bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial resistance heterogeneity among multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens: Phenotypic, genotypic, and proteomic analysis
Authors: Mehrotra Tanshi , Konar Dipasri , Pragasam Agila Kumari , Kumar Shakti , Jana Pradipta , Babele Prabhakar , Paul Deepjyoti , Purohit Ayushi , Tanwar Subhash , Bakshi Susmita , Das Santanu , Verma Jyoti , Talukdar Daizee , Narendrakumar Lekshmi , Kothidar Akanksha , Karmakar Sonali Porey , Chaudhuri Susmita , Pal Sujoy , Jain Kajal , Srikanth Chittur V. , Sankar M. Jeeva , Atmakuri Krishnamohan , Agarwal Ramesh , Gaind Rajni , Ballal Mamatha , Kammili Nagamani , Bhadra Rupak K. , Ramamurthy Thandavarayan , Nair G. Balakrish , Das Bhabatosh
Published: August 2023

Microbes evolve rapidly by modifying their genomes through mutations or through the horizontal acquisition of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) linked with fitness traits such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), virulence, and metabolic functions. We conducted a multicentric study in India and collected different clinical samples for decoding the genome sequences of bacterial pathogens associated with sepsis, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections to understand the functional potency associated with AMR and its dynamics. Genomic analysis identified several acquired AMR genes (ARGs) that have a pathogen-specific signature. We observed that

bla
CTX-M-15

,

bla
CMY-42

,
bla
NDM-5
, and
aadA
(2) were prevalent in
Escherichia coli
, and
bla
TEM-1B
,
bla
OXA-232
,
bla
NDM-1
,
rmtB
, and
rmtC
were dominant in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. In contrast,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Acinetobacter baumannii
harbored

bla
VEB

,

bla
VIM-2

,
aph(
3’),
strA/B
,

bla
OXA-23

,
aph
(3′) variants, and
amrA
, respectively. Regardless of the type of ARG, the MGEs linked with ARGs were also pathogen-specific. The sequence type of these pathogens was identified as high-risk international clones, with only a few lineages being predominant and region-specific. Whole-cell proteome analysis of extensively drug-resistant
K. pneumoniae
,
A. baumannii, E. coli,
and
P. aeruginosa
strains revealed differential abundances of resistance-associated proteins in the presence and absence of different classes of antibiotics. The pathogen-specific resistance signatures and differential abundance of AMR-associated proteins identified in this study should add value to AMR diagnostics and the choice of appropriate drug combinations for successful antimicrobial therapy.
Transition State of Arp2/3 Complex Activation by Actin-Bound Dimeric Nucleation-Promoting Factor
Authors: van Eeuwen Trevor , Boczkowska Malgorzata , Rebowski Grzegorz , Carman Peter J. , Fregoso Fred E. , Dominguez Roberto
Published: August 2023

Arp2/3 complex generates branched actin networks that drive fundamental processes such as cell motility and cytokinesis. The complex comprises seven proteins, including actin-related proteins (Arps) 2 and 3 and five scaffolding proteins (ArpC1–ArpC5) that mediate interactions with a pre-existing (mother) actin filament at the branch junction. Arp2/3 complex exists in two main conformations, inactive with the Arps interacting end-to-end and active with the Arps interacting side-by-side like subunits of the short-pitch helix of the actin filament. Several cofactors drive the transition toward the active state, including ATP binding to the Arps, WASP-family nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs), actin monomers, and binding of Arp2/3 complex to the mother filament. The precise contribution of each cofactor to activation is poorly understood. We report the 3.32-Å resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of a transition state of Arp2/3 complex activation with bound constitutively dimeric NPF. Arp2/3 complex-binding region of the NPF N-WASP was fused C-terminally to the α and β subunits of the CapZ heterodimer. One arm of the NPF dimer binds Arp2 and the other binds actin and Arp3. The conformation of the complex is intermediate between those of inactive and active Arp2/3 complex. Arp2, Arp3, and actin also adopt intermediate conformations between monomeric (G-actin) and filamentous (F-actin) states, but only actin hydrolyzes ATP. In solution, the transition complex is kinetically shifted toward the short-pitch conformation and has higher affinity for F-actin than inactive Arp2/3 complex. The results reveal how all the activating cofactors contribute in a coordinated manner toward Arp2/3 complex activation.
Geographies of inequalities
Authors: Reite Torun
Published: August 2023

Theoretically positioned at the intersections between human geography, ethnography of space and place, and Linguistic Landscape Studies (LLS), this ethnographically grounded study mediates a dialogue between LLS and Pierre Bourdieu’s sociology and shows how the intersubjective dimension of the habitus provides a powerful lens with which to explore the people-place relation, central to disentangling the political economy of language and place. Inspired by existing ethnographically and people-centered LLS, the study is set in Maputo city, well-known for its enduring social and spatial division from colonial to postcolonial times. The analyses foreground the people-place relation in different sites across the material and non-material urban geographies. By relocating LLS, the study challenges modernist notions of divides, foregrounding the often-neglected invisible embodied dynamics of conflicting schemata – fundamental to the understanding of the reciprocal people-in-place relationship and the spatialization of inequalities, thus offering a rich and thick LLS.
Development of TiCN-Co-Cr3C2-Si3N4-based cermets with improved hardness and toughness for cutting tool applications
Authors: Shanmugavel Balasivanandha Prabu , Senthil Kumar Sri Harini , Aruna Chellammal Nandhini , Ramesh Madhi Varshini
Published: August 2023

A TiCN-Co-Cr3C2-based cermet, with the addition of 5wt. % and 10wt. %Si3N4 and a reference sample without Si3N4 addition were prepared by the spark plasma sintering technique. The average hardness and fracture toughness of the 90TiCN-5Co-5Cr3C2(SN00) cermet-sintered specimens were e14.85±3.11 GPa and 6.78±0.61 MPaÖm, respectively. The cermet composition 85TiCN-5Co-5Cr3C2-5 wt. % Si3N4(SN05) enhanced the hardness and fracture toughness to 20.90±0.825 GPa and 7.23±0.45 MPaÖm, respectively. Further addition of 10 wt%Si3N4 with 80TiCN-5Co-5Cr3C2(SN10) decreased the hardness value to 16.18±0.279 GPa due to a decrease in the density of defects. However, the fracture toughness steadily increased to 9.34±3.10 MPaÖm. The cermet composition 85TiCN-5Co-5Cr3C2-5Si3N4 (SN05) showed an appreciable improvement in hardness and toughness values due to the formation of a core-rim structure, with the core consisting of TiCN and the rim with TiN, TiO2, TiSi, Co2C, CrN and Cr2Si.
Comparison of quick speech-in-noise test and pure tone audiometry in noise-induced hearing loss
Authors: Loukzadeh Ziba , Alizadeh Narges , Mehrparvar Amir Houshang
Published: August 2023

Objective:

Complaints of speech understanding in situations where background noise exists, can be seen from early stages of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL); therefore, speech-in-noise tests including Quick speech-in-noise (Q-SIN) tests may be a suitable method for screening NIHL. The Q-SIN test uses the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) to evaluates speech perception in the presence of noise. This study aimed to compare pure tone audiometry and Q-SIN tests in patients with NIHL and normal hearing subjects.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, according to the result of audiometry, subjects were classified into two groups: 45 individuals with audiograms suggestive of NIHL as a case group and 57 normal-hearing individuals as controls. The Persian version of the Quick-SIN test was performed for two study groups. The Mann-Whitney U Test was used for the comparison of mean SNR and hearing thresholds between the study groups. Spearman test was implemented for evaluation of the correlation between mean SNR and mean hearing thresholds in high and low frequencies in both ears.

Results:

The median SNR loss was significantly higher in the NIHL group [0.75 (IQR: −0.75, 2.75)] than in the normal hearing group [−1.25 (−0.25, 1.25)] (p < 0.0001). It was also found that in the NIHL group, SNR loss had a direct and significant correlation with the high frequencies of both ears and the low frequency of the left ear, as the average hearing threshold increases at high frequencies and low frequencies of the left ear, the SNR loss mean increases as well.

Conclusion:

The present study showed that the Q-SIN test as a rapid, easily applicable test has a positive correlation with pure tone audiometry results, especially at higher frequencies.
FOXO1 orchestrates the intestinal homeostasis via neuronal signaling in group 3 innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Shao Fei , Liu Zhen , Wei Qinglin , Yu Dou , Zhao Min , Zhang Xusheng , Gao Xintong , Fan Zusen , Wang Shuo
Published: August 2023

The neuro-immune regulation is associated with homeostasis of the intestine. Intestinal group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are tissue-resident lymphocytes whose functions are affected by the intestine niche. However, how a gut neuronal signal coordinates the immune response of ILC3s is largely unknown. Here, we found that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling exacerbated the inflammatory response and attenuated the expression level of the transcription factor forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) in ILC3s. Deficiency of FOXO1 drove the hyperactivation of ILC3s and resulted in gut inflammation independently of T cells. Mechanistically, FOXO1 promoted the transcription of neuropeptide receptor VIPR2 and inhibited the transcription of adrenoceptor ADRA2A in ILC3s. FOXO1-related regulation of VIPR2 and ADRA2A signaling balanced the activation of ILC3s under steady condition or during colitis. Moreover, chronic stress elevated cAMP level and downregulated FOXO1 level, exacerbating intestinal inflammation. Our findings reveal that FOXO1 balances the activation of ILC3s via VIP and adrenergic signaling and regulates intestinal homeostasis.
Boosting the open-circuit voltage of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cell by Cd/NH3 soaking
Authors: Ma Yujiao , Sun Yuzhou , Zhang Zihan , Zhao Haokai , Gao Haifeng , Zhou Qing , Li Wenbo , Teng Xiaoyun , Gao Chao , Yu Wei
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the open-circuit voltages (V
OC) of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells were improved by soaking the CZTSSe films in Cd/NH3 solutions before the deposition of buffer layers. The effects of Cd/NH3 soaking on the properties of CZTSSe films and solar cells were investigated in depth. We found Cd/NH3 soaking can promote downward band bending of the CZTSSe layer at the surface region. In addition, the Cd/NH3 soaking can eliminate the deep level acceptor in CZTSSe and decrease the density of the defects at the absorber/buffer interface. These effects can significantly reduce the carrier recombination in the depletion region of CZTSSe solar cells. As a result, the V
OC of CZTSSe solar cells were increased from ∼460 mV to ∼480 mV, the efficiency of the best CZTSSe solar cell was increased from 10.2% to 11.6% by the Cd/NH3 soaking process.
Modification of topological corner excitations at the interplay of boundary geometry and Coulomb interaction
Authors: Fedoseev A D
Published: August 2023

The effect of Coulomb interaction on the 2D second order topological superconductor is investigated taking into account different geometries of the boundary in the mainframe of the mean-field approximation. The spontaneous symmetry breaking, described earlier in Aksenov et al (2023 Phys. Rev. B 107 125401), is found to be robust against the boundary deformation. Meanwhile, the details of the state with spontaneously broken symmetry is found to be dependent on the specific boundary geometry. Considering different types of the boundary of the 2D system, it is demonstrated that the deviation of the electron density in the broken symmetry state is determined by the position of the zero-dimensional (second-order) excitations with nearly zero energy. The critical value of the Coulomb interaction, at which the transition occurs, is found to be determined by the energy of these excitations, which is non-zero due to overlapping of the wave-functions at different corners.
Oxide-mediated nitrogen doping of CVD graphene and their subsequent thermal stability
Authors: Zahra Khadisha M , Byrne Conor , Li Zheshen , Hazeldine Kerry , Walton Alex S
Published: August 2023

Heteroatom doping of graphene is a promising approach for tailoring its chemical and electronic properties—a prerequisite for many applications such as sensing, catalysis, and energy storage. Doping chemical vapour deposition (CVD) graphene with nitrogen during growth (in situ doping) is a common strategy, but it produces a distribution of inequivalent dopant sites and requires substantial modifications to the CVD growth process. In this study, we demonstrate a novel and simple oxide-mediated approach to introduce nitrogen dopants into pre-existing CVD graphene (ex situ doping) which achieves comparable doping densities to in situ doping methodologies. Furthermore, we demonstrate that thermal annealing of N-doped graphene can selectively remove pyridinic, retaining graphitic and pyrrolic nitrogen dopants, offering an attractive route to further modify graphene functionality. The methodologies we present are simple and scalable to precisely tailor graphene properties without the need to alter CVD growth protocols.
Dielectric elastomer actuator biased by magnetorheological elastomer with permanent magnet
Authors: Bernat Jakub , Kołota Jakub , Gajewski Piotr , Marcinkowska Agnieszka
Published: August 2023

Dielectric elastomer actuators have become one of the most important smart material transducers in recent times. One of the crucial aspects in this field is the application of bias to find the best operating conditions. The basic task is to find the proper bias configuration to obtain a wide range of displacements in the actuator. In the literature, various biases, such as mechanical springs, permanent magnets (PMs), or pneumatic springs, are studied. In our work, the magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) is applied to build a novel bias that ensures a wide range of displacement. Because of the softness and the compliant chemical structure, the MRE can be easily integrated with the dielectric elastomer actuator. The MRE as a bias for a dielectric elastomer actuator is verified in the series of experiments. Finally, the discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of the new bias type is performed.
Metamaterial boat fenders with supreme shape recovery and energy absorption/dissipation via FFF 4D printing
Authors: Bodaghi Mahdi , Namvar Naser , Yousefi Armin , Teymouri Hadi , Demoly Frédéric , Zolfagharian Ali
Published: August 2023

In maritime transportation, a fender acts like a bumper to absorb the kinetic energy of a boat berthing against a jetty, pier wall, or other boats. They have high energy absorption and low reaction forces, preventing damage to boats and berthing structures. The aim of this paper is to introduce a novel conceptual design for a new class of lightweight boat-fendering systems with superior energy absorption/dissipation and shape recovery features. Different metamaterials with honeycomb, re-entrant, and re-entrant chiral auxetic patterns are designed in the form of boat fender panels, and their thermo-mechanical behaviors are analyzed experimentally and numerically. A finite element modeling (FEM) is developed to investigate the compressive behaviors of boat fenders. Some of designs are 4D printed by fused filament fabrication of shape memory polylactic acid polymers and then tested thermo-mechanically. A good correlation is observed between numerical and experimental results, supporting the FEM accuracy. Results reveal that proposed boat fenders have considerable energy absorption/dissipation along with the capability to fully recover plastic deformations by simply heating up. The excellent mechanical property recovery of the proposed boat-fendering system is also shown under cycling loadings. Due to the absence of similar conceptual designs, models, and results in the specialized literature, this paper is expected to be instrumental towards 4D printing novel boat fenders with supreme energy absorption/dissipation and shape recovery properties promoting sustainability.
Generating rotationally hidden attractive sea via a new chaotic system with two mixed memristors
Authors: Zhou Ziwei , Ye Xiaolin
Published: August 2023

In this work, a novel 3D memristive chaotic system which has an exponential function is proposed. Especially, the sum of Lyapunov exponents in the proposed system is 0. It indicates that the system can generate attractive sea not attractor. In comparison with some other 3D chaotic systems, this type of chaotic system is relatively rare. In particular, the proposed system has non-equilibrium point, and it can produce hidden sea. Furthermore, the perpetual point of the proposed system is caculated. It is considered to be potentially related to the generation of hidden dynamics. By using the dynamic analysis tool such as 0–1 test and 2D dynamical map, the dynamic behaviors with different control parameters are analyzed. And then, based on the proposed 3D chaotic system, two new system models are reconstructed. The new model can produce the rotational hidden attractive sea with different angles. DSP implementation shows the feasibility of the system for industrial applications.
A further look at the nano/micro-indentation method for measuring and ranking Young’s modulus and hardness of materials
Authors: Zhang Dong , Li D Y
Published: August 2023

Determination of the intrinsic Young’s modulus (E) is essential for material design and applications. However, the commonly used micro/nano-indentation method does not give accurate intrinsic Young’s modulus, since the measured modulus comes from the damaged zone under the indent tip. In this study, we analyze the intrinsic Young’s modulus or that without local damage caused by indentation, and determine that the intrinsic Young’s modulus can be determined by extrapolation of the E ∼ load curve as the indentation load approaches zero. To support this finding, indentation behaviors of five ceramic materials (Al2O3, Si3N4, ZrO2, glass and cemented WC/Co) were analyzed and compared with those determined using an acoustic method. The intrinsic Young’s modulus measured, e.g., using the acoustic method, are appropriate for material ranking, while Young’s moduli of different materials measured by indentation under the same load could give misleading information because of different degrees of local damage to the materials under the indenter. Underlying mechanisms for the observed phenomena shown in this novel and unique study are elucidated based on the interatomic bonding. Hardness versus load curves show trends similar to those of Young’s modulus. However, unlike the Young’s modulus, the hardness values measured under the same load can be directly used to rank materials; the reason behind is also discussed.
On unitarity in singlet inflation with a non-minimal coupling to gravity
Authors: Lebedev Oleg , Mambrini Yann , Yoon Jong-Hyun
Published: August 2023

We study inflationary models based on a non-minimal coupling of a singlet scalar to gravity,
focussing on the preheating dynamics and the unitarity issues in this regime. If the scalar does not have significant couplings to other fields,
particle production after inflation is far less efficient than that in Higgs inflation.
As a result, unitarity violation at large non-minimal couplings requires a different treatment. We find that collective effects in inflaton scattering processes during preheating
make an important impact on the unitarity constraint. Within effective field theory, the consequent upper bound on the non-minimal coupling is of order a few hundreds.
Dynamic error fields derivation by inverting a validated interpretative perturbations model
Authors: Miron G. , Rimini F. ,   JET Contributors
Published: August 2023

The need for a model able to provide the dynamic evolution of the intrinsic magnetic error fields amplitude in tokamaks is of a significant importance in order to develop strategies to correct its destabilizing effect. The present paper specifically aims to deliver this kind of model and adjacent code. A previously built direct perturbations interpretative model (Miron (JET Contributors) 2021 Nucl. Fusion
61 106016) is used to calculate the plasma instabilities amplitude and frequency aiming to match the same quantities provided by the device diagnostics data analysis specific code for various discharges at JET. The mentioned good match ensures our model validity against the experimental results. Based on its proven structural validity, our model considering the error field quantities is inverted. This time the initial direct model output results, namely the plasma perturbations amplitude and frequency, become input data for our inverse model aiming to solve the corresponding error field modes system of equations searched as unknowns. The error fields basically satisfy the same outer plasma perturbed equations as the plasma perturbations do (vacuum/wall/plasma column external structures). Obviously they do not satisfy the perturbed plasma equations. A clear and explicit dynamic error field solution is finally provided. It has been demonstrated that whenever the error fields are responsible for the mode locking effect and plasma rotation damping, the calculated error fields shows its expected disruptive resonant behavior during various discharges at JET.
The dichotomous acceleration process in one dimension: position fluctuations
Authors: Santra Ion , Ajgaonkar Durgesh , Basu Urna
Published: August 2023

We study the motion of a one-dimensional particle that reverses its direction of acceleration stochastically. We focus on two contrasting scenarios, where the waiting times between two consecutive acceleration reversals are drawn from (i) an exponential distribution and (ii) a power-law distribution

ρ
(
τ
)
∼

τ

−
(
1
+
α
)

. We compute the mean, variance and short-time distribution of the position x(t) using a trajectory-based approach. We show that, while for the exponential waiting time,

⟨

x
2

(
t
)
⟩
∼

t
3

at long times, for the power-law case, a non-trivial algebraic growth

⟨

x
2

(
t
)
⟩
∼

t

2
ϕ
(
α
)

emerges, where

ϕ
(
α
)
=
2

,

(
5
−
α
)

/

2

and

3

/

2

for

α
<
1
,
 
1
<
α
⩽
2

and α > 2, respectively. Interestingly, we find that the long-time position distribution in case (ii) is a function of the scaled variable

x

/

t

ϕ
(
α
)

with an α-dependent scaling function, which has qualitatively very different shapes for α < 1 and α > 1. In contrast, for case (i), the typical long-time fluctuations of position are Gaussian.
The ghost symmetries of the q-KP hierarchy
Authors: Tian Kelei , Du Xiaohan , Xu Ying , Yi Ge
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the squared eigenfunction and the ghost symmetry of the q-Kadomtsev–Petviashvili hierarchy are defined, and then the related problems are investigated. The spectral representation of the eigenfunction and the adjoint eigenfunction are derived. The definition of the ghost symmetry are generalized and the ghost flows on the tau function are also derived.
Asymptotics of noncolliding q-exchangeable random walks
Authors: Petrov Leonid , Tikhonov Mikhail
Published: August 2023

We consider a process of noncolliding q-exchangeable random walks on

Z

making steps 0 (‘straight’) and −1 (‘down’). A single random walk is called q-exchangeable if under an elementary transposition of the neighboring steps

(
down
,
straight
)
→
(
straight
,
down
)

the probability of the trajectory is multiplied by a parameter

q
∈
(
0
,
1
)

. Our process of m noncolliding q-exchangeable random walks is obtained from the independent q-exchangeable walks via the Doob’s h-transform for a nonnegative eigenfunction h (expressed via the q-Vandermonde product) with the eigenvalue less than 1. The system of m walks evolves in the presence of an absorbing wall at 0. The repulsion mechanism is the q-analogue of the Coulomb repulsion of random matrix eigenvalues undergoing Dyson Brownian motion. However, in our model, the particles are confined to the positive half-line and do not spread as Brownian motions or simple random walks. We show that the trajectory of the noncolliding q-exchangeable walks started from an arbitrary initial configuration forms a determinantal point process, and express its kernel in a double contour integral form. This kernel is obtained as a limit from the correlation kernel of q-distributed random lozenge tilings of sawtooth polygons. In the limit as

m
→
∞

,

q
=

e

−
γ

/

m

with γ > 0 fixed, and under a suitable scaling of the initial data, we obtain a limit shape of our noncolliding walks and also show that their local statistics are governed by the incomplete beta kernel. The latter is a distinguished translation invariant ergodic extension of the two-dimensional discrete sine kernel.
Comparative Analysis of Raft, Pile & Piled Raft Foundation using Designing Software
Authors: Dhage Amit , Solanke S. S.
Published: August 2023

Raft foundations are essentially a slab that extends the entire length of the building, sustaining and dispersing its mass to the earth. A pile foundation is a collection of columns that are erected or inserted into the ground to distribute weight to the subsoil underneath. A pile is a long, cylindrical construction made made of a sturdy substance such as concrete. Building loads are transferred to hard strata, rocks, or high-bearing-capacity soil using piles. Pinned raft foundations are a combination of a pile and a raft slab. They’re frequently used for large structures and when the soil is insufficient to avoid excessive settling. As a result of this, the soil is less strained. Pile foundations are necessary in areas where buildings are large and heavy, yet the soil beneath them is weak. In areas where settlement. Deep foundations with pile rafts can help move strata Adding piles to a raft increases the effective size of the foundation and can help it sustain horizontal loads.

On a G+20 residential structure, the research of raft, pile, and stacked raft foundations was conducted using structural software safe 16. For a zone factor II earthquake, a building’s seismic study is completed. The pile raft foundation has less upward soil carrying load and less settling than the raft foundation, according to a study of the G+20 structure for pile, raft, and piled raft foundations.
Experimental Investigation on Self Healing of Fibre Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Neeraja P , Prasad B.S.R.K
Published: August 2023

In recent years sustainability in all domains is expected to be implemented, and in Civil Engineering the importance of sustainability has to be addressed with utmost care. Keeping this as main concern there has been an increasing trend in the study of self-healing materials in concrete. Self healing materials have the ability to heal the concrete once crack is formed. These materials are a family of the super family of the so-called “smart materials”, characterized for their ability to retrieve part of the damage caused by mechanical loads (pores, micro cracks, etc.). In the current study the artificial healing in concrete is induced by crystalline admixture. To decrease the cement content in concrete so as to make it environment friendly fly ash is replacing cement by 15%. Nylon fibres are incorporated to improve the tensile properties of concrete. Cracks would be artificially induced in concrete and the recovery mechanism of the cracks in terms of healing would be studied. Also, the recovery in mechanical properties of concrete: Compressive strength split tensile strength after crack healing would be studied so as to know the variation if any in these properties has occurred by using the chemicals.
Planning, Designing and Cost Optimization of Water Supply System for Isapur Village: A Case Study
Authors: Gupta Tripti , Ansari Khalid , Mahant Komal , Yelchatti Himanshu
Published: August 2023

Present work illustrates the planning, designing and cost optimization of water supply system for Isapur village. In this work, a piped setup of distribution is evaluated for pre forecasted inhabitants for upcoming 50 decades. In any conventional schemes, the task of water transportation is made with the help of healthy premeditated distribution by optimizing appropriate dia-meter of conduits as it carriages the chief asset of the project. Planning, designing and cost optimization of a piped setup of distribution is a difficult and effort consuming job. These days bunch of pipe related software are accessible that can be worn rightfully for planning, designing and cost optimization purpose. Handling such software demands together capital and skills. Today every now and then, it is a requisite to carry out planning, designing and cost optimization of a simple piped network for which an easy technique will be suitable. In this present work, a trouble-free system is evaluated which can be worn appropriate for optimization and designing of piped setup of distribution. For this purpose Isapur village is selected. The crisis in this job has been sorted with a vision of cost optimization of piped distribution setup rewarding the required discharge for the Isapur village. Researchers in the current work made use of BRANCH software of version 3. It is a simple PC coding program that evaluates simulation of hydraulic behaviour within under pressure piped setups. This PC coding program tracks the water-flow in every conduit, the required pressure at every junction points, the staging height and the water head of every tank.
A Case Study on Environmental Impact Assessment of Mumbai–Ahmadabad High-Speed Rail Corridor
Authors: Gangwani Laxmi , Chainde Srushti , Geete Sumit
Published: August 2023

This case study highlights some notable features of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan of Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, India. The study reflects benefits, alternatives and probable impacts of the project. Also, suggestions and recommendations to apply as mitigation measures are discussed here. The study is based on a joint study conducted by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Synthesis of Nano Porous Carbon derived from Vinasses Wastes for Crystal Violet Adsorption Application
Authors: Nenyoo Phetcharat , Jaruvanawat Anuchit , Srifa Atthapon , Kiatkittipong Worapon , Eiad-Ua Apiluck , Assabumrungrat Suttichai
Published: August 2023

An approach to removing crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous solutions was investigated by nano porous carbon (NC) derived from vinasse waste. The NC was prepared via pyrolysis carbonization and potassium hydroxide chemical activation process. The NC was characterized by TGA, FTIR, and BET analysis. The optimal condition of the NC was used to adsorb CV dye in aqueous solutions at room temperature. Different initial CV concentrations and contact times were investigated to find the effect of these parameters. The NC was found efficient and can be used as a feasible alternative for removing CV dye from aqueous solutions. The NC was synthesized at activation temperature of 900 °C and the 1:1 precursor - activator (KOH) ratio provided the pore size of 3.285 nm and the maximum surface area 1,018 m2/g, which was an optimal condition for the crystal violet adsorption. Crystal violet was highly adsorbed within 5 minutes and then was equilibrium within 30 minutes of the contact time. The amount of dye ion adsorbed onto adsorbent was 3.3, 7.2, 11.2, and 19.1 mg/g, respectively.
The Addition of TiO2 Ratios in SiO2–TiO2 Nanocomposite by Sonochemical Process for the Enhancement in Self-cleaning Property
Authors: Songpanit M , Limwichean S , Horprathum M , Mekprasart W , Pecharapa W
Published: August 2023

This research aims to study self-cleaning property for removing atmosphere pollutants on the substrate surface. Thus, the modification of nanocomposite material for self-cleaning property is an important challenge to solving the organic pollutants on various surfaces. Nanocomposite material in this work is focused on SiO2-TiO2 based metal oxide materials that synthesized by sonochemical process with the precursors of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and titanium isopropoxide (TTIP). The crucial parameter of different amount of titanium ratios in SiO2 matrix is related to the improvement on structural and self-cleaning properties. The ratios of Si:Ti precursor were varied at 1:0.1, 1:0.5, 1:1 and 0:1 (pure TiO2). The structural phase of SiO2-TiO2 nanocomposite powder was detected by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). Chemical bonding structure in SiO2-TiO2 nanocomposite was analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). Surface morphology of SiO2-TiO2 nanocomposite was monitored by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). SiO2-TiO2 nanocomposites synthesized by sonochemical process were in form of composite powder with the spherical SiO2 particles and decorated TiO2 on its surface. After that, the products of SiO2-TiO2 nanocomposite with different TiO2 ratios were mixed with TES 40 WN solution and deposited on glass slides substrate by spray coating to study its hydrophilic property by contact angle method. The contact angle of SiO2-TiO2 nanocomposite film was reduced with the increase of Ti ratio in SiO2 matrix resulting to the development of hydrophilic surface on substrate. The influence of TiO2 in SiO2 matrix on self-cleaning and property would be improved by hydroxyl groups on the composite surface corresponding to Ti–O–Si linkages. For self-cleaning property, Si:Ti ratio at 1:1 in SiO2-TiO2 nanocomposite showed the optimized condition with decreasing contact angle at 28.97 degree in 60 min after UVA irradiation.
Investigation on Optically Ultraviolet Response of Low-dimensional ZnO Structures Prepared by Chemical Processes
Authors: Pintupimol P , Sinornate W , Pecharapa W
Published: August 2023

Chemical processes were used to synthesize ZnO low-dimensional structure including ZnO thin film ZnO nanorod and ZnO nanoparticle. ZnO thin film was prepared by sol-gel spin coating method while ZnO nanorod was prepared by hydrothermal process and ZnO nanoparticle was synthesized via co-precipitation route. The structural, morphological, optical and photoresponse properties were investigated by XRD, FESEM, UV-Visible spectrophotometer, I-V and I-t measurement. Comparison study on photoresponse properties of all structures was conducted under UV light with UV LED wavelength 375 nm. The UV photodetector based on ZnO nanoparticle sample showed superior photoresponse time to another ZnO low-dimensional structures. The results informed crucial factors including active surface area per volume, interaction in low-dimensional structures and specific properties in each structure playing key role on optical ultraviolet response.
Humidity Sensor Based-on Quartz Crystal Microbalance of Sprayed Silver Nanoparticles Films
Authors: Tunhoo Benchapol , Wechayan Arnon , Churasri Savita , Thiwawong Thutiyaporn , Onlaor Korakot
Published: August 2023

The silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) film was prepared in this work by the electrostatic spray deposition technique. The Ag NPs film properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectrophotometer, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope. Then, the Ag NPs film was prepared on a 2 MHz crystal microbalance to fabricate the humidity sensor. The measurement systems are composed of a fabricated sensor, oscillator circuit, and frequency counter. The sensor performances were obtained in terms of the frequency shift of the device at various humidity levels. The conditions of saturated salt solutions following NIST standard were used as humidity values for measurement. It was found that the fabricated device exhibited approximately a frequency shift of 25 Hz in the humidity range of 11-93 %RH. Moreover, the device demonstrated low hysteresis at a value of about 1%RH with a humidity level of 43 %RH.
Examination of water absorption of low volume fly ash concrete (LVFAC) under water immersion conditions
Authors: Golewski Grzegorz Ludwik
Published: August 2023

Fly ash (FA) is a waste product generated in a thermal power plant in huge quantitie has been posing problems of disposal. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to make a meaningful utilization of FA as a binder in concrete composites, while the research involved low volume fly ash concrete (LVFAC). The cements used in the studies were ordinary Portland cement (OPC), (FA-00) and two blended OPC containing FA in the amount of: 20% (FA-20) and 30% (FA-30). This research confronts the following concrete properties: water absorptions by immersion (wa) and compressive strength (fcm). The methodology of thewatests was to reflect the conditions prevailing in the case of reinforced concrete structures operating below the water table. Both evaluated properties were measured at 28 days. In addition, the microstructure of all materials was also assessed. The results show that, the bestfcm, i.e. 48.96 MPa can be obtained in FA-20 concrete. However, in the case of LVFAC containing 30% FA the compressive strength is decreases to 45.10 MPa. On the other hand the average values ofwawas 4.6% for FA-30 and 5.3% for FA-20, respectively. Based on the microstructural studies it was found that this behavior is attributed to reduced pore diameters and densification of cement matrix microstructure in FA-30 concrete. On the other hand concrete of series FA-20 showing a loose and porous microstructure, andwain this composite increased accordingly. Based on the conducted studies it can be stated that, the LVFAC containing 30% FA may increase durability of reinforced concrete structures subjected to immersion conditions. Furthermore, from an application point of view, the obtained research results may be helpful in understanding the impact of the FA additive on the level ofwain concretes with this waste.
A proof of the Kahn–Kalai conjecture
Authors: Park Jinyoung , Pham Huy
Published: August 2023

Proving the “expectation-threshold” conjecture of Kahn and Kalai [Combin. Probab. Comput. 16 (2007), pp. 495–502], we show that for any increasing property

F

\mathcal {F}

on a finite set

X
X

,
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="p Subscript c Baseline left-parenthesis script upper F right-parenthesis equals upper O left-parenthesis q left-parenthesis script upper F right-parenthesis log script l left-parenthesis script upper F right-parenthesis right-parenthesis comma">

p
c

(

F

)
=
O
(
q
(

F

)
log
⁡
ℓ
(

F

)
)
,

p_c(\mathcal {F})=O(q(\mathcal {F})\log \ell (\mathcal {F})),

\]
where

p
c

(

F

)

p_c(\mathcal {F})

and

q
(

F

)

q(\mathcal {F})

are the threshold and “expectation threshold” of

F

\mathcal {F}

, and

ℓ
(

F

)

\ell (\mathcal {F})

is the maximum of

2
2

and the maximum size of a minimal member of

F

\mathcal {F}

.
Behavioral and Psychological Factors in Buffering Diabetes-related Disability Development
Authors: Tsai Yi-Hsuan , Chuang Li-Lun , Lee Yau-Jiunn , Chiu Ching-Ju
Published: August 2023

Background

Diabetes is associated with disability development. Healthy behaviors and psychosocial support can help patients manage their disease.

Purpose

To examine the role of various behavioral and psychological factors in buffering the effect of diabetes on disability development over time in Taiwanese adults.

Methods

Data on 5,131 adults aged ≥50 years were obtained from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging. A cohort sequential multilevel design was employed to analyze the association between behavioral and psychosocial factors and the risk of disability over a 11-year period.

Results

In patients with diabetes, having social support and exercising more than six times a week were associated with 4% and 49% reductions in the risk of disability, respectively (βdiabetes*socialsupport = −0.285, p = .006; βdiabetes*exercise3 = −2.612, p = .007). Exercising more than six times a week had an additional significant protective effect against disability development per year (βdiabetes*exercises3*age = −0.241, p = .038). Depression did not significantly interact with diabetes. However, a trajectory analysis revealed that individuals who had both diabetes and depression had the highest disability score from middle age among all participants.

Conclusions

Engaging in frequent exercise is the most influential factor for reducing the risk of disability in patients with diabetes. Social support provides an additional benefit for disability prevention in individuals with diabetes.
Sex differences in mortality in patients with acromegaly: a nationwide cohort study in Korea
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Hong Namki , Choi Jimi , Moon Ju Hyung , Kim Eui Hyun , Hong Jae Won , Lee Eun Jig , Kim Sin Gon , Ku Cheol Ryong
Published: August 2023

Objective

The results of previous studies on sex differences in mortality and comorbidities among patients with acromegaly are diverse. We assessed sex differences in mortality and the risk of complications in patients with acromegaly.

Methods

We included 1884 patients with acromegaly with 1:50 age- and sex-matched 94 200 controls using the Korean nationwide claims database from 2009 to 2019.

Results

During the median 5.51 years of follow-up, the acromegaly group had higher all-cause mortality than the control group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-2.19), with higher risk in women than men (HR 2.17 vs 1.36). The most common cause of death was malignancy. Women with acromegaly aged ≥50 years exhibited significantly higher mortality than men with acromegaly aged ≥50 years (HR 1.74 vs 0.96). In a treatment subgroup other than surgery alone, women had a higher risk of mortality than men (HR 2.82 vs 1.58). Sex differences in mortality among patients with acromegaly remained equal after adjustment for the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), socioeconomic status (SES), body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, smoking, fasting plasma glucose, creatinine, and total cholesterol. Patients with acromegaly had elevated risks of developing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), atrial fibrillation, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), diabetes mellitus (DM), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), Parkinson's disease (PD), depression, and malignancy than age- and sex-matched controls, with a higher risk of OSA and DM in women than men.

Conclusions

The risk of mortality and complications in patients with acromegaly compared to age- and sex-matched controls was higher in women than in men.
Cellular heterogeneity of the developing worker honey bee (Apis mellifera) pupa: a single cell transcriptomics analysis
Authors: Patir Anirudh , Raper Anna , Fleming Robert , Henderson Beth E P , Murphy Lee , Henderson Neil C , Clark Emily L , Freeman Tom C , Barnett Mark W
Published: August 2023

It is estimated that animals pollinate 87.5% of flowering plants worldwide and that managed honey bees (Apis mellifera) account for 30–50% of this ecosystem service to agriculture. In addition to their important role as pollinators, honey bees are well-established insect models for studying learning and memory, behavior, caste differentiation, epigenetic mechanisms, olfactory biology, sex determination, and eusociality. Despite their importance to agriculture, knowledge of honey bee biology lags behind many other livestock species. In this study, we have used scRNA-Seq to map cell types to different developmental stages of the worker honey bee (prepupa at day 11 and pupa at day 15) and sought to determine their gene expression signatures. To identify cell-type populations, we examined the cell-to-cell network based on the similarity of the single-cells transcriptomic profiles. Grouping similar cells together we identified 63 different cell clusters of which 17 clusters were identifiable at both stages. To determine genes associated with specific cell populations or with a particular biological process involved in honey bee development, we used gene coexpression analysis. We combined this analysis with literature mining, the honey bee protein atlas, and gene ontology analysis to determine cell cluster identity. Of the cell clusters identified, 17 were related to the nervous system and sensory organs, 7 to the fat body, 19 to the cuticle, 5 to muscle, 4 to compound eye, 2 to midgut, 2 to hemocytes, and 1 to malpighian tubule/pericardial nephrocyte. To our knowledge, this is the first whole single-cell atlas of honey bees at any stage of development and demonstrates the potential for further work to investigate their biology at the cellular level.
Disability Discrimination in the Digital Realm: How the ICRPD Applies to Artificial Intelligence Decision-Making Processes and Helps in Determining the State of International Human Rights Law
Authors: Krupiy Tetyana (Tanya) , Scheinin Martin
Published: August 2023

Scholars have identified challenges to protecting individuals from discrimination in contexts where organisations deploy artificial intelligence decision-making processes. While scholarship on ‘digital discrimination’ is growing, scholars have paid less attention to the impact of the use of artificial intelligence decision-making processes on persons with disabilities. This article posits that while the use of artificial intelligence technology can be beneficial for some purposes, its deployment can also construct a disability. The article demonstrates that the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can be interpreted in a manner that confers a wide variety of human rights on persons with disabilities in the context when entities deploy artificial intelligence decision-making processes. The article proposes a test for digital discrimination based on disability and shows how it can be incorporated into the treaty through legal interpretation. Thereafter, it moves to developing an analogous general test for digital discrimination under international human rights law, applicable beyond a catalogue of protected characteristics.
Disease Clearance as a New Outcome in Ulcerative Colitis: a Systematic Review and Expert Consensus
Authors: D’Amico Ferdinando , Magro Fernando , Siegmund Britta , Kobayashi Taku , Kotze Paulo Gustavo , Solitano Virginia , Caron Benedicte , Al Awadhi Sameer , Hart Ailsa , Jairath Vipul , Dignass Axel , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Danese Silvio
Published: August 2023

The concept of disease clearance has been proposed as a potential target in ulcerative colitis (UC). We conducted a systematic review to investigate the role of disease clearance, defined as a composite outcome including simultaneous clinical, endoscopic, and histologic remission of disease in the management of patients with UC. Based on the literature data, statements regarding disease clearance were developed and voted on by the members of the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD) according to a Delphi methodology. A definition of disease clearance was proposed to standardize its use in clinical practice and clinical trials and to provide practical recommendations for its implementation as a therapeutic target in UC.