bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting Bulk Oxygen Transport with Accessible Electrode Nanostructure in Low Pt Loading PEMFCs
Authors: Cheng Xiaojing , Zhou Jinghao , Luo Liuxuan , Shen Shuiyun , Zhang Junliang
Published: February 2024

Despite the high potential for reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the future of energy utilization, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) face challenges such as high costs and sluggish oxygen transport in cathode catalyst layers (CCLs). In this study, the impact of pore size distribution on bulk oxygen transport behavior is explored by introducing nano calcium carbonate of varying particle sizes for pore‐forming. Physicochemical characterizations for are employed to examine the electrode structure, while in situ electrochemical measurements are used to scrutinize bulk oxygen transport resistance, effective oxygen diffusivity () and fuel cell performance. Additionally, the CCLs are constructed with aid of Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) simulations and for CCLs with different pore size distribution are calculated. The findings reveal that initially increases and then decreases as the most probable pore size increases. A “sphere‐pipe” model is proposed to describe practical bulk oxygen transport in CCLs, highlighting the significant role of not only the pore size of secondary pores but also the number of primary pores in bulk oxygen transport.
Absorption‐Based Rapid Acquisition of Single‐Molecule Kinetics from Unstable Enzymes in Microdroplets
Authors: Zheng Yuhao , Chen Jinghu , Wang Xinyi , Xu Dou , Sun Hao , Huang Zongxiong , Wang Pengcheng , Fang Yimin
Published: February 2024

Single‐molecule catalysis reflects the heterogeneity of each molecule, providing a unique insight into the complex catalytic mechanism through the statistics of stochastic individuals. However, the present study methods for single‐molecule catalysis are either complicated or have low throughput, limiting their rapid acquisition of single‐molecule reaction kinetics with statistical significance. Here, a label‐free imaging method is developed for the study of single‐molecule catalysis in microdroplets with high throughput based on the absorption of the reaction molecules. A wide distribution of the catalytic reaction rate constant value of 238–2026 molecules s−1 is observed from 68 single enzymes. Interestingly, an exponential decayed distribution of the enzyme activity can be clearly observed due to the rapid denaturation of the enzymes. The denaturation mechanism of the Horse Radish Peroxidase (HRP) enzyme is clarified. It is revealed that the denaturation of each enzyme goes through a gradual decay rather than a truncated turn‐off process from a single molecule point of view. This absorption‐based method can be applied to most of the catalytic reactions with high throughput, which offers an indispensable route for the rapid statistical analysis of various single‐molecule catalytic reactions, making it particularly suitable for the acquisition of catalytic kinetics from highly unstable enzymes.
Evolution of Metal Tellurides for Energy Storage/Conversion: From Synthesis to Applications
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Nawaz Tehseen , Hussain Iftikhar , Meharban Faiza , Chen Xi , Khan Shahid Ali , Iqbal Sarmad , Rosaiah P. , Ansari Mohd Zahid , Zoubi Wail Al , Zhang Kaili
Published: February 2024

Metal telluride (MTe)‐based nanomaterials have emerged as a potential alternative for efficient, highly conductive, robust, and durable electrodes in energy storage/conversion applications. Significant progress in the material development of MTe‐based electrodes is well‐sought, from the synthesis of its nanostructures, integration of MTes with supporting materials, synthesis of their hybrid morphologies, and their implications in energy storage/conversion systems. Herein, an extensive exploration of the recent advancements and progress in MTes‐based nanomaterials is reviewed. This review emphasizes elucidating the fundamental properties of MTes and providing a systematic compilation of its wet and dry synthesis methods. The applications of MTes are extensively summarized and discussed, particularly, in energy storage and conversion systems including batteries (Li‐ion, Zn‐ion, Li‐S, Na‐ion, K‐ion), supercapacitor, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and CO2 reduction. The review also emphasizes the future prospects and urgent challenges to be addressed in the development of MTes, providing knowledge for researchers in utilizing MTes in energy storage and conversion technologies.
Near‐Infrared Dual‐Modal Sensing of Force and Temperature in Total Knee Replacement Using Mechanoluminescent Phosphor of Sr3Sn2O7: Nd, Yb
Authors: Li Wenhao , Wang Sikai , Jin Minyu , Wang Lu , Nan Jinlong , Wang Ci , Xiong Puxian , Hu Qing Miao , Liu Lu , Ren Jing , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: February 2024

Knee replacement surgery confronts challenges including patient dissatisfaction and the necessity for secondary procedures. A key requirement lies in dual‐modal measurement of force and temperature of artificial joints during postoperative monitoring. Here, a novel non‐toxic near‐infrared (NIR) phosphor Sr3Sn2O7:Nd, Yb, is designed to realize the dual‐modal measurement. The strategy is to entail phonon‐assisted upconversion luminescence (UCL) and trap‐controlled mechanoluminescence (ML) in a single phosphor well within the NIR biological transmission window. The phosphor is embedded in medical bone cement forming a smart joint in total knee replacements illustrated as a proof‐of‐concept. The sensing device can be charged in vitro by a commercial X‐ray source with a safe dose rate for ML, and excited by a low power 980 nm laser for UCL. It attains impressive force and temperature sensing capabilities, exhibiting a force resolution of 0.5% per 10 N, force detection threshold of 15 N, and a relative temperature sensitive of up to 1.3% K−1 at 309 K. The stability against humidity and thermal shock together with the robustness of the device are attested. This work introduces a novel methodological paradigm, paving the way for innovative research to enhance the functionality of artificial tissues and joints in living organisms.
Optical Properties Prediction for Red and Near‐Infrared Emitting Carbon Dots Using Machine Learning
Authors: Tuchin Vladislav S. , Stepanidenko Evgeniia A. , Vedernikova Anna A. , Cherevkov Sergei A. , Li Di , Li Lei , Döring Aaron , Otyepka Michal , Ushakova Elena V. , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: February 2024

Functional nanostructures build up a basis for the future materials and devices, providing a wide variety of functionalities, a possibility of designing bio‐compatible nanoprobes, etc. However, development of new nanostructured materials via trial‐and‐error approach is obviously limited by laborious efforts on their syntheses, and the cost of materials and manpower. This is one of the reasons for an increasing interest in design and development of novel materials with required properties assisted by machine learning approaches. Here, the dataset on synthetic parameters and optical properties of one important class of light‐emitting nanomaterials – carbon dots are collected, processed, and analyzed with optical transitions in the red and near‐infrared spectral ranges. A model for prediction of spectral characteristics of these carbon dots based on multiple linear regression is established and verified by comparison of the predicted and experimentally observed optical properties of carbon dots synthesized in three different laboratories. Based on the analysis, the open‐source code is provided to be used by researchers for the prediction of optical properties of carbon dots and their synthetic procedures.
Cell Membrane Perforation: Patterns, Mechanisms and Functions
Authors: Zhu Xinran , Shi Zhifeng , Mao Ying , Lächelt Ulrich , Huang Rongqin
Published: February 2024

Cell membrane is crucial for the cellular activities, and any disruption to it may affect the cells. It is demonstrated that cell membrane perforation is associated with some biological processes like programmed cell death (PCD) and infection of pathogens. Specific developments make it a promising technique to perforate the cell membrane controllably and precisely. The pores on the cell membrane provide direct pathways for the entry and exit of substances, and can also cause cell death, which means reasonable utilization of cell membrane perforation is able to assist intracellular delivery, eliminate diseased or cancerous cells, and bring about other benefits. This review classifies the patterns of cell membrane perforation based on the mechanisms into 1) physical patterns, 2) biological patterns, and 3) chemical patterns, introduces the characterization methods and then summarizes the functions according to the characteristics of reversible and irreversible pores, with the aim of providing a comprehensive summary of the knowledge related to cell membrane perforation and enlightening broad applications in biomedical science.
Abnormal Thickness‐Dependent Thermal Transport in Suspended 2D PdSe2
Authors: Li Meilin , Sun Huanhuan , Liu Chenhan , Zhou Jun , Zhang Gang , Zhang Lifa , Zhao Yunshan
Published: February 2024

Research on 2D materials originally focused on the highly symmetrical materials like graphene, h‐BN. Recently, 2D materials with low‐symmetry lattice such as PdSe2 have drawn extensive attention, due to the interesting layer‐dependent bandgap, promising mechanical properties and excellent thermoelectric performance, etc. In this work, the phonon thermal transport is studied in PdSe2 with a pentagonal fold structure. The thermal conductivity of PdSe2 flakes with different thicknesses ranging from few nanometers to several tens of nanometers is measured through the thermal bridge method, where the thermal conductivity increases from 5.04 W mk−1 for 60 nm PdSe2 to 34.51 W mk−1 for the few‐layer one. The atomistic modelings uncover that with the thickness thinning down, the lattice of PdSe2 becomes contracted and the phonon group velocity is enhanced, leading to the abnormal increase in the thermal conductivity. And the upshift of the optical phonon modes contributes to the increase of the thermal conductivity as well by creating less acoustic phonon scattering as the thickness reduces. This study probes the interesting abnormal thickness‐dependent thermal transport in 2D materials, which promotes the potential thermal management at nanoscale.
Biomass‐Derived Carbon Quantum Dots Chemical Bonding with Sn‐Doped Bi2O2CO3 Endowed Fast Carriers’ Dynamics and Stabilized Oxygen Vacancies for Efficient Decontamination of Combined Pollutants
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Yao Zuofang , Pan Jinghui , Hu Fengtao , Zhang Shiming , Fan Songyu , Xing Chenchen , Yu Zebin , Wang Shuangfei , Hou Yanping
Published: February 2024

Surface defects on photocatalysts could promote carrier separation and generate unsaturated sites for chemisorption and reactant activation. Nevertheless, the inactivation of oxygen vacancies (OVs) would deteriorate catalytic activity and limit the durability of defective materials. Herein, bagasse‐derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are loaded on the Sn‐doped Bi2O2CO3 (BOC) via hydrothermal procedure to create Bi─O─C chemical bonding at the interface, which not only provides efficient atomic‐level interfacial electron channels for accelerating carriers transfer, but also enhances durability. The optimized Sn‐BOC/CQDs‐2 achieves the highest photocatalytic removal efficiencies for levofloxacin (LEV) (88.7%) and Cr (VI) (99.3%). The elimination efficiency for LEV and Cr (VI) from the Sn‐BOC/CQDs‐2 is maintained at 55.1% and 77.0% while the Sn‐BOC is completely deactivated after four cycle tests. Furthermore, the key role of CQDs in stabilization of OVs is to replace OVs as the active center of H2O and O2 adsorption and activation, thereby preventing reactant molecules from occupying OVs. Based on theoretical calculations of the Fukui index and intermediates identification, three possible degradation pathways of LEV are inferred. This work provides new insight into improving the stability of defective photocatalysts.
Fe‐Doped Ceria‐Based Ceramic Cathode for High‐Efficiency CO2 Electrolysis in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell
Authors: Zhang Lijie , Jiang Yunan , Zhu Kang , Shi Nai , Rehman Zohaib Ur , Peng Ranran , Xia Changrong
Published: February 2024

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) emerges as a key technology for converting CO2 into fuels and valuable chemicals. This work focuses on pure ceramic FexSm0.2Ce0.8O2‐δ (xFe‐SDC) as the fuel electrodes, and Sr‐free ceria‐based ceramic electrodes can be successfully constructed for x ≤ 0.05. The incorporation of Fe into the ceria lattice increases the oxygen vacancy concentration and promotes the formation of catalytic sites crucial for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Density functional theory calculations indicate that Fe enhances electrochemical performance by decreasing the CO2RR energy barrier and facilitating oxygen ion diffusion. At 800 °C and 1.5 V, single cells with 0.05Fe‐SDC cathodes manifest attractive performance, attaining current densities of −1.98 and −2.26 A cm−2 under 50% CO2/CO and pure CO2 atmospheres, respectively. These results suggest the great potential of xFe‐SDC electrodes as promising avenues for high‐performance fuel electrodes in SOEC.
Preparation and Photothermal Properties of Accordion‐Like MXene/Sodium Acetate Trihydrate Composite Phase Change Materials
Authors: Wang Kewei , Yan Ting , Meng Liangchen , Pan Weiguo
Published: February 2024

Phase change materials (PCMs) are promising options for thermal energy storage. Combining sodium acetate trihydrate (SAT) with MXene, the composite phase change materials (CPCMs) have been prepared. The surface morphology, thermal storage performance, and solar energy photothermal conversion efficiency of the CPCMs with various MXene contents are analyzed. According to the microstructure morphology analysis, MXene is accordion‐shaped, and tightly associated with SAT. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement results show that CPCMs possess high latent heat and suitable phase change temperature for the applications of solar heat storage. The absorption wavelength range of SAT/MXene is extended from 200–258 nm to 200–497.7 nm with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 81.3%. SAT/MXene‐2%, SAT/MXene‐8%, and SAT/MXene‐14% have thermal conductivities of 0.84, 1.14, and 1.47  W/ (m · K), respectively, which are higher by 44.9%, 96.6%, and 153.4% than 0.59  W/ (m · K) of pure SAT. CPCMs exhibit excellent thermal stability and reliable cycling stability after 50 cycles, which show that MXene can prevent leakage during the solid‐liquid phase transition process. The expansion of PCM's practical applicability and MXene/SAT composites with good photothermal characteristics create a theoretical foundation for the effective use of renewable energy sources.
Numerical Analysis and Experimental Study on Side Dam Temperature and Stress Field of Two‐Roll Casting
Authors: Zhang Yansheng , Li Zhenlei , Fang Feng , Zhang Rui , Yuan Guo
Published: February 2024

The side sealing technology is crucial for ensuring the quality and process stability in twin‐roll casting (TRC). Investigating the temperature and stress distribution in side dams under operational conditions is vital, especially in understanding the causes of side dam fractures. Optimal performance of side dam materials is achieved when the boron nitride (BN) matrix is fine and homogeneous, with zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) and silicon carbide (SiC) particles evenly dispersed throughout. The fracture of the side dam after casting is mainly caused by BN interlamellar tear. The coexistence of BN lamellar tearing and BN layer fracture leads to the fracture of the side dam during the casting process. Through finite element simulation, the effects of variables such as pouring temperature, preheating temperature, and side dam thickness on temperature and stress distribution were analyzed. The findings indicate that a preheating temperature range of 1200–1300 °C minimizes thermal stress in the side dam. Building on these findings, a composite structure for the side dam is developed. Both internal and external composite structures have shown significant effectiveness in reducing thermal stress. These results are pivotal in extending the service life of side dams and enhancing the stability of the TRC process.
Quantum‐Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization Based on Concentration Selection Probability Assignment Weights for Power System Economic Dispatch
Authors: Wang Miao , Cao Zhiao , Li Yuchun
Published: February 2024

The economic dispatch (ED) problem is very important in the economics of power systems, and a suitable dispatch algorithm can help power plants save huge amounts of money and use energy efficiently. To ensure the economics of the power system dispatch strategy, this paper proposes a quantum‐behaved particle swarm improvement algorithm for solving the ED problem. First, the algorithm addresses the problem that the classical quantum‐behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) tends to be premature and falls into local optimality. We propose a method to calculate the mean best position by assigning weights to different particles, by adopting the idea of concentration selection in the immune concentration regulation mechanism, and designing a Weight‐Concentration selection probability function, so that those particles located outside the local optimal solution region but with smaller fitness value and better evolutionary trend can be retained. Second, to make the algorithm focus on global search at the beginning of the iteration and more focused search at the end to enhance the neighborhood search capability at the later stage, a decreasing function of the slope K in the Weight‐Concentration selection probability function is designed so that the influence of the weighting term on the calculation of the mean best position decreases gradually. The algorithm is evaluated with four power systems, and the results show that the overall performance of the improved algorithm is better than other algorithms in solving the ED problem in terms of minimum solution, convergence, and stability. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Do you need to chew? A case report on dogs’ behavioural needs
Authors: Uccheddu Stefania , Acquesta Stefania , Furlanello Tommaso
Published: February 2024

A 2‐year‐old chihuahua dog exhibited recurrent mounting episodes toward both known and unknown individuals. The findings from both the physical and blood tests were unremarkable. After ruling out other physical and psychological diseases, displacement behaviour was suspected. Occurrences of mounting behaviour might sometimes be due to conditions unrelated to reproduction. As such, neutering is only advised after a precise diagnosis, and would not have been helpful in this particular situation. Chewing was used as a major activity alternative to provide the dog with an adequate behavioural activity.
Bio‐based materials for solar cells
Authors: Miettunen Kati , Hadadian Mahboubeh , García Joaquín Valdez , Lawrynowicz Alicja , Akulenko Elena , Rojas Orlando J. , Hummel Michael , Vapaavuori Jaana
Published: February 2024

Plant‐based materials are emerging as an alternative to conventional components in advanced energy applications. Among these, energy harvesting from sunlight is highly attractive and, in fact, represents the fastest growing energy technology. This review addresses the broad field of solar cell science since plant‐based components can be utilized in almost all solar technologies, and in certain photovoltaic technologies, they can fulfill most of the roles in photovoltaic devices. There is strengthened recent interest in developing sustainable materials options as well as new functionalities being developed for bio‐based materials. This contribution describes the different options for plant‐derived materials in photovoltaics and discusses their deployment feasibility. We focus on performance, lifetime, and embedded energy, all of which are critical to achieve—economically and sustainably–competitive photovoltaic devices. We address the tendency in the current literature for greenwashing, given that not all plant‐based solutions are environmentally‐sound at the device level. On the other hand, plant‐based materials can offer functionalities that cannot be reached with currently used materials.

This article is categorized under:

Sustainable Energy > Solar Energy

Emerging Technologies > Materials

Sustainable Energy > Bioenergy
Knowledge graph‐driven data processing for business intelligence
Authors: Dey Lipika
Published: February 2024

With proliferation of Big Data, organizational decision making has also become more complex. Business Intelligence (BI) is no longer restricted to querying about marketing and sales data only. It is more about linking data from disparate applications and also churning through large volumes of unstructured data like emails, call logs, social media, News, and so on in an attempt to derive insights that can also provide actionable intelligence and better inputs for future strategy making. Semantic technologies like knowledge graphs have proved to be useful tools that help in linking disparate data sources intelligently and also enable reasoning through complex networks that are created as a result of this linking. Over the last decade the process of creation, storage, and maintenance of knowledge graphs have sufficiently matured, and they are now making inroads into business decision making also. Very recently, these graphs are also seen as a potential way to reduce hallucinations of large language models, by including these during pre‐training as well as generation of output. There are a number of challenges also. These include building and maintaining the graphs, reasoning with missing links, and so on. While these remain as open research problems, we present in this article a survey of how knowledge graphs are currently used for deriving business intelligence with use‐cases from various domains.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Text Mining

Application Areas > Business and Industry
Infant survival is significantly impacted by dam‐ and management‐related factors in zoo‐managed Eulemur populations
Authors: Robinson Christopher , McDonald Monica M. , Stirk Jodi , Hoppe Peggy , Ferrie Gina M.
Published: February 2024

Due to their potential impact on population growth, many studies have investigated factors affecting infant survival in mammal populations under human care. Here we used more than 30 years of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) studbook data and contraception data from the AZA Reproductive Management Center, along with logistic regression models, to investigate which factors affect infant survival in four Eulemur species managed as Species Survival Plans® in AZA. Across species, infant survival to 1 month ranged from 65% to 78%. Previous experience producing surviving offspring was positively correlated to infant survival in collared (Eulemur collaris), crowned (Eulemur coronatus), and mongoose (Eulemur mongoz) lemurs. Both dam age and previous use of contraception were negatively correlated to infant survival for collared lemurs, though our results suggest the latter may be confounded with other factors. Blue‐eyed black lemurs (Eulemur flavifrons) were affected by birth location, suggesting differences in husbandry that may affect infant survival. These results can be used to assist in reproductive planning or to anticipate the likelihood of breeding success. Population managers may also be able to focus their reproductive planning on younger dams or those with previous experience to predict successful births. Future studies should seek to determine what aspects of previous dam success are most important to infant survival, investigate sire‐related factors, and examine factors related to cause of death in infants that may lead to differential survival. Our hope is to present a framework that may be useful for investigating infant survival in other mammal species' breeding programs.
The Effects of Industry 4.0 on Steel Workforce: Identifying the Current and Future Skills Requirements of the Steel Sector and Developing a Sectorial Database
Authors: Akyazi Tugce , Goti Aitor , Báyon Félix
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the European steel sector has undergone constant and substantial changes due to the digitalization of steel production as well as persistent demands to place the industry on a further environmentally sustainable footing. However, the majority of the experienced workforce in the metallurgy sector do not have the necessary technological competences. The steel sector is in need of a highly qualified labour force to keep up with the growing digitalization, and to manage the implementation of new business models. Creating a competent labour force with updated skills is only possible through addressing the current skills needs and trends as well as anticipating the future ones. This chapter is developed to respond to this need and guide the sector through performing a detailed desk analysis and generating a sectoral occupational database. We believe that the sectoral database would serve the steel industry as a crucial tool for all the future technological and organizational changes. Steel manufacturers, universities, training and education centres are aimed to be the end-users of the database, since they are responsible from the development, redesign and delivery of training programs.
Identifying Future Skills for the Digital Transformation in the Steel Industry: An Ecosystem Analysis in the German Rhein/Ruhr Area
Authors: Götting Adrian , Behrend Clara , Kohlgrüber Michael
Published: February 2024

The digitalisation of the world of work is accompanied by far-reaching processes of change. This also affects jobs and skills of employees and managers. This chapter presents the results of an empirical BEYOND 4.0 study on transversal future skill demands and takes a closer look at the steel industry in the Rhine/Ruhr region in Germany. The focus thereby lies on skills that are gaining in importance across all occupations and at all qualification levels. At that, an important orientation is provided by a category system for future skills, which was developed in the BEYOND 4.0 project. Based on a comprehensive literature research, the category system shows that it is not only digital skills that are crucial for the digital transformation, as non-digital skills, such as social, personal and methodological skills, are also gaining in importance across all jobs and sectors. The category system was then applied in the research in the steel industry in the Rhine/Ruhr region. Research was mainly based on qualitative interviews that were conducted with steel experts from a number of stakeholder groups. The empirical results underline the importance of non-digital skills, often summarised as “soft skills”, in combination with digital skills. Digital skills thereby plays a role at all levels of qualification. However, the experts of the regional steel sector emphasise that it is above all the requirements for lifelong learning that are strongly increasing due to digitalisation. Personal skills such as adaptability and willingness to change play an important role in this regard. The findings also show that especially in large steel producing companies, topics that are specifically related to the development of digital solutions are often dealt with in projects, in which experts from different disciplines work closely together. In this respect, the requirements for social skills such as communication and teamwork are also increasing in the context of digitalisation.
The History of the Steel Industry: A Trade Union Perspective from the UK
Authors: Mowbray Anna
Published: February 2024

The UK was the birthplace of industrial-scale steelmaking, but the industry has faced significant challenges throughout its history. As the industry continues to advance, workers and their communities must be supported through that change to deliver a just transition. This chapter tells the story of the UK steel industry from the point of view of Community, the largest and leading trade union representing steelworkers in the UK. Beginning from the earliest history, and continuing to the present day, this chapter demonstrates the historic and continued importance of steel to communities in the UK. The chapter aims to provide a broad overview of the relationship between trade unions and steel industry. It highlights case studies where failure to act has led to the loss of steel making and discusses the importance of tripartite dialogue to protect and preserve communities and jobs, particularly during periods of social and technological transformation such as those discussed in this volume.
The Cold Rolling Industry: Demographic Changes and Further Challenges—Impacts on the Workforce and Current Status of the KaWaGi Project
Authors: Kunkel Martin , Rudolf Nicole
Published: February 2024

The focus of this chapter is on how digitisation and Industry 4.0 technologies are changing work forms and loads, as well as competitive strategies within the cold rolling industry. The chapter will present the effects of digitisation coupled with demographic changes within the workforce by presenting the KaWaGi project conducted in association with the German Association of Cold Rolling Mills. The project is intended to secure employability and the innovative potential of the workforce against the background of the current challenges the branch is facing by personnel development measures. In this chapter, some exemplary project results are described from the analyses of the age structure and skills requirements as well as from stress assessment.
AdS Higgs mechanism from double trace deformed CFT
Authors: Karch Andreas , Wang Mianqi , Youssef Merna
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Explicit breaking of a global symmetry in a conformal field theory is holographically dual to giving mass to a gauge field living in AdS via the Higgs mechanism. We show that if this breaking is induced via a double trace deformation the Higgs mechanism is induced via a scalar loop diagram. The mass can be calculated analytically in both bulk and field theory and we find perfect agreement. While representing familiar physics, the mechanism is identical to how the graviton picks up a mass in the holographic dual of a conformal field theory coupled to a bath.
Effect of steam explosion pretreatment on chosen saccharides yield and cellulose structure from fast-growing poplar (Populus deltoides × maximowiczii) wood
Authors: Krutul Donata , Szadkowski Jan , Výbohová Eva , Kučerová Viera , Čabalová Iveta , Antczak Andrzej , Szadkowska Dominika , Drożdżek Michał , Zawadzki Janusz
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the changes occurring in the wood cellulose of the fast-growing poplar (Populus deltoides × maximowiczii) under the influence of steam explosion (SE) pretreatment. Cellulose from native wood and after pretreatment at 160 and 205 °C was isolated. Cellulose polymerization degree by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and cellulose crystallinity index by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) were determined. The profiles of sugars in the native wood and in the solid fraction after pretreatment (using the acid hydrolysis method) were also determined. In addition, the profile of monosaccharides in the liquid fraction obtained after steam explosion and in the liquid fraction after acid hydrolysis of the oligosaccharides were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This allowed to determine the change in the yield of hexoses and pentoses in the studied material.

The behavior of cellulose in wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C and isolated by the Kürschner–Hoffer method was studied by determining the absorption bands of FTIR-ATR spectra. The lateral order index (LOI) of cellulose was calculated from the ratio of the intensity of the corresponding absorption bands A1422/A896 cm−1. Total crystallinity index (TCI) of cellulose was calculated from the ratio of the intensity of absorption bands A1372/A2900 cm−1. TCI of Kürschner-Hoffer cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C decreased by 5.6 and 5.0%, respectively, with regard to the applied temperature. LOI increased in cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 °C (by 0.7%) and at 205 °C (by 19.2%) in relation to the index of cellulose isolated from native wood. Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C exhibited, respectively, a reduced degree of polymerization of about 11% and about 8%. Polydispersity index in Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose was 1% lower after both pretreatments than native sample.
Endothelial cells and macrophages as allies in the healthy and diseased brain
Authors: Denes Adam , Hansen Cathrin E. , Oezorhan Uemit , Figuerola Sara , de Vries Helga E. , Sorokin Lydia , Planas Anna M. , Engelhardt Britta , Schwaninger Markus
Published: February 2024

Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are often associated with vascular disturbances or inflammation and frequently both. Consequently, endothelial cells and macrophages are key cellular players that mediate pathology in many CNS diseases. Macrophages in the brain consist of the CNS-associated macrophages (CAMs) [also referred to as border-associated macrophages (BAMs)] and microglia, both of which are close neighbours or even form direct contacts with endothelial cells in microvessels. Recent progress has revealed that different macrophage populations in the CNS and a subset of brain endothelial cells are derived from the same erythromyeloid progenitor cells. Macrophages and endothelial cells share several common features in their life cycle—from invasion into the CNS early during embryonic development and proliferation in the CNS, to their demise. In adults, microglia and CAMs have been implicated in regulating the patency and diameter of vessels, blood flow, the tightness of the blood–brain barrier, the removal of vascular calcification, and the life-time of brain endothelial cells. Conversely, CNS endothelial cells may affect the polarization and activation state of myeloid populations. The molecular mechanisms governing thepas de deuxof brain macrophages and endothelial cells are beginning to be deciphered and will be reviewed here.
Is there a correlation between prepartum anaemia and an increased likelihood of developing postpartum depression? A prospective observational study
Authors: La Verde Marco , Luciano Mario , Fordellone Mario , Brandi Carlotta , Carbone Marco , Di Vincenzo Matteo , Lettieri Davide , Palma Marica , Marrapodi Maria Maddalena , Scalzone Gaetano , Torella Marco
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Postpartum depression (PPD) represents a significant challenge to maternal and child health. Early screening for PPD is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and support. The present study aimed to assess whether maternal prepartum anaemia influences the likelihood of developing PPD within 3 days after delivery.

Methods

In collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, a prospective observational study was carried out at the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department of the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” in Naples. A total of 211 full-term pregnant women were enrolled, and their predelivery haemoglobin value was recorded. Women with gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, intellectual disability, or pre-existing diagnosis of psychotic spectrum disorder were excluded. Participants provided written informed consent to fill out the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) 3 days after delivery. EPDS cut-off score of ≥ 10 was used to identify women at risk of developing PPD. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test, the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, and linear regression.

Results

The participants were categorized into 2 groups based on EPDS scores: EPDS < 10 (176 patients) or EPDS ≥ 10 (35 patients). The two groups showed homogeneity in terms of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. The mean haemoglobin values of anaemic pregnant women in the EPDS ≤ 10 group (11.78 ± 1.39 g/dl) and the EPDS > 10 group (11.62 ± 1.27 g/dl) were not significantly different (p = 0.52). There was no significant correlation between the predelivery haemoglobin value and the EPDS postpartum score of < 10 or ≥ 10. The Wilcoxon Rank Sum test and the estimated coefficients of the linear regression model did not show any statistical relationship between continuous and binary haemoglobin values.

Conclusions

Our study found that maternal prepartum anaemia did not negatively impact the likelihood of developing postpartum depressive symptoms, in the first 3 days after delivery.
Guanylate binding protein 4 shapes an inflamed tumor microenvironment and identifies immuno-hot tumors
Authors: Zhou Weijian , Yeerkenbieke Gaoshaer , Zhang Yumei , Zhou Mingwang , Li Jin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Guanylate binding protein 4 (GBP4) is induced by interferons and various cytokines and has been recognized as functionally relevant in numerous types of human cancers. While the role of GBP4 in cancer has been preliminarily summarized, its correlation with antitumor immunity remains unclear and requires further research.

Methods

First, a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis was conducted, focusing on GBP4’s expression patterns and immunological functions. Subsequently, we explored the correlations between GBP4 and immunological features within the tumor microenvironment (TME) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Additionally, we examined the relationships between GBP4 and emerging immunobiomarkers, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A) genes. Moreover, we assessed the utility of GBP4 in predicting the clinical characteristics and treatment responses of patients with NSCLC.

Results

Pan-cancer analysis revealed that GBP4 plays a positive role in most cancer types via the majority of immunomodulators. Furthermore, GBP4 demonstrated positive associations with immunomodulatory factors, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and inhibitory immune checkpoints. Remarkably, the expression of GBP4 was found to be a predictor of significantly enhanced responsiveness to anti-EGFR therapy and immunotherapy.

Conclusions

GBP4 expression profiles offer a promising avenue for identifying highly immunogenic tumors across a wide spectrum of cancers. GBP4 holds potential as a robust pan-cancer biomarker for assessing the immunological characteristics of tumors, with particular relevance to its ability to predict therapeutic responses, notably in the context of anti-EGFR therapy and immunotherapy.
Clinical characteristics of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer: CS-Lung-003 prospective observational registry study
Authors: Kuribayashi Tadahiro , Ohashi Kadoaki , Nishii Kazuya , Ninomiya Kiichiro , Tsubata Yukari , Ishikawa Nobuhisa , Kodani Masahiro , Kanaji Nobuhiro , Yamasaki Masahiro , Fujitaka Kazunori , Kuyama Shoichi , Takigawa Nagio , Fujimoto Nobukazu , Kubota Tetsuya , Inoue Masaaki , Fujiwara Keiichi , Harita Shingo , Takata Ichiro , Takada Kenji , Okawa Sachi , Kiura Katsuyuki , Hotta Katsuyuki
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are ineffective against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients who were treated or not treated with ICIs, and of those who benefit from immunotherapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

Methods

We analyzed patients with unresectable stage III/IV or recurrent NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations using a prospective umbrella-type lung cancer registry (CS-Lung-003).

Results

A total of 303 patients who met the eligibility criteria were analyzed. The median age was 69 years; 116 patients were male, 289 had adenocarcinoma, 273 had major mutations, and 67 were treated with ICIs. The duration of EGFR-TKI treatment was longer in the Non-ICI group than in the ICI group (17.1 vs. 12.7 months, p < 0.001). Patients who received ICIs for more than 6 months were categorized into the durable clinical benefit (DCB) group (24 patients), and those who received ICIs for less than 6 months into the Non-DCB group (43 patients). The overall survival in the DCB group exhibited longer than the Non-DCB group (69.3 vs. 47.1 months), and an equivalent compared to that in the Non-ICI group (69.3 vs. 68.9 months). Multivariate analysis for time to next treatment (TTNT) of ICIs showed that a poor PS was associated with a shorter TTNT [hazard ratio (HR) 3.309; p < 0.001]. Patients who were treated with ICIs and chemotherapy combination were associated with a longer TTNT (HR 0.389; p = 0.003). In addition, minor EGFR mutation was associated with a long TTNT (HR 0.450; p = 0.046).

Conclusion

ICIs were administered to only 22% of patients with EGFR-mutated lung cancer, and they had shorter TTNT of EGFR-TKI compared to other patients. ICI treatment should be avoided in EGFR mutated lung cancer with poor PS but can be considered for lung cancer with EGFR minor mutations. Pathological biomarker to predict long-term responders to ICI are needed.
Contact rheological DEM model for visco-elastic powders during laser sintering
Authors: Alvarez J. E. , Nijkamp A. H. , Cheng H. , Luding S. , Weinhart T.
Published: February 2024

Laser sintering is a widely used process for producing complex shapes from particulate materials. However, understanding the complex interaction between the laser and particles is a challenge. This investigation provides new insights into the sintering process by simulating the laser source and the neck growth of particle pairs. First, a multi-physics discrete element method (DEM) framework is developed to incorporate temperature-dependent contact rheological and thermal properties, incorporating heat transfer and neck formation between the particles. Next, energy transport by ray tracing is added to allow for computing the amount of laser energy absorbed during sintering. The DEM model is calibrated and validated using experimental data on neck growth and temperature evolution of particle pairs made of polystyrene and Polyamide 12. The findings show that the proposed DEM model is capable of accurately simulate the neck growth during the laser sintering paving the way for better controlling and optimizing the process.

Graphical Abstract
Semiglobal exponential stability of the discrete-time Arrow-Hurwicz-Uzawa primal-dual algorithm for constrained optimization
Authors: Bin Michelangelo , Notarnicola Ivano , Parisini Thomas
Published: February 2024

We consider the discrete-time Arrow-Hurwicz-Uzawa primal-dual algorithm, also known as the first-order Lagrangian method, for constrained optimization problems involving a smooth strongly convex cost and smooth convex constraints. We prove that, for every given compact set of initial conditions, there always exists a sufficiently small stepsize guaranteeing exponential stability of the optimal primal-dual solution of the problem with a domain of attraction including the initialization set. Inspired by the analysis of nonlinear oscillators, the stability proof is based on a non-quadratic Lyapunov function including a nonlinear cross term.
Histopathological effects of the fruit extract of Citrullus colocynthis on the ovary of the tick Hyalomma dromedarii
Authors: Ali Asmaa Ali Baioumy , Montasser Ashraf Ahmed , Mohamed Salma Nabil Ahmed
Published: February 2024

Hyalomma dromedarii is the predominant tick species parasitizing camels in Egypt which leads to mortalities in young animals that result in economic losses. It can transmit a lot of pathogens to animals and humans, such as the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, the Dhori virus, Kadam virus, Theileria annulata and spotted fever rickettsia. The continuous use of chemical acaricides has negative impact on the environment and almost led to acaricidal resistance, and hence the plant extracts represent alternative methods for controlling ticks. The present study was carried out to assess the histopathological effects on the ovary of fed female Hyalomma dromedarii following immersion in the ethanolic extract of fruits of Citrullus colocynthis (100 mg/mL). Light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy observations provided evidence that Citrullus colocynthis caused extensive damage to oocytes. Destruction of the internal organelles of oocytes, along with delay and/or inhibition of vitellogenesis were demonstrated. This is the first histological study that points to damage in H. dromedarii ovaries following treatment with the ethanolic extract of fruits of C. colocynthis. The data presented suggest that the plant extract affects the ovary either directly by entering the oocytes and/or indirectly by damaging the gut cells and digestion of blood that interfere with the development of oocytes, so it can be used as a promising agent for tick control.
Agents preserving privacy on intelligent transportation systems according to EU law
Authors: Carbo Javier , Pedraza Juanita , Molina Jose M.
Published: February 2024

Intelligent Transportation Systems are expected to automate how parking slots are booked by trucks. The intrinsic dynamic nature of this problem, the need of explanations and the inclusion of private data justify an agent-based solution. Agents solving this problem act with a Believe Desire Intentions reasoning, and are implemented with JASON. Privacy of trucks becomes protected sharing a list of parkings ordered by preference. Furthermore, the process of assigning parking slots takes into account legal requirements on breaks and driving time limits. Finally, the agent simulations use the distances, the number of trucks and parkings corresponding to the proportions of the current European Union data. The performance of the proposed solution is tested in these simulations with three different distances against an alternative with complete knowledge. The difference in efficiency, the number of illegal breaks and the traveled distances are measured in them. Comparing the results, we can conclude that the nonprivate alternative is slightly better in performance while both alternatives do not produce illegal breaks. In this way the simulations show that the proposed privacy protection does not impose a relevant handicap in efficiency.