bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Structural, Optical, and Electrical Characterization of Biochitosan/Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 Composite Thin-Film Materials
Authors: Zidani Jacem , Hassine Khaoula , Zannen Moneim , Zeinert Andreas , Da Costa Antonio , Ferri Anthony , Belhadi Jamal , Majdoub Mustapha , El Marssi Mimoun , Lahmar Abdelilah
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this research work was to synthesis bioderived nanocomposite films by incorporating Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBTO) nanoparticles into a chitosan matrix. The NBTO nanoparticles were synthesized using a traditional solid-state technique. Then, through a solution-casting approach, flexible composite films were fabricated using chitosan polymer. The study presents a range of compelling findings. For structural and morphological insights, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals a fascinating morphology where NBTO nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed and interlocked with other particles, forming interconnected grains with significant interspaces within the chitosan matrix. For the optical properties, the spectral response within the 300–800 nm range is primarily governed by light scattering attributed to NBTO particles with diameter sizes ranging from 100 to 400 nm, as well as the distinctive bandgap exhibited by the NBTO phase. The investigation of dielectric properties demonstrates that composite films exhibit markedly higher dielectric values in comparison to pure chitosan films. It is noteworthy that an increase in the NBTO content results in a corresponding increase in dielectric values, enhancing the versatility of these materials. Local piezoelectric measurements utilizing piezoresponse force microscopy confirm the expected piezoelectric and ferroelectric behavior of NBTO particles when dispersed within the chitosan matrix. This research introduces a novel class of biocompatible nanocomposite materials, combining impressive structural attributes, enhanced dielectric properties, and piezoelectric capabilities. The outcomes of this study hold substantial promise for advanced applications in opto- and piezoelectric technologies, marking a significant advancement in biologically sourced materials with multifunctional properties.
Research Progress with Scheelite Flotation Reagents: A Review
Authors: Lu Yuhang , Ding Renfeng , Li Guosheng , Song Xiangyu , Cao Yijun , Jia Kai
Published: September 2023

With the depletion of easily mined and separated wolframite, scheelite has become the primary source of tungsten. Flotation is the primary technique used to enrich scheelite. However, flotation separation of scheelite from calcium-bearing gangue minerals, such as calcite and fluorite, has always been challenging due to their similar surface properties. To date, various flotation reagents and related mechanisms have been proposed for scheelite, which have attracted considerable attention. This paper reviews the scheelite flotation reagents, including collectors and regulators, and introduces recent research progress on the mechanisms for the interactions between the flotation reagents and mineral surfaces. The advantages and limitations of different flotation reagents are discussed. Inorganic or organic inhibitors in combination with fatty acids, chelate collectors, and cationic collectors are commonly used to separate scheelite from calcium-bearing gangue. Flotation differences between the scheelite and calcium-bearing minerals can be explained by variations in the electrical charges and steric hindrance at the mineral surfaces. In the future, fatty acid collectors will be still the main collectors used in scheelite flotation due to their low cost and strong collecting ability, and new collectors with high selectivity (such as metal complex collectors, new chelate collectors, new environmental collectors) will become a new research hotspot in the future due to their good selectivity.
Primary Products from Fast Co-Pyrolysis of Palm Kernel Shell and Sawdust
Authors: Usino David O. , Ylitervo Päivi , Richards Tobias
Published: September 2023

Co-pyrolysis is one possible method to handle different biomass leftovers. The success of the implementation depends on several factors, of which the quality of the produced bio-oil is of the highest importance, together with the throughput and constraints of the feedstock. In this study, the fast co-pyrolysis of palm kernel shell (PKS) and woody biomass was conducted in a micro-pyrolyser connected to a Gas Chromatograph–Mass Spectrometer/Flame Ionisation Detector (GC–MS/FID) at 600 °C and 5 s. Different blend ratios were studied to reveal interactions on the primary products formed from the co-pyrolysis, specifically PKS and two woody biomasses. A comparison of the experimental and predicted yields showed that the co-pyrolysis of the binary blends in equal proportions, PKS with mahogany (MAH) or iroko (IRO) sawdust, resulted in a decrease in the relative yield of the phenols by 19%, while HAA was promoted by 43% for the PKS:IRO-1:1 pyrolysis blend, and the saccharides were strongly inhibited for the PKS:MAH-1:1 pyrolysis blend. However, no difference was observed in the yields for the different groups of compounds when the two woody biomasses (MAH:IRO-1:1) were co-pyrolysed. In contrast to the binary blend, the pyrolysis of the ternary blends showed that the yield of the saccharides was promoted to a large extent, while the acids were inhibited for the PKS:MAH:IRO-1:1:1 pyrolysis blend. However, the relative yield of the saccharides was inhibited to a large extent for the PKS:MAH:IRO-1:2:2 pyrolysis blend, while no major difference was observed in the yields across the different groups of compounds when PKS and the woody biomass were blended in equal amounts and pyrolysed (PKS:MAH:IRO-2:1:1). This study showed evidence of a synergistic interaction when co-pyrolysing different biomasses. It also shows that it is possible to enhance the production of a valuable group of compounds with the right biomass composition and blend ratio.
Determination of the Ionic Association Constants of Na+ with CO32− and HCO3− Ions, in NaCl-NaHCO3-H2O Ternary Systems, at 25 °C
Authors: Ganciarov Mihaela , Stoica Rusandica , Josceanu Ana Maria
Published: September 2023

The ionic association constants of sodium with carbonate ion (K1C′) and acidic carbonate ions (K2C′) were measured in NaCl-NaHCO3-H2O ternary systems to determine the distribution of sodium among the chemical species present in the growth medium of Chlorella homosphaera 424 algae. The mean activity coefficients of sodium chloride (in pure sodium chloride and in a mixture of electrolytes) were determined experimentally using two electrochemical cells, namely Ag, AgCl| KCl (3 M)|| NH4NO3 (1 M)| NaCl (mNaCl)| Na+-ISE and Ag, AgCl|KCl (3 M)|| NH4NO3 (1 M)| NaCl (mNaCl)| Cl−-ISE. The studies carried out show that the values of the association constants of K1C′ and K2C′ do not depend on the composition of the medium, but only on the effective ionic strength. The experimentally obtained γNaCl0 values in the binary system are comparable to the mean activity coefficients values for NaCl, calculated using data from the literature, with −0.9 to 0.1% relative standard deviation. The obtained results show that the experimentally determined mean activity coefficient in the ternary system, γNaCl, is smaller than γNaCl0 in the binary system over the entire field of ionic strengths studied. The ternary system NaCl-NaHCO3-H2O obeys Harned’s rule.
The Inhibitory Effect of Magnolol on the Human TWIK1 Channel Is Related to G229 and T225 Sites
Authors: Wang Jintao , Liu Huan , Sun Zhuolin , Zou Xinyi , Zhang Zixuan , Wei Xiaofeng , Pan Lanying , Stalin Antony , Zhao Wei , Chen Yuan
Published: September 2023

TWIK1 (K2P1.1/KCNK1) belongs to the potassium channels of the two-pore domain. Its current is very small and difficult to measure. In this work, we used a 100 mM NH4+ extracellular solution to increase TWIK1 current in its stable cell line expressed in HEK293. Then, the inhibition of magnolol on TWIK1 was observed via a whole-cell patch clamp experiment, and it was found that magnolol had a significant inhibitory effect on TWIK1 (IC50 = 6.21 ± 0.13 μM). By molecular docking and alanine scanning mutagenesis, the IC50 of TWIK1 mutants G229A, T225A, I140A, L223A, and S224A was 20.77 ± 3.20, 21.81 ± 7.93, 10.22 ± 1.07, 9.55 ± 1.62, and 7.43 ± 3.20 μM, respectively. Thus, we conclude that the inhibition of the TWIK1 channel by magnolol is related to G229 and T225 on the P2- pore helix.
Natural Products as Mite Control Agents in Animals: A Review
Authors: Liao Fei , Han Changquan , Deng Qingsheng , Zhou Ziyao , Bao Taotao , Zhong Menghuai , Tao Guangyao , Li Renjun , Han Bo , Qiao Yanlong , Hu Yanchun
Published: September 2023

Mites have been a persistent infectious disease affecting both humans and animals since ancient times. In veterinary clinics, the primary approach for treating and managing mite infestations has long been the use of chemical acaricides. However, the widespread use of these chemicals has resulted in significant problems, including drug resistance, drug residues, and environmental pollution, limiting their effectiveness. To address these challenges, researchers have shifted their focus towards natural products that have shown promise both in the laboratory and real-world settings against mite infestations. Natural products have a wide variety of chemical structures and biological activities, including acaricidal properties. This article offers a comprehensive review of the acaricidal capabilities and mechanisms of action of natural products like plant extracts, natural compounds, algae, and microbial metabolites against common animal mites.
Synthesis and Characterization of Environmentally Friendly Chitosan–Arabic Gum Nanoparticles for Encapsulation of Oregano Essential Oil in Pickering Emulsion
Authors: Lobato-Guarnido Ismael , Luzón Germán , Ríos Francisco , Fernández-Serrano Mercedes
Published: September 2023

The encapsulation of bioactive agents through the utilization of biodegradable nanoparticles is a topic of considerable scientific interest. In this study, microcapsules composed of chitosan (CS) and Arabic gum (GA) nanoparticles were synthesized, encapsulating oregano essential oil (OEO) through Pickering emulsions and subsequent spray drying. The optimization of hybrid chitosan and Arabic gum (CS–GA) nanoparticle formation was carried out via complex coacervation, followed by an assessment of their behavior during the formation of the emulsion. Measurements of the size, contact angle, and interfacial tension of the formed complexes were conducted to facilitate the development of Pickering emulsions for encapsulating the oil under the most favorable conditions. The chitosan–Arabic gum capsules were physically characterized using scanning electron microscopy and fitted to the Beerkan estimation of soil transfer (BEST) model to determine their size distribution. Finally, the OEO encapsulation efficiency was also determined. The optimum scenario was achieved with the CS–GA 1–2 capsules at a concentration of 2% wt, featuring a contact angle of 89.1 degrees, which is ideal for the formation of oil/water (O/W) emulsions. Capsules of approximately 2.5 μm were obtained, accompanied by an encapsulation efficiency of approximately 60%. In addition, the hybrid nanoparticles that were obtained showed high biodegradability. The data within our study will contribute fundamental insights into CS–GA nanoparticles, and the quantitatively analyzed outcomes presented in this study will hold utility for forthcoming applications in environmentally friendly detergent formulations.
Mendelian Randomization Study of Lipid Metabolites Reveals Causal Associations with Heel Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Wu Mingxin , Du Yufei , Zhang Chi , Li Zhen , Li Qingyang , Qi Enlin , Ruan Wendong , Feng Shiqing , Zhou Hengxing
Published: September 2023

Background: Osteoporosis, which is a bone disease, is characterized by low bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures. The heel bone mineral density is often used as a representative measure of overall bone mineral density. Lipid metabolism, which includes processes such as fatty acid metabolism, glycerol metabolism, inositol metabolism, bile acid metabolism, carnitine metabolism, ketone body metabolism, sterol and steroid metabolism, etc., may have an impact on changes in bone mineral density. While some studies have reported correlations between lipid metabolism and heel bone mineral density, the overall causal relationship between metabolites and heel bone mineral density remains unclear. Objective: to investigate the causal relationship between lipid metabolites and heel bone mineral density using two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Methods: Summary-level data from large-scale genome-wide association studies were extracted to identify genetic variants linked to lipid metabolite levels. These genetic variants were subsequently employed as instrumental variables in Mendelian randomization analysis to estimate the causal effects of each lipid metabolite on heel bone mineral density. Furthermore, metabolites that could potentially be influenced by causal relationships with bone mineral density were extracted from the KEGG and WikiPathways databases. The causal associations between these downstream metabolites and heel bone mineral density were then examined. Lastly, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results and address potential sources of bias. Results: A total of 130 lipid metabolites were analyzed, and it was found that acetylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine, hexadecanedioate, tetradecanedioate, myo-inositol, 1-arachidonoylglycerophosphorine, 1-linoleoylglycerophoethanolamine, and epiandrosterone sulfate had a causal relationship with heel bone mineral density (p < 0.05). Furthermore, our findings also indicate an absence of causal association between the downstream metabolites associated with the aforementioned metabolites identified in the KEGG and WikiPathways databases and heel bone mineral density. Conclusion: This work supports the hypothesis that lipid metabolites have an impact on bone health through demonstrating a causal relationship between specific lipid metabolites and heel bone mineral density. This study has significant implications for the development of new strategies to osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
Use of Fermented Red Clover Isoflavones in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Villadsen Annemarie B. , Holm-Jacobsen Julie N. , Prabhala Bala K. , Bundgaard-Nielsen Caspar , Huntjens Pam , Kornum Jette B. , Glavind Karin , Leutscher Peter D. C. , Christensen Lars P. , Jeppesen Per B. , Sørensen Suzette , Arenholt Louise T. S.
Published: September 2023

Postmenopausal women are at risk of developing an overactive bladder (OAB). Conventional vaginal estrogen has shown promise for symptom relief. Isoflavones have proven effective as an alternative to estrogen treatment against menopause-related symptoms. However, its effect on OAB symptoms has not been studied. This study investigates if fermented red clover isoflavones reduce OAB symptoms in postmenopausal women. In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, women were administered red clover extract (RCE) or a placebo twice daily for three months. Women filled out the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) and Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), together with a fluid intake and voiding diary. A total of 33 women (16 in the RCE group and 17 in the placebo group) were included in the analysis. Baseline demographics and OAB characteristics were comparable across groups. Intake of RCE did not lead to significant relief in most urinary bladder symptom measures, although a significant reduction in the bother of urinary urgency (p = 0.033) and a tendency towards a decreased ICIQ-OAB score were observed (p = 0.056). In contrast, the placebo exhibited a significant decrease in the ICIQ-OAB score (p = 0.021) and in some diary outcomes. We found that an intake of isoflavones did not relieve OAB symptoms in postmenopausal women.
Fingerprinting of Proteases, Protease Inhibitors and Indigenous Peptides in Human Milk
Authors: Thesbjerg Martin Nørmark , Nielsen Søren Drud-Heydary , Sundekilde Ulrik Kræmer , Poulsen Nina Aagaard , Larsen Lotte Bach
Published: September 2023

The presence of proteases and their resulting level of activity on human milk (HM) proteins may aid in the generation of indigenous peptides as part of a pre-digestion process, of which some have potential bioactivity for the infant. The present study investigated the relative abundance of indigenous peptides and their cleavage products in relation to the abundance of observed proteases and protease inhibitors. The proteomes and peptidomes in twelve HM samples, representing six donors at lactation months 1 and 3, were profiled. In the proteome, 39 proteases and 29 protease inhibitors were identified in 2/3 of the samples. Cathepsin D was found to be present in higher abundance in the proteome compared with plasmin, while peptides originating from plasmin cleavage were more abundant than peptides from cathepsin D cleavage. As both proteases are present as a system of pro- and active- forms, their activation indexes were calculated. Plasmin was more active in lactation month 3 than month 1, which correlated with the total relative abundance of the cleavage product ascribed to plasmin. By searching the identified indigenous peptides in the milk bioactive peptide database, 283 peptides were ascribed to 10 groups of bioactivities. Antimicrobial peptides were significantly more abundant in month 1 than month 3; this group comprised 103 peptides, originating from the β-CN C-terminal region.
Evaluating the Potential of Casein Glycomacropeptide in Adult Irritable Bowel Syndrome Management: A Pilot Study
Authors: Qu Yunyao , Park Si Hong , Dallas David C.
Published: September 2023

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects 10–15% of the global population and presents symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating and altered bowel habits. IBS is believed to be influenced by gut microbiota alterations and low-grade inflammation. Bovine kappa-casein glycomacropeptide (GMP), a bioactive dairy-derived peptide, possesses anti-adhesive, prebiotic and immunomodulatory properties that could potentially benefit IBS patients. This pilot study investigated the effects of daily supplementation with 30 g of GMP for three weeks on gut health in five people with IBS. We assessed alterations in gut microbiota composition, fecal and blood inflammatory makers, and gut-related symptoms before, during and after the GMP feeding period. The results revealed no changes in fecal microbiota, subtle effects on systemic and intestinal immune makers, and no changes in gut-related symptoms during and after the GMP supplementation. Further research is needed to assess the potential benefits of GMP in IBS patients, including the examination of dosage and form of GMP supplementation.
Abiotic Stress Signaling and Responses in Plants
Authors: Nykiel Małgorzata , Gietler Marta , Fidler Justyna , Prabucka Beata , Labudda Mateusz
Published: September 2023

The responses of plants to stress factors are extremely elaborate [...]
Characterization and Application of Non-Formaldehyde Binder Based Citric Acid, Maleic Acid, and Molasses Adhesive for Plywood Composite
Authors: Sutiawan Jajang , Syahfitri Alifah , Purnomo Deni , Sudarmanto  , Narto  , Akbar Fazhar , Triwibowo Dimas , Ismadi  , Amanda Putri , Kusumah Sukma Surya , Lubis Muhammad Adly Rahandi , Hermawan Dede , Sulastiningsih Ignasia Maria , Nuryawan Arif , Hakim Luthfi
Published: September 2023

Emissions of formaldehyde from wood-based panels, such as plywood, are gaining increased attention due to their carcinogenic impact on human health and detrimental effects on the environment. Plywood, which is primarily bound with a urea-formaldehyde adhesive, releases formaldehyde during hot pressing and gradually over time. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of non-formaldehyde adhesive types on plywood performance. In addition, plywood performance was assessed by comparing Jabon wood (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq) veneer with other Indonesian wood veneers such as Mempisang (Alphonse spp.) and Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni). To manufacture a three-layer plywood panel, a two-step manufacturing process was devised. The first step involved the use of Jabon veneers treated with citric acid (CA), maleic acid (MA), and molasses (MO), and another step was carried out for various wood veneers such as Jabon, Mempisang, and Mahogany using CA. The performance of plywood was examined using JAS 233:2003. The performance of plywood bonded with CA was better than that of plywood bonded with MA and MO. The Jabon wood veneer resulted in a lower density of plywood than other wood veneers. The water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of elasticity, and tensile shear strength of plywood from Jabon wood veneer were similar to those of plywood from Mahogany wood veneer and lower than those of Mempisang wood veneer. The ester linkages of plywood bonded with CA were greater than those of plywood bonded with MA and MO because plywood bonded with CA has better performance than plywood bonded with MA and MO.
Mechanically Tough and Highly Stretchable Hydrogels Based on Polyurethane for Sensitive Strain Sensor
Authors: Shi Jianyang , Wang Shuang , Wang Haibo , Gu Jun
Published: September 2023

Hydrogels with flexible and stretchable properties are ideal for applications in wearable sensors. However, traditional hydrogel-based sensors suffer from high brittleness and low electrical sensitivity. In this case, to solve this dilemma, a macromolecular polyurethane crosslinking agent (PCA) was designed and prepared; after that, PCA and two-dimensional (2D) MXene nanosheets were both introduced into a covalently crosslinked network to enhance the comprehensive mechanical and electrochemical properties of the hydrogels. The macromolecular polyurethane crosslinking agent promotes high-tensile strength and highly stretchable capacity by suitable covalent crosslinking. The optimized hydrogel, which exhibited maximum tensile strength and maximum elongation at break, had results of 1.21 MPa and 644%, respectively. Two-dimensional MXene nanosheets provide hydrogel with high electrical conductivity and strain sensitivity, producing a wearable device for the continuous monitoring of human movements and facial microexpressions. This study demonstrated an efficient structure design strategy for building mechanically tough, highly stretchable, and sensitive dual-mode MXenes-based wearable sensors.
Modeling and Parameter Tuning for Continuous Catalytic Reforming of Naphtha in an Industrial Reactor System
Authors: Atarianshandiz Mahmud , McAuley Kimberley B. , Shahsavand Akbar
Published: September 2023

A two-dimensional mathematical model was developed to simulate naphtha reforming in a series of three industrial continuous catalytic regeneration (CCR) reactors. Discretization of the resulting partial differential equations (PDEs) in the vertical direction and a coordinate transformation in the radial direction were performed to make the model solvable using Aspen Custom Modeler. A sensitivity-based parameter subset selection method was employed to identify the most influential parameters within the model. Tuning of 8 out of 180 parameters was used to ensure that model predictions match experimental data from one steady-state run. The updated parameter values improved the model fit to the data, reducing the weighted least-squares objective function for parameter estimation by 73%. The proposed model was used to predict reactor temperatures, catalyst coke weight fraction at the exit of the third reactor, and benzene flowrate from the outlet of the third reactor. The simulation results demonstrated a good agreement between the simulated values and the industrial measurements. Finally, the reactor model was utilized to explore the effects of changes in inlet temperatures and inlet level of catalyst deactivation, providing valuable insights for identifying desirable operational conditions that will improve the overall efficiency of the CCR process.
Capacity Configuration of Hybrid Energy Storage Power Stations Participating in Power Grid Frequency Modulation
Authors: Zhang Hongtu , Zhang Xinyan , Wang Zhilei , He Guangyu , Cui Ku , Wang Xianlan
Published: September 2023

To leverage the efficacy of different types of energy storage in improving the frequency of the power grid in the frequency regulation of the power system, we scrutinized the capacity allocation of hybrid energy storage power stations when participating in the frequency regulation of the power grid. Using MATLAB/Simulink, we established a regional model of a primary frequency regulation system with hybrid energy storage, with which we could obtain the target power required by the system when continuous load disturbance of the regional power grid causes frequency fluctuation. To optimize the variational mode decomposition, we proposed a capacity allocation method of hybrid energy storage power station based on the northern goshawk optimization algorithm based on the target power. Then, we adopted the northern goshawk optimization algorithm to optimize the number of modal decomposition and penalty factors of variational mode decomposition, avoiding subjectivity. The algorithm decomposition generated the number of modes, and we used the mode numbers to reconstruct the power components in various schemes. The power modal components were allocated to different types of energy storage systems according to the frequencies, namely, high, medium, and low, during which process the power and capacity of each type of energy storage were determined. The results show that the selection of a reasonable scheme can minimize the capacity allocation cost of a regional grid hybrid energy storage power station. Taking the 250 MW regional power grid as an example, a regional frequency regulation model was established, and the frequency regulation simulation and hybrid energy storage power station capacity configuration were carried out on the regional power grid disturbed by continuous load, verifying the rationality of the proposed capacity allocation method and providing certain reference significance for the capacity configuration of a hybrid energy storage power station.
Characteristics of Hydrocarbon-Generating Pressurization in Shale Series of Fengcheng Formation in the West and South of Mahu Sag, the Junggar Basin, China
Authors: Feng Chong , Wang Xin , Bai Shuying , Bai Yu , Zhao Jiecun , Li Meijun , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Xun
Published: September 2023

Formation overpressure is an important controlling factor for the formation of high-yield oil reservoirs in the shale series of the Permian Fengcheng Formation in the west and south of Mahu Sag, the Junggar Basin. Hydrocarbon-generating pressurization (HGP) is an important cause of overpressure in the shale series of Fengcheng Formation, but the evidence for this viewpoint is insufficient. There is still no systematic study on the quantitative calculation and distribution characteristics of HGP in the Fengcheng Formation shale series. The control effect of HGP on the formation of high-pressure and high-yield reservoirs is still unclear. Therefore, by using the data of mudstone logging and measured formation pressure, the causes of overpressure in the Fengcheng Formation shale series are clarified. The predicted organic matter abundance, the predicted maturity and thickness of source rocks, and the statistical ratios of mudstone thickness to formation thickness in each section of Fengcheng Formation are used for HGP of shale series. Combined with the physical characteristics of reservoir rocks and the geochemical characteristics of oil, the control effect of HGP on the formation of high-pressure and high-yield reservoirs is analyzed. The results indicate the following: (1) The organic matter abundance and the thickness of source rocks predicted by the logging data gradually decrease from the eastern lake basin area to the western slope area. (2) The HGP of shale series in Fengcheng Formation is related to the hydrocarbon generation capacity and the overpressure preservation conditions of the source rocks. The HGP can be quantitatively predicted by comprehensively using the organic matter abundance, the maturity, the thickness of source rocks, and the ratios of mudstone thickness to formation thickness. (3) The HGP in the Fengcheng Formation shale series also gradually decreases in distribution characteristic from the eastern lake basin area to the western slope area. (4) The oil accumulation mode of the Fengcheng Formation shale series is that, with the drive of overpressure, the oil migrates slightly within the layer, and finally accumulates to form the oil reservoir. The research results are helpful to understand the distribution characteristics of HGP and the formation mechanism of high-pressure and high-yield reservoirs in the shale series of Fengcheng Formation in the west and south of Mahu Sag, and are of great significance to guide the exploration and development of shale oil and tight oil.
Vibration Characteristics and Location of Buried Gas Pipeline under the Action of Pulse Excitation
Authors: Yan Baoyong , Tian Jialin , Meng Xianghui , Zhang Zhe
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the attenuation of sound waves in underground gas pipelines and the vibration characteristics of pipelines are studied, and the feasibility and effectiveness of acoustic measurement of PE pipelines are verified. In this paper, the attenuation equation of sound waves in an underground gas transmission pipeline is derived based on the propagation characteristics of gas and the vibration characteristics of the pipeline itself. In order to verify the experimental results, we conducted an experimental test on the air pipeline model and verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the acoustic measurement of the PE pipeline through the test under the action of pulse excitation. Then, we detect the background noise, design the test scheme according to the characteristics of the buried pipeline, and select the test site for field test. In the test process, we collected the test data and obtained the spectrum diagram of the test data by fast Fourier transform (FFT). By analyzing the results of the spectrogram, we find that the pulse signal can penetrate the medium composed of the pipe formation, but the amplitude of the sound will be sharply attenuated. At the same time, according to the size of the peak in the spectrum, we can determine the location of the pipe. In summary, the feasibility and effectiveness of acoustic measurement of the PE pipeline are verified through experimental tests, and attenuation equations based on acoustic wave propagation characteristics and pipeline vibration characteristics are proposed. It has important practical application value for the safety monitoring and positioning of the buried gas pipeline.
On-Earth Observation of Low Earth Orbit Targets through Phase Disturbances by Atmospheric Turbulence
Authors: Wang Kainan , Yu Yian , Gong Yuxuan , Yi Yang , Zhang Xuemin
Published: September 2023

This paper addresses the challenges of ground-based observation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) targets using on-Earth telescopes and proposes solutions for improving image quality and tracking fast-moving objects under atmospheric turbulence conditions. The study investigates major challenges, including atmospheric turbulence-induced aberrations, blurring, telescope platform vibrations, and spatial variations caused by the target motion. A scenario simulation is conducted considering practical limitations, such as feasible time slots for monitoring and the number of available frames within the Field of View (FoV). The paper proposes a novel method for detecting LEO targets using Harris corner features and matching adjacent images upon the corrected frames by Adaptive Optics (AO), with a 38% reduction in the Mean Squared Error (MSE) achieved for certain frames within the isoplanatic angle. Additionally, a refinement strategy for deblurring images is proposed, combining the post-processing with Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) filtering; with a proper filtering factor (β=0.1), an almost complete collection of 14 corner nodes can be detected. The feasibility of continuously tracking objects with uncontrolled attitudes, such as space debris, is successfully demonstrated with continuous monitoring of certain features. The proposed methods offer promising solutions for ground-based observation of LEO targets, providing insights for further research and application in this field.
Multi-Scale Feature Fusion Based on PVTv2 for Deep Hash Remote Sensing Image Retrieval
Authors: Ye Famao , Wu Kunlin , Zhang Rengao , Wang Mengyao , Meng Xianglong , Li Dajun
Published: September 2023

For high-resolution remote sensing image retrieval tasks, single-scale features cannot fully express the complexity of the image information. Due to the large volume of remote sensing images, retrieval requires extensive memory and time. Hence, the problem of how to organically fuse multi-scale features and enhance retrieval efficiency is yet to be resolved. We propose an end-to-end deep hash remote sensing image retrieval model (PVTA_MSF) by fusing multi-scale features based on the Pyramid Vision Transformer network (PVTv2). We construct the multi-scale feature fusion module (MSF) by using a global attention mechanism and a multi-head self-attention mechanism to reduce background interference and enhance the representation capability of image features. Deformable convolution is introduced to address the challenge posed by varying target orientations. Moreover, an intra-class similarity (ICS) loss is proposed to enhance the discriminative capability of the hash feature by minimizing the distance among images of the same category. The experimental results show that, compared with other state-of-the-art methods, the proposed hash feature could yield an excellent representation of remote sensing images and improve remote sensing image retrieval accuracy. The proposed hash feature can gain an increase of 4.2% and 1.6% in terms of mAP on the UC Merced and NWPU-RESISC45 datasets, respectively, in comparison with other methods.
A Segmental 2D Readout Board Manufactured in Printed Circuit Board Technology for Gas Electron Multiplier Detectors
Authors: Babij Michał , Bielówka Piotr , Gburek Szymon , Malecha Karol
Published: September 2023

The Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) was introduced by Fabio Sauli in 1997. This technology is broadly used in current and planned High-Energy Physics (HEP) experiments. One of the key components of these detectors is a readout board, which collects charges amplified by GEM foils and transfers them to readout electronics. The commonly used Cartesian XY readout boards are manufactured from the same type of polyamide film used to produce the GEM foils. The manufacturing process utilizes a deep polyimide etching, similar to the Micro Chemical Vias (MCV) etching process, which is protected by patent. The material prepared in this way is glued onto a rigid substrate and mounted in a detector. The production process was developed at CERN, and the technology has been commercialized to a small extent. Consequently, only a few research centers have the ability to make dedicated readout strips readouts. GEM detectors are characterized by a segmented structure that allows the separation of an electron-multiplying structure from a readout. This feature enables the implementation of a new type of charge reading system without the need to interfere with the GEM foil system. A new approach is proposed to simplify production and reduce the costs of GEM detector readout boards. It is based on the concept of segmental readout structures that are manufactured in standard Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology. The interconnectors and mountings are located on the back of the bottom, so it is possible to place the readout electronics behind the readout plate. The boards are designed in such a way that they can be panelized into a readout with a more extensive active area. The margin between PCBs is minimalized to approximately 200 µm, which is less than 1% of the 70 × 70 mm2 board area, so the active area is as big as possible. Therefore, this solution gives us the ability to further increase the size of a readout by adding additional segments, which reduces the cost of scaling up the detector size. A few research groups have suggested similar solutions that utilize PCB technology, but currently, only detectors with 1D zigzag readouts have been validated and used. The measurement results of other 2D (XY) redouts using PCB technology have not been presented. The measurements shown and discussed in this paper validated the proposed technology. X-ray radiographs were obtained, validating the ability to use this technology to manufacture readout boards for GEM detectors. In opposition to state-of-the-art readouts, the proposed solution can be manufactured by any PCB manufacturer without using MCV-patented technology. This gives the users flexibility in designing and ordering low-cost custom readouts.
The Moderating Role of Technological Innovation on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) Performance and Firm Value: Evidence from Developing and Least-Developed Countries
Authors: Kong Yusheng , Agyemang Andrew , Alessa Noha , Kongkuah Maxwell
Published: September 2023

Recently, there has been growing recognition of the significance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in assessing a company’s performance and worth. Previous research has failed to take into account the significant impact of technological innovation in their empirical investigations. This study fills the gap by investigating the moderating impact of technological innovation on ESG performance and company value in developing and least-developed countries. The study utilized secondary data from 78 pharmaceutical companies from 2009 to 2022. For the investigation, we used the pooled mean group (PMG) and generalized methods of moments (GMM) estimators. The findings reveal that environmental and social performance influence firms’ value; however, governance performance does not influence firms’ value. Additionally, technological innovation acts as a catalyst, strengthening the favorable influence of ESG performance on firm value. The findings affirm the need to incorporate technological innovation, as it enables pharmaceutical firms to implement more efficient and sustainable practices.
Antioxidants and Shelf-Life of ‘Changbang’ Peaches as Affected by Coating after Cooling
Authors: Jung Seok-Kyu , Lee Jong-Kug , Choi Hyun-Sug
Published: September 2023

The combined effects of sucrose monoester coating and precooling on the shelf-life and nutritional value of ‘Changbang’ (Prunus persica L.) peach fruits were investigated. Treatments included control and coated groups with and without precooling and were tested at 3 d intervals over 12 d of storage (12 DAS). Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the control fruits had a porous surface microstructure. Coated pre-cooled fruits showed low respiration rates and high firmness at 6 and 9 DAS, not observed in non-pre-cooled fruits, which retained moisture around the fruit surface after coating. Coating with precooling reduced fruit weight loss (27% at 12 DAS), while pre-cooled control fruit showed a higher weight loss (41%). Coating combined with precooling increased overall fruit taste and sourness, while reducing fruit decay. The concentrations of Ca, total flavonoids, anthocyanin, total polyphenols, and scavenging activity were increased in coated pre-cooled fruits, while coating without precooling had no effect on these levels in year 1 (2021) and only a slight effect in year 2 (2022).
Institutional Pressures on Sustainability and Green Performance: The Mediating Role of Digital Business Model Innovation
Authors: Liang Yi , Zhao Chenyu , Lee Min-Jae
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of digital business model innovation (DBMI) in the relationship between institutional pressures (i.e., regulation and normative pressures) on sustainability and green performance. To verify our hypotheses, we performed the structural equation model as an analytical technique using 396 datasets from firms listed on the China Stock Exchange. The structural results showed that institutional pressures had a positive effect on DBMI, and that DBMI had a significant effect on green performance. The analysis also supports the full mediation role of DBMI between institutional pressures and green performance. We believe that our findings contribute to ongoing knowledge by enriching institutional perspectives on sustainable management and providing managers with practical implications on how to drive DBMI.
Induction Heating and Cooling Performance of Asphalt Mixture as Recycling Rap and Steel Slag
Authors: Yang Chao , Lei Zilin , Wang Sicheng , Wang Fusong , Zhou Wangwang , Luo Qiuyuan , Zhang Jixin
Published: September 2023

Recycling reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) for asphalt pavement construction is of interest due to its potential to mitigate environmental impact and resource consumption; however, the addition of RAP limits the induction heating behavior of asphalt mixtures, hindering the further application of RAP in sustainable and functional asphalt pavement. This study prepared recycled asphalt mixtures with high contents of steel slag aggregate and RAP, and optimized the rejuvenator dosage and composition design to investigate the induction heating rate. The effect of the steel fiber content, heating time, and heating distance on the induction capacity were verified for the recycled asphalt mixture. Moreover, the cooling curves of the recycled asphalt mixture were explored using a constant temperature chamber and infrared camera. The results showed that 6 wt% of rejuvenator in aged asphalt could evidently restore the physical properties and surface morphology, the highest heating rate of 1.204 °C/s could be reached with 2 wt% of steel fiber content, and the effective intervals of heating time and heating distance were set as 60–120 s and 10–20 mm, respectively. This study could be a significant reference in promoting solid waste recycling and sustainable asphalt pavement construction.
Experimental Study of the Electrical and Physiochemical Properties of Different Types of Crude Palm Oils as Dielectric Insulating Fluids in Transformers
Authors: Muangpratoom Pichai , Suriyasakulpong Chinnapat , Maneerot Sakda , Vittayakorn Wanwilai , Pattanadech Norasage
Published: September 2023

This paper gives information on the electrical and physiochemical characteristics of six different types of palm oil compared with traditional mineral oil. We found that natural processed crude palm oil (PO-C) had a higher resistance to AC breakdown voltage than other types of palm oil, including traditional mineral oil. The results of the positive lightning impulse voltage test for PO-C were still the highest compared to other types of palm oil, including traditional mineral oil, at 58.26%. The summarised dissipation factors of all tested crude palm oils were significantly higher than those of mineral oils, which will make the palm oil less insulating, especially in PO-A palm oil (36.197%), where the values were higher than those of other oils, while mineral oil has a slightly increased dispersion factor. For relative permittivity, all palm oils were compared, and it was found that PO-C had a lower relative permittivity than the other oils. In terms of physical and chemical properties, in the moisture content test on all oils, PO-C had the percentile with the highest moisture content decrease of 58.74%. In the case of testing the surface tension value, it was found that traditional mineral oil had the highest value (48.46 m/Nm) when compared to palm oil. On the other hand, the acidity in traditional mineral oil is the lowest (0.03 mg KOH/g) compared to all palm oils. Results from studies demonstrate the possibility of using natural processed crude palm oil, or PO-C, as a replacement for traditional mineral oil. This is consistent with the results of electrical properties that show PO-C is higher than other types of palm oil and includes traditional mineral oil.
Increasing Trends of Heat Waves and Tropical Nights in Coastal Regions (The Case Study of Lithuania Seaside Cities)
Authors: Dailidienė Inga , Servaitė Inesa , Dailidė Remigijus , Vasiliauskienė Erika , Rapolienė Lolita , Povilanskas Ramūnas , Valiukas Donatas
Published: September 2023

Climate change is leading to an annual increase in extreme conditions. Public health is closely related to weather conditions; hence, climate change becomes a major factor concerning every-day human health conditions. The most common extreme natural phenomenon that affects people’s health is the summer heat wave. During the 21st century, as the air temperature continues to rise, the sea surface temperature (SST) rises along with it, especially along the seacoasts. More massive water bodies, such as seas or larger lagoons, that warm up during the day do not allow the ambient air to cool down quickly, causing the air temperature to often be warmer at night in the coastal area than in the continental part of the continent. Currently, not only an increase in the number of days with heat waves is observed, but also an increase in the number of tropical nights in the coastal zone of the Southeastern Baltic Sea. In this work, heat waves are analyzed in the seaside resorts of Lithuania, where the effects of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon are most dominant.
Remarks on Approximate Solutions to Difference Equations in Various Spaces
Authors: Brzdęk Janusz
Published: September 2023

Quite often (e.g., using numerical methods), we are only able to find approximate solutions of some equations, and it is necessary to know the size of the difference between such approximate solutions and the mappings that satisfy the equation exactly. This issue is the main subject of the theory of Ulam stability, and it is related to other areas of research such as, e.g., shadowing, optimization, and approximation theory. In this expository paper, we present several selected outcomes on Ulam stability of difference equations, show possible extensions of them and indicate further directions for research. We also present and discuss some simple methods that allow improvement of several already known results concerning Ulam stability of some difference equations in normed or metric spaces and extend them to b-metric and 2-normed spaces. Our results show that the noticeable symmetry exists between the outcomes of this type in normed and metric spaces and those obtained by us for other spaces. In particular, we extend the result of Pólya and Szegö concerning the stability of equation xn+m=xn+xm for m,n∈T, where T means either the set of integers Z or the set of positive integers N. We also consider the stability of equation xn+p+a1xn+p−1+…+apxn+bn=0 (with a fixed positive integer p) and of two more general difference equations.
Reverse Genetics Systems for Emerging and Re-Emerging Swine Coronaviruses and Applications
Authors: Jiang Hui , Wang Ting , Kong Lingbao , Li Bin , Peng Qi
Published: September 2023

Emerging and re-emerging swine coronaviruses (CoVs), including porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), and swine acute diarrhea syndrome-CoV (SADS-CoV), cause severe diarrhea in neonatal piglets, and CoV infection is associated with significant economic losses for the swine industry worldwide. Reverse genetics systems realize the manipulation of RNA virus genome and facilitate the development of new vaccines. Thus far, five reverse genetics approaches have been successfully applied to engineer the swine CoV genome: targeted RNA recombination, in vitro ligation, bacterial artificial chromosome-based ligation, vaccinia virus -based recombination, and yeast-based method. This review summarizes the advantages and limitations of these approaches; it also discusses the latest research progress in terms of their use for virus-related pathogenesis elucidation, vaccine candidate development, antiviral drug screening, and virus replication mechanism determination.