bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The synergistic effect of acid-etched g-C3N4 nanosheets and polyaniline nanofibers for the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of textile dyes: a study of charge transfer mechanism and intermediate products
Authors: Kumar Arun , Mittal Honey , Nagar Rupali , Khanuja Manika
Published: March 2022

Acid-etched graphitic carbon nitride (TGCN) nanosheets decorated with polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers for the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of Methyl Orange (MO) and Congo Red (CR) toxic textile dyes.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of ZnGa2−x−yEuxTbyO4 luminescent nanoparticles showing balanced white-light emission
Authors: Hebbar N Deepak , Choudhari K. S. , Pathak Nimai , Shivashankar S. A. , Kulkarni Suresh D.
Published: March 2022

ZnGa2−x−yEuxTbyO4 nanophosphors with balanced white light emission are synthesized using microwaves.
Rapid ‘on-column’ preparation of hydrogen [11C]cyanide from [11C]methyl iodide via [11C]formaldehyde
Authors: Kikuchi Tatsuya , Ogawa Masanao , Okamura Toshimitsu , Gee Antony D. , Zhang Ming-Rong
Published: March 2022

In a reaction column, gaseous [11C]methyl iodide was converted to [11C]formaldehyde in a first layer containing N-oxide and then transformed into hydrogen [11C]cyanide in a second layer containing hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid within 2 minutes.
CdTe@CdS quantum dots for labeling and imaging macrophages in liver frozen sections below the freezing point
Authors: He Yan-Fei , An Chang-Zhi , Hou Xiao-Lin , Zhong Zi-Tao , Li Chao-Qing , Chen Wei , Liu Bo , Zhao Yuan-Di
Published: March 2022

CdTe@CdS core–shell quantum dots with different particle sizes are synthesized by an aqueous method, and coating them with a CdS shell layer improves the quantum yield (36% → 59%) and fluorescence stability (37% → 77%) of CdTe@CdS quantum dots.
Insightful understanding of charge transfer processes in metalated phthalocyanines
Authors: Cao Kangying , Yin Shiwei , Wang Yun
Published: March 2022

Marcus electron transfer theory coupling with quantum-mechanics (QM) calculations was applied to study the hole mobilities of a series of metalated phthalocyanine molecular crystals.
Effects of alkaline-earth metals on CoMn-based catalysts for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis to olefins
Authors: An Yunlei , Lin Tiejun , Yu Fei , Gong Kun , Wang Xinxing , Qi Xinzhen , Lv Dong , Sun Yuhan , Zhong Liangshu
Published: March 2022

Alkaline-earth metal promoted CoMn catalysts with higher surface basicity benefit the carburization of CoMn oxides to form more Co2C nanoprisms for olefin formation, especially for long-chain olefins.
Bioaccessibility and intestinal cell uptake of carotenoids and chlorophylls differ in powdered spinach by the ingredient form as measured using in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and anaerobic fecal fermentation models
Authors: Hayes Micaela , Mohamedshah Zulfiqar , Chadwick-Corbin Sydney , Hoskin Roberta , Iorizzo Massimo , Lila Mary Ann , Neilson Andrew P. , Ferruzzi Mario G.
Published: March 2022

Insights into food matrix factors impacting bioavailability of bioactive carotenoids and chlorophylls from fruits and vegetable ingredients are essential to understanding their ability to promote health.
Robust multifunctional fluorine-free superhydrophobic fabrics for high-efficiency oil–water separation with ultrahigh flux
Authors: Xiong Zheng , Huang Jian , Wu Yongzhong , Gong Xiao
Published: March 2022

SiO2–TiO2/PDMS-coated superhydrophobic fabrics with excellent durability are fabricated by the combination of micron-sized silica and nano-sized titanium dioxide, which can be used in water-proofing, UV-protection and oil–water separation.
Cinnamaldehyde–cucurbituril complex: investigation of loading efficiency and its role in enhancing cinnamaldehyde in vitro anti-tumor activity
Authors: Al Tbakhi Bayan , Nsairat Hamdi , Alshaer Walhan , Al-Kadash Abdulfattah , Helal Wissam , Alrawashdeh Lubna , Day Anthony , Assaf Khaleel I. , Hassouneh Rola , Odeh Fadwa , Al Bawab Abeer
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to clarify the physico-chemical properties of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and cinnamaldehyde (Cinn) inclusion complexes (CB[7]–Cinn) and their resulting antitumor activity.
Synthesis of Ni–Ag–ZnO solid solution nanoparticles for photoreduction and antimicrobial applications
Authors: Naseer Sania , Aamir Muhammad , Mirza Muhammad Aslam , Jabeen Uzma , Tahir Raja , Malghani Muhammad Najam Khan , Wali Qamar
Published: March 2022

The synergic effect of Ni and Ag in Ni–Ag–ZnO solid solutions has tuned the optoelectronic properties of ZnO for photoreduction reactions.
Polymeric frustrated Lewis pairs in CO2/cyclic ether coupling catalysis
Authors: Horton Thomas A. R. , Wang Meng , Shaver Michael P.
Published: March 2022

Polymeric frustrated Lewis pairs catalyse the coupling of epoxides and oxetanes with CO2with high selectivity under mild CO2pressures across multiple reaction cycles.
Highly efficient organic solar cells with superior deformability enabled by diluting the small molecule acceptor content
Authors: Zhu Qinglian , Xue Jingwei , Zhao Heng , Lin Baojun , Bi Zhaozhao , Seibt Susanne , Zhou Ke , Ma Wei
Published: March 2022

An efficient organic solar cell with superior deformability with an efficiency of 17.3% and a crack-onset strain of 8.8% is fabricated by diluting the small molecule content through incorporating another polymer donor with suitable miscibility.
Macroscopic and microscopic defect management in blue/green photodetectors for underwater wireless optical communication
Authors: Zhou Xiangyu , Luo Lingzhi , Huang Yixuan , Wei Shunyong , Zou Jihua , He Aoxi , Huang Binbin , Li Xiao , Zhao Junting , Shen Kai , Zhao Dewei , Wu Jiang
Published: March 2022

A strategy that decorates perovskite films with bromide-terminated MXene nanoparticles has been proposed for a retarded crystal nucleation process and improved atomic interaction. This approach leads to reduced structural defects and enhanced carrier transport.
A hybrid redundancy scheme for medium‐voltage three‐phase cascaded H‐bridge electronic power transformer
Authors: Wang Dan , Guan Zhitao , Tian Jie , Mao Chengxiong , Yang Yun , Wang Zhaoyuan
Published: March 2022

A hybrid redundancy (HR) scheme is proposed for the medium‐voltage three‐phase cascaded H‐bridge electronic power transformer (CHB‐EPT) based on the combination of the global redundant power modules and local redundant power modules. A “HOT‐FIRST‐LOCAL‐FIRST” transition strategy is designed to achieve a short transition time. Furthermore, to reduce the power loss of the redundant power modules, an intermittent charging (IC) strategy is proposed for the hot‐reserved redundant power modules. The detailed analysis of the topology shows that the proposed scheme can achieve low cost, high reliability, low power loss, and good transition performance. The performances are verified by simulations and experimental results.
Optimal add-on items recommendation service strength strategy for e-commerce platform with full-reduction-promotion
Authors: Song Sujuan , Peng Wei , Zeng Yuyang
Published: March 2022

This purpose of the paper is to make an in-depth study on the selection of the optimal shopping add-on items recommendation service strength strategy of the e-commerce platform with full-reduction promotion based on consumers’ heterogeneity preferences for discount amount and add-on items recommendation. With respect to the optimal decision problem consisting of an e-commerce platform who maximizes the profits and consumers who make purchase decision based on their utility, we construct a Stackelberg game model that reflects the interaction between platform’s recommendation service strength and consumers’ purchase willingness. Furthermore, through the derivative function analysis method, we examine the effect of reservation price, recommended commodity price and discount amount on the platform’s optimal recommendation service strength strategy. The results show that the discount amount, reservation price and consumer preference have different effects on the optimal add-on items recommendation service strength and the profit of the platform. Additionally, appropriate recommendation services strength is beneficial to enhance consumers’ willingness-to-pay and then increase the profits of the platform. Therefore, it is an effective way to improve the performance of the platform to reasonably formulate the basic discount amount, full-reduction promotion threshold and add-on items recommendation service strength.
Heilpflanzen für jeden Husten
Authors: Stern Cornelia
Published: March 2022

Zur Behandlung von trockenem Reizhusten eignet sich unter anderem der Eibisch. Seine Wurzeln gehören zu den schleimstoffreichsten Drogen. Efeublätter und Thymiankraut sind angezeigt bei produktivem Husten. Der Efeu hilft über die Wirkung seiner Saponine, Thymian über die seiner ätherischen Öle. Krampfartiger Husten reagiert gut auf Süßholz als spasmolytische Pflanze mit gleichzeitig auswurfsfördernden und entzündungshemmenden Eigenschaften.
Craniofacial and Oral Manifestations of Non-Syndromic Hypodontia: A Review
Authors: Khalaf Khaled , El-Kishawi Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Patients with hypodontia appear to have a different craniofacial morphology as compared with controls. They tend to have more class III skeletal pattern and retroclined upper and lower soft tissue lips as a consequence of retroclined upper and lower incisors. These features are more pronounced as the severity of the hypodontia increases. In addition to changes in craniofacial and soft tissue morphology, various dental anomalies are commonly associated with hypodontia such as microdontia of the remaining dentition, anomalies in tooth shape, particularly peg-shaped upper lateral incisors, smaller root dimensions of some of the permanent teeth, and decreased maxillary and mandibular dental arch widths and lengths measurements. Other dental anomalies which are seen in association with hypodontia are taurodontism of molars, retained deciduous molars, delayed development of the permanent teeth, distoangulation of the mandibular second premolar, and infraocclusion of the deciduous molars.
Growth Stunting Implication in Children: A Review on Primary Tooth Eruption
Authors: Setiawan Arlette S. , Abhista Nidia , Andisetyanto Prima , Indriyanti Ratna , Suryanti Netty
Published: March 2022

Growth stunting is a form of malnutrition that causes children to have a shorter height for their age. Growth stunting can affect tooth eruption, including delayed deciduous teeth eruption. An electronic search was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar up to December 2020 including the terms related to eruption time of deciduous teeth in stunted children, articles in English and Indonesian, research on humans, research articles, and articles that can be accessed in full text. Articles that were not related to eruption time of deciduous teeth in stunted children, articles published over the last 10 years, articles that only used weight for age indicator as an indicator of malnutrition, and articles with incomplete pages were excluded from the study. Seven cross-sectional articles were included in this study. Three studies assessed the age of deciduous teeth eruption, two studies assessed the number of erupted deciduous teeth in malnourished children, three studies assessed the sequence of deciduous teeth eruption, and six studies assessed the association of nutritional status with deciduous teeth eruption.
Virtual Consultations—“Should We Be Using Them?”: A Two-Cycle Clinical Audit
Authors: Lee Yung Wei Jarred , Patel Anika , Acharya Sandeep , Seshu Madhavi
Published: March 2022

Objective In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the use of virtual appointments increased substantially. An audit was designed to evaluate the efficacy of virtual appointments at Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Patients and clinicians satisfaction of virtual appointments were also recorded.

Materials and Methods Patients having virtual appointments were identified, and data were recorded, including demographics and outcome of the appointment. A pilot study was conducted to identify any necessary modifications to the data collection process. Data were collected over two cycles, and the results were analyzed.

Results The first cycle was performed retrospectively and there were 158 patients identified who had a virtual appointment. An outcome could be drawn from the virtual appointment in over 70% of cases. Recommendations following the first cycle were implemented. A second cycle was then completed prospectively. A total of 145 patients were identified. An outcome could be drawn in 51% of cases. Patient and clinician feedback on virtual appointments was generally positive.

Conclusion This study demonstrated that a successful outcome could be drawn in the majority of virtual appointments, and clinicians and patients had positive experiences regarding virtual clinics. This highlights the usefulness of this service, which is particularly relevant due to the increased reliance on virtual clinics during the pandemic.
Implant-Supported Restoration with Straight and Angled Hybrid Abutments: Digital Image Correlation and 3D-Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Demachkia Amir Mohidin , Sichi Luigi Giovanni Bernardo , Rodrigues Jonas Vinicius Meireles , Junior Lafayette Nogueira , Araújo Rodrigo Máximo de , Ramos Nathalia de Carvalho , Bottino Marco Antonio , Tribst João Paulo Mendes
Published: March 2022

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the hybrid abutment with different angles (0 and 15 degrees) on the stress distribution and deformation on maxillary implant-supported fixed prosthesis, using digital image correlation (DIC) and finite element analysis (FEA).

Materials and Methods For DIC, two situations were considered: conventional straight implant placement and implant placement with 15 degrees inclination. Different zirconia mesostructures were milled, one straight and the other with a 15-degree angulation to correct the implant positioning. Then, the zirconia mesostructures were cemented to the titanium base (Ti base), and both groups received a lithium disilicate crown. The DIC technique was performed to measure the deformation generated on the simulated bone surface (150 N loading). For the FEA (in silico), three-dimensional numerical models based on the in vitro setup were modeled using computer-aided design software. All materials were considered elastic, isotropic, and homogeneous. Comparison of both methods showed coherence between the in vitro and in silico results. The von-Mises stress of the implants, Ti base and screw, and the maximum principal stress in the mesostructure and crown were calculated for both conditions.

Results The overall surface deformation distributions determined by both techniques were considered similar allowing the model validation. The higher deformation was found in the cervical region with a higher magnitude for the angled hybrid abutment. The same pattern was observed in the stress fields regardless of the analyzed region and structure.

Conclusion Based on this study, using an angled hybrid abutment to correct the implant positioning generated higher stress in the implant fixture, surrounding tissue, Ti base, screw, and crown. Therefore, the implant should be positioned axially, whenever possible, to reduce the mechanical complications.
Examining the suitability of extant primates as models of hominin stone tool culture
Authors: Bandini Elisa , Harrison Rachel A. , Motes-Rodrigo Alba
Published: March 2022

Extant primates, especially chimpanzees, are often used as models for pre-modern hominin (henceforth: hominin) behaviour, anatomy and cognition. In particular, as hominin behaviour cannot be inferred from archaeological remains and artefacts alone, extant primates (including modern humans) are used as a ‘time machine’ to reconstruct the technological repertoires of our early ancestors. Whilst many continue to use primates to approximate hominin tool behaviours, others have questioned the value of these comparisons. The aim of this review is to critically examine how previous studies have compared various primate species to hominins with regards to stone percussion and flaking, as well as to discuss the limitations and strengths of these comparisons. Evidence is presented to support the view that certain monkey species, alongside non-primate animal species, might provide important insights when reconstructing hominin stone tool culture, despite being phylogenetically further removed from our lineage. In conclusion, whilst some studies may inflate the value of primates as models for early hominins, data from extant primates, alongside the archaeological record and anthropological reports, can help create a more comprehensive picture of hominin stone tool culture.
Design, development, and qualification tests of prototype two-channel cryogenic temperature transmitter
Authors: Muralidhara Srinivasa , Kothari Dilip
Published: March 2022

A two-channel prototype cryogenic temperature transmitter is developed using an ARM Cortex-M3 series precision analog microcontroller using a rapid prototyping method for use in indigenous developments. The developed prototype utilizes an Arduino compatible baseboard equipped with interfaces for programming/debugging. Additional circuits are fabricated, and embedded application software is developed and tested. The input circuit consists of a low-value high accuracy precision current source to excite the cryogenic temperature sensors of Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) type and employs a standard four-wire ratiometric measurement technique for accurate resistance measurement. The ratiometric measurement eliminates measurement errors due to current uncertainty. The precision microcontroller is equipped with internal programmable gain amplifiers to accurately scale low-level analog signals from cryogenic temperature sensors. The developed transmitter can interface with two cryogenic RTDs (Cernox® and PT-100 types) and can accurately measure resistance over its calibrated range (300–4 K). The cubic spline interpolation method is employed in application software for converting the measured resistance to temperature. The measured temperature is transmitted to a programmable logic device (via 4–20 mA signals) using the pulse width modulation technique. The developed transmitter is tested for its performance against commercially available transmitters at the liquid nitrogen temperature, liquid helium temperature, and over the entire measurement range using Gifford–McMahon type cryocoolers. The developed transmitter was utilized to assess the impact of the thermal resistance of the cryogenic sensors at the lowest temperature of the cryocooler (∼2.6 K). This paper outlines design details, application software development, experimental setup, measurement uncertainties, and test results.
Soil stabilizers and coastal plants.
Authors: Pinhey Sally , Tebbs Margaret
Published: March 2022

This chapter discusses soil stabilizers and coastal plants. Different species that help mitigate soil erosion and are suitable for land reclamation and stabilizing coastal areas and sand dunes are mentioned.
Case studies.
Authors: Pinhey Sally , Tebbs Margaret
Published: March 2022

This chapter discusses four case studies in Uk and one in New Zealand. The case studies present different farm management experiences of the farm owners, the problems encountered and the solutions to these problems to achieve sustainable agriculture.
‘Illegal’ gold mining and the everyday in post-apartheid South Africa
Authors: Madimu Tapiwa
Published: March 2022

This paper examines unregulated gold-mining activities prevalent at disused mines and decommissioned shafts at operating mines in post-apartheid South Africa. This kind of mining is deemed illegal by the government since it is outside the parameters of the country’s main mining legislation. The author uses the concept of ‘the everyday’ to examine the daily living patterns and work operations of unregulated miners (zama-zamas) to fully understand their real world, beyond what is peddled by the state, and to argue that unregulated mining activities are orderly and make a significant contribution to the livelihoods of thousands of people in South Africa and the subregion. A thorough examination of their daily work and leisure routines sheds more light on their actual world, which has till now been obscured by government and media reports that emphasise the ‘illegal’ and violent aspects while remaining mute on the positive elements.
Increased toe flexor strength does not relate to altered postural sway during static upright standing after 12 weeks of multicomponent exercise training
Authors: Koyama Keiji , Yamauchi Junichiro
Published: March 2022

This study investigated whether an increase in toe flexor strength influenced postural control during static upright standing after 12 weeks of multicomponent exercise training in healthy young men. Twelve men (18–23 yrs) performed multicomponent exercise 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Twelve additional age‐matched men were recruited for the untrained control group. The multicomponent exercise training consisted of strengthening and balance exercises for the foot and leg muscles. Toe flexor strength, foot arch height and postural control were assessed before, during, and after exercise training. Postural control was evaluated using the path of the centre of pressure, which was obtained with a force plate under three standing conditions: double‐leg standing with eyes open, double‐leg standing with eyes closed, and single‐leg standing with eyes open. The dominant leg was used for single‐leg standing. After exercise training, toe flexor strength increased by approximately 32% (p < 0.01), whereas the foot arch height did not change. The centre of pressure variables during double‐leg standing did not change after exercise training; however, these variables decreased during single‐leg standing. None of the variables in the control group changed after exercise training. The relative increase in toe flexor strength was not correlated with the relative improvement in the centre of pressure variables during single‐leg standing after 12 weeks of exercise training (total length, r = 0.1734; mean velocity, r = 0.1734; sway area, r = −0.1372). These findings suggest that increased toe flexor strength has no significant effect on static postural control ability after exercise training in young men.

Highlights

Twelve weeks of multicomponent exercise training aimed at strengthening foot and leg muscles increased toe flexor strength.

Multicomponent exercise training did not alter postural stability during double‐leg standing, but improved postural stability during single‐leg standing.

Increased toe flexor strength did not relate to altered postural stability during static upright standings after 12 weeks of exercise training.
Effects of Λ hyperons on the deformations of even–even nuclei *
Authors: Chen C. F. , Chen Q. B. , Zhou Xian-Rong , Cheng Y. Y. , Cui Ji-Wei , Schulze H.-J.
Published: March 2022

The deformations of multi-

hypernuclei corresponding to even–even core nuclei ranging from

Be to

Ca with 2, 4, 6, and 8 hyperons are studied using the deformed Skyrme–Hartree–Fock approach. It is found that the deformations are reduced when adding 2 or 8

hyperons, but enhanced when adding 4 or 6

hyperons. These differences are attributed to the fact that

hyperons are filled gradually into the three deformed

orbits, of which the [110]1/2

orbit is prolately deformed and the degenerate [101]1/2

and [101]3/2

orbits are oblately deformed.
Method for joint tracking by using magnetic field of the welding current during arc welding
Authors: Ya Braverman V , Bogdanov V V
Published: March 2022

We investigated a possibility to determine electrode deviation from the joint during arc welding by using the strength of the magnetic field from the components of the welding current flowing through the welded parts. Amplitude of the vertical component of the resulting magnetic field is proportionate to the deviation of the electrode from the joint and the sign determines the direction of the deviation. The differential flux gate is utilized as a sensor for the electrode deviation from the joint.
Using microwave irradiation to increase permeability of Siberian larch wood
Authors: Eliseev S G , Ermolin V N , Stupnikov S S
Published: March 2022

The paper presents the research results of the microwave radiation effect on the Siberian larch heartwood. The collected experimental data show that microwave treatment increases the larch wood permeability not only longitudinal but also transversely the fibres. The most significant increase of the transversely fibre wood permeability is found in the tangential direction.
The effect of cation substitution on conductivity in the region of structural phase transition
Authors: Udod L V , Sitnicov M N , Bandurina O N , Konovalov S O
Published: March 2022

The effect of non-stoichiometric substitution of chromium ions on the conductivity of bismuth stannates was studied. The measurement of the current-voltage characteristic in the temperature range 300-800 K and electric fields from -800 to 800 V/cm was carried out. A change of the conductivity type from hopping to tunnel-emission in the structural phase transition region is established. The influence of the concentration of the substituting ion on the change of the conductivity type was determined.
Increasing the autonomy of unmanned aerial vehicles by modifying the internal combustion engines used
Authors: Derben A M , Shelikhova S V
Published: March 2022

The most important characteristic of any unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is the autonomy of operation. UAVs structures containing an internal combustion engine as an energy source usually use packaged units of general-purpose. The article proposes a modification of such engines, which allows improving fuel efficiency, reducing noise and exhausting temperature.
Lattice Design of a Compact Hadron Driver for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Kwee Wah Leo , Takayama Ken , Adachi Toshikazu , Kawakubo Tadamichi , Dixit Tanuja
Published: March 2022

A next generation cancer therapy driver by using a fast-cycling induction synchrotron is given. The design of the lattice parameters with zero momentum-dispersion and high-flat momentum-dispersion region as essential parameters must be fulfilled and the optimization process with results are discussed here. Finally, the optimization process and method are developed and the lattice parameters are well defined.
Numerical solution of deuteron potential depth using python
Authors: Muhammad Adam , Alnour I.A.
Published: March 2022

Deuteron potential depth is hardly solvable analytically, thus this study uses a numerical method through Python programming language to calculate the depth of the potential well by coding the transcendental equation. Two different approaches were used, in which the first approach is by changing the Vin
(initial value) value in the code to obtain the Vo
values as an output, and the second, by keeping Vin
value constant and changing the radius R values to obtain different V
o values in order to find the relationship between Vo
and radius R. The mean average value of Vo
was found to be −37.6 MeV. The result was close to the typical potential value (−36 MeV). The relationship between the potential depth and its radius shows the potential changes with respect to the deuteron radius. Moreover, the comparison of the deuteron potential depth of the present study shows an acceptable level of consistency with those of previous studies. Among other numerical methods, Python-based solution seems to be one of the simplest and most accurate method for solving complex numerical problems.
Nuclear fuel materials and its sustainability for low carbon energy system: A review
Authors: Nor Azman Muhammad ‘Adli , Syazwani Mohd Ali Nur , Syahir Sarkawi Muhammad , Arif Sazali Muhammad , Afifah Basri Nor
Published: March 2022

World energy generation for electricity is still dependent on fossil fuels since it is more reliable and secure than the current intermittent renewable energy systems. Although the integration of renewable energy as an energy mix is in progress, still it could not be able to replace fossil fuels. Dependency on fossil fuels will not only contribute to severe climate change but will also degrade future generation quality of life. Hence, the solution to quandary is by integrating nuclear power plants with those of renewable energy such as solar and wind to meet the energy demand and to ensure sustainability of energy source. The current operating nuclear power plants in the world use the concept of water-cooled reactors. It was designed so that the fast neutrons born from fission reactions were slowed down in the moderator to allow other fission reactions events in sustainable chain reactions. Besides, the slow neutrons with low energy is a favourable reactor feature for safe and efficient operation. The common types of nuclear fuel materials in water-cooled reactors are enriched uranium dioxide and natural uranium contained in nuclear fuel elements. After it has been used, the fuel elements will be stored as spent fuel. Prolonged storage of used nuclear fuels will make the volume of nuclear waste high and become hard to manage after a long period of storage. An effort to reprocess the spent fuel as to extract fissile and fertile material to be used in nuclear fuels usually was undertaken to reduce the waste volume. However, this process may lead to an undesirable proliferation of nuclear material. In this review article, research on the advancement of nuclear fuel materials will be discussed based on the reduction method of the nuclear spent fuel volume and radiotoxicity, as well as to study its sustainability for the future low carbon energy system.
A unified formalism for estimating photon absorbed fractions in spherical biovolumes: analytical equations without fitting parameters
Authors: Sazykina Tatiana G , Kryshev Alexander I
Published: March 2022

A new analytical formalism, previously developed for estimating electron-absorbed fractions, was extended for estimating photon absorbed fractions in soft-tissue spheres, containing uniformly distributed photon-emitter. Analytical equations were formulated for calculating values of photon-absorbed fractions. The method involves a rescaling procedure with transformation of real biological sizes to unitless effective ones, combining information of photon energy, object’s size, and material. Rescaling was applied to large published datasets of photon absorbed fractions in soft-tissue spheres, computed with Monte Carlo codes. A new effect was demonstrated in which the rescaled data formed a single smooth ‘unified curve’ with saturation. The unified curve for photon absorbed fractions was described analytically, using simple equations without fitting parameters. The new method was tested for a wide range of spheres—from 1 mg up to 1000 kg, and wide range of photon energies—from 0.02 up to 5 MeV. For larger spheres, a close agreement between analytical values and Monte Carlo datasets was demonstrated. For small biovolumes, analytical equations predict higher values than available Monte Carlo data. The unified formalism is now available for direct calculating radiation absorbed fractions in soft-tissue spherical organs and organisms without Monte Carlo codes.
Interplay between multipole expansion of exchange interaction and Coulomb correlation of exciton in colloidal II–VI quantum dots
Authors: Klenovský Petr , Valdhans Jakub , Krejčí Lucie , Valtr Miroslav , Klapetek Petr , Fedotova Olga
Published: March 2022

We study the effect of Coulomb correlation on the emission properties of the ground state exciton in zincblende CdSe/ZnS core–shell and in wurtzite ZnO quantum dots (QDs). We validate our theory model by comparing results of computed exciton energies of CdSe/ZnS QDs to photoluminescence and scanning near-field optical microscopy measurements. We use that to estimate the diameter of the QDs using a simple model based on infinitely deep quantum well and compare the results with the statistics of the atomic force microscopy scans of CdSe/ZnS dots, obtaining excellent agreement. Thereafter, we compute the energy fine structure of exciton, finding striking difference between properties of zincblende CdSe/ZnS and wurtzite ZnO dots. While in the former the fine structure is dominated by the dipole terms of the multipole expansion of the exchange interaction, in the latter system that is mostly influenced by Coulomb correlation. Furthermore, the correlation sizeably influences also the exciton binding energy and emission radiative rate in ZnO dots.
Optimal allocation of solar photovoltaic distributed generation in electrical distribution networks using Archimedes optimization algorithm
Authors: Janamala Varaprasad , Radha Rani K
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes to resolve optimal solar photovoltaic (SPV) system locations and sizes in electrical distribution networks using a novel Archimedes optimization algorithm (AOA) inspired by physical principles in order to minimize network dependence and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the greatest extent possible. Loss sensitivity factors are used to predefine the search space for sites, and AOA is used to identify the optimal locations and sizes of SPV systems for reducing grid dependence and GHG emissions from conventional power plants. Experiments with composite agriculture loads on a practical Indian 22-bus agricultural feeder, a 28-bus rural feeder and an IEEE 85-bus feeder demonstrated the critical nature of optimally distributed SPV systems for minimizing grid reliance and reducing GHG emissions from conventional energy sources. Additionally, the voltage profile of the network has been enhanced, resulting in significant reductions in distribution losses. The results of AOA were compared to those of several other nature-inspired heuristic algorithms previously published in the literature, and it was observed that AOA outperformed them in terms of convergence and redundancy when solving complex, non-linear and multivariable optimization problems.

Optimal solar photovoltaic system locations and sizes in electrical distribution networks are derived using a novel Archimedes optimization algorithm in order to minimize network dependence and pollutant emissions to the greatest extent possible.
Biasing the neurocognitive processing of videos with the presence of a real cultural other
Authors: Zhou Siyuan , Xu Xinran , He Xiangyu , Zhou Faxin , Zhai Yu , Chen Jinglu , Long Yuhang , Zheng Lifen , Lu Chunming
Published: March 2022

In the digital age, while short videos present vital events with powerful information, the presence of cultural cues may bias our processing of videos of foreign cultures. However, the underlying neurocognitive processes remain unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that cultural cues might bias video processing by either enhancing cultural perspective-taking or shifting cultural self-schema. To test these hypotheses, we used a novel paradigm in which the cultural cue was a real cultural other (the priming participants) who watched American/Chinese videos together with the primed participants. The results showed that when the cue was present, the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) response to videos with other cultural content was shifted, showing a priming effect. Moreover, the activity pattern in the rTPJ was more congruent with the primed culture than with the original culture, reflecting a neural biasing effect. Finally, intersubject representational similarity analysis indicated that the neural biasing effect in the rTPJ was more closely associated with cultural perspective-taking than with cultural self-schema. In summary, these findings support the perspective-taking hypothesis, suggesting that cultural cues can significantly bias our cultural mindset by altering cultural perspective-taking when we are exposed to culture-relevant naturalistic stimuli.
The MADIT-ICD benefit score helps to select implantable cardioverter-defibrillator candidates in cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Dauw Jeroen , Martens Pieter , Nijst Petra , Meekers Evelyne , Deferm Sébastien , Gruwez Henri , Rivero-Ayerza Maximo , Van Herendael Hugo , Pison Laurent , Nuyens Dieter , Dupont Matthias , Mullens Wilfried
Published: March 2022

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the MADIT-ICD benefit score can predict who benefits most from the addition of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in real-world patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and to compare this with selection according to a multidisciplinary expert centre approach.

Methods and results

Consecutive HFrEF patients who received a CRT for a guideline indication at a tertiary care hospital (Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium) between October 2008 and September 2016, were retrospectively evaluated. The MADIT-ICD benefit groups (low, intermediate, and high) were compared with the current multidisciplinary expert centre approach. Endpoints were (i) sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) and (ii) non-arrhythmic mortality. Of the 475 included patients, 165 (34.7%) were in the lowest, 220 (46.3%) in the intermediate, and 90 (19.0%) in the highest benefit group. After a median follow-up of 34 months, VT/VF occurred in 3 (1.8%) patients in the lowest, 9 (4.1%) in the intermediate, and 13 (14.4%) in the highest benefit group (P < 0.001). Vice versa, non-arrhythmic death occurred in 32 (19.4%) in the lowest, 32 (14.6%) in the intermediate, and 3 (3.3%) in the highest benefit group (P = 0.002). The predictive power for ICD benefit was comparable between expert multidisciplinary judgement and the MADIT-ICD benefit score: Uno’s C-statistic 0.69 vs. 0.69 (P = 0.936) for VT/VF and 0.62 vs. 0.60 (P = 0.790) for non-arrhythmic mortality.

Conclusion

The MADIT-ICD benefit score can identify who benefits most from CRT-D and is comparable with multidisciplinary judgement in a CRT expert centre.
Diversity and Evolution of Pigment Types in MarineSynechococcusCyanobacteria
Authors: Grébert Théophile , Garczarek Laurence , Daubin Vincent , Humily Florian , Marie Dominique , Ratin Morgane , Devailly Alban , Farrant Gregory K , Mary Isabelle , Mella-Flores Daniella , Tanguy Gwenn , Labadie Karine , Wincker Patrick , Kehoe David M , Partensky Frédéric
Published: March 2022

Synechococcus cyanobacteria are ubiquitous and abundant in the marine environment and contribute to an estimated 16% of the ocean net primary productivity. Their light-harvesting complexes, called phycobilisomes (PBS), are composed of a conserved allophycocyanin core, from which radiates six to eight rods with variable phycobiliprotein and chromophore content. This variability allows Synechococcus cells to optimally exploit the wide variety of spectral niches existing in marine ecosystems. Seven distinct pigment types or subtypes have been identified so far in this taxon based on the phycobiliprotein composition and/or the proportion of the different chromophores in PBS rods. Most genes involved in their biosynthesis and regulation are located in a dedicated genomic region called the PBS rod region. Here, we examine the variability of gene content and organization of this genomic region in a large set of sequenced isolates and natural populations of Synechococcus representative of all known pigment types. All regions start with a tRNA-PheGAA and some possess mobile elements for DNA integration and site-specific recombination, suggesting that their genomic variability relies in part on a “tycheposon”-like mechanism. Comparison of the phylogenies obtained for PBS and core genes revealed that the evolutionary history of PBS rod genes differs from the core genome and is characterized by the co-existence of different alleles and frequent allelic exchange. We propose a scenario for the evolution of the different pigment types and highlight the importance of incomplete lineage sorting in maintaining a wide diversity of pigment types in different Synechococcus lineages despite multiple speciation events.
The Servant Problem and the Colour Line: Race, Class, and Domestic Labour in the Transvaal Colony, 1902–1914
Authors: Silber Maia
Published: March 2022

After the Second South African War, the Transvaal Colony subsidized the migration of British domestic workers. Sought for their perceived capacity to ‘Anglicize’ the colony as potential wives for settlers and for their cheap labor, migrant women were both protected and disciplined by the state and employers. But by positioning themselves against the Black domestic workers with whom they worked, white women in the colony resolved the contradictions of their race, class, and gender status in their own favour. They helped harden the racial boundaries of service not only within the Transvaal but in the English-speaking world more broadly.
The real role of AI in patent law debates
Authors: Duque Lizarralde Marta , Contreras Héctor Axel
Published: March 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to automate intellectual tasks through systematization, which renders it one of today’s most important technologies. Nevertheless, the capabilities of AI have been frequently overestimated. In the field of intellectual property, for instance, it has been debated how to protect ‘AI-generated inventions’, even though AI cannot invent without human intervention. In the meanwhile, other discussions which have a more direct impact on markets have been set aside. We take a look at two of those discussions in the patent field: (i) how AI can be used as a tool to help patent offices and applicants in evaluating the patentability of their inventions by analysing massive amounts of documents in a shorter timeframe and (ii) the employment of AI to perform essentiality checks, ie, to identify patents that are essential to a standard.
Infiltration of hidden antimicrobial resistance among healthy people in a Japanese community
Authors: Fukuda Akira , Nakamura Hiromi , Umeda Kaoru , Yamamoto Kaori , Hirai Yuji , Usui Masaru , Ogasawara Jun
Published: March 2022

Background

Under non-antimicrobial selective pressure, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria do not easily become dominant in the microbiota. Furthermore, their low levels prevent detection by isolation, resulting in an underestimation of the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

Objectives

We evaluated the infiltration of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and their related β-lactamase genes among healthy people in non-clinical settings.

Methods

Cephalosporin- and fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli and bla genes were quantified in 217 faecal samples from healthy people in non-clinical settings in Japan. E. coli colonies grown on deoxycholate hydrogen sulphide-lactose (DHL) agar, with and without antimicrobials (cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin), were quantified, and E. coli isolates were analysed for their susceptibility to antimicrobials and the presence of bla genes. DNA extracted from faecal samples was used to quantify bla genes using quantitative PCR (qPCR).

Results

The isolation rates of cefotaxime- and ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli were 6.9% and 12.4%, respectively, using agars without antimicrobials, and 12.0% and 24.4%, respectively, using agars with antimicrobials. For samples from which cefotaxime- and ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli were isolated only using agars with antimicrobials, the ratios of cfu on DHL agars with and without antimicrobials were below −2 log. E. coli harbouring bla genes were isolated from 35.0% of the faecal samples using agars, and bla genes were detected in 65.0% of faecal DNA samples using qPCR.

Conclusions

Among people carrying cefotaxime- and ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli in non-clinical settings, cefotaxime- and ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli were not dominant in half of the subjects. These individuals may play a role as reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
143 The Effects of Vaccination Strategies on Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Antibody Titers and Body Weight Performance in Pre- and Post-weaned Beef Calves
Authors: Robe Jeff , Beck Paul A , Adams Jordan , Lalman David , Biggs Rosslyn
Published: March 2022

The Oklahoma Quality Beef Network utilizes three health protocols for producer choice based on vaccine timing and viral components. The study objective was to examine the effects of vaccine type and timing on animal performance, and immune response pre-and post-weaning. A total of 151 Angus, Angus x Hereford, or Angus x Charolais calves were randomly assigned to one of three health protocols stratified by breed of sire, sex, and date of birth. Vaccination treatments were 1) KV/MLV – multivalent inactivated BRD vaccine (KV) administered on d 0 and revaccination with a pentavalent modified-live virus on d 125; 2) MLV/MLV – pentavalent modified-live virus on d 0 and d 125; or 3) WEAN – pentavalent modified-live virus on d 125 and 139. Virus-specific antibody (Ab) titer data was determined using serum-neutralization from serum collected at six time points. Antibody titers, BW, and ADG variables were evaluated following vaccination. Results indicated there was no treatment effect on BW. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVD) also displayed significance for treatment x date interaction. The MLV/MLV provided greatest response from d 0 (branding) to d 125 (weaning) than the other two treatments. There was no difference between the KV/MLV group and the WEAN group from d 0 to d 125. By d 167 the KV/MLV group had a greater immune response than the MLV/MLV and WEAN groups. The MLV/MLV provided the greatest protection from branding to weaning. Providing a KV at branding had minimal effect on BVD titers but responded well to MLV vaccine at weaning by d 167. The WEAN group generated the least number of titers overall. Further investigation is needed to determine the long-term protection of vaccination strategies.
23 Performance of Pregnant Beef Heifers During Spring Rotational Grazing of Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue Following Complete Renovation
Authors: Talbott Charlotte L , Harmon Deidre D , Poore Matt H , Young Carolyn , Franzluebbers Alan J , Griffith Emily H , Bustabad Reagan , Newsome Madeline
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to analyze animal performance following renovation of toxic-infected tall fescue (TF) to novel endophyte tall fescue (NE) in order to increase producer adoption of NE. In 2018, three renovation strategies were implemented in a randomized complete block design. Strategies included: 1) control (C), 2) renovation to NE after one season of a single-specie cover crop (1-SM), 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single-specie cover crop (3-SM), and 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a multi-specie cover crop (3-CM). Forty-eight pregnant (30-90-d) Angus heifers (initial BW 383 kg ± 32) were randomly assigned to rotationally graze spring growth for 56-d, two years after NE establishment. Pre- and post-grazing forage mass was measured every 7-d. Animal measurements were collected every 14-d. Data were analyzed using procGLIMMIX of SASv9.4. Average daily gain was greatest (P < 0.0001) for cattle grazing 3-CM (0.74 kg/d), 1-SM (0.72 kg/d), and 3-SM (0.62 kg/d) and least for C (0.33 kg/d). Pre-grazing forage biomass was greatest (P = 0.0157) in 3-CM (3261 kg/ha) and lowest in C (2523 kg/ha), with 3-SM (2813 kg/ha) and 1-SM (2779 kg/ha) being intermediate. Post-grazing forage biomass was greatest (P = 0.0063) in 3-CM (1982 kg/ha), C (1916 kg/ha), 1-SM (1900 kg/ha), but lower in 3-SM (1592 kg/ha). Prior to grazing, body condition score (BCS) was higher (P = 0.0029) for animals grazing C (5.48), but change in BCS of animals within treatments was not different (P = 0.798). Hair shedding scores (HS) were not different on d-0, with all treatments near 5. However, HS were highest (P < 0.0001) in C (4.75), and lowest in 1-SM (1.75), 3-SM (2), and 3-CM (2) after 56-d. Data suggest animal performance for NE was improved compared to TF during spring grazing in years following renovation.