bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of cyclooxygenase‐II inhibitory saponins from fenugreek wastes: Insights from liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics, molecular networking, and molecular docking
Authors: Khalil Asmaa M. , Sabry Omar M. , El‐Askary Hesham I. , El Zalabani Soheir M. , Eltanany Basma M. , Pont Laura , Benavente Fernando , Elshewy Ahmed , Fayek Nesrin M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This research explores sustainable applications for waste generated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum), a plant with both nutritional and medicinal uses. The study specifically targets waste components as potential sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds.

Objectives

The focus is to conduct detailed metabolic profiling of fenugreek waste, assess its anti‐inflammatory properties by studying its cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory effect, and correlate this effect to the metabolite fingerprint.

Materials and Methods

Ethanolic extracts of fenugreek fruit pericarp and a combination of leaves and stems were subjected to untargeted metabolic profiling using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry integrated with online database searches and molecular networking as an effective dereplication strategy. The study also scrutinized the COX inhibitory capabilities of these extracts and saponin‐rich fractions prepared therefrom. Molecular docking was employed to investigate the specific interactions between the identified saponins and COX enzymes.

Results

The analysis led to the annotation of 81 metabolites, among which saponins were predominant. The saponin‐rich fraction of the fruit pericarp extract displayed the strongest COX‐II inhibitory activity in the in vitro inhibition assay (IC50 value of 81.64 ± 3.98 μg/mL). The molecular docking study supported the selectivity of the identified saponins towards COX‐II. The two major identified saponins, namely, proto‐yamogenin 3‐O‐[deoxyhexosyl (1 → 2)] [hexosyl (1 → 4)] hexoside 26‐O‐hexoside and trigofenoside A, were predicted to have the highest affinity to the COX‐II receptor site.

Conclusion

In the present study, we focused on the identification of COX‐II inhibitory saponins in fenugreek waste through an integrated approach. The findings offer valuable insights into potential anti‐inflammatory and cancer chemoprotective applications of fenugreek waste.
Examining student adherence within a cover‐copy‐compare intervention
Authors: Nelson Kaytlin A. , Eckert Tanya L.
Published: January 2024

Cover‐copy‐compare is a self‐management intervention strategy developed to improve students' academic performance, particularly in spelling. In academic intervention research, it is often assumed that students are completing the intervention as intended, yet this is seldom examined during intervention implementation or subsequent data analysis. The primary aim of this study was to retrospectively examine students' cover‐copy‐compare permanent products to assess their ability to adhere to the intervention and to examine whether intervention adherence influences intervention effectiveness. A secondary data analysis of 86 third‐grade students participating in two randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of cover‐copy‐compare on writing productivity was conducted. Results indicated that students' adherence to the cover‐copy‐compare intervention was high, and students' preintervention spelling performance and intervention adherence emerged as statistically significant predictors of students' postintervention spelling performance. Limitations of the study and implications for assessing students' intervention adherence are discussed.
Cadmium accumulation dynamics in the rice endosperm during grain filling revealed by autoradiography
Authors: Hirose Atsushi , Tanoi Keitaro , Nakanishi Tomoko M. , Kobayashi Natsuko I.
Published: January 2024

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the environmental pollutants contaminated in our food. Several previous reports showed that rice polishing cannot be efficient to reduce Cd content in white rice, implying the characteristic Cd distribution in rice grain. However, Cd distribution has not been fully elucidated so far. Herein, 109Cd radiotracer experiment was performed using the rice seedlings at various time points after flowering to obtain autoradiographs of the brown rice to visually understand the Cd transport and distribution during the grain‐filling process. It was shown that 109Cd accumulated in the outermost area of the brown rice, and also in the middle part of the starchy endosperm, resulting in the appearance of the double circle distribution pattern, which was not observed in the autoradiographs of 65Zn. The inner circle of 109Cd located around the center of the endosperm was developed particularly at around 8 and 10 days after flowering. After this period, 109Cd started to deposit at the outer part of the endosperm, which was also found in the autoradiograph of 14C‐sucrose. Considering the physiology of grain development, the contribution of water transport and protein synthesis in the endosperm on the characteristic Cd distribution pattern was hypothesized.
Identification of a rare [Gγ(Aγδβ)0] ‐thalassemia using tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Bellad Anikha , Rangiah Kannan , Sathe Gajanan , Dey Gourav , Appadorai Pragalatha Kumar , Lokanatha Hemalatha , Murthy Pradeep Rudra , Gowdra Aruna , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: January 2024

Thalassemias are a group of inherited monogenic disorders characterized by defects in the synthesis of one or more of the globin chain subunits of the hemoglobin tetramer. Delta‐beta (δβ‐) thalassemia has large deletions in the β globin gene cluster involving δ‐ and β‐globin genes, leading to absent or reduced synthesis of both δ‐ and β‐globin chains. Here, we used direct globin‐chain analysis using tandem mass spectrometry for the diagnosis of δβ‐thalassemia. Two cases from unrelated families were recruited for the study based on clinical and hematological evaluation. Peptides obtained after trypsin digestion of proteins extracted from red blood cell pellets from two affected individuals and their parents were analyzed using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Mass spectrometric analysis revealed a severe reduction in δ, β, and Aγ globin proteins with increased Gγ globin protein in the affected individuals. The diagnosis of Gγ(Aγδβ)0 ‐thalassemia in the homozygous state in the affected individuals and in the heterozygous state in the parents was made from our results. The diagnosis was confirmed at the genetic level using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Our findings demonstrate the utility of direct globin protein quantitation using LC‐MS/MS to quantify individual globin proteins reflecting changes in globin production. This approach can be utilized for accurate and timely diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies, including rare variants, where existing diagnostic methods provide inconclusive results.
Programming mechanical properties through encoded network topologies
Authors: Clarke Brandon R. , Tew Gregory N.
Published: January 2024

Polymer networks remain an essential class of soft materials. Despite their use in everyday materials, connecting the molecular structure of the network to its macroscopic properties remains an active area of research. Much current research is enabled by advances in modern polymer chemistry providing an unprecedented level of control over macromolecular structure. At the same time, renewed interest in self‐healing, dynamic, and/or adaptable materials continues to drive substantial interest in polymer network design. As part of a special issue focused on research performed in the Polymer Science and Engineering Department at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, this review highlights connections between macromolecular structure of networks and observed mechanical properties as investigated by the Tew research group.
Trends in emergency department visits for bronchiolitis, 1993–2019
Authors: Snow Kathleen D. , Mansbach Jonathan M. , Gao Jingya , Shanahan Kristen H. , Hasegawa Kohei , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Bronchiolitis is a leading indication for pediatric emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive review of national trends and epidemiology of ED visits for bronchiolitis from 1993 to 2019 in the United States.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) reporting of ED visits for bronchiolitis for children age <2 years from 1993 to 2019. Bronchiolitis cases were identified using billing codes assigned at discharge. The primary outcome was bronchiolitis ED visit rates, calculated using NHAMCS‐assigned patient visit weights. We then evaluated for temporal variation in patient characteristics, facility location, and hospitalizations among the bronchiolitis ED visits.

Results

There were an estimated 8 million ED visits for bronchiolitis for children <2 years between 1993 and 2019. Bronchiolitis ED visits rates ranged from 28 to 36 per 1000 ED visits from 1993 to 2010 and increased significantly to 65 per 1000 ED visits in the 2017–2019 time period (p < 0.001). There was no significant change over time in patient age, sex, race and ethnicity, insurance status, hospital type, or triage level upon ED presentation. Approximately half of bronchiolitis ED visits occurred in the winter months throughout the study period.

Conclusion

In this analysis of 27 years of national data, we identified a recent rise in ED visit rates for bronchiolitis, which have almost doubled from 2010 to 2019 following a period of relative stability between 1993 and 2010.
Longitudinal Coupling Synthesis in Superconducting Qubits
Authors: Chen Jie , Yan Wenchang , Zhao Jie , Tan Xinsheng , Yu Yang
Published: January 2024

Longitudinal coupling, which generates entanglement without energy exchange, has extensive applications in quantum computing and quantum simulation. However, achieving available direct and flexible longitudinal couplings between highly coherent superconducting qubits is challenging. In this study, a method is developed to achieve direct and flexible longitudinal couplings between superconducting qubits, including the direct longitudinal coupling between capacitively shunted flux qubits (C‐shunt flux qubits) and that between transmon qubits. Herein, first, a variant of the prototype C‐shunt flux qubit, the concentric C‐shunt flux qubit, is introduced. It is demonstrated that the large mutual inductance between concentric C‐shunt flux qubits produces a longitudinal coupling strength up to 21 MHz. It is also demonstrated that the method can be used to realize a strong longitudinal coupling between two transmon qubits. In the findings, it is demonstrated that it is possible to achieve a flexible and efficient direct longitudinal coupling between superconducting qubits, and open up new possibilities for the development of quantum gate operation methods as well as quantum simulation methods.
Going beyond probability of success: Opportunities for statisticians to influence quantitative decision‐making at the portfolio level
Authors: Wiklund Stig‐Johan , Thorn Katharine , Götte Heiko , Hacquoil Kimberley , Saint‐Hilary Gaëlle , Carlton Alex ,   the European Special Interest Group on Quantitative Decision‐Making
Published: January 2024

The pharmaceutical industry is plagued with long, costly development and high risk. Therefore, a company's effective management and optimisation of a portfolio of projects is critical for success. Project metrics such as the probability of success enable modelling of a company's pipeline accounting for the high uncertainty inherent within the industry. Making portfolio decisions inherently involves managing risk, and statisticians are ideally positioned to champion not only the derivation of metrics for individual projects, but also advocate decision‐making at a broader portfolio level. This article aims to examine the existing different portfolio decision‐making approaches and to suggest opportunities for statisticians to add value in terms of introducing probabilistic thinking, quantitative decision‐making, and increasingly advanced methodologies.
Optimal design of constant‐stress accelerated degradation tests based on the Wiener process with manufacturing batches heterogeneity and individual differences
Authors: Li Nianhuan , Gu Dongwei , Chen Bingkun , Li Weiliang , Zhao Xilu , Chen Pengfei
Published: January 2024

The use of Constant‐stress accelerated degradation tests (CSADT) modeling is an effective way to assess the reliability of products. However, when conducting reliability experiments, the data collected may come from various sources such as different manufacturing batches, equipment, and operators. This can result in reduced accuracy of the test evaluations. In this research paper, we propose optimal designs for the Wiener constant‐stress accelerated degradation model that take into account the heterogeneity of manufacturing batches and individual differences. Our goal is to minimize the variability of the mean time to failure (MTTF) while working within a specified budget, test time, and available test units. To achieve this, we utilize particle swarm optimization (PSO) to find the best solution based on a complex objective function. We also compare our model with others using degradation data from LEDs, showing that our model has a better goodness‐of‐fit. Finally, we present examples of optimal CSADT plans under different constraints and conduct sensitivity analysis.
Adsorption ability of Ga5N10 nanomaterial for removing metal ions contamination from drinking water by DFT
Authors: Mollaamin Fatemeh , Monajjemi Majid
Published: January 2024

The electronic, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties of alkali/alkaline earth metal ion‐adsorbed gallium nitride nanocage (Ga5N10_NC) have been investigated using density functional theory. The results denote that alkali/alkaline earth‐metal ion‐adsorbed Ga5N10_NC systems are stable compounds, with the most stable adsorption site being the center of the cage ring. The partial density of states (PDOS) can estimate a certain charge assembly between Li+, Na+, K+/ Be2+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Ga5N10_NC which indicate the complex dominant of metallic features as: Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Be2+ >> K+ > Na+ > Li+. For confirmation of magnetic‐alignment of Ga5N10_NC, monovalent (M+) and divalent (M2+) metal ions were added to the sample to measure the effects of metals on the magnetic‐alignment properties of Ga5N10_NC. Furthermore, the reported results of NMR spectroscopy have exhibited that both M+ and M2+ can be optimized to achieve optimal alignment of nanocage in the presence of an applied magnetic field; however, chemical shift anisotropy spans for Ca2+– and Mg2+–containing samples is due to Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions binding to Ga5N10_NC. Regarding IR spectroscopy, Li+@ Ga5N10_NC and Be2+@ Ga5N10_NC with more electronegativity appear the most fluctuations through adsorption process. Moreover, based on NQR analysis, Ca2+ has shown a different graph of electric potential during trapping in Ga5N10_NC compared to other metal cations. Based on the results of amounts in this research, the selectivity of metal ion adsorption by gallium nitride nanocage (ion sensor) has been approved as: K+>Na+> Li+ in alkali metals and Ca2+>Mg2+> Be2+ in alkaline earth metals.
Workspace and dexterity analysis of the hybrid mechanism master robot in Sinaflex robotic telesurgery system: An in vivo experiment
Authors: Aghanouri Mehrnaz , Moradi Hamid , Alibeik Hossein A. , Mirbagheri Alireza
Published: January 2024

Sinaflex robotic telesurgery system has been introduced recently to provide ergonomic postures for the surgeon along with dexterous workspace for robotic telesurgery. The robot is described, and the forward and inverse kinematics are derived and validated by an experiment. The robot and operational workspaces and their dexterity are investigated and compared using the data collected during a dog vasectomy robotic telesurgery by Sinaflex. According to the simulation results, the workspace of the end effector is as large as 914.56 × 105 mm3, which can completely cover the ergonomic human hand workspace. The dexterity of the robot for the total and operational workspace is 0.4557 and 0.6565, respectively. In terms of the workspace size and the amount of dexterity, Sinaflex master robot can be considered a good choice to fulfil the requirements of the surgeon side robot in robotic telesurgery systems.
Robust decomposed system control for an electro‐mechanical linear actuator mechanism under input constraints
Authors: Heydari Shahna Mehdi , Bahari Mohammad , Mattila Jouni
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to develop a robust decomposed system control (RDSC) strategy under input constraints for an electro‐mechanical linear actuator (EMLA) facing model uncertainty and external disturbances. At first, a state‐space model of a complex multi‐stage gearbox EMLA system, driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), is developed, and the non‐ideal characteristics of the ball screw are presented through the model. The result is a four‐order nonlinear strict‐feedback form (NSFF) system decomposed into three subsystems. As the paper's main result, a novel RDSC strategy with uniform exponential stability for controlling subsystem states is presented. This developed controller avoids the "explosion of complexity" problem associated with backstepping by treating the time derivative of the virtual control input as an uncertain system term. The proposed method, despite assuming load disturbances and input constraints with arbitrary bounds, offers a straightforward control approach for a broader range of applications. Further, the controller's performance is evaluated by simulating two distinct duty cycles, each representing different levels of demand on the actuator facing load disturbances near the rated motor performance.
Improved prescribed performance control for nonlinear systems with unknown control direction and input dead‐zone
Authors: Huang Zongsheng , Li Tieshan , Long Yue , Yang Hanqing , Chen C. L. Philip , Liang Hongjing
Published: January 2024

In view of the input dead‐zone, unknown control direction and difficulty in satisfying the prescribed performance that suffered in practical systems, an improved prescribed performance‐based adaptive control scheme is stressed for uncertain nonlinear systems in this paper. Firstly, by adopting a characteristic function, the input dead‐zone is linearized to a model with bounded perturbation. To settle the “computation complexity” issue, an adaptive controller is built via command filter design method, where the fuzzy logic systems are introduced to approximate the unknown nonlinearities. Meanwhile, the Nussbaum function is brought in controller design to counter the hardship of unknown control direction. Besides, the tracking error can be restricted in the prescribed boundary in finite time with the improved performance function. The presented control approach can not only ensure the finite‐time convergence property of tracking error and the boundedness of all signals in the closed‐loop system, but also easily implement in engineering. Finally, the simulation examples confirm the validity of the designed control scheme.
Disregard of aquatic shrews in the Environmental Impact Assessment reports regarding hydropower dams in the Nepal Himalayas
Authors: Dahal Sagar , Neupane Kaustuv Raj , Baral Bashu Dev , Poulton Simon
Published: January 2024

The rate of hydropower dam construction on rivers is increasing in emerging economies in South Asia, to achieve economic development goals. These large infrastructure projects are likely to have many negative consequences on freshwater species but have not yet received much consideration. Among freshwater small mammalian species, water shrews are seriously impacted by these large structures. This paper aims to determine if water shrews have been considered during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of these hydro dam project sites, as well as present the sightings of the water shrews from Nepalese rivers with hydropower potential. We reviewed 44 EIA reports of such projects in Nepal using a set of four criteria and 15 questions to analyze the methods of impact assessment for mammals and the reports on the presence of water shrews in each built area. The study found that the number of mammal species reported during the EIA varied from five to 55 species but no relationships between the hydropower structure's size and any water shrew species were considered in the studies. In almost all EIA reports, the term aquatic ecosystem was prioritized over the term aquatic small mammals, and the latter was not considered in the assessment. The major reason for not considering these species is probably due to the lack of robust methods to capture small mammals such as shrews, or due to survey methods focused only on terrestrial mammals. The Aquatic Animal Protection Act was fully reviewed and assured to be followed in a majority of the reports, yet the monitoring parameters and indicators were not available for aquatic small mammals. Ignoring the presence of these mammals while constructing hydropower plants is a serious threat to their persistence. We also reported the Himalayan water shrew in the Barun River and the elegant water shrew in the Upper Tamakoshi River of Nepal. Therefore, a better understanding of these species among hydropower developers, and all concerned agencies, is essential.
Biomarkers in Skin Autoimmunity—An Update on Localised Scleroderma
Authors: Hernández-Bustos Adrián , Bolos Begona , Astakhova Kira
Published: January 2024

Human autoimmune diseases are complex and highly diverse conditions that can be of localised or systemic nature. Understanding the basic biology of autoimmune diseases goes hand in hand with providing the clinics with valuable biomarkers for managing these diseases. The focus of this review is paid to localised scleroderma, an autoimmune disease affecting skin and subcutaneous tissue. Localised scleroderma has very few serological biomarkers for clinical analyses distinguishing it from main differentials, and yet noneffective prognostic biomarkers. With this regard, the review covers well-established and new biomarkers such as cell surface proteins, autoantibodies and cytokines. In recent few years, several new biomarkers have been suggested, many provided with modern genomic studies. This includes epigenetic regulation of DNA, RNA transcriptomics and regulatory RNA such as microRNA and long non-coding RNA. These findings can for the first time shed light on the genetic mechanisms behind the disease and contribute to improved diagnosis and treatment.
Photo‐Assisted Ferroelectric Domain Control for α‐In2Se3 Artificial Synapses Inspired by Spontaneous Internal Electric Fields
Authors: Kang Seok‐Ju , Jung Wonzee , Gwon Oh Hun , Kim Han Seul , Byun Hye Ryung , Kim Jong Yun , Jang Seo Gyun , Shin BeomKyu , Kwon Ojun , Cho Byungjin , Yim Kanghoon , Yu Young‐Jun
Published: January 2024

α‐In2Se3 semiconductor crystals realize artificial synapses by tuning in‐plane and out‐of‐plane ferroelectricity with diverse avenues of electrical and optical pulses. While the electrically induced ferroelectricity of α‐In2Se3 shows synaptic memory operation, the optically assisted synaptic plasticity in α‐In2Se3 has also been preferred for polarization flipping enhancement. Here, the synaptic memory behavior of α‐In2Se3 is demonstrated by applying electrical gate voltages under white light. As a result, the induced internal electric field is identified at a polarization flipped conductance channel in α‐In2Se3/hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) heterostructure ferroelectric field effect transistors (FeFETs) under white light and discuss the contribution of this built‐in electric field on synapse characterization. The biased dipoles in α‐In2Se3 toward potentiation polarization direction by an enhanced internal built‐in electric field under illumination of white light lead to improvement of linearity for long‐term depression curves with proper electric spikes. Consequently, upon applying appropriate electric spikes to α‐In2Se3/hBN FeFETs with illuminating white light, the recognition accuracy values significantly through the artificial learning simulation is elevated for discriminating hand‐written digit number images.
Humidity‐Induced Protein‐Based Artificial Synaptic Devices for Neuroprosthetic Applications
Authors: Sadhukhan Riya , Verma Shiv Prakash , Mondal Sovanlal , Das Abhirup , Banerjee Rajdeep , Mandal Ajoy , Banerjee Madhuchanda , Goswami Dipak K.
Published: January 2024

Neuroprosthetics and brain–machine interfaces are immensely beneficial for people with neurological disabilities, and the future generation of neural repair systems will utilize neuromorphic devices for the advantages of energy efficiency and real‐time performance abilities. Conventional synaptic devices are not compatible to work in such conditions. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the central part of the nervous system is composed of 99% water. Therefore, artificial synaptic devices, which are the fundamental component of neuromorphic devices, should resemble biological nerves while being biocompatible, and functional in high‐humidity environments with higher functional stability for real‐time applications in the human body. In this work, artificial synaptic devices are fabricated based on gelatin‐PEDOT: PSS composite as an active material to work more effectively in a highly humid environment (≈90% relative humidity). These devices successfully mimic various synaptic properties by the continuous variation of conductance, like, excitatory/inhibitory post‐synaptic current(EPSC/IPSC), paired‐pulse facilitation/depression(PPF/PPD), spike‐voltage dependent plasticity (SVDP), spike‐duration dependent plasticity (SDDP), and spike‐rate dependent plasticity (SRDP) in environments at a relative humidity levels of ≈90%.
Enhancing the Functionality of Immunoisolated Human SC‐βeta Cell Clusters through Prior Resizing
Authors: Bochenek Matthew A. , Walters Ben , Zhang Jingping , Fenton Owen S. , Facklam Amanda , Kroneková Zuzana , Pelach Michal , Engquist Elise N. , Leite Nayara C. , Morgart Alex , Lacík Igor , Langer Robert , Anderson Daniel G.
Published: January 2024

The transplantation of immunoisolated stem cell derived beta cell clusters (SC‐β) has the potential to restore physiological glycemic control in patients with type I diabetes. This strategy is attractive as it uses a renewable β‐cell source without the need for systemic immune suppression. SC‐β cells have been shown to reverse diabetes in immune compromised mice when transplanted as ≈300 µm diameter clusters into sites where they can become revascularized. However, immunoisolated SC‐β clusters are not directly revascularized and rely on slower diffusion of nutrients through a membrane. It is hypothesized that smaller SC‐β cell clusters (≈150 µm diameter), more similar to islets, will perform better within immunoisolation devices due to enhanced mass transport. To test this, SC‐β cells are resized into small clusters, encapsulated in alginate spheres, and coated with a biocompatible A10 polycation coating that resists fibrosis. After transplantation into diabetic immune competent C57BL/6 mice, the “resized” SC‐β cells plus the A10 biocompatible polycation coating induced long‐term euglycemia in the mice (6 months). After retrieval, the resized A10 SC‐β cells exhibited the least amount of fibrosis and enhanced markers of β‐cell maturation. The utilization of small SC‐β cell clusters within immunoprotection devices may improve clinical translation in the future.
Unveiling the Structural Origins of Dynamic Diversity in Pd‐Based Metallic Glasses
Authors: Xu Tianding , Wang Xiao‐Dong , Dufresne Eric M. , Beyer Kevin A. , An Pengfei , Ma Jingyuan , Wang Nan , Liu Suya , Cao Qing‐Ping , Ding Shao‐Qing , Zhang Dong‐Xian , Zheng Lei , Zhang Jing , Hu Tian‐Dou , Jiang Zheng , Huang Yuying , Jiang Jian‐Zhong
Published: January 2024

The β‐relaxation is one of the major dynamic behaviors in metallic glasses (MGs) and exhibits diverse features. Despite decades of efforts, the understanding of its structural origin and contribution to the overall dynamics of MG systems is still unclear. Here two palladium‐based Pd─Cu─P and Pd─Ni─P MGs are reported with distinct different β‐relaxation behaviors and reveal the structural origins for the difference using the advanced X‐ray photon correlation spectroscopy and absorption fine structure techniques together with the first‐principles calculations. The pronounced β‐relaxation and fast atomic dynamics in the Pd─Cu─P MG mainly come from the strong mobility of Cu atoms and their locally favored structures. In contrast, the motion of Ni atoms is constrained by P atoms in the Pd─Ni─P MG, leading to the weakened β‐relaxation peak and sluggish dynamics. The correlation of atomic dynamics with microscopic structures provides a way to understand the structural origins of different dynamic behaviors as well as the nature of aging in disordered materials.
All‐Scale Hierarchical Structuring, Optimized Carrier Concentration, and Band Manipulation Lead to Ultra‐High Thermoelectric Performance in Eco‐Friendly MnTe
Authors: Zulkifal Shahzada , Siddique Suniya , Wang Zhichao , Zhang Xuemei , Huang Xinqi , Xia Qinxuan , Zhang Qingtang , Li Song , Wang Peng , Li Di , Ying Pan , Zhang Yongsheng , Tang Guodong
Published: January 2024

MnTe emerges as an enormous potential for medium‐temperature thermoelectric applications due to its lead‐free nature, high content of Mn in the earth's crust, and superior mechanical properties. Here, it is demonstrate that multiple valence band convergence can be realized through Pb and Ag incorporations, producing large Seebeck coefficient. Furthermore, the carrier concentration can be obviously enhance by Pb and Ag codoping, contributing to significant enhancement of power factor. Moreover, microstructural characterizations reveal that PbTe nanorods can be introduced into MnTe matrix by alloying Pb. This can modify the microstructure into all‐scale hierarchical architectures (including PbTe nanorods, enhances point‐defect scattering, dense dislocations and stacking faults), strongly lowering lattice thermal conductivity to a record low value of 0.376 W m−1 K−1 in MnTe system. As a result, an ultra‐high ZT of 1.5 can be achieved in MnTe thermoelectric through all‐scale hierarchical structuring, optimized carrier concentration, and valence band convergence, outperforming most of MnTe‐based thermoelectric materials.
MieWC: Medical image encryption using wavelet transform and multiple chaotic maps
Authors: Demla Kunal , Anand Ashima
Published: January 2024

Recently, digital images have been widely used in several applications through advanced wearable devices and networks. Despite several benefits of digital images, such as easy distribution, storage, and reproduction, it is difficult to prevent the issue of identity theft, privacy leakage, and ownership conflicts. We present a wavelet‐based encryption technique, MieWC, to solve the above issues using multiple chaotic keys. This work uses multiple keys for the encryption process, which ensures high security and authenticity. Lorenz and logistic maps are used for chaotic key generation for diffusion and confusion processes. Further, the technique is tested for two different wavelet transforms, including integer wavelet transform (IWT) and discrete wavelet transform, with IWT giving better results. Hence, it is being used for further analysis. The proposed technique is easy to implement and provides high security with improved results. It has low time complexity and high key bit sensitivity. The result analysis further ensures resistance against crop attacks.
An intraprocedural bowel cleansing system for difficult‐to‐prepare patients—A multicenter prospective feasibility study
Authors: van Riswijk Milou L. M. , van Keulen Kelly E. , Neumann Helmut , Siersema Peter D.
Published: January 2024

Background

Adequate bowel preparation is a prerequisite for colonoscopy. However, up to 20% of colonoscopies remain inadequately prepared. Risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation often overlap with those of failed cecal intubation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of an intraprocedural bowel cleansing system (BCS) in patients with a history of inadequate bowel preparation.

Methods

Patients (n = 44) with a history of inadequate bowel preparation in the past 2 years were included. After a limited preparation with 300 mL split‐dose sodium picosulfate magnesium citrate, additional cleansing during colonoscopy was performed with the BCS. The primary outcome was adequate bowel preparation using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). Secondary outcomes included cecal intubation rate, procedure times, usability, and safety.

Results

Median BBPS increased from 1‐2‐2 (IQR 1–2) to 3‐3‐3 (IQR) (p < 0.0001), with 31.8% and 88.6% of patients adequately prepared before and after using the BCS, respectively (p < 0.0001). Cecal intubation rate was 88.6%. Reasons for incomplete colonoscopy were looping (n = 2), technical failure (n = 1), relative stricture (n = 1), and residual feces (n = 1). In patients with complete colonoscopy, the adequate cleansing rate was 97.5%. Median total procedure time was 26 min, of which 5.3 min were spent on cleaning. General ease of use was scored with a median of 4 out of 5, representing “as good as conventional colonoscopy”. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

Adequate bowel cleaning can be achieved with an intraprocedural BCS in patients with a history of inadequate bowel preparation, which may reduce repeat colonoscopies and clinical admissions for bowel preparation. However, since these patients more frequently have complicated anatomy (surgical scarring, diverticulosis, etc.), adequate patient selection is advised to avoid incomplete procedures.
Uniaxial ratcheting and ductile damage in structural steel with a stochastic spreading of experimental data
Authors: Shutov Alexey V. , Kaygorodtseva Anastasiya A. , Zakharchenko Kirill V. , Kapustin Vladimir I.
Published: January 2024

This paper provides new experimental data regarding inelastic strain accumulation in structural steel samples. The samples are subjected to stress‐controlled cyclic loading with positive mean stress within each cycle; the loading blocks are combined in a complex pattern to study the effect of load history. A large‐strain ratcheting model is constructed based on a material law with a nonlinear kinematic and isotropic hardening. A new rule of ductile damage accumulation is suggested and a class of models with hardening stagnation is introduced. We show that models which include the hardening stagnation describe the experimental data more accurately. Unfortunately, due to a large spread of mechanical properties from sample to sample, it is impossible to describe the entire set of experiments using a single set of parameters. To address this challenge, we have developed novel mathematical tools for parameter identification in the context of stochastic variations in mechanical properties. These tools include the concept of acollar of model responsesand the notion ofprotrusion. We propose an extended parameter identification problem that rethinks the standard error functional. We demonstrate that the extended identification problem effectively accounts for the large spread observed in experimental data when applied to the developed ratcheting model.
Case study: Visual barriers reduce pacing in captive tigers
Authors: Meulendijks Rick , Weimar Michou M. , Kappelhof Jeroen , Cunha Filipe C. R.
Published: January 2024

Captive large felines are prone to abnormal repetitive behaviors like pacing, which are associated with welfare issues. Visual contact without the opportunity to engage in appropriate behavior is known to increase pacing. To better understand the relationship between pacing and conspecific visual contact, we investigated this effect by conducting a barrier experiment on a male‐female pair of Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) in Rotterdam Zoo, the Netherlands. The tigers were exposed to four consecutive housing treatments: (i) housed in the same enclosure (baseline), (ii) housed in separate enclosures with visual contact, (iii) housed in separate enclosures without visual contact, and (iv) housed in the same enclosure after the separation. We used focal and scan sampling to measure pacing and recorded the number of visitors. Moreover, we applied scan sampling to measure activity. Overall, our results indicate that the tigers paced significantly more when housed in separate enclosures with conspecific visual contact. Moreover, our results suggest that limiting visual contact between neighboring tigers can mitigate pacing. Implementing these findings in tiger husbandry and enclosure design has the potential to improve animal welfare zoo populations of large felines.
Research of Standard System on Fuel Cell Systems for Vehicles
Authors: Mingrui Wang , Yunlong Fang , Liyao Xu , Minyu Zhao , Jie Chen
Published: January 2024

China attaches great importance to the development of hydrogen energy and fuel cell industry, and a series of industrial policies and relevant national departments have repeatedly mentioned the direction of industrial development. This paper comprehensively sorts out and analyzes the relevant domestic and foreign standards focusing on fuel cell system for vehicle use, suggest that the standard system construction of them should center on key components and performance indicators, and establishes a four-level system from performance indicators to components. On several key performance indicators that restrict the large-scale industrialization of fuel cell vehicles, the entire industry should strengthen research.
Study on Safety Risk of Railway Vehicle Hydrogen Refueling Station Based on T-S Fuzzy Fault Tree and Bayesian Network
Authors: Shi Lei , Gao Yang , Wang Jian , Sun Shijie , Chen Limei , Xiang Weiran
Published: January 2024

According to the requirements of operation safety in railway vehicle hydrogen refueling station, the risk factors affecting the operation safety were selected, the calculation formula of evaluation index was derived, and the Bayesian network model based on T-S fuzzy fault tree was constructed. The triangular membership function, the fuzzy subset of failure probability and the posterior probability formula were used to verify the availability of the safety risk assessment method.
The Cracks Effect Analysis on In-Plane Diffusivity in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Catalyst Layer by Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Yang Mingyang , Yan Song , Du Aimin , Xu Sichuan
Published: January 2024

Crack is always considered as a kind of defect on a catalyst layer in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), and its enhancement on mass transfer ability has always been ignored. In this work, the crack effect analysis on in-plane (IP) diffusivity on a catalyst layer is numerically evaluated by a D2Q9 lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The effects on some key parameters like crack length, width, quantity and shape are carried out. The IP concentration distribution of crack CL shows deviation from the theoretical value, and this is because of the tortuosity caused by the CL cracks. The crack shape has almost no effect on the IP effective diffusivity, and the crack length shows a little bit more influence than the crack width and quantity. The crack ratio of the CL is the dominant effect on the IP mass diffusivity enhancement, and the lower the CL porosity is, the higher this enhancement achieve.
Brief Review and Technical Insight of Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers Development
Authors: Song Wei , Zhu Zilong , Wan Zhong , Long Chan , Liu Tao
Published: January 2024

Countries worldwide are shifting to a hydrogen economy in response to stringent environmental regulations, and hydrogen transport between countries is expected to increase in the medium to long term. Although hydrogen is traded between countries in different forms such as ammonia, liquid hydrogen, and methanol, from the perspective of volume density and production/demand area without a separate process, the transportation of hydrogen in liquid form is the potential way for large-scale transportation of hydrogen in the future. This article aims to highlight the opportunities and challenges technical for the ocean-going liquid hydrogen carriers. An overview of development state-of-the-art and key technical challenges of liquid hydrogen carrier ships are summarized, including regulation, the cargo containment structure and insulation, boil off ratio (BOR) evaluation, boil-off gas (BOG) handling system and propulsion system. Finally, detailed technical route of the key technology required by future liquid hydrogen carrier is extrapolated, and securing a possible design through various technological alternatives.
Influence of Blade Geometry on Performance of Hydrogen Vortex Blower in Fuel Cell System
Authors: Li Hongshuai , Tan Lei , Zhao Huanxin
Published: January 2024

Hydrogen fuel cell has great potential in replacement of traditional fossil energy systems to decrease carbon dioxide emission. Vortex blower is a key device in the hydrogen recirculation system, which need to be studied deeply to improve the performance of the whole fuel cell. In this paper, the steady internal flow of a hydrogen vortex bower was numerical simulated, and the effect of blade number and blade flapping angle on the performance was studied. The simulation results were compared with experimental data, and the deviation of simulation in choking condition was observed. With the validated simulation method, the influence of blade number and flapping angle was studied. Higher blade number causes more friction, and less blade number leads to flow separation. The negative flapping angle also has the effect on depressing low-pressure region. This research illuminates the simulation method can be further applied to the aerodynamic study and structure optimization of vortex blower.
Relationship Between Stress Distribution and Current Density Distribution on Commercial Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Ji Weichen , Lin Rui
Published: January 2024

The current density of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs) is directly linked to their electrochemical reaction. Its distribution over the active area can give the local performance of the cells, which is significant for exploration of internal process and optimization of performance. In this paper, segmented cell technology is applied to investigate the current density distribution for a commercial PEMFC with different clamping strategies. The stress distribution and current density distribution as well as the overall performance of the cell are tested under the same operating conditions. The results show that a more uniform stress distribution can lead to a more uniform reaction current density distribution and the good uniformity of the stress distribution and current density distribution has a positive impact on the improvement of the cell overall performance. Thus, it is significant to improve the clamping strategy in order to improve the uniformity of the stress distribution and reaction current density distribution, which ultimately improves the cell overall performance.
Construction and Simulation of Digital Twin Model and Electrolyzer Wide Power Adaptation Model for Alkaline Electrolytic Water Hydrogen Production
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Yang Wenbo , Wang Liwei , Liang Tao , Liu Zicong
Published: January 2024

Combining the framework of digital twin and the working mechanism of electrolytic water hydrogen production, a digital twin model of alkaline electrolytic water hydrogen production is constructed, and the influence of electrolyzer cell voltage by temperature and pressure is analyzed according to the mathematical model of electrolytic water hydrogen production. In order to improve the adaptability of the electrolyzer of the hydrogen production system to the power fluctuation of renewable energy input, a wide power adaptation model with multiple electrolyzers sharing one set of gas-liquid handling device is proposed. The case study shows that by reasonably selecting the electrolyzer model of the hydrogen production system, the use of the wide power adaptation model can effectively adapt to the fluctuation of wind power and improve the adaptation capability of the electrolyzer to wide power fluctuations.
Design of Charging Station System for Underwater High Energy Density Oxyhydrogen Fuel Cell
Authors: Cai Zongju , Sun Xiran , Liu Yuming , Xu Chao
Published: January 2024

Based on the physical structure of the 20-foot container, this paper carries out the theoretical analysis of underwater charging station system about energy allocation of oxyhydrogen fuel cell and lithium batteries, and carries out the analysis of the equipment and components that have a great impact on the total weight of the charging station system, and summarizes the design principles to improve the energy density of the charging station system. The energy density of the underwater charging station is comprehensively improved in the aspects of technical design, material selection, structure and technology. The maximum structural configuration of hydrogen and oxygen gas storage vessel is carried out. The oxyhydrogen fuel cell and its auxiliary system realize the compact and lightweight design. The standard pressure chamber also achieves a lightweight design under the condition of 300m underwater pressure operation. The design and calculation results show that the charging station has high energy density, simple engineering implementation and can meet the requirements of underwater closed environment operation.
Study on the High-Performance Catalyst for Sulfuric Acid Decomposition in the IS Cycle
Authors: Zhang Peng , Chen Songzhe , Wang Laijun , Zhang Ping
Published: January 2024

The iodine-sulfur cycle coupled with a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor is a clean and efficient hydrogen production technology. The sulfuric acid decomposition reaction is the highest temperature process in the iodine-sulfur cycle, which requires 850 °C high temperature and catalyst to carry out at a high conversion rate. This study prepared a series of loaded sulfuric acid decomposition catalysts using anatase TiO2 and Ta2O5 as catalyst carriers and precious metal Pt as the active component. XRD, BET, and ICP-MS characterization of the catalysts demonstrated that the high calcination temperature could increase the crystallinity and content of the active components and decrease the specific surface area of the catalysts. The Pt/TiO2-850 catalyst showed good performance under different feed concentrations, reaction temperatures, and particle sizes. In addition, the scale-up production does not affect the Pt/TiO2-850 catalyst reaction performance. The Pt/TiO2-850 catalyst was tested in a bayonet-tube SiC reactor with a 100-h high throughput lifetime, which proved that the Pt/TiO2-850 catalyst has good stability.