bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Literature Review on Charging Behaviour of Private Electric Vehicles
Authors: Andrenacci Natascia , Valentini Maria Pia
Published: November 2023

Electric mobility is one of the ways to contain greenhouse gas and local pollutants emissions in urban areas. Nevertheless, the massive introduction of battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) brings some concerns related to their energy demand. Modelling vehicle usage and charging behavior is essential for charge demand forecasting and energy consumption estimation. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the charging decisions of EV owners are influenced by different factors, ranging from the charging infrastructure characteristics to the users’ profiles. This review intends to investigate the approaches used to investigate on charging behavior and highlight trends and differences between the results, remarking on any gaps worthy of further investigation.
Comparative Analysis of Telepresence Robots’ Video Performance: Evaluating Camera Capabilities for Remote Teaching and Learning
Authors: Talisainen Aleksei , Leoste Janika , Virkus Sirje
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak demonstrated the viability of various remote working solutions, telepresence robots (TPRs) being one of them. High-quality video transmission is one of the cornerstones of using such solutions, as most of the information about the environment is acquired through vision. This study aims to compare the camera capabilities of four models of popular telepresence robots using compact reduced LogMAR and Snellen optometry charts as well as text displayed on the projector screen. The symbols from the images are extracted using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software and the results of the recognition are compared with the symbols on the charts. Double 3 TPR provides the best quality images of optometric charts, but the OCR results of measurements of the image on the projector do not show the clear advantage of one single model over the others. The results demonstrated by Temi 2 and Double 3 TPRs are generally better than the others, suggesting that these TPRs are more feasible to be used in teaching and learning scenarios.
Enhancing Performance and Promoting Sustainability in Female Handball: The Impact of Olympic Movement Training on Jumping, Throwing, Sprinting, and Change of Direction
Authors: Orduña-Borraz Estela , Mainer-Pardos Elena , Marco-Contreras Luis Alberto , Lozano Demetrio
Published: November 2023

Improving performance and promoting sustainability in women's handball are key objectives to maximize the potential of female players and ensure the long-term viability of the sport. In this context, training with Olympic movements and their derivatives improves the development of strength, power, and speed, which are determinants of performance in team sports. The aim of this study was to determine if training with Olympic movements produces significant improvements in jumping, throwing, sprinting, and change of direction performance in women handball players. Twenty-one female handball players participated in the study (10 for the control group and 11 for the intervention group). Age ranged from 15 to 17 years. All participants performed four assessment tests (Abalakov Test, throw test, 20-meter Sprint and V-Cut Test) to determine jump height, throwing speed, running speed, and change of direction ability. Measurements were carried out before and after the intervention. For six weeks, the control group performed the strength work established by the club twice a week while the intervention group additionally performed training with Olympic movements. Significant differences (p <0.05) were found between the pre and post measurement of the control group and the intervention group in jump height, throwing speed and running speed, being higher in the intervention group. For the change of direction, no significant differences were found. Between groups, significant differences were observed at the end of the intervention for jump height and running speed. The conclusion of this study was that, by training with Olympic movements, in addition to regular training, could produce greater improvements in jumping performance, throwing speed and running speed in female handball players.
A Distance Based Two-Sample Test of Means Difference for Multivariate Datasets
Authors: Novoselsky Alexander , Kagan Eugene
Published: November 2023

In the paper we present a new test for comparison of the means of multivariate samples with unknown distributions. The test is based on the comparison of the distributions of the distances between the samples’ elements and their means using univariate two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The activity of the suggested method is illustrated by numerical analysis of the real-world and simulated data.
Omentin: An Atheroprotective Adipokine for Vascular Health
Authors: Sena Cristina M
Published: November 2023

Omentin is an adipokine mainly produced by visceral fat tissue, and it has two isoforms: omentin-1 and omentin-2. Omentin-1 is predominantly secreted by visceral adipose tissue, deriving specially from the stromal vascular fraction cells of white adipose tissue (WAT). Levels of omentin-1 are also expressed in other WAT depots, like epicardial adipose tissue. Omentin-1 exerts several beneficial effects in glucose homeostasis in obesity and diabetes. In addition, research has suggested that omentin may have atheroprotective (protective against the development of atherosclerosis) and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially contributing to cardiovascular health. This review highlights the potential therapeutic targets of omentin-1 in metabolic-related disorders.
Tocilizumab Exerts Anti-tumor Effects on Proliferation, Invasiveness, ERK 1/2 and STAT3 Signaling Transduction in Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Xenografts Corresponding to Expression Levels of IL-6 Receptors
Authors: Chung Yuan-Chiang , Chen Szu-Jung , Chung Yuan-Chiang , Liu Wei-Chun , Lai Ming-Tsung , Kao Ting-Yu , Yang Wei-Shun , Yang Chien-Hui , Hsu Chih-Ping , Chang Jia-Feng
Published: November 2023

Tocilizumab against interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) has been demonstrated to inhibit the progression of diverse cancers in vitro and in vivo. Nonetheless, evidence regarding the anti-tumor effects of Tocilizumab on human colorectal carcinoma (CRC) corresponding to IL-6R expression levels re-mains scarce. To investigate the influence of IL-6R expression, SW480 and HT-29 cells inoculated subcutaneously into NU/NU mice were used as our human CRC xenograft models with anti-IL-6R antibody (Tocilizumab) therapy. IL-6R expression levels, the histology of CRC growth/ invasiveness and tumor growth-related signaling pathway were estimated by H&E and immunohistochemical staining. SW480 tumor cells with higher IL-6R expression levels exerted better responsiveness in Tocilizumab therapy than the treated HT-29 group. Likewise, therapeutic effects of Tocilizumab on the proliferative ability with mitotic index and Ki-67 expressions, the invasiveness with MMP-9 proteinase expressions, ERK 1/2 and STAT3 signaling transduction in SW480 treatment group were superior to HT-29 treatment group. In light of our results, IL-6R is the key indicator for the efficacy of Tocilizumab treatment in CRC xenografts. From the perspective of precision medicine, tumor response to anti-IL-6R antibody therapy could be predicted on the basis of IL-6R expression levels. In this manner, Tocilizumab may serve as a targeted and promising anti-CRC therapy.
Power Transformers Fault Detection with Machine Learning: A Comparison of Classic and autoML Approaches
Authors: Santamaría-Bonfil Guillermo , Arroyo-Figueroa G. , Zuniga-Garcia M. , Azcárraga Ramos Carlos Gustavo , Bassam A.
Published: November 2023

A key component for the proper functioning, availability, and reliability of power grids is the power trans- former. Although these are very reliable assets, the early detection of incipient degradation mechanisms are very important to prevent failures that may shorten their lifetime. In this work a review and comparative analysis, of classical Machine Learning algorithms (such as single and ensemble classification algorithms) and two automatic machine learning classifiers, are presented for the fault diagnosis of power transformers. The goal is to determine whether fully automated ML approaches are worse or better than traditional ML frameworks that require a human in the loop (such as a data scientist) to identify transformer faults from oil-dissolved gases data. The methodology uses a DB compiled from published and proprietary transformer fault samples. Faults data is obtained from the literature, the Duval pentagon method, and user-expert knowledge. The parameters from, either single or ensemble classifiers, were optimized through standard machine learning procedures. The results showed that the best performing algorithm is a robust automatic machine learning classifiers model followed by classical algorithms such as neural networks and stacking ensembles. These results highlight the ability of a robust automatic machine learning model for, handling imbalanced power transformers faults datasets with high accuracy, using the minimum tuning effort by the electrical experts. By providing the most probable transformer fault condition will reduce the time required to find and solve the fault.
Chemical Interaction between the Sr4Al6O12SO4 Ceramic Substrate and Al–Si Alloys
Authors: Rodríguez-García José Amparo , Calles-Arriaga Carlos Adrián , López-García Ricardo Daniel , Castillo-Robles José Adalberto , Rocha-Rangel Enrique
Published: November 2023

Sr4Al6O12SO4 samples were obtained from the compound mixture formed by a solid–state reaction of Al2O3, SrSO4, and SrCO3. Samples were compacted at 100MPa to form pellets of 1 and 4cm in diameter and were sintered at 1400°C for 4 hours. The compound was analyzed by X–ray diffraction. Static immersion and wettability tests were performed to evaluate corrosion resistance in contact with Al–Si. Corrosion tests were carried out by immersion at 800, 900, and 1000°C for 24, 50, and 100 hours, while wettability was carried out at 900, 1000, and 1100°C for 2 hours. Subsequently, the samples were prepared metallographically. Samples were analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and image analysis. In general, reaction products consisting of alumina, spinel, oxides, and sulfates were found. The contact angles obtained were 124° to 135°. It is concluded that ceramic substrate Sr4Al6O12SO4 is resistant to corrosion by Al–Si alloy, since the slight thickness of the reaction products found in the samples (100μm) considering the severe conditions of the experiment: 1000°C and 100 hours of isothermal temperature. Furthermore, it can be said that Sr4Al6O12SO4 is not wettable by Al–Si alloys.
How to Incorporate Cultural Values and Heritage in Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP): A Systematic Review
Authors: Barianaki Eirini Aikaterini , Kyvelou Stella Sofia , Ierapetritis Dimitrios G.
Published: November 2023

Understanding aspects of maritime/underwater cultural heritage (MUCH) and the associated cultural values and integrating them into maritime spatial planning (MSP) endeavors, is a new global challenge, alongside the rapid increase of human activities at sea and climate change impacts on the seas and the oceans. The article highlights the significance of cultural values in shaping human interactions with the marine environments, and how MSP can address the cultural dimensions of marine resources management. To this end, a systematic literature review was carried out to address the research question on how maritime/underwater cultural heritage is incorporated into MSP and map relevant academic literature. Following, a methodology that entailed an academic database search and the application of exclusion criteria, 346 articles resulted from Scopus. These articles were classified using science mapping techniques (i.e the VOSviewer Software ) and several categories (clusters) were created. The research showed a diversity of literature addressing the relationship between MUCH and MSP with a strong focus on sustainability, the significance of cultural ecosystem services (CES) and cultural values, the role of indigenous and local communities, but also of local stakeholders, the transfer of traditional knowledge to MSP and the participatory approaches and tools. The article concludes that for MSPlans to be innovative and acceptable by local communities, the “missing layer”of socio-cultural values and data is indispensable. In the MSP process, MUCH should be understood within this broader framework of socio-cultural considerations and values.
Identifying the Biological Potential of Western Balkan Polypore Mushroom Species to Mitigate the Negative Effects of Global Mushroom Cultivation
Authors: Kozarski Maja , Klaus Anita , Špirović-Trifunović Bojana , Miletić Srdjan , Lazić Vesna , Žižak Željko , Vunduk Jovana
Published: November 2023

Growing mushrooms is meeting challenges while aiming for sustainability and circularity. Wherever the producer is located, commercial strains are the same originating from several producers. Following the harvest, enormous quantities of spent mushroom substrate containing spores are disposed presenting a type of foreign material pressure on the ecosystem in the form of the loss of genetic diversity in wild mushroom populations. This challenge can be mitigated by bioprospecting local strains and using them to generate commercial inoculum. Accordingly, the mycoceutical potential of five polypore mushroom species from Serbia was evaluated: secondary metabolite composition, oxidative damage prevention, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) properties. The phenolic pattern was comparable in all samples, but the amounts of specific chemicals varied. Hydroxybenzoic acids were the primary components. All samples had varying quantities of ascorbic acid, carotene, and lycopene, and showed a pronounced inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPx) and ability to scavenge HO•. Extracts were more potent tyrosinase inhibitors but unsuccessful when faced with ACE. Fomitopsis pinicola had the strongest anti-tumor efficacy while Ganoderma lucidum demonstrated strong selectivity in anti-tumor effect in comparison to healthy cells. The evaluated species provided a solid foundation for commercial development while keeping the local ecology in mind.
Changes in the Incidence and Human Papillomavirus-Positive Portion of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Hong Kong
Authors: Chen Zigui , Chan Amy BW , Kam Lok Sang , Chan Man Hin , Chan Jason YK , Lee Wai Tung , Chow Chit , Boon Siaw S , Xia Chichao , Lam Brian M , Lam Suki , Ng Rita WY , Ho Wendy CS Ho , Lam Eddy WH , Lai Christopher KC , Chan Paul KS
Published: November 2023

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is rising in the West, but little is known in Asia. This study elucidated changes in the incidence and HPV-positive portion of OPSCC in Hong Kong. Data from population-based cancer registry were used to analyze the incidence of OPSCC in associate with other head and neck cancers. Archived tumour tissues were tested for HPV. From 1986 to 2020, there was a marked decrease in the incidence of nasopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, but a persistent increase in OPSCC from 36 cases in 1986 to 116 cases in 2020. The average positive rate for high-risk HPV was 36.1% (112/310) among OPSCC diagnosed in 2010-2020. The HPV positive rate in recent years was significantly higher than earlier cases (tonsil SCC: 64.7% (55/85) in 2016-2020 vs. 40.4% (19/47) in 2010-2015, P = 0.007). Patients with HPV-positive tonsil cancers were significantly younger than those negative (mean [SD]: 58.9 [9.9] vs. 64.3 [13.3] years, P = 0.006), but no significant difference between genders. A persistent increase in the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer over the last few decades was observed in Hong Kong, which can be explained by the remarkable increase in HPV-positive tonsil cancers.
A Logging Data Based Method for Evaluating the Fracability of a Gas Storage in Eastern China
Authors: Huang Famu , Huang Lei , Zhu Ziheng , Zhang Min , Zhang Wenpeng , Jiang Xingwen
Published: November 2023

Underground storage of natural gas has the characteristics of clean and low-carbon, and has the ability to provide sustainable and stable supply. It is a very high-quality green energy that can increase the storage efficiency of gas storage through fracturing, achieving the sustainable development goal of "Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality". The accurate evaluation of the fracability of a reservoir is an important prerequisite for reservoir fracturing design and post fracturing productivity evaluation. At present, research on fracability is mainly based on qualitative characterization or quantitative evaluation based on rock mechanics and fracturing construction parameters, which cannot fully reflect the rock composition and structure of each stage. Firstly, based on logging data, this paper analyzes the evolution laws of strain energy such as elastic properties, pre-peak dissipation energy, and post-peak fracture energy during the transition of rock materials from plastic deformation to brittle fracture in an energy perspective, and determines the key energy that affects the brittle characteristics of rocks. Secondly, a brittleness index evaluation approach has been established that can comprehensively reflect the mechanical properties of rocks during pre-peak deformation and post-peak damage stages. In addition, this article focuses on the impact of reservoir stratigraphic environment by combining the influence of geo-stresses with the rock brittleness index, and proposes a new method for evaluating reservoir fracability. Finally, this paper conducts a study on the fracability evaluation of three wells in a gas storage facility in eastern China. The results indicate that low modulus and fracability coefficient are beneficial for fracturing, thereby improving the gas production and peak shaving ability of gas storage.
Chirality in Atomically Thin CdSe Nanoplatelets Capped with Thiol-Free Amino Acid Ligands: Circular Dichroism vs. Carboxylate Group Coordination
Authors: Kurtina Daria A. , Zaitsev Vladimir B. , Vasiliev Roman B.
Published: November 2023

Chiral semiconductor nanostructures and nanoparticles are promising materials for applications in biological sensing, enantioselective separation, photonics, and spin-polarized devices. Here, we have studied the induction of chirality in atomically thin only 2 monolayers thick CdSe nanoplatelets (NPLs) grown by a colloidal method and exchanged with L-alanine and L-phenylalanine as model thiol-free chiral ligands. We have developed a novel two-step approach to completely exchange the native oleic acid ligands for chiral amino acids at the basal planes of NPLs. We performed an analysis of the optical and chiroptical properties of the chiral CdSe nanoplatelets with amino acids, which was supplemented by an analysis of the composition and coordination of ligands. After the exchange, the nanoplatelets retain HH, LH and SO exciton absorbance and bright HH exciton luminescence. Capping with thiol-free enantiomer amino acid ligands induce pronounced chirality of excitons in the nanoplatelets, as proven by circular dichroism spectroscopy, with high dissymmetry g-factor up to 3.4 × 10−3 achieved for HH excitons in the case of L-phenylalanine.
On the Cranial Nerves
Authors: Libreros-Jiménez Hugo M. , Manzo Jorge , Rojas-Durán Fausto , Aranda-Abreu Gonzalo E. , García Luis I. , Coria-Avila Genaro A. , Herrera-Covarrubias Deissy , Pérez-Estudillo César Antonio , Toledo-Cárdenas María Rebeca , Hernández-Aguilar María Elena
Published: November 2023

The twelve cranial nerves play a crucial role in nervous system, orchestrating a myriad of functions vital for our everyday life. These nerves are each specialized for particular tasks. Cranial Nerve I, known as the olfactory nerve, is responsible for our sense of smell, allowing us to perceive and distinguish various scents. Cranial Nerve II, or the optic nerve, is dedicated to vision, transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. Eye movements are governed by Cranial Nerves III, IV, and VI, ensuring our ability to track objects and focus. Cranial Nerve V controls facial sensation and jaw movement, while Cranial Nerve VII, the facial nerve, facilitates facial expressions and taste perception. Cranial Nerve VIII, or the vestibulocochlear nerve, plays a critical role in hearing and balance. Cranial Nerve IX, the glossopharyngeal nerve, affects throat sensation and taste perception. Cranial Nerve X, the vagus nerve, is a far-reaching nerve, influencing numerous internal organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system. Cranial Nerve XI, the accessory nerve, is responsible for neck muscle control, contributing to head movement. Finally, Cranial Nerve XII, the hypoglossal nerve, manages tongue movement, essential for speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Understanding these cranial nerves is fundamental in comprehending the intricate workings of our nervous system and the functions that sustain our daily lives.
Physicochemical, Microbiological and Organoleptic Characteristics of Rosella Water Kefir with Sucrose Sweetener
Authors: Rizqiati Heni , Nurwantoro Nurwantoro , Bramadita Adelia Maharani
Published: November 2023

Red rosella is one of the beneficial plants with its flower petals that have a distinctly sour taste. Using rosella in water kefir can enrich its functionality and taste. Rosella water kefir has acidic characteristics derived from rosella and sugar substrates. Sugars such as sucrose in the production of water kefir act as a carbon source for the metabolism of water kefir grains. The higher the added sugar causes the total of good microbes and organic acids in water kefir products to increase, but too high sugar can cause the death of these good microbes so it also affects the nutritional content and taste of the product. Therefore, the best concentration of sugar is needed. This study aims to obtain the best sucrose concentration in producing the best physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic characteristics of rosella water kefir. This study used the addition of sucrose at concentrations of 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15% (w/v) with the parameters observed in physicochemical characteristics including total dissolved solids, biomass, CO2 content, and total acid, microbiological characteristics including total lactic acid bacteria and total microbes, and organoleptic characteristics including sweet taste, sour taste, soda sensation, and aroma. The results obtained in this study indicate that increasing the concentration of sucrose in rosella water kefir had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic characteristics of sweet and sour tastes. The addition of 12% sucrose was the limit—tolerance for the addition of sugar in rosella water kefir which is also the best treatment.
The Relationship Between Body Size and Bone Weight (Breast and Thigh) in Kampung Chicken (Gallusdomesticus) Results Third Generation Selection
Authors: Wati Liza , Ediyanto Helmi , Wiyanto Eko , Depison Depison
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to identify the characteristics of body size and shape in kampung chickens, as well as the relationship between body size and meat weight. To achieve this, 200 kampung chicken DOC were directly observed using purposive sampling. Purposive sampling where the chickens were divided into 3 groups of body weight, namely high, medium and low.Body size was recorded at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age, and the weight of flesh and bone at 12 weeks of age was analyzed using the ttest.The samples used to obtain the weight of meat and bones (breast and thighs) were 35 males and 23 females.The study used principal component analysis to identify body size and shape characteristics for males and females. Regression and correlation analysis were then conducted to determine the relationship and closeness between body size and the weight of flesh and bone.The results of the study showed that the body size and weight of flesh and bone in kampung male chickens aged 12 weeks were significantly higher
Evaluation of Nutrient and Digestibility of Agricultural Waste Total Mixed Ration Silage as Ruminant Feed
Authors: Ali Arsyadi , Harahap Anwar Efendi , Juliantoni Jepri
Published: November 2023

Difficulties in feeding ruminants, which generally use field grass, can be modified by utilizing forage waste from corn, rice and cassava using the total mixed ration (TMR) silage model to obtain feed that is rich in nutrients and long lasting. The study aimed of the study was to determine the nutritional value and digestibility of TMR silage using forage and concentrate waste from corn, rice and cassava. The research design used a completely randomized design with 3 treatments of agricultural waste and 6 replications. The treatment is CWS (corn waste silage); RWS (rice waste silage) and CVWS (cassava waste silage). The parameters tested were crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, NDF, ADF, WSC, RFV, NH3, rumen PH, VFA, In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). The results showed that CVWS (cassava waste silage) increased crude protein, RFV and reduced NDF, while CWS (corn waste silage) reduced crude fiber and ADF, increased NH3 production, VFA and in vitro digestibility
Corrosion Inhibition of Benzyl Quinoline Chloride Derivative-Based Formulation for Acidizing Process
Authors: Yang Zhen , Wang Yefei , Yang Jiang , Wang Jing , Finšgar Matjaž
Published: November 2023

Due to the severe and rapid corrosion of metallic equipment by strong acids at high temperatures, a high concentration of acidizing corrosion inhibitors (ACIs) is required during acidizing processes. There is always a need to develop more effective and environmentally friendly ACIs than current products. In this work, a highly effective ACI obtained from a novel main component and its synergistic effect with paraformaldehyde (PFA) and potassium iodide (KI) is presented. The ACI was prepared from the crude product of benzyl quinolinium chloride derivative (BQD) synthesized from benzyl chloride and quinoline in a simple way. The new ACI formulation, named “synergistic indolizine derivative mixture” (SIDM), which consists of BQD, PFA, and KI, showed superior corrosion inhibition effectiveness (IE) and temperature stability compared with commercially available ACI. More importantly, the SIDM formulation eliminates the need for commonly used highly toxic synergists (e.g., propargyl alcohol and As2O3). In a 20 wt% hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution, the addition of 0.5 wt% SIDM mitigates the corrosion rate of N80 steel down to less than 0.00564 lbm·ft−2 at 194°F, while the corrosion rate at 320 °F is 0.0546 lbm·ft−2·when 4.0 wt% SIDM is added.
Sunflower Disease detection using Ensemble Deep Learning Models
Authors: Kathuria Saksham , Azeem Noamaan Abdul , Sharma Sanjeev , Bharadwaj Nitesh K
Published: November 2023

Plant diseases, such as fungi and parasites, disrupt or alter the plant’s essential functions. In order to prevent potential economic losses from these plant diseases, early diagnosis of these diseases is crucial. The use of Deep Learning models for the detection and classification of plant diseases has been found to dramatically increase the speed of diagnosis while at the same time minimizing the amount of error involved. Taking advantage of a variety of tools and techniques, including transfer learning and ensemble learning, we have experimented with different deep-learning models and pre-existing architectures to find out which combination would best fit the data we gathered from the Sun Flower Fruits and Leaves dataset. Moreover, our best model has the ability to classify and detect sunflower disease with an accuracy of 97.91%, which is a considerable improvement over state-of-the-art models currently used for the classification and detection of sunflower disease.
Sustainable cement-based materials blended with recycled water treatment sludge and other various waste products as binder: Characterization and environmental-economical impacts
Authors: Kina Ceren
Published: November 2023

Water treatment sludge (WTS) is produced daily and disposed as hazardous material. It would be advisable to use locally available waste products as supplementary cementitious materials that ensures to be disposed of without harming the environment. As novelty, this research investigated the potential of using recycled-WTS with fly ash (FA) and ground-granulated blast furnace slag (BFS) as ternary blended binders. Thus, it can provide an economical solution and alleviate adverse environmental effects of excessive production of wastes and cement production. Within this scope, the mortars with 0–30 wt% replacement of cement with modified-WTS (MWTS) were produced as binary blend and also, they were combined with FA/BFS as ternary blended binders. Therefore, optimum utilization of waste products into mortar in terms of rheological, mechanical, durability, microstructural properties and environmental-economical aspects were examined. Adding 10% recycled-WTS as binary caused higher strengths with lower porosity measured by Mercury Intrusion Porosimeter test and denser microstructure, as revealed by XRD patterns and SEM results. However, the drawbacks of using recycled-WTS, in terms of rheological parameters and environmental-economical aspects, were suppressed by adding FA/BFS with comparable strength values. Specifically, cost, CO2 footprint and embodied energy were reduced by combining 10% MWTS with FA by 8.87%, 37.88% and 33.07%, respectively, while 90-day compressive and flexural strength were 5.1% and 5.32% lower. This study developed a feasible solution to use recycled-MWTS by obtaining more eco-friendly and cost-effective cement-based materials.
Comparison of Different Intervention Methods to Reduce the Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism: Study Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized, Crossover Trial
Authors: Tan Qin , Zhou Lu , Huang Weifeng , Lu Yihan
Published: November 2023

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a priority challenge among orthopedic trauma patients. It is crucial to further improve the prophylaxis against VTE in routine orthopedic treatment. This study aims to compare the efficacy of two low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) regimens and additional intermittent pneumatic compression in preventing VTE among orthopedic trauma patients.
Methods and analysis: This is a cluster-randomized crossover clinical study conducted in four hospitals in Shanghai from December 2019 to December 2023. The unit of randomization is orthopedic wards, and each ward will define a cluster. All clusters will implement four diverse intervention measures and one control measure in a given random sequence. Perioperative orthopedic trauma patients aged ≥18 years with stable vital signs, Caprini score＞2, and no contraindication of anticoagulation or intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device will be eligible. The sample size will be determined to be 2590, considering cluster effect, period effect, and interactions. We will generally use the intention-to-treat (ITT) at the subject level for each outcome. For the primary outcome of the study, the incidence of VTE will be presented as risk ratio and 95% CIs. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) will be deployed to compare differences and adjust cluster effect, period effect, and interaction among interventions and periods if applicable.
Discussion: VTE is a complication that cannot be underestimated after major orthopedic surgery. Early identification, early assessment, and early prevention can significantly reduce the incidence of VTE. Most guidelines recommend both medical and physical prevention, and we hope to demonstrate how they would affect the incidence among perioperative orthopedic patients. We want to explore if there is a difference between the two types of LWMH with or without an IPC device to provide more evidence for future guidelines and prevent more patients from the threat of VTE.
Ethics and dissemination: The study received approval from IRB of the coordinating center and all participating hospitals. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Trial registration number: ChiCTR1900027659
Experimental study on jet forming and penetrating process of parabolically shaped charge
Authors: Guo Yanchao , Peng Suping , Yang Renshu
Published: November 2023

In order to improve the jet velocity of the traditional conical shaped charge structure, a parabolic shaped charge structure is proposed by increasing the length of the busbar of the shaped charge. The results show that the metal jet formed by the explosion of parabolic shaped charge structure has stable flight performance and deep penetration depth. To this end, the static explosion tests of parabolic, cone and semi-circular shaped charge structures penetrating steel plates were carried out. Under the condition of the same charge and blast height, the explosion damage characteristics of three shaped charge structures on steel plate structures are compared. The perforation diameter of the parabolic and conical shaped energy structure is 20mm, and the perforation diameter of the semi-circular shaped charge structure is 19mm. The penetration depth of the parabolic shaped charge structure is 1.25 times and 1.5 times that of the cone and semi-circular structures, respectively. The results show that the parabolic shaped charge structure has a longer penetration depth than the traditional shaped charge structure.
Influence of Slip Effect on Dynamic Performance of Miniature Tilting Pad Dynamic Pressure Gas Bearing
Authors: Zhang Ke , Yan Zhenlei , Huang Zhitao
Published: November 2023

This paper takes the micro tilting-pad gas bearing as the research object. Based on the continuous model, first-order slip model, and Wu's new slip model， the static and dynamic Reynolds equations with the slip effect are established. First, a hybrid method integrating the Newton-Raphson iteration and finite difference methods was used to solve the static Reynolds equation. Then, the dynamic Reynolds equation was calculated by combining the partial derivative method with the equivalent coefficient method. So, the static and dynamic performance of the micro tilting-pad gas bearing can be obtained. The calculation results indicate that the bearing capacity and film pressure of the tilting-pad gas-bearing are reduced, and the dynamic stiffness is reduced after considering the slip effect. In the calculation results, the value of the continuous model is the largest, followed by the first-order slip model, Wu's new slip model is minimum. It provides a reference for the design of the micro tilting-pad gas bearing.
Circadian disruption reduces MUC4 expression via clock molecule BMAL1 during dry eye development
Authors: Yuan Jin , Zeng Hao , Yang Xue , Liao Kai , Zuo Xin , Liang Lihong , He Dalian , Ju Rong , Wang Bowen
Published: November 2023

Circadian disruption, as a result of shiftwork, jet lag and other lifestyle factors, is a common public health problem associated with a wide range of diseases, such as metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In the present study, we established a chronic jet lag model using a time shift every 3 days method and assessed the effects of circadian disruption on the ocular surface homeostasis. Our results indicated that jet lag increased corneal epithelial defects, cell apoptosis, and proinflammatory cytokine expression. However, there was no significant change in the volume of tear secretion or conjunctiva goblet cells after 30 days for jet lag. At the same time, further analysis of the pathogenic mechanism using RNA sequencing prompted that jet lag caused corneal transmembrane mucin deficiency, specifically MUC4. The crucial role of MUC4 in the pathogenic progression was demonstrated by the protection of corneal epithelial cells and the inhibition of inflammation activation following MUC4 replenishment. Unexpectedly, the genetic ablation of BMAL1 in mice caused MUC4 deficiency and dry eye disease. The underlying mechanism was uncovered in cultured human corneal epithelial cells in vitro, where the silencing of BMAL1 reduced MUC4 and the overexpression of BMAL1 increased MUC4. Furthermore, melatonin, a circadian rhythm restorer, had a therapeutic effect for jet lag-induced dry eye by restoring the expression of BMAL1, which upregulated MUC4. These findings identify a novel dry eye mouse model induced by circadian disruption, shed light on the mechanism and provide a potential clinical treatment.
EHHADH Deficiency Regulates Pexophagy and Accelerates Tubulointerstitial Injury in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Jiang Song , Kan Shuyan , Hou Qing , Shi Jinsong , Zhang Mingchao , Xu Feng , Liu Zhihong
Published: November 2023

Peroxisomal L-bifunctional enzyme (EHHADH) plays a role in the classic peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation pathway;however, the relationship between EHHADH expression and diabetic kidney disease has not been well understood. Here, we found that endogenous EHHADH levels were strongly correlated with the progression and severity of diabetic nephropathy in T2D patients. EHHADH knockout mice exhibited worsened renal tubular injury in diabetic mice. Furthermore, EHHADH is a modulator of pexophagy. In renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) in vitro, the knockdown of EHHADH induced a dramatic loss of peroxisomes. The loss of peroxisomes in EHHADH-deficientRTECs was restored by either an autophagic inhibitor 3-methyladenine or bafilomycin A1 both in vitro and in vivo. NBR1 was required for pexophagy in EHHADH-knockdown cells, where the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased, while inhibition of ROS blocked pexophagy. In summary, our findings revealed EHHADH deficiency accelerated renal injury in DKD as a modulator of pexophagy.
Loneliness and close relationships with parents and friends: National representative study of adolescents in Denmark
Authors: Madsen Katrine Rich , Damsgaard Mogens Trab , Petersen Kimberly , Qualter Pamela , Holstein Bjørn E.
Published: November 2023

Background: Loneliness in adolescence is a serious threat to quality of life, and it is important to identify possible predictors. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between loneliness and close relationships with parents and friends in a community sample of adolescents, and whether this association varied by sex, age group, and socioeconomic status.
Methods: The study used data from the Danish arm of the international Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in 2010, 2014 and 2018 that included nationally representative samples of students in the age groups, 11-, 13- and 15-year-olds (n=10,425). Loneliness was measured by one item and close relationships with parents was measured by the HBSC Ease of Communication Measure. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to study the associations between ease of communication and loneliness. Stratified analysis and interaction analysis tested the modifying effect of sex on the associations.
Results: A large majority (80.1%) of students had close relationships with both parents and friends, 16.3% had close relationships with only one of these parties, and 3.6% with neither any parent nor any friend. The prevalence of loneliness was 6.0%. There was a strong and graded association between loneliness and lack of close relationships. The odds ratios for loneliness were around 8.0 in the groups with the weakest relationships. Stratified analysis showed that girls were more vulnerable to lack of close relationships.
Conclusion: The remarkably strong association between lack of close relationships and loneliness – especially for girls – calls for further studies that explore which aspects of loneliness and which aspects of social relationships drive this association. From an intervention point of view, the study suggests that interventions to fight loneliness should include efforts to strengthen social relations among peers at school.
Assessment and comparison of thermochemical pathways for the rice residues valorization: pyrolysis and gasification
Authors: Quintero-Naucil Myriam , Salcedo-Mendoza Jairo , Solarte-Toro Juan Camilo , Aristizábal-Marulanda Valentina
Published: November 2023

The evaluation of lignocellulosic biomass applied to thermochemical routes is postulated as an alternative for the generation of energy from renewable sources. This work aims to compare biorefineries based on two thermochemical routes for the use of raw materials from the rice (husk and straw) production chain in the Department of Sucre-Colombia. Initially, this work analyzes the physicochemical and structural characterization of biomass. Four different scenarios are proposed for the comparison of the valorization from the simulation in Aspen Plus by means of fast pyrolysis and downdraft gasification. The novelty of this work is focused on the identification of the biorefinery with the best techno-economic, energetic, and environmental performance for the generation of electricity and value-added products from rice straw and husk. From an economic perspective, the stand-alone gasification process does not have a positive economic margin, which is an opposite behavior from the pyrolysis process. The biorefinery proposed in scenario 1 (fast pyrolysis of both rice residues) had the best economic and environmental performance with an economic margin of 13.75% and emissions of 2170.92 kgCO2eq/kg for 10 years. However, this scenario was not energetically the best, holding second place due to the feedstock requirements, compared to gasification. The biorefinery scenario 1 has the best performance.
Integration of disamenity costs and equality regarding onshore wind power expansion and distribution into energy system optimization models
Authors: Lohr Clemens , Peterssen Florian , Schlemminger Marlon , Bensmann Astrid , Niepelt Raphael , Brendel Rolf , Hanke-Rauschenbach Richard
Published: November 2023

Background
Social acceptance of energy infrastructure projects impacts public support for the energy transition and is essential for its sustainability and success. Despite extensive research on the social acceptance of renewable energy, particularly onshore wind power, energy system models have primarily emphasized techno-economic aspects. This focus has created a gap between model results and decision-makers’ needs. In this study, we offer recommendations on how to integrate disamenity costs and the consideration of equality in the distribution, two critical social aspects related to onshore wind power, into the optimization of an energy system. Therefore, we use a spatially distributed model of climate-neutral Germany and test various implementations of these two aspects.
Results
We identify effective linear formulations as model extensions for both aspects, notably outperforming quadratic alternatives, which require longer solution times (+ 50%-115%). Our findings reveal that endogenously considered disamenity costs can reduce the human population’s exposure to wind turbines in model results by -53%. Additionally, by applying the concept of social welfare functions to onshore wind power distribution, we establish a connection with welfare economics, which offers mathematical methods to consider equality in the spatial distribution in energy system models.
Conclusion
Disamenity costs become a predominant factor in the distribution of onshore wind power in energy system optimization models. However, existing plans for onshore wind power distribution in Germany highlight equality as the driving factor. The inclusion of social aspects into energy system models enables the establishment of socially better-accepted wind turbine locations. Neglecting these aspects results in an overestimation of the practical solution space for decision-makers and, consequently, energy system designs.
Enhancing Urban Vitality through Big Data: A Case Study of Yinchuan City Using GWR and GBDT Models
Authors: Lyu Guifen , Angkawisittpan Niwat , Fu Xiaoli , Sonasang Somchat
Published: November 2023

Urban vitality, indicative of human activity in spaces, often eludes real-time analysis due to its complex nature. This research, with Yinchuan City as a case study, leverages Baidu heat maps as proxies for urban vitality and employs data from Baidu Street View, POI, and traffic within a 5D framework as independent variables. The study unfolds in phases, initially applying spatial analytics and deep learning to scrutinize built environment variables linked to urban vitality. It then uses ordinary least squares (OLS) to pinpoint influential factors and Moran’s I to assess the spatial autocorrelation of urban vitality. Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) is employed to explore spatial heterogeneity, while Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) analysis discerns variable importance for strategic planning. Results reveal a significant impact of built environment variables on Yinchuan’s urban vitality, with a noticeable positive autocorrelation and spatial clustering in central urban areas like Xingqing, Jinfeng, and Xixia districts. GWR analysis delineates a pattern of agglomeration in these central areas. Insights from the GBDT model inform priority-setting in planning. Recommendations offered by this study aim to elevate urban management and address urban challenges to enrich the living environment and invigorate urban vitality.
Big mobility data reveals hyperlocal air pollution exposure
disparities in the Bronx, New York City
Authors: Wang An , Testi Iacopo , Paul Sanjana , Mora Simone , Walker Erica , Nyhan Marguerite , Duarte Fabio , Santi Paolo , Ratti Carlo
Published: November 2023

Recent studies confirm that air pollution disproportionately affects socially disadvantaged populations1-3. Yet, they have not fully explored the effect of personal mobility on population exposure. Our study bridges the existing gap in quantifying mobility-based air pollution exposure across socio-demographic groups. We combine the granular mobility of over 500,000 unique users daily and air pollution data at 100 m resolution to quantify disparities in particulate matter exposure in the Bronx, New York City, a racially diverse and dense urban area. Using individual daily particulate matter exposure rather than population-weighted concentrations, this approach not only reveals the streets with the highest prevalence of air pollution but also how different demographic groups are exposed. We observe significantly different spatial patterns between personal exposure and exposure disparities, where people from Hispanic-majority and low-income neighborhoods are the most severely and disproportionately exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. We reveal that race/ethnicity is a much stronger indicator of exposure disparity than income. The study further demonstrates that within-group variation contributes a major portion of exposure disparities, suggesting more granular mitigation plans are needed to target high-exposure individuals of socially disadvantaged groups in addition to generic air quality improvement.