Cooperative Hybrid Research Articles

Retraction Note: Fuzzy logic and cooperative hybrid least squares for improving network capacity and connectivity in high-density wireless networks

Retraction Note: Fuzzy logic and cooperative hybrid least squares for improving network capacity and connectivity in high-density wireless networks

Dual-Plane Treatment With Highly Concentrated Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of Hyaluronans for Facial Atrophic Acne Scars.

Managing patients with acne scars remains an important challenge, as scarring negatively affects psychosocial wellbeing. Hyaluronic acid (HA) cross-linked fillers have demonstrated good efficacy and tolerability for the correction of acne scars but are limited by their reduced biological activity and low concentrations. This study investigated the efficacy and safety on scars of a high-concentration (4.5%) HA-based filler with hybrid cooperative complexes (HCC) of high-molecular-weight and low-molecular-weight HA. Participants received treatment twice; the first was provided at baseline (T0) and the second after 4 weeks (T1). Data were collected at T1 and after 4 months (T2) by photographs and instrumental evaluation of the skin. The study population included 28 patients. Improvements in the mean Goodman and Baron grade were significant across time points T0 and T1 (12% improvement; p = .0002) and T0 and T2 (31% improvement; p < .0001). Instrumental evaluation of the skin surface demonstrated a 20% reduction in the average deepness of acne scars after 4 months (p < .0001). No serious adverse events were reported during the study procedure. Highly concentrated (4.5%) HCC appears to be an effective option for the correction of facial acne scars.

Hybrid Cooperative Control of Functional Electrical Stimulation and Robot Assistance for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation.

Hybrid systems that integrate Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and robotic assistance have been proposed in neurorehabilitation to enhance therapeutic benefits. This study focuses on designing a cooperative controller capable of distributing the required torque for movement between robotic actuation and FES, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming calibration procedures. The control schema comprises three main blocks: a motion generation block that defines the desired trajectory, a motor control block including both a weight compensation feedforward and a feedback impedance controller, and an FES control block, based on trial-by-trial Iterative Learning Control (ILC), that adjusts the stimulation intensity according to a predefined stimulation waveform. The feedforward motor assistance can be dynamically regulated using an allocation factor. Experiments involving 12 healthy volunteers were conducted using a one-degree-of-freedom elbow testbed. The experimental results showcased the successful integration of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) with robotic actuation, ensuring precise trajectory tracking with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) below 7°. Notably, allocating more torque to FES led to a 51 % reduction in motor torque. In conditions where FES operated alone, there was poorer tracking performance with an RMSE of 24° and an early onset of muscle fatigue, as evidenced by a reduced number of achieved repetitions. Furthermore, the hybrid approach enabled 100 fatigue-free elbow flexion repetitions, underscoring the effectiveness of cooperative FES-motor control in extending the benefits of FES-induced exercises. This study proposes a flexible approach which can be extended to a multi-degree-of-freedom hybrid system. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of employing a straightforward and adaptable methodology with a rapid calibration procedure, making it easily transferable to clinical applications.

Energy-Oriented Hybrid Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Platoons.

Given the complex powertrain of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and diversified vehicle platooning synergy constraints, a control strategy that simultaneously considers inter-vehicle synergy control and energy economy is one of the key technologies to improve transportation efficiency and release the energy-saving potential of platooning vehicles. In this paper, an energy-oriented hybrid cooperative adaptive cruise control (eHCACC) strategy is proposed for an FCEV platoon, aiming to enhance energy-saving potential while ensuring stable car-following performance. The eHCACC employs a hybrid cooperative control architecture, consisting of a top-level centralized controller (TCC) and bottom-level distributed controllers (BDCs). The TCC integrates an eco-driving CACC (eCACC) strategy based on the minimum principle and random forest, which generates optimal reference velocity datasets by aligning the comprehensive control objectives of the platoon and addressing the car-following performance and economic efficiency of the platoon. Concurrently, to further unleash energy-saving potential, the BDCs utilize the equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) to determine optimal powertrain control inputs by combining the reference datasets with detailed optimization information and system states of the powertrain components. A series of simulation evaluations highlight the improved car-following stability and energy efficiency of the FCEV platoon.

Design and Development of a Hybrid Cooperative- Based Routing Protocol avoiding the void nodes in WSNs using the Concepts of Minimum Energy Consumption with good Data Security features

This paper presents a novel cooperative-based routing protocol designed for underwater Wireless Sensor Network Cloud Applications (uWSNCA). The protocol aims to minimize energy consumption by avoiding void nodes, which are areas without sensor coverage. The proposed approach consists of two main steps: first, avoiding void nodes using an adaptive hop-by-hop vector method, and second, applying a cooperative rule-based adaptive hop-by-hop vector method to create a hybrid algorithm that is more efficient than existing approaches, such as the watch-dog protocol. The research focuses on developing an energy-efficient distributed cooperative routing protocol for wireless sensor networks, specifically tailored for cooperation-based uWSNCA. This is achieved by preventing data packets from being forwarded through void nodes. The proposed routing protocol utilizes cooperation-based adaptive hop-by-hop vector-based forwarding concepts, where sensor nodes forward data packets in a multi-hop fashion within a virtual pipeline. In the developed algorithm for the underwater WSN cloud application, data packets are forwarded in a multi-hop manner using a virtual pipelining mechanism.Nodes outside the virtual pipeline do not forward data packets, thereby reducing flooding in the cooperative WSN. To prevent data packets from being forwarded towards void areas in the WSN, 2-hop information is used at each hop. This approach improves the performance of the wireless sensor network in terms of various performance criteria compared to existing routing protocols. The simulation tool NS2 is used to observe the simulation results of the energy packets being transferred from the source to the sink. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Overall, this paper contributes to the field of underwater WSNs by introducing a novel routing protocol that improves energy efficiency and performance for cloud applications.

Cascade Reactions Catalyzed by Gold Hybrid Nanoparticles Generate CO Gas Against Periodontitis in Diabetes.

The treatment ofdiabetic periodontitis poses a significant challenge due to the presence of local inflammation characterized by excessive glucose concentration, bacterial infection, and high oxidative stress. Herein, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are embellished with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and loaded with manganese carbonyl to prepare a carbon monoxide (CO) enhanced multienzyme cooperative hybrid nanoplatform (MSN-Au@CO). The Glucose-like oxidase activity of Au NPs catalyzes the oxidation of glucose to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and gluconic acid，and then converts H2O2 to hydroxyl radicals (•OH) by peroxidase-like activity to destroy bacteria. Moreover, CO production in response to H2O2, together with Au NPs exhibited a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect in macrophages challenged by lipopolysaccharides. The underlying mechanism can be the induction of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 to reduce reactive oxygen species, and inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B signaling to diminish inflammatory response. Importantly, the antibacterial and anti-inflammation effects of MSN-Au@CO are validated in diabetic rats with ligature-induced periodontitis by showing decreased periodontal bone loss with good biocompatibility. To summarize, MSN-Au@CO is fabricate to utilize glucose-activated cascade reaction to eliminate bacteria, and synergize with gas therapy to regulate the immune microenvironment, offering a potential direction for the treatment of diabetic periodontitis.

Bioremodeling of the Forehead and Inferior Temples using Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronans (Profhilo®)

Bioremodeling of the Forehead and Inferior Temples using Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronans (Profhilo®)

Expression of Concern: Hyaluronan Hybrid Cooperative Complexes as a Novel Frontier for Cellular Bioprocesses Re-Activation.

Expression of Concern: Hyaluronan Hybrid Cooperative Complexes as a Novel Frontier for Cellular Bioprocesses Re-Activation.

Safety and Efficacy of Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of Sodium Hyaluronate and Sodium Chondroitin for the Treatment of Patients with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) represents a widespread degenerative disease that causes pain and motor disability. Conservative treatments mainly focus on relieving symptoms, improving joint function, and trying to delay surgery. Safety and efficacy of hybrid cooperative complexes (2.4% sodium hyaluronate and 1.6% sodium chondroitin; HA-SC) for symptomatic KOA were investigated in a single-arm, prospective, pilot study. Patients with a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score ≥ 4 and Kellgren-Lawrence Grade < 4 received a single intraarticular HA-SC injection. Patients with a VAS score change from baseline ≤ 1 received a second injection at day 30. Device-related adverse events (DR-AEs)/adverse events (AEs) were primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index LK 3.1 (WOMAC LK 3.1), VAS, patient global assessment of disease status (PtGA), and patient proportion needing a second injection. Of 83 patients with KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade, 2-3), 34.9% had DR-AEs at day 7. No serious DR-AEs/AEs were reported. A significant (P < 0.0001) reduction over time in VAS pain score plus WOMAC pain, stiffness, physical function limitation, and total scores was reported. Median PtGA scores indicated a 'slight improvement' at most follow-up visits. Only 18.1% of patients required a second injection. A single intraarticular HA-SC injection was safe, well-tolerated, and did not lead to major deterioration in terms of reducing knee pain, stiffness, and physical function limitation in patients with symptomatic KOA.

Cooperative Hybrid Networks with Active Relays and RISs for B5G: Applications, Challenges, and Research Directions

Among the recent advances and innovations in wireless technologies, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) have received much attention and are envisioned to be one of the enabling technologies for beyond 5G (B5G) networks. On the other hand, active (or classical) cooperative relays have played a key role in providing reliable and power-efficient communications in previous wireless generations. In this article, we focus on hybrid network architectures that amalgamate both active relays and RISs. The operation concept and protocols of each technology are first discussed. Subsequently, we present multiple use cases of cooperative hybrid networks where both active relays and RISs can coexist harmoniously for enhanced rate performance. Furthermore, a case study is provided which demonstrates the achievable rate performance of a communication network assisted by either an active relay, an RIS, or both, and with different relaying protocols. Finally, we provide the reader with the challenges and key research directions in this area.

Smart Electrical Substation Cybersecurity Model Based on WPA3 and Cooperative Hybrid Intrusion Detection System (CHIDS)

Smart Electrical Substation Cybersecurity Model Based on WPA3 and Cooperative Hybrid Intrusion Detection System (CHIDS)

Cooperative Hybrid Beamforming for the Mitigation of Realistic Asynchronous Interference in Cell-free mmWave MIMO Networks

Cooperative Hybrid Beamforming for the Mitigation of Realistic Asynchronous Interference in Cell-free mmWave MIMO Networks

A Cooperative Hybrid Quantum-Inspired Salp Swarm and Differential Evolution for Solving CEC 2022 Benchmark and Controller Placement Problems in Software Defined Networks

A Cooperative Hybrid Quantum-Inspired Salp Swarm and Differential Evolution for Solving CEC 2022 Benchmark and Controller Placement Problems in Software Defined Networks

Hybrid Cooperative Output Regulation of Linear Multi-Agent Systems

Hybrid Cooperative Output Regulation of Linear Multi-Agent Systems

Making hybrid work for diverse staff in higher education: A behaviour change approach

AbstractDespite being considered the ‘new normal’ for many workers since the COVID‐19 pandemic, there is a dearth of applied research on hybrid working, especially in the context of inclusivity. This study uses the Behaviour Change Wheel to examine barriers, which hinder, and enablers, which help, to support hybrid working after the COVID‐19 pandemic and then identifies intervention strategies for its improvement. Data included 36 open‐ended questionnaires and 20 interviews from diverse (gender, sexual and ethnic identities; age; job role/grade scale; caregiving responsibilities and disability status) academic and professional staff at a large UK public research university, collected in May–July 2022. Barriers included the lack of technological skills, lack of clarity and application of the hybrid working policy, childcare and travel issues, no suitable space and equipment, managers' lack of understanding of specific needs, feeling lonely and isolated, and fears and uncertainty. Enablers included self‐management skills, purposeful office days, positive feelings, work/life balance, productivity and support from others. Issues related to equity and inclusivity were highlighted based on disability status, caregiving responsibilities, age and job role. Strategies are offered to improve hybrid working, such as training, organisational infrastructure and practices and policies to enable a collaborative, cooperative and inclusive hybrid work environment.

Hyaluronan Hybrid Cooperative Complexes Injection as a Biostimulation for Postobese Skin Laxity in the Arm: A Histopathologic Study.

The Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acids (HHCC) improve skin structure and bioactivity. Massive weight loss damages cellular composition and morphological structure of skin. An injective treatment of postobese skin consisting of HHCC may have a role in counteracting these histopathological alterations. To analyze the histological effects of HHCC injection in the cutaneous tissues of massive weight loss patients suffering from arm laxity. Nine ex-obese patients with postweight-loss-related arm laxity and ptosis requiring brachioplasty were prospectively recruited at the first author's department. HHCC injection was performed on only 1 arm, which included 2 injective sessions separated by 30 days. One month posttreatment, patients underwent a bilateral brachioplasty, and the surgical specimens were histologically examined, searching for any variation in the cutaneous connective tissue following injections. Histology on treated specimens showed a statistically significant increased density of elastic fibers along with a lower fragmentation of the same fibers compared to the untreated tissue. Fibroblasts demonstrated a swollen appearance as if involved in a bioactivation process. Treatment with HHCC increases the number of elastin fibers and determines a more regular elastin deposition and architecture, as well as the bioactivation of fibroblasts. The contralateral untreated area showed an irregular structure with elastosis and elastolysis. More studies are necessary, but histologically proven benefits are demonstrated in the HHCC-treated skins when compared with basal controlateral skin. These data support the use of HHCC formulations for the treatment of postobese skin laxity.

CoopCon: Cooperative Hybrid Congestion Control Scheme for Named Data Networking

Congestion control is a key technology for guaranteeing quality-of-service (QoS) in Named Data Networking (NDN). Hybrid congestion control has gradually developed into the mainstream method in NDN congestion control, which capitalizes on the advantages of receiver adjusting rate and router diverting traffic to deal with congestion. However, it has to address how to effectively coordinate consumers and routers to prevent transport performance degradation caused by repeated and excessive control. In this paper, a hybrid congestion control scheme named CoopCon is proposed, which fully gives the cooperation between consumers and routers to control the congestion adaptively. Moreover, the optimal path is used resiliently by CoopCon to enhance the robustness of multipath forwarding and multicast data delivery in NDN. The proposed CoopCon is implemented in ndnSIM. And simulation results show that CoopCon consistently achieves higher total throughput than existing work. In particular, the total throughput of consumers deployed with CoopCon is 19.4% higher than that of consumers deployed with PCON in the BRITE-generated topology. Additionally, CoopCon also achieves the best fairness in a dumbbell topology, with a fairness index of even 0.96.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Fuzzy logic and cooperative hybrid least squares for improving network capacity and connectivity in high-density wireless networks

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Fuzzy logic and cooperative hybrid least squares for improving network capacity and connectivity in high-density wireless networks

Cooperative hybrid beamforming design in Multi‐UAV MmWave MIMO systems

AbstractDue to the limitation of mobility and cost, it is inappropriate to utilize ground base station (GBS) to provide service in emergency scenarios or harsh environments. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is considered as a feasible way to solve the problem. Millimetre wave communication and UAV can be used together to offer wireless communications flexibly and rapidly for target area. However, fuselage jittering and energy supply would affect the quality and reliability of UAV communication seriously. To overcome the weakness of UAV, the authors prefer to use multiple UAVs to provide wireless communication service simultaneously. This paper investigates the design of hybrid beamforming in the scenarios including multiple UAVs and one end user. Cooperation strategy and alternating optimization method are applied in this design. The distributed UAV base stations are regarded as an entirety and the reference beamforming scheme obtained. Then, the beamforming problem for each UAV is formulated. Moreover, residual error minimization (REM) algorithm is proposed to find the solution of hybrid beamformers at UAV side. Finally, the beamformer of the receiver is optimized with the assist of effective channel, which includes the gain of both channel and beamformers of the transmitters. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve near‐optimal spectral efficiency in different scenarios.

Agency Selling Format-Based Incentive Scheme in Cooperative Hybrid VLC/RF IoT System With SLIPT

Relay cooperation with energy harvesting provides a promising solution to alleviate coverage limitations and energy constraints in hybrid visible light communication (VLC)/radio frequency (RF) Internet of Things (IoT) system with simultaneous lightwave information and power transfer (SLIPT). In the hybrid system, the VLC service provider (VLCSP) seeks the cooperation of relay nodes (RNs) for information delivery to a certain end node (EN). However, considering the autonomous behaviors of the RNs, there are two challenging issues to address in facilitating relay cooperation: 1) selfishness and 2) information asymmetry. Hence, this article proposes a novel incentive scheme for relay cooperation based on an agency selling format. Unlike previous incentive scheme designs, first, the VLCSP charges the cooperating RN for energy harvesting per unit energy price. Second, once the information is successfully transmitted to the EN, the VLCSP pays a portion of future revenue as an agency payment to the RN, in a format seen as agency selling. By giving the VLCSP pricing power, it needs to design a mutually agreeable contract that includes a menu of unit energy prices and agency payments. Here, aiming to maximize the VLCSP’s expected utility, we apply a joint adverse selection and moral hazard model to formulate and optimize the contract design problem in the presence of information asymmetry. Then, the optimal contract solution is derived by using Lagrangian dual analysis. Besides, we present two extreme scenarios where only adverse selection or moral hazard model is applied. Numerical results illustrate that the proposed incentive scheme outperforms the considered benchmarks in terms of the expected utility of VLCSP and RNs, as well as the expected social welfare. We also demonstrate the incentive efficiency of our scheme