bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Prediction Error in 4-Year-Olds’ Learning of English Direct Object Datives
Authors: Gambi Chiara , Messenger Katherine
Published: November 2023

Is children’s acquisition of structural knowledge driven by prediction errors? Error-driven models of language acquisition propose that children generate expectations about upcoming words (prediction), compare them to the input, and, when they detect a mismatch (i.e., prediction error signal), update their long-term linguistic knowledge. But we only have limited empirical evidence for this learning mechanism. Using a novel touch-screen app and a pre-post training between-subjects design, we tested the effect of prediction errors on 120 English-learning 4-year-olds’ understanding of challenging direct object datives. We hypothesized that children who are exposed to input that encourages the generation of prediction error signals should show greater improvements in their post-test comprehension scores. Consistent with error-driven models of language learning, we found that children exposed to sentences that encouraged the generation of incorrect linguistic predictions improved numerically more than those who were exposed to sentences that did not support predictions. However, we caution that these preliminary findings need to be confirmed by additional testing on much larger samples (we only tested 20–30 children per training condition). If confirmed, these findings would provide some of the strongest empirical support to date for the role of prediction error in the acquisition of linguistic structure.
Field Measurement and Analysis on the Mechanical Response of Asphalt Pavement Using Large-Particle-Size Crushed Stone Base Treated with Fly Ash and Slag Powder
Authors: Yang Ruikang , Gan Xinzhong , Liu Liping , Sun Lijun , Yuan Jiang
Published: November 2023

The mechanical response of asphalt pavement under vehicular loading is an essential reference for crack-resistant pavement design. However, limited research focuses on the mechanical response measurement of asphalt pavement using a large-particle-size crushed stone base treated with fly ash and slag powder. Therefore, two types of asphalt pavements were constructed. The first type of asphalt pavement uses a large-particle-size crushed stone base treated with fly ash and slag powder, where the slag powder uses granulated blast furnace slag powder. The second type uses a conventional cement-stabilized crushed stone base and serves as a reference structure. Firstly, the strain gauges and temperature sensors were installed during the construction of asphalt pavements. Secondly, the mechanical response of the pavement was tested at different speeds and service time conditions. Then, sensitivity analysis and three-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) were carried out. Finally, the prediction equations were developed. The results show that the longitudinal strain pulse of the asphalt layer exhibited a “compression–tension–compression” characteristic. For the transverse strain pulse of the asphalt layer, the base layer’s transverse and longitudinal strain pulses were only shown as “tensile” characteristics. The vehicular speed significantly affected the strain values for the base and asphalt layers, showing a decreasing trend with increasing speed. For the asphalt layer, the strain values showed an increasing trend with increasing temperature; for the base layer, the strain values showed a decreasing trend with increasing service time. The type of base layer had a significant effect on the strain value. Compared with the conventional base layer, the large-particle-size crushed stone base treated with fly ash and slag powder had lower strain at the base layer and a lower position of the asphalt layer, which could better prevent bottom-up fatigue cracking. Finally, the strain prediction model of the pavement under the speed and temperature (service time) was fitted to obtain a model that can predict the mechanical response of the pavement under different operating conditions. The findings of this research can provide a reference for the design of asphalt pavement using a large-particle-size crushed stone base treated with fly ash and slag powder.
Impermeability and Durability of Self-Compacting Concrete Prepared with Aeolian Sand and Recycled Coarse Aggregate
Authors: Zheng Shiqi , Liu Qing , Han Fengxia , Liu Shan , Zhang Guoxing , Zhu Jiayan
Published: November 2023

Self-compacting concrete has seen extensive application in both engineering and construction. In order to save building resources, aeolian sand—recycled coarse aggregate self-compacting concrete (ARSCC) is created by partially substituting recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) and aeolian sand (AS) for natural coarse aggregates. For ten groups with different mechanical and durable properties, this study examined the effects of sulfate erosion, chloride penetration resistance, and related impermeability, as well as AS replacement ratios of 20%, 40%, and 60% and RCA replacement ratios of 25%, 50%, and 75% in ARSCC and a control group (A0-R0). According to the study’s findings, after sulfate attack, the highest relative dynamic elastic modulus and corrosion resistance factor were obtained with the 20% AS replacement ratio and 50% RCA replacement ratio (A20-R50). The highest impermeability grade and lowest electric flux were obtained with the 20% AS replacement ratio and 25% RCA replacement ratio (A20-R25). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) revealed that the addition of aeolian sand and recycled coarse aggregates improved the pore structure of the SCC and increased the densification of the self-compacting concrete, particularly following sulfate attack. This study highlights the importance of recycled aggregates and aeolian sand in engineering applications and the sustainable growth of the concrete industry, both of which support resource conservation and environmental protection.
Testing Various Cement Formulations under Temperature Cycles and Drying Shrinkage for Low-Temperature Geothermal Wells
Authors: Fischer Hartmut R. , Moghadam Al
Published: November 2023

Low-enthalpy geothermal wells are considered a sustainable energy source, particularly for district heating in the Netherlands. The cement sheath in these wells experiences thermal cycles. The stability of cement recipes under such conditions is not well understood. In this work, thermal cycling experiments for intermediate- and low-temperature geothermal well cements have been conducted. The samples were cured either under ambient conditions or under realistic pressure and temperature for 7 days. The samples did not show any signs of failure after performing 10 cycles of thermal treatment between 100 °C and 18 °C. We also tested cement formulations under drying conditions. Drying shrinkage is caused by a reduction in the water content of cement, which leads to capillary forces that can damage cement. Such circumstances lead to tensile stresses causing radial cracks. Most samples exhibited cracks under low humidity conditions (drying). Fiber reinforcement, especially using short PP fibers, improved the cement’s resilience to temperature and humidity changes. Such additives can improve the longevity of cement sheaths in geothermal wells.
The Magneto–Mechanical Hyperelastic Property of Isotropic Magnetorheological Elastomers with Hybrid-Size Magnetic Particles
Authors: Wang Leizhi , Zhang Ke , Chen Zhaobo
Published: November 2023

Isotropic magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) with hybrid-size particles are proposed to tailor the zero-field elastic modulus and the relative magnetorheological rate. The hyperelastic magneto–mechanical property of MREs with hybrid-size CIPs (carbonyl iron particles) was experimentally investigated under large strain, which showed differential hyperelastic mechanical behavior with different hybrid-size ratios. Quasi-static magneto–mechanical compression tests corresponding to MREs with different hybrid size ratios and mass fractions were performed to analyze the effects of hybrid size ratio, magnetic flux density, and CIP mass fraction on the magneto–mechanical properties. An extended Knowles magneto–mechanical hyperelastic model based on magnetic energy, coupling the magnetic interaction, is proposed to predict the influence of mass fraction, hybrid size ratio, and magnetic flux density on the magneto–mechanical properties of isotropic MRE. Comparing the experimental and predicted results, the proposed model can accurately evaluate the quasi-static compressive magneto–mechanical properties, which show that the predicted mean square deviations of the magneto–mechanical constitutive curves for different mass fractions are all in the range of 0.9–1. The results demonstrate that the proposed hyperelastic magneto–mechanical model, evaluating the magneto–mechanical properties of isotropic MREs with hybrid-size CIPs, has a significant stress–strain relationship. The proposed model is important for the characterization of magneto–mechanical properties of MRE-based smart devices.
Structural, Microstructural and Compositional Changes of the AISI 314 Steel Used in the Sintering Furnace Belt Depending on the Operating Time
Authors: Prica Călin-Virgiliu , Sechel Niculina Argentina , Tamas Miklos , Marinca Traian Florin , Popa Florin , Orayev Nurulla
Published: November 2023

The damage due to embrittlement of the sintering furnace belt and its replacement after a certain time of use represents a problem for the manufacturers of sintered parts. Finding out the reason for the damage could help to increase the duration of its operation. This research aimed to investigate the causes of embrittlement, considering both the temperatures and atmosphere of the sintering furnace to which the furnace belt is exposed during its operation. The furnace belt was made of AISI 314 stainless steel. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, combined with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction and the Vickers hardness tests were used to analyze the microstructural, structural, compositional and hardness changes of the belt used for 45 weeks. Cr and Mn carbides, the oxides of Fe, Cr, Mn and Si were found to form at the edge of the furnace belt. The grains grew after 45 weeks of use, approximately 10 times, due to thermal cycles in an endothermic gas atmosphere to which the belt was exposed. Also, the hardness increased from 226 to 338 HV0.05, due to the formation of carbide and oxide-type compounds. All these results represent a starting point in optimizing the lifetime of the sintering furnace belt.
Real-Time Monitoring of Strain Accumulation and Relief during Epitaxy of Ultrathin Co Ferrite Films with Varied Co Content
Authors: Thien Jannis , Rodewald Jari , Pohlmann Tobias , Ruwisch Kevin , Bertram Florian , Küpper Karsten , Wollschläger Joachim
Published: November 2023

Ultrathin CoxFe3−xO4 films of high structural quality and with different Co content (x = 0.6–1.2) were prepared by reactive molecular beam epitaxy on MgO(001) substrates. Epitaxy of these ferrite films is extensively monitored by means of time-resolved (operando) X-ray diffraction recorded in out-of-plane geometry to characterize the temporal evolution of the film structure. The Co ferrite films show high crystalline ordering and smooth film interfaces independent of their Co content. All CoxFe3−xO4 films exhibit enhanced compressive out-of-plane strain during the early stages of growth, which partly releases with increasing film thickness. When the Co content of the ferrite films increases, the vertical-layer distances increase, accompanied by slightly increasing film roughnesses. The latter result is supported by surface-sensitive low-energy electron diffraction as well as X-ray reflectivity measurements on the final films. In contrast, the substrate–film interface roughness decreases with increasing Co content, which is confirmed with X-ray reflectivity measurements. In addition, the composition and electronic structure of the ferrite films is characterized by means of hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy performed after film growth. The experiments reveal the expected increasing Fe3+/Fe2+ cation ratios for a higher Co content.
The Deposition and Properties of Titanium Films Prepared by High Power Pulsed Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Jiang Quanxin , Ma Donglin , Li Yantao , Chen Changzi
Published: November 2023

Titanium thin films are particularly important as electrode layers, barrier layers, or intermediate buffer layers in the semiconductor industry. In order to improve the quality of Ti thin films and the adhesion and diffraction abilities of irregular parts, this paper used high-power pulsed magnetron sputtering (HPPMS/HiPIMS) to prepare titanium thin films. The effects of different trigger voltages (700 V, 800 V, and 900 V) on plasma properties were studied, and the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the films were also studied. The results showed that as the voltage increased, the grain size of the thin films gradually increased. The residual stress of the titanium films changed from compressive stress (−333 MPa) to tensile stress (55 MPa) and then to low compressive stress (−178 MPa). The hardness values were 13 GPa, 9.45 GPa and 6.62 GPa, respectively. The wear resistance of the films gradually decreased, while the toughness gradually increased. The corrosion resistance of the films decreased as well.
Flat-Band Potential Determination and Catalytical Properties of Sn3O4/SnO2 Heterostructures in the Photo-Electrooxidation of Small Organic Molecules under Ultraviolet (370 nm) and Blue (450 nm) Light
Authors: Gribov Evgeny , Koshevoy Evgeny , Kuznetsov Aleksey , Mikhnenko Maxim , Losev Evgeniy , Lyulyukin Mikhail
Published: November 2023

Sn3O4 are promising semiconductor materials due to their visible light absorption ability. In this work, a series of materials, such as SnO2, Sn3O4 and Sn3O4/SnO2 heterostructures, with different phase ratios were prepared using hydrothermal synthesis. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), nitrogen adsorption (BET). Flat-band potentials (EFB) of the samples were determined using the photocurrent onset potential (POP) method. It was shown that the potentials obtained with open circuit potential measurements versus illumination intensity (OCP) likely corresponded to the EFB of SnO2 nanoparticles in heterostructures due to interfacial electron transfer from the conducting band of Sn3O4 to that of SnO2. The photo-electrooxidation processes of a series of organic substrates were studied in the potential range of 0.6–1.4 V vs. RHE under irradiation with ultraviolet (λ = 370 nm) and visible (λ = 450 nm) light. The Sn3O4 sample showed high activity in the photo-electrooxidation of acetone and formic acid in visible light. The Sn3O4/SnO2 samples exhibited noticeable activity only in the oxidation of formic acid. The presence of the SnO2 phase in the Sn3O4/SnO2 samples increased the photocurrent values under ultraviolet illumination, but significantly reduced the oxidation efficiency in visible light.
Mass Formula for Self-Orthogonal and Self-Dual Codes over Non-Unital Rings of Order Four
Authors: Alahmadi Adel , Alshuhail Altaf , Betty Rowena Alma , Galvez Lucky , Solé Patrick
Published: November 2023

We study the structure of self-orthogonal and self-dual codes over two non-unital rings of order four, namely, the commutative ring I=a,b|2a=2b=0,a2=b,ab=0 and the noncommutative ring E=a,b|2a=2b=0,a2=a,b2=b,ab=a,ba=b. We use these structures to give mass formulas for self-orthogonal and self-dual codes over these two rings, that is, we give the formulas for the number of inequivalent self-orthogonal and self-dual codes, of a given type, over the said rings. Finally, using the mass formulas, we classify self-orthogonal and self-dual codes over each ring, for small lengths and types.
Optimal Control Strategies for Mitigating Urban Heat Island Intensity in Porous Urban Environments
Authors: Sellila Nacer , Louaked Mohammed , Mouhali Waleed , Mechkour Houari
Published: November 2023

This work is intended as an attempt to explore the use of optimal control techniques for designing green spaces and for dealing with the environmental problems related to urban heat islands appearing in cities. A three-dimensional model is established for numerical studies of the effects of urban anthropogenic heat and wind velocity in urban and rural regions. The transport mechanism of fluid in the cities is governed by the Navier–Stokes–Forschheimer porous media system. We introduce the penalty approximation method to overcome the difficulty induced by the incompressibility constraint. The partial differential equation optimal control problem is solved by using a Spectral Projected Gradient algorithm. To validate the method, we implement a numerical scheme, based on a finite element method, employing the free software FreeFem++ 14.3. We show the results for the optimized and non-optimized situations to compare the two cases.
The Well-Posed Identification of the Interface Heat Transfer Coefficient Using an Inverse Heat Conduction Model
Authors: Pyatkov Sergey , Potapkov Alexey
Published: November 2023

In this study, the inverse problems of recovering the heat transfer coefficient at the interface of integral measurements are considered. The heat transfer coefficient occurs in the transmission conditions of an imperfect contact type. This is representable as a finite part of the Fourier series with time-dependent coefficients. The additional measurements are integrals of a solution multiplied by some weights. The existence and uniqueness of solutions in Sobolev classes are proven and the conditions on the data are sharp. These conditions include smoothness and consistency conditions on the data and additional conditions on the kernels of the integral operators used in the additional measurements. The proof relies on a priori bounds and the contraction mapping principle. The existence and uniqueness theorem is local in terms of time.
Less Is More: Understanding Network Bias in Proof-of-Work Blockchains
Authors: Mao Yifan , Venkatakrishnan Shaileshh Bojja
Published: November 2023

Blockchains are becoming increasingly important in today’s Internet, enabling large-scale decentralized applications with strong security and transparency properties. In a blockchain system, participants maintain and update the server-side state of an application by appending data as blocks onto an immutable, distributed ledger through a consensus protocol within a peer-to-peer network. There has been a significant increase in profit in mining blocks. For instance, Bitcoin miners currently receive over USD 200,000 per mined block. An essential determinant of these rewards is the time it takes to disseminate newly mined blocks across the network. This paper addresses the challenge of optimizing mining rewards by exploring topology design in a wide-area blockchain network utilizing a Proof-of-Work consensus protocol. We show that under low block times, the geographical location of a miner critically impacts the number of successful blocks mined by the miner. We also show that a miner may improve its success rate by increasing its connectivity to the network. However, contrary to the general wisdom that a faster network is always better for a miner, we show that increasing network connectivity (e.g., by adding more neighbors) is beneficial to a miner only up to a point after which the miner’s rewards degrade. This is because when a miner improves its connectivity, it inadvertently also aids other miners in increasing their connectivity. We also present a network-level collusion attack in which a miner can increase its block success rate by becoming part of a tightly connected cluster. Here too, we observe that the mining gains obtained increase with cluster size only up to a point, and decrease thereafter. Our findings highlight that the network topology is a key variable affecting miner performance in PoW blockchains that must not be overlooked. We demonstrate our observations via detailed simulations modeled using real-world measurement data.
Financial Integration and International Dynamics: The Role of Volatility Shocks
Authors: Tang Aidi
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the impact of financial integration on international dynamics from the perspective of volatility shocks. By incorporating time-varying volatilities, recursive preferences, and a global bank into the IRBC model, it illustrates that volatility shocks trigger precautionary saving incentives, but the specific effects vary based on the type of shock. Financial integration facilitates international capital flows and leads to an unequal distribution of international bank loans between two countries, resulting in greater divergence in their business cycles in the presence of productivity volatilities. In contrast, countries with higher financial integration experience more synchronized business cycles, due to simultaneous fluctuations in the international financial market, ultimately yielding greater synchronization in the face of financial volatilities. Disregarding volatility shocks leads to underestimating the impact of financial integration on the comovement of business cycles across countries. Furthermore, welfare analysis also indicates that financial markets play a crucial role in enhancing social welfare, regardless of the type of volatility.
Current and Expected Trends for the Marine Chitin/Chitosan and Collagen Value Chains
Authors: Vieira Helena , Lestre Gonçalo Moura , Solstad Runar Gjerp , Cabral Ana Elisa , Botelho Anabela , Helbig Carlos , Coppola Daniela , de Pascale Donatella , Robbens Johan , Raes Katleen , Lian Kjersti , Tsirtsidou Kyriaki , Leal Miguel C. , Scheers Nathalie , Calado Ricardo , Corticeiro Sofia , Rasche Stefan , Altintzoglou Themistoklis , Zou Yang , Lillebø Ana I.
Published: November 2023

Chitin/chitosan and collagen are two of the most important bioactive compounds, with applications in the pharmaceutical, veterinary, nutraceutical, cosmetic, biomaterials, and other industries. When extracted from non-edible parts of fish and shellfish, by-catches, and invasive species, their use contributes to a more sustainable and circular economy. The present article reviews the scientific knowledge and publication trends along the marine chitin/chitosan and collagen value chains and assesses how researchers, industry players, and end-users can bridge the gap between scientific understanding and industrial applications. Overall, research on chitin/chitosan remains focused on the compound itself rather than its market applications. Still, chitin/chitosan use is expected to increase in food and biomedical applications, while that of collagen is expected to increase in biomedical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications. Sustainable practices, such as the reuse of waste materials, contribute to strengthen both value chains; the identified weaknesses include the lack of studies considering market trends, social sustainability, and profitability, as well as insufficient examination of intellectual property rights. Government regulations, market demand, consumer preferences, technological advancements, environmental challenges, and legal frameworks play significant roles in shaping both value chains. Addressing these factors is crucial for seizing opportunities, fostering sustainability, complying with regulations, and maintaining competitiveness in these constantly evolving value chains.
Subclinical Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 by Strain: A 30-Day Echocardiographic Follow-Up
Authors: Morillas-Blasco Pedro , Guedes-Ramallo Paula , Vicente-Ibarra Nuria , Martínez-Moreno Marina , Romero-Valero Andrea , García-Honrubia Antonio , Castilla-Cabanes Elena , Viedma-Contreras José Antonio , Masiá-Canuto Mar , Castillo-Castillo Jesús , Santos-Martínez Sandra
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: Available studies confirm myocardial injury and its association with mortality in patients with COVID-19, but few data have been reported from echocardiographic studies. The aim of this study was to identify subclinical left ventricular dysfunction by global longitudinal strain (GLS) and its evolution in the short term in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one consecutive noncritical patients admitted for COVID-19 were included. Information on demographics, laboratory results, comorbidities, and medications was collected. Transthoracic echocardiograms were performed using a Philips Affinity 50, at the acute stage and at a 30-day follow-up. Automated left ventricular GLS was measured using a Philips Qlab 13.0. A GLS of <–15.9% was defined as abnormal. Results: The mean age was 65 ± 15.2 years, and 61.3% of patients were male. Nine patients (29%) had elevated levels of high-sensitivity troponin I. Left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved in all; however, 11 of them (35.5%) showed reduced GLS. These patients had higher troponin levels (median, 23.7 vs. 3.2 ng/L; p < 0.05) and NT-proBNP (median, 753 vs. 81 pg/mL; p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis revealed that myocardial injury, defined as increased troponin, was significantly associated with GLS values (coefficient B; p < 0.05). Follow-up at 30 days showed an improvement in GLS values in patients with subclinical left ventricular dysfunction (−16.4 ± 2.07% vs. −13.2 ± 2.40%; p < 0.01), without changes in the normal GLS group. Conclusions: Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction is common in noncritical hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (one in every three patients), even with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. This impairment tends to be reversible on clinical recovery.
Accelerated Oral Healing by Angelica gigas Nakai from Hot Melt Extrusion Technology: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Ye Ju Ri , Lee Ha Yeon , Park Yea-Jin , Chae Yong Kwon , An Hyo-Jin , Baek Jong-Suep , Nam Ok Hyung
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: In spite of the oral environment being healing-prone, its dynamic changes may affect wound healing. The purpose of this study was to assess the oral wound healing effect of Angelica gigas Nakai (AG) prepared by hot-melt extrusion. Materials and Methods: Human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells were treated with AG or AG via hot-melt extrusion (AGH) for 24 h to determine the optimal concentration. For evaluating the anti-inflammatory effect of AG and AGH, a nitric oxide assay was performed under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The wound-healing effects of AG and AGH were evaluated using cell proliferation/migration assays and wound-healing marker expression through qRT-PCR. Results: Both AG and AGH showed no cytotoxicity on HGH cells. Regarding nitric oxide production, AGH significantly decreased LPS-induced nitric oxide production (p < 0.05). AGH showed a significantly positive result in the cell proliferation/cell migration assay compared with that in AG and the control. Regarding wound healing marker expression, AGH showed significantly greater VEGF and COL1α1 expression levels than those in the others (p < 0.05), whereas α-SMA expression was significantly different among the groups. Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, AGH accelerated oral wound healing in vitro.
Structure and Wear Resistance of Composite TiC-NiMo Coating Produced by L-DED on Ti-6Al-4V Substrate
Authors: Razumov Nikolay , Masaylo Dmitriy , Kovalev Mark , Volokitina Ekaterina , Mazeeva Alina , Popovich Anatoliy
Published: November 2023

Fabrication of W- and Co-free wear-resistant cermets is a vital task in modern machinery due to the toxicity of Co-based products and poor availability of Co and W containing raw materials. In this paper, a TiC-NiMo coating produced by laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED) on a Ti-6Al-4V substrate was demonstrated. Mechanical alloying of TiC, Ni and Mo powders followed by spray-drying was proposed to fabricate a feedstock spherical composite powder suitable for an L-DED machine. It was shown that this method is more applicable in the case of a TiC-containing composition than gas atomization and plasma spheroidization methods. The size of the resulting particles was in the range of 10–100 μm while the size of the 70 vol.% was in the range of 45–75 μm. L-DED provided a good adhesion of the coating, though the presence of pores and transverse cracks was also observed. The coating’s hardness was up to 1500 HV, which is not inferior to the hardness of known TiC-based cermets and is promising for obtaining a good wear resistance of the coating. It was shown that it depended on the thickness due to the mixing zone influence. The coating structure contained TiC- and Mo-based precipitates and a Ni-based binder. The weight loss of the coating samples after an abrasive wear test with 4000 revolutions of a testing wheel was 0.0464 g and that can be considered insignificant. The wear did not lead to the appearance of new defects and cleavage of the coating. Further optimization of the component ratio and L-DED parameters could help to improve the performance of the coating and make this technology rather promising to improve the wear resistance of machinery parts working in high-wear environments.
Hardening Behavior and Model of a 316L Sheet Considering Macro and Micro Size Effects
Authors: Zhang Qian , Meng Weige , Luo Yun
Published: November 2023

316L stainless steel is often used as the metal bipolar plate, which is a key component of fuel cells. For the thinner metal bipolar plates, the mechanical properties may be different for different specimen sizes. In this paper, the mechanical properties, metallographic structure, and hardening behavior of 316L stainless steel sheets with different grain sizes and specimen thickness were studied. Several mathematical models were selected to describe the hardening behavior of 316L stainless steel sheet. A correlated hardening model of 316L stainless steel was established, considering the specimen and grain size effect. The results show that the specimen thickness has no effect on the microstructure and grain size, but the austenite grain size increases gradually with an increase in holding time. With a decrease in plate thickness and an increase in grain size, the strength decreases. Compared to the 0.1 mm sheet, the yield strength and tensile strength for the 0.9 mm sheet are increased by 48% and 24%, respectively. The yield strength and tensile strength are decreased by nearly half after 20 min heat treatment due to the grain size growth. The thicker the sample and higher the grain size is, the higher the hardening rate is. The predicted stress–strain by established correlated hardening model has a good agreement with the experiment curves.
Improvement of the Oxidation Resistance of FeMnSiCrNi Alloys with a Pre-Oxidation Treatment
Authors: Passos João Gabriel da Cruz , Silva Rodrigo da , Rovere Carlos Alberto Della , de Sousa Malafaia Artur Mariano
Published: November 2023

Shape-memory Mn-rich austenitic stainless steels have a low high-temperature oxidation resistance because Mn tends to inhibit the formation of protective oxides. Mn depletion from oxidation also creates a ferritic Mn-depleted layer. A Mn-depleted layer formed via vacuum annealing has been associated with increased oxidation resistance. Thus, in the present study, a Mn-depleted layer was created with a pre-oxidation treatment conducted at 1000 °C for 30 min. Then, pre-treated and untreated samples were oxidized at 800 °C for up to 200 h. The resulting oxide layers were analyzed, as well as the metal/oxide interface roughness and the ferritic layer thickness. After pre-treatment, a 9 μm thick ferritic layer as well as an oxide layer richer in Cr-containing oxides than those usually observed in FeMnSiCrNi alloys oxidized at 800 °C were detected. After 200 h at 800 °C, the metal/oxide interface roughness of pre-treated samples was considerably lower. The oxidation rate of pre-treated samples was one order of magnitude lower for the first 50 h, but the effect significantly decreased afterward. The pre-existing ferritic layer was unable to stop Mn-rich oxides from being incorporated into the oxide layer, making its effect short-lived.
Evidence of 11-Hydroxy-hexahydrocannabinol and 11-Nor-9-carboxy-hexahydrocannabinol as Novel Human Metabolites of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Authors: Falck Jørgensen Christian , Schou Rasmussen Brian , Linnet Kristian , Thomsen Ragnar
Published: November 2023

(−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in the Cannabis sativa plant. Δ9-THC undergoes extensive metabolism, with the main human phase I metabolites being 11-hydroxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH). Early animal studies have indicated that the 9-10 double bond may be reduced in vivo to yield 11-hydroxy-hexahydrocannabinol (11-OH-HHC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-hexahydrocannabinol (HHC-COOH). These metabolites have not been confirmed in humans. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether this metabolic transformation occurs in humans. A range of cannabinoids and metabolites, including 11-OH-HHC and HHC-COOH, were measured in whole blood from 308 authentic forensic traffic cases, of which 222 were positive for Δ9-THC. HHC-COOH and 11-OH-HHC were detected in 84% and 15% of the Δ9-THC positive cases, respectively, and the estimated median concentration of HHC-COOH was 7%, relative to that of THC-COOH. To corroborate the in vivo findings, Δ9-THC and its metabolites 11-OH-THC and THC-COOH were incubated with pooled human liver microsomes. HHC-COOH was detected in both the Δ9-THC and 11-OH-THC incubations, while 11-OH-HHC was only detectable in the 11-OH-THC incubation. Hexahydrocannabinol was not detected in any of the incubations, indicating that it is 11-OH-THC or the corresponding aldehyde that undergoes double bond reduction with subsequent oxidation of the aliphatic alcohol to HHC-COOH. In summary, the presented data provide the first evidence of HHC-COOH and 11-OH-HHC being human phase I metabolites of Δ9-THC. These findings have implications for interpretation of analytical results from subjects exposed to Δ9-THC or HHC.
Achieving High Performance of ZnSnO Thin-Film Transistor via Homojunction Strategy
Authors: Pan Wengao , Zhang Guoshang , Liu Xinhua , Song Kexing , Ning Laiyuan , Li Shuaifang , Chen Lijia , Zhang Xuefeng , Huang Tengyan , Yang Huan , Zhou Xiaoliang , Zhang Shengdong , Lu Lei
Published: November 2023

The zinc-tin-oxide (ZTO) thin-film transistor (TFT) is one of the most promising candidates for advanced display applications, though its popularity is limited by its performances. In this work, a heterojunction channel strategy was adopted to regulate the electron transport behaviors and the TFT performances by manipulating the concentration and the distribution of oxygen vacancies, and a reasonable physical model was proposed based on experimental and simulation results. It is difficult to mediate the contradiction between mobility and threshold voltage for the single channel. Via a heterojunction channel strategy, desirable TFT performances, with mobility of 12.5 cm2/Vs, threshold voltage of 1.2 V and Ion/Ioff of 3 × 109, are achieved when the oxygen-vacancy-enriched layer gets close to the gate insulator (GI). The enhanced performances can be mainly attributed to the formation of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG), the insensitive potential barrier and the reasonable distribution of oxygen vacancy. On the contrary, when the oxygen-vacancy-enriched layer stays away from GI, all the main performances degenerate due to the vulnerable potential well. The findings may facilitate the development and application of heterojunction channels for improving the performances of electronic devices.
The Potential of Glycyrrhiza from “Medicine Food Homology” in the Fight against Digestive System Tumors
Authors: Lu Doudou , Yang Yating , Du Yuhua , Zhang Lei , Yang Yi , Tibenda Joanna Japhet , Nan Yi , Yuan Ling
Published: November 2023

Glycyrrhiza has a long history of applications and a wide range of pharmacological effects. It is known as the “king of all herbs”. Glycyrrhiza is effective in clearing heat, detoxifying, relieving cough, and tonifying qi and has good bioactivity in multiple inflammatory, immune, and tumor diseases. This review aims to summarize the origin, distribution, and anti-digestive system tumor mechanism of glycyrrhiza and its homologous applications in medicine and food. The active compounds include triterpenoids, flavonoids, and coumarins, which are widely used in clinical treatments, disease prevention, and daily foods because of their “enhancement of efficacy” and “reduction of toxicity” against digestive system tumors. This paper reviews the use of glycyrrhiza in digestive system tumors and provides an outlook on future research and clinical applications.
Occurrence of Luteolin in the Greek Flora, Isolation of Luteolin and Its Action for the Treatment of Periodontal Diseases
Authors: Arampatzis Athanasios S. , Pampori Aspasia , Droutsa Eleftheria , Laskari Maria , Karakostas Panagiotis , Tsalikis Lazaros , Barmpalexis Panagiotis , Dordas Christos , Assimopoulou Andreana N.
Published: November 2023

Higher plants possess the ability to synthesize a great number of compounds with many different functions, known as secondary metabolites. Polyphenols, a class of flavonoids, are secondary metabolites that play a crucial role in plant adaptation to both biotic and abiotic environments, including UV radiation, high light intensity, low/high temperatures, and attacks from pathogens, among others. One of the compounds that has received great attention over the last few years is luteolin. The objective of the current paper is to review the extraction and detection methods of luteolin in plants of the Greek flora, as well as their luteolin content. Furthermore, plant species, crop management and environmental factors can affect luteolin content and/or its derivatives. Luteolin exhibits various biological activities, such as cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial ones. As a result, luteolin has been employed as a bioactive molecule in numerous applications within the food industry and the biomedical field. Among the different available options for managing periodontitis, dental care products containing herbal compounds have been in the spotlight owing to the beneficial pharmacological properties of the bioactive ingredients. In this context, luteolin’s anti-inflammatory activity has been harnessed to combat periodontal disease and promote the restoration of damaged bone tissue.
Self–Supporting Mn–RuO2 Nanoarrays for Stable Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acid
Authors: Deng Mengting , Tang Yulong , Lu Zhiyi , Wang Yunan , Lin Yichao
Published: November 2023

Currently, the process of an acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) necessitates the use of Iridium dioxygen (IrO2), which is both expensive and incredibly scarce on Earth. Ruthenium dioxygen (RuO2) offers high activity for acidic OERs and presents a potential substitution for IrO2. Nevertheless, its practical application is hindered by its relatively poor stability. In this study, we have developed Mn–doped RuO2 (Mn–RuO2) nanoarrays that are anchored on a titanium (Ti) mesh utilizing a two–step methodology involving the preparation of MnO2 nanoarrays followed by a subsequent Ru exchange and annealing process. By precisely optimizing the annealing temperature, we have managed to attain a remarkably low overpotential of 217 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in a 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The enhanced catalytic activity of our Mn–RuO2 nanoarrays can be attributed to the electronic modification brought about by the high exposure of active sites, Mn dopant, efficient mass transfer, as well as the efficient transfer of electrons between the Ti mesh and the catalyst arrays. Furthermore, these self–supported Mn–RuO2 nanoarrays demonstrated excellent long–term stability throughout a chronoamperometry test lasting for 100 h, with no discernible changes observed in the Ru chemical states.
A Versatile Protocol for Efficient Transformation and Regeneration in Mega Indica Rice Cultivar MTU1010: Optimization through Hormonal Variables
Authors: Yadav Pragya , Santosh Kumar V. V. , Priya Jyoti , Yadav Shashank Kumar , Nagar Shivani , Singh Meenu , Chinnusamy Viswanathan
Published: November 2023

Rice is one of the apex food crops in terms of meeting the daily calorific and dietary requirement of the majority of the world population. However, rice productivity is severely limited by various biotic and abiotic attributes, causing a severe threat to global food security. In the use of functional genomics and genome editing for the generation of trait-enhanced genotypes, it is necessary to have an efficient genetic transformation and regeneration protocol. The recalcitrant nature and paucity of efficient and versatile genetic transformation and regeneration protocols for indica cultivars remains a constraint. In the present study, we have optimized a tissue culture method for MTU1010, a mega indica rice variety. We conducted a combinatorial analysis of different plant growth regulators on embryogenic callus induction efficiency, and it was observed that MSB5 medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/L 2-4D and 0.25 mg/L 6-BAP results in maximum embryogenic callus induction, i.e., 92%. The regeneration efficiency of a transformed callus can be enhanced by up to 50% with the supplementation of 1 mg/L kinetin alongside 2.5 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L NAA in the shooting medium. Furthermore, our results unveiled that the pre-activation of Agrobacterium culture for 30 min with 150 µM acetosyringone significantly increased the transformation efficiency of calli. Additionally, descaling the salt concentration to half strength in resuspension and co-cultivation increased the efficiency of transformation up to 33%. Thus, the protocol developed in this study will be instrumental for the genome editing and genetic engineering of indica rice cultivars for functional genomics studies and crop improvement.
Constructing Abundant Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups in Hard Carbon Derived from Anthracite for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Yaya , Guo Donglei , Luo Yuan , Xu Jiaqi , Guo Kailong , Wang Wei , Liu Guilong , Wu Naiteng , Liu Xianming , Qin Aimiao
Published: November 2023

Hard carbon is regarded as one of the greatest potential anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) because of its affordable price and large layer spacing. However, its poor initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and low specific capacity severely restrict its practical commercialization in SIBs. In this work, we successfully constructed abundant oxygen-containing functional groups in hard carbon by using pre-oxidation anthracite as the precursor combined with controlling the carbonization temperature. The oxygen-containing functional groups in hard carbon can increase the reversible Na+ adsorption in the slope region, and the closed micropores can be conducive to Na+ storage in the low-voltage platform region. As a result, the optimal sample exhibits a high initial reversible sodium storage capacity of 304 mAh g−1 at 0.03 A g−1, with an ICE of 67.29% and high capacitance retention of 95.17% after 100 cycles. This synergistic strategy can provide ideas for the design of high-performance SIB anode materials with the intent to regulate the oxygen content in the precursor.
Advanced Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) Technologies for Engineering Multifunctional Nanostructures and Nanodevices
Authors: Dimitriou Christos , Psathas Pavlos , Solakidou Maria , Deligiannakis Yiannis
Published: November 2023

Flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) is an industrially scalable technology that enables the engineering of a wide range of metal-based nanomaterials with tailored properties nanoparticles. In the present review, we discuss the recent state-of-the-art advances in FSP technology with regard to nanostructure engineering as well as the FSP reactor setup designs. The challenges of in situ incorporation of nanoparticles into complex functional arrays are reviewed, underscoring FSP’s transformative potential in next-generation nanodevice fabrication. Key areas of focus include the integration of FSP into the technology readiness level (TRL) for nanomaterials production, the FSP process design, and recent advancements in nanodevice development. With a comprehensive overview of engineering methodologies such as the oxygen-deficient process, double-nozzle configuration, and in situ coatings deposition, this review charts the trajectory of FSP from its foundational roots to its contemporary applications in intricate nanostructure and nanodevice synthesis.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Effect of Defect Size on Magnetostrictive Properties of Low-Dimensional Iron Thin Films
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Ma Panpan , Zhang Meng , Long Lianchun , Yang Qianqian
Published: November 2023

Defects are an inevitable occurrence during the manufacturing and use of ferromagnetic materials, making it crucial to study the microscopic mechanism of magnetostrictive properties of ferromagnetic materials with defects. This paper conducts molecular dynamics simulations on low-dimensional iron thin films containing hole or crack defects, analyzes and compares the impact of defect size on magnetostrictive properties, and investigates the microscopic mechanism of their effects. The results indicate that the saturation magnetostrictive strains of the defect models do not increase monotonically as the defect size increases. Additionally, it is discovered that the arrangement of atomic magnetic moments in the initial magnetic moment configuration also affects the magnetostrictive properties. When controlling the size of the hole or crack within a certain defect area, it is found that the hole size has less influence on the initial magnetic moment configuration, resulting in a smaller corresponding change in the saturation strain and thus having a lesser impact on the magnetostrictive properties. Conversely, when the crack size changes, the arrangement of the atomic magnetic moments in the initial magnetic moment configuration changes more significantly, resulting in a greater corresponding change in saturation strain, and thus having a greater impact on the magnetostriction performance.
Hydration for Adult Patients with Nephrolithiasis: Specificities and Current Recommendations
Authors: Courbebaisse Marie , Travers Simon , Bouderlique Elise , Michon-Colin Arthur , Daudon Michel , De Mul Aurélie , Poli Laura , Baron Stéphanie , Prot-Bertoye Caroline
Published: November 2023

Nephrolithiasis affects around 10% of the population and is frequently associated with impaired dietary factors. The first one is insufficient fluid intake inducing reduced urine volume, urine supersaturation, and subsequently urinary lithiasis. Kidneys regulate 24 h urine volume, which, under physiological conditions, approximately reflects daily fluid intake. The aim of this study is to synthesize and highlight the role of hydration in the treatment of nephrolithiasis. Increasing fluid intake has a preventive effect on the risk of developing a first kidney stone (primary prevention) and also decreases the risk of stone recurrence (secondary prevention). Current guidelines recommend increasing fluid intake to at least at 2.5 L/day to prevent stone formation, and even to 3.5–4 L in some severe forms of nephrolithiasis (primary or enteric hyperoxaluria or cystinuria). Fluid intake must also be balanced between day and night, to avoid urinary supersaturation during the night. Patients should be informed and supported in this difficult process of increasing urine dilution, with practical ways and daily routines to increase their fluid intake. The liquid of choice is water, which should be chosen depending on its composition (such as calcium, bicarbonate, or magnesium content). Finally, some additional advice has to be given to avoid certain beverages such as those containing fructose or phosphoric acid, which are susceptible to increase the risk of nephrolithiasis.