (SM) using B-mode ultrasonography. KOA-related symptoms and functions were assessed with KOOS. The functional performance assessments were evaluated with Stair Climbing Test, 20-Meter Walking Test.Results: Women with KOA had more IMF in RF, VIM, VL, VM and BF, ST, SM muscles compared to the healthy women. Pennation angles decreased as the IMF in the RF, VM, BF and ST decreased. As the IMF of the RF and VM increased isometric knee extensor strength decreased and KOOS symptom score, pain score and ADL score increased in women with KOA. Walking and stair climbing speed deteriorated as the IMF in RF, VIM, VM, BF increased in the middle-aged women. As the IMF in BF increased isometric knee flexor strength decreased and KOOS scores increased. Physical performance scores deteriorated as the IMF in BF increased in middle-aged women with KOA.Conclusion: IMF in QF and hamstring muscles were higher in the middle-aged women with KOA group compared with that in the healthy group. Weakness of the QF and hamstring muscles may due to the changes in architectural properties of muscle depending on muscular infiltration. IMF in knee muscles is an important determining factor in performance and physical function of middle-aged women with KOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a modification of the phase-field tumor growth model given in [1] that leads to bounded, more physically meaningful, volume fraction variables. In addition, we develop an upwind discontinuous Galerkin (DG) scheme preserving the mass conservation, pointwise bounds and energy stability of the continuous model. Finally, some computational tests in accordance with the theoretical results are introduced. In the first test, we compare our DG scheme with the finite element (FE) scheme related to the same time approximation. The DG scheme shows a well-behavior even for strong cross-diffusion effects in contrast with FE where numerical spurious oscillations appear. Moreover, the second test exhibits the behavior of the tumor-growth model under different choices of parameters and also of mobility and proliferation functions. • Extension of phase-field tumor model to be pointwise bounded and energy-dissipative. • Development of DG scheme that preserves the pointwise bounds and is energy-stable. • Numerical experiments contrasting the DG approximation with a FE counterpart. • Simulations showing the effects of different mobility and proliferation functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling attacks such as machine learning attacks are pretty efficient in breaking hardware security primitives like silicon strong physical unclonable functions (PUFs). As compared to regular strong PUFs such as arbiter PUFs and lightweight (LW)-PUFs, subthreshold current array (SCA)-PUFs exhibit a better resilience against modeling attacks since they utilize the non-linear relationship between the subthreshold current and gate voltage of transistors to obfuscate the corresponding relationship between input challenge and output response. Unfortunately, the degree of non-linearity (DoNL) within SCA-PUFs is still not sufficiently high to resist against state-of-the-art modeling attacks. Therefore, to further enhance DoNL for resisting against modeling attacks, a new strong PUF architecture is proposed in this paper by embedding reconfigurable neural networks (RNNs) into SCA-PUFs. Mathematical foundations are established for finding appropriate RNNs that are able to maximize the DoNL of an SCA-PUF. As shown in the result, when state-of-the-art modeling attacks like Lagrange multiplier attacks (LMAs) are selected, the robustness of the proposed RNN-embedded SCA-PUF is enhanced over 20 times with less than 18.5% power and area overhead as compared to a regular SCA-PUF. • SCA-PUF utilizes the non-linear sunthreshold current of transistors. • SCA-PUF is quite vulnerable to advanced modeling attacks such as LMAs. • RNN-embedded SCA PUF resists LMAs by masking power side-channel information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a stochastic memristor utilizing ultrathin native-SiO x films (∼2.7 nm) and dynamic Ag nanoclusters for constructing physical unclonable function (PUF) hardware. The atomically thin solid electrolyte allows for quantum-mechanical tunneling current at high resistance states, which exponentially increases the entropy between separated devices. This results in good uniformity (54.4%), uniqueness (53.7%), and reliability (98.75%) for the prototype native-SiO x mem-PUF array. Furthermore, the proposed device demonstrates reconfigurability for key refreshing and passes all 15 National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) tests, verifying the high randomness of the generated bits. Overall, this work highlights the potential of the ultrathin native-SiO x memristor for PUF applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the Integrated Circuits becoming pervasive in all key industries and applications, PUF's has gained immense popularity for securing the IC's by providing unique identification code to each chip. Designing a highly efficient PUF with optimal values of uniqueness and reliability is a significant challenge. Uniqueness depends on process variations during chip fabrication, and reliability depends on the chip's ability to resist changes to supply voltage and temperature variations. Multiple PUF designs that employ reliability enhancement circuits and security algorithms achieve these design characteristics. Nonetheless, these techniques are design overheads. This paper presents a novel Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) based on the ProHys switch. It deals with hysteresis and proteresis mode of operation, which are complementary to each other. The Prohys PUF befittingly satisfies both uniqueness and reliability criteria, without any additional circuitry or security algorithms. It is the first attempt to design a PUF based on the ProHys switch to the best of our knowledge. The proposed ProHys PUF is designed in TSMC 180 nm CMOS technology, generating an inter-chip variation of 49.85% with 99.7% uniqueness. The minimum reliability of the circuit is 96.9% for a temperature range of -40 °C to 100 °C at a supply voltage range of 1.7V–1.9V. • A novel Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) based on ProHys switch is presented. • It satisfies uniqueness and reliability criteria without any additional circuitry. • This is the first attempt to design a ProHys based PUF, to the best of our knowledge. • Proposed PUF generates an inter-chip variation of 49.85% and uniqueness of 99.7%. • The minimum circuit reliability is 96.9% at a supply voltage range of 1.7 V–1.9 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various security measures for IoT devices have been introduced in recent years. One of the improvements is through the addition of cryptographic hardware along with the central core processor. As IoT devices are resource-constrained, area and power-efficient solutions are needed. Every cryptographic algorithm has a key generator that provides proper keys to encrypt and decrypt the data. This paper focuses on improving the key generators using Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs). Execution of NIST-STS randomness test and evaluation of crucial performance parameters is done for the generated bit-stream by proposed PUF design. The proposed design is also compared with three designs from the literature based on area and power consumption which are essential parameters for resource-constrained IoT devices. For proposed design number of LUTs, FFs and power consumption are decreased up to 80%, 76% and 67%, respectively, when implemented on Xilinx Artix-7 FPGAs. • PUF based approach to be used for key generation. • A comparative study is done with RO, TERO, and Arbiter PUF. • The output bitstream of the proposed design also checked for randomness, entropy, uniqueness, steadiness, uniformity, and bit-aliasing. • Efficient key generator design for the cryptographic algorithm in terms of area and power consumption is identified as PDL-PUF based design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Self-reported ambulation classification in 3 levels is a validated, simple-to-use instrument in clinical practice to classify functional ambulation. • Self-reported ambulation classification was used to assess functional ambulation in relation to physical mobility status in polio survivors. • Self-reported functional ambulation consistently corresponded to differences in objective and self-reported physical mobility status. • Walked distance and physical functioning level primarily affected self-reported functional ambulation. • Self-reported ambulation classification can be used to better manage rehabilitation treatment in polio. The condensed 3-level version of the self-reported ambulation classification by Perry is a validated, simple-to-use instrument in clinical practice to classify functional ambulation. To further validate the clinical meaning of the classification for polio survivors, we compared physical mobility status across 3 functional ambulation categories and investigated the relation between physical mobility and functional ambulation category. We investigated a convenience sample of 140 individuals with polio [mean (SD) age 59.4 (12.1) years; 74 men] who were able to walk at least indoors. For indicators of physical mobility status, we assessed the walked distance (m) and walking energy cost (Jkg−1m−1) during a 6-min walk test at a comfortable speed. Furthermore, self-reported physical functioning and fatigue were assessed with the 36-item Short Form Health Survey physical functioning scale (SF36-PF) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), respectively. Self-reported functional ambulation was classified as household walker, limited community walker or full community walker. The mean (SD) walked distance, energy cost, and SF36-PF and FSS scores significantly differed between household walkers (n = 48) and limited community walkers (n = 63) [275 (67) m; 6.35 (1.80) Jkg−1m−1; 27.7 (13.5), 5.53 (1.06), respectively, and 323 (73) m; 5.49 (1.50) Jkg−1m−1; 40.1 (15.1); 4.81 (1.38) (P < 0.018)] and full community walkers (n = 29) [383 (66) m; 4.68 (0.85) Jkg−1m−1; 63.9 (18.5), 3.85 (1.54) (P < 0.001)], with significant differences also present between limited and full community walkers (P < 0.05). Walked distance and SF36-PF score were significantly associated with functional ambulation level, determining 46% of the variance in ambulation level. The simple, self-reported classification of functional ambulation in 3 levels is clinically meaningful for polio survivors because it consistently corresponds to differences in objective and self-reported indicators of physical mobility and, as such, can be used to better manage rehabilitation treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between frequently used patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures and a multitask performance outcome (PerfO) measure of general physical function (PF) and to examine the association of these measures with depressive mood, pain, and age.Methods: Frequently used PRO measures of general PF (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] PF item bank, PROMIS PF Short Form 20a, Short Form 36 Physical Function Scale) and a PerfO test battery, namely, the Physical Performance Test (PPT), were administered to 78 adult patients from 3 inpatient clinics (cardiology and angiology, rheumatology and clinical immunology, and psychosomatic medicine) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Pearson correlations were used to investigate the associations between PRO measures and the PPT. To explore the predictive value of age, depressive symptoms, and pain intensity, we conducted multiple linear regression analysis for each PF measure.Results: We found strong linear relationships between PRO measures and PPT sum scores. Correlations between PPT sum scores and PROMIS PF T-scores were r > 0.75. For all PRO and PerfO measures, age was a predictor of general PF whereas depressive mood was not found to be a relevant predictor. Moreover, pain intensity was found to be a significant predictor of PRO measures but not for PPT sum scores.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that frequently used PRO measures and a multitask PerfO measure of general PF can be used to measure a common PF construct. Nevertheless, PF scores based on PRO measures should ideally be controlled for self-rated pain intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) are regarded as emerging hardware security primitives that can be used for generating secret keys for cryptographic algorithms. Unfortunately, the reliability issues greatly limit the applications of most PUFs since ambient noises and aging issues may alter the output responses of the PUFs. In this paper, a novel error calibration technique (ECT) based on average sampling circuit (ASC) and self-checking circuit (SCC) is proposed for significantly boosting the reliability of PUFs. The primary role of ASC is filtering the ambient noises that may affect the output responses of the PUFs. In contrast, SCC rehabilitates the PUFs once aging issues damage the process mismatches within the PUFs. As shown in the result, a PUF with the proposed ECT is able to achieve a 99% reliability with a 50 Mbps throughput. • Regular PUFs have poor reliability issues due to the effects of ambient noises and aging issues. • Error calibration technique (ECT) is able to the improve the corresponding reliability significantly by filtering critical noises. • An ECT-based PUF offers a high throughput without causing much area overhead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether responses to Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form v2.0 - Physical Function 8c (PROMIS PF8c) items differed when the use of a 7-day recall period was compared with no specified recall period.Methods: Using a within-subject design, we surveyed 1810 individuals from the US general population, administering PROMIS PF8c at survey beginning and end. The order of measure presentation was randomly assigned. We calculated recall difference scores (RDSs) as no recall score minus 7-day recall score using both item response theory-based T scores and raw summed scores. We examined the distribution and created Bland-Altman plots for both RDSTscore and RDSRaw. We also calculated correlations between no recall versus 7-day recall T score and raw scores. Finally, we determined whether differences in no recall versus 7-day recall scores were associated with patient-reported PF.Results: RDSTscore and RDSRaw had means (root mean square differences) of 0.00 (5.43) and -0.04 (3.79), respectively. The vast majority (%) of RDSTscore and RDSRaw values fell between the Bland-Altman limits of agreement (-10.65 to 10.66 and -7.46 to 7.38, respectively). Pearson's correlations between no recall and 7-day recall for T scores and raw scores were 0.88 and 0.87, respectively. Effect sizes for mean RDSTscore and RDSRaw compared across level of Eastern Oncology Cooperative Group performance status, patient global impression of PF severity, and single PF items were near 0.Conclusions: We did not find any significant recall period effect on PF8c responses. Therefore, we recommend the use of the PROMIS physical function standard, with no specified recall time period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to investigate the impact of long corrective fusion to the ilium on the physical function in elderly patients with adult spinal deformity and its correlation with spinopelvic parameters and health-related quality of life outcomes.Methods: We included 60 female patients who underwent long corrective fusion from T9 or T10 to the pelvis for adult spinal deformities (mean age of 69.8 years, range 55-78 years). The radiographic parameters, health-related quality of life outcomes using the Scoliosis Research Society Outcome Instrument-22 and physical function assessments were reviewed preoperatively and at 1-year postoperatively.Results: All spinopelvic parameters, except for thoracolumbar kyphosis, and all domains of the Scoliosis Research Society Outcome Instrument-22 significantly improved at 1-year postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Physical function results, including those for one-leg standing time, timed up-and-go test, and 6-min walk tests, significantly improved at 1-year postoperatively (p < 0.005). Based on forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression, the predicted timed up-and-go test and 6-min walk test outcomes at 1-year postoperatively were as follows: timed up-and-go test, 7.8 + 0.47 × preoperative timed up-and-go test - 0.21 × 1-year postoperative grasping power +0.015 × 1-year postoperative C1 sagittal vertical axis (R2 = 0.6209, p < 0.0001); 6-min walk test, 309.2-9.1 × body mass index + 11.6 × 1-year postoperative grasping power + 3.3 × 1-year postoperative thoracolumbar kyphosis - 0.59 × 1-year postoperative C1 sagittal vertical axis (R2 = 0.4409, p < 0.0001).Conclusions: Corrective long fusion surgery for adult spinal deformity in normalizing sagittal alignment improves trunk balance and gait performance. Postoperative physical function depends on the preoperative physical performance status and skeletal muscle status; thus, preoperative interventions for improved physical function are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Korean discourse particle kulssey has been examined primarily as a response to a question in turn initial position, indicating the speaker's uncertainty or hesitation (e.g., 'well'). A detailed examination of 183 instances of kulssey in ordinary conversation shows that its usage and function are much more complex. Kulssey occurs in multiple positions (in the beginning, middle, or final position of a turn-constructional unit) and carries out various functions (indexing a prior turn or proposition, serving as a filler or prospective indexical, or retroactively adding the speaker's stance to a matter just reported) across discrete or sometimes even opposite contexts (i.e., claiming or disclaiming epistemic rights, displaying agreements or disagreements). By examining its interactional usage and developmental path, the study shows how kulssey 's origin as a deictic expression (kuleha-ta 'to be like that') is linked to its current ability to anaphorically and cataphorically index matters discussed in prior turns or about to be discussed in unfolding turns, and how this indexical function explains its mobility and versatility in talk-in-interaction. The findings are supported by diachronic and synchronic empirical examinations. • Kulssey is examined as it occurs through the progression of turns and sequences. • Kulssey appears in multiple turn-constructional unit positions for varied functions. • Kulssey 's interactional functions are tied to its origin as a deictic marker. • Its indexing function explains kulssey 's mobility, fluidity, and versatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Locomotive syndrome (LS) was proposed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association and refers to a scenario in which imminent future nursing care services will be required by elderly adults to manage the functional deterioration of their locomotive organs. It is a social imperative to clarify the risk factors and treatment strategy for LS. However, the relationship between LS and adult spinal deformity (ASD) in those who are treated with spinal corrective surgery remains largely unknown.Methods: Forty consecutive patients who had ASD and underwent spinal surgery for their disorder were included in this study. Locomotive dysfunction was evaluated using the 25-item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale-25 (GLFS-25) questionnaire and physical performance tests including the one-legged standing test, the two-step test, the stand-up test, the handgrip strength, and gait speed test which were measured preoperatively, 6 months after surgery, and 1 year after surgery.Results: Of the patients with ASD treated surgically, 95% of them had LS preoperatively and LS prevalence decreased significantly 1 year after surgery by 67.5% compared with the preoperative rate. Among physical performance tests, the walking stride and one-legged standing test improved significantly after spinal corrective surgery. The GLFS-25 items for the domains of pain, mobility, and domestic life improved overall postoperatively, whereas items in the self-care domain did not and the item for difficulty in putting on and taking off trousers and pants worsened.Conclusions: Spinal corrective surgery significantly improved physical performance tests as well as the frequency and severity of LS in patients with ASD. However, some GLFS-25 items can worsen after surgery and require attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• COVID-19 patients not taking antiviral drugs were more likely to retest positive. • Re-positivity had no effect on the recovery of respiratory and physical function. • The recovery of respiratory and physical function was related to COVID-19 severity. • Normal follow-up may suffice for patients who retest positive during rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the respiratory and physical function of patients who retested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA during post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rehabilitation. A total of 302 discharged COVID-19 patients were included. Discharged patients were followed up for 14 days to 6 months. The modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, Borg rating of perceived exertion, and manual muscle testing (MMT) scores on day 14 and at 6 months after discharge were compared between the redetectable positive (RP) and non-RP (NRP) groups. Prognoses of respiratory and physical function were compared between patients who recovered from moderate and severe COVID-19. Of the study patients, 7.6% were RP. The proportion of patients who used antiviral drugs was significantly lower in the RP group than in the NRP group. There were no differences in mMRC, Borg, or MMT scores within the RP and NRP groups. The mMRC, Borg, and MMT scores were worse for patients with severe disease when compared to those with moderate disease at both follow-up time points. COVID-19 patients who did not take antiviral drugs were more likely to be RP after discharge. The recovery of respiratory and physical function was not related to re-positivity during rehabilitation, but was related to disease severity during hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Locomotive syndrome (LS) is a predictive factor of future motor dysfunction. Our aim was to evaluate the change in the total LS grade and, its the association with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip score after total hip arthroplasty (THA) among patients with hip osteoarthritis.Methods: This was a prospective case-control study of 72 patients who underwent primary THA. The functional outcomes were measured before, and at 6 and 12 months after THA. LS was evaluated using the following tests: stand-up test, 2-step test, and 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25). In addition, factors affecting the improvement of LS grade were examined.Results: Prior to THA, 7% and 93% of patients were classified as LS grades 1 and 2. At 6 months after THA, an improvement in the total LS grade was observed in 57% of patients, with this percentage further increasing to 65% at 1 year. Only the preoperative GLFS-25 was correlated with the preoperative JOA hip scores. The postoperative GLFS-25 and the two-step test were correlated with the postoperative JOA hip scores. The preoperative functional reach test (FRT) was significantly correlated with the total LS grade improvement.Conclusions: THA can improve the total LS grade in 65% of patients at 1 year postoperatively. Improvement was largely achieved in the first 6 months after THA, with a change from LS grade 2 to grade 1. FRT could be used an indicator of the total LS grade improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Locomotive syndrome is a condition of reduced mobility due to problems with locomotive organs. Although lumbar spinal canal stenosis is one of the major diseases constituting locomotive syndrome, only few studies have focused on the association between the two pathologies. We aimed to investigate the effect of surgery on lumbar spinal canal stenosis with respect to locomotive syndrome using various physical function tests, including locomotive syndrome risk tests, before and after surgery.Methods: Clinical data of 101 consecutive patients (male = 46; female = 55; mean age, 69.3 years) who underwent surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis at our institute were prospectively collected. Results of physical function tests, including stand-up test, two-step test, and 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, and the sagittal vertical axis were evaluated before and 1 year after surgery. The association between several parameters and improvement of risk level in locomotive syndrome was evaluated.Results: In the total assessment, 93.1% of cases were in stage 2 and 6.9% in stage 1 preoperatively, while 72.4% were in stage 2, 22.4% in stage 1, and 5.2% in stage 0 at 1 year postoperatively. Postoperative improvement in the total assessment was observed in 28.7% of cases. Several physical function tests and sagittal vertical axis showed significant improvement after surgery. On multiple logistic regression analysis, age >75 years (odds ratio = 10.9, confidence interval = 1.09-109) and postoperative sagittal vertical axis >40 mm (odds ratio = 17.8, confidence interval = 1.78-177) were significant risk factors associated with non-improvement in risk level of locomotive syndrome.Conclusions: Surgical treatment for lumbar spinal canal stenosis improved physical function, including locomotive syndrome. Risk factors associated with non-improvement of locomotive syndrome were later-stage elderly and postoperative sagittal balance impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nitrate supplements can improve vascular and muscle function. Whether higher habitual dietary nitrate is associated with better muscle function remains underexplored.Objective: The aim was to examine whether habitual dietary nitrate intake is associated with better muscle function in a prospective cohort of men and women, and whether the relation was dependent on levels of physical activity.Methods: The sample (n = 3759) was drawn from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) (56% female; mean ± SD baseline age: 48.6 ± 11.1 y). Habitual dietary intake was assessed over 12 y by obtaining an average [of at least 2 time points, e.g., baseline (2000/2001) and 2004/2005 and/or 2011/2012] from a food-frequency questionnaire. Nitrate intake was calculated from a validated nitrate database and other published literature. Muscle function was quantified by knee extension strength (KES) and the 8-ft-timed-up-and-go (8ft-TUG) test performed in 2011/2012. Physical activity was assessed by questionnaire. Generalized linear models and logistic regression were used to analyze the data.Results: Median (IQR) total nitrate intake was 65 (52-83) mg/d, with ∼81% derived from vegetables. Individuals in the highest tertile of nitrate intake (median intake: 91 mg/d) had 2.6 kg stronger KES (11%) and 0.24 s faster 8ft-TUG (4%) compared with individuals in the lowest tertile of nitrate intake (median intake: 47 mg/d; both P < 0.05). Similarly, individuals in the highest tertile of nitrate intake had lower odds for weak KES (adjusted OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.73) and slow 8ft-TUG (adjusted OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.78) compared with those in the lowest tertile. Physical activity did not influence the relationship between nitrate intake and muscle function (KES; P-interaction = 0.86; 8ft-TUG; P-interaction = 0.99).Conclusions: Higher habitual dietary nitrate intake, predominantly from vegetables, could be an effective way to promote lower-limb muscle strength and physical function in men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IoT era necessitated the need for hardware-based security devices due to their strong resistance to hacking compared to software-based systems, which are limited by CPU usage and performance. Hardware-based systems are more unpredictable due to their unique and non-discernible external properties. This research focused on developing a security device based on lead-free metal oxide CaTiO 3 perovskite material with irregular electrical characteristics, known as physical unclonable functions. These irregularities were created by increasing the number of grain boundaries on the device surface through high-temperature annealing, resulting in greater adsorbed oxygen. The outcome was a highly random and unique security key using irregular electrical characteristics with 49.53% uniformity and a 46.55% inter-Hamming distance. • A lead-free CaTiO 3 perovskite material leads to physically unclonable functions. • The irregularities produced by the formation of grain boundaries and oxygen vacancies. • A CaTiO 3 film was investigated by AFM, SEM, XRD, UV–vis, FT-IR, and XPS. • Security keys were achieved with a 49.53% uniformity and a 46.55% inter-HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Protein intake greater than the currently recommended amount is suggested to improve physical functioning and well-being in older adults, yet it is likely to increase diet-associated greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) if environmental sustainability is not considered.Objectives: We aimed to identify dietary changes needed to increase protein intake while improving diet environmental sustainability in older adults.Methods: Starting from the habitual diet of 1,354 Dutch older adults (aged 56-101 y) from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam cohort, mathematical diet optimization was used to model high-protein diets with minimized departure from habitual intake in cumulative steps. First, a high-protein diet defined as that providing ≥1.2 g protein · kg body weight-1 · d-1 was developed isocalorically while maintaining or improving nutritional adequacy of the diet. Second, adherence to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) was imposed. Third, a stepwise 10% GHGE reduction was applied.Results: Achieving a high-protein diet aligned with the FBDG without considering GHGEs required an increase in vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, meat/dairy alternatives, dairy, and eggs and a reduction in total meat (for men only) and discretionary products, but it resulted in a 5% increase in GHGEs in men and 9% increase in women. When a stepwise GHGE reduction was additionally applied, increases in poultry and pork (mainly for women) and decreases in beef/lamb and processed meat were accrued, with total meat staying constant until a 50-60% GHGE reduction. Increases in whole grains, nuts, and meat/dairy alternatives and decreases in discretionary products were needed to lower GHGEs.Conclusions: A high-protein diet aligned with FBDG can be achieved in concert with reductions in GHGEs in Dutch older adults by consuming no more than the recommended 500 g meat per week while replacing beef and lamb and processed meat with poultry and pork and increasing intake of diverse plant-protein sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with recurrent pain that could lead to abnormal sensory patterns (ASPs).Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare children with SCD who had normal sensory patterns (NSPs) and ASPs in pain experience, physical function, pain coping, and pain catastrophizing.Methods: Children with quantitative sensory testing data were selected from a larger study that examined pain and symptoms in children with SCD. Comparisons were made between children with NSP (n = 35; 13.9 ± 1.9 years) and ASP (n = 13; 12.8 ± 1.9 years). Children completed the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool, Functional Disability Inventory, Pain Coping Questionnaire, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale.Results: No significant differences were found in pain intensity (2.9 ± 3.0 vs. 2.6 ± 2.8 on 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale) between the NSP and ASP, respectively. The most common marked pain sites for both groups were lower extremities (22.9%), head and neck (20.8%), and upper extremities (20.8%). Functional Disability Inventory scores were significantly worse in ASP (38.5%) compared with NSP (11.4%). The ASP group had significantly worse scores in emotion-focused pain coping subscales.Conclusion: Children with SCD with ASP had worse functional disability, were expressing more affective pain quality, and had emotion-focused pain coping compared with NSP. Future studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of physical activities on the physical function as well as psychosocial interventions such as peer support and creative arts expression to minimize development of ASP in children with SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the incidence of cancers is continuously increasing in young adults. Early-onset cancer (EOC) is usually defined as patients with cancers under the age of 50, and may represent a unique subgroup due to its special disease features. Overall, EOCs often initiate at a young age, present as a better physical performance but high degree of malignancy. EOCs also share common epidemiological and hereditary risk factors. In this review, we discuss several representative EOCs which were well studied previously. By revealing their clinical and molecular similarities and differences, we consider the group of EOCs as a unique subtype compared to ordinary cancers. In consideration of EOC as a rising threat to human health, more researches on molecular mechanisms, and large-scale, prospective clinical trials should be carried out to further translate into improved outcomes. [Display omitted] • EOCs are considered as a unique subtype compared to other cancers due to clinical and molecular similarities and differences. • EOCs often share common risk factors, present as a better physical performance but high degree of malignancy. • More researches on molecular mechanisms, and large-scale, prospective clinical trials should be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For large-scale and integrated CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) structures, under the coupling action of complex thermal/mechanical loads during assembly and service stages, the force transferred among parts and the stress concentration degree would increase. This situation is making the control strategies on internal assembly stress/damage difficult to obtain, and the service performance is also extremely hard to guarantee. For the traditional "Conforming" assembly mode, the geometric dimensional accuracy is taken as the core, and the evolution, degradation failure of assembly physical performance are often neglected. As a result, it is difficult to achieve high-performance of assembled structure and reliable service properties, and the contradiction between on-site manufacturers and design department is increasingly serious. Considering the collaborative constraints of accurate geometric shape, dynamic physical stress and damage, and reliable service function, and aimed at the four detailed technical bottlenecks relevant with mechanical/service performance of CFRP structures, this paper presented and discussed the research status and existing problems for the assembly technology in key procedures (such as geometric tolerance allocation, assembly positioning/clamping and interference joining). Then the specific development ideas and key research directions, i.e. the progressive evolution and interaction mechanism among "structure parameters - assembly process – geometric error - physical performance - service index" were put forward, as well as the regulation on parameter adjustment and performance control principle in design/assembly process were clarified, which could realize the new leap of CFRP product from geometric elements to performance assurance, and expand the boundary of current assembly capability. Finally, benefit results, such as the quantitative controlling on key assembly parameters, the reliable service performance, and the effective guidance on practical assembly operations, could also be gained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new adaptive polynomial chaos expansion technique for surrogate modelling. • Novel basis selection strategy comprising basis expansion, pruning, and refinement. • Automatic and simultaneous selection of training samples and truncation degree. • Sparse representation along with sequential sampling and adaptive basis selection. • Validation using benchmarks and physical model and comparison with existing methods. In this paper, a novel adaptive modelling framework for sparse polynomial chaos expansion is proposed, which can automatically determine adequate truncation degree and training sample set simultaneously. Moreover, the curse of dimensionality issue in polynomial chaos expansion, which generally arises in dealing with high input dimension or large truncation degree, can be alleviated to a large extent. In this framework, a new basis selection strategy, which leverages basis expansion, pruning and refinement, is pursued to adaptively select the polynomial terms of proper degree during the modelling process. Besides, an outstanding sequential sampling strategy is adopted to collect samples of high quality and in relatively small quantity for training polynomial chaos expansion model, and a sparse representation method, Bayesian compressive sensing, is employed for regression calculation. To reconcile the sequential sampling and adaptive basis selection in a consistent framework, a stability evaluation process which works in parallel with the sequential sampling process is performed. The performance of the proposed adaptive modelling framework is evaluated on two benchmark functions and a physical model through comparison with an existing adaptive polynomial chaos expansion modelling technique, a sequential sampling-only approach, and several basis adaptivity strategies. Results demonstrate that the proposed method has high adaptiveness in building surrogate models for various problems. It outperforms the existing adaptive polynomial chaos expansion modelling technique in terms of modelling precision and convergence rate, and it has similar performance with the sequential sampling-only method while lessening the burden in regression calculation and enabling adaptive determination of the truncation degree. Limitations of the proposed method are also summarized after comparing it with various basis adaptivity strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet of Drones (IoD) is a thriving technology that has found its application in various fields ranging from civilian to military and industries, empowering users to efficiently perform strenuous operations. However, there are multitudinous security concerns in an IoD environment, such as a drone having to exchange vital information with the control station server and respective users over an open unsecured wireless channel. It is indispensable to ensure the security of this sensitive information, on account of which a Physically Unclonable Function (PUF)-based Secure Authentication Scheme for the Internet of Drones (PSECAS) has been suggested in this paper. The security of the proffered scheme has been ensured under the ROR model and AVISPA simulation. Moreover, informal analysis demonstrates that PSECAS fulfills the necessary security requirements and is safe against various adversarial attacks. Finally, a rigorous comparison of PSECAS with other subsisting schemes exemplifies the robustness and superiority of our scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical treatment of spinal metastases has been associated with high morbidity and mortality in patients with sarcopenia based on low skeletal muscle mass. We assessed physical performance using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status scale and the Barthel Index on the 30th day after palliative surgery for spinal metastases and investigated the effectiveness of surgery according to sarcopenia assessed by skeletal muscle mass. We retrospectively analyzed 78 consecutive patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal metastases who underwent palliative surgery. The value of the area of the psoas major muscle at the L3 level normalized by the vertebral area was divided into first, middle, and third tertiles. Clinical variables were compared by tertile. Variables affecting the 30-day good performance status were investigated with univariate and multivariate analyses. The 30-day morbidity rates were 50%, 38.5%, and 15.4% by tertile. The 30-day mortality rate was 2%; all were in the first tertile. Good preoperative performance status scores were seen in 15.4% of first and 50% of third tertile patients. Postoperatively, the performance status improved in all groups, with 30.8%, 65.4%, and 92.3% by tertile. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a good preoperative performance status (OR: 15.50, 95% CI: 1.610–149.00, P < 0.05) and the value of the area of the psoas major muscle at the L3 level normalized by the vertebral area not in the first tertile (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06–0.82, P < 0.05) were significant predictors of a good postoperative 30-day performance status. A good preoperative performance status and exclusion from the first tertile were clinical factors predicting a good postoperative 30-day performance status. In patients with large psoas muscle mass (third tertile), a good 30-day performance status can be expected after surgery, suggesting that surgery in this population should be pursued aggressively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) introduced the concept of locomotive syndrome (LS), which indicates a decline in mobility function by musculoskeletal disorders with new 3-staged category. Additionally, sarcopenia indicates a decline in the quantity and/or quality of skeletal muscle. However, the relationship between low back pain (LBP) and LS or sarcopenia in older people has not been sufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between them through a cross-sectional locomotorium survey. A total of 302 participants were drawn from the aquatic exercise participants in a rural area of Japan. The body mass index, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), spinal inclination angle (SIA), grip strength, timed up-and-go test (TUG), and maximum stride of the participants were measured. LBP and LBP-related quality of life (QOL) were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS) of LBP, and the Short-Form 8 (SF-8). Associations between the investigating parameters and sarcopenia or LS were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the findings except grip strength between the non-sarcopenia and sarcopenia groups. However, the LS group showed significantly larger SIA, higher ODI, higher VAS of LBP, lower physical component score (PCS) of the SF-8, longer time in TUG, and lower value in maximum stride than the non-LS group. In addition, the ODI and PCS of the SF-8 significantly deteriorated as the LS stage progressed, and the GLFS-25 score was significantly correlated with ODI (r = 0.706, p < 0.001) and PCS (r = −0.643, p < 0.001) scores. LBP, LBP-related QOL, and physical performance were found to be significantly associated with LS, not sarcopenia, with LBP-related QOL and physical function being closely correlated with 3-stage categories of LS. Thus, these results suggested that LBP is a key factor for LS prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graph neural networks (GNNs) are emerging in chemical engineering for the end-to-end learning of physicochemical properties based on molecular graphs. A key element of GNNs is the pooling function which combines atom feature vectors into molecular fingerprints. Most previous works use a standard pooling function to predict a variety of properties. However, unsuitable pooling functions can lead to unphysical GNNs that poorly generalize. We compare and select meaningful GNN pooling methods based on physical knowledge about the learned properties. The impact of physical pooling functions is demonstrated with molecular properties calculated from quantum mechanical computations. We also compare our results to the recent set2set pooling approach. We recommend using sum pooling for the prediction of properties that depend on molecular size and compare pooling functions for properties that are molecular size-independent. Overall, we show that the use of physical pooling functions significantly enhances generalization. • Physical pooling functions enhance property prediction of graph neural networks. • Physical understanding of learned properties helps selecting meaningful pooling functions. • Physical pooling functions demonstrated with properties from quantum mechanics. • Recommendation: use sum pooling function for molecular size-dependent properties • Recommendation: compare sum, mean, and max pooling functions for size-independent properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to illustrate the correlations of performance and wake dynamics in multi-rotor configurations and explain the induced circulation (IC), the quantification factor for wake interactions. A series of parametric studies are performed considering cross- and plus-type quadrotors to analyze the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic characteristics. The performance and tip vortex structure of each rotor are different according to each interaction relation. Total circulation is classified into the rotor-, wake-, and motion-induced components using the IC concept. Overall, the wake- and motion-IC primarily influence the rotor performance; however, the interaction effect is negligible as the advance ratio and incidence angle increase. In this study, the complex wake dynamics of multi-rotors are classified in terms of each interaction component. The physical relations of performance, wake dynamics, and IC can be fundamental steps toward wake interaction models for multi-rotor configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Vertebral fractures are associated with poor physical performance in older women • Vertebral fractures are associated with lower muscle strength in older women • Number of vertebral fractures influences associations between variables • Greater knee extensor strength is associated with better physical test performance Few studies have investigated the association between vertebral fragility fractures and lower limb muscle strength and physical performance in women with low bone mass. To explore whether the presence of vertebral fracture is independently associated with poor physical performance and decreased lower limb muscle strength. To understand whether lower limb muscle strength is associated with physical performance in women with vertebral fracture. Older women with low bone mass were divided into 2 groups: no vertebral fracture (NF) and presence of vertebral fragility fracture (VFF). Physical performance was evaluated using the Five Times Sit to Stand (5TSS) test, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and a 5m walk test (5MWT). Lower limb muscle strength was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. We included 94 women with low bone mass (mean age 71.6 [SD 5.7] years, time since menopause 24.4 [7.1] years, mean BMI 27.5 [5.1] kgm−2). VFF was only associated with low peak hip abductor torque (p = 0.001) after adjustments. In the VFF group (n= 47), each 1 Nmkg−1 increase: in knee extensor torque was associated with improved 5MWT (p = 0.005), TUG (p = 0.002) and 5TSS (p = 0.005) performances; in knee flexor torque was associated with improved 5MWT speed (p = 0.003) and TUG time (p = 0.006); in hip abductor torque was associated with improved 5MWT speed (p = 0.003); and in hip extensor torque with improved TUG time (p = 0.046). VFF was associated with reduced hip abductor strength in older women. However, the number of vertebral fractures influenced the association. Additionally, lower limb muscle strength was associated with physical performance, regardless of the clinical characteristics of the fractures. Therefore, strength and power training programs for the lower limbs could improve physical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study was conceived as a means of finding out when exactly ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X start being physically discriminative. Initially, no statistical association was found because the genetic effect was masked by those subjects with sedentary lifestyles. But when only physically active volunteers were considered, the effect of ACE and ACTN3 genotypes were found to be significant. This can therefore be considered a paradigmatic example in which the environment might hide the genetic effect, with genotypic differences arising only upon training. Genome variations contribute to the vast majority of interindividual differences and may decisively influence sports capability. This study was conceived as a means of finding out when exactly polymorphisms start being physically discriminative. The polymorphisms we studied were two of the best characterized ones: ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X. These germline variants were determined in a cohort of 200 healthy volunteers from the university environment who underwent a series of physical evaluations that included a Cooper test, a 20-meter sprint test and a vertical jump test. Initially, no statistical association was found because the genetic effect was masked by those subjects with sedentary lifestyles. But when only physically active volunteers were considered, the ACE and ACTN3 genotypes were found to have an impact on heart rate after the Cooper test (p-value = 0.033 and 0.032 respectively) and ACTN3 was found to correlate with the total distance covered in the same test (p-value = 0.051). This can therefore be considered a paradigmatic example in which the environment might hide the genetic effect, with genotypic differences arising only upon training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coating of hydroxyapatite (HAP) on the surface of bio-inert metallic implants to augment their bioactivity is in use for the last two decades. Substitution of various materials in HAP further improves the functionality of these coatings. We demonstrate coating of Ti6Al4V alloy sheets with strontium and niobium reinforced HAP using microwave (MW) irradiation technique. Physical characterization revealed, uniform semicrystalline hydroxyapatite coating with enhanced surface roughness and microhardness. The increased surface roughness was accompanied by higher wettability and more protein adsorption. Electrochemical corrosion assessment showed a dramatic increase in corrosion potential and a noticeable decline in corrosion current density suggesting an enhanced anticorrosive behaviour. These implants also exhibited improved hemocompatibility and bacteriostatic properties. Cell viability and confocal microscopy studies of the coated samples showed enhanced cell attachment on the surface. We propose microwave irradiation as a fast and hassle-free alternative for one-pot synthesis and deposition of ionic substituted HAP on metallic implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A frequently used patient-reported outcome measure for assessing physical functioning in patients with hip problems is the 5-item Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Shortform (HOOS-PS). Nevertheless, its content validity (whether this instrument adequately reflects the construct of physical functioning) is unknown. This study aimed to assess the content validity of the HOOS-PS. A quantitative and qualitative research approach was used. Physical functioning was defined as the ability to perform activities that require physical actions, ranging from self-care to more complex activities that require a combination of skills, often within a social context. Patients (n = 51) and experts (n = 25) completed questionnaires regarding the relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility of the HOOS-PS. Semistructured interviews (n = 5) explored issues identified in the quantitative data in more depth. Thematic content analysis was conducted using a coding frame. One of the 5 items was considered relevant to measure physical functioning. Comprehensiveness was considered insufficient by both patients and experts. Furthermore, comprehensibility was considered inadequate. Several items were found ambiguous or double barreled. Regarding interpretability, floor or ceiling effects were not found. This study showed concerns about the content validity of the HOOS-PS: most items are considered not relevant, the HOOS-PS is considered not comprehensive, and several items are considered not comprehensible. These findings challenge the applicability of the HOOS-PS in clinical practice, research, value-based healthcare, and benchmarking. • This study showed that the content validity of the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Shortform (HOOS-PS) in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty is problematic in 3 areas: (1) lack of relevance, (2) insufficient comprehensiveness, and (3) insufficient comprehensibility of the items. • Given that the HOOS-PS does not reflect physical functioning in total hip arthroplasty patients, this will challenge the applicability of the HOOS-PS in clinical practice, research, and benchmarking. • The lack of content validity in the observed data can subsequently lead to drawing incorrect conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a model-free data-driven strategy for linear and non-linear finite element computations of open-cell foam. Employing sets of material data, the data-driven problem is formulated as the minimization of a distance function subjected to the physical constraints from the kinematics and the balance laws of the mechanical problem. The material data sets of the foam are deduced here from representative microscopic material volumes. These volume elements capture the stochastic characteristics of the open-cell microstructure and the properties of the polyurethane material. Their computation provides the required stress–strain data used in the macroscopic finite element computations without postulating a specific constitutive model. The paper shows how to derive suitable material data sets for the different cases of (non-)linear and (an-)isotropic material behavior efficiently. Exemplarily, we compare data-driven finite element computations with linearized and finite deformations and show that in a data-driven computation the linear kinematic is sufficiently accurate to capture the material's non-linearity up to 50% of straining. The numerical example of a rubber sealing illustrates possible areas of application, the expenditure, and the proposed strategy's versatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of ensuring compliant behavior in aerial manipulators during physical interactions is addressed in this study. This work presents a coordinated interactive framework for aerial manipulators, specifically designed to ensure compliant physical interactions during contact with the surroundings. Without the reliance on force sensors, an external force estimator is employed to recognize interaction intentions. The coordinated framework leverages a Model Predictive Control (MPC) planner equipped with adaptive weights, facilitating the coordination of movements for both the quadrotor and manipulator. The adaptive adjustment of weights in the cost function allows for the attainment of diverse interaction behaviors in response to unexpected external forces. Notably, the methodology stands out from current control strategies by incorporating autonomous stiffness adjustment in response to interaction forces, thereby optimizing the delicate balance between safety and precision. The passivity of the system is guaranteed by using a Lyapunov-like function during the physical interaction. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is validated by experiments for the scenario of human operator and aerial manipulator collaborative work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Structural color-based PUF labels (SCPLs) labels fabricated by colloidal crystals for anti-counterfeiting. • SCPLs exhibit low optical loss and accomplish the safety and practicability of optical PUF labels. • Hiding function of SCPLs prevent the information of SCPL from being leaked. • A high-security mutual authentication system for supply chain realized by SCPLs. Optical physical unclonable functions (PUFs) have been considered to be one of the powerful tools to curb counterfeiting due to the unpredictable preparation process and identifiable information content. Responsive colloidal photonic crystals capable of controlling and manipulating light propagation exhibit low optical loss, stability and hiding function, which are more suitable to accomplish the safety and practicability of optical PUF labels. Herein, structural color-based PUF labels (SCPLs) prepared by injection-casting colloidal crystals propose a highly efficient and stable PUF authentication. With the decimal encode of the reflection intensity level at each pixel, the SCPL can achieve a theoretical encoding capacity of 102500 at 50 × 50 pixels. Utilizing the responsiveness of SCPLs, the PUF features can be switched between invisible and visible states to hide PUF information. Moreover, authentication experiments confirmed that the robustness of SCPL reached 0.994 and 0.960 in tensile test and wetting–drying cycle test, respectively, indicating that SCPL with hiding function, low optical loss and stability can be authenticated multiple times in practical applications. Interestingly, a high-security mutual authentication system for supply chain based on digital storage secret keys is proposed to showcase the strong application potential of SCPLs for various fields such as confidentiality of materials/technologies, dynamic anti-counterfeiting/camouflage, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The failure reasons of reciprocating seal were analyzed by comprehensive tests. • Eight types of failure reasons and improvement measures were proposed. • Key points in seal design and assembly were put forward. • The failure analysis method makes the development of future seal products more effective. Hydraulic actuators are an important executive component of modern aircraft and are typically characterized by a reciprocating sealing form. Sealing failure affects the implementation of aircraft missions and flight safety. To determine the main cause for sealing failure of the ACGT-HP combined rod seal in an aircraft actuator, taking the new seal as the control group, compare and analyze the failure and non-failure combined rod seals under the same working conditions for approximately the same time. By means of microscopic examination, physical performance testing and chemical composition analysis, eight ACGT-HP seal failure reasons that act synergistically are summarized and preventive improvement measures are proposed. It is concluded that the main reason for the failure of the combined seal is that the wear of the seal is exacerbated by various inappropriate coupling factors, resulting in the rapid reduction of contact stress and seal failure. By putting forward the key points of seal design and assembly, a universal failure analysis method from macro to micro is found, which can be used for various types of combined seals to guide the design and application of the ACGT-HP seals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a conductive polymer of ortho -phenylenediamine (o -PD) is grown on the surface of carbon fibers that structurally resembles cyclized poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) formed during the traditional carbon fiber manufacturing process. The surface modification was conducted using electrical potential cycling (−1 V to +1 V vs Ag/AgCl) and the physical properties of the treated fibers improved significantly. Tensile strength increased by 44.9% relative to control fibers (4.58 ± 0.06 GPa from 3.16 ± 0.05 GPa), while tensile modulus increased from 239.6 ± 0.9 GPa to 276.4 ± 1.1 GPa, for the treated and control fibers, respectively. Interfacial adhesion in epoxy resin was improved by 189%, relative to control fibers. Exposing these modified fibers to high temperatures used in the carbonization of PAN (1400 °C) encouraged the carbonization of the surface bound polymer, similar to that seen in the conversion of oxidized PAN to carbon fiber on a continuous scale. The improved physical properties from the initial modification were largely retained, and the thermal stability of the modified fibers in air is improved significantly without compromising the interfacial adhesion of the original unmodified fibers. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Undoped and copper-doped flake like ZnO nanopowders were synthesized using the hydrothermal synthesis method. • All samples have highly crystallized hexagonal wurtzite structure. • The effects of both doping and the dye adsorption time on the DSSC cell performance were investigated. • %0.1 Cu doped ZnO nanopowder dipped in N719 solution for only one hour showed the highest performance. In this study, the effects of two fabrication factors, the Cu doping and the dye adsorption time on the ZnO-DSSC, were systematically investigated. ZnO nanostructures were obtained by hydrothermal synthesis method at different Cu doping ratio (0%, 0.1%, 1%, 3%) and used as photoanode in DSSC. The effects of Cu incorporation to ZnO on the morphological, structural, and optical properties were examined. As a result of XRD analysis, it was determined that all samples have highly crystallized hexagonal wurtzite structure. The doping process has caused the formation of protruding surfaces in the ZnO nanostructure and increased the surface area, which has been observed using SEM images. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study demonstrated Cu-O and Zn-O bonding in the synthesized flake-shaped Cu doped ZnO nanostructures, which confirmed the Zn substitution by the Cu-ions. The maximum cell efficiency of 2.03% was achieved in DSSC when photoanode was fabricated by using %0.1 Cu doped ZnO nanopowder dipped in N719 solution for only one hour. The efficiency of DSSC with Cu doped ZnO photoanode has improved by 20%, and the dye adsorption time has been decreased by three times, obviously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]