bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of composite monoliths of quaternized chitosan and diatom earth for protein separation
Authors: Tanaka Takaaki , Tomita Yuna , Honda Koki , Fujisawa Marino , Ochiai Akihito
Published: November 2022

In this study, composite monoliths with porous structures were prepared using quaternized chitosan and diatom earth for protein separation. Quaternized chitosan (N‐[(2‐hydroxy‐3‐trimethylammonium)propyl] chitosan chloride) dissolved in water was mixed with diatom earth and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde under low‐temperature conditions to form a cryogel. Interconnected porous monoliths were obtained after removing ice crystals from the cryogel. The monoliths adsorbed bovine serum albumin selectively from the solution mixture of bovine serum albumin and bovine ɤ‐globulin, and bovine ɤ‐globulin was recovered in the flow‐through fraction. The adsorption selectivity was enhanced by changing the solution pH from 6.8 to 5.5. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin by the monolith was replicated at least five times following its washing with a buffer containing 400 mM NaCl and subsequent regeneration with a 10 mM acetate buffer. The composited monolith is a promising adsorbent for the removal of acidic proteins, such as serum albumin contamination in neutral proteins, for example, ɤ‐globulins, in bioproduction processes.
Intrapreneurial behavior and in‐role job performance across organizational ecosystems in tourism and hospitality
Authors: de Lurdes Calisto Maria , Sarkar Soumodip
Published: November 2022

Despite its potential, corporate entrepreneurship, and its related concept, intrapreneurial behavior (IB), is a relatively recent area of interest for researchers in tourism and hospitality. In addition, the attention given to the contribution of IB to individual‐level performance is surprisingly scarce due to extant research focusing largely on firm‐level performance. We address those gaps using a sample of 95 tourism and hospitality firms. Results suggest that in‐role job performance is high when IB is also high. Theoretically, results highlight the role of internal agency. Practical implications give additional evidence for managers to consider the strategic role of IB.
Nutrient addition affects stability of soil organic matter and aggregate by altering chemical composition and exchangeable cations in desert steppe in northern China
Authors: Liu Bingqing , Gao Ruili , Ndzana George Martial , An Hui , Huang Juying , Liu Rentao , Du Lingtong , Kamran Muhammad , Xue Bin
Published: November 2022

Nitrogen and phosphorus can influence the stability of soil organic matter (SOM) and aggregate, which are important for ecosystem functions. However, understanding remains limited regarding the impact of nutrient addition on soil aggregate stability, aggregate‐relevant organic matter and nutrients in desert steppe. Here, we studied the variation of soil aggregate stability, nutrients, and the exchangeable cations distribution characteristics, and the chemical composition and thermal stability of SOM were analyzed using thermogravimetric (TG) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Samples of soil were collected under four conditions, phosphorus addition (P), nitrogen addition (N), combined phosphorus and nitrogen addition (NP), and no addition (CK), from 0 to 10 cm depth over 4‐year experiments in desert steppe in northern China. The percentage of micro‐aggregates (0.25–0.053 mm) and large macroaggregates (>2 mm) dramatically increased by 34.2% and 18.1%, respectively, under the N treatment condition compared to the CK treatment, and micro‐aggregate content significantly increased under the P treatment, respectively. Nitrogen addition significantly increased the soil aggregate stability index, but the P addition reduced their value. The both macro‐aggregates (>0.25 mm) and silt‐clay (<0.053 mm) were preferentially enriched with soil nutrients and the exchangeable cations. The N and P addition was beneficial to nutrients accumulating in macro‐aggregates, and enhanced the aliphatic‐C and aromatic‐C abundances respectively. The TG‐T50 value (i.e., temperature when 50% of SOM is lost) increased after nutrient addition, indicating that the SOM has higher thermal stability, especially in the micro‐aggregates. The addition of N may have potentially a greater influence on aggregate stability through their influence exchangeable polyvalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+), and stability of SOM was influenced by chemical composition and exchangeable K+, Na+, Ca2+ contents in desert steppe. Overall, nutrient addition effects stability of SOM and aggregate by altering chemical composition and exchangeable cations in desert steppe in northern China.
Fluorine‐Containing Covalent Organic Frameworks: Synthesis and Application
Authors: Li Wen‐Bo , Cheng Yuan‐Zhe , Yang Dong‐Hui , Liu Yu‐Wen , Han Bao‐Hang
Published: November 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a type of crystalline porous polymers that possess ordered structures and eternal pores. Because of their unique structural characteristics and diverse functional groups, COFs have been used in various application fields, such as adsorption, catalysis, separation, ion conduction, and energy storage. Among COFs, the fluorine‐containing COFs (fCOFs) have been developed for special applications by virtue of special physical and chemical properties resulting from fluorine element, which is a nonmetallic halogen element and possesses strong electronegativity. In the organic chemistry field, introducing fluorine into chemicals enables those chemicals to exhibit many interesting properties, and fluorine chemistry increasingly plays an important role in the history of chemical development. The introduction of fluorine in COFs can enhance the crystallinity, porosity, and stability of COFs, making COFs having superior performances and some new applications. In this review, the synthesis and application of fCOFs are systematically summarized. The application involves photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide, photocatalytic water splitting, electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, adsorption for different substances (H2, pesticides, per‐/polyfluoroalkyl substances, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, bisphenols, and positively charged organic dye molecules), oil−water separation, energy storage (e.g., zinc‐ion batteries, lithium−sulfur batteries), and proton conduction. Perspectives of remaining challenges and possible directions for fCOFs are also discussed.
Investigation of exposure correction models for wind speed measurements
Authors: Zhao Mingwei , Yu Hui , Fang Pingzhi
Published: November 2022

Considerable errors may be introduced in storm intensity estimations and their subsequent applications if raw surface wind speed records are not corrected to properly account for exposure effects. This study investigates the calculation of exposure correction factors () by different theoretical and code‐based models. Estimation of the roughness length based on the suitable gustiness model is provided, as this metric is involved in calculating . The sensitivity of the estimation to the input parameters is analysed. A comprehensive evaluation of models is made, which includes the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) model with various blending heights , Biétry model, the power‐law model, the Engineering Sciences Data Unit model, the models in Chinese, Japanese, Eurocode and the International Organization for Standardization codes, as well as the combination of the WMO formula with two gustiness models (He model and Ashcroft model) respectively. It is found that the most appropriate model in practice for calculating is provided by the combined application of the He gustiness model and WMO formula with a blending height, .
Dynamical behavior of stochastic cellular neural networks with distributed time delays
Authors: Zhang Ling , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: November 2022

This paper proposed a new class of stochastic cellular neural networks (SCNNs) with distributed time delays. It is driven by time‐varying Brownian motion. By constructing the Lyapunov functions with a more concise form and using the time‐varying Itô formula, combining some inequality techniques, this paper proved the almost surely exponential stability and the
‐th moment exponential stability of the solution of the SCNNs. The numerical example verifies the theoretical results of this paper.
Conditions to guarantee the existence of solutions for a nonlinear and implicit integro‐differential equation with variable coefficients
Authors: Li Chenkuan , Saadati Reza , Allahviranloo Tofigh
Published: November 2022

Using Babenko's approach, multivariate Mittag–Leffler (MM–L) function, and Krasnoselskii's fixed point theorem, we first investigate the existence of solutions to a Liouville–Caputo nonlinear integro‐differential equation with variable coefficients and initial conditions in a Banach space. Then the existence of a positive solution for a variant equation is studied. Finally, we provide examples to illustrate the applications of the main results obtained.
Existence of solutions to nonlinear Katugampola fractional differential equations with mixed fractional boundary conditions
Authors: Łupińska Barbara
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we discuss the existence and the uniqueness of solutions for a class of nonlinear fractional differential equations with a mixed fractional boundary value, by using Banach fixed‐point theorem. Moreover, we compare obtained results with another two works considering similar problem.
The Relationship between Wildlife Recreationists' Familiarity with State Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Recreation Identity, and Future Financial Contributions
Authors: Grooms Bennett , Dayer Ashley A. , Stern Marc J. , Barnes Jessica , Rutter Jonathan D.
Published: November 2022

North American fish and wildlife management has long been supported by the financial contributions of anglers and hunters to state fish and wildlife agencies; however, stagnation in angling participation and declines in hunting participation threaten the stability of this user-pay support system. While engaging recreationists beyond those with consumptive interests may assist in addressing limitations of the current user-pay benefit approach, anecdotal evidence suggests differences in recreationists' familiarity with agencies, and perceived benefits of financial contributions may dissuade certain wildlife recreationists from providing agency support. Using focus groups (n = 83) and a survey (n = 1,016) of Virginia residents, we explored how recreationists' familiarity with an agency differed among three categories of wildlife recreationists (i.e., recreation groups)—consumptive (anglers and hunters), nonconsumptive (birders and other wildlife viewers), and multi-recreationists (those who participate in both consumptive and nonconsumptive activities)—relative to non-wildlife recreationists (those who do not participate in fish and wildlife recreation). We further examined whether familiarity with an agency and recreation group influenced the future likelihood of financial contributions across voluntary (not required for access or use of natural resources) and user-pay (required for access or use of natural resources) funding mechanisms. We found that consumptive recreationists and multi-recreationists had greater familiarity with the agency than nonconsumptive recreationists. Approximately 40% of nonconsumptive recreationists were likely to support the agency through either user-pay or voluntary mechanisms, while approximately 80% of consumptive recreationists preferred user-pay mechanisms. Further, all recreationists expected tangible outcomes from their contributions and transparency about how their contributions would benefit their activities (e.g., newsletters detailing angling access funded by their support). We recommend that agencies build familiarity among wildlife recreationists, especially within their nonconsumptive constituency, and demonstrate how current funding mechanisms benefit and are derived from multiple recreation groups.
The estimates of philanthropic behavior and attitude in South Korea: Methodological consideration
Authors: Kim Sung‐Ju , Jang Yoon‐Joo
Published: November 2022

Estimates on philanthropic giving are one of the major topics within nonprofit studies globally. South Korea has engaged in measuring philanthropic behaviors and attitudes since the early 2000s, however, little is known about the validity of the measures that are used to collect giving and volunteering data. This study aims to investigate the methodological matters of the empirical philanthropy datasets in South Korea. A total of nine datasets were identified that measure philanthropic behaviors and attitudes in South Korea. Among the nine datasets, six were used to analyze the methodological matters for the purposes of this study. This article discusses the challenges associated with research methods including definitional challenges, instrument design issues, and other research methodological issues on the identified philanthropic giving datasets in South Korea. Results of this study suggest insights for improving measures of charitable giving and volunteering in South Korea. The findings are significant because differences in approaches to measuring donation behavior produce substantial differences in reported estimates.
Effects of acute sleep loss on leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin in adults with healthy weight and obesity: A laboratory study
Authors: van Egmond Lieve T. , Meth Elisa M. S. , Engström Joachim , Ilemosoglou Maria , Keller Jasmin Annica , Vogel Heike , Benedict Christian
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study investigated whether blood concentrations of leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin are affected by acute total sleep deprivation in a sex‐ and weight‐specific manner.

Methods

A total of 44 participants (mean age 24.9 years; 20 women; 19 with obesity) participated in a crossover design, including one night of sleep deprivation and one night of sleep in the laboratory. After each night, fasting blood was collected.

Results

After sleep deprivation, fasting levels of leptin were lower (mean [SE], vs. sleep: 17.3 [2.6] vs. 18.6 [2.8] ng/mL), whereas those of ghrelin and adiponectin were higher (839.4 [77.5] vs. 741.4 [63.2] pg/mL and 7.5 [0.6] vs. 6.8 [0.6] μg/mL, respectively; all p < 0.05). The changes in leptin and adiponectin following sleep loss were more pronounced among women. Furthermore, the ghrelin increase was stronger among those with obesity after sleep loss. Finally, the sleep loss‐induced increase in adiponectin was more marked among normal‐weight participants.

Conclusions

Acute sleep deprivation reduces blood concentrations of the satiety hormone leptin. With increased blood concentrations of ghrelin and adiponectin, such endocrine changes may facilitate weight gain if persisting over extended periods of sleep loss. The observed sex‐ and weight‐specific differences in leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin call for further investigation.
Diminishing Marginal Returns to Computer‐Assisted Learning
Authors: Bettinger Eric , Fairlie Robert , Kapuza Anastasia , Kardanova Elena , Loyalka Prashant , Zakharov Andrey
Published: November 2022

The previous expansion of EdTech as a substitute for traditional learning around the world, the recent full‐scale substitution due to COVID‐19, and potential future shifts to blended approaches suggest that it is imperative to understand input substitutability between in‐person and online learning. We explore input substitutability in education by employing a novel randomized controlled trial that varies dosage of computer‐assisted learning (CAL) as a substitute for traditional learning through homework. Moving from zero to a low level of CAL, we find positive substitutability of CAL for traditional learning. Moving from a lower to a higher level of CAL, substitutability changes and is either neutral or even negative. The estimates suggest that a blended approach of CAL and traditional learning is optimal. The findings have direct implications for the rapidly expanding use of educational technology worldwide prior to, during, and after the pandemic.
Coaxial mechano‐electrospinning of oriented fibers with core‐shell structure for tactile sensing
Authors: Yu Ping , Zhang Jiake , Long Jiangqi
Published: November 2022

Coaxial electrospinning is an effective technique to produce core‐shell fibers. Nevertheless, it is unable to realize accurate positioning of the fibers in two dimensions which limits its use in the field of high oriented and aligned structures over large area such as flexible tactile sensors. Here, we introduce the Mechano‐electrospinning, in which drawing force coming from moving substrate and electric static force are used to manipulate the fiber controllable into the traditional coaxial electrospinning to form a new method named coaxial Mechano‐electrospinning which can continuously direct‐write oriented core‐shell fiber with high deposition accuracy. This method uses a coaxial convex needle and a two dimensional moving collector to deposit core‐shell fibers by near‐field localization and mechanical drawing force. A series of experiments were performed to determine optimum process parameters and results showed that with the substrate moving speed of 50–200 mm/s, voltage of 5–6.5 kV and the tip‐collector distance of 20–50 mm, core‐shell fibers can be continuously deposited and well oriented. Additionally, a pressure sensor based on the core‐shell fibers was developed and exhibited good dynamic sensitivity in the range of 0.5–50 Hz.
Effect of core–shell structured SiO2@MoS2 on the tribological properties of epoxy resin/carboxyl terminated butadiene acrylonitrile composites
Authors: He Wenfang , Zhang Zhancheng , Wang Rongmin , Zhang Yaoming , Wang Qihua , Wang Tingmei , Pei Xianqiang
Published: November 2022

Towards the goal of improving the tribological properties of epoxy‐based composites, epoxy resin was firstly modified with carboxyl terminated butadiene acrylonitrile (CTBN), and then further modified by core–shell structured of SiO2@MoS2 fillers. The friction and wear properties of studied composites were tested on a Plate‐on‐Ring configuration under different loads and speeds. To reveal the tribological contribution of MoS2 and SiO2 in the hybrid fillers, tribo‐tests were also done on composites filled with single CTBN, MoS2 and SiO2. It is revealed that the transfer of both the EP/CTBN matrix and SiO2@MoS2 CSs fillers play an important role in governing the tribo‐properties of rubber toughened EP composites. Depending on contacting conditions, the SiO2@MoS2 CSs fillers might be released into the sliding interface and tribo‐chemical reactions might take place, both of which helped improve the tribo‐properties of studied composites.
Emotional body expressions facilitate working memory: Evidence from the n‐back task
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Li Ping , Yu Lu , Ren Jie , Jia Shuxin , Wang Chaolun , He Weiqi , Luo Wenbo
Published: November 2022

In daily life, individuals need to recognize and update emotional information from others' changing body expressions. However, whether emotional bodies can enhance working memory (WM) remains unknown. In the present study, participants completed a modified n‐back task, in which they were required to indicate whether a presented image of an emotional body matched that of an item displayed before each block (0‐back) or two positions previously (2‐back). Each block comprised only fear, happiness, or neutral. We found that in the 0‐back trials, when compared with neutral body expressions, the participants took less time and showed comparable ceiling effects for accuracy in happy bodies followed by fearful bodies. When WM load increased to 2‐back, both fearful and happy bodies significantly facilitated WM performance (i.e., faster reaction time and higher accuracy) relative to neutral conditions. In summary, the current findings reveal the enhancement effect of emotional body expressions on WM and highlight the importance of emotional action information in WM.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of exosomes from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and rat bone marrow stem cells
Authors: Xu Xiao , Yin Fengyue , Guo Mengyu , Gan Guohong , Lin Guanzhong , Wen Chengwen , Wang Junsheng , Song Pengbo , Wang Jinling , Qi Zhong‐Quan , Zhong Chuan‐Qi
Published: November 2022

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used for cancer treatment, however, an in‐depth analysis of the exosomal proteomes is lacking. In this manuscript, we use the diaPASEF (parallel accumulation serial fragmentation combined with the data‐independent acquisition) method to quantify exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) and rat bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), resulting in identification of 4200 human proteins and 5362 rat proteins. Comparison of human exosomal proteins and total cellular proteins reveals that some proteins exist in the exosomes exclusively that can be served as potential markers for exosomes. Quantitative proteomic analysis of exosomes from different passages of BMSCs shows that the proteins involved in TGF‐β signaling pathway are regulated in abundance, which could be markers for the therapeutic ability of BMSC exosomes. Collectively, the data presented by this study can be a resource for further study of exosome research.
A protein microarray‐based serum proteomic investigation reveals distinct autoantibody signature in colorectal cancer
Authors: Barpanda Abhilash , Tuckley Chaitanya , Ray Arka , Banerjee Arghya , Duttagupta Siddhartha P. , Kantharia Chetan , Srivastava Sanjeeva
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been reported as the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The 5‐year annual survival is around 50%, mainly due to late diagnosis, striking necessity for early detection. This study aims to identify autoantibody in patients’ sera for early screening of cancer.

Experimental Design

The study used a high‐density human proteome array with approximately 17,000 recombinant proteins. Screening of sera from healthy individuals, CRC from Indian origin, and CRC from middle‐east Asia origin were performed. Bio‐statistical analysis was performed to identify significant autoantibodies altered. Pathway analysis was performed to explore the underlying mechanism of the disease.

Results

The comprehensive proteomic analysis revealed dysregulation of 15 panels of proteins including CORO7, KCNAB1, WRAP53, NDUFS6, KRT30, and COLGALT2. Further biological pathway analysis for the top dysregulated autoantigenic proteins revealed perturbation in important biological pathways such as ECM degradation and cytoskeletal remodeling etc.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The generation of an autoimmune response against cancer‐linked pathways could be linked to the screening of the disease. The process of immune surveillance can be detected at an early stage of cancer. Moreover, AAbs can be easily extracted from blood serum through the least invasive test for disease screening.
Using ensemble learning and genetic algorithm on magnetic resonance imaging radiomics to classify molecular subtypes of breast cancer
Authors: Le Nguyen Quoc Khanh , Ho Dang Khanh Ngan , Ta Hoang Dang Khoa , Nguyen Hieu Trung
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer (BRCA) is one of the most frequent malignant tumors with the highest incidence of cancer and the second most common oncologic cause of death in women. BRCA can be classified into different molecular subtypes, such as basal‐like, represented by triple‐negative BRCA (estrogen receptor [ER] negative, progesterone receptor [PR] negative, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER‐2] negative). This study aims to determine whether radiomics features extracted from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be used to distinguish various BRCA molecular subtypes. This study retrospectively collected a dataset of 922 BRCA patients with MRIs and experimental genomic profiles. A genetic algorithm is then employed to select the optimal MRI features for each subproblem. Subsequently, stacking ensemble learning is implemented to learn these features and generate the prediction outcomes. Our model showed a significant performance of 0.700, 0.732, and 0.642 (area under the curve; AUC) in predicting ER, PR, and HER‐2 statuses. For multiclassification of Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2, and TNBC, the AUCs reached 0.672, 0.624, 0.639, and 0.669, respectively. Our model is superior in most subtypes compared to the state‐of‐the‐art predictors on the same dataset. In conclusion, genetic algorithm and ensemble learning can be suitable for BRCA subtype classification with high performance.
Combined Fermionic and Bosonic T‐duality of Type II Superstring Theory with Coordinate Dependent RR Field
Authors: Nikolić B. , Obrić D.
Published: November 2022

We investigate effects of fermionic T‐duality on type II superstring in presence of Ramond‐Ramond (RR) field that has infinitesimal linear dependence on bosonic coordinate xμ. Other fields are assumed to be constant. Procedure that we employ for obtaining fermionic T‐dual theory is Buscher procedure, where we will consider two distinct cases. One, where action has not been T‐dualized along bosonic coordinates and other where it has. By analyzing these two cases, their actions and T‐dual transformation laws, we obtain some insight into how background fields transform and what are necessary ingredients for emergence of fermionic non‐commutativity.
Opioid‐related adverse drug reactions in patients visiting the emergency division of a tertiary hospital
Authors: Ing Lorenzini Kuntheavy , Wainstein Laura , Spechbach Hervé , Sarasin François , Ramlawi Majd , Desmeules Jules , Piguet Valérie
Published: November 2022

Opioid use and associated morbidity and mortality have increased in several countries during the past 20 years. We performed a study whose objective was to assess the frequency and causes of opioid‐related emergency division (ED) visits in an adult tertiary Swiss University Hospital over 9 weeks in 2018. We primarily assessed opioid‐related adverse drug reactions (ADR), secondary overdose, misuse, abuse, and insufficient pain relief. Current opioid use was identified in 1037 (8.3%) of the 12 470 included ED visits. In 64 opioid users, an ADR was identified as a contributing cause of the ED visit, representing 6.2% of opioid users, and 0.5% of the total ED visits. Moreover, we identified an overdose in 16 opioid users, misuse or abuse in 19 opioid users, and compatible withdrawal symptoms in 7 opioid users. After pooling all these events, we conclude that the ED visits could be related to opioid use in 10.2% of opioid users. Finally, in 201 opioid users, insufficient pain relief (pain not responding to the current pharmacological treatment) was identified as a contributing cause of ED visits. In these cases, other factors than simply pharmacological nonresponse may have been involved. In the context of an ever‐increasing opioid use to better control chronic pain situations, these results should reinforce emergency network epidemiological surveillance studies at a national level.
Description of Photodegradation Mechanisms and Structural Characteristics in Carbon@Titania Yolk–Shell Nanostructures by XAS
Authors: Hsu Chih‐Hao , Huang Wei‐Hsiang , Lin Chin‐Jung , Huang Chun‐Hao , Chen Yi‐Che , Kumar Krishna , Lin Yan‐Gu , Dong Chung‐Li , Wu Maw‐Kuen , Hwang Bing Joe , Su Wei‐Nien , Chen Shih‐Yun , Chen Chi‐Liang
Published: November 2022

Carbon@titania yolk–shell nanostructures are successfully synthesized at different calcination conditions. These unique structure nanomaterials can be used as a photocatalyst to degrade the emerging water pollutant, acetaminophen (paracetamol). The photodegradation analysis studies have shown that the samples with residual carbon nanospheres have improved the photocatalytic efficiency. The local electronic and atomic structure of the nanostructures are analyzed by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. The spectra confirm that the hollow shell has an anatase phase structure, slight lattice distortion, and variation in Ti 3d orbital orientation. In situ XAS measurements reveal that the existence of amorphous carbon nanospheres inside the nano spherical shell inhibit the recombination of electron–hole pairs; more mobile holes are formed in the p–d hybridized bands near the Fermi surface and enables the acceleration of the carries that significantly enhance the photodegradation of paracetamol under UV–visible irradiation. The observed charge transfer process from TiO2 hybridized orbital to the carbon nanospheres reduces the recombination rate of electrons and holes, thus increasing the photocatalytic efficiency.
Bioinspired Impact‐Resistant and Self‐Monitoring Nanofibrous Composites
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐Bang , He ZeZhou , Pan Xiao‐Feng , Gao Huai‐Ling , Chen Si‐Ming , Zhu YinBo , Cao Saisai , Zhao Chunyu , Wu Shuang , Gong Xinglong , Wu HengAn , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: November 2022

Lightweight and impact‐resistant materials with self‐monitoring capability are highly desired for protective applications, but are challenging to be artificially fabricated. Herein, a scalable‐manufactured aramid nanofiber (ANF)‐based composite combining these key properties is presented. Inspired by the strengthening and toughening mechanisms relying on recoverable interfaces commonly existing in biological composites, mechanically weak but dense hydrogen bonds are introduced into the ANF interfaces to achieve simultaneously enhanced tensile strength (300 MPa), toughness (55 MJ m−3), and impact resistance of the nanofibrous composite. The achieved mechanical property combination displays attractive advantages compared with that of most of previously reported nanocomposites. Additionally, the nanofibrous composite is designed with a capability for real‐time self‐monitoring of its structural safety during both quasi‐static tensile and dynamic impact processes, based on the strain/damage‐induced resistance variations of a conductive nanowire network inside it. These comprehensive properties enable the present nanofibrous composite with promising potential for protective applications.
Soft Magnetic Microrobots for Photoactive Pollutant Removal
Authors: Maria‐Hormigos Roberto , Mayorga‐Martinez Carmen C. , Pumera Martin
Published: November 2022

“Soft” robotics based on hydrogels appears as an alternative to the traditional technology of “hard” robotics. Soft microrobots are employed for drug delivery and cell manipulation. This work develops magnetic hydrogel‐based microrobots using chitosan (CHI) as the body of the micromotor and Fe3O4 nanoparticles to allow for its magnetic actuation. In addition, ZnO nanoparticles are incorporated inside the CHI body of the microrobot to act as an active component for pollutants photodegradation. CHI@Fe3O4‐ZnO microrobots are used for the efficient photodegradation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The high absorption of CHI hydrogel enhances the POP photodegradation, degrading it 75% in just 30 min. The adsorption‐degradation and magnetic properties of CHI@Fe3O4‐ZnO microrobots are used in five cycles while maintaining up to 60% photodegradation efficiency. The proof‐of‐concept present in this work represents a simple way to obtain soft microrobots with magnetic actuation and photodegradation functionalities for several water purification applications.
Experimental investigation of cracking localization in RC beams with steel fibers
Authors: Gebreyesus Yosef Y. , Karinski Yuri S. , Dancygier Avraham N. , di Prisco Marco
Published: November 2022

This article presents an experimental study aimed to identify and quantify the cracking localization (CL) phenomenon in under‐reinforced R/SFRC beams. Results of current experiments together with those of previous tests published by the authors were used for quantification of the cracking localization level (CLL) considering the effect of fiber content, Vf, and of longitudinal reinforcement ratio, ρs, over a wide range of ρs and the effect of rebar yield and ultimate strengths. The experimental program consisted of four‐point bending tests of normal strength R/SFRC beam specimens with 400 and 500‐MPa steel and fiber volumetric contents Vf of 0.5 and 0.76%. A new definition is introduced for “significantly wide cracks” that yields a unique definition of the CLL when this phenomenon diminishes. Moreover, it is now proposed to change the definition of CLL. The study identified the existence of a transition point (TP), beyond which addition of fibers to the concrete mix do not affect CLL anymore. Observations from the experimental results prove the consistency of the newly proposed CLL definitions as well as the dependency of CL on both the amount and stress hardening of the tension steel. Their use enables a clear delineation of the CL phenomenon in R/SFRC beams. The importance of this finding refers to the reported decrease of flexural ductility in R/SFRC beams due to high CLL. Hence, the importance of the ability, achieved in the current findings, to quantify the conditions for TPs in various cases.
Experimental investigations of precast concrete column with spliced connections based on ultrahigh‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete
Authors: Hu Xinyu , Xue Weichen , Song Jiazheng , Mao Jize
Published: November 2022

When compared with normal concrete, ultrahigh‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) could signally enhance the bond with reinforcing bars. Accordingly, incorporating UHPFRC to connect precast concrete columns allows smaller bar splice lengths and provides ease of construction. In this article, a two‐stage research program was presented. First, the behavior of double‐row spliced rebars in UHPFRC was tested under direct tension, and the bars adopted internal strain measurement to characterize the bond stress distribution along the splice length. The failure of specimens was governed by UHPFRC splitting, and the bond stress of spliced rebars in UHPFRC presented a two‐local peaks profile. Second, the hysteretic performance of precast concrete columns with spliced connections based on UHPFRC was determined by full‐scaled cyclic tests and numerical simulations. Precast columns with UHPFRC connections at the column base exhibited similar ductility, energy dissipation capacity, and higher bearing capacity to the monolithic concrete columns. Finally, some practical considerations and recommendations were proposed.
Contextualizing embodied carbon emissions of concrete using mixture design parameters and performance metrics
Authors: Helsel Michelle A. , Rangelov Milena , Montanari Luca , Spragg Robert , Carrion Migdalia
Published: November 2022

Multiple initiatives advocate for reducing embodied carbon (i.e., greenhouse gas emissions) associated with concrete production. Even though readily implementable strategies exist, practitioners are concerned that reducing embodied carbon emissions may adversely affect concrete performance and durability, resulting in detrimental effects from a life cycle perspective. To address such concerns, this study investigated the correlations between embodied carbon of concrete mixtures, mixture design parameters, and experimentally measured mechanical and durability properties. The analyzed datasets included 145 mixtures, featuring a variety of mixture designs from laboratory and field studies. The results indicate that the cement content is the most significant predictor of global warming potential (GWP) and that considerable GWP savings can be achieved by reducing and replacing cement without compromising performance. Clear correlations of GWP with compressive strength were not identified, while the results demonstrated that reduced GWP and increased electrically based resistivity (the utilized durability indicator) often occur in synergy.
Use of waste glass as fine aggregate in ambient cured alkali‐activated mortars
Authors: Qian Yuqin , Sheikh M. Neaz , Feng Hu , Hadi Muhammad N. S.
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the feasibility of using two types of waste glass sand as fine aggregate replacement in ambient cured alkali‐activated mortars (AAMs). Fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag were used as aluminosilicate source materials to produce the AAMs. The waste glass sand was used to replace 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% fine aggregate (by mass) in AAMs. The influences of the use of waste glass sand, for the replacement of fine aggregate, on slump flow, setting time, compressive strength, and flexural strength of ambient cured AAMs were evaluated. It was found that the slump flow and setting time of ambient cured AAMs significantly increased as the percentage of replacement of fine aggregate by waste glass sand increased. However, the compressive and flexural strengths of ambient cured AAMs decreased when 50% and over fine aggregate were replaced by waste glass sand. The ambient cured AAMs with 25% replacement of fine aggregate with waste glass sand achieved the highest compressive and flexural strengths. Scanning electron microscope analysis indicated that the increase in the compressive strength and flexural strength of AAMs was due to the bridging‐like effect and filling effect provided by the waste glass sand. The use of waste glass sand as a partial replacement of fine aggregate in ambient cured AAMs was found to be feasible. In addition, 25% of the fine aggregate replaced by waste glass sand resulted in the best mechanical properties for ambient cured AAMs.
Rotenone induces mortality of invasive Lake Trout and Rainbow Trout embryos
Authors: Poole Alex S. , Koel Todd M. , Zale Alexander V. , Webb Molly A. H.
Published: November 2022

Objective

Nonnative fish, including Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush and Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, are actively invading lakes and streams and threatening Cutthroat Trout O. clarkii and other native species in the western United States. Programs have been implemented to suppress invasive trout using netting, trapping, electrofishing, angling, or other traditional capture methods. Because these methods are costly and primarily target older, free-swimming life stages, development of new suppression methods that target embryos on spawning areas is desired to increase suppression efficacy and reduce long-term costs.

Methods

We evaluated the capability of rotenone, N-methylpyrrolidone, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, and gelatin to induce mortality of Lake Trout and Rainbow Trout embryos in controlled laboratory experiments.

Result

Exposure to liquid and powdered rotenone formulations for 12 h at 4 mg/L caused 98% ± 0.7 (mean ± SE) and 99% ± 0.6 Lake Trout mortality, respectively. Exposure to liquid and powdered rotenone formulations for 12 h at 4 mg/L caused 62% ± 4.7 and 85% ± 3.2 Rainbow Trout mortality, respectively. N-methylpyrrolidone, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, and gelatin exposures were not effective at increasing embryo mortality of either species.

Conclusion

Developing embryos represent a vulnerable life history stage that can be exploited by targeted applications of rotenone. Incorporating novel suppression techniques that effectively increase mortality of embryos in an integrated pest management approach may enhance effective suppression of invasive fishes.
The Effect of Inhaling an Essential Oil Compound Containing Eupatorium fortunei Turcz: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cai Zhong‐Zhen , Tang Sha , Wang Lin , Feng Qian , Teng Jie , Chen Yu , Yang Qiao‐li , Li Meng‐Mei , Su Tian‐Fu , Bai Xue‐Mei
Published: November 2022

This study evaluated the effects of essential oils mainly containing Eupatorium fortune Turcz (EFCO, E. fortune Turcz extract, water calamus extract, grapefruit extract, lavender extract, mixed in the ratio of 6:1:1:1:0.1 by volume) on heart rate variability (HRV), forced vital capacity (FVC), and salivary hormones in 33 scientific researchers. The experimental design was a quasi‐experimental study with pre‐ and post‐testing and no control group. Subjects were tested for four immediate indicators before and after essential oils inhalation, for 30 s before each meal for the next 30 days, and for body mass index (BMI) after 30 days. For immediate effects, we observed significant increases in HRV (31%), spirometry (12%) and salivary oxytocin (26%), and a decrease in salivary cortisol (4.5%). BMI decreased by 1% after 1 month of intervention. Based on the observed changes in physiological parameters, EFCO helped to reduce stress, improve exercise performance and mood, and even promote weight loss. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in animals of the Arabian Peninsula between 2000–2020: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abdelgadier Asmaa , Assaad Nada , Elhussein Zaynab , Al‐Marri Abdulla M. , Suliman Sami , Eltom Khalid , Al‐Mslemani Ebtisam A. , Al‐Zeyara Abdul Azia , Hussein Abdel Rahim M. El , Enan Khalid A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a zoonotic parasite that can be transmitted from animals to humans, with felids acting as its definitive host. Thus, understanding the epidemiology of this parasite in animal populations is vital to controlling its transmission to humans as well as to other animal groups.

Objectives

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to summarise and analyse reports of T. gondii infection in animal species residing in the Arabian Peninsula.

Methods

: It was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA), with relevant studies being retrieved from MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. All articles published in Arabic or English languages between January 2000 and December 2020 were screened for eligibility. Random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of T. gondii infection in different animal populations which were found to harbour this infection. The critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies designed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to assess the risk of bias in all included studies.

Results

A total of 15 studies were retrieved, reporting prevalence estimates from 4 countries in this region and in 13 animal species. Quantitative meta‐analysis estimated a pooled prevalence of 43% in felids [95% confidence interval (CI) = 23–64%, I2 index = 100%], 48% in sheep (95% CI = 27–70%, I2 = 99%) and 21% in camels (95% CI = 7–35%, I2 = 99%). Evidence of possible publication bias was found in both felids and sheep.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis estimates a high prevalence of T. gondii infection in animal species which are of high economic and cultural importance to countries of this region. Hence, these findings provide valuable insight to public health authorities as well as economic and animal resources advisors in countries of the Arabian Peninsula.
Time-Domain and Frequency-Domain
Authors: Keller Reto B.
Published: November 2022

This chapter introduces the transformation from time-domain to frequency-domain and vice versa. Electrical signals—periodic or nonperiodic—can be measured in the time-domain (e.g., with an oscilloscope) or in the frequency-domain (e.g., with a spectrum analyzer). This means that an electrical signal can be described either in the time- or frequency-domain. The time-domain representation helps you to determine the signal integrity (ringing, reflection). In contrast, the frequency-domain representation helps you to determine at which frequencies a signal potentially leads to radiated emissions.

As an EMC design engineer and troubleshooter, it is crucial to understand the dependencies and relationship between the time-domain and the frequency-domain.
Surface Geology of Kuwait
Authors: AlRefaei Yaqoub , Najem Ali , Amer Aimen , Al-Qattan Faisal
Published: November 2022

This chapter represents a comprehensive review of Kuwait’s surface geology and stratigraphy from previous works accomplished by numerous geoscience researchers in the past decades. The surface of Kuwait is characterized by nearly flat topography, featureless to gently undulating, apart from a few tens of meters of escarpments in the north and south, and flat low to moderately elevated hills and ridges. It predominantly consists of siliciclastic sediments and sedimentary rock units ranging in age from Middle Eocene to Holocene. The main stratigraphic exposed successions are located in Jal Az-Zor escarpment, Al-Subyiah (Bahrah) area, Ahmadi Quarry, the Khiran Ridges, and the Enjefa Beach. The oldest exposed rock units are represented by the Middle Eocene Dammam Formation, which is exposed at the Ahmadi Quarry, whereas the youngest recent deposits cover most of Kuwait’s surficial area and lie on top of the Kuwait Group’s deposits. This chapter will illustrate the geology and stratigraphy of Kuwait's surface sediments and sedimentary rock strata. Recommendations and future insights were also documented as part of the way forward to improve the presently available work for the surface geology of Kuwait.
Subsurface Stratigraphy of Kuwait
Authors: Al-Helal Anwar , AlRefai Yaqoub , AlKandari Abdullah , Abdullah Mohammad
Published: November 2022

This chapter reviews the subsurface stratigraphy of Kuwait targeting geosciences educators. The lithostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy of the reviewed formations (association of rocks whose components are paragenetically related to each other, both vertically and laterally) followed the formal stratigraphic nomenclature in Kuwait. The exposed stratigraphic formations of the Miocene–Pleistocene epochs represented by the Dibdibba, Lower Fars, and Ghar clastic sediments (Kuwait Group) were reviewed in the previous chapter as part of near-surface geology. In this chapter, the description of these formations is based mainly on their subsurface presence. The description of the subsurface stratigraphic formations in Kuwait followed published academic papers and technical reports related to Kuwait’s geology or analog (GCC countries, Iraq and Iran) either from the oil and gas industry or from different research institutions in Kuwait and abroad. It is also true that studies related to groundwater aquifer systems also contribute to our understanding of the subsurface stratigraphy of Kuwait for the shallower formations. The majority of the published data were covered the onshore section of Kuwait. The subsurface stratigraphic nomenclature description is based on thickness, depositional environment, sequence stratigraphy, the nature of the sequence boundaries, biostratigraphy, and age. The sedimentary strata reflect the depositional environment in which the rocks were formed. Understanding the characteristics of the sedimentary rocks will help understand many geologic events in the past, such as sea-level fluctuation, global climatic changes, tectonic processes, geochemical cycles, and more, depending on the research question. The succession of changing lithological sequences is controlled by three main factors; sea-level change (eustatic sea level), sediment supply, and accommodation space controlled by regional and local tectonics influences. Several authors have developed theoretical methods, established conceptual models, and produced several paleofacies maps to interpret Kuwait’s stratigraphic sequence based on the data collected over time intervals from the Late Permian to Quaternary to reconstruct the depositional history of the Arabian Plate in general and of Kuwait to understand the characteristics of oil and gas reservoirs.