bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Soft, Abrasion-Resistant, and Moisture-Absorbent Wool/PA56 Blended Yarns for Seating Fabrics
Authors: Wu Shuangquan , Wang Zebo , Wang Xinhou , Jiang Jinhua
Published: July 2024

Biobased nylon (PA56) not only has the same physical properties as nylon (PA6/PA66) but its production method is also more environmentally friendly. PA56 fabric has the advantages of moisture absorption, perspiration, high-temperature resistance, and flexibility, which have been widely studied by scientific researchers. Wool has the advantages of beauty, environmental protection, and anti-wrinkle. However, pure wool fabrics have low strength and are easy to shrink when washed, which has always been a problem. Hence, this work adopted the ring spinning method to prepare wool/PA56 blended yarn with wool content of 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 100 wt%. Thus, to examine the effects of different blending ratios and twists on yarn performance, PA56 was blended with wool. The results showed that findings indicate that yarn performance is influenced by both yarn twist and blending ratio. The yarn thickens and takes on more linear density as the blending ratio and yarn twist increase. As the wool ratio increases, the yarn’s breaking stress and breaking strain decrease. It is obvious that the strength and elongation at break of pure PA56 yarn are 2.09 cN/Dtex and 33.92%, respectively. When the wool content was 100 wt%, the strength and elongation at break of the blended yarn were 0.66 cN/Dtex and 21.15%, respectively. With the amount of wool blending, the yarn hairiness index’s H-value initially rises and subsequently falls. The percentage of blended wool reaches 50% at 2.14; less blending might exacerbate the yarn’s stem, resulting in neps and unevenness features. The quality of the yarn improves as the blending percentage rises. The yarn has the advantages of resource saving, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness and has a broad application prospect in the automotive interior field.
Integrated Application of Dynamic Risk-Based Inspection and Integrity Operating Windows in Petrochemical Plants
Authors: Han Zhiyuan , Liu Juanbo , Li Jun , Kang Haoyuan , Xie Guoshan
Published: July 2024

The scientific and reasonable maintenance strategy is critical to ensure the continuous operation of stationary equipment in the petrochemical industry; both risk-based inspection (RBI) and integrity operating windows (IOWs) are effective for stationary equipment maintenance. In traditional static RBI, the risk is assumed to remain constant in whole inspection period, and the latest variations of medium and process parameters are not fed back into risk calculation. Thus, risk value may be overestimated or underestimated, leading to unexpected failures or excessive inspection. Integrated application of dynamic risk-based inspection (DRBI) and IOWs is an advanced direction for this problem. However, due to the complexity of dynamic interaction mechanisms and risk assessment algorithms as well as the deficiency of powerful software, industrial applications of DRBI and IOWs are still limited. By proposing improved dynamic risk indexes and real-time monitoring process parameters as well as utilizing them in DRBI assessment, this article proposes an integrated DRBI-IOWs method and develops a corresponding system. Further, the method and system are applied in a crude distillation unit. The results show that DRBI-IOWs provide direct and real-time insights into the actual risk and give early warning to the process parameter controls, which is important to control the equipment risk of sudden failures.
Matrix-Metalloproteinase-Responsive Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor for Spinal Cord Injury Repair
Authors: He Jiaxiong , Cai Hui , Wang Yuanyuan , Yan Junyan , Fan Caixia
Published: July 2024

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a vital role in supporting neuronal survival, differentiation, and promoting synaptogenesis, thereby facilitating synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Administration of exogenous BDNF is a crucial approach for treating central nervous system injuries. However, the inability of sustained drug release to match disease activity often leads to insufficient drug accumulation in the injured area (ineffectiveness) and severe side effects induced by the drug (toxicity). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-2 and MMP-9, are typically upregulated after tissue damage, and their upregulated expression levels represent the degree of disease activity. In this study, we utilized bioengineering techniques to prepare a BDNF that can specifically bind to collagen and be released in response to MMP substrate cleavage (collagen binding domain tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases brain-derived neurotrophic factor, CBD-TIMP-BDNF). We verified the ability of CBD-BDNF and CBD-TIMP-BDNF to specifically bind to collagen through collagen binding experiments, examined the characteristics of CBD-TIMP-BDNF in response to MMP-2 to release BDNF, and detected the biological activities of both recombinant proteins. The results demonstrated that the established microenvironment-controlled BDNF release system can respond to MMP-2 to release BDNF. The recombinant proteins CBD-BDNF and CBD-TIMP-BDNF exhibited similar biological activities to the BDNF standard. Targeting the upregulated expression of MMPs after spinal cord injury as a trigger for drug release, it is expected to achieve on-demand release of BDNF in response to the severity of the disease.
Mortality Rate in Periprosthetic Proximal Femoral Fractures: Impact of Time to Surgery
Authors: Vittori Jacopo , Hoxha Norsaga , Dettoni Federico , Rivoira Carolina , Rossi Roberto , Cottino Umberto
Published: July 2024

Hip replacement surgery is increasingly being performed on older patients, raising the risk of periprosthetic proximal femur fractures (PPFFs). While the impact of surgery timing on mortality in proximal femoral fractures is established, its effect on PPFFs remains unclear. This study aims to examine the correlation between surgery timing and mortality in PPFF patients. In a historical cohort study, we analyzed data from 79 PPFF patients treated from 2012 to 2022. Patients were categorized by surgery timing (≤48 h, 32 patients vs. >48 h, 47 patients). Outcomes and mortality rates were compared. No significant difference in mortality was observed between patients undergoing early (<48 h) and delayed (>48 h) surgery at 30 days and 1 year. Factors such as age (p = 0.154), gender (p = 0.058), ASA score (p = 0.893), Vancouver classification (p = 0.577), and surgery type (implant revision p = 0.691, OR = 0.667) did not affect 30-day mortality. However, 1-year mortality was influenced by gender (male p = 0.045) and age (p = 0.004), but not by other variables (Vancouver classification p = 0.443, implant revision p = 0.196). These findings indicate no association between surgery timing and mortality in PPFF patients, suggesting that other factors may influence outcomes. Further research is needed to optimize PPFF management.
Navigating the Past through an Interactive Geovisualisation-Driven Methodology: Locating a 15th–19th Century Paddy Field as a Source of Agro-Ecological Knowledge (Thessaly, Greece)
Authors: Goussios Dimitris , Faraslis Ioannis
Published: July 2024

The interconnection between the objectives of territorial development and those of the agro-ecological transition highlights the value of past knowledge in the sustainable management of resources and agro-ecological systems. However, the lack of data creates difficulties for retrospection in rural areas. This paper contributes to the search for such knowledge from the past by developing an interactive methodology capable of combining heterogeneous information sources with the activation of local collective memory. Its effectiveness is based on ensuring the interoperability of information and communication in an environment simultaneously shaped by geoinformatics and 3D geovisualisations. This virtual environment fostered participation and interactivity, supported by representations of the paleo-landscape (Ottoman period). Furthermore, synergies were achieved between information sources, which were integrated into local spatial systems. The application example involved identifying a rice field that existed between the 15th and 19th centuries in Thessaly, Greece. It is an interesting case because the research results indicated that the location and organisation of the crop, combined with the spatio-temporal coordination required, ensured the sustainable use of natural resources. The interplay between information and communication facilitated community participation and the activation of its collective memory as an information source that enriched the search itself and local intelligence.
Latent Space Representations for Marker-Less Realtime Hand–Eye Calibration
Authors: Martínez-Franco Juan Camilo , Rojas-Álvarez Ariel , Tabares Alejandra , Álvarez-Martínez David , Marín-Moreno César Augusto
Published: July 2024

Marker-less hand–eye calibration permits the acquisition of an accurate transformation between an optical sensor and a robot in unstructured environments. Single monocular cameras, despite their low cost and modest computation requirements, present difficulties for this purpose due to their incomplete correspondence of projected coordinates. In this work, we introduce a hand–eye calibration procedure based on the rotation representations inferred by an augmented autoencoder neural network. Learning-based models that attempt to directly regress the spatial transform of objects such as the links of robotic manipulators perform poorly in the orientation domain, but this can be overcome through the analysis of the latent space vectors constructed in the autoencoding process. This technique is computationally inexpensive and can be run in real time in markedly varied lighting and occlusion conditions. To evaluate the procedure, we use a color-depth camera and perform a registration step between the predicted and the captured point clouds to measure translation and orientation errors and compare the results to a baseline based on traditional checkerboard markers.
Validity of Current Smartwatches for Triathlon Training: How Accurate Are Heart Rate, Distance, and Swimming Readings?
Authors: Jacko Tobias , Bartsch Julia , von Diecken Carlo , Ueberschär Olaf
Published: July 2024

Smartwatches are one of the most relevant fitness trends of the past two decades, and they collect increasing amounts of health and movement data. The accuracy of these data may be questionable and requires further investigation. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to validate smartwatches for use in triathlon training. Ten different smartwatches were tested for accuracy in measuring heart rates, distances (via global navigation satellite systems, GNSSs), swim stroke rates and the number of swim laps in a 50 m Olympic-size pool. The optical heart rate measurement function of each smartwatch was compared to that of a chest strap. Thirty participants (15 females, 15 males) ran five 3 min intervals on a motorised treadmill to evaluate the accuracy of the heart rate measurements. Moreover, for each smartwatch, running and cycling distance tracking was tested over six runs of 4000 m on a 400 m tartan stadium track, six hilly outdoor runs over 3.4 km, and four repetitions of a 36.8 km road bike course, respectively. Three swimming protocols ranging from 200 m to 400 m were performed in triplicate in a 50 m Olympic-size pool, evaluating the tracked distance and the detected number of strokes. The mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) for the average heart rate measurements varied between 3.1% and 8.3%, with the coefficient of determination ranging from 0.22 to 0.79. MAPE results ranged from 0.8% to 12.1% for the 4000 m run on the 400 m track, from 0.2% to 7.5% for the 3.4 km outdoor run, and from 0.0% to 4.2% for the 36.8 km bike ride. For the swimming tests, in contrast, the deviations from the true distance varied greatly, starting at a 0.0% MAPE for the 400 m freestyle and reaching 91.7% for the 200 m medley with style changes every 25 m. In summary, for some of the smartwatches, the measurement results deviated substantially from the true values. Measurements taken while road cycling over longer distances with only a few curves were in relative terms more accurate than those taken during outdoor runs and even more accurate than those taken on the 400 m track. In the swimming exercises, the accuracy of the measured distances was severely deteriorated by the medley changes among the majority of the smartwatches. Altogether, the results of this study should help in assessing the accuracy and thus the suitability of smartwatches for general triathlon training.
Using Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) for Non-Functional Requirements
Authors: Santos Shexmo , Pimentel Tacyanne , Rocha Fabio Gomes , Soares Michel S.
Published: July 2024

In software engineering, there must be clarity in communication among interested parties to elicit the requirements aimed at software development through frameworks to achieve the behaviors expected by the software. Problem: A lack of clarity in the requirement-elicitation stage can impact subsequent stages of software development. Solution: We proposed a case study focusing on the performance efficiency characteristic expressed in the ISO/IEC/IEEE 25010 standard using Behavior-Driven Development (BDD). Method: The case study was performed with professionals who use BDD to elicit the non-functional requirements of a company that develops software. Summary of Results: The result obtained was the validation related to the elicitation of non-functional requirements aimed at the performance efficiency characteristic of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 25010 Standard using the BDD framework through a real case study in a software development company. Contributions and impact: The article’s main contribution is to demonstrate the effectiveness of using BDD to elicit non-functional requirements about the performance efficiency characteristic of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 25010 standard.
Influence of Government Effectiveness, Health Expenditure, and Sustainable Development Goals on Life Expectancy: Evidence from Time Series Data
Authors: Khan Kamal , Zeeshan Muhammad , Moiz Abdul , Bano Raisa , Khan Mohammad Haroon , Ahmad Sadique , Javed Yasir , ElAffendi Mohammed , Ateya Abdelhamied A.
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the influence of government effectiveness, health expenditure, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) on life expectancy in Pakistan. To accomplish this, a systematic analysis was conducted on time series data spanning from 2000 to 2020. Cointegration analysis was utilized to evaluate the long-term integration of all variables, while a comprehensive causality test was performed to investigate the short-term links among government effectiveness, health expenditure, SDGs, and life expectancy. The findings of the Johansen Cointegration test definitively confirmed the presence of long-term cointegration among all variables. In addition, the results of the Granger causality test show that there is a one-way causal relationship between government performance, health spending, and SDGs to life expectancy in the short term. The validation of both enduring and immediate connections among these factors emphasizes the crucial significance of healthcare services in Pakistan. Therefore, it is important to push for more healthcare investments and increased national budget allocations by the Pakistani government. Prioritizing the allocation of resources towards healthcare, bolstering the efficiency of the administration, and attaining SDG targets are all crucial for enhancing life expectancy in Pakistan. The study’s results also carry significant policy implications, underscoring the necessity of strategically implementing health expenditure and SDG targets to enhance human capital and population well-being, as demonstrated by the increased life expectancy.
Does Agricultural Mechanization Help Farmers to Strengthen Sustainability and Protect Cultivated Land? Evidence from 2118 Households in 10 Provinces of China
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhang Xuguang , Xiu Changbai
Published: July 2024

The protection of cultivated land is related to food security and sustainable agricultural development. Improving agricultural planting efficiency and reducing chemical inputs are important to promoting sustainability and protecting cultivated land, and agricultural mechanization plays an important role in this process. Based on the survey data of 2118 households in 10 provinces of China, we used the Oprobit and IV-Oprobit models to analyze the impact and mechanism of agricultural mechanization on the behaviors of farmers in achieving sustainability and protecting cultivated land. The results show that agricultural mechanization has a significant promotion effect on the behaviors of farmers, especially in motivating them to adopt higher levels of protective behaviors in terms of sustainable land cultivation. At the same time, the impacts of agricultural mechanization on the different production links were different. The promotion effect of the harvesting link on the sustainability protection behaviors of farmers was the most obvious, and the promotion effects of the tillage and sowing links were the least obvious. In addition, planting income and fertilizer input played a role in mediating between mechanization and cultivated land sustainability protection. Further analysis showed that agricultural mechanization can more effectively motivate farmers with full-time businesses or higher land concentrations to prioritize cultivated land sustainability. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the role of agricultural mechanization in promoting sustainability, protecting cultivated land, and promoting innovative green agricultural machinery. Via mechanization, we can increase the incomes of farmers, reduce excessive fertilizer use, and specifically target full-time farmers engaged in agricultural production and key aspects of land sustainability protection to promote the construction of better agricultural machinery systems, as well as agricultural machinery research and innovation, thereby fully leveraging the ecological protection effects of agricultural mechanization.
Optimizing Combustion Efficiency in Blast Furnace Injection: A Sustainable Approach Using Biomass Char and Coal Mixtures
Authors: Tang Chenmei , Pan Jian , Zhu Deqing , Guo Zhengqi , Yang Congcong , Li Siwei
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the combustion characteristics of mixed straw char and coal powder when used in blast furnace injection. The experiments examined the effects of mixing ratios between biomass char types of wheat straw char, corn straw char as well as cotton straw char, and anthracite coal on combustion characteristics and the injection effect of blast furnace. The results show that a 1:1 mixing ratio of wheat straw char and anthracite coal yields the best combustion characteristics, followed by a 1:1 ratio of corn straw char and anthracite coal. A 2:1 mixture of cotton straw char and anthracite coal exhibits the highest combustion efficiency. The study on the grindability of the mixtures indicates that straw char is easier to grind due to its brittleness. Blast furnace coal injection experiments reveal that a 50:50 mixture of cotton straw char and anthracite coal achieves the highest combustion efficiency at 74%, which is a 20.2% improvement compared to mixtures of bituminous coal and anthracite coal, significantly outperforming the other ratios. The findings underscore the importance of integrating renewable biomass resources in industrial applications to enhance sustainability in the metallurgical industry.
Landslide Susceptibility Assessment Method during the Construction of Highways Based on the Index Complexity Algorithm
Authors: Lin Daming , Zhang Yufang , Qiu Shumao , Bai Mingzhou , Xia Haoying , Qiao Wei , Tang Zhenyu
Published: July 2024

Landslides represent the most destructive and prevalent geological hazards along mountainous highways, severely imperiling the construction and maintenance of road infrastructure. To mitigate risks associated with high slopes during construction, a systematic evaluation of landslide susceptibility is imperative. This study introduces an assessment method developed over three years of engineering practice, integrating ten parameters that are intricately linked to construction scale, geological conditions, and engineering design. The method innovatively employs the Index Complexity Algorithm (ICA) to ascertain the weight distribution of the parameters, thereby diminishing the impact of subjective biases in qualitative assessments and enhancing the objectivity and precision of the evaluation. Utilizing the slope in China as a case study, the paper meticulously demonstrates the application of the assessment method. A comprehensive evaluation of the slope’s geological context, construction scale, and design rationality by the ICA algorithm yields a quantified risk score for the slope’s potential hazards. The findings indicate that the slope is classified as high risk (Grade III) during highway construction, necessitating the implementation of risk mitigation measures such as prestressed anchor cables and grouting anchorage. Beyond offering a novel methodological approach to landslide risk assessment, the method significantly contributes to the sustainable construction and operation of mountainous highways. Anticipated refinements in the assessment process and the parameter are poised to augment the method’s efficacy in slope engineering safety management, thereby bolstering the long-term stability and environmental sustainability of mountain highways.
Ensuring Sustainable Grid Stability through Effective EV Charging Management: A Time and Energy-Based Approach
Authors: Alyami Saeed
Published: July 2024

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly transformed transportation, offering environmental advantages by curbing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel dependency. However, their increasing adoption poses challenges for power systems, especially distribution systems, due to the direct connection of EVs with them. It requires robust infrastructure development, smart grid integration, and effective charging solutions to mitigate issues like overloading and peak demand to ensure grid stability, reliability, and sustainability. To prevent local equipment overloading during peak load intervals, the management of EV charging demand is carried out in this study, considering both the time to deadline and the energy demand of EVs. Initially, EVs are prioritized based on these two factors (time and energy)—those with shorter deadlines and lower energy demands receive higher rankings. This prioritization aims to maximize the number of EVs with their energy demands met. Subsequently, energy allocation to EVs is determined by their rankings while adhering to the transformer’s capacity limits. The process begins with the highest-ranked EV and continues until the transformer nears its limit. To this end, an index is proposed to evaluate the performance of the proposed method in terms of unserved EVs during various peak load intervals. Comparative analysis against the earliest deadline first approach demonstrates the superior ability of the proposed method to fulfill the energy demand of a larger number of EVs. By ensuring sustainable energy management, the proposed method supports the widespread adoption of EVs and the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system. Comparative analysis shows that the proposed method fulfills the energy needs of up to 33% more EVs compared to the earliest deadline method, highlighting its superior performance in managing network loads.
Joint Optimal Design of Electric Bus Service and Charging Facilities
Authors: Liu Yuan , Ding Yamin , Jiang Pei , Jin Xugang , Wu Xinlin , Zheng Zhanji
Published: July 2024

With the development of new energy technologies, fuel buses with internal combustion engines are gradually being replaced by electric buses. In order to save on system costs, an optimization model is proposed to jointly design the bus service and charging facilities. Considering the complexity of the original problem, the problem is decomposed into two subproblems, i.e., bus service design and charging facilities design. The bus service design is solved by a genetic algorithm with an embedded enumeration method. The non-linear charging facilities design problem is firstly converted to a linear problem and then solved by existing solving software. Sensitivity analysis of parameters such as passenger flow demand, charging power, and bus stopping time is also conducted to reveal their impact on the optimization of electric bus lines. The results indicate that, compared to the commonly used depot charging strategy, the proposed method reduces the operating cost per unit hour from RMB 16,378.30 to RMB 8677.99, a 47% reduction, and decreases the system cost from RMB 36,386.30 to RMB 29,637.99, an 18.5% reduction. This study addresses the charging and operation problem of electric bus lines. By considering charging vehicles while in operation, a joint optimization model for the operation of electric bus lines and the layout of charging facilities is established. An algorithm based on the combination of a genetic algorithm and enumeration method is designed, combined with a linear programming solver to solve the problem.
Growth and Architectural Response of Beech Seedlings to Canopy Removal and Soil Compaction from Selective Logging
Authors: Tavankar Farzam , Kivi Aezam Rezaee , Naghdi Ramin , Latterini Francesco , Venanzi Rachele , Picchio Rodolfo
Published: July 2024

Logging operations change the forest environment by creating a heterogeneous canopy with a range of different microenvironments that differ mostly in light intensity and level of soil disturbance. In this study, the growth characteristics and architecture of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) seedlings grown in three different microenvironments in terms of canopy and soil conditions were investigated. The experimental treatments (microenvironments) included skid trail (removal of canopy and compacted soil), winching corridor (natural canopy and compacted soil), felling gap (removal of canopy and natural soil), and comparison with the control area (canopy and soil in natural state). The results showed that the status of many growth and architectural indicators of seedlings is significantly less favorable than in the control area. These indicators include the length and biomass above and below ground, and the ratio of root length to stem length in the skid trails and winching corridors. The status of these indicators was, however, more favorable in felling gaps than in the control area. The seedling quality index decreased by −12.2% and −4.9% in skid trails and winching corridors, respectively, but increased by 2.4% in felling gaps compared to the control area. The growth characteristics and biomass of seedlings had a significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) with soil bulk density and penetration resistance and a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with soil porosity, moisture, and organic matter content. These results showed that the creation of a gap in the stand canopy due to the cutting of individual trees created a favorable micro-environment for the growth of seedlings, but the soil compaction caused by logging operations created an unfavorable micro-environment for these. Therefore, it is necessary to plan and execute the operation of extracting the cut trees in such a manner as to reduce the extent and severity of soil compaction with the goal of preserving and maintaining the stability of the forest ecosystem.
Outward Foreign Direct Investment and Corporate Environmental Investment: Competition or Cooperation?
Authors: Xue Qingmei , Li Fuyou
Published: July 2024

China is currently in a crucial phase of establishing a new domestic and international “dual circulation”, and a new model of sustainable development. OFDI and environmental investment play significant roles in both external and internal economic cycles. In this study, we constructed a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model, using data from listed companies in China from 2008 to 2022, to analyze how OFDI impacts domestic environmental investment and its underlying mechanism. The findings demonstrated that OFDI can significantly reduce the environmental investment made by domestic enterprises. There exists a capital competition relationship between these two activities due to financing constraints, although OFDI can mitigate environmental issues by reducing pollution emissions and promoting industrial structure upgrading within the home country, resulting in savings on environmental investments. Heterogeneity analysis revealed that the negative impact of OFDI on environmental investment is primarily observed in non-state-owned enterprises, firms investing in developed countries, and those subject to strict environmental requirements imposed by host governments. This study explains the internal logic of China’s environmental investment reduction from the perspective of OFDI, deepens the study of the environmental consequences of OFDI, broadens the applicable boundaries of the theory of OFDI’s impact on environmental investment, and provides insights for the government to establish a high-level opening-up pattern and address the dilemma of environmental governance.
Eliminating Manifold Pharmaceutical Pollutants with Carbon Nanoparticles Driven via a Short-Duration Ball-Milling Process
Authors: Ibrahim Tarig G. , Almufarij Rasmiah S. , Abdulkhair Babiker Y. , Abd Elaziz Mohamed E.
Published: July 2024

One of the major problems facing humanity in all parts of the world is water pollution. Since carbon nanoparticles (CPs) are known for their excellent absorbability, this study explored preparing CPs via a facilitated ball-milling protocol. Four CP products were prepared with the friction enhancer being variated, typically 0-CPs, 2.5-CPs, 5-CPs, and 10-CPs. The four sorbents were characterized using TEM, EDX, XRD, BET, and FTIR methods. The 0-CPs, 2.5-CPs, 5-CPs, and 10-CPs possessed a BET surface area of 113, 139, 105, and 98.5 m2 g−1, respectively, and showed a sorption capacity of 55.6, 147.0, 65.8, and 24.6 mg g−1 when tested with chlorohexidine (CH). Therefore, the 2.5-CPs were selected as the best sorbents among the prepared nanomaterials and employed for further sorption investigations. The CH sorption on the 2.5-CPs followed the pseudo-second-order, and the liquid–film diffusion controlled the CH sorption onto the 2.5-CPs. The Langmuir isotherm model was followed, and the Dubinin–Radushkevich energy was 3.0 kJ mole−1, indicating a physisorption process. The thermodynamic outputs suggested that CH sorption by 2.5-CPs was favorable. Furthermore, the 2.5-CPs sorbent was tested for treating water samples contaminated with 20 mg L−1 of ciprofloxacin, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, metronidazole, ibuprofen, chlorzoxazone, chlorpheniramine malate paracetamol, and hydro-chlorothiazide. The 2.5-CPs showed an average removal efficiency of 94.1% with a removal range of 92.1% to 98.3% and a 2.21 standard deviation value.
Training from Zero: Forecasting of Radio Frequency Machine Learning Data Quantity
Authors: Clark William H. , Michaels Alan J.
Published: July 2024

The data used during training in any given application space are directly tied to the performance of the system once deployed. While there are many other factors that are attributed to producing high-performance models based on the Neural Scaling Law within Machine Learning, there is no doubt that the data used to train a system provide the foundation from which to build. One of the underlying heuristics used within the Machine Learning space is that having more data leads to better models, but there is no easy answer to the question, “How much data is needed to achieve the desired level of performance?” This work examines a modulation classification problem in the Radio Frequency domain space, attempting to answer the question of how many training data are required to achieve a desired level of performance, but the procedure readily applies to classification problems across modalities. The ultimate goal is to determine an approach that requires the lowest amount of data collection to better inform a more thorough collection effort to achieve the desired performance metric. By focusing on forecasting the performance of the model rather than the loss value, this approach allows for a greater intuitive understanding of data volume requirements. While this approach will require an initial dataset, the goal is to allow for the initial data collection to be orders of magnitude smaller than what is required for delivering a system that achieves the desired performance. An additional benefit of the techniques presented here is that the quality of different datasets can be numerically evaluated and tied together with the quantity of data, and ultimately, the performance of the architecture in the problem domain.
Wearable Solutions: Design, Durability, and Electrical Performance of Snap Connectors and Integrating Them into Textiles Using Interconnects
Authors: Ugale Prateeti , Lingampally Shourya , Dieffenderfer James , Suh Minyoung
Published: July 2024

Electronic textiles (e-textiles) merge textiles and electronics to monitor physiological and environmental changes. Innovations in textile functionalities and diverse applications have propelled e-textiles’ popularity. However, challenges like connection with external devices for signal processing and reliable interconnections between flexible textiles and rigid electronic circuits persist. Wearable connectors enable the effective communication of e-textiles with external devices. Factors such as electrical functionality and mechanical durability along with textile compatibility are crucial for their performance. Merging the rigid connectors on the flexible textiles requires conductive and flexible interconnects that can bridge this gap between soft and hard components. This work focuses on designing two-part detachable mechanical snap connectors for e-textiles. The textile side connectors are attached to the data transmission cables within the textiles using three interconnection techniques—conductive epoxy, conductive stitches, and soldering. Three types of connectors were developed that require three detaching or unmating forces (low, medium, and high). All connectors were subjected to 5000 mating–unmating cycles to evaluate their mechanical durability and electrical performance. Connectors with low and medium unmating forces exhibited a stable performance, while those with high unmating forces failed due to wear and tear. Conductive stitches maintained better conductance as compared to conductive epoxy and soldering methods.
Strategies and Actions’ Definition for the New Territorial Government Plan of Voghera, Italy: Towards a Healthier City
Authors: De Lotto Roberto , Pietra Caterina , Sessi Matilde , Venco Elisabetta
Published: July 2024

Cities require flexible and participatory planning methodologies to address complex and evolving urban challenges. In Italy, the legislative framework is defined at the regional level according to national laws and jurisprudence. The Lombardy region introduced the Planning Document (PD) in the Territorial Government Plan (PGT) as a strategic tool capable of adapting to changes. Based on a strategic vision, this document guides concrete actions for urban transformation, actively involving stakeholders, including citizens. The PD’s role is to translate the political program into an urban planning design, encompassing both technical and political dimensions. The political aspect is usually emphasized in the strategic component of the document. Following the formation process of the whole city plan, the authors define the key strategies in the PD for a healthier urban future for the city of Voghera. It emerges as a balanced urban development that combines economic growth, environmental preservation, and community well-being. In the paper, the authors synthesize Voghera’s PD as an example of strategic planning that interacts with practical planning actions and guides both public and private decisions about the city’s development toward a healthier city.
Clinical and Diagnostic Features of Post-Acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome (PACVS)
Authors: Mundorf Anna Katharina , Semmler Amelie , Heidecke Harald , Schott Matthias , Steffen Falk , Bittner Stefan , Lackner Karl J. , Schulze-Bosse Karin , Pawlitzki Marc , Meuth Sven Guenther , Klawonn Frank , Ruhrländer Jana , Boege Fritz
Published: July 2024

Post-acute COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PACVS) is a chronic disease triggered by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (estimated prevalence 0.02%). PACVS is discriminated from the normal post-vaccination state by altered receptor antibodies, most notably angiotensin II type 1 and alpha-2B adrenergic receptor antibodies. Here, we investigate the clinical phenotype using a study registry encompassing 191 PACVS-affected persons (159 females/32 males; median ages: 39/42 years). Unbiased clustering (modified Jaccard index) of reported symptoms revealed a prevalent cross-cohort symptomatology of malaise and chronic fatigue (>80% of cases). Overlapping clusters of (i) peripheral nerve dysfunction, dysesthesia, motor weakness, pain, and vasomotor dysfunction; (ii) cardiovascular impairment; and (iii) cognitive impairment, headache, and visual and acoustic dysfunctions were also frequently represented. Notable abnormalities of standard serum markers encompassing increased interleukins 6 and 8 (>80%), low free tri-iodine thyroxine (>80%), IgG subclass imbalances (>50%), impaired iron storage (>50%), and increased soluble neurofilament light chains (>30%) were not associated with specific symptoms. Based on these data, 131/191 participants fit myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and simultaneously also several other established dysautonomia syndromes. Furthermore, 31/191 participants fit none of these syndromes. In conclusion, PACVS could either be an outlier of ME/CFS or a dysautonomia syndrome sui generis.
Construction and Characterization of a High-Capacity Replication-Competent Murine Cytomegalovirus Vector for Gene Delivery
Authors: Riedl André , Bojková Denisa , Tan Jiang , Jeney Ábris , Larsen Pia-Katharina , Jeney Csaba , Full Florian , Kalinke Ulrich , Ruzsics Zsolt
Published: July 2024

We investigated the basic characteristics of a new murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) vector platform. Using BAC technology, we engineered replication-competent recombinant MCMVs with deletions of up to 26% of the wild-type genome. To this end, we targeted five gene blocks (m01-m17, m106-m109, m129-m141, m144-m158, and m159-m170). BACs featuring deletions from 18% to 26% of the wild-type genome exhibited delayed virus reconstitution, while smaller deletions (up to 16%) demonstrated reconstitution kinetics similar to those of the wild type. Utilizing an innovative methodology, we introduced large genomic DNA segments, up to 35 kbp, along with reporter genes into a newly designed vector with a potential cloning capacity of 46 kbp (Q4). Surprisingly, the insertion of diverse foreign DNAs alleviated the delayed plaque formation phenotype of Q4, and these large inserts remained stable through serial in vitro passages. With reporter-gene-expressing recombinant MCMVs, we successfully transduced not only mouse cell lines but also non-rodent mammalian cells, including those of human, monkey, bovine, and bat origin. Remarkably, even non-mammalian cell lines derived from chickens exhibited successful transduction.
Immunizing Mice with Influenza Virus-like Particles Expressing the Leishmania amazonensis Promastigote Surface Antigen Alleviates Inflammation in Footpad
Authors: Eom Gi-Deok , Chu Ki Back , Yoon Keon-Woong , Mao Jie , Kim Sung Soo , Quan Fu-Shi
Published: July 2024

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a tropical disease endemic in many parts of the world. Characteristic clinical manifestations of CL include the formation of ulcerative skin lesions that can inflict life-long disability if left untreated. Although drugs are available, they are unaffordable and out of reach for individuals who need them the most. Developing a highly cost-efficient CL vaccine could address this problem but such a vaccine remains unavailable. Here, we developed a chimeric influenza virus-like particle expressing the Leishmania amazonensis promastigote surface antigen (LaPSA-VLP). LaPSA-VLPs were self-assembled in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell lines using the baculovirus expression system. After characterizing the vaccines and confirming successful VLP assembly, BALB/c mice were immunized with these vaccines for efficacy assessment. Sera acquired from mice upon subcutaneous immunization with the LaPSA-VLP specifically interacted with the L. amazonensis soluble total antigens. LaPSA-VLP-immunized mice elicited significantly greater quantities of parasite-specific IgG from the spleens, popliteal lymph nodes, and footpads than unimmunized mice. LaPSA-VLP immunization also enhanced the proliferation of B cell populations in the spleens of mice and significantly lessened the CL symptoms, notably the footpad swelling and IFN-γ-mediated inflammatory response. Overall, immunizing mice with the LaPSA-VLPs prevented mice from developing severe CL symptoms, signifying their developmental potential.
Comparison of Physicians’ Attitudes and Practice Regarding Vaccination during Pregnancy in Turkey
Authors: Kara Ateş , Tezer Hasan , Çiftçi Ergin , Ateş İhsan
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of family physicians (FPs), pediatricians (PPs), and obstetricians and gynecologists (OGs) regarding vaccine administration during pregnancy in Turkey as factors that contribute to decision-making. The survey was distributed among FPs, OGs, and PPs, and participants were asked to rate their knowledge on specific topics using a five-point scale ranging from “Not Effective” to “Effective”. The tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine was highly recommended by 94.9% of physicians and considered very effective. Among the physicians surveyed, 80% of PPs and 66.0% of OGs were aware of the disease burden of pertussis. We also found that 74.5% of FPs and 77.2% of PPs believed they needed more information about vaccination during pregnancy. All physicians surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that explaining the disease risks and benefits of vaccination increases the vaccine acceptance rate. The results of this survey study indicate that the knowledge and awareness of physicians need to be improved to increase vaccination rates during pregnancy in Turkey, and it is essential to incorporate influenza and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (TdaP) vaccines into the standard maternal immunization schedule for newborns.
Surface Water Quality Evaluation and Pollution Source Analysis at the Confluence of the Wei River and Yellow River, China
Authors: Zhang Jingru , Hao Ziqiong , Liu Xiaohuang , Wang Bo , Guo Wei , Yan Jingjing
Published: July 2024

Water quality is a critical aspect of environmental health, affecting ecosystems, human health, and economic activities. In recent years, increasing pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources has raised concerns about the deterioration of water quality in surface water bodies. Therefore, this study investigated the spatio-temporal distribution of water elements, human health risks of surface water, and pollutant sources at the confluence of the Wei River and the Yellow River. Using 80 samples collected during both wet and dry seasons, the content of the 22 water chemistry indicators was tested. A statistical analysis, Piper diagram, and entropy water quality index were employed to analyze the chemistry indicator content, hydrochemical composition, and water environmental quality of the surface water in the area. Moreover, the health risk assessment model was utilized to evaluate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metal elements in surface water. Finally, correlation heatmaps and a principal component analysis were used to identify potential pollution sources in the study area. The results indicated that Cr(VI) and NH3-N were the main pollutants during the wet season, while surface water quality during the dry season was mainly influenced by F−. The hydrochemical type in the study area was mainly SO4Cl-CaMg. The health risk assessment revealed a high carcinogenic risk in the study area, with Cr(VI) being the primary heavy metal element contributing to health risks. The correlation and principal component analysis results show that the surface water environment in the study area was influenced by soil characteristics (soils containing F− in the Dalí region, soils containing heavy metals in the Tongguan region), native geological environment (mineral resources and terrain conditions), and industrial activities (ore smelting). This study identified the key pollution indicators, the priority control areas, and the extent of the human health impact of the surface water at the confluence of the Wei River and the Yellow River, guiding targeted management of surface water environments.
Development of a Multi-Scale Groundwater Drought Prediction Model Using Deep Learning and Hydrometeorological Data
Authors: Kang Dayoung , Byun Kyuhyun
Published: July 2024

Groundwater is an essential water resource and plays a crucial role, especially in areas with limited surface water availability. However, the exacerbation of groundwater droughts, fueled by phenomena such as climate change, urbanization, and industrialization, highlights the necessity for predictive tools to aid in sustainable groundwater management. While artificial neural networks (ANN) have been increasingly used for groundwater level prediction, most studies have focused solely on point-scale predictions from groundwater observation wells, which can be resource-intensive and time-consuming. In this study, we propose a multi-scale groundwater-based drought prediction model that can predict both zonal average values and the values at well locations for the standardized groundwater level index (SGI). Specifically, we develop a zone-scale SGI prediction model through long short-term memory (LSTM) and propose a model that can accurately predict point-scale SGI through a simple downscaling process. Our model was developed and tested for Jeju Island, a volcanic island in South Korea where groundwater serves as the primary water source. Specifically, we partitioned Jeju Island into 16 sub-watersheds, termed zones, and constructed an individual model for each zone. Forecasting the standardized groundwater level index (SGI) for each zone was based on input datasets including the daily temperature, precipitation, snowfall, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), wind speed, and preceding SGI values. Additionally, we downscaled the predicted values of each zone to the specific SGI values at groundwater monitoring wells within the zone. This was achieved by applying the spatial deviation of each well relative to the zonal mean over the preceding 4 days to the predicted zone-scale SGI value. Our findings indicate high accuracy of the model in SGI predictions across both scales, with the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) exceeding 0.9 and the root mean square error (RMSE) remaining less than 0.3 for both the representative zone and observation well. By leveraging the proposed model, stakeholders and policymakers can efficiently generate and utilize both zone-scale and point-scale groundwater-based drought predictions, contributing to effective groundwater management practices.