bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization Design and Comparative Analysis of Enhanced Heat Transfer and Anti-Vibration Performance of Twisted-Elliptic-Tube Heat Exchanger: A Case Study
Authors: Liu Shijie , Tu Aimin , Li Yufei , Zhu Dongsheng
Published: August 2023

The intercooler is a crucial component of the rich gas compressor. Due to the shortcomings of the conventional segmental baffle intercooler, an optimization design of the novel industrial-grade twisted-elliptic-tube intercooler is proposed. This study aims to compare the heat-transfer performance of these two types of intercoolers in a delayed coking unit at Sinopec. During the plant revamp operation, the original segmental baffle intercooler was replaced by the novel twisted-elliptic-tube intercooler. Experimental determination and comparison analysis of the industrial locale operation of the two types of intercoolers before and after the revamps were conducted. The evaluation results show that the novel twisted-elliptic-tube intercooler has a higher cooling capacity, with a 13.2% increase, compared to the conventional intercooler. Under identical operating conditions, the overall heat-transfer coefficients increase by 87.8%. Moreover, the heat-transfer area and gas pressure drop decrease by 37.4% and 36.9%, respectively. The tube bundles’ vibration and loud noise problems of the old intercooler are eliminated. The average exit temperature of the enriched gas that requires cooling is 38.4 °C, which is 7.3 °C lower than that of the conventional intercooler. These outcomes indicate that utilizing this innovative twisted-elliptic-tube heat exchanger can provide substantial advantages in terms of high heat-transfer efficiency and exceptional anti-vibration performance.
Dynamic Dose-Based Emergency Evacuation Model for Enhancing Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Response Strategies
Authors: Miao Huifang , Zhang Guoming , Yu Peizhao , Shi Chunsen , Zheng Jianxiang
Published: August 2023

The safe evacuation of residents near a nuclear power plant during a nuclear accident is vital for emergency response planning. To tackle this challenge, considering the dynamic dispersion of radioactive materials in the atmosphere and its impact on evacuation routes under different meteorological conditions is crucial. This paper develops a dynamic dose-based emergency evacuation model (DDEEM), which is an efficient and optimized nuclear accident evacuation model based on dynamic radiological dose calculation, utilizing an improved A* algorithm to determine optimal evacuation routes. The DDEEM takes into account the influence of radiological plume dispersion and path selection on evacuation effectiveness. This study employs the DDEEM to assess radiological consequences and evacuation strategies for students residing 5 km from a Chinese nuclear power plant. Under various meteorological conditions, including the three typical meteorological conditions, random ordered and random unordered meteorological sequences, optimal routes obtained through the DDEEM effectively reduce radiological dose exposure and mitigate radiation hazards. The results indicate that all evacuation paths generated by the DDEEM have a maximum dose of less than 1 mSv. Through simulations, the model’s effectiveness and reliability in dynamic radiological environments in terms of radiological consequences and evacuation analysis is verified. The research provides valuable insights and a practical tool for nuclear power plant emergency decision-making, enhancing emergency management capabilities during nuclear accidents. The DDEEM offers crucial technical support and a solid foundation for developing effective emergency response strategies.
A Nonlinear Controller for Point-to-Point Position Control
Authors: Kyslan Karol , Smoleň Pavol , Šlapák Viktor , Ďurovský František
Published: August 2023

Position control algorithms can be classified into two groups: point-to-point control and continuous path control. For point-to-point control implemented in programmable logic controllers, the speed setpoint is mostly the only setpoint transmitted to the industrial converter. Incorrect settings of the position controller in PLC may lead to position overshoot or oscillations, which are unacceptable in position control applications. The speed control structure in the industrial converter usually has a fixed structure which does not allow the implementation of advanced speed controller. Moreover, standard library blocks for position control encounter difficulties in diagnostics and tuning. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a novel solution for position control that achieves time-optimal speed trajectory during acceleration and enhanced capabilities during deceleration. The proposed controller was verified by simulations of positioning of zinc ingot feeder unit drive and compared with a standard P-controller. Experimental results confirmed the performance of the proposed controller with the industrial application of a feeder unit.
The Infusion of Gamification in Promoting Chemical Engineering Laboratory Classes
Authors: Okolie Jude A. , Okoye Patrick U.
Published: August 2023

Active learning strategies are increasingly implemented in chemical engineering education, yet challenges persist in stimulating student participation and motivation. The rigorous demands placed on students in this field, from complex practical requirements to extensive programming and computational skills, underscore the need for innovative educational tools. Gamification emerges as a pivotal instrument in this context, fostering active student engagement, enhancing practical application of knowledge, increasing motivation, and providing a more precise assessment of student comprehension. These educational games serve as a powerful adjunct to traditional teaching strategies, equipping students with necessary skills for their future careers in the field. These games include laboratory course games, process simulators, games used in foundational courses, and those centered around reaction kinetics. This entry primarily investigates the various games employed to bolster student learning during chemical engineering laboratory courses. A thorough analysis is conducted on the survey of existing games used specifically in chemical engineering labs. The gamut of games discussed includes escape games, along with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) games, all aiming to enhance laboratory experiences in areas such as fluid mechanics, organic reactions, and process control. This entry concludes by examining the prospective trajectory of gamification in chemical engineering labs, offering insights into future potential and advancements in this innovative educational approach.
The Lignicolous Genus Entonaema: Its Phylogenetic–Taxonomic Position within Hypoxylaceae (Xylariales, Fungi) and an Overview of Its Species, Biogeography, and Ecology
Authors: Pošta Ana , Matočec Neven , Kušan Ivana , Tkalčec Zdenko , Mešić Armin
Published: August 2023

The lignicolous saprotrophic genus Entonaema contains six formally accepted species: E. liquescens (type species), E. cinnabarinum, E. globosum, E. dengii, E. moluccanum, and E. siamensis. Its stromatic ascomata develop on the surface of dead wood remnants; they are rather large, globose to irregularly shaped, and vividly coloured. The fresh stroma interior is filled with a liquid matter. In early studies, the genus was considered to have a preference for tropical habitats, while in more recent field research, numerous collections have been added from warm, temperate areas of Europe, North America, and Asia. Our taxonomic and phylogenetic studies were based on freshly collected E. cinnabarinum from Croatia and E. liquescens from the USA. A phylogenetic study of the sequence alignment of four concatenated gene regions (ITS, LSU, rpb2, and β-tub) revealed the true taxonomic position of Entonaema within Hypoxylaceae (Xylariales), a sister to Hypoxylon carneum. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic descriptions of E. cinnabarinum are accompanied by drawings and colour photographs, while the study of E. liquescens is focused on stromatal microchemical reaction. With new information, the worldwide identification key to the putative species of Entonaema is proposed. Ecological data and biogeographical patterns were studied using all available and reliable sources of recorded data. Climatic preferences of the two most widespread Entonaema species, E. liquescens and E. cinnabarinum, are discussed in detail.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Salt Tolerance-Associated WRKY Family Genes in Cyclocarya paliurus
Authors: Yang Zhengting , He Fayin , An Yin , Zhang Nannan , Fan Sixian , Tang Ming , Li Kun
Published: August 2023

WRKY proteins are key transcription factors involved in a range of physiological processes and environmental adaptations. Yet, little is known about the role WRKY genes play in Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja (C. paliurus) a significant medicinal plant belonging to the Juglandaceae family. Leveraging the recently released whole-genome sequence of C. paliurus, we conducted an in-depth, genome-wide study on the expression of WRKY genes under environmental stresses. We identified 80 CpWRKY genes, classifying them into distinct groups and subgroups based on their structural and phylogenetic characteristics. Synteny analysis and phylogenetic comparison provided insights into the evolutionary traits of these genes. We further investigated the response of the WRKY gene family to salinity stress in combination with the following specific stressors: Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), which induce the production of signaling molecules jasmonates (JA), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and nitric oxide (NO), respectively. Our comprehensive analysis of CpWRKY gene expression patterns under various conditions revealed that combined treatments were more effective in inducing up-regulation of CpWRKY gene expression than individual treatments.
The Effects of Homologous and Heterologous Grafting on the Growth of Gleditsia sinensis Scions
Authors: Xiao Feng , Zhao Yang , Wang Xiurong , Jian Xueyan
Published: August 2023

Gleditsia sinensis Lam. (Fam. Leguminosae; Gen.: Gleditsia) has various uses, including for medicinal, edible, chemical, and material purposes, and is widely distributed in China. However, the extent of graft compatibility and its impact on growth when using different Gleditsia species as rootstocks for grafting G. sinensis scions is not yet clear. This study examined homologous and heterologous grafting between different Gleditsia species, measuring the survival rate, morphology, photosynthesis, physiology, and hormones of the grafted plants. The results showed that G. sinensis and other Gleditsia seedlings have survival rates of over 86%. The more distant the genetic relationship between species, the lower the grafting survival rate. The grafting of fast-growing G. fera as a rootstock increased the accumulation of photosynthetic products in the grafted plants, while the grafting of slow-growing G. microphylla as a rootstock slowed down the growth rate of the longitudinal extension of the leaves of the grafted plants. Heterografted rootstocks increased the contents of IPA, PP333, ACC, and DZ but decreased the levels of GA4, iP, and SA hormones. Some hormone levels that can be highly expressed in seedlings were used as rootstocks, and the corresponding hormone levels in the grafted seedlings were still highly expressed. This study lays a material and theoretical basis for the development of new resources for the breeding and rootstock selection of G. sinensis.
Comparative Chloroplast Genomics Reveals a Unique Gene Inversion in Two Cordia Trees (Cordiaceae)
Authors: Alawfi Mohammad S. , Albokhari Enas J.
Published: August 2023

Cordiaceae is a family comprising more than 400 species in the order Boraginales. The classification of this family has undergone changes over time, transitioning between family and subfamily status. In the present study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of Cordia monoica and Cordia sinensis were sequenced, and their cp genomes were then characterized, analyzed, and compared to those of closely related taxa. The lengths of the cp genomes of C. monoica and C. sinensis were 151,813 bp and 152,050 bp, respectively. Both genomes consisted of 114 genes, divided into 4 ribosomal RNA genes, 30 transfer RNA genes, and 80 protein-coding genes. We observed a unique gene inversion in the trnM-rbcL region of both Cordia species. The long repeats analysis revealed that both species’ chloroplast genomes contained forward and palindromic repeats. The simple sequence repeats (SSRs) analysis detected 155 microsatellites in each genome, with the majority being mononucleotide repeats (A/T). Phylogenetic analysis based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses confirmed two major clades in the order Boraginales: clade I comprised Boraginaceae, while clade II included Cordiaceae, Ehretiaceae, and Heliotropiaceae. This study expands our knowledge of the evolutionary relationships across the order Boraginales and offers useful genetic resources.
Effects of Exogenous Oral Infusion of Volatile Fatty Acids on Ileal Microbiome Profiling and Epithelial Health in Goats
Authors: Zhen Yongkang , Zhang Chong , Lin Jiaqi , Rahmat Ali , He Feiyang , Wang Mengzhi
Published: August 2023

The role of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in ruminal fermentation is well studied, but their effects on the ileal microbiome and epithelial health remain less explored. In this study, we investigated the impact of the exogenous oral infusion of three VFAs, sodium acetate (NaAc), propionate (NaPr), and butyrate (NaBu), on the VFA concentrations in ileal contents, as well as ileal microbiome profiling and epithelial health parameters (inflammatory cytokine and tight junctions) in goats. The data demonstrated that the oral infusion of three VFAs can enhance VFA production by increasing the proportions of each individual VFA and the total VFAs. Then, the microbiome revealed distinct microbial succession patterns and altered microbial diversities in response to the oral infusion of VFA treatments. Moreover, the oral infusion of each VFA had unique effects on the ileal bacterial community, with potential implications for epithelial health. Notably, the oral infusion of VFAs demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by reduced IL-6 levels in the NaPr group and increased IL-10 levels in the NaAc group. Notably, the oral infusion of VFAs did not directly impact the tight junction concentrations, such as Claudin1, Occludin, and ZO-1. Lastly, the correlation analyses identified specific relationships between the ileal bacteria and epithelial health parameters, and Prevotella was positively correlated with IL-6 and IL-1β, while Bifidobacterium was positively correlated with IL-10. These results highlighted the crosstalk between VFAs, the ileal microbiome, and the health of the small intestine. Our findings had significant implications for optimizing ruminant nutrition, enhancing epithelial health, and promoting sustainable livestock production practices.
Phosphorus-Containing Catalyst Impact on Furfural and Glucose Production during Consecutive Hydrothermal Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Brazdausks Prans , Godina Daniela , Puke Maris
Published: August 2023

Lignocellulosic biomasses have a very important role as raw materials to produce biobased chemicals. However, a sustainable, efficient, and economically competitive way to convert lignocellulosic biomass into these chemicals has still not been achieved. This study is related to the selective separation and conversion of birch wood C5 carbohydrates into furfural during the H3PO4–NaH2PO4-catalyzed hydrothermal pretreatment simultaneously preserving cellulose in the lignocellulosic leftover for glucose production by the enzymatic hydrolysis. The ratio of H3PO4–NaH2PO4 in the catalyst solution was changed (3:0, 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2). Results show that around 64.1 to 75.9% of available C5 carbohydrates were converted into furfural. The results of birch wood lignocellulosic leftover chemical composition analysis show that cellulose losses during the pretreatment stage did not reach more than 10% of the initial amount. Based on the enzymatic hydrolysis screening experiments, a suitable catalyst for pretreatment was selected and an in-depth study was carried out. Enzymatic hydrolysis experiments were organized based on the three-factor central composite face-centered design. The variable parameters were treatment time (24–72 h), enzyme load (10–20 U/g cellulose), and substrate amount in reaction media (10–20%). At optimal conditions, 49.9 ± 0.5% of available cellulose in lignocellulosic leftover was converted into glucose.
Recycled Tire Fibers Used as Reinforcement for Recycled Polyethylene Composites
Authors: Kazemi Hossein , Fazli Ali , Ira Jean Philippe , Rodrigue Denis
Published: August 2023

This study proposes a simple approach to separate most rubber particles from recycled tire fibers (RTFs) and to determine their rubber content using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/calcination. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses are used to investigate the separation process and materials compositions. Afterwards, a series of composites based on recycled post-consumer low-density polyethylene (rLDPE) with clean fiber (CF) and residual ground rubber particles (GR) is prepared at different filler concentrations (0–30%) via extrusion compounding before using compression molding and injection molding for comparison. In all cases, injection molding leads to higher strength and modulus but lower elongation at break. The results show that incorporating 30 wt.% of CF into rLDPE yields a remarkable improvement in tensile strength (15%), tensile modulus (192%) and flexural modulus (142%). On the other hand, the incorporation of up to 30 wt.% of GR results in a reduction in both tensile strength and flexural modulus by 15%, confirming the critical role of the cleaning process for RTF in achieving the best results.
Addressing Phosphorus Waste in Open Flow Freshwater Fish Farms: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Nathanailides Cosmas , Kolygas Markos , Tsoumani Maria , Gouva Evangelia , Mavraganis Theodoros , Karayanni Hera
Published: August 2023

Legislation and interest exists to protect and restore freshwater and marine ecosystems from the environmental impact of aquaculture. However, aquaculture-induced eutrophication remains a major environmental concern. Water soluble phosphorus, uneaten feed, feces, and metabolic waste from farmed fish increase phosphorus concentrations in adjacent waters. In open freshwater fish farms, in particular, the effects can be more immediate, as excess phosphorus is introduced directly into ecosystems. Several intestinal enzymes, transporters, and regulating factors have been implicated in farmed fish dietary phosphorus retention. For example, alkaline phosphatase and other transporters aid in the absorption of phosphorus in the anterior intestine, while pH, calcium, and vitamin D influence these enzymes and transporters. This process may also be influenced by intestinal morphology and the gut microbiome. To reduce phosphorus pollution from open flow fish farms, a thorough understanding of the processes that affect nutrient retention and absorption, as well as the impact of dietary factors, anti-nutritional substances, and intestinal morphology, is required. Aquaculture can be made more sustainable by reducing phosphorus release. This can be achieved by optimizing feed composition, adding functional feed ingredients, managing gut health, and treating effluent aquaculture waters with bioremediation and absorbing materials. Anti-nutritional factors can be mitigated through processing and through the use of functional feed additives. Addressing these issues will reduce aquaculture’s environmental impact, ensuring aquatic ecosystem health and global food security. In addition, treating effluent aquaculture waters with bioremediation and absorbing materials can remove phosphorus from the water, preventing it from entering the environment. This can further reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture and help to ensure the sustainability of this sector.
The Impact of Fractal Dimension, Stress Tensors, and Earthquake Probabilities on Seismotectonic Characterisation in the Red Sea
Authors: Ali Sherif M. , Abdelrahman Kamal
Published: August 2023

The frequency–magnitude statistics of 6527 earthquakes with 1.0 ≤ ml ≤ 5.7 and focal depths between 0 and 49 km in the Red Sea region between 1980 and 2021 show that the threshold magnitude, above which most of the Red Sea earthquakes are precisely located, is 1.5. The b-value, which identifies regional stress situations and associated energy release modalities, has a value of 0.75, less than in historical data, and averages between 0.4 and 0.85 as it varies over time, indicating modest stress accumulation. We utilised these instrumental data to examine dynamic stress patterns in the Red Sea region, shedding light on the region’s geodynamics and providing a foundation for estimating the region’s seismic hazard. The computed fractal dimension (Dc) has a relatively high value of 2.3, which is significant for the Red Sea’s geological complexity and structural diversity. This result indicates the regular distribution of Red Sea earthquakes, which occur in clusters or along fault lines. The low b-value and comparatively high Dc were most likely due to major earthquakes in the past and the greater stress they caused. The focal mechanisms of the big earthquakes, predominantly normal solutions, are consistent with the movement and extensional regime. The pressure and tension (P-T) axes show a compression axis trending NW-SE and a tension axis trending NE-SW. According to the stress inversion results, the maximum principal stress (σ1) is oriented vertically, the minimum stress axis (σ3) is subhorizontal and strikes in the NE-SW direction, and the intermediate principal stress (σ2) is trending in the NE-SW direction. The variance in the region that characterises the homogeneity of stress directions within the range is 0.19. The stress ratio (R), which identifies the faulting type, is 0.76, suggesting a normal faulting pattern for the region. The hazard parameters are expressed by the probability of exceedance for 1-, 10-, 50-, and 100-year return periods. The highest probability that an earthquake will occur within a 50-year period is thought to be around 6.0. The largest observed catalogue and instrumental magnitudes in the area, 5.7 and 6.7, respectively, show average recurrence intervals of 36 and 142 years.
Lagrangian Particle Dispersion in a Poor Man’s Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence Model
Authors: Alberti Tommaso , Carbone Vincenzo
Published: August 2023

Lagrangian dispersion of fluid particle pairs refers to the study of how individual fluid particles disperse and move in a fluid flow, providing insights to understand transport phenomena in various environments, from laminar to turbulent conditions. Here, we explore this phenomenon in synthetic velocity and magnetic fields generated through a reduced-order model of the magnetohydrodynamic equations, which is able to mimic both a laminar and a turbulent environment. In the case of laminar conditions, we find that the average square distance between particle pairs increases linearly with time, implying a dispersion pattern similar to Brownian motion at all time steps. On the other hand, under turbulent conditions, surprisingly enough we observe a Richardson scaling, indicating a super-ballistic dispersion pattern, which aligns with the expected scaling properties for a turbulent environment. Additionally, our study reveals that the magnetic field plays an organizing role. Lastly, we explore a purely hydrodynamic case without magnetic field effects, showing that, even in a turbulent environment, the behavior remains Brownian-like, highlighting the crucial role of the magnetic field in generating the Richardson scaling observed in our model.
Sulfonated Hydrogel Formed via CO2-in-Water Emulsion: Potential in Antibiotic Removal
Authors: Xu Kaibo , Cao Liqin
Published: August 2023

Herein, a green, carbon dioxide-in-water high-internal-phase emulsion (C/W HIPEs) was developed and stabilized with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for the formation of chitosan oligosaccharide/poly(acrylamide-co-sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) [COS/P(AM-co-SSS)] monolithic porous hydrogel. The obtained monolith was characterized via FT-IR and SEM. The SEM patterns depicted that the monoliths were interconnected, the void sizes were 78.5 µm, and the interconnected pore throats were 28 μm approximately. Mechanical measurement results indicated that the maximum compress stress of the monolith could reach 334.4 kPa at 90% strain, and it exhibited good mechanical stability. After 200 cycles of compression, it could still recover its original shape without cracking. The obtained COS-based monolith was selected to remove tetracycline (TC) for evaluating the adsorptive features of the interpenetrating pore-containing monolith. The monolithic COS/P(AM-co-SSS) hydrogel behaved with strong antibiotic adsorption capacity (1600.4 mg/g for TC). The adsorption process agreed well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isothermal models. In addition, the porous monolith had a strong electrostatic force on TC according to the thermodynamic study. This work provides a green route for the development of novel monolithic hydrogels and highlights its potential application in the treatment of antibiotic-containing wastewater.
Demonstration of Parthenogenetic Reproduction in a Pet Ball Python (Python regius) through Analysis of Early-Stage Embryos
Authors: Di Ianni Francesco , Albarella Sara , Vetere Alessandro , Torcello Marco , Ablondi Michela , Pugliano Mariagiulia , Di Mauro Susanna , Parma Pietro , Ciotola Francesca
Published: August 2023

Parthenogenesis is an asexual form of reproduction, normally present in various animal and plant species, in which an embryo is generated from a single gamete. Currently, there are some species for which parthenogenesis is supposed but not confirmed, and the mechanisms that activate it are not well understood. A 10-year-old, wild-caught female ball python (Python regius) laid four eggs without any prior contact with a male. The eggs were not incubated and, after 3 days, were submitted to the University of Parma for analysis due to the suspicion of potential embryo presence. Examination of the egg content revealed residual blood vessels and a small red spot, indicative of an early-stage embryo. DNA was extracted from the three deceased embryos and from the mother’s blood, five microsatellites were analyzed to ascertain the origin of the embryos. The captive history data, together with the genetic microsatellite analysis approach, demonstrated the parthenogenetic origin of all three embryos. The embryos were homozygous for each of the maternal microsatellites, suggesting a terminal fusion automixis mode of development.
Diprosopus: A Rare Case of Craniofacial Duplication and a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Trevisani Viola , Balestri Eleonora , Napoli Manuela , Caraffi Stefano Giuseppe , Baroni Maria Chiara , Peluso Francesca , Colonna Anna , Iughetti Lorenzo , Gargano Giancarlo , Superti-Furga Andrea , Garavelli Livia
Published: August 2023

In 1990, Gorlin et al. described four types of craniofacial duplications: (1) single mouth with duplication of the maxillary arch; (2) supernumerary mouth laterally placed with rudimentary segments; (3) single mouth with replication of the mandibular segments; and (4) true facial duplication, namely diprosopus. We describe a newborn born with wide-spaced eyes, a very broad nose, and two separate mouths. Workup revealed the absence of the corpus callosum and the presence of a brain midline lipoma, wide sutures, and a Chiari I malformation with cerebellar herniation. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and compared all the cases described as diprosopus. In 96% of these, the central nervous system is affected, with anencephaly being the most commonly associated abnormality. Other associated anomalies include cardiac malformations (86%), cleft palate (63%), diaphragmatic hernia (13%), and disorder of sex development (DSD) (13%). Although the facial features are those that first strike the eye, the almost obligate presence of cerebral malformations suggests a disruptive event in the cephalic pole of the forming embryo. No major monogenic contribution has been recognized today for this type of malformation.
Geochemical Characteristics of the Volcanic Rocks Associated with Boron-Rich Deposits from the Xiongba Basin, Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Chen Wenxi , Liu Xifang , Zhao Yuanyi , Lin Yongjie
Published: August 2023

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) hosts significant lacustrine sedimentary boron-rich deposits, with the Xiongba Basin being a prominent region housing two large sedimentary boron-rich deposits. These deposits are closely associated with extensive Neogene volcanic rocks. This study investigates the origin and boron sources of Miocene volcanic rocks in the Xiangqu River area, located within the Xiongba Basin. The volcanic rocks in the basin comprise ultrapotassic andesites, ultrapotassic trachyte, potassic trachyte, and potassic trachyandeiste. The trace element content and the active/inert elements ratios of the studied volcanic rocks have indicated that they were generated in a subduction environment and were influenced by enrichment fluids derived from deep-sea sediments or altered oceanic crust during their formation. Accordingly, the studied volcanic rocks exhibit significant boron enrichment. The eruption of magma and subsequent hydrothermal activity released boron, which became the primary source for the lacustrine sedimentary boron-rich deposits within the basin. The arc-like trace element features (e.g., Nb-Ta depletion relative to La and K) and high B concentrations in these rocks were inherited from the mantle source, which had been enriched by melt/fluid of the subducted sediments. A two-stage evolutionary model is proposed to explain the enrichment of B in subduction environments, as well as the subsequent melting of the B-enriched source during a post-collisional setting. These findings highlight the potential for boron and lithium mineralization in similar volcanic rock-bearing regions across the QTP. Future exploration efforts in such areas could provide valuable insights into the formation processes of lacustrine sedimentary boron-rich deposits and contribute to the understanding of boron and lithium resource potential.
When Unstructured Big Text Corpus Meets Text Network Analysis: Social Reality Conceptualization and Visualization Graph of Big Interview Data of Heavy Drug Addicts of Skid Row
Authors: Feyissa Israel Fisseha , Zhang Nan
Published: August 2023

Relying on user-generated content narrating individual experiences and personalized contextualization of location-specific realities, this study introduced a novel methodological approach and analysis tool that can aid health informatics in understanding the social reality of people with a substance-use disorder in Skid Row, Los Angeles. The study also highlighted analysis possibilities for big unstructured interview text corpus using InfraNodus, a text network analysis tool. InfraNodus, which is a text graph analysis tool, identifies pathways for meaning circulation within unstructured interview data and has the potential to classify topical clusters and generate contextualized analysis results for big narrative textual datasets. Using InfraNodus, we analyzed a 1,103,528-word unstructured interview transcript from 315 interview sessions with people with a substance-use disorder, who narrated their respective social realities. Challenging the overgeneralization of onlookers, the conceptualization process identified topical clusters and pathways for meaning circulation within the narrative data, generating unbiased contextualized meaning for the collective social reality. Our endeavors in this research, along with our methodological setting and selection, might contribute to the methodological efforts of health informatics or the conceptualization and visualization needs of any big text corpus.
Long-Term Adoption or Abandonment of Smart Technology in the Chinese Elderly Home Care Environment: A Qualitative Research Study
Authors: Yu Jiahao , Huang Jianyuan , Yang Qi
Published: August 2023

China’s rapidly aging population and shortage of care resources have made it difficult for its traditional model to meet the home care needs of the elderly. On this premise, China is implementing home digital health interventions based on smart technology. During implementation, instead of the expected explosion in long-term adoption, there has been a large amount of abandonment. But so far, the relationship between service experience and these behaviors has been ignored. This study aims to explore the reasons for the long-term adoption or abandonment behaviors of technology by elders in the home care environment. A qualitative study was conducted based on Golant’s framework of smart technology adoption behaviors among elders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 elders who are long-term or former users of smart technology in a home care environment, and data from the interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. This study identified three themes that influence elders’ adoption behaviors of smart technology in the home care environment, including immediate effectiveness, long-term usability, and possible collateral damage. The findings indicated that the experience of the elders is the key point that affects long-term adoption behavior. For more elders to use smart technology in the home care environment, it is necessary for the government, technology developers, and nursing institutions to further reform the existing system.
Youth Dating Violence, Behavioral Sensitivity, and Emotional Intelligence: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Salguero-Alcañiz María Pilar , Merchán-Clavellino Ana , Alameda-Bailén Jose Ramón
Published: August 2023

Intimate partner violence is a multidimensional phenomenon encompassing psychological, physical, and sexual components. Violence in young couples is common in our society. This kind of violence is usually bidirectional, which adds to its complexity. This study aimed to explore how victimization (in three dimensions: non-abuse, technical mistreatment, and mistreatment) and perpetration (in two dimensions: non-perpetrator and perpetrator) are related to the BIS (Behavioral Inhibition System)/BAS (Behavioral Approach System), and it also evaluated if the dimensions of emotional intelligence (EI) (emotional attention, clarity, and regulation) mediate this relationship. Violence was evaluated in 272 young volunteer participants, as well as BIS/BAS behavioral sensitivity and perceived emotional intelligence. The correlations between these variables were analyzed, and a mediation analysis was also conducted. The results show that victimization (of the sexual and coercive type) was associated with less BAS activation, while victimization (of the sexual, humiliation, and detachment types) was associated with less BIS activity. All types of victimization were associated with less EI, specifically with less emotional clarity. Aggression (of the sexual, humiliation, detachment, and coercion types) was related to lower BAS and higher BIS sensitivity. Detachment aggression was associated with low emotional clarity. In conclusion, relationships between victimization and perpetration are evidenced in terms of BIS/BAS sensitivity and EI. Specifically, the dimension of EI emotional clarity acts as a mediator of BIS activation in victims of detachment.
Neuropsychology of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Clinical Setting: A Systematic Evaluation
Authors: Gkintoni Evgenia , Ortiz Paula Suárez
Published: August 2023

This research paper provides a systematic review of the neuropsychology of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), examining relevant articles’ methodologies and subject matter and highlighting key findings. It suggests potential cognitive deficits in GAD patients, such as subtle attention, executive function, and working memory deficiencies. It also discusses neural correlates of GAD, particularly the hyperactivity in the amygdala and insula, and the additional impact of comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders. The paper uses the PRISMA methodology and draws data from the PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed, and Elsevier databases. Although the reviewed research has contributed to understanding GAD’s cognitive and neural mechanisms, further research is required. Additionally, the paper mentions the clinical neuropsychology of GAD, including strategies and treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and medication. Lastly, the review identifies the limitations of the existing research and recommends future directions to enhance the understanding of GAD’s underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms. The neural underpinnings of GAD encompass heightened activity within the amygdala and insula, which are brain regions implicated in processing adverse emotional reactions. Co-occurring psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), can also impact neuropsychological functioning. Additional investigation is warranted to better understand the intricate interplay between GAD, cognitive performance, and underlying neural processes.
Activities of Clinical Expertise and Research in a Rare Disease Referral Centre: A Place for Telemedicine beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Ducrocq Quentin , Guédon-Moreau Laurence , Launay David , Terriou Louis , Morell-Dubois Sandrine , Maillard Hélène , Lefèvre Guillaume , Sobanski Vincent , Lambert Marc , Yelnik Cécile , Farhat Meryem-Maud , Garcia Fernandez Maria José , Hachulla Eric , Sanges Sébastien
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Rare disease referral centres are entrusted with missions of clinical expertise and research, two activities that have to contend with numerous obstacles. Providing specialist opinions is time-consuming, uncompensated and limited by difficulties in exchanging medical data. Clinical research is constrained by the need for frequent research protocol visits. Our objective was to determine whether telemedicine (TLM) can overcome these difficulties. Methods: To better characterise the activity of clinical expertise provided by our French centre, each opinion delivered by our team was reported on a standardised form. To investigate our clinical research activity, investigators and patients were asked to complete a questionnaire on the acceptability of research protocol teleconsultations. Results: Regarding clinical expertise, our team delivered 120 opinions per week (representing a total of 21 h), of which 29% were delivered to patients and 69% to medical practitioners. If these were delivered using TLM, it would represent a potential weekly income of EUR 500 (tele-expertise) and EUR 775 (teleconsultations). Regarding the research activity, 70% of investigators considered the frequency of visits to be a limiting factor for patient inclusions; nearly half of the patients surveyed would be in favour of having teleconsultations in place of (40%) or in addition to (56%) in-person visits. Conclusion: Whereas TLM has become widely used as a back-up procedure to in-person consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the solutions it provides to the problems encountered in performing expertise and research activities have made it a new conventional follow-up modality for patients with rare diseases.
Greenspace as Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and Essentialities in the Physical Environment
Authors: Lygum Victoria Linn , Dupret Katia , Bentsen Peter , Djernis Dorthe , Grangaard Sidse , Ladegaard Yun , Troije Charlotte Petersson
Published: August 2023

There is a scarcity of knowledge regarding the potential benefits of human–nature contact within the context of working life. Even more limited is the research that focuses on working outdoors and the setting in which it takes place. This study aimed to obtain insight into key aspects of the physical environment relevant for the experienced benefits and challenges of workers exploring office work outdoors. We conducted interviews with key informants as well as photo registration and mapping of the different green spaces in the environments of six small or medium-sized workplaces. The information gathered was used as background knowledge for exploratory qualitative interviews, which were conducted while walking in natural settings chosen by the interviewees. With a landscape architectural perspective and an inductive approach, we explored employees’ experiences of bringing office work outdoors. The following themes emerged: ‘Simplicity,’ ‘Safeness’, ‘Comfort’, and ‘Contact with Nature’ were experienced as key aspects in relation to the physical environment, whereas ‘Sociality’, ‘Well-being’, and ‘Functioning’ stood out as the main benefits and, ‘Digital dependency’ and ‘Illegitimacy’ as challenges to overcome. Based on the identification of potential benefits and their prerequisites, we propose implications for practice and research that can be useful when focusing on bringing office work outdoors.
Reply to Meule, A. Comment on “Calugi et al. The Role of Weight Suppression in Intensive Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: A Longitudinal Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 3221”
Authors: Calugi Simona , Dalle Grave Anna , Conti Maddalena , Dametti Laura , Chimini Mirko , Dalle Grave Riccardo
Published: August 2023

We read the comments by Meule on our article with great interest, and we thank the author for his thoughtful suggestions [...]
Geospatial XAI: A Review
Authors: Roussel Cédric , Böhm Klaus
Published: August 2023

Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) has the potential to open up black-box machine learning models. XAI can be used to optimize machine learning models, to search for scientific findings, or to improve the understandability of the AI system for the end users. Geospatial XAI refers to AI systems that apply XAI techniques to geospatial data. Geospatial data are associated with geographical locations or areas and can be displayed on maps. This paper provides an overview of the state-of-the-art in the field of geospatial XAI. A structured literature review is used to present and discuss the findings on the main objectives, the implemented machine learning models, and the used XAI techniques. The results show that research has focused either on using XAI in geospatial use cases to improve model quality or on scientific discovery. Geospatial XAI has been used less for improving understandability for end users. The used techniques to communicate the AI analysis results or AI findings to users show that there is still a gap between the used XAI technique and the appropriate visualization method in the case of geospatial data.
Multi-Type Features Embedded Deep Learning Framework for Residential Building Prediction
Authors: Zhao Yijiang , Tang Xiao , Liao Zhuhua , Liu Yizhi , Liu Min , Lin Jian
Published: August 2023

Building type prediction is a critical task for urban planning and population estimation. The growing availability of multi-source data presents rich semantic information for building type prediction. However, existing residential building prediction methods have problems with feature extraction and fusion from multi-type data and multi-level interactions between features. To overcome these limitations, we propose a deep learning approach that takes both the internal and external characteristics of buildings into consideration for residential building prediction. The internal features are the shape characteristics of buildings, and the external features include location features and semantic features. The location features include the proximity of the buildings to the nearest road and areas of interest (AOI), and the semantic features are mainly threefold: spatial co-location patterns of points of interest (POI), nighttime light, and land use information of the buildings. A deep learning model, DeepFM, with multi-type features embedded, was deployed to train and predict building types. Comparative and ablation experiments using OpenStreetMap and the nighttime light dataset were carried out. The results showed that our model had significantly higher classification performance compared with other models, and the F1 score of our model was 0.9444. It testified that the external semantic features of the building significantly enhanced the predicted performance. Moreover, our model showed good performance in the transfer learning between different regions. This research not only significantly enhances the accuracy of residential building identification but also offers valuable insights and ideas for related studies.
Measuring the Spatial Accessibility of Parks in Wuhan, China, Using a Comprehensive Multimodal 2SFCA Method
Authors: Mao Kainan , Li Jingzhong , Yan Haowen
Published: August 2023

The spatial accessibility of urban parks is an important indicator of the livability level of cities. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive multimodal two-step floating catchment area (CM2SFCA) method which integrates supply capacity, the selection probability of individuals, and variable catchment sizes into the traditional multimodel 2SFCA method. This method is used to measure park accessibility in Wuhan, China. The results show that the spatial distribution of park accessibility under the proposed method is variant. High accessibility areas are clustered near the Third Ring Road with strong supply capacity parks, and low accessibility areas are distributed in the western and southern regions. Compared with the single-model accessibility (bicycling, driving, and public transit) method, we found that the multimodal spatial accessibility, combining the characteristics of three single transportations, can provide a more realistic evaluation. We also explore the spatial relationship between park accessibility and population density by bivariate local Moran’s I statistic and find that the Low Ai-High Pi area is located in the center of the study area, and the Low Ai-Low Pi area is located at the edge of the study area, with a relatively discrete distribution of parks and weak supply capacity. These findings may provide some insights for urban planners to formulate effective policies and strategies to ease the spatial inequity of urban parks.
Toxic Effects and Mechanisms of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers
Authors: Xue Jinsong , Xiao Qingqing , Zhang Min , Li Dan , Wang Xiaofei
Published: August 2023

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of flame retardants used in plastics, textiles, polyurethane foam, and other materials. They contain two halogenated aromatic rings bonded by an ester bond and are classified according to the number and position of bromine atoms. Due to their widespread use, PBDEs have been detected in soil, air, water, dust, and animal tissues. Besides, PBDEs have been found in various tissues, including liver, kidney, adipose, brain, breast milk and plasma. The continued accumulation of PBDEs has raised concerns about their potential toxicity, including hepatotoxicity, kidney toxicity, gut toxicity, thyroid toxicity, embryotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. Previous studies have suggested that there may be various mechanisms contributing to PBDEs toxicity. The present study aimed to outline PBDEs’ toxic effects and mechanisms on different organ systems. Given PBDEs’ bioaccumulation and adverse impacts on human health and other living organisms, we summarize PBDEs’ effects and potential toxicity mechanisms and tend to broaden the horizons to facilitate the design of new prevention strategies for PBDEs-induced toxicity.