Uncovered Area Research Articles

Maharashtrian Dalit Jalse as an Inspiration to Anti-caste Movements: A Reply from Subaltern to Subalternity

This article focuses on the Maharashtrian Dalit representation in the popular traditional art form of jalsa and aims to know how Marathi Dalit rangbhoomi/theatre has been used as a source to present stereotypical Dalit untouchability and caste-based issues. A long history of Dalit art from the 1930s to the twenty-first century has been transformed into a creative form for social awakening. Various forms of jalse (like ‘ Amberkarite jalse’ and ‘ Amberkarite Shahiri’, Powade, Ovi or Lavani later became mostly part of Ambedkari jalse) and their response to subalternity have a significant role in inspiring anti-case movements. These forms have influenced Dalit artists and activists not only in Maharashtra but also across India. Visiting the history of Dalit rangbhoomi demonstrates subalterns’ response to a Dalit subalternity. In addition, this study is very substantial to touch on the uncovered area of Dalit jalse and Qawwali as an anti-caste movement. Only countable articles have been published in English on Maharashtrian jalse. Thus, this research is essential to know the world about Dalit’s contribution to art creativity. This article concludes that oral traditional forms have their own representation style, and their aim is to express Dalits’ pain, injustice and struggle through traditional and modern forms of untouchability.

Water-surface photovoltaic systems have affected water physical and chemical properties and biodiversity

The implementation of water-surface photovoltaic systems as a source of renewable power has expanded rapidly worldwide in recent decades. Water-surface photovoltaic avoids negative impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, while the impacts on aquatic physical and chemical properties and biodiversity are unclear. To understand the ecological and environmental impacts of water-surface photovoltaic systems, here we conducted a field survey on water physical and chemical properties, plankton and bird communities of 26 water-surface photovoltaic systems in the Yangtze River basin in China during the winter and summer of 2022. We found that water-surface photovoltaic systems decreased water temperature, dissolved oxygen saturation and uncovered area of the water surface, which caused a reduction in plankton species and individual density, altering the community composition. Water-surface photovoltaic systems also caused an overall decrease in bird diversity and changed bird community compositions. These findings suggested that water-surface photovoltaic systems have impacts on the water environment and ecology. Since water-surface photovoltaic systems will continue to expand in the future, our results emphasize that rational planning is critical for the sustainable development of water-surface photovoltaic systems and the protection of the aquatic environment and biodiversity.

Estimation of acetabular cup prosthesis coverage rate in total hip arthroplasty based on X-ray films

To explore the method of accurately estimating the acetabular cup prosthesis coverage rate (hereinafter referred to as "cup coverage rate") in total hip arthroplasty (THA) based on X-ray films, and to determine the effective parameters that can be used to estimate the cup coverage rate. The three-dimensional printed pelvic models were established based on CT data of 16 healthy pelvis, and the acetabular prosthesis were implanted according to conventional THA procedure. The length and width of the uncovered area of the acetabular cup prosthesis were measured by a modified X-ray recording method with a rotating C-arm X-ray machine, and the cup coverage rate was calculated. Then the differences among the traditional anteroposterior X-ray recording method, the modified method, and actual measurement on pelvic model were statistically analyzed. The correlation between the area of the uncovered area of the prosthesis and its width and length was analyzed by using multiple linear regression analysis. The cup coverage rates of traditional method, modified method, and actual measurement were 78.22%±3.36%, 86.74%±3.61%, and 89.62%±2.62%, respectively, with significant differences ( P<0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the width and length were positively linear with the uncovered area of the prosthesis, and the regression equation was as follows: uncovered area of the prosthesis=-21.192+0.248×width+0.140×length, and the coefficient of determination R 2=0.857, P<0.001. Compared with the traditional method, the modified method can more accurately evaluate the cup coverage rate during THA, and the width of the uncovered area of the prosthesis can be used as an effective reference for the cup coverage rate.

Room temperature atomic layer deposition of zinc titanium oxide using sequential adsorption of dimethyl zinc and tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium

Complex oxide films of TiO2 and ZnO are deposited by RT atomic layer deposition (ALD) with a sequential adsorption process. In this ALD, a Zn precursor of dimethyl zinc (DMZ) and a Ti precursor of tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium (TDMAT) are used. In the sequential adsorption step, the DMZ saturation on the surface is followed by partial adsorption of TDMAT. It is assumed that the TDMAT molecule is adsorbed on the DMZ uncovered area. The mixed layer of DMZ and TDMAT is formed in the adsorption step, followed by being oxidized with the plasma-excited humidified Ar. All the ALD processes are performed at RT without any sample heating in the ALD chamber. The growth per cycle of the balanced Zn and Ti oxide deposition is recorded at 0.086 nm/cycle. The mixing ratio of Zn and Ti is controlled by the TDMAT exposure in the adsorption step. In this study, the reaction model and the related rate equations to calculate the mixing concentration ratio are proposed based on the in situ observation of the surface reaction by IR absorption spectroscopy.

In vitro blastocyst implantation and trophoblast migration are disrupted by the UV filter benzophenone-3 (BP3)

Benzophenone-3 (BP3) is a common ingredient in personal care products (PCPs) due to its well-established effectiveness in absorbing UV radiation. Sunscreen products are among the most widely used PCPs-containing BP3 applied to the skin, resulting in significant human exposure to BP3 primarily through a dermal application. In the present work, we have tested the action of three environmentally relevant concentrations of BP3 (2, 20 and 200 μg/L) on an in vitro model of implantation of murine blastocysts and on migration ability of the human trophoblast cell line Swan 71. We showed that BP3 caused a significant reduction of blastocyst expansion and a delayed hatching in a non-monotonic way. Besides, embryos displayed a delayed attachment in the three BP3 groups, resulting in a smaller implantation area on the 6th day of culture: BP3(2) (0.32 ± 0.07 mm2); BP3(20) (0.30 ± 0.08 mm2) and BP3(200) (0.25 ± 0.06 mm2) in comparison to the control (0.42 ± 0.07 mm2). We also found a reduced migration capacity of the human first-trimester trophoblast cell line Swan 71 in a scratch assay when exposed to BP3: the lowest dose displayed a higher uncovered area (UA) at 6h when compared to the control, whereas a higher UA of the wound was observed for the three BP3 concentrations at 18 and 24 h of exposure. The changes in UA provoked by BP3 restored to normal values in the presence of flutamide, an androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor. These results indicate that a direct impairment on early embryo implantation and a defective migration of extravillous trophoblast cells through the androgen receptor pathway can be postulated as mechanisms of BP3-action on early gestation with potential impact on fetal growth.

Anatomical analysis of ligaments surrounding calcaneocuboid joint; implications for role in foot stability.

The calcaneocuboid joint is located in the lateral part of the foot and acts as a major stabilizer for the foot. Injuries to this joint often occur in association with ankle or foot injuries and are frequently overlooked, subsequently causing chronic pain or osteoarthritis. However, the relationship between ligaments surrounding the joint and joint instability remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the morphology and position of the ligaments surrounding the calcaneocuboid joint, and to reveal the relationship between the ligament structure. The position and morphology of the bifurcate ligament (subdivided into calcaneonavicular and calcaneocuboid ligaments), dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament, lateral calcaneocuboid ligament, long plantar ligament, and short plantar ligament were measured (N = 11 feet in 6 Japanese cadavers). The circumference of the joint was quartered, while the ligament-uncovered area and the estimated cross-sectional area of each ligament were compared between the four sides. Furthermore, the estimated cross-sectional area of each ligament was calculated as an index for the ligament strength. The inferolateral side of the calcaneocuboid joint had the most uncovered area (54.63%) by the ligaments. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the ligaments on the lateral side was considerably smaller than that on the medial side. Our results suggest that ligament weakness on the inferolateral side may cause instability of the calcaneocuboid joint, especially after an inversion sprain injury, and may decrease the lateral longitudinal arch function, which results in chronic foot pain.

Investigation of Evaporation Rate for Covered and Uncovered (using recycled materials) Conditions in UiTM Shah Alam

The evaporation rate varies according to temperature, humidity, and wind. The evaporation rate tends to be higher in the hot, dry months and lower in the wetter ones. This may affect the nation’s energy use, indoor air quality, and water availability. This study conducted experiments under three conditions—uncovered, partially, and fully covered to ascertain the evaporation rate at UiTM Shah Alam, Malaysia. Recycled materials such as bottle caps were used in the experiment. The study examined the evaporation rate at UiTM Shah Alam in Selangor. The study discovered that the uncovered surface area evaporated at the highest rates in the morning, noon, and afternoon due to direct solar exposure. As some or all of the surface was shielded from the sun’s rays, partially covered and fully covered surface areas had lower evaporation rates. It shows the evaporation rate for fully covered condition reduced 22 – 50 percent from uncovered condition. Meanwhile, evaporation rate for partially covered condition decreased by 10 – 17 percent compared to uncovered condition. The study offers important information about the variables influencing evaporation rate, which can be used to enhance understanding of evaporation processes and optimize evaporation in various applications. The findings may shed important light on the evaporation process and the variables that influence it, such as temperature, humidity, and cover material. The research results can be used to enhance building design and construction methods, increase building energy efficiency, and guide water management and conservation policies.

Impact of Device Implant Depth After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion

BackgroundDevice-related thrombus (DRT) remains one of the main concerns after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). Several risk factors have been proposed, but most cannot be modulated. A modifiable factor such as device implantation depth is a potential target to adjust the risk for DRT. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the impact of LAAO device implantation depth as a predisposing factor for DRT. MethodsThe study included patients who underwent successful LAAO at 9 centers in Europe and Canada. Patients were classified into 2 groups: proximal device implantation (covered pulmonary ridge [PR] in the lobe and disc cohort or <5 mm from the PR in the single-lobe cohort) and distal device implantation (uncovered PR in the disc and lobe cohort and ≥5 mm in the single-lobe cohort). ResultsA total of 1,317 patients were included. Among these, proximal and distal device implantation was achieved in 732 (55%) and 585 (45%) patients, respectively. No differences in procedural outcomes were observed between the groups. At follow-up, patients with proximal implantation had a lower incidence of DRT (2.3%) than those with distal implantation (12.2%) (P < 0.001). Deeper device implantation and a larger uncovered left atrial appendage area were associated with a higher incidence of DRT (P < 0.001), regardless of device type. In multivariable analysis, distal implant (HR: 5.92; 95% CI: 3.39-10.36) and no or single antiplatelet therapy (HR: 1.62; 95% CI: 0.99-2.62) emerged as independent predictors of DRT. ConclusionsLAAO device implantation depth is an independent risk factor for DRT. Deeper device implantation and larger uncovered left atrial appendage areas were associated with a higher incidence of DRT.

Effect of Cr coating on the mechanical integrity of Accident Tolerant Fuel cladding under ring compression test

The mechanical behavior of Cr-coated Zr-Nb alloy cladding was investigated with Ring Compression Test (RCT) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The post-RCT specimens were examined by SEM analysis with a focus on crack characterization. The experimental result shows that Cr-coating less than 20 μm does not introduce notable changes in the load-displacement behavior of the cladding structure until the point at which the Cr-coated cladding undergoes premature failure. FEA results demonstrate that the premature failure of the Cr-coated cladding cannot be explained by local stress and strain fields as they are not affected by the presence of the coating if the crack of the coating layer is not considered. Under RCT, a crack is initially formed across the coating thickness and acts as a pre-existing flaw that concentrates stresses, growing towards the underlying Zr-Nb alloy. Once the crack depth attains the critical size, it unstably grows, resulting in cladding failure which is shown as an earlier load drop compared to the uncoated cladding. FEA results using eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) demonstrate the stress concentration by the coating crack which results in the premature failure of the Cr-coated cladding in RCT. Increasing coating thickness decreases crack density, thereby reducing the uncovered area of the underlying cladding in case where the coating experiences extended cracking. On the other hand, the thicker coating, when cracked, can induce extended damage to the underlying cladding by introducing larger cracks. The net benefit of these two competing effects needs to be considered to optimize the thickness of Cr-coating.

An efficient particle swarm optimization with evolutionary multitasking for stochastic area coverage of heterogeneous sensors

This paper investigates the stochastic area coverage problem of sensors with uncertain detection probability. The risk associated with uncertain parameters is managed using the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) risk measure. The loss function is represented by the uncovered area coverage rate. We then formulate the minimum CVaR-based uncovered area coverage (CVaR-UAC) problem and provide some theoretical guarantees for the problem. Unlike previous research that treats area coverage as a single problem, we propose an efficient particle swarm optimization (PSO) with evolutionary multitasking to solve the stochastic area coverage problem along with multiple simplified problem forms. These simplified problems act as the auxiliary tasks for the original CVaR-UAC to enhance the evolutionary search. We have improved the proposed PSO algorithm from the framework of disturbance PSO and virtual force directed co-evolutionary particle swarm optimization, using a hybrid method in population initialization and an adaptive perturbation in individual updating. As a result, the exploration ability of the algorithm is significantly enhanced. The experiment results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm compared with state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of solution quality.

Submonolayer Cu/Pt film as bifunctional catalyst for CO oxidation: An STM study

Considering the high activity in CO oxidation as well as the related reactions, the surface structure of Cu/Pt bimetallic system and its interaction with CO and O2 molecules have been revisited with low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in combination with density-functional theory calculations (DFT). The extensively concerned Cu/Pt subsurface alloy (Cu-SSA) is clearly demonstrated with relative deactivation to CO and drastically weakened binding to O. In contrast, the submonolayer Cu film on Pt(111) manifests a significant enhancement in activating the O2 molecules while reserving the strong binding to CO at the uncovered Pt area. Detailed control experiments corroborated by DFT calculations revealed that the Cu/Pt interface serves as the critical sites for both O2 activation and the CO oxidation reaction. Therefore, the submonolayer Cu film may register a more promising catalyst structure than the Cu-SSA configuration for the Cu/Pt bimetallic system.

Response to novel feed in dairy calves is affected by prior hay provision and presentation method.

Animals raised in environments that prevent natural foraging opportunities may have difficulty adapting to novelty, such as feeding and management changes. Our objective was to evaluate how early provision and presentation of forage in dairy calves affected response to novel TMR (total mixed ration; grain and alfalfa) at weaning. Holstein heifer calves were housed individually in a covered outdoor hutch with an attached uncovered wire-fenced pen on sand bedding. Calves were fed a diet of starter grain and milk replacer (5.7-8.4L/d step-up) via a bottle (Control, n = 9) or given additional access to mountaingrass hay presented either in a bucket (Bucket, n = 9), or PVC pipe feeder (Pipe, n = 9). Treatments were applied from birth through 50 d of age, when step-down weaning began. All calves had 3 buckets and a pipe feeder provided in their uncovered pen area. On d 50, each calf was briefly blocked inside their hutch. TMR was put in the 3rd bucket that previously contained hay (Bucket) or was empty (Control, Pipe). The calf was released from the hutch and video-recorded for 30 min. Neophobia towards TMR was affected by prior experience with presentation: Bucket calves began eating TMR faster than Pipe and Control (P≤0.012) and showed the fewest number of startle responses (P = 0.004). Intake was similar across groups (P = 0.978), suggesting this apparent neophobia was transient, but Control calves took longer to eat than Bucket (P<0.001) and Pipe (P = 0.070) calves and were less likely to give up on eating to lie down instead. These results suggest that previous experience with hay improves processing ability when presented with novel TMR. Overall, response to a novel feed is affected by both early life experience, such as opportunities to process forage, and the presentation of the feed itself. Calves also appear motivated to access forage, evidenced by transient neophobia, high intake, and persistence in feeding by naïve calves.

Marketing Strategy of High Throughput Satellite (HTS) Utilization For Indonesian Multifunctional Services in 3t Area

Indonesia, as the biggest archipelagic country in the world, has a problem with the distribution of its network infrastructure to provide broadband access across the regions. It is very important to provide broadband access because Indonesia has entered the digital era which needs to access the data, Indonesia’s capacity needs to access the data are growing rapidly. A submarine cable can provided to connect the connections between cities and provinces, especially in the 3T area (frontier, outermost, and least developed region), but there’s still a lot of area in Indonesia that can’t covered with fiber optic cable because of many factors, the company can complete the uncovered area with satellite, named High Throughput Satellite (HTS) that will be completed in 2023. Based on condition above, the company must immediately develop an business strategy after the HTS activity, considering the business competition in Telecommunication industry. This study will be develop an marketing strategy for PT Angkasa Satu. The analysis used in preparing the alternative strategy in based on observations of internal and external factors of the company. The strategy analysis is carried out using the quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) method, TOWS analysis and the IE Matrix. The EFE and IFE Matrix are used to analyse the company’s strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Then TOWS analysis will define the several alternative strategy based on EFE and IFE. All the alternative will be calculated using the IE Matrix and QSPM. The result of this thesis is the strategy of focusing on the HTS external market utilization (marketing strategy) and the relevant strategy applied by the company to face the competition in the future.

Operational matrix-based technique treating mixed type fractional differential equations via shifted fifth-kind Chebyshev polynomials

The theory of mixed fractional operators is still an uncovered area in fractional modelling. These multi-sided operators result by combining two fractional derivatives with different kernels, that is, the right-sided Caputo's and the left-sided Riemann–Liouville's fractional operators in a sequential manner. Although it may capture different memory phenomenons, there is no general approach to approximate the solution of the mixed type fractional differential equations (MFDEs). In this article, the authors introduce a novel numerical technique that relies on obtaining the matrix representation of the mixed operators. This was done by considering a new extension of the shifted Chebyshev polynomials of the fifth-kind (SFCPs) with a variable domain as a basis of space. Then we employ the spectral collocation method together with the operational matrix to transform the MFDE into the corresponding system of algebraic equations. The convergence analysis of the proposed technique was studied in terms of the generalized Taylor's formula and the Gram determinant. Our findings facilitate further development of this theory by providing such a method of approximation.

A New Installation for Geomagnetic Field Monitoring at Talos Dome, a Remote Antarctic Site Away from Permanent Observatories

An automatic geomagnetic station for monitoring the Earth’s magnetic field variations was installed in December 2020 at Talos Dome, a remote site on the Antarctic Plateau, about 300 km away from the permanent geomagnetic observatory at Mario Zucchelli Station (MZS). Designed and assembled at the laboratory of electronics of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) in Rome, this autonomous station is formed by a vector magnetometer specifically manufactured by Lviv Institute (Ukraine) for very low temperatures and a low-power system supplied by batteries charged by a wind generator and solar panel. Data, sampled at 1 Hz, are locally stored and can be downloaded once a year during the Antarctic summer expeditions. The goal was to integrate observatory data for better monitoring the geomagnetic field from an uncovered Antarctic area. In fact, it is well known that the distribution of geomagnetic observatories strongly favors the northern hemisphere, and each new instrumental installation in Antarctica should be considered as a useful attempt to balance the geomagnetic monitoring in the two hemispheres. The achieved goal was to obtain a long data series, keeping the station working even during the austral winter when the temperature can reach −60 °C; we recorded almost 11 months of data in one year and the station is still operating. Data from the new station, jointly with data from permanent observatories, improve the analysis of the magnetospheric dynamics and the ionosphere–magnetosphere coupling. Talos Dome, together with the Italian geomagnetic observatory at Mario Zucchelli Station and New Zealand geomagnetic observatory at Scott Base, constitutes a network along the 80°S geomagnetic parallel, which is interesting for studying the longitudinal propagation of geomagnetic signals of external origin. In this work we present the characteristics of the station and of the data it provides, with the aim of them for analysis in the framework of space weather.

Design of Moving Coverage Algorithm of Ecological Monitoring Network for Curved Surface

Micro-structured sensors that can perceive and communicate at the same time have emerged as a result of the quick growth of microelectronics technology, wireless communication technology, and sensor technology. This little gadget has the ability to sense many types of environmental data, gather it at the sink node, and then send it to the data centre. In the civic, industrial, agricultural, military, and other domains, wireless sensor networks are frequently employed. A virtual force model of curved surface ecological monitoring network for moving coverage is presented, and a moving coverage algorithm for curved surface ecological monitoring network is given, according to the actual needs of curved surface ecological monitoring, such as grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and coastal beaches. The moving coverage algorithm of curved surface ecology monitoring network pushes the sensor nodes to the uncovered area on the monitored surface and fixes the monitoring blind zone on the monitored surface using a virtual force between sensor nodes in the ecological monitoring network. The moving coverage process of the moving coverage algorithm of the ecological monitoring network is simulated in order to verify the efficiency of the moving coverage algorithm of curved surface ecological monitoring network. The simulation results demonstrate that the moving coverage algorithm suggested in this paper can successfully increase the coverage of the ecological monitoring network on the monitoring surface by precisely locating the monitoring blind zone of the ecological monitoring network and pushing the sensor nodes to the monitoring blind zone for coverage. The final coverage ratio is greater than 95%, and the node deployment phase’s coverage ratio can reach 85% to 90%.

Three-Dimensional Crystal Vue Imaging technology assessment of Sylvian fissures at 20-32+6 weeks' normal gestation.

Assess developmental pattern of Sylvian fissures (SF) with Three-Dimensional Crystal Vue Imaging (3D-CVI) at 20-32+6 weeks of gestation. This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Assess 20-32+6 weeks' gestation normal development of fetal brain SF with 3D-CVI imaging. Measure the uncovered area and perimeter of the insula on the Three-Dimensional (3D) image and establish reference ranges for the uncovered area and perimeters of the insula during normal pregnancy 20-32+6 weeks' gestation. Examine intra- and interobserver repeatability of measurements of the uncovered area and perimeter of the insula. A total of 286 normal fetuses from 20 to 32+6 weeks of gestation were studied. The SF first was trapezoidal in the 25 weeks of gestation, gradually becoming triangular as gestational age (GA) increased, and then closing from posterior up to anterior down. The uncovered area and dimension of the insula showed a parabolic curve that first increased and then decreased as GA and head circumference (HC) increased. Reference ranges for measurements of the uncovered area and perimeters of the insula during normal pregnancy 20-32+6 weeks' gestation were established. The intra- and interobserver agreements were reproducible (all ICC > 0.850); there were more than 95% dots in the Bland-Altman plots (95 limits of agreement (LOA)) scale in every figure. 3D-CVI can be used to observe the morphological changes of SF during middle and late pregnancy, which is an intuitive supplementary means for prenatal evaluation of cerebral cortex development, guiding subsequent follow-up and referral for assessment by expert neurosonologists. • A new imaging technique was found to visualize the SF of fetal brain surface. • This technique has the advantages of good consistency and repeatability, simple operation, short time-consuming, and low cost. • Its 3D visualization images can be used to the development and changes of the sulci on the brain surface, it provides a new method to evaluate the development of cerebral cortex.

Selective thermal neutron transmutation doping with Gd masks in GaN semiconductors

For the first time, selective neutron transmutation doping was successfully performed on GaN through Gd masks, showing the feasibility of patternable doping through neutron irradiations. In collaborating with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, GaN with Gd masks was irradiated by directional neutrons. By using the Gd properties with high neutron absorption cross-sections, it was confirmed that the area covered by Gd masks on GaN was completely shielded from neutrons, and the uncovered area was doped with the generated Ge and 14C. Property differences were clearly identified in various ways when comparing the area exposed by neutrons and the area unexposed by neutrons. The discoloration by the ejected protons and elastic scattering of neutrons appeared only in the exposed area while the unexposed area remained the same as before irradiation. The aspect ratio of the patterned profile of GaN was estimated by comparing patterns on the front and backside. From energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectra and secondary ion mass spectrometry measurement, the concentration difference between Ge and 14C as well as the exact concentration of produced 14C was also checked. Schottky barrier diodes on the selectively doped GaN were fabricated and investigated to study the electrical properties.

Artificial neural network-based predictions of surface electrocoalescence of water droplets in hydrocarbon media

Electrowetting (EW) is a widely-studied microfluidic technique to promote coalescence of droplets and also to generate droplets. However, analytical or computational modeling of the intricate phenomena associated with electrocoalescence of water droplets in hydrocarbon media is very challenging. Presently, EW-assisted surface electrocoalescence experiments are used to train machine learning (ML) algorithms. These comprise an artificial neural network (ANN), eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and polynomial regression. These models are then used to predict the influence of parameters such as applied voltage, frequency, electrode spacing, concentration and initial droplet density (normalized with uncovered area ratio (δi/αi)), to predict nine targets: uncovered area ratio (αf), final droplet density normalized with uncovered area (δf/αf), and seven droplet density distribution (radius) bins. ANN was the most accurate predictive tool among the three ML models with R2 of 0.89. ANN accurately predicted the droplet distribution bins for three distinct cases of good electrocoalescence, poor electrocoalescence and satellite droplet ejection (droplet generation). SHAP (Shapley Additive exPlanations) dependence plots were used to quantify the parametric influence of various parameters on each output. For δf/αf, frequency and electrode spacing were the most and least influential, respectively. Interestingly, the feature influence on droplet density distributions was observed to reverse (magnitude and direction) with droplet radius. The key novelty of this study is the coupling of data from a multifunctional microfluidic device to an ANN model to accurately predict complex stochastic droplet-related phenomena (coalescence, generation). As such, the framework developed here can be utilized for other data-rich droplet-based microfluidic systems. δf/αf

Cortical Changes as a Result of Sports Injuries: A Short Commentary

Currently, the treatment for the central nervous system (CNS) and neurocognitive fluctuations as a result of sports injuries is considered a relatively uncovered area under the sports neuroscience paradigm. For example, the compensatory neural changes (e.g., brain cortical changes) and the cognitive load can create a feedforward loop that affects recovery and relapse after a musculoskeletal injury. Although several methodologies have been promoted (e.g., brain mapping systems, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility), neuromuscular deficits are frequently non-assessed and non-intervened during rehabilitation practices. Here we present an up-to-date description of the most relevant CNS changes after injury, the concept of somatotopic maps, and their relationship with motor control, intracortical inhibition, and cortical facilitation processes. Neuroplasticity strategies beyond the traditional structural-based approaches on the injured tissue are also covered; however, further research is needed to establish evidence-based recommendations for sports professionals.