bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient tolerance in office‐based blue laser therapy for lesions of the vocal folds: Correlation with patients' characteristics, disease type and procedure‐related factors
Authors: Hamdan Abdul‐Latif , Hosri Jad , Abou Raji Feghali Patrick , Ghanem Anthony , Fadel Charbel , Jabbour Christopher
Published: June 2023

Objective

To report patient tolerance in office‐based blue laser therapy for vocal fold lesions.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent office‐based blue laser therapy for lesions of the vocal folds between November 2021 and February 2023 was conducted. A total of 48 patients were included. Patient tolerance was assessed using the Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale (IOWA). Patient tolerance was analyzed in relation to patients' demographic characteristics, disease type and severity, and procedure‐related factors.

Results

The mean tolerance score of the study group was 1.51 ± 1.1. There was a significant difference in the mean tolerance score between smokers and non‐smokers (p = .038). Patients with vocal fold cyst (n = 3) had the highest mean tolerance score followed by patients with vocal fold polyps (n = 15). There was a nonsignificant difference in the mean tolerance score between benign lesions of the vocal folds and leukoplakia. Patients with lesions extending to more than half the vocal fold had less tolerance than those with lesions limited to less than half the vocal fold (1.91 vs. 1.27, p value .041). There was a moderate and significant negative correlation between vocal fold movement VAS, swallowing VAS, and tolerance score. The mean total duration of the procedures was 10.38 ± 4.8 min. There was a mild negative correlation between the duration of the procedure and tolerance.

Conclusion

Office‐based blue laser therapy for vocal fold lesions is a well‐tolerated procedure. Patient should be instructed how to breathe quietly and avoid swallows to improve tolerance to surgery.

Level of Evidence

4.
Lifelong Association of Disorders Related to Military Trauma with Subsequent Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Scott Gregory D. , Neilson Lee E. , Woltjer Randy , Quinn Joseph F. , Lim Miranda M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Trauma‐related disorders such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are emerging as risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD), but their association with development of PD and independence from comorbid disorders remains unknown.

Objective

To examine TBI and PTSD related to early trauma in military veterans using a case‐control study.

Methods

PD was identified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code, recurrent PD‐specific prescriptions, and availability of 5+ years of earlier records. Validation was performed by chart review by a movement disorder–trained neurologist. Control subjects were matched 4:1 by age, duration of preceding health care, race, ethnicity, birth year, and sex. TBI and PTSD were identified by ICD code and onset based on active duty. Association and interaction were measured for TBI and PTSD with PD going back 60 years. Interaction was measured for comorbid disorders.

Results

A total of 71,933 cases and 287,732 controls were identified. TBI and PTSD increased odds of subsequent PD at all preceding 5‐year intervals back to year −60 (odds ratio range: 1.5 [1.4, 1.7] to 2.1 [2.0, 2.1]). TBI and PTSD showed synergism (synergy index range: 1.14 [1.09, 1.29] to 1.28 [1.09, 1.51]) and additive association (odds ratio range: 2.2 [1.6, 2.8] to 2.7 [2.5, 2.8]). Chronic pain and migraine showed greatest synergy with PTSD and TBI. Effect sizes for trauma‐related disorders were comparable with established prodromal disorders.

Conclusions

TBI and PTSD are associated with later PD and are synergistic with chronic pain and migraine. These findings provide evidence for TBI and PTSD as risk factors preceding PD by decades and could aid in prognostic calculation and earlier intervention. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Comparative work for the source identification in parabolic inverse problem based on Taylor and Chebyshev wavelet methods
Authors: Priyadarshi Gopal , Korkut Sila Ovgu
Published: June 2023

In this article, we study wavelet collocation methods based on Taylor and Chebyshev wavelets for source identification in the parabolic inverse problem. In the proposed method, the highest order derivative is written in terms of the Taylor and Chebyshev wavelet series, and required unknown terms are obtained using successive integration. Taylor series approximation has been utilized to obtain the source control parameter. Convergence analysis is carried out in order to guarantee the accuracy of the method. Numerical results have been obtained based on the proposed methods, and it is shown that the Taylor wavelet method provides us with a better result than the Chebyshev wavelet method. CPU time has also been shown to ensure the efficiency of the method.
Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Herbs and Spices' Phytochemicals over 24 h after Consumption in Overweight/Obese Adults
Authors: Huang Yudai , Edirisinghe Indika , Burton‐Freeman Britt M. , Sandhu Amandeep K.
Published: June 2023

Scope

This study aims to characterize the phytochemicals in commonly consumed herbs/spices (H/S) in the United States and their pharmacokinetic profile (PK) over 24 h in humans after consumption.

Method and results

The clinical trial is a randomized, single‐blinded, four‐arm, 24 h, multi‐sampling, single‐center crossover design (Clincaltrials.gov NCT03926442) conducted in obese/overweight adults (n = 24, aged 37 ± 3 years, BMI = 28.4 ± 0.6 kg m−2). Study subjects consume a high‐fat high‐carbohydrate meal with salt and pepper (control) or the control meal with 6 g of three different H/S mixtures (Italian herb: rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley in the same ratio; cinnamon; and pumpkin pie spice containing cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, the ratio is unknown). Three H/S mixtures are analyzed and 79 phytochemicals are tentatively identified and quantified. Following H/S consumption, 47 metabolites are tentatively identified and quantified in plasma samples. The PK data suggest that some metabolites appear in blood as early as 0.5 h while others can extend up to 24 h.

Conclusion

Phytochemicals from H/S include in a meal are absorbed and undergo phase I and phase II metabolism and/or catabolized to phenolic acids peaking at different times.
Simultaneous activation of Kras–Akt and Notch pathways induces extrahepatic biliary cancer via the mTORC1 pathway
Authors: Namikawa Mio , Fukuda Akihisa , Mizukoshi Kenta , Iwane Kosuke , Kawai Munenori , Yamakawa Go , Omatsu Mayuki , Sono Makoto , Masuda Tomonori , Araki Osamu , Nagao Munemasa , Yoshikawa Takaaki , Ogawa Satoshi , Hiramatsu Yukiko , Muta Yu , Tsuda Motoyuki , Maruno Takahisa , Nakanishi Yuki , Tsuruyama Tatsuaki , Taura Kojiro , Hatano Etsuro , Seno Hiroshi
Published: June 2023

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) has poor prognosis. The Notch receptor is aberrantly expressed in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA). However, the role of Notch signaling in the initiation and progression of eCCA and gallbladder (GB) cancer remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the functional role of Notch signaling during tumorigenesis of the extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) and GB. Activation of Notch signaling and oncogenic Kras resulted in the development of biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilINs) in the EHBD and GB, which were premalignant lesions that progressed to adenocarcinoma in mice. The expression of genes involved in the mTORC1 pathway was increased in biliary spheroids from Hnf1b‐CreERT2; KrasLSL‐G12D; Rosa26LSL‐NotchIC mice and inhibition of the mTORC1 pathway suppressed spheroid growth. Additionally, simultaneous activation of the PI3K–AKT and Notch pathways in EHBD and GB induced biliary cancer development in mice. Consistent with this, we observed a significant correlation between activated NOTCH1 and phosphorylated Ribosomal Protein S6 (p‐S6) expression in human eCCA. Furthermore, inhibition of the mTORC1 pathway suppressed the growth of Notch‐activated human biliary cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the Kras/Notch–Myc axis activated mTORC1 through TSC2 phosphorylation in mutant biliary spheroids. These data indicate that inhibition of the mTORC1 pathway could be an effective treatment strategy for Notch‐activated human eCCA. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Capillary surface modification using millimolar levels of aminosilane reagent for highly efficient separation of phenolic acids and flavonols by capillary electrophoresis with UV detection
Authors: Hemwech Pattamaporn , Obma Apinya , Detsangiamsak Sasinun , Wirasate Supa , Wilairat Prapin , Chantiwas Rattikan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Phytochemical analysis of phenolic acids and flavonols poses a challenge, necessitating the development of an efficient separation method. This facilitates the quantification of these compounds, yielding valuable insights into their benefits.

Objective

To develop a highly effective separation of phenolic acids and flavonols by capillary electrophoresis and ultraviolet (UV) detection through the modification of the capillary surface using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) at millimolar concentrations.

Methods

The capillary surface is modified with 0.36 mM‐APTES solution. The electrolyte is 20.0 mM borate buffer (pH 9.0). Separation performance (plate number N, resolution Rs), stability, and reproducibility of the coating procedure are evaluated using the analysis of phenolic acids, rutin and quercetin.

Results

The modified capillary provided efficient separation with plate numbers N ≥ 1.0 × 104 m−1 and resolution Rs ≥ 0.8 for all pairs of adjacent peaks of the separation of five selected phenolic acids, rutin, quercetin, caffeine and methylparaben (as internal standard). The precisions of the relative migration times for 17 consecutive analyses of samples over 3 h were 1% relative standard deviation (RSD) for rutin and 7% RSD for quercetin. The analysis of rutin and quercetin in 12 dietary supplement product samples only required a simple dilution step for sample preparation.

Conclusion

A straightforward modification technique utilising millimolar concentrations of APTES resulted in highly efficient separation of phenolic acids, rutin and quercetin, accompanied by high precision and surface stability. The modified capillary proved successful in analysing rutin and quercetin content in dietary supplements.
Degradation of high density polyethylene packaging by accelerated aging in sea water
Authors: Elkori Rabiaa , Lamarti Amal , Salmi Houda , Hachim Abdelilah , El had Khalid
Published: June 2023

The increase of plastic waste in the marine environment raises several ecological, human, and biological problems. In this work, an accelerated artificial aging study was conducted in seawater after immersing samples of high‐density polyethylene bottles for several aging times and at three different temperatures. The deterioration of the mechanical properties of High density polyethylene (HDPE) under different aging conditions was investigated using tensile and compression tests. The absorption of seawater by the samples was analyzed using a gravimetric method and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). Further surface analysis of the samples during accelerated aging was performed using a scanning electron microscope. The results show that HDPE loses its ductility and rigidity. FTIR analysis confirms the increase in crystallinity during aging.
Chloramines of amino acids as precursors of bactericidal activity in cell culture media DMEM and RPMI treated by RF‐driven He/O2 plasma jet
Authors: Jirásek Vít , Tarabová Barbora , Lukeš Petr
Published: June 2023

Antibacterial properties and chemical changes of two culture media, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI), treated by RF‐driven He/O2 plasma jet, were studied using various chemical diagnostics and assessing Escherichia coli inactivation. The antibacterial effect increased with the plasma treatment time and was stronger in RPMI than in DMEM. Formation of organic mono‐ and dichloramines of amino acids in DMEM/RPMI by hypochlorite produced by the reaction of plasma‐generated O atoms with Cl− ions present in culture media were the major causes of the biocidal activity. This behavior was attributed to the action of tertiary chemical products formed by the decay of organic dichloramines. The thiobarbituric acid assay revealed malondialdehyde formation from glucose oxidation as the major component of the media.
Erb‐(IL10)2 ameliorates radiation‐induced skin injury through eliminate oxygen free radicals
Authors: Xu Jiahe , Zhu Jiaxing , Zhao Qi , Xue Jiao , Qin Songbing
Published: June 2023

Objective

Radiation‐induced skin injury (RISI) remains a serious concern during radiotherapy. IL‐10 is considered as an immune suppressive cytokine by inhibiting the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines in cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of Erb (IL10) 2 against ionizing radiation.

Methods

We fused Interleukin 10 (IL‐10) dimer onto an anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor antibody Cetuximab (Erbitux) to form a new bispecific protein Erb‐(IL10)2. The protective effect and biological activity of Erb‐(IL10)2 was measured in model of RISI.

Results

Under the condition of 20 Gy irradiation, surviving cells in the IR group decreased significantly compared with the non‐IR group (p = 0.0021). The survival rates of HaCaT (p = 0.0038) and WS1 (p = 0.0003) cells were significantly increased after IL‐10 treatment. The apoptosis rates of HaCaT (p = 0.0048) and WS1 (p = 0.0074) cells in the IL‐10 group were significantly lower compared to the NC group. Under 20 Gy irradiation conditions, IL‐10 fusion protein reduced the level of reactive oxygen in HaCaT (p = 0.0046) and WS1 (p<0.0001) cells compared to the control group. Relatively normal granular mitochondrial morphology was observed in the IL‐10 group after 20 Gy X‐ray irradiation compared with the NC group. Ater 35 Gy electron radiation, the levels of reactive oxygen species in the skin tissue of C57/B6 mice injected with IL‐10 fusion protein were significantly lower than those in the PBS group (p = 0.001). Compared with the PBS group and the other IL‐10 groups, the group treated with 0.2 mg/kg IL‐10 showed a significant decrease in MDA level (p = 0.0024). Compared with the PBS group, the thickness of the stratum corneum in groups treated with 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg IL‐10 decreased, and the skin appendages were well‐preserved. In the group treated with 0.2 mg/kg IL‐10, the skin tissue structure was still relatively intact, and the masson staining area was smaller than that of the PBS group.

Conclusion

IL‐10 plays a role in inhibiting radioactive fibrosis in radioactive skin injury. IL‐10 has a protective effect on skin cell damage after ionizing radiation irradiation both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, IL‐10 plays a role in inhibiting radioactive fibrosis in radioactive skin injury.
First report of target‐site resistance to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides in Bromus tectorum L.
Authors: Ribeiro Victor Hugo Vidal , Brunharo Caio ACG , Mallory‐Smith Carol , Walenta Darrin L , Barroso Judit
Published: June 2023

Background

The prevalent and repeated use of acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicides for Bromus tectorum L. control in fine fescue (Festuca L. spp) grown for seed has selected ACCase‐resistant B. tectorum populations. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the response of nine B. tectorum populations to the ACCase inhibitors clethodim, sethoxydim, fluazifop‐P‐butyl, and quizalofop‐P‐ethyl and the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor sulfosulfuron and (2) characterize the resistance mechanisms.

Results

Bromus tectorum populations were confirmed to be resistant to the ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides tested. The levels of resistance varied among the populations for clethodim (resistance ratio, RR = 5.1–14.5), sethoxydim (RR = 18.7–44.7), fluazifop‐P‐butyl (RR = 3.1–40.3), and quizalofop‐P‐ethyl (RR = 14.5–36). Molecular investigations revealed that the mutations Ile2041Thr and Gly2096Ala were the molecular basis of resistance to the ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides. The Gly2096Ala mutation resulted in cross‐resistance to the aryloxyphenoxypropionate (APP) herbicides fluazifop‐P‐butyl and quizalofop‐P‐ethyl, and the cyclohexanedione (CHD) herbicides clethodim, and sethoxydim, whereas Ile2041Thr mutation resulted in resistance only to the two APP herbicides. All B. tectorum populations were susceptible to sulfosulfuron (RR = 0.3–1.7).

Conclusions

This is the first report of target‐site mutations conferring resistance to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides in B. tectorum. The results of this study suggest multiple evolutionary origins of resistance and contribute to understanding the patterns of cross‐resistance to ACCase inhibitors associated with different mutations in B. tectorum. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigation of CVD Growth of 2D MoS2 on MXene Structures with Photoluminescence Mapping and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy
Authors: Sicim Elif Sevgi , Aydın Ozan , Ay Feridun , Kosku Perkgöz Nihan
Published: June 2023

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) are 2D materials with unique properties that make them suitable for electronic and optoelectronic applications. MoS2 is known for its high optical quantum yield and strong light–matter interaction, while Mo2C has metallic properties and is a member of the relatively new class of 2D materials called MXenes. In this research, a new heterostructure is obtained by growing MoS2 directly on Mo2C for the first time using chemical vapor deposition method. This novel hybrid structure changes the interlayer interaction and excited‐state dynamics, thereby increasing material diversity. The structure is characterized using Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, while photoluminescence (PL) and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy measurements are used to examine exciton motions. This study shows that the thickness of the hybrid structure is directly proportional to the frequency difference between the E2g and A1g modes, and inversely proportional to the PL intensities. The hybrid structure displays distinct exciton transitions due to the metallic effect and a longer fluorescence lifetime when compared to the bare monolayer of MoS2. The introduction of this novel hybrid structure with its optical properties holds great potential in opening up new avenues for optoelectronic device applications.
l‐borneol promotes neurovascular unit protection in the subacute phase of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion rats: p38‐MAPK pathway activation, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptotic effect
Authors: Xie Qian , Lu Danni , Yuan Jianmei , Ren Mihong , Li Yong , Wang Jiajun , Ma Rong , Wang Jian
Published: June 2023

Our previous study showed l‐borneol reduced cerebral infarction in the acute stage after cerebral ischemia, but there is little about the study of subacute phase. We herein investigated the cerebral protective effects of l‐borneol on neurovascular units (NVU) in the subacute phase after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (t‐MCAO). The t‐MCAO model was prepared by the line embolus method. Zea Longa, mNss, HE, and TTC staining were used to evaluate the effect of l‐borneol. We evaluated the mechanisms of l‐borneol on inflammation, p38 MAPK pathway, and apoptosis, etc. through various technologies. l‐borneol 0.2, 0.1, 0.05 g·kg−1 could significantly reduce cerebral infarction rate, alleviate the pathological injury, and inhibit inflammation reaction. l‐borneol could also significantly increase brain blood supply, Nissl bodies, and the expression of GFAP. Additionally, l‐borneol activated the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, inhibited cell apoptosis, and maintained BBB integrity. l‐borneol had a neuroprotective effect, which was related to activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, inhibiting inflammatory response and apoptosis, and improving cerebral blood supply to protect BBB and stabilize and remodel NVU. The study will provide a reference for the use of l‐borneol in the treatment of ischemic stroke in the subacute phase.
Cystic fibrosis modulator therapy can reverse cystic bronchiectasis
Authors: Middleton Peter G. , Simmonds Nicholas J.
Published: June 2023

Bronchiectasis is often considered progressive and irreversible, so cases of regression or reversal are an important step in understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Cystic fibrosis, (CF) caused by pathogenic variants in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene has been a success story in personalized medicine. The recent development of CFTR modulator therapies has revolutionized care. Dramatic improvements in lung function, sputum production, daytime functioning, and quality of life are seen within weeks. However, the effect of long‐term exposure to elexacaftor + tezacaftor + ivacaftor (ETI) on the structural abnormalities is at present unknown. This case series outlines three adults with CF who have demonstrated progressive improvement in the cylindrical, varicose and importantly cystic changes of bronchiectasis with prolonged ETI treatment. This raises the exciting question of reversibility of bronchiectasis as well as the mechanisms involved in the maintenance and progression of bronchiectasis as it relates to CF.
MT‐filters‐based event‐triggered adaptive prescribed performance tracking control of multi‐agent systems with unknown direction actuator failure
Authors: Chen Penghao , Luan Xiaoli , Liu Fei
Published: June 2023

In this article, to ensure better performance and simultaneously save resources, an event‐triggered adaptive prescribed performance cooperative dynamic surface control (DSC) strategy is proposed for a class of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with unmodeled dynamics and unknown direction actuator failure under directed graphs. Firstly, with the help of MT‐filters and linearly parametrized neural networks, the unmeasurable states and nonlinearities are dealt with, respectively. Then, to reduce the impact of unmodeled dynamics on the system, a quantifiable dynamic signal created by an auxiliary first‐order system is utilized. Furthermore, a Nussbaum function and a smooth function are introduced to compensate for negative influence of unknown direction actuator failure on the system. Following that, by using the DSC approach to design the controller, all of the closed‐loop system's signals are proven to be cooperative semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded, all followers achieve the consensus results, and each follower tracking error reaches a specific bound within a finite time. Finally, the applicability of the proposed adaptive control strategy is demonstrated through numerical simulation.
Comparison of bird migration in a radar wind profiler and a dedicated bird radar
Authors: Weisshaupt Nadja , Hervo Maxime , Haest Birgen
Published: June 2023

Various types of radar systems are increasingly being used to monitor aerial biodiversity. Each of these types has different detection capabilities and sensitivities to environmental conditions, which affect the quantity and quality of the measured objects of interest. Radar wind profilers have long been known to detect birds, but their use in ornithology has remained limited, largely because of biologists' unfamiliarity with these systems. Although the potential of radar wind profilers for quantitative bird monitoring has been illustrated with time series of raw data, a comparison with a similar radar system more established in biology is missing. Here, we compare nocturnal bird migration patterns observed by a radar wind profiler during October 2019 and April 2021 with those from a dedicated bird radar BirdScan MR1. The systems were located 50 km apart with an altitudinal difference of about 850 m. The nightly migration intensities measured with both systems were highly correlated in both spring and autumn (Pearson correlation coefficient ≈ 0.8, P < 0.001), but estimated traffic measured by the radar wind profiler was on average five times higher in spring and nine times higher in autumn. Low ratios of the migration traffic rates of the Birdscan MR1 to those of the radar wind profiler occurred primarily in clear conditions. In both radar systems, migration occurred at significantly higher altitudes in spring than in autumn. Discrepancies in absolute numbers between both systems are likely due to both system‐inherent and external environmental and topographical factors, but also different quantification approaches. These findings support the capacity of radar wind profilers for aerial biomonitoring, independent of environmental conditions, and open up further avenues for studying the impact of weather on bird migration at detailed temporal and altitudinal scales.
Evaluating public–private partnership role on the sustainability of airports in India
Authors: Chourasia Avin Shekhar , Dalei Narendra N. , Jha Karunakar
Published: June 2023

A public–private partnership (PPP) upgrades airport services, infrastructures, space, and ground handling systems. The participation of private entities could provide significant sustainability‐related issues since they typically have a profit‐making mindset. Private entities mainly focus on maximising their profits, but public entities are more concerned about attaining social objectives. The differences in their approaches lead to sustainability issues in a PPP airport project. However, studies on the impact of PPP on sustainability are very scarce and limited to other infrastructure sectors like health, education, and so forth. To examine the impact of PPP on Mumbai and Delhi International Airport's sustainability, this study used partial least squares structural equation modelling. The direct impact of private ownership, investment distribution, risk sharing, regulatory intervention, stakeholder engagement, and reputation and credibility on environmental, economic, and social sustainability was examined. The study revealed that PPP improved Mumbai and Delhi's airports' economic sustainability but have a smaller impact on social and environmental sustainability. Existing airports lag in social and environmental sustainability. To achieve social, environmental, and economic sustainability, the government must directly formulate and implement programmes. Regulators regulate JV activities and encourage social and environmental sustainability. Policymakers are likely to benefit most from building a favourable legal framework, commercial viability, and solid economic policies for effective private participation in PPP airports. The study focuses on institutional aspects. It will also help understand the mechanism's impact and how constructions and indicators are managed in PPP airport development.
Port Authority of Cartagena: Evidence of a Sustainability Balanced Scorecard
Authors: Suárez‐Gargallo Carlos , Zaragoza‐Sáez Patrocinio
Published: June 2023

This paper provides a deeper understanding to the development and implementation of a Sustainability Balanced Scorecard in the Port Authority of Cartagena, under exploratory research. Open‐access documents available on different websites were used as data sources combined with semi‐structured personal interviews, which took place at the highest level of the organisation from September 2021 to December 2022. The strategy developed by this government unit has changed over the years, until 2018 when a new review, led by the Planning and Management manager, established a turning point in its sustainable strategy with the introduction of the Balanced Scorecard, resulting in a major internal change for the organisation. The creation of the Strategy Planning Office, external advice from strategy‐expertise consultants, IT solutions acquisition adapted to the new scenario, and several internal organisational changes, have been vital in this successful process. The Balanced Scorecard has been shown to be helpful in disseminating the sustainable strategy at all levels of the company: environmental and social actions were confined for years to the Sustainability Department, functioning as isolated actions, but now, they have reached the strategic level involving the whole organisation as part of the company's strategy. This successful process has put this organisation at the forefront of other Spanish ports, providing other port authority managers with a useful framework that can help them in their attempt to implement sustainable strategies by using the Balanced Scorecard—a framework not only valid for ports but which can also be extended to other government units.
Mesoporous Metal Fluoride Nanocomposite Films with Tunable Optical Properties Derived from Precursor Instability
Authors: Kim Dong In , Yim Soonmin , Ji Seulgi , Kim Minsu , Lee Seunghun , Son Minkyun , Song Da Som , Song Wooseok , Chung Taek‐Mo , Lee Sun Sook , An Ki‐Seok
Published: June 2023

The precisely tailored refractive index of optical materials is the key to utilizing and manipulating light during its propagation through the matrix, thereby improving their application performances. In this paper, mesoporous metal fluoride films with engineered composition (MgF2:LaF3) are demonstrated to achieve finely tunable refractive indices. These films are prepared using a precursor‐derived one‐step assembly approach via the simple mixing of precursor solutions (Mg(CF3OO)2 and La(CF3OO)3); then pores are formed simultaneously during solidification owing to the inherent instability of La(CF3OO)3. The mesoporous structures are realized through Mg(CF3OO)2 and La(CF3OO)3 ions, which interacted with each other based on their electrostatic forces, providing a wide range of refractive indices (from 1.37 to 1.16 at 633 nm). Furthermore, it is systematically several MgF2(1‐x)‐LaF3(x) layers with different compositions (x = 0.0, 0.3, and 0.5) to form the graded refractive index coating that is optically consecutive between the substrate and the air for broadband and omnidirectional antireflection. An average transmittance of ≈98.03% (400–1100 nm) is achieved with a peak transmittance of ≈99.04% (at 571 nm), and the average antireflectivity is maintained at ≈15.75% even at an incidence of light of 65° (400–850 nm).
Charge Transfer Modulation in Vanadium‐Doped WS2/Bi2O2Se Heterostructures
Authors: Chitara Basant , Dimitrov Edgar , Liu Mingzu , Seling Tank R. , Kolli Bhargava S. C. , Zhou Da , Yu Zhuohang , Shringi Amit K. , Terrones Mauricio , Yan Fei
Published: June 2023

The field of photovoltaics is revolutionized in recent years by the development of two–dimensional (2D) type‐II heterostructures. These heterostructures are made up of two different materials with different electronic properties, which allows for the capture of a broader spectrum of solar energy than traditional photovoltaic devices. In this study, the potential of vanadium (V)‐doped WS2 is investigated, hereafter labeled V‐WS2, in combination with air‐stable Bi2O2Se for use in high‐performance photovoltaic devices. Various techniques are used to confirm the charge transfer of these heterostructures, including photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy, along with Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). The results show that the PL is quenched by 40%, 95%, and 97% for WS2/Bi2O2Se, 0.4 at.% V‐WS2/Bi2O2Se, and 2 at.% V‐WS2/Bi2O2Se, respectively, indicating a superior charge transfer in V‐WS2/Bi2O2Se compared to pristine WS2/Bi2O2Se. The exciton binding energies for WS2/Bi2O2Se, 0.4 at.% V‐WS2/Bi2O2Se and 2 at.% V‐WS2/Bi2O2Se heterostructures are estimated to be ≈130, 100, and 80 meV, respectively, which is much lower than that for monolayer WS2. These findings confirm that by incorporating V‐doped WS2, charge transfer in WS2/Bi2O2Se heterostructures can be tuned, providing a novel light‐harvesting technique for the development of the next generation of photovoltaic devices based on V‐doped transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs)/Bi2O2Se.
Remarkably Corrosion Resistant Graphene Coating on Steel Enabled Through Metallurgical Tailoring
Authors: Raman R.K. Singh , Sanjid A. , Banerjee Parama Chakraborty , Arya Abhishek Kumar , Parmar Rahul , Amati Matteo , Gregoratti Luca
Published: June 2023

Graphene coatings developed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) that possess extraordinary/unique characteristics as barrier against aggressive environment can improve the corrosion resistance of Ni and Cu by up to two orders of magnitude. However, because of some compelling technical reasons, it has thus far been a nontrivial challenge to develop graphene coatings on the most commonly used engineering alloy, mild steel (MS). To circumvent the challenge simply by first electroplating MS with a Ni layer is attempted, and then developing CVD graphene over the Ni layer. However, this approach proved too simplistic and does not work. This necessitated an innovative surface modification of MS (based on basic metallurgical principles) that enabled successful CVD of graphene coating on MS. The graphene coating thus developed is demonstrated to improve the corrosion resistance of mild steel by two orders of magnitude in an aggressive chloride solution, through electrochemical testing. This improvement was not only sustained for the entire test duration of >1000 h; but there is a clear trend for the resistance to be possibly everlasting. The optimized surface modification that enabled development of CVD graphene coating on mild steel is generic in nature, and it should enable graphene coating on other alloy systems, which would otherwise not be possible.
Enhancing Electrochemical CO2 Reduction on Perovskite Oxide for Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells through In Situ A‐Site Deficiencies and Surface Carbonate Deposition Induced by Lithium Cation Doping and Exsolution
Authors: Lin Wanbin , Su Weibin , Li Yanpu , Chiu Te‐Wei , Singh Manish , Pan Zehua , Fan Liangdong
Published: June 2023

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) hold enormous potential for efficient conversion of CO2 to CO at low cost and high reaction kinetics. The identification of active cathodes is highly desirable to promote the SOEC's performance. This study explores a lithium‐doped perovskite La0.6‐xLixSr0.4Co0.7Mn0.3O3‐δ (x = 0, 0.025 0.05, and 0.10) material with in situ generated A‐site deficiency and surface carbonate as SOEC cathodes  for CO2 reduction. The experimental results indicate that the SOEC with the La0.55Li0.05Sr0.4Co0.7Mn0.3O3‐δ cathode exhibits a current density of 0.991 A cm−2 at 1.5 V/800 °C, which is an improvement of ≈30% over the pristine sample. Furthermore, SOECs based on the proposed cathode demonstrate excellent stability over 300 h for pure CO2 electrolysis. The addition of lithium with high basicity, low valance, and small radius, coupled with A‐site deficiency, promotes the formation of oxygen vacancy and modifies the electronic structure of active sites, thus enhancing CO2 adsorption, dissociation process, and CO desorption steps as corroborated by the experimental analysis and the density functional theory calculation. It is further confirmed that Li‐ion migration to the cathode surface forms carbonate and consequently provides the perovskite cathode with an impressive anti‐carbon deposition capability, as well as electrolysis activity.
P‐Type Doping of PM6:Y6‐Based Photoactive Layer with Formic Acid
Authors: Han Nara , Lee Minwoo , Moon Yina , Yang Dongseong , Beak Jeongwoo , Oh Chang-Mok , Hwang In-Wook , Kim Dong-Yu
Published: June 2023

The introduction of molecular doping process is necessary to enhance the optic and electronic properties of organic semiconductors for facilitating charge transport. In particular, since the doping process has a positive influence on the charge transfer interaction between host semiconductor and dopant, improved mobility has been efficiently achieved. Despite its advantages, doping technologies in organic solar cells (OSCs) are emphasized to the development of n‐type dopants used for balancing the electron and hole. In addition, since the bulk‐heterojunction microstructure in OSCs has randomly blended phases of the donor and acceptor, it is important to optimize charge extraction without loss by controlling the morphology. Herein, OSCs by p‐type doping with formic acid (FA) into a photoactive layer is reported. The champion device yields a significantly improved power conversion efficiency from 14.3% to 15.3% with a high fill factor of 71.7%. It is found that the p‐doped photoactive layer exhibits enhanced conductivity, improved carrier mobilities, suppressed charge recombination, and lowered leakage current. The FA simultaneously acts as a film morphology controller of the photoactive layer with enhanced phase separation to transport the charge efficiently. Thus, the doping process with FA can maintain the device performance in stability tests (95.6% remaining).
Toward the Decarbonization of the Steel Sector: Development of an Artificial Intelligence Model Based on Hyperspectral Imaging at Fully Automated Scrap Characterization for Material Upgrading Operations
Authors: de la Peña Borja , Iriondo Ander , Galletebeitia Aitzol , Gutierrez Aitor , Rodriguez Josué , Lluvia Iker , Vicente Asier
Published: June 2023

Due to decarbonization commitment made by steelmaking companies, the steel industry is tackling a technological transition from blast furnace (BF)–basic oxygen furnace (BOF) route to direct reduction iron (DRI)–electric arc furnace (EAF) route. Under this scenario, ferrous scrap becomes a critical factor for reaching CO2 reduction challenge. However, ferrous scrap can be considered one of the most complex industrial raw materials. In addition, scrap presents a huge heterogeneity in both physical and chemical characteristics. However, for producing high‐quality steel products, certainty on scrap specifics is required. Herein, an artificial intelligent model based on spectral information for the segmentation of different materials contained in the ferrous scrap is proposed. Developed solution offers a processing pipeline through a 2D–3D convolutional neural network algorithm based on a dataset with more than 428 million of pixels through hyperspectral cameras in the 400–1700 nm range. By this model, the detection of ferric fraction, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, sterile, and rubber and plastic materials are assessed. This work aims at increasing the reliability of the steelmaking process by lowering the number of steel quality noncompliance rejection due to lack of knowledge and uncertainties of these raw material compositions.
Effects of Cerium Addition on Inclusions and Solidification Structure of a Low‐Nickel Si–Mn‐Killed Stainless Steel
Authors: Zhang Ji , Ren Ying , Huang Riqing , Huang Zaijing , Huang Rong , Zhang Lifeng
Published: June 2023

The effect of cerium on inclusions and solidification structure of a low‐nickel Si–Mn‐killed stainless steel is studied using laboratory experiments. When the cerium content in steel increased from 0 to 250 ppm, modification sequence of inclusions is Si–Mn(–Al)–O and MnS → Ce–Si–Mn–O–S → Ce(–Si)–O–S → CeS and CeC2. The number density and area fraction of inclusion first decrease with the increase in the cerium content and then increase due to the formation of CeC2 inclusions when the cerium content is bigger than 150 ppm, which is precipitated in solid steel during solidification. When the cerium content increases from 0 to 250 ppm, the fraction of equiaxed grain zones of steel ingot first increases and reaches a maximum value when the cerium content is 54 ppm; then the fraction of equiaxed grain zones decreases with the increase of the cerium content. 2D lattice misfit calculations are performed and it is found that there are no heterogeneous nucleation cores in the steel without cerium during solidification. For the steel with cerium, Ce4.67Si3O13, Ce2O2S, and CeS inclusions act as heterogeneous nucleation cores, increasing the fraction of the equiaxed grain zone. Bigger effective heterogeneous nucleation cores number density leads to a larger fraction of the equiaxed grain zone.
Experimental and numerical investigations on interaction between reinforced‐concrete grid frame and ceramsite foam concrete infill
Authors: Xu Yingjie , Chen Hongniao
Published: June 2023

Experimental and numerical studies were conducted to investigate interaction between reinforced‐concrete grid frame (CGF) and ceramsite foam concrete (CFC) infill. In the experiments, compressive tests were performed on the CGF and RC grid frame filled with the CFC which forms a composite wall, namely CGFW. To investigate the mechanical properties of the CGFW and the interactions between the CGF and CFC infill, the failure modes, integral stiffness, local strains, and load distribution coefficients of the composite wall were analyzed. The experimental results indicated that the CFC infill could uniformly transmit loads and significantly improve the bearing capacity and vertical stiffness of the CGFW while reducing the ductility of the composite wall. The load distribution coefficients of the CFC infill were stable at 0.51 ± 0.06 before peak load and damage evolutions in concrete columns were effectively alleviated due to obvious interactions between the CGF and CFC infill. To evaluate the interaction mechanisms of the two, numerical analysis was carried out by changing the sizes of central grid, opening rates, and reinforcement ratios of the composite walls. The finite element model with plastic damage constitutive of concrete was calibrated by comparing the experimental results. The numerical results indicated that the interaction between the CGF and CFC infill was insensitive to changes in grid sizes, and the interaction between the two was significantly different with the same reinforcement method of frame beams and columns. In addition, the CFC infill played an important role in the stability of CGF as the opening rate significantly affected the mechanical properties of the CGFW, and a stable path of load transfer was the key factor to ensure the interaction between the CGF and CFC infill.
Structural behavior of reinforced lightweight self‐compacting concrete beams using expanded polystyrene as coarse aggregate and containing polyethylene terephthalate fibers
Authors: Al‐Hadithi Abdulkader Ismail , Hilal Nahla Naji , Al‐Gburi Majid , Midher Ammar Hamed
Published: June 2023

Through this study, an attempt was made to produce concrete beams from self‐compacting concrete (SCC) contain expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads as coarse aggregate and waste plastic fibers (WPFs) produced from cutting disposed packing straps in site. The beams were designed according to ACI‐318‐14, where three different reinforcement ratios were chosen for the purpose of checking the conductance of thresholds made of this type of environmentally friendly concrete under bending loads. The use of EPS with WPFs had a significant positive effect in reducing the density of concrete, and the highest percentage of reduction was equal to (38.46%). Using WPFs had a positive effect in increasing the flexural toughness of concrete prisms, and the maximum increment was equal to (180%) compared with these made from the reference mix. The results proved the possibility of producing lightweight concrete from the use of EPS waste and WPFs, three of which are structurally can be classified as lightweight concrete combination of normal weight and lightweight aggregates according to specifications requirements of ASTM330/330M‐14. Reinforced lightweight SCC beams behaved under flexural loads similar to the reinforced concrete beams made from normal weight concrete counterparts under flexural loads.
Numerical study on the structural performance of the continuous concrete slabs reinforced with hybrid BFRP/steel bars
Authors: Ali Yahia M. S. , Wang Xin , Abdelaleem Tarek , Liu Shui , Wu Zhishen
Published: June 2023

This study is mainly focused on the behavior of continuous concrete slabs reinforced with hybrid bars. Moment redistribution is a specific phenomenon in statically indeterminate structures due to the existence of redundant constraints and non‐uniform flexural stiffness of the reinforced concrete (RC) members. In this paper, a numerical one‐factor‐at‐a‐time parametric study was conducted using ABAQUS software to intensely understand the impact of several parameters on the performance of the hybrid RC continuous slabs. The investigated parameters were reinforcement type and ratio, FRP‐to‐steel ratio, and arrangement of reinforcement. The analysis results showed that the difference between sagging and hogging axial stiffness is the most influential parameter on the moment redistribution of hybrid‐RC continuous slabs. In addition, increasing the amount of reinforcement ratio at the mid‐span section is more effective in enhancing the load capacity of the slabs than over middle support section. Based on the obtained numerical results, some modifications to the Tarek et al. equations were proposed to be valid for hybrid‐RC continuous slabs. The presented modifications yielded good agreement with the numerical results predicting the moment redistribution of continuous concrete slabs with hybrid reinforcement.
Energy planning in sub‐Saharan African telecom networks: Decision support using a soft systems methodology
Authors: Ceriano Mbiika , Lalk Jörg , Thopil George Alex
Published: June 2023

This research paper narrates the application of the soft systems methodology (SSM) as a problem structuring tool, as well as the first step of a methodological approach that will provide decision support based on multi‐criteria decision analysis in the planning of energy for telecom networks across sub‐Saharan Africa. To ensure applicability of the methodology to a real‐world issue, an international telecom tower company based in East Africa was selected as the case study. The SSM is utilized to characterize the decision problem context precisely, identify major stakeholder groups and their connections, and to discover each one's interests. This helps to achieve appropriate and holistic energy planning and management unlike the current trends which employ a reductionist approach. The outcome of the work leads to a model using SSM where stakeholder inputs can be captured, for the telecom company.
Harnessing Radicals in Confined Supramolecular Environments Made Possible by MOFs
Authors: Li Mochen , Zhang Tiexin , Shi Yusheng , Duan Chunying
Published: June 2023

Researching and utilizing radical intermediates in organic synthetic chemistry have innovated discoveries in methodology and theory. Reactions concerning free radical species opened new pathways beyond the frame of the two‐electron mechanism while commonly characterized as rampant processes lacking selectivity. As a result, research in this field has always focused on the controllable generation of radical species and determining factors of selectivity. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as compelling candidates as catalysts in radical chemistry. From a catalytic point of view, the porous nature of MOFs entails an inner phase for the reaction that could offer possibilities for the regulation of reactivity and selectivity. From a material science perspecti ve, MOFs are organic‐inorganic hybrid materials that integrate functional units in organic compounds and complex forms in the tunable long‐ranged periodic structure. In this account, we summarized our progress in the application of MOFs in radical chemistry in three parts: (1) The generation of radical species; (2) The weak interactions and site selectivity; (3) Regio‐ and stereo‐selectivity. The unique role of MOFs play in these paradigms is demonstrated in a supramolecular narrative through the analyses of the multi‐constituent collaboration within the MOF and the interactions between MOFs and the intermediates during the reactions.