bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Has China’s Pilot Policy of Farmland Management Right Mortgage Loan Promoted County Agricultural Economic Growth?
Authors: Deng Jinqian , Gu Yue , Zhang Na
Published: June 2024

Farmland mortgages are expected to drive county agricultural economic growth (CAEG) as a crucial component of furthering the reform of the rural land system and the reform of the rural financial system against the new backdrop of the new era. This study gathers panel data from 2045 Chinese counties from 2011 to 2020 and uses the difference-in-differences method and the synthetic control method to systematically examine the effects of China’s farmland management right mortgage loan (FMRML) pilot program on CAEG. The FMRML pilot program was implemented in 2016, and this research is presented as a quasi-natural experiment. The findings indicate that there is a “policy trap” and that CAEG has not been successfully promoted by the FMRML pilot program. The reason for this is because the pilot program has made county resource mismatch worse, making it unable to fully realize the promotional effect on CAEG, rather than significantly activating the three key drivers of agricultural economic growth: people, land, and money. The impact of the FMRML pilot policy on CAEG is not uniform, according to the results of the heterogeneity study, with a substantial “blocking” effect only in the central region and no significant influence in the western, northeastern, or eastern regions. The findings propose that in order to optimize agricultural mortgage policy and advance CAEG, China and other emerging nations can benefit greatly from the insights this study offers.
Effects of Environmentally Friendly Materials on Saline Soil Improvement and Sunflower Yields in the Hetao Irrigation Region, China
Authors: Wang Xiangping , Sun Yunpeng , Liu Yuxing , Li Xiaolin , Gao Qiancheng , Yang Jingsong , Xie Wenping , Yao Rongjiang
Published: June 2024

The Hetao irrigation region is located in Inner Mongolia, China, within a dry and semi-dry region. This region suffers from poor agricultural productivity and environmental damage due to the presence of saline soil. To explore the growth of salty lands using a more environmentally friendly method, this research employed three eco-conscious amendments to improve the soil. These include flue gas desulfurization gypsum (S), humic acid (H), and biochar (C). During a two-year study, the amendments were utilized to enhance the soil quality for planting sunflowers. Humic acid was used prior to every seedling season, whereas the remaining two substances were only used once. These additions increased the soil’s water-holding capacity, reduced soil salinity during sunflower growth, and improved the macroaggregate proportion. The most effective treatment for decreasing the soil’s salt content after the seedling stage was the application of humic acid (0.6 t ha−1). Biochar (15 t ha−1) decreased the soil’s bulk density (from 1.49 to 1.34 g cm−3) and mostly increased the sunflower seed yield up to 3133−3964 kg ha−1. Humic acid addition significantly increased the aggregate (>0.25 mm) content up to 27.88% after the experiment, but it led to a lower seed yield (2607−3686 kg ha−1). In 2019, the temperature was lower compared to 2018, which may have led to a reduction in the yield. However, these three amendments could potentially increase yields by more than conventional methods. These three environmentally friendly amendments are useful for improving saline soil and increasing yields. More studies are required to understand their impacts on larger areas and over extended periods.
Exploring the Potential Hepatoprotective Properties of Cactus (Cactaceae) in Liver Health and Disease Management: A Brief Review
Authors: Vieira Anne Caroline Alves , Ferreira Fabrícia de Souza , Araújo Januse Míllia Dantas de , Dutra Larissa Maria Gomes , Batista Kamila Sabino , Cordeiro Angela Maria Tribuzy de Magalhães , Aquino Jailane de Souza
Published: June 2024

Cacti are renowned for their resilience in arid environments and have been utilized as a valuable food source in various cultures for centuries. The potential effects of cactus (Cactaceae) consumption on liver health have garnered significant scientific interest in recent years. This review aimed to consolidate and analyze existing research findings regarding the relationship between cactus-derived compounds and their influence on liver function and health. Various cactus species, particularly Opuntia spp., are rich reservoirs of antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, and betalains. In vitro and in vivo studies with animal models have shown that bioactive constituents of cactus exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antifibrotic properties, which potentially mitigate liver damage induced by oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatotoxic agents. Understanding their mechanisms of action and conducting rigorous clinical studies with administration of cactus will ascertain their role in preventing and treating liver ailments, offering novel avenues in nutrition, hepatology, and natural medicine.
Performance Analysis of Automated Parcel Lockers in Urban Delivery: Combined Agent-Based–Monte Carlo Simulation Approach
Authors: Rosca Eugen , Rusca Florin , Rosca Mircea Augustin , Rusca Aura
Published: June 2024

Background: The habitat structure, the environmental impact, the market acceptance, the changes in consumers’ preferences, and the pandemic urged for innovative solutions in urban last-mile delivery. Parcel lockers are among the most preferred solutions by customers due to their home proximity, time availability, and cost efficiency. Methods: This paper introduces an agent-based model (ABM) and a Monte Carlo simulation program to analyze in detail the activity of parcel locker points. The ABM describes the behavior of the agents (customers, parcels, lockers, delivery agents). The simulation is realized using ARENA 12 software. Two scenarios are created based on the number of daily delivery shifts; for each scenario, 300 simulation experiments with various input data are conducted. Results: Three measures of performance (MOPs) are selected to assess the system activity: the number of daily delivered parcels, the delivery time of an order, and the daily delayed orders. The simulation outputs reveal significant predictors of MOPs and disclose moments when actions need to be taken to increase system capacity or change customer behavior. Conclusions: The versatility of the simulation model in terms of input variables makes it a useful decision support tool for planning by highlighting quantitative assessments, organizing delivery activity, along with influences due to customer behavior changes.
Viscoelastic Properties of Biscuit Doughs with Different Lipidic Profiles Fortified with a Casein Hydrolysate
Authors: Troncoso Ricardo , Torrado Ana , Pérez-Guerra Nelson , Tovar Clara A.
Published: June 2024

The effects of using a hard (artisanal) margarine (which has a higher lipidic and lower aqueous contents) and using a soft (commercial) margarine (which has a lower lipidic and higher aqueous contents), along with a casein hydrolysate, on the rheological properties of different biscuit short doughs were examined. The characteristic parameters in the linear viscoelastic range (LVER) were analysed by stress sweep at 6.3 rad/s and 25 °C. The two margarines showed similar values of strain amplitude (γmax), but the hard margarine exhibited a significantly higher firmness in the LVER, as expected. An analogous result was found for the biscuit doughs made with hard margarine and soft margarine. The addition of a casein hydrolysate (CH) to both biscuit doughs produced an increase in the loss factor, indicating a loss of the solid-like character in the dough networks. Nevertheless, a different trend in the consistency of the dough, which depended on the type of margarine, was found. While, after adding CH, the dough made with soft margarine showed a significant reduction in rigidity, the dough with hard margarine exhibited an increased firmness upon CH addition. Yield stress tests showed that CH facilitates the transition from elastic to plastic deformation at the yield point more intensely in the dough with soft margarine.
Fractional Neutral Integro-Differential Equations with Nonlocal Initial Conditions
Authors: Yuan Zhiyuan , Wang Luyao , He Wenchang , Cai Ning , Mu Jia
Published: June 2024

We primarily investigate the existence of solutions for fractional neutral integro-differential equations with nonlocal initial conditions, which are crucial for understanding natural phenomena. Taking into account factors such as neutral type, fractional-order integrals, and fractional-order derivatives, we employ probability density functions, Laplace transforms, and resolvent operators to formulate a well-defined concept of a mild solution for the specified equation. Following this, by using fixed-point theorems, we establish the existence of mild solutions under more relaxed conditions.
Bi-Squashing S2,2-Designs into (K4 − e)-Designs
Authors: Lo Faro Giovanni , Tripodi Antoinette
Published: June 2024

A double-star Sq1,q2 is the graph consisting of the union of two stars, K1,q1 and K1,q2, together with an edge joining their centers. The spectrum for Sq1,q2-designs, i.e., the set of all the n∈N such that an Sq1,q2-design of the order n exists, is well-known when q1=q2=2. In this article, S2,2-designs satisfying additional properties are investigated. We determine the spectrum for S2,2-designs that can be transformed into (K4−e)-designs by a double squash (bi-squash) passing through middle designs whose blocks are copies of a bull (the graph consisting of a triangle and two pendant edges). Here, the use of the difference method enables obtaining cyclic decompositions and determining the spectrum for cyclic S2,2-designs that can be purely bi-squashed into cyclic (K4−e)-designs (the middle bull designs are also cyclic).
DFNet: Decoupled Fusion Network for Dialectal Speech Recognition
Authors: Zhu Qianqiao , Gao Lu , Qin Ling
Published: June 2024

Deep learning is often inadequate for achieving effective dialect recognition in situations where data are limited and model training is complex. Differences between Mandarin and dialects, such as the varied pronunciation variants and distinct linguistic features of dialects, often result in a significant decline in recognition performance. In addition, existing work often overlooks the similarities between Mandarin and its dialects and fails to leverage these connections to enhance recognition accuracy. To address these challenges, we propose the Decoupled Fusion Network (DFNet). This network extracts acoustic private and shared features of different languages through feature decoupling, which enhances adaptation to the uniqueness and similarity of these two speech patterns. In addition, we designed a heterogeneous information-weighted fusion module to effectively combine the decoupled Mandarin and dialect features. This strategy leverages the similarity between Mandarin and its dialects, enabling the sharing of multilingual information, and notably enhance the model’s recognition capabilities on low-resource dialect data. An evaluation of our method on the Henan and Guangdong datasets shows that the DFNet performance has improved by 2.64% and 2.68%, respectively. Additionally, a significant number of ablation comparison experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Three-Dimensional Bowing Measurement of Distal Femur at Actual Size and Clinical Implications of Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Jung Gu-Hee , An Young-Jue , Kang Dong-Geun
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: To assess femoral shaft bowing (FSB) in coronal and sagittal planes and introduce the clinical implications of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by analyzing a three-dimensional (3D) model with virtual implantation of the femoral component. Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight patients (average age: 69.1 years) underwent 3D model reconstruction of medullary canals using computed tomography (CT) data imported into Mimics® software (version 21.0). A mechanical axis (MA) line was drawn from the midportion of the femoral head to the center of the intercondylar notch. Proximal/distal straight centerlines (length, 60 mm; diameter, 1 mm) were placed in the medullary canal’s center. Acute angles between these centerlines were measured to assess lateral and anterior bowing. The acute angle between the distal centerline and MA line was measured for distal coronal and sagittal alignment in both anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views. The diameter of curve (DOC) along the posterior border of the medulla was measured. Results: The mean lateral bowing in the AP view was 3.71°, and the mean anterior bowing in the lateral view was 11.82°. The average DOC of the medullary canal was 1501.68 mm. The average distal coronal alignment of all femurs was 6.40°, while the distal sagittal alignment was 2.66°. Overall, 22 femurs had coronal bowing, 42 had sagittal bowing, and 15 had both. Conclusions: In Asian populations, FSB can occur in coronal, sagittal, or both planes. Increased anterolateral FSB may lead to cortical abutment in the sagittal plane, despite limited space in the coronal plane. During TKA, distal coronal alignment guides the distal femoral valgus cut angle, whereas distal sagittal alignment aids in predicting femoral component positioning to avoid anterior notching. However, osteotomies along the anterior cortical bone intended to prevent notching may result in outliers due to differences between the distal sagittal alignment and the distal anterior cortical axis.
Deep Learning in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Borrelli Enrico , Serafino Sonia , Ricardi Federico , Coletto Andrea , Neri Giovanni , Olivieri Chiara , Ulla Lorena , Foti Claudio , Marolo Paola , Toro Mario Damiano , Bandello Francesco , Reibaldi Michele
Published: June 2024

Background and objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex and multifactorial condition that can lead to permanent vision loss once it progresses to the neovascular exudative stage. This review aims to summarize the use of deep learning in neovascular AMD. Materials and Methods: Pubmed search. Results: Deep learning has demonstrated effectiveness in analyzing structural OCT images in patients with neovascular AMD. This review outlines the role of deep learning in identifying and measuring biomarkers linked to an elevated risk of transitioning to the neovascular form of AMD. Additionally, deep learning techniques can quantify critical OCT features associated with neovascular AMD, which have prognostic implications for these patients. Incorporating deep learning into the assessment of neovascular AMD eyes holds promise for enhancing clinical management strategies for affected individuals. Conclusion: Several studies have demonstrated effectiveness of deep learning in assessing neovascular AMD patients and this has a promising role in the assessment of these patients.
Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus Reduces Workloads in Labor Analgesia: A Single Center’s Experience
Authors: Ou Chia-Hung , Chen Wei-Ting
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: Labor epidural analgesia can be maintained through programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), continuous epidural infusion (CEI), or patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA). Our department changed from CEI+PCEA to PIEB+PCEA as the maintenance method. The higher hourly dose setting in the current regimen brought to our concern that side effects would increase with proportional staff workloads. This study aimed to investigate the validity of our proposal that PIEB+PCEA may function as a feasible tool in reducing the amount of work in the obstetrics anesthesia units. Materials and methods: This 2-year retrospective review included parturients with vaginal deliveries under epidural analgesia. We compared the staff burden before and after the switch from CEI (6 mL/h, PCEA 6 mL lockout 15 min, group A) to PIEB (8 mL/h, PCEA 8 mL lockout 10 min, group B). The primary outcome was the difference of proportion of parturients requiring unscheduled visits between groups. Side effects and labor and neonatal outcomes were compared. Results: Of the 694 parturients analyzed, the proportion of those requiring unscheduled visits were significantly reduced in group B (20.8% vs. 27.7%, chi-square test, p = 0.033). The multivariate logistic regression showed that PIEB was associated with fewer unscheduled visits than CEI (OR = 0.53, 95% CI [0.36–0.80], p < 0.01). Group B exhibited a significantly lower incidence of asymmetric blockade, as well as motor blockade. In nulliparous subjects, obstetric anal sphincter injury occurred less frequently when PIEB+PCEA was used. Significantly more multiparous women experienced vacuum extraction delivery in group B than in group A, and they had a longer second stage of labor. Conclusions: The PIEB+PCEA protocol in our study reduced workloads in labor epidural analgesia as compared to CEI+PCEA, despite that a higher dose of analgesics was administered. Future studies are warranted to investigate the effect of manipulating the PIEB settings on the labor outcomes.
Feasibility and Safety of Uniportal Thoracoscopic Segmentectomy Using a Unidirectional Dissection Approach without Dissecting a Fissure
Authors: Igai Hitoshi , Kamiyoshihara Mitsuhiro , Numajiri Kazuki , Ohsawa Fumi , Nii Kazuhito
Published: June 2024

Background: Few original articles describe the perioperative outcomes of uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy using a unidirectional dissection approach. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of this procedure. Methods: This study included 119 patients who underwent uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy in our department between February 2019 and December 2022. The patients were divided into unidirectional (group U, n = 28) and conventional (group C, n = 91) dissection approach groups. While the dominant pulmonary vessels and bronchi were transected at the hilum without dissecting a fissure in the unidirectional (U) group, the dominant pulmonary artery was exposed and divided at a fissure in the conventional (C) group. Patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared between groups U and C. Results: The proportions of simple and complex segmentectomies were statistically similar between the groups. The operating time was shorter (group U: 110 [interqurtile range: 90–140] min, group C: 135 [interqurtile range: 105–166] min, p = 0.012) and there was less blood loss (group U: 0 [interqurtile range: 0–0] g, group C: 0 [interqurtile range: 0–50] g, p = 0.003) in group U than in group C. However, there were no significant intergroup differences in other perioperative outcomes. Conclusions: The unidirectional dissection approach in uniportal thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy is safe and feasible and enables a smoother operation.
Minimum Cost Pathfinding Algorithm for the Determination of Optimal Paths under Airflow Constraints
Authors: Brown Requist Kate , Momayez Moe
Published: June 2024

Pathfinding algorithms allow for the numerical determination of optimal paths of travel across many applications. These algorithms remain poorly defined for additional consideration of outside parameters, such as fluid flow, while considering contaminant transport problems. We have developed a pathfinding algorithm based on the A* search algorithm which considers the effect of fluid flow behaviors in two dimensions. This search algorithm returns the optimal path between two points in a setting containing impermeable boundaries, allowing for a computational approach to the determination of the most likely path of travel for contaminants or hazards of concern due to fluid flow. This modified A* search algorithm has applications in the statistical modeling of airborne contamination distributions, providing a relative estimate of the statistical relationship between two points in an underground mine’s ventilation system. This method provides a significant improvement to the spatial resolution of minimum-cost path methods currently in use in mine ventilation network software.
Selective Oxidative Cleavage of Benzyl C–N Bond under Metal-Free Electrochemical Conditions
Authors: Huang Jiawei , Li Xiaoman , Liu Ping , Wei Yu , Liu Shuai , Ma Xiaowei
Published: June 2024

With the growing significance of green chemistry in organic synthesis, electrochemical oxidation has seen rapid development. Compounds undergo oxidation–reduction reactions through electron transfer at the electrode surface. This article proposes the use of electrochemical methods to achieve cleavage of the benzyl C–N bond. This method selectively oxidatively cleaves the C–N bond without the need for metal catalysts or external oxidants. Additionally, primary, secondary, and tertiary amines exhibit good adaptability under these conditions, utilizing water as the sole source of oxygen.
Breakthrough in High-Efficiency Photocatalytic Degradation of Acebutolol by Advanced Binary CeO2–MnO2 Oxide System
Authors: Arunpandian Muthuraj , Oh Tae Hwan , Sriram Ganesan
Published: June 2024

The sustainable catalytic efficacy of transition metal oxides (TMO) and rare earth element-based oxides positions them as pivotal materials for effectively treating contaminated wastewater. This study successfully synthesized a series of Ce@MnO2 photocatalysts using a straightforward hydrothermal method. These photocatalysts were thoroughly characterized for their optical properties, structural morphology, and phase purity. Among the synthesized materials, the Ce@MnO2 (40:60) exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Acebutolol (ACB), achieving a remarkable degradation efficiency of 92.71% within 90 min under visible light irradiation. This superior performance is attributed to the increased presence of active species and the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. Additionally, the photocatalytic reaction mechanism was elucidated, highlighting the catalyst’s surface charge properties which significantly enhanced performance in a solution with pH 8. The outstanding photo-response in the visible spectrum renders this method not only cost-effective but also environmentally benign, presenting a promising approach for large-scale water purification.
Fluconazole Analogs and Derivatives: An Overview of Synthesis, Chemical Transformations, and Biological Activity
Authors: Janowski Michał , Demchuk Oleg M. , Wujec Monika
Published: June 2024

Fluconazole (2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,3-bis(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propan-2-ol), which was patented in 1981 and introduced for commercial use in 1988, is a widely utilized antifungal drug whose mechanism of action involves inhibition of the activity of 14-α lanosterol demethylase. Its safety and effectiveness have established it as one of the most frequently employed antifungal agents. Resistance to azole antifungal drugs is becoming more common. It may be related to a mutation of the gene encoding the enzyme. To address this issue, molecules with modifications in three main regions of fluconazole, namely the hydroxyl group, the aromatic ring, and the 1,2,4-triazole rings, have been synthesized in an attempt to create more potent antifungal drugs. These modifications aim at enhancing the effectiveness against microorganisms and improving pharmacokinetic parameters and safety profiles of the synthesized compounds. The present review explores the synthesis of fluconazole derivatives, accompanied by insights into the results of biological studies evaluating the therapeutic effects of these compounds.
A ng/L Level LC-MS Method Using Membrane SPE as Sampling Technology: Determination of Nine Halobenzoquinones in Potable Water
Authors: Huang Qin , Zhou Hua , Wu Xianglun , Jiang Jiaqi , Zhan Bingdong , Wu Pinggu
Published: June 2024

A promising method was established for the determination of nine halobenzoquinones (HBQs) in potable water by membrane solid-phase extraction (MSPE) pretreatment and the liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method. A 500 mL water sample was taken for enrichment by the SDB-RPS membrane, which was previously activated by methanol and ultrapure water. The sample was eluted with methanol and re-dissolved with the initial mobile phase after nitrogen blowing. Then, it was detected in negative ion mode using the working curve, and HBQs were quantified by the external standard method. The linearity was satisfactory in the concentration range of 4-1000 ng/L, with correlation coefficients of 0.9963~0.9994. The recoveries were 73.5~126.6% at three spiked levels, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 6.8~15.5%. The limits of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) values were 0.1~0.7 ng/L. The results demonstrate that the MSPE-LC-MS method is reliable, rapid, and sensitive for the simultaneous analysis of nine HBPs in potable water.
The Influence of Basicity/Acidity of Lanthanum Systems on the Activity and Selectivity of the Transesterification Process
Authors: Dendek Daria , Zakrzewski Mateusz , Ciesielski Radosław , Kedziora Adam , Maniukiewicz Waldemar , Szynkowska-Jóźwik Małgorzata , Maniecki Tomasz
Published: June 2024

The impact of heterogeneous catalytic systems, which are based on rare earth metals, on the properties of biodiesel produced via the transesterification process in a stationary reactor (autoclave) was thoroughly investigated. The physicochemical attributes, including the specific surface area, were analyzed employing the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. The basicity and acidity levels of the catalytic systems were evaluated through temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia and carbon dioxide (TPD-NH3, TPD-CO2), respectively. Furthermore, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis facilitated the assessment of triglyceride conversion and the determination of methyl ester (FAME) selectivity within these processes. Our findings indicate that catalytic systems augmented with lanthanum showcased superior performance. A significant correlation was discerned between the conversion and selectivity to methyl esters and both the specific surface area and the acidity and basicity properties of the catalytic systems under study. These results underscore the crucial role that the physicochemical characteristics of catalytic systems play in optimizing the transesterification process, thereby enhancing the quality of the produced biodiesel. This study contributes valuable insights into the development of more efficient and effective biodiesel production methodologies, highlighting the potential of rare earth metal-based catalysts in renewable energy technologies.
The Influence of Temperature on the Photoelectric Properties of GeSe Nanowires
Authors: Liu Qiaoping , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Fuchun , Yang Yanning
Published: June 2024

Using physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology, GeSe nanowires were successfully fabricated by heating GeSe powder at temperatures of 500 °C, 530 °C, 560 °C, 590 °C, and 620 °C. The microstructure, crystal morphology, and chemical composition of the resulting materials were thoroughly analyzed employing methods like Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), plus Raman Spectroscopy. Through a series of photoelectric performance tests, it was discovered that the GeSe nanowires prepared at 560 °C exhibited superior properties. These nanowires not only possessed high crystalline quality but also featured uniform diameters, demonstrating excellent consistency. Under illumination at 780 nm, the GeSe nanowires prepared at this temperature showed higher dark current, photocurrent, and photoresponsivity compared to samples prepared at other temperatures. These results indicate that GeSe nanomaterials hold substantial potential in the field of photodetection. Particularly in the visible light spectrum, GeSe nanomaterials exhibit outstanding light absorption capabilities and photoresponse.
Synergistic Effect of Aluminum Nitride and Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Silicon Rubber Nanocomposites
Authors: Gao Jie , Xiong Houhua , Han Xiaobing , An Fei , Chen Tao
Published: June 2024

Constructing a synergistic effect with different structural fillers is an important strategy for improving the comprehensive properties of polymeric composites. To improve the comprehensive properties of two-component additive liquid silicon rubber (SR) materials used in electronics packaging, the synergistic effect of granular aluminum nitride (AlN) and tubular carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced SR nanocomposites was investigated. AlN/CNT/SR composites with different AlN/CNT ratios were fabricated with two-component additive liquid SR via the thermal curing technique, and the influence of AlN/CNT hybrid fillers on the hardness, strength, elongation at break, surface resistivity, thermal conductivity, and thermal decomposition was investigated in detail. With the incorporation of AlN/CNT hybrid fillers, the comprehensive properties of the obtained AlN/CNT/SR composites are better than those of the AlN/SR and CNT/SR composites. The synergistic thermal conductive mechanism of AlN/CNT hybrid fillers was proposed and demonstrated with the fractural surface morphology of the obtained composites. The obtained AlN/CNT/SR composites show promising applications in electronic packaging, where necessary mechanical strength, electrical insulating, thermal conductivity, and thermal stable materials are needed.
Development of Plasmonic Attapulgite/Co(Ti)Ox Nanocomposite Using Spent Batteries toward Photothermal Reduction of CO2
Authors: Zuo Shixiang , Qin Shan , Xue Bing , Xu Rong , Shi Huiting , Lu Xiaowang , Yao Chao , Gui Haoguan , Li Xiazhang
Published: June 2024

The rapid development of the battery industry has brought about a large amount of waste battery pollution. How to realize the high-value utilization of waste batteries is an urgent problem to be solved. Herein, cobalt and titanium compounds (LTCO) were firstly recovered from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using the carbon thermal reduction approach, and plasmonic attapulgite/Co(Ti)Ox (H-ATP/Co(Ti)Ox) nanocomposites were prepared by the microwave hydrothermal technique. H-ATP had a large specific surface area and enough active sites to capture CO2 molecules. The biochar not only reduced the spinel phase of waste LIBs into metal oxides including Co3O4 and TiO2 but also increased the separation and transmission of the carriers, thereby accelerating the adsorption and reduction of CO2. In addition, H-ATP/Co(Ti)Ox exhibited a localized surface plasmon resonance effect (LSPR) in the visible to near-infrared region and released high-energy hot electrons, enhancing the surface temperature of the catalyst and further improving the catalytic reduction of CO2 with a high CO yield of 14.7 μmol·g−1·h−1. The current work demonstrates the potential for CO2 reduction by taking advantage of natural mineral and spent batteries.
Synthesis of a New Class of β-Carbonyl Selenides Functionalized with Ester Groups with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties—Part II
Authors: Laskowska Anna , Pacuła-Miszewska Agata J. , Obieziurska-Fabisiak Magdalena , Jastrzębska Aneta , Długosz-Pokorska Angelika , Gach-Janczak Katarzyna , Ścianowski Jacek
Published: June 2024

A series of phenyl β-carbonyl selenides with o-ester functionality substituted on the oxygen atom with chiral and achiral alkyl groups was synthesized. All compounds are the first examples of this type of organoselenium derivatives with an ester substituent in the ortho position. The obtained derivatives were tested as antioxidants and anticancer agents to see the influence of an ester functionality on the bioactivity of β-carbonyl selenides by replacing the o-amide group with an o-ester group. The best results as an antioxidant agent were observed for O-((1R,2S,5R)-(−)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl)-2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzoate. The most cytotoxic derivative against breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines was O-(methyl)-2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzoate and against human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 was O-(2-pentyl)-2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzoate.
Spermacoce alata Aubl. Essential Oil: Chemical Composition, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, and Inhibitory Effects of Acetylcholinesterase, α-Glucosidase and β-Lactamase
Authors: Zhu Xinyu , Zhu Jiadong , Xu Ziyue , Liu Xu
Published: June 2024

Spermacoce alata Aubl. is widely available in the market as traditional Chinese medicine and animal feed, due to its properties of clearing heat and treating malaria and its high-protein and crude fiber content. In this study, the essential oil of S. alata was obtained through hydrodistillation. GC–MS and GC–FID methods were used to identify the chemical components and their relative abundance. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity was measured using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, and the inhibitory effects of acetylcholinesterase, α-glucosidase, and β-lactamase were also evaluated. A total of 67 compounds were identified, with the major constituents being palmitic acid (30.74%), linoleic acid (16.13%), and phenylheptatriyne (8.07%). The essential oil exhibited moderate antioxidant activity against DPPH (IC50 > 10 mg/mL), while the IC50 value for the ABTS assay was 3.84 ± 2.12 mg/mL and the FRAP assay value was 87.22 ± 12.22 µM/g. Additionally, the essential oil showed moderate anti-acetylcholinesterase activity (IC50 = 286.0 ± 79.04 μg/mL), significant anti-α-glucosidase activity (IC50 = 174.7 ± 13.12 μg/mL), and potent anti-β-lactamase activity (IC50 = 37.56 ± 3.48 μg/mL). The results suggest that S. alata has the potential for application in pharmacology, warranting further exploration and investigation.
Optimizing Antimony Speciation Analysis via Frontal Chromatography–ICP-MS to Explore the Release of PET Additives
Authors: López Alejandro R. , Binda Gilberto , Roncoroni Gianluca , Recchia Sandro , Monticelli Damiano , Spanu Davide
Published: June 2024

Antimony (Sb) contamination poses significant environmental and health concerns due to its toxic nature and widespread presence, largely from anthropogenic activities. This study addresses the urgent need for an accurate speciation analysis of Sb, particularly in water sources, emphasizing its migration from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic materials. Current methodologies primarily focus on total Sb content, leaving a critical knowledge gap for its speciation. Here, we present a novel analytical approach utilizing frontal chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (FC-ICP-MS) for the rapid speciation analysis of Sb(III) and Sb(V) in water. Systematic optimization of the FC-ICP-MS method was achieved through multivariate data analysis, resulting in a remarkably short analysis time of 150 s with a limit of detection below 1 ng kg−1. The optimized method was then applied to characterize PET leaching, revealing a marked effect of the plastic aging and manufacturing process not only on the total amount of Sb released but also on the nature of leached Sb species. This evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of the FC-ICP-MS approach in addressing such an environmental concern, benchmarking a new standard for Sb speciation analysis in consideration of its simplicity, cost effectiveness, greenness, and broad applicability in environmental and health monitoring.
Supramolecular Interaction of Atenolol and Propranolol with β-Cyclodextrin Spectroscopic Characterization and Analytical Application
Authors: Alramadhan Hebah , Elbashir Abdalla Ahmed , Alnajjar Ahmed O.
Published: June 2024

Atenolol (ATE) and propranolol (PRO) inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin have been investigated in aqueous solution. The aqueous solution was examined and characterized using UV–vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and 1H NMR. The physical mixture was characterized using FTIR. The existence of inclusion complexes is confirmed by observing changes in spectroscopic properties. The ATE complex with β-CD exhibited an interaction as host and (β-CD) as a guest in a 1:1 ratio, with an inclusion constant K of 2.09 × 10−3 µM−1, as determined by the typical double-reciprocal graphs. Similarly, the PRO complex with β-CD exhibited an interaction as host and (β-CD) guest in 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometry at the same time; the inclusion constants were K1 = 5.80 × 10−5 µM−1 and K2 = 4.67 × 10−8 µM−1, as determined by typical double-reciprocal graphs. The variables influencing the formation of the inclusion complexes were investigated and optimized. Based on the enhancement in fluorescence intensity due to the formation of inclusion complexes, spectrofluorometric methods were developed and validated for determination of each drug’s pharmaceutical formulation. The quantification of the fluorescence intensity for ATE and PRO was conducted at λex/λem 226/302 nm and λex/λem 231/338 nm, respectively. Under the optimal reaction circumstances, linear relationships with good correlation coefficients of 0.9918 and 0.99 were found in the concentration ranges of 0.3–1.7 μM, and 0.1–1.1 μM for ATE and PRO, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) were found to be 0.13 and 0.01 μM for ATE and PRO, respectively. The suggested approach was effectively applied to the analysis of both drugs’ pharmaceutical formulations.
Effect of Anionic Surfactants on the Oil–Water–Rock Interactions by an Improved Washburn Method
Authors: Kuang Tie , Lan Yubo , Yin Zhilin , He Xin , Tang Wanquan , Wang Yan , Wang Zheng , Yan Feng , Zhang Lu
Published: June 2024

The complex and variable structure of subsurface oil reservoirs as well as the small pore throat size of reservoirs make it extremely important to investigate the effect of oil–water–rock interactions for enhancing oil recovery. In this paper, the powder wettability of oil sand with different polar solvents was investigated using the improved Washburn capillary rise method, and the surface free energy of oil sand was calculated in combination with the OWRK method. In addition, the wettability of anionic surfactants HABS and PS solutions on the surface of oil sand was determined, and it showed that their wetting rates showed different trends after CMC (critical micelle concentration). The C×cosθ value of HABS decreased significantly with increasing concentration, whereas PS showed little changes. This may be related to the aggregate structure formed by HABS on the oil sand surface. Meanwhile, the interfacial free energy between crude oil and oil sand was obtained by crude oil-to-oil sand wetting experiments, and found that the wetting rate of crude oil to oil sand was much lower than that of solvents and surfactants. In combination with the above results and the oil–water interfacial tension (IFT), the oil–water–rock three-phase contact angle and the work of adhesion between the crude oil and the solid were obtained by Young’s equation. From the three-phase contact angle results, it can be found that the contact angle values of both HABS and PS are obviously higher than that of the simulated water, and both HABS and PS have the ability to significantly reduce the work of adhesion, which shows a strong ability to strip the oil film on the surface of the solid. The research results of this paper are helpful to understand the oil displacement mechanism of chemical flooding in reservoir pores, which is of great significance for improving oil recovery.
Mobile AR Interaction Design Patterns for Storytelling in Cultural Heritage: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nikolarakis Andreas , Koutsabasis Panayiotis
Published: June 2024

The recent advancements in mobile technologies have enabled the widespread adoption of augmented reality (AR) to enrich cultural heritage (CH) digital experiences. Mobile AR leverages visual recognition capabilities and sensor data to superimpose digital elements into the user’s view of their surroundings. The pervasive nature of AR serves several purposes in CH: visitor guidance, 3D reconstruction, educational experiences, and mobile location-based games. While most literature reviews on AR in CH focus on technological aspects such as tracking algorithms and software frameworks, there has been little exploration of the expressive affordances of AR for the delivery of meaningful interactions. This paper (based on the PRISMA guidelines) considers 64 selected publications, published from 2016 to 2023, that present mobile AR applications in CH, with the aim of identifying and analyzing the (mobile) AR (interaction) design patterns that have so far been discussed sporadically in the literature. We identify sixteen (16) main UX design patterns, as well as eight (8) patterns with a single occurrence in the paper corpus, that have been employed—sometimes in combination—to address recurring design problems or contexts, e.g., user navigation, representing the past, uncovering hidden elements, etc. We analyze each AR design pattern by providing a title, a working definition, principal use cases, and abstract illustrations that indicate the main concept and its workings (where applicable) and explanation with respect to examples from the paper corpus. We discuss the AR design patterns in terms of a few broader design and development concerns, including the AR recognition approach, content production and development requirements, and affordances for storytelling, as well as possible contexts and experiences, including indoor/outdoor settings, location-based experiences, mobile guides, and mobile games. We envisage that this work will thoroughly inform AR designers and developers abot the current state of the art and the possibilities and affordances of mobile AR design patterns with respect to particular CH contexts.
Characterization of Anti-GAD65-Associated Neurological Syndromes: Clinical Features and Antibody Titers
Authors: Moura João , Sambayeta Firmina , Sousa Ana Paula , Carneiro Paula , Neves Esmeralda , Samões Raquel , Silva Ana Martins , Santos Ernestina
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Anti-GAD65 antibodies are associated with several neurological phenotypes. Antibody titers are increasingly recognized as useful in diagnosis and prognosis. Objective: To describe a Portuguese cohort of patients with anti-GAD65-associated neurological syndromes. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients with positive anti-GAD65 antibodies and associated neurological syndromes followed in a tertiary referral center. Results: Nineteen anti-GAD65 antibody-positive neurological patients were identified, 62.3% female, with a mean age of onset of 56.0 (SD = 13.3) years. Comorbid autoimmune disorders were present in seven patients. Six patients had limbic encephalitis (31.6%), four had epilepsy (21.1%), four had cerebellar ataxia (21.1%), and three had stiff-person syndrome (15.8%). Two patients presented with isolated cognitive dysfunction (executive and mnesic) in the absence of other neurological symptoms. The mean follow-up time was 24.0 (14.0–42.0) months, at the end of which the mean modified Rankin Scale (mRS) value was 2.0 (1.0–4.0). Screening for malignancies was negative in all patients. Serum quantitative analysis was carried out in 18 patients, 10 of whom showed titers above previously defined cut-off points (>10,000 IU/L for ELISA and >20 mmol/L for RIA). Quantitative CSF analysis was performed in nine patients, with four showing above-threshold titers. There was no association between anti-GAD65 levels and clinical phenotype or the final mRS values. High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone and oral prednisolone were the most common acute and chronic treatment regimens, respectively. Conclusion: Anti-GAD65 antibodies are associated with varied neurological syndromes, and antibody titers alone should not be used to exclude a disease.
Supplemental Psyllium Fiber Increases Antimicrobial Proteins via the Tuft Cell-ILC2 Circuit and Type II Immune Response in the Mouse Small Intestine
Authors: Ishii Yoshiki , Matsunaga Taiyo , Yasui Tomoki , Rini Dina Mustika , Inoue Ryo , Yamamoto Yoshinari , Suzuki Takuya
Published: June 2024

Dietary fibers regulate intestinal barrier function; however, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of psyllium fibers on antimicrobial protein expression, focusing on the type II immunity and tuft cell-group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) circuit in the small intestine of the mouse. Supplemental psyllium fiber upregulated antimicrobial proteins, such as small proline-rich protein 2A (SPRR2A) and resistin-like beta (RELMβ), in mouse small intestine, evidently affecting cecal microbiota composition. The psyllium fibers also increased the RNA and protein expression of molecules related to ILC2 and tuft cells, such as IL-13, IL-25, DCLK1, Gfi-1b, SH2 domain-containing protein 3C, and Spi-B. In addition, ILC2 inhibitor (disulfiram) and bitter taste receptor blocker administration reduced psyllium-induced SPRR2A and RELMβ expression. Collectively, psyllium supplementation upregulates antimicrobial proteins such as SPRR2A and RELMß via the type II immune response and tuft cell-ILC2 circuit in the mouse small intestine.
Design of a Continuous-Zoom 2D/3D Microscope with High Zoom Ratio and Full Field of View
Authors: Gong Yangshen , Li Fei , Huang Jiebo , He Jiaying , Yu Feihong , Zhao Tingyu
Published: June 2024

A four-group mechanically compensated continuous-zoom microscope is proposed and designed based on the theory of continuous zoom. The system addresses the limitations of traditional continuous-zoom microscopes, including a small zoom ratio, a short working distance, and the loss of details during 2D–3D switching. The system has a magnification of 0.6×~6.0× under two-dimensional observation, adapts to two-third-inch sensors, has a working distance of 130 mm, and adds a 360-degree rotatable beamsplitter for three-dimensional full-field-of-view observation. The magnification, numerical aperture, and sensor dimensions remain unchanged under both two-dimensional and three-dimensional observation. The design results demonstrate that the system is capable of achieving a high zoom ratio of 10× while maintaining a high level of imaging quality in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional modes. The MTF curves for each magnification are in close proximity to the diffraction limit, the spot diagrams are smaller than the airy disk range, and the zoom cam curves are smooth with no inflection points. Furthermore, the system negates the visual discrepancies and loss of detail that arise when switching observation modes due to alterations in system magnification and numerical aperture, thereby broadening the scope of applications for continuous-zoom microscopes.
Ytterbium-Doped Double-Clad Fiber with High Uniformity of Concentration Distribution and Suppressed Photodarkening
Authors: Yi Yongqing , Shen Yize , Geng Pengcheng , Pan Rong , Xu Shijie , Luo Ruifang
Published: June 2024

Photodarkening (PD) effect in ytterbium-doped fiber (YDF) has a significant impact on the high-power operational stability of fiber lasers, which seriously hinders the power scaling. In this paper, the relationship between ytterbium ions uniformity and the photodarkening effect in the YDF was investigated, and the fabrication process allowing improving the ytterbium ions uniformity in the core of preforms for suppressing the photodarkening effect was developed. The Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD) method combined with Chelate Vapor Deposition (CVD) technology was adopted for multi-layer fiber core deposition, and an all-gas-phase technical process was proposed to improve the ytterbium ions uniformity in the Al/P co-doped glass matrix. The 25/400 μm YDFs obtained by this technology achieved stable 3.5 kW laser output power for 8 h with suppressed PD and nonlinear effects.