bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced ANN model for DoA estimation in smart textile wearable antenna array subsystem
Authors: Stanković Zoran , Pronić‐Rančić Olivera , Dončov Nebojša
Published: May 2023

Artificial neural networks‐based module for fast direction‐of‐arrival (DoA) estimation of the signal received by multi‐element textile wearable antenna array (TWAA) is proposed in this paper. The developed multilayer perceptron (MLP) DoA module considers the effects of changing the gain of the antenna elements, the distance between the antenna elements and their resonant frequencies during the movement of the TWAA wearer and the crumpling of the textile. The inputs of the MLP DoA module are the elements of the spatial correlation matrix of the signal sampled by the TWAA and the output is the angular position of the signal source in the azimuthal plane. The influence of the number of TWAA elements on the accuracy of the MLP DoA module in DoA estimation under textile crumple conditions is investigated. The performances of the MLP DoA module under increased noise conditions are investigated, as well as its behavior under different degrees of textile crumpling. A comparison was made between the proposed module and the corresponding root MUSIC DoA module in terms of accuracy and speed of DoA estimation.
A human meniscus explant model for studying early events in osteoarthritis development by proteomics
Authors: Rydén Martin , Lindblom Karin , Yifter‐Lindgren Aida , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Aspberg Anders , Tillgren Viveka , Englund Martin , Önnerfjord Patrik
Published: May 2023

Degenerative meniscus lesions have been associated with both osteoarthritis etiology and its progression. We, therefore, sought to establish a human meniscus ex vivo model to study the meniscal response to cytokine treatment using a proteomics approach. Lateral menisci were obtained from five knee‐healthy donors. The meniscal body was cut into vertical slices and further divided into an inner (avascular) and outer region. Explants were either left untreated (controls) or stimulated with cytokines. Medium changes were conducted every 3 days up to Day 21 and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was performed at all the time points for the identification and quantification of proteins. Mixed‐effect linear regression models were used for statistical analysis to estimate the effect of treatments versus control on protein abundance. Treatment by IL1ß increased release of cytokines such as interleukins, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases but a limited catabolic effect in healthy human menisci explants. Further, we observed an increased release of matrix proteins (collagens, integrins, prolargin, tenascin) in response to oncostatin M (OSM) + tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and TNF+interleukin‐6 (IL6) + sIL6R treatments, and analysis of semitryptic peptides provided additional evidence of increased catabolic effects in response to these treatments. The induced activation of catabolic processes may play a role in osteoarthritis development.
Changes in bioactive compounds present in beef burgers formulated with walnut oil gelled emulsion as a fat substitute during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Lucas‐Gonzalez Raquel , Sayas‐Barberá Estrella , Lorenzo José Manuel , Pérez‐Álvarez José Ángel , Fernández‐López Juana , Viuda‐Martos Manuel
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The partial or total substitution of animal fat by a gelled emulsion elaborated with cocoa bean shell and walnut oil in beef burgers was assessed in terms of the stability of the bioactive compounds (polyphenolic and methylxanthines compounds, and fatty acid profile), bioaccessibility, colon‐available indices (CAIs), and lipid oxidation after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID).

RESULTS

No free polyphenolic compounds were detected in the soluble fraction after the GID of reformulated beef burgers. Reductions were obtained in the bound fraction with respect to the undigested sample from 47.57 to 53.12% for protocatechuic acid, from 60.26 to 78.01% for catechin, and from 38.37 to 60.95% for epicatechin. The methylxanthine content decreased significantly after GID. The theobromine content fell by between 48.41 and 68.61% and the caffeine content was reduced by between 96.47 and 97.95%. The fatty acid profile of undigested samples was very similar to that of digested samples. In the control burger the predominant fatty acids were oleic acid (453.27 mg g−1) and palmitic acid (242.20 mg g−1), whereas in reformulated burgers a high content of linoleic acid (304.58 and 413.35 mg g−1) and α‐linolenic acid (52.44 and 82.35 mg g−1) was found. As expected, both undigested and digested reformulated samples presented a higher degree of oxidation than the control sample.

CONCLUSIONS

The reformulated beef burgers with cocoa bean shells flour and walnut oil were a good source of bioactive compounds, which were stable after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Intergenerational transmission of trauma: A biological perspective
Authors: Jovanovic Tanja , Roberts Andrea , Huels Anke
Published: May 2023

This commentary is based on an invited panel for the 2022 International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) annual meeting entitled “Perspective Discourses On…Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma: A Biological Perspective.” This was a new format introduced by ISTSS to facilitate discussion around timely topics. This session included scholars from different backgrounds (e.g., epidemiology, neuroscience, environmental health) who shared their approaches to understanding the biological bases of the intergenerational transmission of trauma. Specifically, the panel presented information about putative direct and indirect mechanisms of transmission, including epigenetic and environmental factors, and pointed to behavioral and neurobiological outcomes in offspring. This commentary synthesizes some of the current knowledge gained by these different approaches and identifies key areas to advance in future work.
Mxene‐Based Supramolecular Composite Hydrogels for Antioxidant and Photothermal Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Riaz Zakia , Baddi Sravan , Gao Fengli , Feng Chuan‐Liang
Published: May 2023

Bacterial infections and oxidative damage caused by various reactive oxygen species (ROS) pose a significant threat to human health. It is highly desirable to find an ideal biomaterial system with broad spectrum antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities. A new supramolecular antibacterial and antioxidant composite hydrogel made of chiral L‐phenylalanine‐derivative (LPFEG) as matrix and Mxene (Ti3C2Tx) as filler material is presented. The noncovalent interactions (H‐bonding and π–π interactions) in between LPFEG and Mxene and the inversion of LPFEG chirality are verified by Fourier transform infrared and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The composite hydrogels show improved mechanical properties revealed by rheological analysis. The composite hydrogel system exhibits photothermal conversion efficiency (40.79%), which enables effective photothermal broad‐spectrum antibacterial activities against both Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Furthermore, the Mxene also enables the composite hydrogel to exhibit excellent antioxidant activity by efficiently scavenging free radicals like DPPH•, ABTS•+, and •OH. These results indicate that the Mxene‐based chiral supramolecular composite hydrogel, with improved rheological, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties has a great potential for biomedical applications.
Mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of developed high nitrogen high manganese stainless steels
Authors: Saravanan P. , Govindaraj Y. , Khalkho B. , Srikanth S. , Kumar V. , Neelakantan L.
Published: May 2023

Influence of composition, specifically manganese and nitrogen content, on the microstructure associated corrosion resistance property of newly developed stainless steel has been studied. The developed steels have been characterised for their microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical properties. The results indicate that the addition of manganese and nitrogen as a substitute for nickel favours the austenite microstructure, higher yield strength (>350 MPa), tensile strength (>700 MPa), elongation and superior Charpy V‐notch impact toughness properties. The results obtained from electrochemical tests such as potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of manganese stainless steel show remarkable improvement (about 4 times) in corrosion resistance exhibiting passivity behaviour like that of commercial stainless steel (316L).
Performance optimization of polyetherimide‐zeolite 4A mixed matrix membranes for carbon dioxide/methane separation process using response surface methodology
Authors: Masor A. E. , Nasir R. , Mannan H. A. , Qadir D. , Sharif R. , Mohshim D. F. , Mukhtar H. , Muhammad A.
Published: May 2023

The performance optimization studies of zeolite 4A embedded polyetherimide mixed matrix membranes to separate carbon dioxide/methane by simultaneously considering the effect of process parameters on process responses were the focus of this study. Mixed matrix membranes were characterized and analyzed. The thermophysical characteristics of the synthesized membranes were assessed by different analytical equipment. The permeability of pure gases was determined at varying feed pressures (4 bar to 10 bar) to evaluate gas separation performance. Process optimization studies were accomplished by response surface methodology to find the relation of pressure and zeolite loading on carbon dioxide and methane permeability, and carbon dioxide/methane selectivity. The characterization results revealed that all membranes were dense in structure and has improved thermal stability. The spectrometry results confirmed the molecular interaction between polyetherimide and zeolite 4A filler. Gas permeability results showed a more than 90 % increase in carbon dioxide permeability compared to the nascent polyetherimide membrane. Similarly, selectivity of mixed matrix membranes was 45 % higher than polyetherimide membrane. The optimal operating conditions were found to be 20 wt. % zeolite loading and 6 bar pressure with overall desirability of 0.700. These membranes can find potential in various gas separation applications.
Super‐resolved q‐space learning of diffusion MRI
Authors: Chen Zan , Peng Chenxu , Li Yongqiang , Zeng Qingrun , Feng Yuanjing
Published: May 2023

Background

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) provides a powerful tool to non‐invasively investigate neural structures in the living human brain. Nevertheless, its reconstruction performance on neural structures relies on the number of diffusion gradients in the q‐space. High‐angular (HA) dMRI requires a long scan time, limiting its use in clinical practice, whereas directly reducing the number of diffusion gradients would lead to the underestimation of neural structures.

Purpose

We propose a deep compressive sensing‐based q‐space learning (DCS‐qL) approach to estimate HA dMRI from low‐angular dMRI.

Methods

In DCS‐qL, we design the deep network architecture by unfolding the proximal gradient descent procedure that addresses the compressive sense problem. In addition, we exploit a lifting scheme to design a network structure with reversible transform properties. For implementation, we apply a self‐supervised regression to enhance the signal‐to‐noise ratio of diffusion data. Then, we utilize a semantic information‐guided patch‐based mapping strategy for feature extraction, which introduces multiple network branches to handle patches with different tissue labels.

Results

Experimental results show that the proposed approach can yield a promising performance on the tasks of reconstructed HA dMRI images, microstructural indices of neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging, fiber orientation distribution, and fiber bundle estimation.

Conclusions

The proposed method achieves more accurate neural structures than competing approaches.
Manipulating tunnelling gateways in condensed phase isomerization
Authors: Choudhury Arnab , Sinha Shreya , Harlander David , DeVine Jessalyn , Kandratsenka Alexander , Saalfrank Peter , Schwarzer Dirk , Wodtke Alec M.
Published: May 2023

When a chemical reaction occurs via tunnelling, a simple mass‐dependence is expected, where substitution of atoms by heavier isotopes leads to a reduced reaction rate. However, as shown in a recent study of CO orientational isomerization at the NaCl(1 0 0) interface, the lightest isotopologues need not exhibit the fastest tunnelling; for the CO/NaCl system, the non‐monotonic mass‐dependence is understood through a new picture of condensed phase tunnelling where the overall rate is dominated by a few pairs of reactant/product states. These state‐pairs – termed quantum gateways – gain dynamical importance through accidentally enhanced tunnelling probabilities, facilitated by a confluence of the energetic landscape underlying the reaction as well as the phonon bath of the surrounding medium. Here, we explore gateway tunnelling through measurements of the kinetic isotope effect for CO isomerization in a monolayer buried by many layers of either CO or N2. With an N2 overlayer, tunnelling rates are accelerated for all four isotopologues (12C16O, 13C16O, 12C18O and 13C18O), but the degree of acceleration is isotopologue‐specific and non‐intuitively mass dependent. A one‐dimensional tunnelling model involving an Eckart barrier cannot capture this behaviour. This reflects how a modification of the potential energy surface moves states in and out of resonance, thereby changing which tunnelling gateways can be accessed in the isomerization reaction.

Key points

The paper describes new systems that showcase resonance‐enhanced condensed phase tunnelling.

Condensed phase tunnelling as described in this work may have implications for astrochemistry.

A previously hypothesized mechanism is subjected to subsequent experimental scrutiny – the hypothesis stands the test.
Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging of parotid glands in diabetes mellitus: A preliminary study
Authors: Muraoka Hirotaka , Kaneda Takashi , Kondo Takumi , Okada Shunya , Sawada Eri , Tokunaga Satoshi
Published: May 2023

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to assess the parotid glands in diabetes mellitus (DM) using diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI).

Methods

We investigated 54 patients aged between 38 and 83 years, with DM (DM group) and without DM (control group), who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the facility between November 2006 and January 2021. We calculated the median apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of the parotid glands in the control group and DM group. These groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U tests. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the ability of the ADC to predict DM. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The median ADCs of parotid grands in the control group and DM group were 0.83 × 10−3 mm2/s and 0.74 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively (p < 0.01). ROC analysis revealed a cut‐off ADC value of 0.81 to distinguish between the control and DM group. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the ROC curve were 0.7, 0.67, 0.69, and 0.71, respectively.

Conclusion

The ADC was significantly higher in DM groups than in the control group. This suggests that DW‐MRI may be able to quantitatively distinguish parotid glands between normal and DM patients.
An intervention to decrease sedentary behavior in older adults: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abraham Nikita , Lyden Kate , Boucher Robert , Wei Guo , Gonce Victoria , Carle Judy , Fornadi Katalin , Supiano Mark A. , Christensen Jesse , Beddhu Srinivasan
Published: May 2023

Background

Sedentary behaviors are associated with adverse health outcomes in older adults. The feasibility of behavioral interventions in this population is unclear.

Methods

In the Sit Less, Interact, Move More (SLIMM) trial of 106 participants who had obesity, those randomized to the SLIMM intervention (N = 54) were instructed to replace sedentary activities with stepping. An accelerometer was used to measure physical activity. In this secondary analysis, mixed effect models were used to examine the effects of the SLIMM intervention on sedentary and stepping durations and steps/day by age (<70 and ≥ 70 years).

Results

Mean ages in the <70 years (N = 47) and ≥70 years (N = 59) groups were 58 ± 11 and 78 ± 5. In the older subgroup, compared to standard‐of‐care (N = 29), the SLIMM intervention (N = 30) significantly increased stepping duration (13, 95%CI 1–24 min/d, p = 0.038) and steps per day (1330, 95% CI 322–2338, p = 0.01) and non‐significantly decreased sedentary duration by (28,95% CI −61–5 min/d, p = 0.09). In the age <70 subgroup, there was no separation between the standard of care (N = 23) and SLIMM (N = 24) groups.

Discussion

In older adults who had obesity, SLIMM intervention significantly increased stepping duration and steps per day. Interventions targeting sedentary behaviors by promoting low intensity physical activity may be feasible in this population.
Can tax agents support tax compliance in low‐income countries? Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Occhiali Giovanni , Kalyango Fredrick
Published: May 2023

Tax agents' role in ensuring or deterring compliance with tax obligations has received relatively little attention in the literature. Some evidence has emerged indicating when agents improve (or decrease) compliance, and why taxpayers employ their services. However, most existing studies have focused on high‐ or upper‐middle‐income countries. As the tax systems of low‐income countries present a unique set of compliance issues, a closer look at the role that tax agents play in these contexts is warranted. In this paper, we present evidence from two surveys on their use in Uganda. Our results show that tax agents contribute to an increased quality of filed returns thereby leading to lower audit adjustments The type of services more frequently requested by taxpayers seem to match those in high‐income countries, as do their reasons for engaging tax agents in the first place.
Nature interactions and their associations with connection to nature and well‐being varies between different types of green spaces
Authors: Fleming Whitney , Shwartz Assaf
Published: May 2023

Increasing urbanization leads to greater loss of interaction with nature over time in a process described as the extinction of experience. Urban green spaces are some of the most prominent sites where individuals can access and interact with nature in urban areas. There is currently a gap in research around how different types of urban green spaces influence nature interactions, their relationships with human well‐being, and what influences these relationships. Greater knowledge of these connections can aid in the design of green spaces that can increase human well‐being and mitigate the extinction of experience.

We conducted a visitor survey in an urban nature site in Israel, which consists of both a garden and protected nature area dominated by natural Mediterranean vegetation. We aimed to understand how visitors interacted with nature at the site and how the interactions differed between the protected nature area and the garden. Both frequency of interactions and number of total interactions were measured. We also investigated the extent to which these interactions associated with nature relatedness (using the NRS scale), well‐being (using overall happiness and psychological well‐being) and the variables that influence nature interactions and well‐being outcomes.

Visitors who visited the protected nature area were more likely to interact with nature than those who only visited the garden. Nature interactions were significantly associated with an individual's nature relatedness and their perception of whether the site functioned more similarly to an urban park or a protected nature area. Living nearby was associated with greater attachment to and identity with the site, but also lower frequency of nature interactions. Nature interactions were associated with measures of well‐being, including overall happiness, attachment, identity and reflection, but varied depending on well‐being measures.

Interactions with nature, and their benefits, are not equal based on both actual opportunity for interaction and perceptions of green spaces. Incorporating user preferences of urban green spaces for more wild nature that individuals also perceive as wilder may allow for greater interaction. Developing urban nature sites that allow for greater interaction can promote human well‐being associated with interactions and combat extinction of experience.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Wear properties of natural fiber based composites – A brief review
Authors: Alagumalai Vasudevan , Babu Karthik , M Thiyagu , Aseer Ronald , Shanmugam Vigneshwaran
Published: May 2023

Natural fiber composites' appealing properties have enabled their use in a wide range of engineering applications, including automotive and structural applications. Wear is a common issue in automotive and structural applications, increasing the likelihood of material failure. As a result, composites with increased wear resistance are required. Natural fiber composites have completely different wear properties than metals. Understanding the wear mechanism of natural fiber composites is critical for their potential use in a variety of applications. Wear is of different types, each with its own mechanism of material loss. Wear is determined by material properties, such as matrix and reinforcement properties. The critical factors influencing the wear performance of natural fiber composites are fiber loading, fiber orientation, fiber length, and fiber interface. This review attempted to investigate the different types of wear in fiber composites and their impact on natural fiber composites. This article could serve as a one‐stop shop for learning about the wear characteristics of natural fiber composites.
Tolerability of ifosfamide‐containing regimen in patients with high‐risk renal and INI‐1‐deficient tumors
Authors: Wong Chris I. , Benedetti Daniel J. , Kao Pei‐Chi , Ma Clement , Marcus Karen J. , Mullen Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2023

Background

Outcomes for children with high‐risk renal (HRR) and INI‐1‐deficient (INI−) tumors are unacceptably poor. Concerns about excessive toxicity—as many are infants and/or undergo nephrectomy—have resulted in decreased chemotherapy dosing and omission of the nephrotoxic drug ifosfamide in collaborative group studies. As cause of death for children with these cancers remains overwhelmingly more from progressive disease rather than treatment toxicity, we examined the tolerability of an intensive ifosfamide‐containing regimen.

Procedure

Retrospective review of children with HRR/INI− tumors treated at a single institution with vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide alternating with ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide (VDC‐ICE) from 2006–2016. The primary outcome was regimen tolerability, including kidney injury and grade 3–5 nonhematologic toxicities.

Results

Fourteen patients with a median age of 1.7 years (range: 0.1–10.5) treated with VDC‐ICE were identified. Diagnosis included malignant rhabdoid tumor (n = 9) (primary renal [n = 2]); diffuse anaplastic Wilms tumor (n = 3); clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (n = 1); and anaplastic chordoma (n = 1). All children with primary renal tumors (43%) underwent complete (n = 5) or partial nephrectomy (n = 1) before chemotherapy. Nine (64%) completed all intended cycles of chemotherapy; n = 5 (36%) did not due to disease progression. Unplanned hospitalizations occurred in 13 (93%) patients, most commonly for febrile neutropenia. No patient experienced severe organ toxicity, diminished renal function, treatment discontinuation due to toxicities, or treatment‐related death.

Conclusions

In children with HRR/INI− tumors, VDC‐ICE chemotherapy was well‐tolerated without excessive toxicities, even amongst young patients with solitary kidneys. Concerns about toxicity should not preclude an intensive ifosfamide‐containing regimen from use in future trials in this population.
A review of solid lubrication based on polyurethane composites
Authors: Wang Shan , Han Xuhui , Jiang Shuai , Huang Yufei , Yin Xuan , Chai Chunpeng
Published: May 2023

Solid lubricant materials could be used in various extreme conditions owing to the excellent anti‐friction and ‐wear with the low friction coefficient and wear rate. Polyurethane (PU)‐based solid lubricants as one of the widely utilized composite materials had been well‐known by researchers all over the world. PU‐based composite lubricants were commonly segmented into single‐phase lubricants and multi‐phase lubricants via inorganic or organic lubricant additives. What is more, the modified PU by solid lubricants would endow higher tribological performances than that of single‐phase PU‐based lubricants. Based on the multi‐component synergy, the multi‐phase lubricants could significantly improve the PU matrix's lubrication and wear resistance and enhance the comprehensive performance such as corrosion resistance. This paper mainly discussed and summarized the recent development in tribological performances of PU‐based composite lubricants, and explored their prospective research directions.
Factors that predict adolescents' engagement with STEM in and out of school
Authors: Mulvey Kelly Lynn , Cerda‐Smith Jacqueline , Joy Angelina , Mathews Channing , Ozturk Emine
Published: May 2023

Maintaining adolescents' engagement with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in and out of school may help ensure that adolescents are prepared to enter the STEM workforce. This study aims to extend prior work by documenting internal and external factors that matter for both STEM class engagement as well as engagement with STEM outside of school through STEM activism. Participants included  ninth and tenth grade students (N = 852) from ethnically diverse public schools in the Southeastern United States, approximately evenly divided by gender. Findings from regression analyses revealed that girls and participants who perceive educational barriers to STEM were less engaged in STEM classes, whereas those who reported learning about more male scientists in class, and those who reported higher levels of belonging, STEM growth mindset, and STEM motivation were more engaged in STEM classes. Those who reported higher critical motivation, critical action, belonging, and STEM motivation were more engaged in STEM activism outside of school. Findings suggest that STEM teachers and out‐of‐school program developers may learn new ways to engage students from each other. Further, findings highlight some factors that may promote engagement in STEM both in and out of schools such as belonging and STEM motivation.
Dissecting the relative contribution of ECA3 and group 8/9 cation diffusion facilitators to manganese homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Farthing Emily C. , Henbest Kate C. , Garcia‐Becerra Tania , Peaston Kerry A. , Williams Lorraine E.
Published: May 2023

Manganese (Mn) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth but becomes toxic when present in excess. A number of Arabidopsis proteins are involved in Mn transport including ECA3, MTPs, and NRAMPs; however, their relative contributions to Mn homeostasis remain to be demonstrated. A major focus here was to clarify the importance of ECA3 in responding to Mn deficiency and toxicity using a range of mutants. We show that ECA3 localizes to the trans‐Golgi and plays a major role in response to Mn deficiency with severe effects seen in eca3 nramp1 nramp2 under low Mn supply. ECA3 plays a minor role in Mn‐toxicity tolerance, but only when the cis‐Golgi‐localized MTP11 is non‐functional. We also use mutants and overexpressors to determine the relative contributions of MTP members to Mn homeostasis. The trans‐Golgi‐localized MTP10 plays a role in Mn‐toxicity tolerance, but this is only revealed in mutants when MTP8 and MTP11 are non‐functional and when overexpressed in mtp11 mutants. MTP8 and MTP10 confer greater Mn‐toxicity resistance to the pmr1 yeast mutant than MTP11, and an important role for the first aspartate in the fifth transmembrane domain DxxxD motif is demonstrated. Overall, new insight into the relative influence of key transporters in Mn homeostasis is provided.
Analyzing the effectiveness of the Gurney method for small scale fragmentation propulsion using Exploding Bridgewire detonators
Authors: Johnson Emily M. , Bauer Rachel L. , Johnson Catherine E.
Published: May 2023

Explosives are common in military, mining, and construction applications where the explosive properties are understood, but mechanics of how the explosive's energy fragments and throws materials are less known. Considering the type of confining material around an explosive, creates variability in fragmentation behavior due to the individual material characteristics. The most common method for assessing fragmentation behavior is the Gurney method, which eliminates any consideration of fragmenting material properties. The Gurney method assumes that, on a large scale, the inconsistencies in material are irrelevant and only the mass of the confiner need be considered. However, it is known in many fields that energy is consumed in the breaking of a material. In this paper, the detonation and resultant fragmentation propulsion of Exploding Bridgewire (EBW) detonators with the same explosive material, but different casing characteristics, is observed. The Gurney method was used to predict fragmentation velocities of the casing following detonation, which were compared to the behavior observed through high‐speed video of the actual event. The EBWs were selected to provide variability in casing material, casing thickness, charge length, and charge diameter. It was found that when the amount of explosive is small, the material properties of the casing play a significant role, with 70 % of the total explosive mass lost in fragmenting PMMA EBWs and 30±3 % lost in Aluminum EBWs. There is significant energy loss to breaking the casing material that cannot be ignored on the small scale and could impact large explosives with high casing to explosive ratios.
Thermal conductivity tensor of β‐HMX as a function of pressure and temperature from equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Pereverzev Andrey , Sewell Tommy
Published: May 2023

We apply the Green–Kubo (G–K) approach to obtain the thermal conductivity tensor of β‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazoctane (β‐HMX) as a function of pressure and temperature from equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Direct application of the G–K formula exhibits slow convergence of the integrated thermal conductivity values even for long (120 ns) accumulated simulation times. To partially mitigate this slow convergence, we apply a recently implemented numerical procedure that involves physically justified filtering of the MD‐calculated G–K heat current and fitting the integrated time‐dependent thermal conductivity to a physically motivated double‐exponential function. The thermal conductivity tensor was determined for pressures 0.1 MPa
30 GPa and temperatures 300 K
900 K. The thermal conductivity
increases with increasing pressure, by approximately an order of magnitude over the interval considered, and decreases with increasing temperature. The MD predictions are compared to experimental and other theoretically determined values for the thermal conductivity of β‐HMX. A simple, semi‐empirical fitting form is proposed that captures the behavior of
over the pressure and temperature intervals studied.
Detonation characterization of low‐density emulsion explosives
Authors: Pimenta João , Quaresma Joana , Ribeiro José , Mendes Ricardo
Published: May 2023

Due to the wide applicability and popularity of emulsion explosives (EEs) in the industry, ongoing advancements have been made in order to better understand and optimize the capabilities of EEs. Over the recent years, work has been developed to understand the effect that additives have on the detonation phenomena, and the energetic properties of EEs. In recent studies, most emphasis has been given to energetic additives, and little information is available regarding non‐energetic additives, despite their rising use in industrial applications. This work intends to do a detonation characterization of low‐density EEs, using EPS as a non‐energetic additive, in a concentration range of 0 % to 4 %, and consequently, an EEs density range of 1.12 g/cm3 down to 0.49 g/cm3. In order to characterize the detonation velocity and pressure of these EEs, different charge configurations (rectangular cross‐section and cylindrical) and measurement methods (discrete and quasi‐continuous) were used throughout this work. The results obtained, for these charge configurations and within EEs with these compositions and densities, display a linear behaviour for the detonation velocity, ranging from 2126 m/s up to 5581 m/s, and also for the values of the detonation pressure, varying between 3.3 GPa up to 11.7 GPa.
Statistical analysis of laboratory accidents in Chinese universities from 2011 to 2021
Authors: Lv Pengfei , Zhu Shucheng , Pang Lei
Published: May 2023

This paper analyzed the frequency and correlation coefficient of 51 typical laboratory incidents from 2011 to 2021, and the results showed that 2015 was the peak year for accidents. March, April, and December were the months with the highest number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities, respectively. The time periods with the highest frequency, number of injuries, and number of fatalities were 10:01–12:00, 14:01–16:00, and 08:01–10:00, respectively. Chemical laboratories were the type of laboratory with the highest number of accidents. Other explosions and vessel explosions were the accident types that cause the highest average number of injuries and the highest average number of fatalities, respectively. Human factors were the main direct cause of laboratory accidents. Chi‐square analysis found that fire accidents were the predominant accident type among casualty‐free accidents and injury accidents, and vessel explosions were the predominant accident type among fatal accidents. Based on statistical analysis, this study put forward suggestions for effective prevention of laboratory accidents in universities from the aspects of university laboratory safety management institutions, safety management systems, safety management responsibilities, safety education and training and emergency drills, safety construction investment, and information monitoring platforms. It aimed to provide a reference for universities to strengthen laboratory safety.
ENPS 101—Back to school for process safety
Authors: Forest Jerry , Grounds Cheryl
Published: May 2023

This paper will provide an overview of the recently issued CCPS Process Safety for Engineers: An Introduction, Second Edition and how to use it. The objective of the text is to support teaching and learning of risk‐based process safety fundamentals as defined by the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS). It also addresses the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Program Criteria for Chemical Engineering, which requires that chemical engineering curricula include consideration of the hazards relevant to chemical processes. This book can be used in meeting that requirement either as a curriculum for an undergraduate‐level process safety course or to provide process safety content into common chemical engineering courses. The team creating the book included professors who teach process safety. The book is founded on the CCPS risk‐based process safety elements and points to numerous tools to support the instructor in teaching and the engineer in conducting process safety fundamentals. Each chapter begins with a detailed process safety incident case study and includes what a new engineer might do, problem sets, numerous references, and a generic presentation file for use by professors.
Optimizing system reliability through selective maintenance allocation: A novel multi‐objective programming approach using neutrosophic fuzzy concept
Authors: Kamal Murshid , Gupta Srikant , Jalil Syed Aqib , Ahmed Aquil
Published: May 2023

Selective maintenance refers to the problem of decision‐making on how to maintain a multi‐component complex system that can be repaired or replaced. The goal is generally to plan ahead in order to improve the likelihood of success for future maintenance tasks. In this article, we proposed a multi‐objective decision‐making model for maximizing the system reliability of a multi‐component systems. The objective functions represent the reliability of the sub‐systems arranged in series comprising of components arranged in parallel forms. The cost and total time incurred in the repair/replacement activities are considered as two sets of constraints in the proposed model. Fuzzy logic is incorporated to deal with the inherent uncertainty that exists in the parameters involved in the proposed model. To solve the uncertain multi‐objective selective maintenance model, we have proposed four‐valued neutrosophic technique. The proposed solution methodology combines the concept of four‐valued neutrosophic fuzzy set with fuzzy goal programming technique. Four linear membership functions for the degrees of truth, uncertainty, contradiction, and false are used to obtain the compromise solution through the proposed technique. To determine the feasibility and applicability of the proposed model and solution methodology, a case problem of multi‐component system of an aircraft gas turbine engine is studied.
Teenage pregnancy and subalternity: A culturally constructed vulnerability
Authors: de Flores‐Palacios María de Fátima , García‐Alcaraz Janet Gabriela
Published: May 2023

One of the main causes of death in adolescents in Latin America according to WHO (2018) is teenage pregnancy and is related to conditions of poverty and precariousness. During 2020, there were 373,661 births to adolescent women in Mexico, which continues to place the country in first place among OECD countries in early pregnancy. The repercussions are multiple in emotional and physical health, in addition to altering women's context and lived experience, building new and diverse vulnerabilities that are related to the gender condition and hegemonic social representations. Qualitative results are presented for two contexts, urban and coastal, where young women live in precarious conditions and a certain degree of abandonment, pointing to the need to develop action and education strategies that have an impact on the prevention of early pregnancies.
Green Synthesis of a Biochar‐Based Iron Oxide Catalyst for Efficient Degradation of Pesticides: Kinetics and Photoactivity
Authors: Rani Manviri , Keshu  , Ankit  , Shanker Uma
Published: May 2023

Photocatalysis is considered as promising methodology for the removal of pesticides from wastewater given its cost‐effective and environmental benignity. Pesticide toxicity and bioaccumulation have brought up environmental issues, underlining the necessity for efficient removal techniques based on novel nanomaterials. Herein, biochar (BC) synthesized by using waste peels of citrus limetta embedded with green synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticle by using green tea extract. By using PXRD analysis, the α phase of Fe2O3 confirmed. Endosulfan (ES) and Ethion (ET) pesticides are degraded photocatalytically using a sequential, BC@ Fe2O3 nanohybrid. At the pollutant concentration (50 mg L−1), with catalytic dose (25 mg) in acidic condition under natural sunlight, BC@ Fe2O3 showed to be extremely effective in the breakdown of pesticides. The higher removal of pesticides by BC@ Fe2O3 supported by higher value of zeta potential (−22.5 mV), enhanced surface area (74 m2 g−1) and lower value of band gap (1.8 eV) as an effect of interactive characteristic and semiconducting behaviour. The fast decline in pesticide concentration followed by a gradual decrease demonstrated Ist order kinetics triggered by Langmuir adsorption. The availability of active species such as oxygen, hydroxyl radicals and holes, which are liable for pesticide breakdown, proved by scavenger analysis. Formation of safer metabolites during the photocatalytic studies confirmed by the LC‐MS studies. Finally, modified BC@ Fe2O3 nanohybrid may prove to be a viable alternative catalyst for industrial applications due to their reusability (n=7), charge separation, stability and high surface activity.
Substituent Effects on the Carboxylation Step of Allyllic Substrates: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Yao Chengyu , Liu Deguang , Xu Zheyuan , Yu Haizhu , Shi Jing
Published: May 2023

Ni(0/I) catalysed direct carboxylation of allyl alcohols represents an effective way to create β, γ‐unsaturated carboxylic acids, with the carboxylation to be a crucial elementary step. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we investigated how substituents affected the carboxylation process. The energy barrier of the carboxylation process is relatively low in the case of Ni(0), which can be efficiently lowered down by electron‐donating group (at allyl‐α‐C). Other distal sites have less of an impact. The steric effect on this reaction is insignificant, although there is a certain threshold. Multiple linear regression was taken to fit the energy barrier of the carboxylation step using the NPA, Fukui function, and Wiberg bond index of the pre‐intermediate The results showed that the energy barrier of the carboxylation step can be easily predicted by the property parameter of the pre‐intermediate, eliminating the complex transition state calculation.
Training with AI: Evidence from chess computers
Authors: Gaessler Fabian , Piezunka Henning
Published: May 2023

We suggest that AI can help decision‐makers learn; specifically, that it can help them learn strategic interactions by serving as artificial training partners and thus help them to overcome a bottleneck of scarce human training partners. We present evidence from chess computers, the first widespread incarnation of AI. Leveraging the staggered diffusion of chess computers, we find that they did indeed help chess players improve by serving as a substitute for scarce human training partners. We also illustrate that chess computers were not a perfect substitute, as players training with them were not exposed to and thus did not learn to exploit idiosyncratic (“human”) mistakes. We discuss implications for research on learning, on AI in management and strategy, and on competitive advantage.
Insulative Biobased Glaze from Wood Laminates Obtained by Self‐Adhesion
Authors: Chen Chuchu , Zhou Tong , Wan Zhangmin , Xu Zhaoyang , Jin Yongcan , Li Dagang , Rojas Orlando J.
Published: May 2023

The combination of optical transparency and mechanical strength is a highly desirable attribute of wood‐based glazing materials. However, such properties are typically obtained by impregnation of the highly anisotropic wood with index‐matching fossil‐based polymers. In addition, the presence of hydrophilic cellulose leads to a limited water resistance. Herein, this work reports on an adhesive‐free lamination that uses oxidation and densification to produce transparent all‐biobased glazes. The latter are produced from multilayered structures, free of adhesives or filling polymers, simultaneously displaying high optical clarity and mechanical strength, in both dry and wet conditions. Specifically, high values of optical transmittance (≈85.4%), clarity (≈20% with low haze) at a thickness of ≈0.3 mm, and highly isotropic mechanical strength and water resistance (wet strength of ≈128.25 MPa) are obtained for insulative glazes exhibiting low thermal conductivity (0.27 W m−1 K−1, almost four times lower than glass). The proposed strategy results in materials that are systematically tested, with the leading effects of self‐adhesion induced by oxidation rationalized by ab initio molecular dynamics simulation. Overall, this work demonstrates wood‐derived materials as promising solutions for energy‐efficient and sustainable glazing applications.
Chiral Materials: Progress, Applications, and Prospects
Authors: Niu Xiaohui , Zhao Rui , Yan Simeng , Pang Zengwei , Li Hongxia , Yang Xing , Wang Kunjie
Published: May 2023

Chirality is a universal phenomenon in molecular and biological systems, denoting an asymmetric configurational property where an object cannot be superimposed onto its mirror image by any kind of translation or rotation, which is ubiquitous on the scale from neutrinos to spiral galaxies. Chirality plays a very important role in the life system. Many biological molecules in the life body show chirality, such as the “codebook” of the earth's biological diversity‐DNA, nucleic acid, etc. Intriguingly, living organisms hierarchically consist of homochiral building blocks, for example, l‐amino acids and d‐sugars with unknown reason. When molecules with chirality interact with these chiral factors, only one conformation favors the positive development of life, that is, the chiral host environment can only selectively interact with chiral molecules of one of the conformations. The differences in chiral interactions are often manifested by chiral recognition, mutual matching, and interactions with chiral molecules, which means that the stereoselectivity of chiral molecules can produce changes in pharmacodynamics and pathology. Here, the latest investigations are summarized including the construction and applications of chiral materials based on natural small molecules as chiral source, natural biomacromolecules as chiral sources, and the material synthesized by design as a chiral source.
Phosphorylation of Bcl‐2 by JNK confers gemcitabine resistance in lung cancer cells by reducing autophagy‐mediated cell death
Authors: Chiu Chih‐Hao , Ramesh Samiraj , Liao Po‐Hsiang , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Chen Ming‐Cheng , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Li Chi‐Cheng , Wang Tso‐Fu , Lin Yueh‐Min , Lin Yu‐Jung , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: May 2023

The most common cancer‐related death in the world is non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Gemcitabine (GEM) is a common and effective first‐line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of NSCLC. However, the long‐term use of chemotherapeutic drugs in patients usually induces cancer cell drug resistance, leading to poor survival, and prognosis. In this study, to observe and explore the key targets and potential mechanisms of NSCLC resistance to GEM, we first cultured lung cancer CL1‐0 cells in a GEM‐containing medium to induce CL1‐0 cells to develop GEM resistance. Next, we compared protein expression between the parental and GEM‐R CL1‐0 cell groups. We observed significantly lower expression of autophagy‐related proteins in GEM‐R CL1‐0 cells than in parental CL1‐0 cells, indicating that autophagy is associated with GEM resistance in CL1‐0 cells. Furthermore, a series of autophagy experiments revealed that GEM‐R CL1‐0 cells had significantly reduced GEM‐induced c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase phosphorylation, which further affected the phosphorylation of Bcl‐2, thereby reducing the dissociation of Bcl‐2 and Beclin‐1 and ultimately reducing the generation of GEM‐induced autophagy‐dependent cell death. Our findings suggest that altering the expression of autophagy is a promising therapeutic option for drug‐resistant lung cancer.