bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Analysis of Full-Circle Swinging Hoisting Operation of a Large Revolving Offshore Crane Vessel under Different Wave Directions
Authors: Zhang Dapeng , Zhao Bowen , Zhu Keqiang , Jiang Haoyu
Published: January 2023

Waves have an important influence on the motion performances of offshore crane vessels. The floating crane vessel in waves gives rise to the motion of the lifted object which is connected to the hoisting wire. Based on the geometric parameters of a revolving offshore crane vessel, combined with the specific process of the floating crane vessel at work, a model of the offshore crane vessel under full-circle swing hoisting has been established by OrcaFlex. With the change in wave direction, the dynamic response of the system is made and the impact force between the support vessel and the hanging object and the tension of the crane wire under different wave directions is obtained. At the same time, the minimum impact forces between the support vessel and the hanging object and the tension of the crane wire and their wave directions are obtained. According to the calculated result, the optimal design of the full-circle swing hoisting operation of large revolving offshore crane vessel has been determined.
Fungal Diversity and Its Relationship with Environmental Factors in Coastal Sediments from Guangdong, China
Authors: Wu Keyue , Liu Yongchun , Liao Xinyu , Yang Xinyue , Chen Zihui , Mo Li , Zhong Saiyi , Zhang Xiaoyong
Published: January 2023

As one core of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Guangdong is facing some serious coastal environmental problems. Fungi are more vulnerable to changes in coastal environments than bacteria and archaea. This study investigated the fungal diversity and composition by high-throughput sequencing and detected basic parameters of seven environmental factors (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus) at 11 sites. A total of 2056 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 147 genera in 6 phyla were recovered; Archaeorhizomyces (17.5%) and Aspergillus (14.19%) were the most dominant genera. Interestingly, a total of 14 genera represented the first reports of coastal fungi in this study. Furthermore, there were nine genera of fungi that were significantly correlated with environmental factors. FUNGuild analysis indicated that saprotrophs and pathogens were the two trophic types with the highest proportions. Saprotrophs were significantly correlated with total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP), while pathogens were significantly correlated with pH. This study provides new scientific data for the study of the diversity and composition of fungal communities in coastal ecosystems.
Modelling the Gut Fungal-Community in TIM-2 with a Microbiota from Healthy Individuals
Authors: Maas Evy , Penders John , Venema Koen
Published: January 2023

Most research on the human microbiome focuses on the bacterial component, and this has led to a lack of information about the fungal component (mycobiota) and how this can influence human health, e.g., by modulation through the diet. The validated, dynamic computer-controlled model of the colon (TIM-2) is an in vitro model to study the microbiome and how this is influenced by interventions such as diet. In this study, it was used to the study the gut fungal-community. This was done in combination with next-generation sequencing of the ITS2 region for fungi and 16S rRNA for bacteria. Different dietary interventions (control diet (SIEM), high-carbohydrate, high-protein, glucose as a carbon source) were performed, to see if diet could shape the mycobiome. The mycobiome was investigated after the adaptation period, and throughout the intervention period which lasted 72 h, and samples were taken every 24 h. The fungal community showed low diversity and a greater variability when compared to bacteria. The mycobiome was affected most in the first hours of the adaptation period. Taxonomic classification showed that at the phylum-level Ascomycota and Basidiomycota dominated, while Agaricus, Aspergillus, Candida, Penicillum, Malassezia, Saccharomyces, Aureobasidium, Mycosphaerella, Mucor and Clavispora were the most abundant genera. During the intervention period, it was shown that the change of diet could influence the diversity. Clustering of samples for different time points was analyzed using Bray–Curtis dissimilarities. Samples of t0 clustered together, and samples of all other time points clustered together. The Bray–Curtis-dissimilarity analysis also showed that for the different dietary interventions, samples treated with glucose clustered together and were different from the other groups (p < 0.05, PERMANOVA). Taxonomic classification showed that the genera Alternaria, Thanatephorus, Candida and Dekkera differentially changed for the various diet groups (p < 0.05, Kruskal–Wallis). These results show that the mycobiota could be modelled in TIM-2; however, the low diversity and high variability make studying fungal, as compared to bacterial, communities, much more challenging. Future research should focus on the optimization of the stability of the fungal community to increase the strength of the results.
Lignin-Modifying Enzymes in Scedosporium Species
Authors: Poirier Wilfried , Bouchara Jean-Philippe , Giraud Sandrine
Published: January 2023

Scedosporium species are usually soil saprophytes but some members of the genus such as S. apiospermum and S. aurantiacum have been regularly reported as causing human respiratory infections, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Because of their low sensitivity to almost all available antifungal drugs, a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of these fungi is mandatory. Likewise, identification of the origin of the contamination of patients with CF may be helpful to propose prophylactic measures. In this aim, environmental studies were conducted demonstrating that Scedosporium species are abundant in human-made environments and associated with nutrient-rich substrates. Although their natural habitat remains unknown, there is accumulated evidence to consider them as wood-decaying fungi. This study aimed to demonstrate the ability of these fungi to utilize lignocellulose compounds, especially lignin, as a carbon source. First, the lignolytic properties of Scedosporium species were confirmed by cultural methods, and biochemical assays suggested the involvement of peroxidases and oxidases as lignin-modifying enzymes. Scedosporium genomes were then screened using tBLASTn searches. Fifteen candidate genes were identified, including four peroxidase and seven oxidase genes, and some of them were shown, by real-time PCR experiments, to be overexpressed in lignin-containing medium, thus confirming their involvement in lignin degradation.
MoMaf1 Mediates Vegetative Growth, Conidiogenesis, and Pathogenicity in the Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Qian Bin , Guo Lingyuan , Song Chi , Ji Hong
Published: January 2023

In eukaryotes, Maf1 is an essential and specific negative regulator of RNA polymerase (Pol) III. Pol III, which synthesizes 5S RNA and transfer RNAs (tRNAs), is suppressed by Maf1 under the conditions of nutrient starvation or environmental stress. Here, we identified M. oryzae MoMaf1, a homolog of ScMaf1 in budding yeast. A heterogeneous complementation assay revealed that MoMaf1 restored growth defects in the ΔScmaf1 mutant under SDS stress. Destruction of MoMAF1 elevated 5S rRNA content and increased sensitivity to cell wall agents. Moreover, the ΔMomaf1 mutant exhibited reduced vegetative growth, conidiogenesis, and pathogenicity. Interestingly, we found that MoMaf1 underwent nuclear-cytoplasmic shuffling, through which MoMaf1 accumulated in nuclei under nutrient deficiency or upon the interaction of M. oryzae with rice. Therefore, this study can help to elucidate the pathogenic molecular mechanism of M. oryzae.
The Association between Alexithymia and Social Media Addiction: Exploring the Role of Dysmorphic Symptoms, Symptoms Interference, and Self-Esteem, Controlling for Age and Gender
Authors: Gori Alessio , Topino Eleonora
Published: January 2023

Given the popularity of social media and the growing presence of these tools in the daily lives of individuals, research about the elements that can be linked to their problematic use appears to be of great importance. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that may contribute to the levels of social media addiction, by focusing on the role of alexithymia, body image concern, and self-esteem, controlled for age and gender. A sample of 437 social media users (32.5% men, 67.5% women; Mage = 33.44 years, SD = 13.284) completed an online survey, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Body Image Concern Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Twenty-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, together with a demographic questionnaire. Results showed a significant association between alexithymia and social media addiction, with the total mediation of body image concern (and more in detail, body dissatisfaction) and the significant moderation of self-esteem. Gender and age showed significant effects in these relationships. Such findings may offer further insights into the field of clinical research on social media addiction and may provide useful information for effective clinical practice.
Implications of Transition towards Manufacturing on the Environment: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Context
Authors: Alfantookh Nasreen , Osman Yousif , Ellaythey Isam
Published: January 2023

This study is based on the idea that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 considered the achievement of economic diversification is very crucial for the economy. In turn, this target requires a sustained increase in the contribution of the manufacturing sector in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At the same time, the transition towards industrialization might trigger high rates of CO2 emissions, due to the escalated manufacturing demand for primary energy consumption (specifically fossil fuel). Ultimately, the high rates of CO2 emissions would have severe environmental consequences, such as environmental degradation. These environmental consequences might be more dangerous in a country extensively dependent on oil, such as Saudi Arabia. The study aims to investigate the manufacturing and environment nexus in an attempt to explore the validity of the inverted U-shaped curve, the so-called Kuznets hypothesis, during 1971–2021. Applying the econometric model autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), the findings of the study do not show evidence supporting the validity of an inverted U-shaped Kuznets function in Saudi Arabia during the period of the study. Furthermore, the short-term results do not confirm the impact of increasing manufacturing on CO2 emissions. However, there are indications of positive effects, although limited, in the long-term.
Assessing Changes in Land Use/Land Cover and Ecological Risk to Conserve Protected Areas in Urban–Rural Contexts
Authors: Wolf Isabelle D. , Sobhani Parvaneh , Esmaeilzadeh Hassan
Published: January 2023

Land use/land cover (LULC) changes in response to natural factors and human activities constitute a pressing issue for the conservation of Protected Areas in urban–rural landscapes. The present study investigated LULC changes in the Jajrud Protected Area (JPA) and the Kavdeh Wildlife Refuge (KWR) in the Tehran province, Iran, between 1989 and 2019. To inform ecological conservation measures for the JPA and KWR, LULC changes were identified and monitored using Landsat imagery from between 1989 and 2019. In addition, the landscape ecological risk (ER) was evaluated by conducting a landscape pattern index analysis. Then, the importance of different indicators affected by ER in these two PAs was assessed using the Delphi method, and expert opinions were solicited through a questionnaire. As for LULC changes in the JPA, high-density pasture declined the most over 1989–2019, from 38.6% (29,241 ha) to 37.7% (28,540 ha). In contrast, built-up areas increased the most, from 10.4% (7895 ha) in 1989 to 11.9% (9048 ha) in 2019. Water bodies also increased, from 0.88% (676 ha) in 1989 to 0.94% (715 ha) in 2019. In the KWR, cropland and gardens increased the most, from 2.14% (1647 ha) in 1989 to 3.4% (2606 ha) in 2019. Built-up areas also increased, from 0.05% (45 ha) in 1989 to 0.09% (75 ha) in 2019. Water bodies increased from 0.69% (538 ha) in 1989 to 0.71% (552 ha) in 2019. Finally, high-density pasture decreased the most, from 29.4% (22,603 ha) in 1989 to 28.5% (21,955 ha) in 2019. At the same time, the high and very high ER classes increased, more so in the JPA compared to the KWR. Finally, considering both LULC and ER changes, the Delphi method demonstrated that the greatest impacts occurred in the JPA. Various illegal economic and physical activities have created LULC changes and caused extensive destruction of ecosystems, posing a high ER in the study areas. The intensity of ER differs between the two PAs because of the varying distance from the metropolis, varying degrees of human activities, LULC changes, along with differences in legal restrictions of use. Aligned with the management plans of these areas, our research shows that it is necessary to develop land only within the designated zones to minimize the amount of ER. Various models of LULC changes have been presented, and a comparison of these models relating to the methodology and model effectiveness can help increase their accuracy and power of interpretation.
System Cognition and Analytic Technology of Cultivated Land Quality from a Data Perspective
Authors: Tang Huaizhi , Niu Jiacheng , Niu Zibing , Liu Qi , Huang Yuanfang , Yun Wenju , Shen Chongyang , Huo Zejun
Published: January 2023

As cultivated land quality has been paid more and more scientific attention, its connotation generalization and cognitive bias are widespread, bringing many challenges to the investigation and evaluation of regional cultivated land quality and its data analysis and mining. Establishing a systematic and interdisciplinary cognitive approach to cultivated land quality is urgent and necessary. Therefore, we explored and developed a conceptual framework of the model for the cultivated land quality analysis from the data perspective, including cultivated land quality ontology, mapping, correlation, and decision models. We identified the primary content of cultivated land quality perceptions and four cognitive mechanisms. We built vital technologies, such as the collaborative perception of the quality of cultivated land, intelligent treatment, diagnostic evaluation, and simulation prediction. Applying this analysis framework, we sorted out the frequency of indicators that characterize the function of cultivated land according to the literature in recent years and have built the cognitive system of cultivated land quality in the black soil region of Northeast China. The system’s central component was production capacity and it had three components: a foundation, a guarantee, and an effect. The black soil region cultivated land quality evaluation system has seven purposes involving 20–31 key indicators: production supply, threat control, farmland infrastructure regulation, cultivated land ecological maintenance, economics, social culture, and environmental protection. In various application contexts, the system had many critical supporting technologies. The results demonstrate that the framework has strong adaptability, efficiency, and scalability, which might offer a theoretical direction for further studies on the evaluation of the quality of cultivated land in the area. The analysis framework established in this study is helpful to deepen the understanding of cultivated land quality systems from the perspective of big data. Taking the big data of cultivated land quality as the driving force, combined with the technical methods of cultivated land quality analysis, the evaluation results of cultivated land quality under different scenarios and different objectives are optimized. In addition, the framework can serve the practice of farmland management and engineering improvement, adapt to the management needs of different objects and different scales, and achieve the combination of theory and practice.
Fatty Acid Composition of Pseudocereals and Seeds Used as Functional Food Ingredients
Authors: Czerwonka Małgorzata , Białek Agnieszka
Published: January 2023

In recent times, the popularity of seeds, other than cereals, in the diet has systematically grown. The fat contained in these products significantly affects their energy value as well as their biological and physicochemical properties, including their susceptibility to oxidation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the fat concentration and fatty acid (FA) composition of popular non-spice seeds used in food as a substitute for cereals or a functional additive. The research material consisted of thirteen groups of seeds derived from the following plants: amaranth, blue poppy, buckwheat, chia, flax, hemp, canihua, milk thistle, pumpkin, plantago, quinoa, sesame, and sunflower. The fat contents and fatty acid profiles differed significantly between the tested products and were dependent on the plant species. In all products, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, 40–80% of total FAs) dominated. Linoleic acid was the main FAs in most tested seeds. The exceptions were chia and flax seeds, which were characterized by very high contents of α-linolenic acid, respectively, 62.0 and 51.4% of the total FAs. The share of monounsaturated FAs (mainly oleic acid) in the total FAs content was between 6 and 40%. All tested seeds (especially flax, chia, and hemp) have favorable values for their indexes of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity as well as the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio.
(µ2-η4-N-(2-Butynyl)phthalimide)(hexacarbonyl)dicobalt
Authors: Jourdain Isabelle , Knorr Michael , Charenton Tom , Strohmann Carsten , Kirchhoff Jan-Lukas , Othman Mohamed
Published: January 2023

The reaction of [Co2(CO)8] with an equimolar amount of the internal alkyne N-(2-butynyl)phthalimide (1-Phthalimido-2-butyne) 1 in heptane solution yields the title compound [Co2(CO)6(µ-phthalimidoCH2C≡CMe)] 2. Compound 2 has been characterized using IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy; the tetrahedrane-type cluster framework has been ascertained using a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study performed at 100 K.
4-Amino-5-benzoyl-1-benzyl-2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indol-2-yl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Petrova Olga V. , Ushakov Igor A. , Sobenina Lyubov N. , Kireeva Victoriya V. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: January 2023

The title compound, 4-amino-5-benzoyl-1-benzyl-2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indol-2-yl)- 1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, was synthesized for the first time in a 40% yield by the reaction of N-benzyl-3-imino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indol-1-amine and 1-chloroacetophenone in a K2CO3/MeCN system (reflux, 6 h). The product was characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis.
Synergistic Effect of Yak Dung Fiber and Yak Dung Ash on the Mechanical and Shrinkage Properties of Cement Mortar
Authors: Zhu Xuwei , Li Lihui , Tian Bo , Zhang Panpan , Wang Junjie
Published: January 2023

The high value use of agricultural and livestock waste resources in the context of a low carbon economy is a challenge that currently plagues many countries. Yak dung, as a waste resource from livestock farming in the plateau, is considered to be a misplaced treasure. In this work, yak dung was processed into yak dung fiber (YDF) and yak dung ash (YDA), respectively, and the microscopic morphology of the YDF and YDA was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elements in the YDA were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Moreover, cementitious composites were prepared with YDF at 0%, 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7% and by replacing cement with YDA at 5%, 10% and 15% to assess the workability, mechanical properties and shrinkage properties of cementitious composites containing different YDF types (alkali treated and untreated), contents and different YDA contents. The results showed that alkali-treated YDF and YDA contain a large number of honeycomb structure pores, and the strength of cementitious materials with alkali-treated YDF was higher. The addition of YDF had a negative effect on the fluidity and compressive strength of the cementitious material, but the 0.3% YDF was beneficial in increasing its flexural strength. The compressive strength and flexural strength first increased and then decreased with the increase of YDA content. Both YDF and YDA inhibited the shrinkage of the cement paste, and the shrinkage strain of the cement matrix composites containing 0.3% YDF and 10% YDA was reduced by 51.1% compared to the control group. This work is expected to promote the application of yak dung waste in cementitious materials.
Investigation of the Superlattice Phases Formed in Ta72Ru28
Authors: Carruthers Alexander W. , Young Bradley A. , Pickering Ed J.
Published: January 2023

The Ta-Ru binary phase diagram has not been fully investigated, but shows potential for a two-phase region of A2 + B2. Given the high melting points of both Ta and Ru, such an alloy would have the potential for high temperature strength. A Ta72Ru28 alloy was arc melted and investigated in the as-cast and aged (at 1000 °C) states. The as cast alloy was composed of A2 and B2, albeit not in a superalloy-like morphology. A third phase was found in the aged alloy, which has not been reported before, and which is also a coherent superlattice phase of the Ta BCC matrix. The structure of this phase was found to be consistent with the tetragonal Cr2Al prototype structure, with lattice parameters of (a, a, 3a), where a is the Ta BCC lattice parameter.
Tailings Utilization and Zinc Extraction Based on Mechanochemical Activation
Authors: Golik Vladimir I. , Klyuev Roman V. , Martyushev Nikita V. , Brigida Vladimir , Efremenkov Egor A. , Sorokova Svetlana N. , Mengxu Qi
Published: January 2023

The significant containment of the global mining industry is caused by the problem of the transition to sustainable metal extraction and the integrated use of technogenic raw materials from the tailings of ore processing. The modeling of metal leaching processes using mechanical activation of polymetallic raw material components is particularly important in expanding the application of mining tailings as inert fillers of filling mixtures. This study is aimed at detecting the rotor speed factor on the chemical and mechanochemical effect of zinc yield growth from polymetallic tailings of the mining industry. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to improve the modeling of metal leaching processes using mechanical activation by improving the compositions of the filling mixtures. The methodology of the work included several comprehensive studies: the mechanical activation of tailings during zinc leaching from pulp in the DESI-11 disintegrator; the activation of enrichment tailings and the formation of a filling mass with different parameters of the component composition; the curing of cubic samples and their testing on the IP-1250 press. The Vi Improved text editor was used to prepare the algorithms for deterministic methods of three-dimensional interpolation in the Python language. The experimental results were graphically displayed using Gnuplot. The study of the agitation leaching of the waste obtained from the Sadonskiy mining district results in the fact that the NaCl mass concentration decreased from 13 to 1% and the H2SO4 concentration stabilization within 0.5 to 0.6% led to a 3-time increase in the zinc yield from the pulp, according to the polynomial law (from 28 to 91%). The obtained results expand the idea of the mechanism of the strength gain by the filling mass under mechanical activation on the components of the filling mixture, as well as changes in the efficiency of zinc leaching at different ratios of two types of lixiviants (sulphuric acid and sodium chloride) in the leaching solution.
Structural Diversity, XAS and Magnetism of Copper(II)-Nickel(II) Heterometallic Complexes Based on the [Ni(NCS)6]4− Unit
Authors: Tereba Natalia , Muzioł Tadeusz M. , Wiśniewska Joanna , Podgajny Robert , Bieńko Alina , Wrzeszcz Grzegorz
Published: January 2023

The new heterometallic compounds, [{Cu(pn)2}2Ni(NCS)6]n·2nH2O (1), [{CuII(trien)}2Ni(NCS)6CuI(NCS)]n (2) and [Cu(tren)(NCS)]4[Ni(NCS)6] (3) (pn = 1,2-diaminopropane, trien = triethylenetetramine and tren = tris(2-aminoethylo)amine), were obtained and characterized by X-ray analysis, IR spectra, XAS and magnetic measurements. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 show the structural diversity of 2D, 1D and 0D compounds, respectively. Depending on the polyamine used, different coordination polyhedron for Cu(II) was found, i.e., distorted octahedral (1), square pyramidal (2) and trigonal bipyramidal (3), whereas coordination polyhedron for nickel(II) was always octahedral. It provides an approach for tailoring magnetic properties by proper selection of auxiliary ligands determining the topology. In 1, thiocyanate ligands form bridges between the copper and nickel ions, creating 2D layers of sql topology with weak ferromagnetic interactions. Compound 2 is a mixed-valence copper coordination polymer and shows the rare ladder topology of 1D chains decorated with [CuII(tren)]2+ antennas as the side chains attached to nickel(II). The ladder rails are formed by alternately arranged Ni(II) and Cu(I) ions connected by N2 thiocyanate anions and rungs made by N3 thiocyanate. For the Cu(I) ions, the tetrahedral thiocyanate environment mixed N/S donor atoms was found, confirming significant coordination spheres rearrangement occurring at the copper precursor together with the reduction in some Cu(II) to Cu(I). Such topology enables significant simplification of the magnetic properties modeling by assuming magnetic coupling inside {NiIICuII2} trinuclear units separated by diamagnetic [Cu(NCS)(SCN)3]3− linkers. Compound 3 shows three discrete mononuclear units connected by N-H…N and N-H…S hydrogen bonds. Analysis of XAS proves that the average ligand character and the covalency of the unoccupied metal d-based orbitals for copper(II) and nickel(II) increase in the following order: 1 → 2 → 3. In 1 and 2, a weak ferromagnetic coupling between copper(II) and nickel(II) was found, but in 2, additional and stronger antiferromagnetic interaction between copper(II) ions prevailed. Compound 3, as an ionic pair, shows, as expected, a spin-only magnetic moment.
Phase-Field Simulation of Temperature-Dependent Thermal Shock Fracture of Al2O3/ZrO2 Multilayer Ceramics with Phase Transition Residual Stress
Authors: Pang Yong , Li Dingyu , Li Xin , Wang Ruzhuan , Ao Xiang
Published: January 2023

Compared with single-phase ceramics, the thermal shock crack propagation mechanism of multiphase layered ceramics is more complex. There is no experimental method and theoretical framework that can fully reveal the thermal shock damage mechanism of ceramic materials. Therefore, a multiphase phase-field fracture model including the temperature dependence of material for thermal shock-induced fracture of multilayer ceramics is established. In this study, the effects of residual stress on the crack propagation of ATZ (Al2O3-5%tZrO2)/AMZ (Al2O3-30%mZrO2) layered ceramics with different layer thickness ratios, layers, and initial temperatures under bending and thermal shock were investigated. Simulation results of the fracture phase field under four-point bending are in good agreement with the experimental results, and the crack propagation shows a step shape, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method. With constant thickness, high-strength compressive stress positively changes with the layer thickness ratio, which contributes to crack deflection. The cracks of the ceramic material under thermal shock have hierarchy and regularity. When the layer thickness ratio is constant, the compressive residual stress decreases with the increase in the layer number, and the degree of thermal shock crack deflection decreases.
Efficient Hole Transfer from a Twisted Perylenediimide Acceptor to a Conjugated Polymer in Organic Bulk-Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Cha Hyojung
Published: January 2023

Non-fullerene acceptors have recently attracted tremendous interest due to their potential as alternatives to fullerene derivatives in bulk-heterojunction solar cells. Nevertheless, physical understanding of charge carrier generation and transfer mechanism that occurred at the interface between the non-fullerene molecule and donor polymer is still behind their enhanced photovoltaic performance. Here we report examples of a non-planar perylene dimer (TP) as an electron acceptor and achieve a power conversion efficiency of 6.29% in a fullerene-free solar cell. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements show high quenching efficiency driven by the excitons of both conjugated polymer and TP molecule, respectively, indicating efficient electron and hole transfer, which can support a highly intermixed phase of blends measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and grazing incident wide-angle X-ray diffraction (GIWAXS). Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (fs-TAS) reveals that the fast exciton dissociation process from TP molecule to donor polymer contributes to additionally increasing current density, leading to stronger incident photon to current efficiency in the visible region.
Direct Laser Irradiation and Modification of 2D Te for Development of Volatile Memristor
Authors: Wang Genwang , Guan Yanchao , Wang Yang , Ding Ye , Yang Lijun
Published: January 2023

Laser irradiation, as a kind of post-fabrication method for two-dimensional (2D) materials, is a promising way to tune the properties of materials and the performance of corresponding nano-devices. As the memristor has been regarded as an excellent candidate for in-memory devices in next-generation computing system, the application of laser irradiation in developing excellent memristor based on 2D materials should be explored deeply. Here, tellurene (Te) flakes are exposed to a 532 nm laser in the air atmosphere to investigate the evolutions of the surface morphology and atom structures under different irradiation parameters. Laser is capable of thinning the flakes, inducing amorphous structures, oxides and defects, and forming nanostructures by controlling the irradiation power and time. Furthermore, the laser-induced oxides and defects promote the migration of metal ions in Te, resulting in the formation of the conductive filaments, which provides the switching behavers of volatile memristor, opening a route to the development of next-generation nano-devices.
Environmental and Economic Impact of an Innovative Biocide-Free Antifouling Coating for Naval Applications
Authors: Venettacci Simone , Ponticelli Gennaro Salvatore , Tagliaferri Flaviana , Guarino Stefano
Published: January 2023

The work provides an economic sustainability and environmental impact analysis for the validation of a biocide-free antifouling coating for marine applications able to reduce fuel consumption during navigation, CO2 emissions, and the overall environmental impacts associated with shipping, thanks to the reduction of incrustation and the avoidance of biocides release into the water. The results, related to the life cycle of the coating of a motor yacht, with an average sailing life of 25 years, show around 8.8% reduction in overall costs compared to a conventional paint, thanks to a more efficient antifouling action, which reduces the annual fuel consumption by ~13,700 kg/y, or ~9.6%. This leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions, associated with fuel consumption, of ~43.3 ton/y, as well as a lowering of the overall environmental impacts associated with the life cycle of the paint, by almost 10% for the most impactful damage classes, ensuring a greater environmental sustainability of the innovative coating, for the overall service life of the yacht on which it is applied.
Effect of Porosity and Heat Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Additive Manufactured CoCrMo Alloys
Authors: Lam Tu-Ngoc , Chen Kuang-Ming , Tsai Cheng-Hao , Tsai Pei-I , Wu Meng-Huang , Hsu Ching-Chi , Jain Jayant , Huang E-Wen
Published: January 2023

To minimize the stress shielding effect of metallic biomaterials in mimicking bone, the body-centered cubic (bcc) unit cell-based porous CoCrMo alloys with different, designed volume porosities of 20, 40, 60, and 80% were produced via a selective laser melting (SLM) process. A heat treatment process consisting of solution annealing and aging was applied to increase the volume fraction of an ε-hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure for better mechanical response and stability. In the present study, we investigated the impact of different, designed volume porosities on the compressive mechanical properties in as-built and heat-treated CoCrMo alloys. The elastic modulus and yield strength in both conditions were dramatically decreased with increasing designed volume porosity. The elastic modulus and yield strength of the CoCrMo alloys with a designed volume porosity of 80% exhibited the closest match to those of bone tissue. Different strengthening mechanisms were quantified to determine their contributing roles to the measured yield strength in both conditions. The experimental results of the relative elastic modulus and yield strength were compared to the analytical and simulation modeling analyses. The Gibson–Ashby theoretical model was established to predict the deformation behaviors of the lattice CoCrMo structures.
Effect of Interfacial Strength on Mechanical Behavior of Be/2024Al Composites by Pressure Infiltration
Authors: Kuang Zeyang , Xia Yixiao , Chen Guoqin , Sun Dongli , Ju Boyu , Wu Ping , Yang Wenshu , Wu Gaohui
Published: January 2023

In this paper, two kinds of Be/2024Al composites were prepared by the pressure infiltration method using two different beryllium powders as reinforcements and 2024Al as a matrix. The effect of interfacial strength on the mechanical behavior of Be/2024Al composites was studied. Firstly, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the two composites were characterized, and then the finite element analysis (FEA) simulation was used to further illustrate the influence of interfacial strength on the mechanical properties of the two Be/2024Al composites. The mechanical tensile test results show that the tensile strength and elongation of the beryllium/2024Al composite prepared by the blocky impact grinding beryllium powder (blocky-Be/2024Al composite) are 405 MPa and 1.58%, respectively, which is superior to that of the beryllium/2024Al composite prepared by the spherical atomization beryllium powder (spherical-Be/2024Al composite), as its strength and elongation are 331 MPa and 0.38%, respectively. Meanwhile, the fracture of the former shows brittle fracture of beryllium particles and ductile fracture of aluminum, while the latter shows interface debonding. Further FEA simulation illustrates that the interfacial strength of the blocky-Be/2024Al composite is 600 MPa, which is higher than that of the spherical-Be/2024Al composite (330 MPa). Therefore, it can be concluded that the better mechanical properties of the blocky-Be/2024Al composite contribute to its stronger beryllium/aluminum interfacial strength, and the better interfacial strength might be due to the rough surface and microcrack morphology of blocky beryllium particles. These research results provide effective experimental and simulation support for the selection of beryllium powder and the design and preparation of high-performance beryllium/aluminum composites.
Biomechanical Assessment of Endodontically Treated Molars Restored by Endocrowns Made from Different CAD/CAM Materials
Authors: Darwich Mhd Ayham , Aljareh Abeer , Alhouri Nabil , Szávai Szabolcs , Nazha Hasan Mhd , Duvigneau Fabian , Juhre Daniel
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the deflection and stress distribution in endodontically treated molars restored by endocrowns from different materials available for the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technique using three-dimensional finite element analysis. The models represented extensively damaged molars restored by endocrowns from the following materials: translucent zirconia; zirconia-reinforced glass ceramic; lithium disilicate glass ceramic; polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) and resin nanoceramic. Axial and oblique loadings were applied and the resulting stress distribution and deflection were analyzed. The Mohr–Coulomb (MC) ratio was also calculated in all models. The translucent zirconia endocrown showed the highest stress concentration within it and the least stress in dental structures. The resin nanoceramic model was associated with the greatest stress concentration in dental tissues, followed by the PICN model. Stress was also concentrated in the distal region of the cement layer. The MC ratio in the cement was higher than 1 in the resin nanoceramic model. Oblique loading caused higher stresses in all components and greater displacement than axial loading, whatever the material of the endocrown was. The translucent zirconia model recorded deflections of enamel and dentin (38.4 µm and 35.7 µm, respectively), while resin nanoceramic showed the highest stress concentration and displacement in the tooth–endocrown complex.
E2H Distance-Weighted Minimum Reference Set for Numerical and Categorical Mixture Data and a Bayesian Swap Feature Selection Algorithm
Authors: Omae Yuto , Mori Masaya
Published: January 2023

Generally, when developing classification models using supervised learning methods (e.g., support vector machine, neural network, and decision tree), feature selection, as a pre-processing step, is essential to reduce calculation costs and improve the generalization scores. In this regard, the minimum reference set (MRS), which is a feature selection algorithm, can be used. The original MRS considers a feature subset as effective if it leads to the correct classification of all samples by using the 1-nearest neighbor algorithm based on small samples. However, the original MRS is only applicable to numerical features, and the distances between different classes cannot be considered. Therefore, herein, we propose a novel feature subset evaluation algorithm, referred to as the “E2H distance-weighted MRS,” which can be used for a mixture of numerical and categorical features and considers the distances between different classes in the evaluation. Moreover, a Bayesian swap feature selection algorithm, which is used to identify an effective feature subset, is also proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified based on experiments conducted using artificially generated data comprising a mixture of numerical and categorical features.
Estimation of Citarum Watershed Boundary’s Length Based on Fractal’s Power Law by the Modified Box-Counting Dimension Algorithm
Authors: Lim Michael , Kartiwa Alit , Napitupulu Herlina
Published: January 2023

This research aimed to estimate the length of the Citarum watershed boundary because the data are still unknown. We used the concept of fractal’s power law and its relation to the length of an object, which is still not described in other research. The method that we used in this research is the Box-Counting dimension. The data were obtained from the geographic information system. We found an equation that described the relationship between the length and fractal dimension of an object by substituting equations. Following that, we modified the algorithm of Box-Counting dimension by consideration of requiring a high-resolution image, using the Canny edge detection so that the edges look sharper and the dimension values are more accurate. A Box-Counting program was created with Python based on the modified algorithm and used to execute the Citarum watershed boundary’s image. The values of ε and N were used to calculate the fractal dimension and the length for each scale by using the value of C=1, assuming the ε as the ratio between the length of box and the length of plane. Finally, we found that the dimension of Citarum watershed boundary is approximately 1.1109 and its length is 770.49 km.
Inverse Limit Shape Problem for Multiplicative Ensembles of Convex Lattice Polygonal Lines
Authors: Bogachev Leonid V. , Zarbaliev Sakhavet M.
Published: January 2023

Convex polygonal lines with vertices in Z+2 and endpoints at 0=(0,0) and n=(n1,n2)→∞, such that n2/n1→c∈(0,∞), under the scaling n1−1, have limit shape γ* with respect to the uniform distribution, identified as the parabola arc c(1−x1)+x2=c. This limit shape is universal in a large class of so-called multiplicative ensembles of random polygonal lines. The present paper concerns the inverse problem of the limit shape. In contrast to the aforementioned universality of γ*, we demonstrate that, for any strictly convex C3-smooth arc γ⊂R+2 started at the origin and with the slope at each point not exceeding 90∘, there is a sequence of multiplicative probability measures Pnγ on the corresponding spaces of convex polygonal lines, under which the curve γ is the limit shape.
Applying the Crow Search Algorithm for the Optimal Integration of PV Generation Units in DC Networks
Authors: Grisales-Noreña Luis Fernando , Cortés-Caicedo Brandon , Alcalá Gerardo , Montoya Oscar Danilo
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an efficient master–slave methodology to solve the problem of integrating photovoltaic (PV) generators into DC grids for a planning period of 20 years. The problem is mathematically formulated as Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) with the objective of minimizing the total annual operating cost. The main stage, consisting of a discrete-continuous version of the Crow search algorithm (DCCSA), is in charge of determining the installation positions of the PV generators and their corresponding power ratings. On the other hand, at the slave level, the successive approximation power flow method is used to determine the objective function value. Numerical results on 33- and 69-bus test systems demonstrate the applicability, efficiency and robustness of the developed approach with respect to different methodologies previously discussed in the scientific literature, such as the vortex search algorithm, the generalized normal distribution optimizer and the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Numerical tests are performed in the MATLAB programming environment using proprietary scripts.
Statistical Method of Low Frequency Oscillations Analysis in Power Systems Based on Phasor Measurements
Authors: Senyuk Mihail , Elnaggar Mohamed F. , Safaraliev Murodbek , Kamalov Firuz , Kamel Salah
Published: January 2023

This study aims to develop and test a new accelerated method for analyzing low-frequency oscillations in power systems using phasor measurements. The proposed method is based on the use of mathematical statistics methods that do not require significant computing power and have high reliability. Changes in the structure of power generation and integration of control devices based on power electronics cause low-frequency oscillations of power system operation parameters that present a threat. These changes result in a reduction in the total inertia of power systems with the subsequent impact on the operation of automatic voltage regulators and power system stabilizers, the purpose of which is to damp low-frequency oscillations. We conduct a careful review of the existing methods for low-frequency oscillations analysis in power systems to identify the gaps in the literature and design a new method to address the issues. The proposed method is tested on real-life data that was obtained during a disturbance with a transient event. Estimation of the low-frequency oscillation parameters was carried out, and the potential threat posed by these phenomena was examined. The implementation of the proposed algorithm for analyzing low-frequency oscillations is done using the Matlab programming language. Evaluation of the proposed algorithm is performed on physical data obtained during real transient processes occurring at large power plants.
Decision Analysis on the Financial Performance of Companies Using Integrated Entropy-Fuzzy TOPSIS Model
Authors: Lam Weng Hoe , Lam Weng Siew , Liew Kah Fai , Lee Pei Fun
Published: January 2023

Sustainable economic development plans have been shattered by the devastating COVID-19 crisis, which brought about an economic recession. The companies are suffering from financial losses, leading to financial distress and disengagement from sustainable economic goals. Many companies fail to achieve considerable financial performances, which may lead to unachieved organizational goal and a loss of direction in decision-making and investment. According to the past studies, there has been no comprehensive study done on the financial performance of the companies based on liquidity, solvency, efficiency, and profitability ratios by integrating the entropy method and fuzzy technique for order reference based on similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) model in portfolio investment. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model, namely the entropy-fuzzy TOPSIS model, to evaluate the financial performances of companies based on these important financial ratios for portfolio investment. The fuzzy concept helps reduce vagueness and strengthen the meaningful information extracted from the financial ratios. The proposed model is illustrated using the financial ratios of companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). The results show that return on equity and debt-to-equity ratios are the most influential financial ratios for the performance evaluation of the companies. The companies with good financial performance, such as the best HD company, have been determined based on the proposed model for portfolio selection. A mean-variance (MV) model is used to validate the proposed model in the portfolio investment. At a minimum level of risk, the proposed model is able to generate a higher mean return than the benchmark DJIA index. This paper is significant as it helps to evaluate the financial performance of the companies and select the well-performing companies with the proposed model for portfolio investment.
Relationship between Kinesiophobia, Foot Pain and Foot Function, and Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Reinoso-Cobo Andres , Ortega-Avila Ana Belen , Ramos-Petersen Laura , García-Campos Jonatan , Banwell George , Gijon-Nogueron Gabriel , Lopezosa-Reca Eva
Published: January 2023

The main objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between kinesiophobia and pain (general and foot pain), foot function, and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A total of 124 interviews were carried out with participants with RA. Participants were recruited from the Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves de Granada in Spain. Interviews took place in January 2021. Participants completed the following questionnaires during an appointment with their rheumatologist: Foot Function Index (FFI), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), and the Visual Analogue Scale Pain foot (VAS Pain). Furthermore, the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) was used to measure disease activity. Of the 124 participants, 73% were women, and their mean age was 59.44 years (SD 11.26 years). In the statistical analysis, positive linear correlations (p < 0.001) were obtained between the variables TSK-11 and VAS (related to general pain or foot pain) and FFI (in its three subscales). Additionally, a negative correlation between the TSK-11 and the educational background was shown. This study provided information about the relationship between foot function and pain with different levels of kinesiophobia in patients with RA. Additionally, the educational background of the patient was considered a predictor of whether or not a patient suffered from kinesiophobia.