bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) In Vitro Androgenesis in Anther Cultures of F1 Hybrid Combinations, Varieties and Homogeneity Testing of Offspring Generation
Authors: Kruppa József , Kanbar Osama Zuhair , Tóth-Lencsés Kitti Andrea , Kiss Erzsébet , Bóna Lajos , Lantos Csaba , Pauk János
Published: September 2023

In cereal breeding, in vitro androgenesis methods are frequently applied to achieve doubled haploid (DH) plants. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of genotype (three registered varieties and eight F1 crossing combinations) and induction medium (W14mf and P4mf) on anther cultures (ACs) of triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack). Androgenesis was induced in the treatment of each tested genotype, and the genotype significantly influenced the efficiency of AC, including in embryo-like structures (ELSs), albinos, green plantlets, and transplanted plantlets. The utilized medium also had a significant effect on the number of ELSs, albinos, and transplanted plantlets. Both media were suitable for AC in triticale DH plant production. The efficiency of AC was higher when using the P4mf medium (103.7 ELS/100 anthers, 19.7 green plantlets/100 anthers) than when using the W14mf medium (90.0 ELS/100 anthers, 17.0 green plantlets/100 anthers). However, the green plantlet regeneration efficiency of microspore-derived structures was 18.0% when using the W14mf medium, while this value was 15.9% in the case of ELSs induced with the P4mf medium. After nursery seed evaluation and propagation (DH1), the genetic homogeneity of the offspring generation (DH2) was tested using a molecular genetic method. Most of the tested DH lines showed homogeneity and were progressed into a breeding program after agronomic selection. Some DH lines showed inhomogeneity, which could be explained by the outcross inclination of triticale. We would like to call breeders’ attention to the outcross character of triticale and emphasize the vigilant propagation and maintenance of the triticale DH lines in breeding programs. Due to the outcross nature of triticale, even in self-pollinated genotypes, breeders should focus on careful maintenance, along with isolation in the case of line propagations, in triticale breeding programs.
Design and Test of Embedded Reconfigurable Mode Converter Based on Spontaneous Deformable Materials
Authors: Wang Shixiong , Zhang Yilin , Yi Jianjia
Published: September 2023

The mode converter, as a passive mode conversion device in transmission lines, is well-investigated and widely implemented in various electromagnetic systems. However, most traditional mode converters can only realize a single conversion mode. Thus, a mode converter achieving multiple controllable output modes is urgently needed. In this paper, a reconfigurable mode converter operating in the microwave range is achieved by embedding a deformable all-dielectric material with quadrilateral shape into a rectangular waveguide based on coupled-mode theory. It can achieve different target modes with controllable output for the same input by exciting the deformable all-dielectric material. The design principle of the mode converter is expounded concretely and simulation is carried out using HFSS software 2022 R2. Experimental results, consisting of the simulation results, demonstrate that the proposed mode converter can achieve various mode conversions with mode purity higher than 95%. This article innovatively applies deformable materials to waveguide mode conversion, expanding the application of deformable memory materials in electromagnetic devices.
Upper Critical Field and Tunneling Spectroscopy of Underdoped Na(Fe,Co)As Single Crystals
Authors: Morgun Leonid , Kuzmichev Svetoslav , Morozov Igor , Degtyarenko Alena , Sadakov Andrey , Shilov Andrey , Zhuvagin Ilya , Rakhmanov Yevgeny , Kuzmicheva Tatiana
Published: September 2023

A comprehensive study of superconducting properties of underdoped NaFe0.979Co0.021As single crystals by a combination of upper critical field measurements and incoherent multiple Andreev reflection effect (IMARE) spectroscopy is presented. The Hc2(T) temperature dependences are measured at magnetic fields up to 16 T with in-plane and out-of-plane field directions and considered within single-band and two-band models in order to estimate the Hc2(0) value. In IMARE spectroscopy probes, the magnitude, characteristic ratio, and temperature dependence of the superconducting order parameters (ΔL,S(T)) are determined locally and directly. A possible k-space anisotropy of the large superconducting gap is demonstrated. We show that usage of a quadruple of λij0 coupling constants obtained in the IMARE experiment can significantly reduce the number of free parameters required to fit the Hc2(T) dependence within a two-band approach (from six to two).
An Open-Circuit Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Adjacent Trend Line Relationship of Current Vector Trajectory for Motor Drive Inverter
Authors: Sun Xianrui , Diao Naizhe , Song Chonghui , Qiu Yunlong , Zhao Xiaolong
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes a power switch open-circuit (OC) fault diagnosis method for a motor drive inverter system. This method utilizes adjacent trend lines to extract fault features from the current vector trajectory, enabling rapid fault diagnosis and localization. Firstly, the current vector trajectory is obtained by applying the Clark transformation to the three-phase currents, and trend line slopes are calculated using equidistant current signal nodes. Subsequently, the method determines fault by calculating changes in adjacent trend line slopes and quickly locates the faulty power switch by considering the average slope of adjacent trend lines and the beta-axis current direction in the alpha–beta coordinate system. Accurate OC fault localization can be achieved with just a few trend line data points calculated in each current cycle, reducing the extra hardware and computational burden. This method is not only suitable for load variations but also applicable to the diagnosis of both single-switch and multiple-switch faults. Finally, simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness and robustness of the method.
Blood Gas Parameters and Acid–Base Balance during Extracorporeal Lung Support with Oxygenators: Semi-Empirical Evaluation
Authors: Khadka Lal Babu , Mouzakis Foivos Leonidas , Kashefi Ali , Hima Flutura , Spillner Jan Wilhelm , Mottaghy Khosrow
Published: September 2023

Membrane artificial lungs (oxygenators) are used in cardiopulmonary surgery as well as, in some cases, in severe lung disease to support the natural lung by means of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). The oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer rates of any oxygenator are usually assessed by considering several blood gas parameters, such as oxygen saturation, hemoglobin concentration, partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide, bicarbonate concentration, and pH. Here, we report a set of semi-empirical equations that calculate such parameters directly from their partial pressures and assess the acid–base balance during ECMO. The implementation of this equation set permits the evaluation of any oxygenator, existing or prototypes in development, as well as the development of clinical decision-making tools for predicting the blood gas state and acid–base balance during surgical interventions and ECMO. The predicted results are then compared with experimental data obtained from in vitro gas exchange investigations with a commercial oxygenator using fresh porcine blood. The high correlation, R2>0.95, between the predicted and the experimental data suggests a possibility of using such empirical equations in the simulation of gas transfer in a cardiopulmonary system with an oxygenator for any venous inlet blood gas data and also for estimating the acid–base balance during such therapy.
Modeling of Project Portfolio Risk Evolution and Response under the Influence of Interactions
Authors: Zhang Yipei , Liu Jiale , Xie Xiaoyan , Wang Chenshuo , Bai Libiao
Published: September 2023

Due to dynamic changes in both internal and external environments, the risk evolution of the project portfolio (PP) becomes extremely complicated, thereby increasing the difficulties of effective risk response. In particular, the real-time influence of risk interactions on the evolution of project portfolio risk (PPR) often goes unnoticed. Meanwhile, risk contagiousness is completely ignored in risk response. To tackle this challenge, this study proposes a PPR evolution and response (PPRER) model by improving the Barrat–Barthelemy–Vespignani (BBV) model and by introducing the evolutionary dynamics method into the PPR response research. The feasibility and applicability of the proposed model are verified through a numerical illustration. Computational results demonstrate that the proposed model can simulate the evolution process of PPRs under the influence of their interactions and give a snapshot of the real-time interactive relationship between PPRs. Based on the obtained results, decision-makers can take effective risk responses by identifying critical strategy intrusion nodes at any time in the evolution process.
Peptides from Marine-Derived Fungi: Chemistry and Biological Activities
Authors: Hafez Ghoran Salar , Taktaz Fatemeh , Sousa Emília , Fernandes Carla , Kijjoa Anake
Published: September 2023

Marine natural products are well-recognized as potential resources to fill the pipeline of drug leads to enter the pharmaceutical industry. In this circumstance, marine-derived fungi are one of the unique sources of bioactive secondary metabolites due to their capacity to produce diverse polyketides and peptides with unique structures and diverse biological activities. The present review covers the peptides from marine-derived fungi reported from the literature published from January 1991 to June 2023, and various scientific databases, including Elsevier, ACS publications, Taylor and Francis, Wiley Online Library, MDPI, Springer, Thieme, Bentham, ProQuest, and the Marine Pharmacology website, are used for a literature search. This review focuses on chemical characteristics, sources, and biological and pharmacological activities of 366 marine fungal peptides belonging to various classes, such as linear, cyclic, and depsipeptides. Among 30 marine-derived fungal genera, isolated from marine macro-organisms such as marine algae, sponges, coral, and mangrove plants, as well as deep sea sediments, species of Aspergillus were found to produce the highest number of peptides (174 peptides), followed by Penicillium (23 peptides), Acremonium (22 peptides), Eurotium (18 peptides), Trichoderma (18 peptides), Simplicillium (17 peptides), and Beauveria (12 peptides). The cytotoxic activity against a broad spectrum of human cancer cell lines was the predominant biological activity of the reported marine peptides (32%), whereas antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and various enzyme inhibition activities ranged from 7% to 20%. In the first part of this review, the chemistry of marine peptides is discussed and followed by their biological activity.
Investigation of the Quenching Sensitivity of the Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of 7475 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Cao Puli , Xie Guilan , Li Chengbo , Zhu Daibo , Feng Di , Xiao Bo , Zhao Cai
Published: September 2023

Based on end-quenching experiments combined with conductivity, hardness testing, and microstructural characterization, the quenching sensitivity of the mechanical and corrosion properties of 7475 aluminum alloy was investigated. The study revealed that as the quenching rate decreased, both the mechanical properties and exfoliation corrosion resistance exhibited increased quenching sensitivity. With the quenching rate decreasing from 31.9 °C/s to 2.5 °C/s, the conductivity increased by 4.1%IACS, the hardness decreased by 31%, the exfoliation corrosion grade transitioned from EC to ED, and the maximum exfoliation corrosion depth increased from 237 μm to 508 μm. As the quenching rate decreased, the η phase sequentially precipitated at recrystallized grain boundaries (RGBs), E phase particles, and subgrain boundaries (SGBs), while the T phase primarily precipitated on E phase particles. Furthermore, the significant precipitation of η and T phases led to a notable reduction in the quantity of age-precipitated phases, an increase in their size, and poor coherency with the matrix, resulting in decreased mechanical properties and a higher quenching sensitivity of the mechanical performance. Meanwhile, with the reduction in quenching rate, the size and spacing of grain boundary precipitated phases increased, the Zn and Mg contents of grain boundary precipitated phases increased, and the Precipitation Free Zone (PFZ) widened, leading to decreased exfoliation corrosion resistance and higher quenching sensitivity of the exfoliation corrosion performance.
Short-Chain Fatty Acid Levels after Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in a Pediatric Cohort with Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Jess Alison T. , Eskander George Hany , Vu My H. , Michail Sonia
Published: September 2023

Though antibiotics are the mainstay treatment for Clostridioides difficile, a large population of individuals infected will experience recurrence. In turn, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a promising treatment for recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI). Mechanistically, by providing a healthy, diverse flora to the infected individual, FMT “resets” the underlying gut microbiome dysbiosis associated with rCDI. A proposed mechanism through which this occurs is via microbiome metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs); however, this has not been previously studied in pediatric patients. Using mass spectroscopy, we quantified pre- and post-transplant levels of acetate, isovalerate, butyrate, formate, and propionate in pediatric patients diagnosed with rCDI (n = 9). We compared pre- and post-transplant levels within the rCDI cohort at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-transplant and correlated these levels with healthy controls (n = 19). We witnessed a significant difference in the combined SCFA levels and the individual levels of acetate, butyrate, isovalerate, and propionate in the pre-treatment rCDI cohort compared to the healthy controls. In addition, there was a significant increase in combined SCFA levels at 12 months post-transplant within the rCDI group compared to that of their pre-transplant levels, and, more specifically, acetate, propionate, and isovalerate increased from pre-transplant to 12 months post-transplant. The longitudinal aspect of this study allowed us to identify mechanisms that contribute to the durability of responses to FMT, as well as characterize the unique patterns of short-chain fatty acid level recovery in rCDI pediatric patients.
Scalable Processing of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) Microfluidic Biochips
Authors: Rodrigues Rodolfo G. , Condelipes Pedro G. M. , Rosa Rafaela R. , Chu Virginia , Conde João Pedro
Published: September 2023

Microfluidics evolved with the appearance of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), an elastomer with a short processing time and the possibility for replication on a micrometric scale. Despite the many advantages of PDMS, there are well-known drawbacks, such as the hydrophobic surface, the absorption of small molecules, the low stiffness, relatively high cost, and the difficulty of scaling up the fabrication process for industrial production, creating a need for alternative materials. One option is the use of stiffer thermoplastics, such as the cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), which can be mass produced, have lower cost and possess excellent properties. In this work, a method to fabricate COC microfluidic structures was developed. The work was divided into process optimization and evaluation of material properties for application in microfluidics. In the processing step, moulding, sealing, and liquid handling aspects were developed and optimized. The resulting COC devices were evaluated from the point of view of molecular diffusion, burst pressure, temperature resistance, and susceptibility to surface treatments and these results were compared to PDMS devices. Lastly, a target DNA hybridization assay was performed showing the potential of the COC-based microfluidic device to be used in biosensing and Lab-on-a-Chip applications.
Composition Engineering of Indium Zinc Oxide Semiconductors for Damage-Free Back-Channel Wet Etching Metallization of Oxide Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Cho Sung Woon
Published: September 2023

In contrast to lift-off and shadow mask processes, the back-channel wet etching (BCWE) process is suitable for industrial-scale metallization processes for the large-area and mass production of oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs). However, chemical attacks caused by the corrosive metal etchants used in the BCWE process cause unintended performance degradation of oxide semiconductors, making it difficult to implement oxide TFT circuits through industrial-scale metallization processes. Herein, we propose composition engineering of oxide semiconductors to enhance the chemical durability and electrical stability of oxide semiconductors. The chemical durability of InZnO against Al etchants can be improved by increasing the content of indium oxide, which has a higher chemical resistance than zinc oxide. As a result, A damage-free BCWE-based metallization process was successfully demonstrated for oxide TFTs using In-rich InZnO semiconductors. Furthermore, In-rich InZnO TFTs with wet-etched Al electrodes exhibited electrical performance comparable to that of lift-off Al electrodes, without chemical attack issues.
Prevalence of Herpes Simplex and Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA in Corneal Grafts Is Higher than Expected
Authors: Horstmann Marie Ella , Al Hariri Mohammad , Grabitz Stephanie D. , Bu Julia Bing , Apel Melissa , Pfeiffer Norbert , Wasielica-Poslednik Joanna
Published: September 2023

Purpose: (1) To determine the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in donor corneas; (2) To evaluate the clinical outcome of the grafts with viral DNA and to compare donors with and without viral DNA. Methods: We analyzed data from all donors and recipients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) or Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) between September 2022 and March 2023. Donor corneoscleral rims and excised recipients’ corneal buttons were tested for the presence of HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, and CMV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results were known 2–3 days after the surgery. We closely followed up on patients whose grafts tested positive for viral DNA. We compared the medical histories of donors with and without viral DNA. Results: We included 85 corneas from 67 donors. Seven (8.2%) donor corneas tested positive for HSV-1 (n = 3) or VZV (n = 4) DNA. We did not detect any HSV-2 or CMV DNA. In the postoperative follow-up of patients with positive PCR, a graft failure was observed in one and infections in two eyes. Re-operation was necessary in three of these cases (42.9%). Patients without herpes DNA in the donor cornea needed reoperation in 7.7% of the cases. Cultural duration, the cause of the donor’s death, and the death-to-explantation interval did not differ significantly between donors with and without viral DNA. Additionally, 3 of the 7 (42.9%) donors with positive PCR were in a septic status at the time of death, compared to 21 of the 78 (26.9%) donors with negative PCR (p = 0.52). Conclusions: The prevalence of herpes DNA in the donor corneas was 8.2% and thus higher than previously reported. We did not notice any evidence for a donor-to-host transmission, but a higher rate of postoperative complications in recipients of the grafts with viral DNA. The donors with and without herpetic DNA did not differ significantly regarding systemic diagnoses or cultural conditions, but sepsis was more frequent in the group with viral DNA.
Efficacy of an Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Vaccine on the Incidence and Severity of Traveler’s Diarrhea (TD): Evaluation of Alternative Endpoints and a TD Severity Score
Authors: Maier Nicole , Grahek Shannon L. , Halpern Jane , Restrepo Suzanne , Troncoso Felipe , Shimko Janet , Torres Olga , Belkind-Gerson Jaime , Sack David A. , Svennerholm Ann-Mari , Gustafsson Björn , Sjöstrand Björn , Carlin Nils , Bourgeois A. Louis , Porter Chad K.
Published: September 2023

The efficacy of an Oral Whole Cell ETEC Vaccine (OEV) against Travelers’ Diarrhea (TD) was reexamined using novel outcome and immunologic measures. More specifically, a recently developed disease severity score and alternative clinical endpoints were evaluated as part of an initial validation effort to access the efficacy of a vaccine intervention for the first time in travelers to an ETEC endemic area. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial followed travelers to Guatemala or Mexico up to 28 days after arrival in the country following vaccination (two doses two weeks apart) with an ETEC vaccine. Fecal samples were collected upon arrival, departure, and during TD for pathogen identification. Serum was collected in a subset of subjects to determine IgA cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) antibody titers upon their arrival in the country. The ETEC vaccine’s efficacy, utilizing a TD severity score and other alternative endpoints, including the relationship between antibody levels and TD risk, was assessed and compared to the per-protocol primary efficacy endpoint. A total of 1435 subjects completed 7–28 days of follow-up and had available data. Vaccine efficacy was higher against more severe (≥5 unformed stools/24 h) ETEC-attributable TD and when accounting for immunologic take (PE ≥ 50%; p < 0.05). The vaccine protected against less severe (3 and 4 unformed stools/24 h) ETEC-attributable TD when accounting for symptom severity or change in activity (PE = 76.3%, p = 0.01). Immunologic take of the vaccine was associated with a reduced risk of infection with ETEC and other enteric pathogens, and with lower TD severity. Clear efficacy was observed among vaccinees with a TD score of ≥4 or ≥5, regardless of immunologic take (PE = 72.0% and 79.0%, respectively, p ≤ 0.03). The vaccine reduced the incidence and severity of ETEC, and this warrants accelerated evaluation of the improved formulation (designated ETVAX), currently undergoing advanced field testing. Subjects with serum IgA titers to CTB had a lower risk of infection with ETEC and Campylobacter jejuni/coli. Furthermore, the TD severity score provided a more robust descriptor of disease severity and should be included as an endpoint in future studies.
An Overview of Spirits Made from Sugarcane Juice
Authors: Corbion Claudine , Smith-Ravin Juliette , Marcelin Odile , Bouajila Jalloul
Published: September 2023

Among the family of sugarcane spirits, those made from juice are diverse and often produced in a traditional way. They must be distinguished from other sugarcane spirits, which are more widely produced and made from other sugarcane derivatives, such as molasses. These alcoholic beverages contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of many countries. However, despite ancestral know-how, there is a lack of contemporary data required to characterize some sugarcane juice spirits (SCJSs) and to overcome the current and future threats that producers will have to face. While preserving their authenticity and specificity, SCJS producers expect to improve and ensure sufficient yield and a superior quality product. Even if the scientific knowledge on these spirits is not comparable, the available data could help identify the critical points to be improved in the making process. This review aims to present the main SCJSs encountered worldwide, defining their specific features through some important aspects with, notably, references to the complex notion of terroir. To continue, we discuss the main steps of the SCJS process from harvesting to aging. Finally, we expose an inventory of SCJS’s chemical compositions and of their sensory description that define the specific organoleptic properties of these spirits.
Plant Extract-Derived Carbon Dots as Cosmetic Ingredients
Authors: Ngoc Le Thi Nhu , Moon Ju-Young , Lee Young-Chul
Published: September 2023

Plant extract-derived carbon dots (C-dots) have emerged as promising components for sustainability and natural inspiration to meet consumer demands. This review comprehensively explores the potential applications of C-dots derived from plant extracts in cosmetics. This paper discusses the synthesis methodologies for the generation of C-dots from plant precursors, including pyrolysis carbonization, chemical oxidation, hydrothermal, microwave-assisted, and ultrasonic methods. Plant extract-derived C-dots offer distinct advantages over conventional synthetic materials by taking advantage of the inherent properties of plants, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and UV protective properties. These outstanding properties are critical for novel cosmetic applications such as for controlling skin aging, the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, and sunscreen. In conclusion, plant extract-derived C-dots combine cutting-edge nanotechnology and sustainable cosmetic innovation, presenting an opportunity to revolutionize the industry by offering enhanced properties while embracing eco-friendly practices.
Teaching Kitchens and Culinary Gardens as Integral Components of Healthcare Facilities Providing Whole Person Care: A Commentary
Authors: Fals Angela M. , Brennan Andrea M.
Published: September 2023

Child and adult obesity continue to be major health concerns in the United States and can contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Culinary medicine, which incorporates teaching kitchens and gardens, may be a useful strategy for preventing and/or treating obesity-related disease by providing the knowledge and skills that encourage consumption of whole plant-based foods prepared at home. Though emerging research describes the benefits of culinary medicine-based programming, examples of teaching kitchens and culinary gardens being integrated into current clinical practice is minimal. Here, we describe the development of innovative, community-centered culinary medicine programming borne from interdisciplinary collaboration at a leading healthcare system. Preliminary outcomes suggest improvements in anthropometrics, cardiometabolic risk factors, and participation in healthy lifestyle behaviors in pediatric weight management patients, as well as improved confidence, knowledge, and likelihood to prepare whole food, plant-based meals in healthcare employees following participation in culinary medicine workshops. Hospitals and culinary medicine partners can support each other through shared knowledge, vision, and resources to provide value-based care to patients in the community. Collaboration among gardeners, chefs, architects, educators, and healthcare professionals can transfer traditional physician-driven care to patients, empowering them with the tools, resources, and confidence to improve health and wellbeing.
Longitudinal Patterns of Beverage Intake in Treatment-Seeking Children with Obesity in Eastern NC Using the Validated BEVQ-15
Authors: Mohseni Zahra , Tumin Dmitry , Collier David N. , Taft Natalie , Lazorick Suzanne
Published: September 2023

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption remains a major target for interventions to treat severe obesity in children. Understanding how total energy consumption is divided among different types of beverages remains unclear. This study retrospectively examined how the consumption of beverage calories (kcal) from 100% fruit juice and SSBs, and body mass index, assessed as a percent of the 95th sex- and age-specific percentile (%of 95BMI), changed during the treatment of children with obesity aged 2–18 years. Treatment was provided by an integrative multi-disciplinary team, comprising a physician, a dietician/ nutritionist and a behavioralist employing motivational interviewing and a small change approach to promote improved sustainable health habits and induce a net negative energy balance. The sample included 155 patients, with 341 visits. The median age was 11 years, 60% were girls, and there was a median follow-up of 3.1 months. At baseline, the median %of 95BMI was 135 and the median kcal/day intake was 436 from juice and 263 from SSB. For each additional 100 kcal consumed/day from SSB and juice, the %of 95BMI increased by 1.4 percentage points. In the follow-up, each additional month was associated with 7 fewer kcal/day from SSB and juice combined, with a 0.5 percentage point increase in %of 95BMI. Children in this treatment program consumed fewer calories from SSB over time, although the %of 95BMI did not decrease. SSBs other than soda accounted for the majority of beverage kcal intake, therefore potentially providing a targeted direction for interventions.
Synthesis and Performance Testing of Maleic Anhydride–Ene Monomers Multicomponent Co-Polymers as Pour Point Depressant for Crude Oil
Authors: Yuan Dong , Liu Qingfeng , Zhang Wenhui , Liu Ran , Jiang Chenxi , Chen Hengyu , Yan Jingen , Gu Yongtao , Yang Bingchuan
Published: September 2023

To address the issue of pipeline blockage caused by the formation of waxy deposits inside pipelines, hindering the flow of petroleum in the Shengli oilfield, eight new-style polyacrylic acid pour point depressants (PPD) for Shengli crude oil were prepared by maleic anhydride and ene monomers with different polar and aromatic pendant chains. The synthesized Pour Point Depressants were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and polarizing optical microscopy (POM). The results were promising and demonstrated that any type of pour point depressant exhibited excellent performance on high-pour-point crude oil. The reduction in pour-point after additive addition was largely dependent on the polymer structure. Notably, polymers containing long alkyl side chains and aromatic units displayed the most impressive performance, capable of depressing the pour point by 12 °C.
Emulsion Nanofibres as a Composite for a Textile Touch Sensor
Authors: Mínguez-García David , Díaz-García Pablo , Gisbert-Payá Jaime , Bonet-Aracil Marilés
Published: September 2023

The combination of a nanofibre net and textile support represents an interesting composite capable of conferring various properties. Nanofibres are so thin that they can be easily damaged by human touch. In this study, we hypothesised that dyeing nanofibres with different colours from their textile supports would result in a colour difference upon their degradation, providing evidence that the composite has been touched and acting as a touch sensor. Two different methods were studied: directly inserting the dye into the polymer via electrospinning or creating a coloured liquid emulsion encapsulated by the polymer via electrospinning. Two black dyes were studied. Colour index (CI) Acid Black 194 was added directly to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the polymer. Sage oil was used for CI Solvent Black 3. The nanofibre nets were conveniently electrospun on a white polyester fabric; the fabrics were then characterised by colour coordinate analysis, FTIR, and SEM. The results showed that the dyed solution in oil was encapsulated, and the black colour could only be observed when rubbed, whereas the dyed polymer showed a black colour that was removed when rubbed. Therefore, the hypothesis was confirmed, and both samples demonstrated the desired touch sensor behaviour.
Optimizing Energy and Reserve Minimization in a Sustainable Microgrid with Electric Vehicle Integration: Dynamic and Adjustable Manta Ray Foraging Algorithm
Authors: Abed Adnan Ajam , Suwaed Mahmood Sh. , Al-Rubaye Ameer H. , Awad Omar I. , Mohammed M. N. , Tao Hai , Kadirgama Kumaran , Karah Bash Ali A. H.
Published: September 2023

The growing presence of EVs in regional microgrids introduces increased variability and uncertainty in the areas’ load profiles. This paper presents a novel approach for optimizing energy and reserve minimization in a sustainable integrated microgrid with electric vehicles (EVs) by the use of the dynamic and adjustable Manta Ray Foraging (DAMRF) algorithm. The DAMRF algorithm harnesses the inherent flexibility of EVs as controllable loads and develops a comprehensive dispatch model for a large-scale EV response. The model takes into account the management, operational, and environmental costs associated with load fluctuations in the microgrid. Simulation evaluations conducted based on a practical microgrid environment validate the effectiveness of our wind–solar energy storage and management strategy. The results showcase significant improvements in energy and reserve minimization, highlighting the potential advantages of integrating EVs into sustainable microgrid systems. In addition, the DAMRF algorithm achieves lower environmental pollution control costs (USD 8000) compared to the costs associated with the Genetic Algorithm (GA) (USD 8654.639) and PSO (USD 8579.546), emphasizing its ability to effectively control and minimize environmental pollution. In addition, the DAMRF algorithm offers a more cost-effective solution for managing the power grid, and the shorter solution running time of the DAMRF is almost the same as PSO’s quicker decision-making and response times, enhancing the overall responsiveness and adaptability of the power grid management system.
Like Giants Sitting on the Dwarf’s Shoulders: Religious Anarchism and the Making of Modern Zionist Historiography
Authors: Schwartz Yossef
Published: September 2023

German and Central European Jews shaped many primary Jewish responses to modernity. The religious renewal, or the alleged “Jewish Renaissance” among German Jews in the first decades of the 20th century, offers a radical encounter with tradition as part of Jewish modernism. In this paper, I aim to examine a group of revolutionary young intellectual anarchists, striving for a new religious excitement free of the traditional binding part of established religions. In various forms, religiosity became the only possible way of radical political thinking, a kind of antinomian liberation theology. In the absence of traditional communal ties of orthodox praxis and systematic theological speculation, these political intellectuals turn to historical discourse as their leading theological super-structure. Their critique of modernism was merged into a nostalgic rethinking of pre-modern religious forms and cultural patterns. The Zionists among them contributed much to the ammunition of the sacred covenant of Land, Blood, disrespect toward any form of legal normativity, and solid messianic expectation. This fatal combination is responsible for many disturbing elements in the contemporary Israeli public sphere.
A Semi-Static Replication Method for Bermudan Swaptions under an Affine Multi-Factor Model
Authors: Hoencamp Jori , Jain Shashi , Kandhai Drona
Published: September 2023

We present a semi-static replication algorithm for Bermudan swaptions under an affine, multi-factor term structure model. In contrast to dynamic replication, which needs to be continuously updated as the market moves, a semi-static replication needs to be rebalanced on just a finite number of instances. We show that the exotic derivative can be decomposed into a portfolio of vanilla discount bond options, which mirrors its value as the market moves and can be priced in closed form. This paves the way toward the efficient numerical simulation of xVA, market, and credit risk metrics for which forward valuation is the key ingredient. The static portfolio composition is obtained by regressing the target option’s value using an interpretable, artificial neural network. Leveraging the universal approximation power of neural networks, we prove that the replication error can be arbitrarily small for a sufficiently large portfolio. A direct, a lower bound, and an upper bound estimator for the Bermudan swaption price are inferred from the replication algorithm. Additionally, closed-form error margins to the price statistics are determined. We practically study the accuracy and convergence of the method through several numerical experiments. The results indicate that the semi-static replication approaches the LSM benchmark with basis point accuracy and provides tight, efficient error bounds. For in-model simulations, the semi-static replication outperforms a traditional dynamic hedge.
Impact of Atmospheric Correction on Classification and Quantification of Seagrass Density from WorldView-2 Imagery
Authors: Hill Victoria J. , Zimmerman Richard C. , Bissett Paul , Kohler David , Schaeffer Blake , Coffer Megan , Li Jiang , Islam Kazi Aminul
Published: September 2023

Mapping the seagrass distribution and density in the underwater landscape can improve global Blue Carbon estimates. However, atmospheric absorption and scattering introduce errors in space-based sensors’ retrieval of sea surface reflectance, affecting seagrass presence, density, and above-ground carbon (AGCseagrass) estimates. This study assessed atmospheric correction’s impact on mapping seagrass using WorldView-2 satellite imagery from Saint Joseph Bay, Saint George Sound, and Keaton Beach in Florida, USA. Coincident in situ measurements of water-leaving radiance (Lw), optical properties, and seagrass leaf area index (LAI) were collected. Seagrass classification and the retrieval of LAI were compared after empirical line height (ELH) and dark-object subtraction (DOS) methods were used for atmospheric correction. DOS left residual brightness in the blue and green bands but had minimal impact on the seagrass classification accuracy. However, the brighter reflectance values reduced LAI retrievals by up to 50% compared to ELH-corrected images and ground-based observations. This study offers a potential correction for LAI underestimation due to incomplete atmospheric correction, enhancing the retrieval of seagrass density and above-ground Blue Carbon from WorldView-2 imagery without in situ observations for accurate atmospheric interference correction.
Thermodynamics-Inspired Multi-Feature Network for Infrared Small Target Detection
Authors: Zhang Mingjin , Yang Handi , Yue Ke , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhu Yuqi , Li Yunsong
Published: September 2023

Infrared small target detection (IRSTD) is widely used in many fields such as detection and guidance systems and is of great research importance. However, small targets in infrared images are typically small, blurry, feature-poor, and prone to being overwhelmed by noisy backgrounds, posing a significant challenge for IRSTD. In this paper, we propose a thermodynamics-inspired multi-feature network (TMNet) for the IRSTD task, which extracts richer and more essential semantic features of infrared targets through cross-layer and multi-scale feature fusion, along with the assistance of a thermodynamics-inspired super-resolution branch. Specifically, it consists of an attention-directed feature cross-aggregation encoder (AFCE), a U-Net backbone decoder, and a thermodynamic super-resolution branch (TSB). In the shrinkage path, the original encoder structure is reconstructed as AFCE, which contains two depth-weighted multi-scale attention modules (DMA) and a cross-layer feature fusion module (CFF). The DMA and CFF modules achieve self-feature-guided multi-scale feature fusion and cross-layer feature interaction by utilizing semantic features from different stages in the encoding process. In thermodynamics, the difference in the formation of different heat between particles leads to heat transfer between objects, which inspired us to analogize the feature extraction process of gradually focusing the network’s attention to an infrared target under the constraints of the loss function to the process of heat transfer. On the expansion path, the TSB module incorporates the Hamming equation of thermodynamics to mine infrared detail features through heat transfer-inspired high-resolution feature representations while assisting the low-resolution branch to learn high-resolution features. We conduct extensive experiments on the publicly available NUAA-SIRSST dataset and find that the proposed TMNet exhibits excellent detection performance in both pixel-level and object-level metrics. This discovery provides us with a relatively dependable guideline for formulating network designs aimed at IRSTD.
Bayesian Model for 3D Undulating Terrain Depth Estimation Using Photon Counting LiDAR
Authors: Wang Rui , Liu Bo , Li Zhikang , Yi Hao , Guo Zeyu , Chen Zhen
Published: September 2023

Photon counting LiDAR can capture the 3D information of long-distance targets and has the advantages of high sensitivity and high resolution. However, the noise counts restrict improvements in the photon counting imaging quality. Therefore, how to make full use of the limited signal counts under noise interference to achieve efficient 3D imaging is one of the main problems in current research. To address this problem, in this paper, we proposes a 3D imaging method for undulating terrain depth estimation that combines constant false alarm probability detection with the Bayesian model. First, the new 3D cube data are constructed by adaptive threshold segmentation of the reconstructed histogram. Secondly, the signal photons are extracted in the Bayesian model, and depth estimation is realized from coarse to fine by the sliding-window method. The robustness of the method under intense noise is proven by sufficient undulating terrain simulations and outdoor imaging experiments. These results show that the proposed method is superior to typical existing methods.
Comprehensive Assessment of Sustainable Development Goal 11 at the Sub-City Scale: A Case Study of Guilin City
Authors: Chang Yao , Ouyang Xiaoying , Fei Xianyun , Sun Zhongchang , Li Sijia , Jiang Huiping , Li Hongwei
Published: September 2023

Quantifying the progress and interactions of the 11 indicators of Sustainable Development Goal 11 plays a crucial role in improving urban living and promoting urban prosperity. SDG 11, focused on sustainable cities and communities, employs forward-thinking strategies to address challenges arising from urban prosperity and development, such as land scarcity and resource shortages. This paper positions the indicators of SDG 11, analyzing the patterns, trends, dynamics, and issues of urbanization development in Guilin using a combination of geospatial satellite resource data and categorical statistical data. The study introduces a framework and positioning method for assessing sustainable development at the city–county scale, exploring the current state, spatial aggregation, synergies, and trade-offs in the development of Guilin City. The study introduces a framework and positioning method for assessing sustainable development at the city–county scale. Utilizing a localized evaluation system, it explores the developmental status of Guilin City. The application of Moran’s Index observes spatial aggregation among entities. By investigating Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, it delves into the interplay of synergies and trade-offs within the studied region. Ultimately, it reveals significant disparities in the developmental landscape of the evaluated area, with a comprehensive spatial distribution indicating higher levels of development in the central and western regions and lower levels in the southeastern part. Strengthened cross-leverage and coordination are imperative to address the interconnections and harmonization of the developmental trends of the six synergistic indicators and nine trade-off indicators during the developmental process. The sustainable development of Guilin lays the groundwork for urban planning, construction, conservation, and management, positioning it as a potential model for successful sustainable development practices.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Horizontal Crustal Deformation in the Sichuan–Yunnan Region Using GPS Data
Authors: Zhao Quanshu , Ding Kaihua , Lan Guanghong , Wu Yunlong , Liu Yuan , Peng Shengxiang , Li Tianao
Published: September 2023

Based on various velocity fields from Global Positioning System (GPS) data over nearly 20 years in the Sichuan–Yunnan region, this paper calculated the strain rate field and its spatiotemporal characteristics by using an improved least squares collocation method. We evaluated the calculated strain field by extensively discussing the impact of non-tectonic factors on the calculation. Subsequently, we described the present-day strain rate features and their spatiotemporal variations. The results indicate the necessity of considering the influence of non-tectonic factors when calculating the strain rate field by using GPS velocity data. Widespread strain accumulation is observed in the Sichuan–Yunnan region, and significant second strain rate invariant with an average value of 33.1 nanostrain/yr primarily occurs along the eastern boundary faults of the Sichuan–Yunnan rhomboid block, specifically the Xianshuihe–Anninghe–Zemuhe–Xiaojiang fault systems. These fault systems also demarcate the zones with negative and positive dilation strain. According to the spatiotemporal variations of strain rate fields, the northern and southern segments of the Xianshuihe Fault, the Anninghe Fault and its eastern adjacent faults, and the Xiaojiang Fault are undergoing intensifying strain. Consequently, these zones should be paid more attention due to their relatively higher seismic risk in the Sichuan–Yunnan region.
What Is the Threshold Elevation at Which Climatic Factors Determine Snow Cover Variability? A Case Study of the Keriya River Basin
Authors: Yan Wei , Wang Yifan , Ma Xiaofei , Tan Yaogeng , Yan Junhui , Liu Minghua , Liu Sutao
Published: September 2023

Climate and topography are pivotal factors influencing snow cover variation, highlighting the significance of investigating the altitudinal response of snow cover to climate change. This study adopted a new MODIS snow cover extent product over China, reanalysis climate data, and digital elevation model (DEM) data to analyze the variation characteristics of snow cover frequency (SCF) and climatic factors with elevation in the Keriya River Basin (KRB) during the hydrological years from 2000 to 2020. The Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) method was utilized to explore the elevation-based relationships between SCF and climatic factors. Our findings can be summarized as follows: (1) The SCF exhibited an “increasing–decreasing–increasing–decreasing” pattern intra-annually, with insignificant monthly inter-annual variations. Only November, January, April, and May demonstrated upward trends, whereas October and December remained relatively stable, and other months exhibited declines. (2) Vertical variations in SCF and climatic factors revealed fluctuating upward trends in SCF and wind speed. On the other hand, the air temperature consistently decreased at a lapse rate ranging from 0.60 to 0.85 °C/100 m. Precipitation demonstrated “rising–falling” or “rapidly rising–slowly rising” patterns, bounded by 3821 m (range 3474–4576 m). (3) A new decision scheme, which took into account the alteration of the primary SCF controlling factors and shifts between positive and negative impacts caused by these factors, was used to determine five threshold elevation zones: 2585 m (range 2426–2723 m), 3447 m (range 3125–3774 m), 4251 m (range 4126–4375 m), 5256 m (range 4975–5524 m), and 5992 m (range 5874–6425 m). These threshold elevation zones were evident in spring, with four of these appearing in autumn (excluding 4251 m) and summer (excluding 2585 m). Only two threshold elevation zones were observed in winter with elevation values of 3447 m and 5992 m, respectively. Our findings are crucial for a deeper understanding of snow cover variation patterns at different elevations and offer essential insights for the responsible management of regional water resources.