bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Analysis of Packaging Production in the Electric Motors Industry: A Multi-Criteria Approach through the SAPEVO-M Method
Authors: Matos Carlos Eduardo Loterio , Moreira Miguel Ângelo Lellis , Pereira Maria Teresa Ribeiro , Gomes Carlos Francisco Simões , Santos Marcos dos , Silva Francisco J. G.
Published: October 2024

Market competitiveness drives the electric motors industry, which in turn necessitates the selection of optimal production scenarios, particularly in the context of packaging. This is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and meeting the rigorous quality and logistical demands that are characteristic of this industry. This paper presents a systematic analysis of the packaging production chain for electric motors, employing the SAPEVO-M method as a decision aid tool. The study examines various strategic options, including outsourcing and internalizing processes, with a particular focus on their impacts on logistics, quality control, and overall supply-chain efficiency. The research conducts a comprehensive evaluation of these strategies to ascertain the most effective approach for managing the complexities of packaging production. The SAPEVO-M method facilitated a structured decision-making process, allowing for the aggregation and prioritization of diverse criteria such as cost, quality, flexibility, environmental impact, and supply risk. A sensitivity analysis was performed to validate the robustness of the decision-making outcomes under varying alternatives. The findings highlight the benefits of internalizing certain processes, particularly the assembly (with a score of 43.27%), to gain direct control over production variables, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and product competitiveness. This paper contributes to the literature by demonstrating the application of MCDA in enhancing strategic decisions within the electric motors industry, providing insights for analyzing other manufacturing factors in the improvement of supply-chain processes.
Periodic and Quasi-Periodic Orbits in the Collinear Four-Body Problem: A Variational Analysis
Authors: Mansur Abdalla , Shoaib Muhammad , Szücs-Csillik Iharka , Offin Daniel , Brimberg Jack , Fgaier Hedia
Published: October 2024

This paper investigated the periodic and quasi-periodic orbits in the symmetric collinear four-body problem through a variational approach. We analyze the conditions under which homographic solutions minimize the action functional. We compute the minimal value of the action functional for these solutions and show that, for four equal masses organized in a linear configuration, these solutions are the minimizers of the action functional. Additionally, we employ numerical experiments using Poincaré sections to explore the existence and stability of periodic and quasi-periodic solutions within this dynamical system. Our results provide a deeper understanding of the variational principles in celestial mechanics and reveal complex dynamical behaviors, crucial for further studies in multi-body problems.
Quasi-Compactness of Operators for General Markov Chains and Finitely Additive Measures
Authors: Zhdanok Alexander
Published: October 2024

We study Markov operators T, A, and T* of general Markov chains on an arbitrary measurable space. The operator, T, is defined on the Banach space of all bounded measurable functions. The operator A is defined on the Banach space of all bounded countably additive measures. We construct an operator T*, topologically conjugate to the operator T, acting in the space of all bounded finitely additive measures. We prove the main result of the paper that, in general, a Markov operator T* is quasi-compact if and only if T is quasi-compact. It is proved that the conjugate operator T* is quasi-compact if and only if the Doeblin condition (D) is satisfied. It is shown that the quasi-compactness conditions for all three Markov operators T, A, and T* are equivalent to each other. In addition, we obtain that, for an operator T* to be quasi-compact, it is necessary and sufficient that it does not have invariant purely finitely additive measures. A strong uniform reversible ergodic theorem is proved for the quasi-compact Markov operator T* in the space of finitely additive measures. We give all the proofs for the most general case. A detailed analysis of Lin’s counterexample is provided.
Forecasting ETF Performance: A Comparative Study of Deep Learning Models and the Fama-French Three-Factor Model
Authors: Shih Kuang-Hsun , Wang Yi-Hsien , Kao I-Chen , Lai Fu-Ming
Published: October 2024

The global financial landscape has witnessed a significant shift towards Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), with their market capitalization surpassing USD 10 trillion in 2023, due to advantages such as low management fees, high liquidity, and broad market exposure. As ETFs become increasingly central to investment strategies, accurately forecasting their performance has become crucial. This study addresses this need by comparing the efficacy of deep learning models against the traditional Fama-French three-factor model in predicting daily ETF returns. The methodology employs eight artificial neural network architectures, including ANN, LSTM, GRU, CNN, and their variants, implemented in Python and applied to data ranging from 2010 to 2020, while also exploring the impact of additional factors on forecast accuracy. Empirical results reveal that LSTM and the Fama-French three-factor model exhibit a superior performance in ETF return prediction. This study contributes to the literature on financial forecasting and offers practical insights into investment decision making. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence techniques, this study aims to enhance the toolkit available for ETF performance analysis, potentially improving investment strategies in this dynamic market segment.
Spatial–Temporal-Correlation-Constrained Dynamic Graph Convolutional Network for Traffic Flow Forecasting
Authors: Ge Yajun , Wang Jiannan , Zhang Bo , Peng Fan , Ma Jing , Yang Chenyu , Zhao Yue , Liu Ming
Published: October 2024

Accurate traffic flow prediction in road networks is essential for intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Since traffic data are collected from the road network with spatial topological and time series sequences, the traffic flow prediction is regarded as a spatial–temporal prediction task. With the powerful ability to model the non-Euclidean data, the graph convolutional network (GCN)-based models have become the mainstream framework for traffic forecasting. However, existing GCN-based models either use the manually predefined graph structure to capture the spatial features, ignoring the heterogeneity of road networks, or simply perform 1-D convolution with fixed kernel to capture the temporal dependencies of traffic data, resulting in insufficient long-term temporal feature extraction. To solve those issues, a spatial–temporal correlation constrained dynamic graph convolutional network (STC-DGCN) is proposed for traffic flow forecasting. In STC-DGCN, a spatial–temporal embedding encoder module (STEM) is first constructed to encode the dynamic spatial relationships for road networks at different time steps. Then, a temporal feature encoder module with heterogeneous time series correlation modeling (TFE-HCM) and a spatial feature encoder module with dynamic multi-graph modeling (SFE-DCM) are designed to generate dynamic graph structures for effectively capturing the dynamic spatial and temporal correlations. Finally, a spatial–temporal feature fusion module based on a gating fusion mechanism (STM-GM) is proposed to effectively learn and leverage the inherent spatial–temporal relationships for traffic flow forecasting. Experimental results from three real-world traffic flow datasets demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed STC-DGCN compared with state-of-the-art traffic flow forecasting models.
Optimal Replenishment Strategy for a High-Tech Product Demand with Non-Instantaneous Deterioration under an Advance-Cash-Credit Payment Scheme by a Discounted Cash-Flow Analysis
Authors: Yang Hui-Ling , Chang Chun-Tao , Tseng Yao-Ting
Published: October 2024

This study investigated non-instantaneous deteriorating items because not all products deteriorate immediately. In the high-tech product life cycle, the product demand increases linearly substantially in the growth stage and maintains a near-constant level in the maturity stage. This is a ramp-type demand rate. To satisfy the demand as shortages occur, partial backlogging is necessary. The advance-cash-credit payment scheme, comprising advance, cash, and credit payments, has gained popularity in business transactions to improve cash flow flexibility among supply chain participants. This study explored a partial backlogging inventory model with ramp-type demand for non-instantaneous deteriorating items under generalized payment. The proposed model also incorporated discounted cash flow analysis to account for the time value of the profit function. This study attempted to determine the optimal replenishment strategy to maximize the present value of the total profit. Finally, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to examine the efficacy of the proposed model and gain managerial insights. The optimal total profit rises with an increase in the permissible delay period and sale price but decreases with an increase in ordering and purchase costs. Then, the decision-maker can refer to the managerial insights to choose the appropriate parameter value for the operation.
Characterization of Unfractionated Polysaccharides in Brown Seaweed by Methylation-GC-MS-Based Linkage Analysis
Authors: Bajwa Barinder , Xing Xiaohui , Serin Spencer C. , Hayes Maria , Terry Stephanie A. , Gruninger Robert J. , Abbott D. Wade
Published: October 2024

This study introduces a novel approach to analyze glycosidic linkages in unfractionated polysaccharides from alcohol-insoluble residues (AIRs) of five brown seaweed species. GC-MS analysis of partially methylated alditol acetates (PMAAs) enables monitoring and comparison of structural variations across different species, harvest years, and tissues with and without blanching treatments. The method detects a wide array of fucose linkages, highlighting the structural diversity in glycosidic linkages and sulfation position in fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides. Additionally, this technique enhances cellulose quantitation, overcoming the limitations of traditional monosaccharide composition analysis that typically underestimates cellulose abundance due to incomplete hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose. The introduction of a weak methanolysis-sodium borodeuteride reduction pretreatment allows for the detection and quantitation of uronic acid linkages in alginates.
Factors Affecting Daily Functioning in Turkish Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Cangur Sengul , Balbay Ege Gulec , Weaver Terri E.
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: This study aims to examine the factors affecting the daily functioning of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Materials and Methods: In addition to the polysomnography records of 361 patients, participants completed the Turkish FOSQ-10 (Functional Outcomes of Sleep-10), Medical Outcome Survey Short Form-12, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). First, the psychometrics properties of the Turkish FOSQ-10 were evaluated. Then, factors affecting daily functioning were examined through univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Of all participants, 68.7% (n = 248) were male, and the average age was 47.94 ± 11.08. According to the OSA category, 23% (n = 83) were mild, 22.7% (n = 82) were moderate, 45.2% (n = 163) were severe, and 9.1% (n = 33) were OSA negative. The Turkish FOSQ-10 was found to be a valid and reliable scale through validity and reliability analyses. The moderate and severe OSA patients had different FOSQ-10 Total scores compared to the negative OSA group. Daily functioning was positively associated with overall quality of life while inversely associated with depression, being anxious, and daytime sleepiness in OSA patients. In a multiple regression model, BDI, mental component summary-12, physical component summary-12, and ESS scores were significantly related to the FOSQ-10 Total score in OSA patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The daily functioning of moderate and severe OSA patients was worse than that of the negative OSA group. Depression, quality of life, and daytime sleepiness were simultaneously important variables associated with daily functioning in OSA patients.
Are Changes Occurring in Bacterial Taxa Community and Diversity with the Utilization of Different Substrates within SIR Measurements?
Authors: Steinberger Yosef , Doniger Tirza , Applebaum Itaii , Sherman Chen
Published: October 2024

This research explores how the availability of substrates affects the regulation of soil microbial communities and the taxonomical composition of bacteria. The goal is to understand the impact of organic matter and substrate availability and quality on the diversity of soil bacteria. The study observed gradual changes in bacterial diversity in response to the addition of different substrate-induced respiration (SIR) substrates. Understanding the structure, dynamics, and functions of soil microbial communities is essential for assessing soil quality in sustainable agriculture. The preference for carbon sources among bacterial phyla is largely influenced by their life history and trophic strategies. Bacterial phyla like Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria, which thrive in nutrient-rich environments, preferentially utilize glucose. On the other hand, oligotrophic bacterial phyla such as Acidobacteria or Chloroflexi, which are found in lower numbers, have a lower ability to utilize labile C. The main difference between the two lies in their substrate utilization strategies. Understanding these distinct strategies is crucial for uncovering the bacterial functional traits involved in soil organic carbon turnover. Additionally, adding organic matter can promote the growth of copiotrophic bacteria, thus enhancing soil fertility.
Laboratory-Simulated Inhibitory Effects of the Floating-Bed Plants on Microcystis aeruginosa and Their Microbial Communities’ Responses to Microcystins
Authors: Zhang Shuwen , Sha Yuanpu , Tang Yuanyuan , Li Longjie , Wang Feihu , Dong Jing , Li Xuejun , Gao Yunni , Gao Xiaofei , Yuan Huatao , Zhang Jingxiao
Published: October 2024

Three common floating bed plants, Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, and Ipomoea aquatica, were selected in the present study to investigate their inhibitory effects on toxic Microcystis aeruginosa. The results showed that all three types of floating-bed plants could considerably inhibit the growth of M. aeruginosa and effectively remove the microcystins (MCs) from water systems, among which, E. crassipes and P. stratiotes were more effective in resisting M. aeruginosa, and the removal rate of the intracellular MCs could be up to 100%. In addition, the roots and leaves of the three plants were enriched with a large number of MCs and demonstrated significant antioxidant responses, as evidenced by the increase in the content of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the roots, stems, and leaves of the plants. Furthermore, this study also showed that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Myxococcota, Verrucomicrobiota, and Actinobacteriota dominated the root microorganisms of the three plants. Moreover, a variety of MC-degrading bacteria, including Sphingomonas, Acinetobacter, Novosphingobium, and Pseudomonas, were found at the genus level, which further provides important basic data for the regulation of eutrophic water bodies and the removal of MCs.
Impact of Enteric Nervous Cells on Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Potential Treatment Options
Authors: Pastras Ploutarchos , Aggeletopoulou Ioanna , Triantos Christos
Published: October 2024

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that significantly impacts the lifestyle, health, and habits of numerous individuals worldwide. Its diagnosis and classification are based on the Rome criteria, updated periodically to reflect new research findings in this field. IBS can be classified into different types based on symptoms, each with distinct treatment approaches and some differences in their pathophysiology. The exact pathological background of IBS remains unclear, with many aspects still unknown. Recent research developments suggest that disorders in the brain-gut–microbiota axis are key contributors to the symptoms and severity of IBS. The central nervous system (CNS) interacts bidirectionally with intestinal processes within the lumen and the intestinal wall, with the autonomic nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve, playing an important role. However, the enteric nervous system (ENS) is also crucial in the pathophysiological pathway of IBS. The apeline–corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)–toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling route via enteric glia and serotonin production in enteroendocrine cells at the enteric barrier are among the most well-understood new findings that affect IBS through the ENS. Additionally, the microbiota regulates neuronal signals, modifying enteric function by altering the number of enteric bacteria and other mechanisms. Given the limited therapeutic options currently available, it is essential to identify new treatment targets, with the brain-gut axis, particularly the enteric nervous system, being a promising focus. This study aims to delineate the molecular mechanisms that induce IBS and to suggest potential targets for future research and treatment of this potentially debilitating disease.
Vector Competence of Aedes aegypti from São Tomé and Príncipe for West Nile Virus Transmission
Authors: Marmé Rafael , Tomaz Filipe , Sousa Carla A. , Pinto João , Lanzaro Gregory C. , Parreira Ricardo , Seixas Gonçalo
Published: October 2024

The global distribution of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, particularly in tropical regions, poses a significant public health risk due to their apparent ability to transmit arboviruses such as West Nile virus (WNV). This study aimed to evaluate the vector competence of Ae. aegypti from São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) for the transmission of the WNV PT6.39 strain, considering its potential role as a bridge vector in a region where Culex quinquefasciatus would be the main vector. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were collected, reared, and experimentally infected with WNV, with viral dissemination and transmission potential assessed 7, 14, and 21 days post infection (dpi). The results showed an increasing trend in infection rates, from 5% at 7 dpi to 35% at 21 dpi, with corresponding dissemination rates of 0%, 100%, and 43%. The transmission rates also increased from 0% at 7 dpi to 67% at 21 dpi, with a maximum transmission efficiency of 10% observed at the final time point. Although Ae. aegypti from STP demonstrated the potential to transmit WNV, the overall transmission efficiency remained relatively low. These findings provide necessary insights into the vector competence of Ae. aegypti in this region, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and targeted vector control measures to mitigate the risk of potential WNV outbreaks.
Deciphering Hyperammonia-Producing Bacteria (HAB) in the Rumen of Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and Their Inhibition through Plant Extracts and Essential Oils
Authors: Chanu Yendrembam Mery , Paul Shyam Sundar , Dey Avijit , Andonissamy Jerome
Published: October 2024

Hyperammonia-producing bacteria (HAB) are a class of microbes present in the stomach of ruminants, responsible for the rapid rate of ammonia production from protein degradation beyond the capacity of these animals for their utilization. Thus, ruminant nutritionists are interested in decreasing ruminal protein degradation and ammonia genesis by focusing on controlling the activity of HAB. The investigations of the present study were carried out to determine predominant hyperammonia-producing bacteria in the rumen of buffaloes, their isolation and characterization, as well as the inhibition of these isolates with various sources of plant secondary compounds (tannins, saponins, and essential oils). Studies employing high-throughput sequencing of amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene from genomic DNA recovered from enrichment culture of HAB of buffalo rumina indicated that, at the phylum level, Proteobacteria (61.1 to 68.2%) was the most predominant HAB. Acidaminococcus was most predominant among the identified genera. In vitro experiments were conducted with enrichment culture of buffalo rumen contents incubated with different types of feed additives such as essential oils (eucalyptus oil, lemon grass oil, and clove oil) and extracts of plants (Sapindus mukorossi fruits and Ficus bengalensis leaves), each at graded dose levels. The reduction in ammonia production by clove and lemon grass oils was evident due to the presence of major bioactive compounds, especially eugenol and limonene, which have strong antimicrobial activity. However, clove oil and Indian soapberry/reetha (Sapindus mukorossi) fruit were found to be promising and effective in reducing the growth, protease production, and ammonia production of HAB culture.
Efficacy of Food Industry By-Product β-Glucan/Chitin–Chitosan on Lipid Profile of Overweight and Obese Individuals: Sustainability and Nutraceuticals
Authors: Santisteban Victoria , Muñoz-Garcia Natàlia , López-Yerena Anallely , Puntes Montserrat , Badimon Lina , Padro Teresa
Published: October 2024

Fat-binding nutraceutical supplements have gained considerable attention as potential cholesterol-lowering strategies to address dyslipidemia in overweight and obese individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a polysaccharide-rich compound containing β-glucan/chitin–chitosan (βGluCnCs) on lipid profiles and lipoprotein function. In a prospective, two-arm clinical trial, 58 overweight and obese individuals were randomized to receive either 3 g/day of βGluCnCs or a placebo (microcrystalline cellulose) for 12 weeks. Serum lipids and lipoprotein functions were assessed at baseline and at 4-week intervals throughout the study. The administration of βGluCnCs led to a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (HDLc) levels and improved HDLc/non-HDLc and HDLc/total cholesterol (TC) ratios, while reducing apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels (p < 0.05). However, the intervention did not affect HDL particle diameter, particle number, or lipoprotein functionality. Women demonstrated greater sensitivity to changes in HDLc during βGluCnCs supplementation, whereas men exhibited a significant reduction in ApoB levels. When stratified by baseline LDL cholesterol (LDLc) levels (cut-off: 130 mg/dL), the increase in HDLc and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio was found in the low-LDL group. In contrast, the high-LDL group experienced a significant reduction in atherogenic non-LDLc and LDLc, along with an improvement in HDL’s antioxidant capacity after βGluCnCs intervention. These changes were not statistically significant in the placebo group. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that daily supplementation with βGluCnCs significantly improved lipid profiles, with effects that varied based on sex and baseline LDLc levels.
Exploring the Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Nutritional Properties of Moringa oleifera: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Divya Surisetti , Pandey Vinay Kumar , Dixit Ritik , Rustagi Sarvesh , Suthar Tejas , Atuahene David , Nagy Vivien , Ungai Diána , Ahmed Abdelhakam Esmaeil Mohamed , Kovács Béla , Shaikh Ayaz Mukarram
Published: October 2024

Background: Moringa oleifera is one of the most nutrient-packed species, commonly known as the drumstick tree or miracle tree, and has garnered substantial popularity for its health benefits, phytochemical profile, and therapeutic potential. Moringa oleifera is a plant that is native to the Indian subcontinent and has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years owing to its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Methods: The leaves, seeds, pods, roots, and flowers of this plant are enriched with a wide range of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. Therefore, it is considered a reservoir crop for both nutritional and medicinal applications. Result: The recent rediscovery of the plant is at the forefront of changes in nutrition, medicine, and public health. Owing to its varied clinical applications, the plant is a potential candidate for research in new drug development and functional foods. Conclusions: Potential applications of Moringa compounds in the treatment of chronic diseases include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (bacterial or fungal), and anticancerous effects. In this review, various phytochemical extraction techniques, therapeutic properties, and applications are discussed.
The Design Features, Quality by Design Approach, Characterization, Therapeutic Applications, and Clinical Considerations of Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sivadasan Durgaramani , Madkhali Osama A.
Published: October 2024

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs) are designed to administer a consistent and effective dose of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) through the patient’s skin. These pharmaceutical preparations are self-contained, discrete dosage forms designed to be placed topically on intact skin to release the active component at a controlled rate by penetrating the skin barriers. The API provides the continuous and prolonged administration of a substance at a consistent rate. TDDSs, or transdermal drug delivery systems, have gained significant attention as a non-invasive method of administering APIs to vulnerable patient populations, such as pediatric and geriatric patients. This approach is considered easy to administer and helps overcome the bioavailability issues associated with conventional drug delivery, which can be hindered by poor absorption and metabolism. A TDDS has various advantages compared to conventional methods of drug administration. It is less intrusive, more patient-friendly, and can circumvent first pass metabolism, as well as the corrosive acidic environment of the stomach, that happens when drugs are taken orally. Various approaches have been developed to enhance the transdermal permeability of different medicinal compounds. Recent improvements in TDDSs have enabled the accurate administration of APIs to their target sites by enhancing their penetration through the stratum corneum (SC), hence boosting the bioavailability of drugs throughout the body. Popular physical penetration augmentation methods covered in this review article include thermophoresis, iontophoresis, magnetophoresis, sonophoresis, needle-free injections, and microneedles. This review seeks to provide a concise overview of several methods employed in the production of TDDSs, as well as their evaluation, therapeutic uses, clinical considerations, and the current advancements intended to enhance the transdermal administration of drugs. These advancements have resulted in the development of intelligent, biodegradable, and highly efficient TDDSs.
Characteristics of the Enterococcus Phage vB_EfS_SE, and the Properties of Its Chimeric Endolysins Harboring a PlySE-Carbohydrate-Binding Domain and a Synthetic Enzymatic Domain
Authors: Buzikov Rustam M. , Kulyabin Vladislav A. , Koposova Olga N. , Arlyapov Vyacheslav A. , Shadrin Andrey M.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: The World Health Organization has selected enterococci as one of the priority multidrug-resistant microorganisms for the development of new antibacterial drugs. Bacteriophages are promising antibacterial agents, but the biology of bacteriophages requires deeper understanding. Methods: The vB_EfS_SE phage which is capable of infecting four species of the genus Enterococci was isolated from sewage plant. The complete genome of the vB_EfS_SE phage was sequenced using illumina technology. The endolysin gene was cloned into pBAD18 expression vector. Two chimeric endolysins were engineered using the vB_EfS_SE carbohydrate-binding domain (CBD) and replacing its enzymatically active domain (EAD). Results: The bacteriophage exhibits promising lytic properties and persists at temperatures of 40 °C and below, and under pH conditions ranging from 5 to 11. The genome sequence is 57,904 bp in length. The vB_EfS_SE endolysin PlySE and chimeric endolysins PlyIME-SE and PlySheep-SE were found to have the same range of specificity, but different thermostability properties and a different pH range for enzyme activity. Conclusions: Taking together the results obtained in this work and other published studies, we can highly appreciate the potential of Saphexavirus phages and their endolysins as novel antibacterial compounds.
Effects of Black Silicon Surface Morphology Induced by a Femtosecond Laser on Absorptance and Photoelectric Response Efficiency
Authors: Zhang Xiaomo , Li Weinan , Jin Chuan , Cao Yi , Liu Feng , Wei Na , Wang Bo , Zhou Rundong , Zhu Xiangping , Zhao Wei
Published: October 2024

In this study, the effects of variations in the height (h) and bottom radius (r) of black silicon microstructures on their absorptance and photoelectric response efficiency were analyzed. By using the relation cot⁡θ2=hr to combine the parameters, it was found that changes in morphology affected the absorptance of black silicon microstructures, with h being directly proportional to the absorptance, while r was inversely proportional. A positive correlation was observed between cot⁡θ2 and absorptance. However, the correlation between cot⁡θ2 and photoelectric response efficiency was not significant. Through Raman spectroscopy analysis of the samples, it was concluded that as the laser ablation energy density increased, more lattice defects were introduced, weakening the charge carrier transport efficiency. This study further elucidated the mechanism by which microstructural changes impacted the absorptance and energy density of black silicon, providing valuable insights for optimizing its energy density.
Wide-Spectrum Tuning and Narrowing of 780 nm Broad-Area Diode Laser with Littrow-Type Transmission Gratings
Authors: Zhao Huizi , Jiang Longfei , Li Liang , Li Meng , Wang Rui , Yang Zining , Wang Hongyan , Yang Weiqiang , Zhang Chaofan , Hua Weihong , Xu Xiaojun
Published: October 2024

Spectrum-narrowed and -locked broad-area diode lasers operating at 780 nm are essential for rubidium laser development. With the help of Littrow-type transmission gratings, we demonstrated a simple scheme with a narrow linewidth and the diode laser’s center wavelength locked without thermal drift, in contrast to volume Bragg gratings. By carefully collimating the diode laser beam, we realized a linewidth narrower than 0.17 nm and a side-mode suppression ratio over 20 dB. Furthermore, broad-spectrum tuning at 9 nm was demonstrated by grating angle tuning. This method could easily be adapted to other wavelength diode lasers.
ZEROES: Robust Derivative-Based Demodulation Method for Optical Camera Communication
Authors: De Murcia Maugan , Boeglen Hervé , Julien-Vergonjanne Anne
Published: October 2024

Most of Optical Camera Communication (OCC) systems benefit from the rolling shutter mechanism of Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) cameras to record the brightness evolution of the Light-Emitting Diode (LED) through dark and bright strips within images. While this technique enhances the maximum achievable data rate, the main difficulty lies in the demodulation of the signal extracted from images, subject to blooming effect. Thus, two main approaches were proposed to deal with this issue, using adaptive thresholds whose value evolves according to amplitude changes or detecting signal variations with the first-order derivative. As the second method is more robust, a new demodulation method based on the detection of the zeros of the first-order derivative of the extracted signal was proposed in this paper. Obtained results clearly show an improvement in the extracted signal demodulation compared to other methods, achieving a raw Bit Error Rate (BER) of 10−3 around 50 cm in a Line-Of-Sight scenario, and increasing the maximum communication distance by 43.5%, reaching 330 cm in the case of a Non-Line-Of-Sight transmission.
Preparation and Characterization of Atomic Oxygen-Resistant, Optically Transparent and Dimensionally Stable Copolyimide Films from Fluorinated Monomers and POSS-Substituted Diamine
Authors: Wang Zhenzhong , Wang Xiaolei , Yuan Shunqi , Ren Xi , Yang Changxu , Han Shujun , Qi Yuexin , Li Duanyi , Liu Jingang
Published: October 2024

Optically transparent polyimide (PI) films with good atomic oxygen (AO) resistance have been paid extensive attention as thermal controls, optical substrates for solar cells or other components for low Earth orbit (LEO) space applications. However, for common PI films, it is usually quite difficult to achieve both high optical transparency and AO resistance and maintain the intrinsic thermal stability of the PI films at the same time. In the current work, we aimed to achieve the target by using the copolymerization methodology using the fluorinated dianhydride 9,9-bis(trifluoromethyl)xanthene-2,3,6,7-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (6FCDA), the fluorinated diamine 2,2-bis [4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane (BDAF) and the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-containing diamine N-[(heptaisobutyl-POSS)propyl]-3,5-diaminobenzamide (DABA-POSS) as the starting materials. The fluoro-containing monomers were used to endow the PI films with good optical and thermal properties, while the silicon-containing monomer was used to improve the AO resistance of the afforded PI films. Thus, the 6FCDA-based PI copolymers, including 6FCPI-1, 6FCPI-2 and 6FCPI-3, were prepared using a two-step chemical imidization procedure, respectively. For comparison, the analogous PIs, including 6FPI-1, 6FPI-2 and 6FPI-3, were correspondingly developed according to the same procedure except that 6FCDA was replaced by 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA). Two referenced PI homopolymers were prepared from BDAF and 6FDA (PI-ref1) and 6FCDA (PI-ref2), respectively. The experimental results indicated that a good balance among thermal stability, optical transparency, and AO resistance was achieved by the 6FCDA-PI films. For example, the 6FCDA-PI films exhibited good thermal stability with glass transition temperatures (Tg) up to 297.3 °C, good optical transparency with an optical transmittance at a wavelength of 450 nm (T450) higher than 62% and good AO resistance with the erosion yield (Ey) as low as 1.7 × 10−25 cm3/atom at an AO irradiation fluence of 5.0 × 1020 atoms/cm2. The developed 6FCDA-PI films might find various applications in aerospace as solar sails, thermal control blankets, optical components and other functional materials.
New Refined Experimental Analysis of Fungal Growth in Degraded Bio-Based Materials
Authors: Kosiachevskyi Dmytro , Abahri Kamilia , Trinsoutrot-Gattin Isabelle , Castel Lisa , Daubresse Anne , Chaouche Mohend , Bennacer Rachid
Published: October 2024

When exposed to different building environmental conditions, bio-composite materials, such as hemp mortars, represent a risk of mold proliferation. This later plays a critical role in the biodeterioration of the materials when their physical properties are locally modified by the natural aging process. The primary objectives of the present work are first to assess the evolution of the surface of contaminated mortar; second, to investigate an accurate DNA extraction method that could be used for both bio-composite mortars and their fiber sources collected in situ; then, to understand the process of the proliferation of mold strains on both hemp shives and hemp mortar; and finally, to compare mold strains present in these phases to show their relationship to mold contamination and their impact on human health. In situ hemp mortar contamination behavior was investigated in the region of Pau (France) two months after hemp mortar application in extreme conditions (high humidity, low temperature, no aeration), which did not match the standard conditions under which hemp mortar must be used. The SEM observations and FTIR and pH analyses highlighted the decrease in pH level and the presence of organic matter on the mortar surface. DNA sequencing results showed that hemp shives were the main source of fungal contamination of hemp mortar. A mold population analysis showed that the most dominant phylum was Ophistokonta, which represented 83.6% in hemp shives and 99.97% in hemp mortar. The Acrostalagmus genus representatives were the most abundant, with 42% in hemp shives and 96% in hemp mortar. The interconnection between the mold strain characteristics (particularly the ability to grow in extreme environments) and the presence of hemp mortar was emphasized.
Sensitivity Analysis of Depth-Controlled Oriented Perforation in Horizontal Wells Based on the 3D Lattice Method
Authors: Zhang Haining , Gou Yanhong , Cheng Daojie , Zhang Fengsheng , Jia Xunan , Gao Rui , Li Yuwei
Published: October 2024

The main method used to exploit unconventional oil and gas reservoirs involves multi-cluster perforation combined with hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wells. However, as the use of this technology has expanded, challenges like reduced perforation efficiency and elevated fracture initiation pressure have surfaced. The depth-controlled oriented perforation technique helps achieve uniform fracture initiation, enhance efficiency, and lower initiation pressure. In this study, a hydraulic fracturing fluid–solid coupling model at the perforation scale was established using the 3D lattice method to compare the near-wellbore fracture morphologies of depth-controlled oriented perforation, spiral perforation, and oriented perforation. Additionally, this study analyzes the effects of injection rate, reservoir elastic modulus, and horizontal stress difference on the fracture morphology and initiation pressure of depth-controlled oriented perforation. This study clarifies the applicability of depth-controlled oriented perforation in different types of reservoirs for the first time. The results indicate that intermediate fractures between spiral and oriented perforations are hindered, while depth-controlled oriented perforation ensures uniform fracture initiation. In the injection rate range of 0.144 to 0.360 L/min, an increase in injection rate accelerates the rise of fluid pressure within the perforations, leading to an increase in fracture initiation pressure. Therefore, excessively high injection rates are unfavorable for fracture initiation. Through depth-controlled oriented perforation, long and singular fractures can be formed in reservoirs with significant horizontal stress differences and high elastic moduli.
A Study on the Breakthrough Pressure of Porous Rock Formations in Gas Storage Reservoirs
Authors: Gao Tao , Wang Xiaoqiang , Wang Haiyan , Gu Chao , Zhou Ziyu , Yang Zhao
Published: October 2024

Breakthrough pressure of natural gas in rock is an important evaluation parameter in gas reservoir development. In this study, experimental measurements of porosity and permeability of the caprock core were carried out. A digital core model was obtained by body rendering of rock CT (Computed Tomography) slices using Avizo software. Then, the grid model was imported into Fluent software for a numerical simulation of natural gas breakthrough pressure in the core. The innovations of this paper include (1) an accurate calculation method of cap breakthrough pressure based on the VOF method; (2) the method performs a perceptual analysis of average pore radius, wettability, roughness height, and viscosity ratio.
Bi-Level Operation Optimization and Performance Analysis for a Distributed Energy System with Energy Network
Authors: Tan Yuhua , Yu Nuo
Published: October 2024

The increasing energy crisis and environmental problems promote the development of distributed energy systems (DESs) that utilize combined heat and power technology, renewable energy technology, and waste heat recovery technology to meet various load requirements. Although there is existing work and research on a variety of DESs, most previous studies tend to focus on energy production with little consideration of a distributed energy network and its energy loss, which results in large errors in energy-efficiency calculations and performance analyses. In this paper, a new DES model is proposed with full consideration of an energy network and the full use of solar energy, terrestrial heat, and exhaust gases. At the same time, an effective bi-level optimization method is also proposed for the daily operation of the DES in order to improve the system performance and benefits in the energy, the economy, and the environment. Specifically, the co-generation energy station and water heating network in the DES are optimized separately with two different optimization models. The first-level optimization model is used to seek the optimal values of water mass flow rate and water temperature of the water heating network, and the second-level optimization model is built to determine the optimal energy purchasing strategy and the optimal energy outputs of the co-generation energy station. In order to verify the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed system and method, a contrastive simulation study is undertaken to provide a comparison of the global optimization method. Simulation results show that energy loss, energy cost, and energy consumption of the DES using the bi-level optimization operation strategy only account for 22.51%, 33.42%, and 51.31% of the quantities of the global optimization method, respectively. The hourly curves of the optimal operating variables also demonstrate that the proposed bi-level optimization method can improve the operating stability of the DES better than the global optimization method.
Advancing Toward Sustainability: A Systematic Review of Circular Economy Strategies in the Textile Industry
Authors: Ramírez-Escamilla Héctor Guadalupe , Martínez-Rodríguez María Concepción , Padilla-Rivera Alejandro , Domínguez-Solís Diego , Campos-Villegas Lorena Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

The textile industry, fueled by the “fast fashion” phenomenon, contributes significantly to environmental, social, and economic degradation through the rapid turnover of styles, leading to substantial waste as consumers frequently discard garments. This cycle of consumption and production is linked to the social demand added to purchase income, demonstrating the urgent need for sustainable interventions. The main objective of this study is to carry out a systematic review of the literature to identify and critically evaluate circular economy strategies implemented in the textile industry. This study conducted a systematic review of circular economy strategies in the textile industry using the PRISMA methodology. Our search spanned a ten-year period, examining 88 articles, from which 55 were selected as pertinent. The primary strategies identified include reuse, recycling, repair, and reduction, each of which is assessed through environmental, social, and economic lenses. Reuse is crucial for reducing impacts and waste, yet it is hampered by insufficient consumer incentives. Recycling shows promise but is hindered by technological and awareness barriers. Repair contributes to extending the lifespan of garments, thereby reducing the need for new production, although it encounters challenges in terms of service accessibility and consumer knowledge. The reduction involves the search for better and more sustainable materials, with the main barrier being the fast fashion. The findings suggest that reuse is not only economically viable but also capable of lessening social inequality. Recycling, however, necessitates substantial investments and the development of supportive policies. Repair, on the other hand, significantly lessens the environmental impact and can spur new economic opportunities and employment. Despite these hurdles, these strategies present viable pathways toward a more sustainable textile industry. However, achieving this requires a paradigm shift in both consumer behavior and corporate practices to embrace and optimize circular economy practices within the sector.
LiOSR-SAR: Lightweight Open-Set Recognizer for SAR Imageries
Authors: Yang Jie , Gu Jihong , Xin Jingyu , Cong Zhou , Ding Dazhi
Published: October 2024

Open-set recognition (OSR) from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imageries plays a crucial role in maritime and terrestrial monitoring. Nevertheless, numerous deep learning-based SAR classifiers struggle with unknown targets outside of the training dataset, leading to a dilemma, namely that a large model is difficult to deploy, while a smaller one sacrifices accuracy. To address this challenge, the novel “LiOSR-SAR” lightweight recognizer is proposed for OSR in SAR imageries. It incorporates the compact attribute focusing and open-prediction modules, which collectively optimize its lightweight structure and high accuracy. To validate LiOSR-SAR, “fast image simulation using bidirectional shooting and bouncing ray (FIS-BSBR)” is exploited to construct the corresponding dataset. It enhances the details of targets for more accurate recognition significantly. Extensive experiments show that LiOSR-SAR achieves remarkable recognition accuracies of 97.9% and 94.1% while maintaining a compact model size of 7.5 MB, demonstrating its practicality and efficiency.
An Editorial for the Special Issue “Aerosol and Atmospheric Correction”
Authors: Shi Shuaiyi , Gu Xingfa , Wei Jing
Published: October 2024

Aerosol is an important atmospheric component that severely influences the global climate and air quality of our planet [...]
Quantifying Creep on the Laohushan Fault Using Dense Continuous GNSS
Authors: Zhuang Wenquan , Li Yuhang , Hao Ming , Song Shangwu , Liu Baiyun , Fan Lihong
Published: October 2024

The interseismic behavior of faults (whether they are locked or creeping) and their quantitative kinematic constraints are critical for assessing the seismic hazards of faults and their surrounding areas. Currently, the creep of the eastern segment of the Laohushan Fault in the Haiyuan Fault Zone at the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, as revealed by InSAR observations, lacks confirmation from other observational methods, particularly high-precision GNSS studies. In this study, we utilized nearly seven years of observation data from a dense GNSS continuous monitoring profile (with a minimum station spacing of 2 km) that crosses the eastern segment of the Laohushan Fault. This dataset was integrated with GNSS data from regional continuous stations, such as those from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China, and multiple campaign measurements to calculate GNSS baseline change time series across the Laohushan Fault and to obtain a high spatial resolution horizontal crustal velocity field for the region. A comprehensive analysis of this primary dataset indicates that the Laohushan Fault is currently experiencing left-lateral creep, characterized by a partially locked shallow segment and a deeper locked segment. The fault creep is predominantly concentrated in the shallow crustal region, within a depth range of 0–5.7 ± 3.4 km, exhibiting a creep rate of 1.5 ± 0.7 mm/yr. Conversely, at depths of 5.7 ± 3.4 km to 16.8 ± 4.2 km, the fault remains locked, with a loading rate of 3.9 ± 1.1 mm/yr. The shallow creep is primarily confined within 3 km on either side of the fault. Over the nearly seven-year observation period, the creep movement within approximately 5 km of the fault’s near field has shown no significant time-dependent variation, instead demonstrating a steady-state behavior. This steady-state creep appears unaffected by postseismic effects from historical large earthquakes in the adjacent region, although the deeper (far-field) tectonic deformation of the Laohushan Fault may have been influenced by the postseismic effects of the 1920 Haiyuan M8.5 earthquake.