bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of distinct APOBEC/ADAR mRNA levels in mutational signatures linked to aging and ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Niavarani Ahmadreza
Published: July 2024

The APOBEC/AID family is known for its mutator activity, and recent evidence also supports the potential impact of ADARs. Furthermore, the mutator impacts of APOBEC/ADAR mutations have not yet been investigated. Assessment of pancancer TCGA exomes identified enriched somatic variants among exomes with nonsynonymous APOBEC1, APOBEC3B, APOBEC3C, ADAR, and ADARB1 mutations, compared to exomes with synonymous ones. Principal component (PC) analysis reduced the number of potential players to eight in cancer exomes/genomes, and to five in cancer types. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the impact of the PCs on each COSMIC mutational signature among pancancer exomes/genomes and particular cancers, identifying several novel links, including SBS17b, SBS18, and ID7 mainly determined by APOBEC1 mRNA levels; SBS40, ID1, and ID2 by age; SBS3 and SBS16 by APOBEC3A/APOBEC3B mRNA levels; ID5 and DBS9 by DNA repair/replication (DRR) defects; and SBS7a-d, SBS38, ID4, ID8, ID13, and DBS1 by ultraviolet (UV) radiation/ADARB1 mRNA levels. APOBEC/ADAR mutations appeared to potentiate the impact of DRR defects on several mutational signatures, and some factors seemed to inversely affect certain signatures. These findings potentially implicate certain APOBEC/ADAR mutations/mRNA levels in distinct mutational signatures, particularly APOBEC1 mRNA levels in aging-related signatures and ADARB1 mRNA levels in UV radiation-related signatures.
Jumping to attributions during social evaluation
Authors: Lau Isabel H. W. , Norman Jessica , Stothard Melanie , Carlisi Christina O. , Moutoussis Michael
Published: July 2024

Social learning is crucial for human relationships and well-being. Self- and other- evaluations are universal experiences, playing key roles in many psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety and depression. We aimed to deepen our understanding of the computational mechanisms behind social learning, which have been implicated in internalizing conditions like anxiety and depression. We built on prior work based on the Social Evaluation Learning Task (SELT) and introduced a new computational model to better explain rapid initial inferences and progressive refinement during serial social evaluations. The Social Evaluation Learning Task-Revised (SELT-R) was improved by stakeholder input, making it more engaging and suitable for adolescents. A sample of 130 adults from the UK completed the SELT-R and questionnaires assessing symptoms of depression and anxiety. ‘Classify-refine’ computational models were compared with previously successful Bayesian models. The ‘classify-refine’ models performed better, providing insight into how people infer the attributes and motives of others. Parameters of the best fitting model from the SELT-R were correlated with Anxiety factor scores, with higher symptoms associated with greater decision noise and higher (less flexible) policy certainty. Our results replicate findings regarding the classify-refine process and set the stage for future investigations into the cognitive mechanisms of self and other evaluations in internalizing disorders.
Multilevel analysis of healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea in high under five mortality countries
Authors: Tiruneh Misganaw Guadie , Jejaw Melak , Demissie Kaleb Assegid , Tafere Tesfahun Zemene , Geberu Demiss Mulatu , Hagos Asebe , Baffa Lemlem Daniel , Teshale Getachew
Published: July 2024

Globally, 4.9 million under-five deaths occurred before celebrating their fifth birthday. Four in five under-five deaths were recorded in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. Childhood diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death and is accountable for killing around 443,832 children every year. Despite healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea has a significant effect on the reduction of childhood mortality and morbidity, most children die due to delays in seeking healthcare. Therefore, this study aimed to assess healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea in the top high under-five mortality countries. This study used secondary data from 2013/14 to 2019 demographic and health surveys of 4 top high under-five mortality countries. A total weighted sample of 7254 mothers of under-five children was included. A multilevel binary logistic regression was employed to identify the associated factors of healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea. The statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. The overall magnitude of healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea in the top high under-five mortality countries was 58.40% (95% CI 57.26%, 59.53%). Partner/husband educational status, household wealth index, media exposure, information about oral rehydration, and place of delivery were the positive while the number of living children were the negative predictors of healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea in top high under-five mortality countries. Besides, living in different countries compared to Guinea was also an associated factor for healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea. More than four in ten children didn’t receive health care for childhood diarrhea in top high under-five mortality countries. Thus, to increase healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea, health managers and policymakers should develop strategies to improve the household wealth status for those with poor household wealth index. The decision-makers and program planners should also work on media exposure and increase access to education. Further research including the perceived severity of illness and ORS knowledge-related factors of healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea should also be considered by other researchers.
Low microbial diversity, yeast prevalence, and nematode-trapping fungal presence in fungal colonization and leaf microbiome of Serjania erecta
Authors: de Freitas Samylla Tássia Ferreira , Silva Fabiano Guimarães , Bessa Layara Alexandre , de Souza Ueric José Borges , Augusto Damiana Souza Santos , de Faria Giselle Santos , Vitorino Luciana Cristina
Published: July 2024

Medicinal plant microbiomes undergo selection due to secondary metabolite presence. Resident endophytic/epiphytic microorganisms directly influence plant’s bioactive compound synthesis. Hypothesizing low microbial diversity in Serjania erecta leaves, we assessed leaf colonization by epiphytic and endophytic fungi. Given its traditional medicinal importance, we estimated diversity in the endophytic fungal microbiome. Analyses included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), isolation of cultivable species, and metagenomics. Epiphytic fungi interacted with S. erecta leaf tissues, horizontally transmitted via stomata/trichome bases, expressing traits for nematode trapping. Cultivable endophytic fungi, known for phytopathogenic habits, didn’t induce dysbiosis symptoms. This study confirms low leaf microbiome diversity in S. erecta, with a tendency towards more fungal species, likely due to antibacterial secondary metabolite selection. The classification of Halicephalobus sp. sequence corroborated the presence of nematode eggs on the epidermal surface of S. erecta by SEM. In addition, we confirmed the presence of methanogenic archaea and a considerable number of methanotrophs of the genus Methylobacterium. The metagenomic study of endophytic fungi highlighted plant growth-promoting yeasts, mainly Malassezia, Leucosporidium, Meyerozyma, and Hannaella. Studying endophytic fungi and S. erecta microbiomes can elucidate their impact on beneficial bioactive compound production, on the other hand, it is possible that the bioactive compounds produced by this plant can recruit specific microorganisms, impacting the biological system.
A characterization for fuzzy strong cut vertices and fuzzy strong cut edges
Authors: Ma Junye , Shen Lijing , Li Lin
Published: July 2024

Cut vertices and cut edges are valuable for analyzing connectivity problems in classical graph theory. However, they cannot deal with certain fuzzy problems. In order to solve this problem, this paper introduces the definitions of fuzzy strong cut vertices and fuzzy strong cut edges, and characterizes fuzzy strong cut vertices and fuzzy strong cut edges in fuzzy trees, complete fuzzy graphs, and fuzzy cycles. Finally, practical applications verify the effectiveness of the theory in network stability analysis.
Improvement of optical and structural properties of ZIF-8 by producing multifunctional Zn/Co bimetallic ZIFs for wastewater treatment from copper ions and dye
Authors: Vatani Pooneh , Aliannezhadi Maryam , Shariatmadar Tehrani Fatemeh
Published: July 2024

In the paper, high specific surface area (SSA) mono and bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) based on zinc and cobalt metals are successfully synthesized at room temperature using different ratios of Zn to Co salts as precursors and ammonium as a solvent to tailor the properties of the produced ZIF and optimize the efficiency of the particles in water treatment from dye and copper ions, simultaneously. The results declare that monometallic and bimetallic ZIF microparticles are formed using ammonium and the tuning of pore sizes and also increasing the SSA by inserting the Co ions in Zn-ZIF particles is accessible. It leads to a significant increase in the thermal stability of bimetallic Zn/Co-ZIF and the appearance of an absorption band in the visible region due to the existence of Co in the bimetallic structures. The bandgap energies of bimetallic ZIFs are close to that of the monometallic Co-ZIF-8, indicating controlling the bandgap by Co ZIF. Furthermore, the ZIFs samples are applied for water treatment from copper ions (10 and 184 ppm) and methylene blue (10 ppm) under visible irradiation and the optimized multifunctional bimetallic Zn/Co ZIF is introduced as an admirable candidate for water treatment even in acidic conditions.
Late Paleocene paleoclimate recorded in fluid inclusion of halite in Subei basin, East China
Authors: Ding Ting , Pan Bing , Zhang Hua , Liu Chenglin , Yang Zhen , Santosh M.
Published: July 2024

Salt deposits are indicative of relatively extreme climate events. However, due to insufficient independent temperature proxies, paleotemperature records obtained from salt deposition are still lack. The Paleocene evaporite sequence deposited in the Hongze Depression of Subei Basin of eastern China provides an important terrestrial sediment record during this period. In this study we present total of 488 homogenization temperature (Th) data of halite fluid inclusions from drilling core with different stratigraphic depth after detailed petrological observation. The obtained Th ranged from 17.7 °C to 52.3 °C, with the mean Th value of 34.1 °C that in good agreement with the previous studies of climatic proxies. Our study shows that primary fluid inclusions of halite can serve as a robust tool to construct the ancient earth surface temperature.
Nitrate pollution deterioration in winter driven by surface ozone increase
Authors: Zhang Zekun , Lu Bingqing , Liu Chao , Meng Xue , Jiang Jiakui , Herrmann Hartmut , Chen Jianmin , Li Xiang
Published: July 2024

Recently, nitrate (NO3–) levels in winter pollution in eastern China have been increasing yearly and have become the main component of PM2.5. The factors contributing to this rise in surface NO3– concentrations remain unclear, complicating the development of targeted pollution control measures. This study utilizes observational data from Shanghai during the winter 2019, alongside box model simulations, to recreate the NO3− pollution event and identify the key factors in the growth process. The analysis demonstrated that a rise in winter ozone levels significantly promotes NO3– production by facilitating NOx conversion via gas-phase and heterogeneous reactions. These findings could explain the correlation between the synchronous increase of surface ozone and NO3− in recent years. Furthermore, simulation of control strategies for NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) identified an approach centered on ozone reduction as notably effective in mitigating winter NO3– pollution in the Yangtze River Delta.
Strain-induced activation of chiral-phonon emission in monolayer WS2
Authors: Pan Yiming , Caruso Fabio
Published: July 2024

We report a theoretical investigation of the ultrafast dynamics of electrons and phonons in strained monolayer WS2 following photoexcitation. We show that strain substantially modifies the phase space for electron-phonon scattering, unlocking relaxation pathways that are unavailable in the pristine monolayer. In particular, strain triggers a transition between distinct dynamical regimes of the non-equilibrium lattice dynamics characterized by the emission of chiral phonons under high strain and linearly-polarized phonons under low strain. For valley-polarized electronic excitations, this mechanism can be exploited to selectively activate the emission of chiral phonons – phonons carrying a net angular momentum. Our simulations are based on state-of-the-art ab-initio methods and focus exclusively on realistic excitation and strain conditions that have already been achieved in recent experimental studies. Overall, strain emerges as a powerful tool for controlling chiral phonons emission and relaxation pathways in multivalley quantum materials.
Competing interests: digital health and indigenous data sovereignty
Authors: Cordes Ashley , Bak Marieke , Lyndon Mataroria , Hudson Maui , Fiske Amelia , Celi Leo Anthony , McLennan Stuart
Published: July 2024

Digital health is increasingly promoting open health data. Although this open approach promises a number of benefits, it also leads to tensions with Indigenous data sovereignty movements led by Indigenous peoples around the world who are asserting control over the use of health data as a part of self-determination. Digital health has a role in improving access to services and delivering improved health outcomes for Indigenous communities. However, we argue that in order to be effective and ethical, it is essential that the field engages more with Indigenous peoples´ rights and interests. We discuss challenges and possible improvements for data acquisition, management, analysis, and integration as they pertain to the health of Indigenous communities around the world.
Creative connections: the neural correlates of semantic relatedness are associated with creativity
Authors: Herault Caroline , Ovando-Tellez Marcela , Lebuda Izabela , Kenett Yoed N. , Beranger Benoit , Benedek Mathias , Volle Emmanuelle
Published: July 2024

The associative theory of creativity proposes that creative ideas result from connecting remotely related concepts in memory. Previous research found that higher creative individuals exhibit a more flexible organization of semantic memory, generate more uncommon word associations, and judge remote concepts as more related. In this study (N = 93), we used fMRI to investigate brain regions involved in judging the relatedness of concepts that vary in their semantic distance, and how such neural involvement relates to individual differences in creativity. Brain regions where activity increased with semantic relatedness mainly overlapped with default, control, salience, semantic control, and multiple demand networks. The default and semantic control networks exhibited increased involvement when evaluating more remote associations. Finally, higher creative people, who provided higher relatedness judgements on average, exhibited lower activity in those regions, possibly reflecting higher neural efficiency. We discuss these findings in the context of the neurocognitive processing underlying creativity. Overall, our findings indicate that judging remote concepts as related reflects a cognitive mechanism underlying creativity and shed light on the neural correlates of this mechanism.
The effects of COVID-19 on the resilience of urban life in China
Authors: Han Hao , Bai Xuemei , Costanza Robert , Dong Liang
Published: July 2024

Understanding the impacts of COVID-19 on citizens from different cities is crucial for urban resilience-building and reducing inequal resilience distribution. However, little research focuses on urban life at the individual level, particularly in second- and third-tier cities. An online survey was therefore conducted to collect data on how COVID-19 affected the cities and urban residents in mainland China. The results indicate that COVID-19 limited citizens’ access to healthcare facilities and socioeconomic activities apart from the immediate health crisis. Most citizens suffered reduced income, unemployment, and social anxiety. However, COVID-19 also raised social awareness and actions for disaster adaptation. The Chinese pandemic management has strengthened governmental leadership and credibility among most citizens in the early stage. Importantly, the results suggested that citizens in first-tier cities appeared more resilient to pandemics than those in second-tier cities. A networked resilience framework was therefore discussed for resilience-building policy implications.
Polarization sensing of network health and seismic activity over a live terrestrial fiber-optic cable
Authors: Carver Charles J. , Zhou Xia
Published: July 2024

Wide-scale sensing of natural and human-made events is critical for protecting against environmental disasters and reducing the monetary losses associated with telecommunication service downtime. However, achieving dense sensing coverage is difficult, given the high deployment overhead of modern sensor networks. Here we offer an in-depth exploration of state-of-polarization sensing over fiber-optic networks using unmodified optical transceivers to establish a strong correlation with ground truth distributed acoustic sensing. To validate our sensing methodology, we collect 85 days of polarization and distributed acoustic sensing measurements along two colocated, 50 km fiber-optic cables in Southern California. We then examine how polarization sensing can improve network reliability by accurately modeling overall network health and preemptively detecting traffic loss. Finally, we explore the feasibility of wide-scale seismic monitoring with polarization sensing, showcasing the polarization perturbations following low-intensity earthquakes and the potential to more than double seismic monitoring coverage in Southern California alone.
Sensor organic light-emitting diode display, combining fingerprint and biomarker capturing
Authors: Kim Chul , Bae Kwang Soo , Kim Gunhee , Lee Dae-Young , Moon Gyeongub , Yang Dongwook , Lee Hyeonjun , An Jongyeop , Park Jungwoo , Yoon Seokgyu , Lee Cheol Gon , Jeon Mu Kyung , Cho Sanghwan , Kim Sunghan , Kim Yongjo , Lee Changhee
Published: July 2024

Display has been evolving its role as a conventional optical output device into an user interactive input and output device by harnessing various sensors and taking full advantage of its user interaction friendly nature. To demonstrate this phenomenon, here we report a full organic photodiode embedded organic light-emitting diode display as multiple objects sensing platform which identifies the user’s physiological data based on the obtained photoplethysmography signal and also detects a fingerprint for an authentication concurrently in a single device. This paper introduces the technical breakthroughs to solve the complex technical challenges due to the crosstalks induced within the shared common layers during the full integration of the two conflicting devices and also the method made possible for the multiple objects sensing with the measurement results. Consequently, we believe it could prove a progression of display to a fully bidirectional innovative smart user interactive device and also could take a role as a sophisticated future display beyond organic light-emitting diode display.
A measure of reliability convergence to select and optimize cognitive tasks for individual differences research
Authors: Kadlec Jan , Walsh Catherine R. , Sadé Uri , Amir Ariel , Rissman Jesse , Ramot Michal
Published: July 2024

Surging interest in individual differences has faced setbacks in light of recent replication crises in psychology, for example in brain-wide association studies exploring brain-behavior correlations. A crucial component of replicability for individual differences studies, which is often assumed but not directly tested, is the reliability of the measures we use. Here, we evaluate the reliability of different cognitive tasks on a dataset with over 250 participants, who each completed a multi-day task battery. We show how reliability improves as a function of number of trials, and describe the convergence of the reliability curves for the different tasks, allowing us to score tasks according to their suitability for studies of individual differences. We further show the effect on reliability of measuring over multiple time points, with tasks assessing different cognitive domains being differentially affected. Data collected over more than one session may be required to achieve trait-like stability.
Gut microbiota metabolite tyramine ameliorates high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance via increased Ca2+ signaling
Authors: Ma Peng , Zhang Yao , Yin Youjie , Wang Saifei , Chen Shuxin , Liang Xueping , Li Zhifang , Deng Hansong
Published: July 2024

The gut microbiota and their metabolites are closely linked to obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, but their causal relationship and underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we found that dysbiosis-induced tyramine (TA) suppresses high-fat diet (HFD)-mediated insulin resistance in both Drosophila and mice. In Drosophila, HFD increases cytosolic Ca2+ signaling in enterocytes, which, in turn, suppresses intestinal lipid levels. 16 S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics revealed that HFD leads to increased prevalence of tyrosine decarboxylase (Tdc)-expressing bacteria and resulting tyramine production. Tyramine acts on the tyramine receptor, TyrR1, to promote cytosolic Ca2+ signaling and activation of the CRTC-CREB complex to transcriptionally suppress dietary lipid digestion and lipogenesis in enterocytes, while promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, the tyramine-induced cytosolic Ca2+ signaling is sufficient to suppress HFD-induced obesity and insulin resistance in Drosophila. In mice, tyramine intake also improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity under HFD. These results indicate that dysbiosis-induced tyramine suppresses insulin resistance in both flies and mice under HFD, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for related metabolic disorders, such as diabetes.
Seed-assisted crystallization of high-silica cubic and hexagonal faujasite polymorphs in the presence of the tetraethylammonium (TEA+) cation
Authors: Chatelard Corentin , Martinez Franco Raquel , Dodin Mathias , Tuel Alain
Published: July 2024

Silica-rich Y (FAU topology) and EMC-2 (EMT topology) zeolites have been obtained in the presence of the tetraethylammonium (TEA+) cation as a structure-directing molecule and the corresponding protonic zeolites as seeds.
Crystal engineering and sorption studies on CN- and dipyridyl-bridged 2D coordination polymers
Authors: Nguepmeni Eloundou Valoise Brenda , Kenfack Tsobnang Patrice , Kamgaing Theophile , Gogoi Chiranjib , Lopez-Salas Nieves , Bourne Susan A.
Published: July 2024

Structure–property relationships were studied in two coordination polymers {[Ni(bpe)(H2O)2][Ni(CN)4]·2 H2O}n and {[Cu(bpe)(H2O)2][Ni(CN)4]·ethanol}n. We show that the length of the ligand does not control the synthesis of Hofmann-type polymers.
Unravelling the kinetics of electro- and photochemical S → O linkage isomerization in Ru(ii)–NHC–DMSO complexes utilised for photoinduced substitution reactions
Authors: Shahid Nida , Singh Amrendra K.
Published: July 2024

Ru(ii)–NHC–(DMSO)2  complexes 2a and 2b are prepared from Ru(iii)–NHC complexes. The photoinduced lability of DMSO in 2a and 2b has been utilized for the synthesis of 2,2′-bipyridine derivatives 3a and 3b in MeOH.
Vibrational properties of heme-nitrosoalkane complexes in comparison with those of their HNO analogs, and reactivity studies towards nitric oxide and Lewis acids
Authors: Harland Jill B. , LaLonde Ashley B. , Thomas Diamond J. , Castella Daniel G. , Kampf Jeff W. , Zeller Matthias , Alp E. Ercan , Hu Michael Y. , Zhao Jiyong , Lehnert Nicolai
Published: July 2024

Six-coordinate heme-RNO complexes, [Fe(Porph)(L)(RNO)] (Porph = TPP, 3,5-Me-BAFP; R= iPr, Ph), were prepared and structurally and spectroscopically characterized. The reactivity of the complexes towards NO and different Lewis acids was then explored.
Correction: Harnessing nanobiotechnology for drought stress: transforming agriculture's future; what, why and how?
Authors: Khan Shahid Ullah , Khan Muhammad Sirab , Wang Hui , Qian Mingchao , Javed Talha , Fahad Shah , Lu Kun
Published: July 2024

Correction for ‘Harnessing nanobiotechnology for drought stress: transforming agriculture's future; what, why and how?’ by Shahid Ullah Khan et al., Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/d4en00112e.
Graphene oxide-based probe for detecting deltamethrin and emamectin benzoate pesticides in agricultural run-off
Authors: Manzoor Suryyia , Hayat Muhammad , Raza Hina , Elboughdiri Noureddine , Khan Muhammad Imran , Ali Zeeshan , Javed Ayesha , Raza Nadeem , Abdulaziz Fahad , Shanableh Abdallah
Published: July 2024

Insecticides adversely affect aquatic ecosystems due to prolonged exposure, persistent nature, and bioaccumulation.
Consumption of dietary turmeric promotes fat browning and thermogenesis in association with gut microbiota regulation in high-fat diet-fed mice
Authors: Yang Chengcheng , Du Yao , Zhao Tong , Zhao Lu , Liu Lu , Liu Luyao , Yang Xingbin
Published: July 2024

Turmeric supplementation effectively relieved the obese by promoting fat browning and thermogenesis in association with gut microbiota regulation in high-fat diet-fed mice.
Low-chromophore lignin isolation from natural biomass with polyol-based deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Cheng Jinyuan , Zhou Xuelian , Huang Caoxing , Yoo Chang Geun , Meng Xianzhi , Fang Guigan , Ragauskas Arthur J. , Huang Chen
Published: July 2024

Lignocellulose fractionation using a polyhydric-alcohol-based deep eutectic solvent to directly obtain low-chromophore lignin for sunscreen production and digestible solid for outputting fermentable sugars.
A novel hydrophobic tag leads to the efficient degradation of programmed death-ligand 1
Authors: Gao Jieke , Xie Yongli , Zhang Jiantao , Chen Huirong , Zou Yan , Cen Shan , Zhou Jinming
Published: July 2024

The interaction of PD-L1 and PD-1 transmits the inhibitory signal to reduce the proliferation of antigen-specific T-cells in lymph nodes.
Effect of aromatic substituents on the H-bonded assembly of diketopyrrolopyrroles at solid–liquid interfaces
Authors: Preetha Genesh Navathej , Dettmann Dominik , Cui Daling , Che Yuxuan , Toader Violeta , Johal Tarnjit Kaur , Fu Chaoying , Perepichka Dmytro F. , Rosei Federico
Published: July 2024

Planar and twisted self-assemblies of diketopyrrolopyrrole molecules are determined by aromatic substitutions as revealed by STM at solid–liquid interfaces.
Clean SiO2 atomic layer etching based on physisorption of high boiling point perfluorocarbon
Authors: Sung Dain , Tak Hyunwoo , Kim Heeju , Kim Dongwoo , Kim Kyongnam , Yeom Geunyoung
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the SiO2 atomic layer etching (ALE) process that is selective to Si3N4 based on the physisorption of high boiling point perfluorocarbons (HBP PFCs; C5F8, C7F14, C6F6, and C7F8 have boiling points above room temperature).
One-pot strategy to access dynamic dual network from lignin-initiated star polymers by side reaction and transesterification
Authors: Yan Quan , Xue Bailiang , Zhang Tonghe , Wang Wenliang , Li Xinping , Shen Xiaojun , Ning Lulu , Meng Xianzhi , Zhao Wei
Published: July 2024

We propose a novel approach to harness the side reaction for the creation of a lignin-containing, sustainable, and solvent-resistant dynamic dual network using a one-pot synthesis strategy.
Boosting green emission in Mn(ii)-doped Cs3ZnCl5 by introducing an energy transfer mediator
Authors: Zhao Tonghui , Zhang Yuqing , Wu Lifei , Zhong Qitong , Xie Wei , Li Bo , Geng Dongling , Zeng Haibo
Published: July 2024

An alcohothermal method is introduced for synthesizing doped Cs3ZnCl5 phosphors. The photoluminescence quantum yield of Cs3ZnCl5:Mn2+ was enhanced from 51.6% to 71.1% by codoping with Cu+, which acts as an effective energy transfer mediator.
Addressing Hearing Loss of Palestinians Living in Refugee Camps
Authors: Pakulski Lori A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

Although commonly perceived as an acceptable and normal part of aging, unaddressed or inadequately managed hearing loss (UIMHL) is an economically and socially recognized cause of human disability and morbidity. It creates a global burden that negatively affects individuals and nations, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries and vulnerable populations. Immediate- and long-term health, social, and economic consequences include psychosocial problems, deterioration of cognitive function, loss of productivity, and poor well-being. Despite a growing body of evidence that interventions can ameliorate these concerns, fewer than 80% receive them. Access to services, perceived costs, and stigma are commonly blamed to avoid intervention. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness and highlight solutions to reduce the impact of UIMHL on a particularly vulnerable population: the Palestinian people living in refugee camps.

Method:

This article discusses the approach of a humanitarian organization that aims to improve service uptake, reduce detrimental impacts, and address the ethical implications of improving outcomes for those with UIMHL.

Conclusions:

Hearing and auditory wellness are key factors in improving the quality of life and health of vulnerable populations. When international humanitarian organizations aim to improve the outcomes of those with UIMHL, their services must be culturally sensitive and fully consider the vulnerabilities and needs of the population. Furthermore, they must promote outreach and education in partnership with local practitioners for their work to continue beyond a one-time visit. The use of social accompaniment to empower local stakeholders and expand service delivery is also discussed.
Norm‐based zeroing neural dynamics for time‐variant non‐linear equations
Authors: Dai Linyan , Xu Hanyi , Zhang Yinyan , Liao Bolin
Published: July 2024

Zeroing neural dynamic (ZND) model is widely deployed for time‐variant non‐linear equations (TVNE). Various element‐wise non‐linear activation functions and integration operations are investigated to enhance the convergence performance and robustness in most proposed ZND models for solving TVNE, leading to a huge cost of hardware implementation and model complexity. To overcome these problems, the authors develop a new norm‐based ZND (NBZND) model with strong robustness for solving TVNE, not applying element‐wise non‐linear activated functions but introducing a two‐norm operation to achieve finite‐time convergence. Moreover, the authors develop a discrete‐time NBZND model for the potential deployment of the model on digital computers. Rigorous theoretical analysis for the NBZND is provided. Simulation results substantiate the advantages of the NBZND model for solving TVNE.
Analysis of electrical–thermal‐stress characteristics for eccentric contact strip in the valve‐side bushing of converter transformer
Authors: Wang Yongqi , Liu Kai , Lin Mu , Tang Hao , Li Xining , Wu Guangning
Published: July 2024

Ultra‐high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission project in China is expanding, and the technology is increasingly maturing. The converter transformer is a crucial component in the UHVDC transmission projects, and its valve‐side bushing plays a key role in ensuring the stable operation of the power system. This paper investigates the electrical–thermal‐stress distribution characteristics of the contact strip in an eccentric state. The research focuses on a section of the contact strip in the plug oil at the tail end of the bushing on the valve side of the converter. A three‐dimensional finite element simulation model is established, and the contact strip contact resistance is used to define the contact strip eccentricity. The temperature rise platform of the contact strip was constructed to verify the precision of the simulation outcomes. The study investigated the variations in electric, thermal, and stress of contact strips in various eccentric states, as well as transient development, and the four stages of contact strip deformation were summarised using calculation results, providing quantitative analysis criteria for assessing the degree of deterioration of contact strips under eccentric conditions. Through the test and calculation, it can be seen that the contact resistance of the normal contact strip changes with the height in the form of a typical first‐order exponential function. The contact resistance value is between 200 and 400 μΩ under the actual mounting height; for the brand‐new contact strip, the maximum temperature difference is 2.984 K without other interference; and after 15 min, the maximum displacements of the upper and lower half‐ring strips reached are 84.3 and 83.7 μm, respectively, due to the thermal expansion. The study results offer a theoretical foundation for understanding the failure of elastic electrical connection components in the bushing on the valve side of the converter.
Influence of different anodised nanoporous structures on the anti‐icing and electrical properties of transmission Al lines
Authors: Dai Xu , Yuan Yuan , Xiao Jie , Jiang Chenghao , Hua Xujiang , Xiang Huiying , Zhu Tao , Liu Guoyong , Zhou Jiang , Liao Ruijin
Published: July 2024

Ice accumulation of overhead transmission lines can lead to serious damage to power systems. Superhydrophobic nanostructured Al conductors are proposed to replace the de‐icing or ice‐melting equipment for economic advantages, good anti‐icing properties and robust electrical performance. Anodisation under different direct current densities is adopted to fabricate two nanostructures on Al conductors, including the reticular and honeycomb‐like nanoporous structures. Compared to pure Al conductors, the anodised surface of honeycomb‐like nanoporous structures exhibits lower ice adhesion (3.82 kPa) and ice accumulation. Aluminium conductor steel reinforced treated in the proposed method has also been validated to exhibit a significant anti‐glaze icing property. Additionally, corona performance and line loss are experimentally measured and calculated to prove good electrical performance. The 0.27 A Al strand shows the highest corona inception voltage (27.86 kV) and the lowest AC resistance (4.65 Ω/km), which is attributed to the good dielectric property and heat dissipation. Therefore, the proposed anti‐icing transmission conductors show profound application potential for power systems.
A new methodology for recalibrating cup anemometers based on field measurements and statistical analysis
Authors: Ruiz Brandol , Pacheco-Chérrez Josué , Probst Oliver
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a novel methodology for calibrating cup anemometers, addressing a critical need in the wind energy sector for accurate and reliable wind speed measurement. Ensuring measurement accuracy through calibration remains a major challenge. In response, a cost-effective alternative methodology is presented that takes advantage of statistical analysis techniques. York linear regression is applied for the estimation of calibration coefficients, a novelty in the context of cup anemometer calibration. The approach overcomes the limitations of traditional procedures reliant on wind tunnel facilities. Experimental validation of the proposed methodology, carried out with wind turbines placed at a height of 10 meters, demonstrates that a reliable calibration can be achieved even in sites with a low wind regime.
A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Algorithms for Aggregated Electric Chargepoint Load Forecasting
Authors: Li Chang , Zhang Miao , Förderer Kevin , Matthes Jörg , Hagenmeyer Veit
Published: July 2024

With the development of electric vehicles in the last years, the number of electric chargepoints are expanding rapidly. Accordingly, the aggregated load demand from different electric chargepoints is increasing significantly. Due to the unpredictability of charging behaviour, it is difficult to build white-box models to analyse the patterns and to predict the load profiles, which is essential for other tasks such as demand side management. Thus, in this work, four different models based on machine learning and deep learning algorithms namely Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) are applied to a massive real-world open dataset from the UK, published in 2018, to compare the forecast performance of each algorithm with the modified persistence model as the baseline. The raw data are first pre-processed to generate the aggregated load demand by hour and then used for training and forecasting with a predictive horizon of 72 hours. The results are compared by using two common descriptive statistics, i.e., normalized Root-Mean-Square Error (nRMSE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). In comparison we find that the GRU generates the lowest prediction error with 5.12% MAPE and 8.24% nRMSE in January 2017 and the modified persistence model generates the overall lowest prediction error with 2.88% MAPE and 3.76% nRMSE in July 2017.
Biodiesel preparation from Camelina sativa oil by homogeneous and heterogeneous transesterification
Authors: Bérešová Miroslava , Peller András , Horňáček Michal
Published: July 2024

Biodiesel is one of the possible alternatives to diesel fuel to address the issue of fossil fuels and their impact on the environment. Substituting homogeneous transesterification with heterogeneous offers advantages such as improved catalyst and product separation, catalyst regeneration, and avoidance of saponification during the reaction. To compare homogeneous and heterogeneous transesterification, the commonly used homogenous catalyst NaOH was tested. As a heterogeneous catalyst, a mixed oxide prepared from hydrotalcite with added nickel in its structure was used. By employing suitable conditions, it is possible to achieve biodiesel through heterogeneous transesterification with a comparable FAME (Fatty acid methyl ester) content to homogeneous transesterification, meeting the standardized value of over 96.7 wt.%. Implementing a two-step heterogeneous transesterification process decreases the reaction time needed to reach the desired FAME quantity. Furthermore, following heterogeneous transesterification, glycerol as a valuable secondary product showed visibly higher purity.
Self-healing intensity, rate and durability of asphalt concrete
Authors: Inozemtcev Sergei , Korolev Evgeniy , Do Trong Toan
Published: July 2024

When developing self-healing materials, methods to test self-healing are needed. Three parameters for assessing the self-healing of asphalt concrete are proposed in this article. The self-healing coefficient is proposed to assess the intensity of self-healing. It is proposed to use the dependence of changes in relative strength over time to estimate the rate of self-healing. The time to reaching the critical value of the strength, is proposed to assess the durability of asphalt concrete after healing. The generalized quality criterion is proposed to assess the effectiveness of self-healing. The efficiency of self-healing using encapsulated ARP is 1.87 times greater than when using encapsulated SfO. The self-healing rate for SMA with encapsulated SfO is 71% greater than ordinary asphalt concrete, and for SMA with encapsulated ARP it is 75% greater. The failure rate for SMA with encapsulated SfO is 5% greater than ordinary asphalt concrete, and for SMA with encapsulated ARP it is 70% greater. The use of encapsulated SfO makes it possible to get SMA with a self-healing ability that is 36 % greater than ordinary SMA. The use of encapsulated ARP makes it possible to get SMA with a self-healing ability that is 79 % greater than ordinary SMA. The self-healing ability of asphalt concrete with encapsulated SfO is 36% greater than ordinary asphalt concrete. The self-healing ability of asphalt concrete with encapsulated ARP is 79% greater than ordinary asphalt concrete. Requirements for new methods for testing the self-healing ability of asphalt concrete are formulated.
Effect of splitter blades on turbine mode of low specific speed pump
Authors: Bezdíček Jiří , Chabannes Lilian , Štefan David
Published: July 2024

The use of pump in turbine mode is an evolving research field. This article is mainly focused on the influence of splitter blades on the turbine mode of pump exclusively. CFD analysis on low specific speed pump geometry was performed. The geometry of sidewall gaps spaces between the rotor and stator system was also included in the computational model. Flow phenomena were compared with quantification of losses. In this case, entropy production theory was used for loss analysis. The effect of different computational meshes and turbulence models on the low-specific speed machine was also questioned. The numerical approach was used not only to obtain turbine characteristics and evaluate the effect of splitter-blades on the machine, which was main goal of this work but also to describe flow or carry out hydraulic loss analysis and visualise areas of most dominant losses. Volumetric efficiency, hydraulic forces, and influence of flow in sidewall gaps on torque generation were also investigated. The numerical model was validated using experimental data. Probable reasons for the difference between the experiment and simulation were estimated.
Nozzle Shape Optimization based on Machine Learning using Higher Order Neural Networks
Authors: Kovář Patrik , Fürst Jiří
Published: July 2024

In this contribution, a methodology of plane nozzle shape optimization based on machine learning is introduced. In contrast to standard deep neural network, the proposed neural network is built using higher order neural units. Polynomial structures together with various activation functions are employed as approximators of strongly nonlinear Navier-Stokes equations which govern the flow. Shape of well-known NASA nozzle is chosen as initial geometry which is approximated with 5-th order Bezier curve. Different geometrical shapes, derived from the initial geometry, are employed in order to obtain training data set. Thus, the task consists of multi-variable optimization with defined cost function as a targets which are calculated by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) performed on fully structured meshes. The goal of this optimization is obtain geometry which meets desired conditions at the outlet of the nozzle e.g., flow field uniformity, specified flow regime etc. Finally, performance of different approximators is compared and best candidates of optimization are validated through CFD calculation.
Contact temperature measurement using selected thermoelements for studies of heat transfer during fluid flow in minichannels – metrology investigations
Authors: Michalski Dariusz , Dadas Norbert , Piasecka Magdalena , Piasecki Artur
Published: July 2024

This work describes metrology investigations that include uncertainty estimation of contact temperature measurements performed using K- and T-type thermoelements. Temperature measurements were essential in experiments on heat transfer during fluid flow in minichannels. The data acquisition station was used as the main system for collecting temperature data. For metrology investigations of temperature measurement by selected thermoelements, a dry well calibrator was applied. The temperatures measured by the thermoelements were statistically compared using the reference temperature preset on the calibrator. Corrections to the temperature measurement performed by the tested thermoelements were calculated. The relative experimental error and the method accuracy for the thermoelement measurement were determined. The uncertainty of the difference in the temperature measurement for the thermoelements tested with respect to the reference temperature was also provided. The results differed depending on whether the temperature increased or decreased. It confirmed the hysteresis phenomenon.
Smart city irrigation system
Authors: Pírková Marcela , Fialová Simona , Balko Marek
Published: July 2024

Most irrigation systems are built to irrigate field crops in agriculture. However, it has been observed that a sufficient irrigation dose should also be supplied to urban greenery. The areas of interest are prerequisites for reconstruction in the coming years. Therefore, an area in Brno, which the people of Brno call Špitálka, is chosen for the proposal. There are old buildings belonging to the Teplárny Brno (Brno's heating plant). The irrigation system is designed with the validity of known equations describing the hydromechanics of fluids. An experimental model of the selected part is made to confirm the functionality of the design. It is not within the spatial possibilities of the laboratory to build the entire extensive pipe network. The experimental measurement involves pumping the medium into a tank, which is a storage tank stored in an old cooling tower. This mentioned tower finds application as a multifunctional reservoir when one of its functions is water accumulation. A section with water transport to the highest point is chosen for the experimental track. It represents green roofs, which are also a part of irrigation, as there is often not enough watering in the form of precipitation in the summer months. The discharge pipe from the pump is controlled with a valve to obtain a constant inflow and outflow in the experimental tank. Volume flows and absolute pressures are measured in the specified points during the different water attitude levels in the storage tank. By comparing the results of experimental and theoretical data and subsequent correction, a suitable proposal is obtained for the reconstruction of the irrigation network for the Špitálka area.
PIV measurement of the flow around an irregularly shaped body
Authors: Pulec Jaroslav , Novosád Jan , Dančová Petra
Published: July 2024

This paper deals with the demonstration measurement of the vector field flowing around a general irregular body using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). In the case of flow around complex bodies, problems arise due to the fact that the generated single laser sheet does not cover the entire surroundings of the body and the body itself shields the laser. A simple solution has been chosen, and that is the gradual repositioning of the laser optics, recording data from individual positions step-by-step, and subsequent merging of the vector fields. The measurement and evaluation workflow is described. The averaged velocity data are presented. The overlapping areas of each field are presented in graphs and as vector maps individually and merged. The problematic circumstances of the chosen approach are described, and their solution is proposed. The chosen principle is functional. However, care must be taken to observe the current conditions between measurements of individual areas.