bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Densely attention mechanism based network for COVID-19 detection in chest X-rays
Authors: Ullah Zahid , Usman Muhammad , Latif Siddique , Gwak Jeonghwan
Published: January 2023

Automatic COVID-19 detection using chest X-ray (CXR) can play a vital part in large-scale screening and epidemic control. However, the radiographic features of CXR have different composite appearances, for instance, diffuse reticular-nodular opacities and widespread ground-glass opacities. This makes the automatic recognition of COVID-19 using CXR imaging a challenging task. To overcome this issue, we propose a densely attention mechanism-based network (DAM-Net) for COVID-19 detection in CXR. DAM-Net adaptively extracts spatial features of COVID-19 from the infected regions with various appearances and scales. Our proposed DAM-Net is composed of dense layers, channel attention layers, adaptive downsampling layer, and label smoothing regularization loss function. Dense layers extract the spatial features and the channel attention approach adaptively builds up the weights of major feature channels and suppresses the redundant feature representations. We use the cross-entropy loss function based on label smoothing to limit the effect of interclass similarity upon feature representations. The network is trained and tested on the largest publicly available dataset, i.e., COVIDx, consisting of 17,342 CXRs. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach obtains state-of-the-art results for COVID-19 classification with an accuracy of 97.22%, a sensitivity of 96.87%, a specificity of 99.12%, and a precision of 95.54%.
Purified complement C3b triggers phagocytosis and activation of human neutrophils via complement receptor 1
Authors: Boero Elena , Gorham Ronald D. , Francis Emmet A. , Brand Jonathan , Teng Lay Heng , Doorduijn Dennis J. , Ruyken Maartje , Muts Remy M. , Lehmann Christian , Verschoor Admar , van Kessel Kok P. M. , Heinrich Volkmar , Rooijakkers Suzan H. M.
Published: January 2023

The complement system provides vital immune protection against infectious agents by labeling them with complement fragments that enhance phagocytosis by immune cells. Many details of complement-mediated phagocytosis remain elusive, partly because it is difficult to study the role of individual complement proteins on target surfaces. Here, we employ serum-free methods to couple purified complement C3b onto E. coli bacteria and beads and then expose human neutrophils to these C3b-coated targets. We examine the neutrophil response using a combination of flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, luminometry, single-live-cell/single-target manipulation, and dynamic analysis of neutrophil spreading on opsonin-coated surfaces. We show that purified C3b can potently trigger phagocytosis and killing of bacterial cells via Complement receptor 1. Comparison of neutrophil phagocytosis of C3b- versus antibody-coated beads with single-bead/single-target analysis exposes a similar cell morphology during engulfment. However, bulk phagocytosis assays of C3b-beads combined with DNA-based quenching reveal that these are poorly internalized compared to their IgG1 counterparts. Similarly, neutrophils spread slower on C3b-coated compared to IgG-coated surfaces. These observations support the requirement of multiple stimulations for efficient C3b-mediated uptake. Together, our results establish the existence of a direct pathway of phagocytic uptake of C3b-coated targets and present methodologies to study this process.
Study on smoke blocking and thermal radiation attenuation by water curtain in tunnel fire
Authors: Chen Yinuo , Jia Jinzhang , Che Guangbo , Zhu Zhiheng , Shen Zhiyuan , Wu Yumo
Published: January 2023

A 1:10 scale model tunnel with a length, height and width of 9 m, 0.6 m and 0.8 m, respectively, was set up in this paper. A water curtain system was installed in the model to investigate the effect of water curtain systems on smoke flow and heat propagation. A reduced-scale experimental and theoretical study was carried out by varying the heat release rate of the fire source, the water curtain pressure, and the number of water curtain rows. A series of tests were carried out for various setups to quantify each mechanism of interaction between the water mist and hot smoke, to propose a method for qualitatively analysing water curtain systems blocking the propagation of heat radiation and the flow of smoke from combustion, and to propose a method for predicting heat fluxes. The study found that the pressure of the water curtain, the number of rows, and the heat release rate of the fire source all had an effect on the smoke blocking effect of the water curtain system. This effect decreased as the heat release rate of the fire source increased and increased significantly with the pressure of the water curtain and the number of rows. The smoke blocking effect was quantified using conservation of momentum by establishing a dimensionless parameter R to represent the ratio of water curtain momentum to smoke momentum, as well as the ratio of heat flux before and after the water curtain to represent the smoke blocking capacity $$\delta$$
δ
of the water curtain. The smoke blockage rate $$\delta$$
δ
ranges between 40 and 75%, and the smoke blockage rate increases as the momentum R increases. Finally, in tunnel fires, a predictive model for the attenuation of heat radiation by water curtains has been developed, providing theoretical support for the quantitative study of the smoke and thermal blockage effects of water curtains, which is beneficial to the protection of human life in confined spaces.
Shear behavior of bedding fault material on the basal layer of DGB landslide
Authors: Liang Yufei , Cui Shenghua , Pei Xiangjun , Zhu Ling , Wang Hui , Yang Qingwen
Published: January 2023

Daguangbao (DGB) Landslide (12 × 108 m3) is the largest landslide triggered by the 2008 Ms8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake, in which basal shear failure develops on an interlayer fault at 400 m deep under the ground. After the landslide, a 1.8 km long (in the sliding direction) oblique shear face is exposed. Different kinds of materials in the interlayer fault of DGB landslide are taken for direct shear test, medium scale shear test, in-situ shear test and ring shear test. The test results show that fault material cohesion ranges from 20 to 320 kPa and internal friction angle from 15° to 41°. Shearing strength of interlayer fault materials is related to fragmentation degree of structure. The lower fragmentation degree the more obvious strain softening characteristics of materials, the higher fragmentation degree the poorer shearing resistance of materials. Compared with argillaceous materials in the same fault, the mylonitic materials are of higher shear strength and internal friction angle. Both mylonitic materials and breccia materials are strong in liquefying. In saturated undrained cases, shear strength of fault materials could drop to 9.7°, with S3 down to 0. In saturated undrained dynamic shear conditions, fault internal friction angle could be reduced to 23.1° and 4.2°. It is concluded that low friction feature of fault materials caused by the influence of groundwater is the main reason for destabilization of DGB landslide.
Prediction of left ventricular ejection fraction changes in heart failure patients using machine learning and electronic health records: a multi-site study
Authors: Adekkanattu Prakash , Rasmussen Luke V. , Pacheco Jennifer A. , Kabariti Joseph , Stone Daniel J. , Yu Yue , Jiang Guoqian , Luo Yuan , Brandt Pascal S. , Xu Zhenxing , Vekaria Veer , Xu Jie , Wang Fei , Benda Natalie C. , Peng Yifan , Goyal Parag , Ahmad Faraz S. , Pathak Jyotishman
Published: January 2023

Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) is a key measure in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure (HF) and many patients experience changes in EF overtime. Large-scale analysis of longitudinal changes in EF using electronic health records (EHRs) is limited. In a multi-site retrospective study using EHR data from three academic medical centers, we investigated longitudinal changes in EF measurements in patients diagnosed with HF. We observed significant variations in baseline characteristics and longitudinal EF change behavior of the HF cohorts from a previous study that is based on HF registry data. Data gathered from this longitudinal study were used to develop multiple machine learning models to predict changes in ejection fraction measurements in HF patients. Across all three sites, we observed higher performance in predicting EF increase over a 1-year duration, with similarly higher performance predicting an EF increase of 30% from baseline compared to lower percentage increases. In predicting EF decrease we found moderate to high performance with low confidence for various models. Among various machine learning models, XGBoost was the best performing model for predicting EF changes. Across the three sites, the XGBoost model had an F1-score of 87.2, 89.9, and 88.6 and AUC of 0.83, 0.87, and 0.90 in predicting a 30% increase in EF, and had an F1-score of 95.0, 90.6, 90.1 and AUC of 0.54, 0.56, 0.68 in predicting a 30% decrease in EF. Among features that contribute to predicting EF changes, baseline ejection fraction measurement, age, gender, and heart diseases were found to be statistically significant.
Indolethylamine N-methyltransferase (INMT) is not essential for endogenous tryptamine-dependent methylation activity in rats
Authors: Glynos Nicolas G. , Carter Lily , Lee Soo Jung , Kim Youngsoo , Kennedy Robert T. , Mashour George A. , Wang Michael M. , Borjigin Jimo
Published: January 2023

Indolethylamine N-methyltransferase (INMT) is a transmethylation enzyme that utilizes the methyl donor S-adenosyl-L-methionine to transfer methyl groups to amino groups of small molecule acceptor compounds. INMT is best known for its role in the biosynthesis of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychedelic compound found in mammalian brain and other tissues. In mammals, biosynthesis of DMT is thought to occur via the double methylation of tryptamine, where INMT first catalyzes the biosynthesis of N-methyltryptamine (NMT) and then DMT. However, it is unknown whether INMT is necessary for the biosynthesis of endogenous DMT. To test this, we generated a novel INMT-knockout rat model and studied tryptamine methylation using radiometric enzyme assays, thin-layer chromatography, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. We also studied tryptamine methylation in recombinant rat, rabbit, and human INMT. We report that brain and lung tissues from both wild type and INMT-knockout rats show equal levels of tryptamine-dependent activity, but that the enzymatic products are neither NMT nor DMT. In addition, rat INMT was not sufficient for NMT or DMT biosynthesis. These results suggest an alternative enzymatic pathway for DMT biosynthesis in rats. This work motivates the investigation of novel pathways for endogenous DMT biosynthesis in mammals.
Characterization of relativistic electron–positron beams produced with laser-accelerated GeV electrons
Authors: Song Hoon , Kim Chul Min , Won Junho , Song Jaehyun , Lee Seongmin , Ryu Chang-Mo , Bang Woosuk , Nam Chang Hee
Published: January 2023

The characterization of an electron–positron beam generated from the interaction of a multi-GeV electron beam with a lead plate is performed using GEANT4 simulations. The dependence of the positron beam size on driver electron beam energy and lead converter thickness is investigated in detail. A pancake-like positron beam structure is generated with a monoenergetic multi-GeV driver electron beam, with the results indicating that a 5 GeV driver electron beam with 1 nC charge can generate a positron beam with a density of 1015–1016 cm−3 at one radiation length of lead. In addition, we find that electron–positron beams generated using above-GeV electron beams have neutralities greater than 0.3 at one radiation length of lead, whereas neutralities of 0.2 are observed when using a 200 MeV electron beam. The possibility of observing plasma instabilities in experiments is also examined by comparing the plasma skin depth with the electron–positron beam size. A quasi-neutral electron–positron plasma can be produced in the interaction between a 1 nC, 5 GeV electron beam and lead with a thickness of five radiation lengths. Our findings will aid in analyzing and interpreting laser-produced electron–positron plasma for laboratory astrophysics research.
Adaptive nonsingular terminal sliding mode control of robot manipulator based on contour error compensation
Authors: Dachang Zhu , Pengcheng Huang , Baolin Du , Puchen Zhu
Published: January 2023

To achieve accurate contour tracking of robotic manipulators with system uncertainties, external disturbance and actuator faults, a cross-coupling contour adaptive nonsingular terminal sliding mode control (CCCANTSMC) is proposed. A nonsingular terminal sliding mode manifold is developed which eliminates the singularity completely. In order to avoid the demand of the prior knowledge of system uncertainties, external disturbance and actuator faults in practical applications, an adaptive tuning approach is proposed. The stability of the proposed control strategy is demonstrated by the finite-time stability theory. Then, the developed controller combines adaptive nonlinear terminal sliding mode control (ANTSMC) of joint trajectory tracking and proportion–differentiation control of end-effector contour tracking by introducing the coupling factor between multiple axes based on Jacobian. Moreover, a unified framework of cross-coupling contour compensation and reference position pre-compensation is built. Finally, numerical simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Magnetoencephalography recordings reveal the neural mechanisms of auditory contributions to improved visual detection
Authors: Pérez-Bellido Alexis , Spaak Eelke , de Lange Floris P.
Published: January 2023

Sounds enhance the detection of visual stimuli while concurrently biasing an observer’s decisions. To investigate the neural mechanisms that underlie such multisensory interactions, we decoded time-resolved Signal Detection Theory sensitivity and criterion parameters from magneto-encephalographic recordings of participants that performed a visual detection task. We found that sounds improved visual detection sensitivity by enhancing the accumulation and maintenance of perceptual evidence over time. Meanwhile, criterion decoding analyses revealed that sounds induced brain activity patterns that resembled the patterns evoked by an actual visual stimulus. These two complementary mechanisms of audiovisual interplay differed in terms of their automaticity: Whereas the sound-induced enhancement in visual sensitivity depended on participants being actively engaged in a detection task, we found that sounds activated the visual cortex irrespective of task demands, potentially inducing visual illusory percepts. These results challenge the classical assumption that sound-induced increases in false alarms exclusively correspond to decision-level biases.
Neuroprosthetics: from sensorimotor to cognitive disorders
Authors: Gupta Ankur , Vardalakis Nikolaos , Wagner Fabien B.
Published: January 2023

Neuroprosthetics is a multidisciplinary field at the interface between neurosciences and biomedical engineering, which aims at replacing or modulating parts of the nervous system that get disrupted in neurological disorders or after injury. Although neuroprostheses have steadily evolved over the past 60 years in the field of sensory and motor disorders, their application to higher-order cognitive functions is still at a relatively preliminary stage. Nevertheless, a recent series of proof-of-concept studies suggest that electrical neuromodulation strategies might also be useful in alleviating some cognitive and memory deficits, in particular in the context of dementia. Here, we review the evolution of neuroprosthetics from sensorimotor to cognitive disorders, highlighting important common principles such as the need for neuroprosthetic systems that enable multisite bidirectional interactions with the nervous system.
Surface states of dual-atom catalysts should be considered for analysis of electrocatalytic activity
Authors: Yang Weijie , Jia Zhenhe , Zhou Binghui , Wei Li , Gao Zhengyang , Li Hao
Published: January 2023

Experimentally well-characterized dual-atom catalysts (DACs), where two adjacent metal atoms are stably anchored on carbon defects, have shown some clear advantages in electrocatalysis compared to conventional catalysts and emerging single-atom catalysts. However, most previous theoretical studies directly used a pristine dual-atom site to analyze the electrocatalytic activity of a DAC. Herein, by analyzing 8 homonuclear and 64 heteronuclear DACs structures with ab initio calculations, our derived surface Pourbaix diagrams show that the surface states of DACs generally differ from a pristine surface at electrocatalytic operating conditions. This phenomenon suggests that the surface state of a DAC should be considered before analyzing the catalytic activity in electrocatalysis, while the electrochemistry-driven pre-adsorbed molecules generated from the liquid phase may either change the electronic properties or even block the active site of DACs. Based on these results, we provide a critical comment to the catalyst community: before analyzing the electrocatalytic activity of a DAC, its surface state should be analyzed beforehand.
The interaction of droplet dynamics and turbulence cascade
Authors: Crialesi-Esposito Marco , Chibbaro Sergio , Brandt Luca
Published: January 2023

The dynamics of droplet fragmentation in turbulence is described by the Kolmogorov-Hinze framework. Yet, a quantitative theory is lacking at higher concentrations when strong interactions between the phases and coalescence become relevant, which is common in most flows. Here, we address this issue through a fully-coupled numerical study of the droplet dynamics in a turbulent flow at Rλ ≈ 140, the highest attained up to now. By means of time-space spectral statistics, not currently accessible to experiments, we demonstrate that the characteristic scale of the process, the Hinze scale, can be precisely identified as the scale at which the net energy exchange due to capillarity is zero. Droplets larger than this scale preferentially break up absorbing energy from the flow; smaller droplets, instead, undergo rapid oscillations and tend to coalesce releasing energy to the flow. Further, we link the droplet-size distribution with the probability distribution of the turbulent dissipation. This shows that key in the fragmentation process is the local flux of energy which dominates the process at large scales, vindicating its locality.
Development of a designed comparison method based on isotope dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for determining plasma renin activity and its clinical assessment of renin activity stability in plasma
Authors: Liu Zhenni , Jin Lizi , Zhang Jiangtao , Zhang Tianjiao , Zeng Jie , Zhou Weiyan , Zhang Chuanbao
Published: January 2023

This study explored the optimized plasma incubation strategies and a traceable, robust, and reproducible designed comparison method based on LC-MS/MS for quantifying plasma renin activity, which is expected to harmonize laboratory measurement.
Enhancing the anisole hydrodeoxygenation activity over Ni/Nb2O5−xby tuning the oxophilicity of the support
Authors: Ali Hadi , Vandevyvere Tom , Lauwaert Jeroen , Kansal Sushil Kumar , Sabbe Maarten K. , Saravanamurugan Shunmugavel , Thybaut Joris W.
Published: January 2023

Ni/Nb2O5-H, preparedviathe hydrolysis method, possesses a higher number of oxygen vacancies and metal-support interface than Ni on commercial Nb2O5(Ni/Nb2O5-C), resulting in enhanced activity and selectivity towards deoxygenated products.
A fully automated platform for photoinitiated RAFT polymerization
Authors: Lee Jules , Mulay Prajakatta , Tamasi Matthew J. , Yeow Jonathan , Stevens Molly M. , Gormley Adam J.
Published: January 2023

The use of robotic instrumentation and Python scripts allows for fully automated and robust combinatorial polymer synthesis.
Theoretical insights into NH3 absorption mechanisms with imidazolium-based protic ionic liquids
Authors: Tu Wenhui , Zeng Shaojuan , Bai Yinge , Zhang Xiaochun , Dong Haifeng , Zhang Xiangping
Published: January 2023

NH3 absorption in [BIm][Tf2N] is governed by hydrogen bonds between NH3 and the protic site on the cation and considerable effects of anions due to their interaction with the protic site.
Polyelectrolyte complex scaffoldings for photocrosslinked hydrogels
Authors: Li Defu , Ghovvati Mahsa , Annabi Nasim , Srivastava Samanvaya
Published: January 2023

Self-assembled polyelectrolyte complex-based scaffoldings to address the limitations and enrich the microstructure and the mechanical properties of photocrosslinked hydrogels.
Linear optical afterglow and nonlinear optical harmonic generation from chiral tin(iv) halides: the role of lattice distortions
Authors: Han Xiao , Cheng Puxin , Shi Rongchao , Zheng Yongshen , Qi Siming , Xu Jialiang , Bu Xian-He
Published: January 2023

The slighter distortion of the symmetric rac-F crystal restrains the non-radiative decay and engenders intriguing luminescence. However, chiral ligand leads to polar lattice distortion, sparking off the outstanding second-order NLO responses.
A multifunctional black phosphorus nanosheet-based immunomagnetic bio-interface for heterogeneous circulating tumor cell capture and simultaneous self-identification in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Zuo Yifan , Xia Yi , Lu Wenwen , Li Yue , Xiao Yang , Gao Shuai , Zhou Zhiyi , Xu Hao , Feng Xingqing , Li Chenglin , Yu Yanyan
Published: January 2023

A dual-labeled fluorescent immunomagnetic nanoprobe (BP–Fe3O4–AuNR/Apt) was fabricated for high-performance CTC capture and rapid self-identification simultaneously with high accuracy.
Significant enhancement of ferromagnetism above room temperature in epitaxial 2D van der Waals ferromagnet Fe5−δGeTe2/Bi2Te3 heterostructures
Authors: Georgopoulou-Kotsaki E. , Pappas P. , Lintzeris A. , Tsipas P. , Fragkos S. , Markou A. , Felser C. , Longo E. , Fanciulli M. , Mantovan R. , Mahfouzi F. , Kioussis N. , Dimoulas A.
Published: January 2023

Record value of Curie temperature when the 2D van der Waals Fe5−δGeTe2, grown by molecular beam epitaxy, is interfaced with the topological insulator Bi2Te3.
Persistent azulene α-carbocations: synthesis from aldehydes, spectroscopic and crystallographic properties
Authors: Harabajiu Catajina , Hann Jodie L. , Murfin Lloyd C. , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele , Lewis Simon E.
Published: January 2023

The non-benzenoid aromatic system azulene is sufficiently electron-donating that α-cations at C1 may be isolated as stable salts with appropriate spectator anions. Preparation and characterisation of such salts is reported.
Effects of alkyl chains of benzothiadiazole-based conjugated polymers on the photovoltaic performance of non-fullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Wang Chao , Fang Jie , Guan Chong , Hu Zhijie , Wu Ting , Xiao Chengyi , Li Weiwei
Published: January 2023

Donor polymers based on benzothiadiazole have shown a higher power conversion efficiency of 15.5% in organic solar cells.
Stereo-electronic contributions in yttrium-mediated stereoselective ring-opening polymerization of functionalracemicβ-lactones: ROP of 4-alkoxymethylene-β-propiolactones with bulky exocyclic chains
Authors: Shakaroun Rama M. , Dhaini Ali , Ligny Romain , Alaaeddine Ali , Guillaume Sophie M. , Carpentier Jean-François
Published: January 2023

ROP of bulky functional β-lactones mediated by an achiral diamino-bis(phenolate) yttrium catalyst affords syndio-enriched polyhydroxyalkanoates.
GelMA/κ-carrageenan double-network hydrogels with superior mechanics and biocompatibility
Authors: Gan Xueqi , Li Chen , Sun Jiyu , Zhang Xidan , Zhou Min , Deng Yi , Xiao Anqi
Published: January 2023

A new GelMA/κ-carrageenan (GelMA/KC) double network (DN) hydrogel with excellent physical properties and biocompatibility is developed through a double cross-linking strategy.
Next-generation membrane-active glycopeptide antibiotics that also inhibit bacterial cell division
Authors: Sarkar Paramita , De Kathakali , Modi Malvika , Dhanda Geetika , Priyadarshini Richa , Bandow Julia E. , Haldar Jayanta
Published: January 2023

A new multi-target, multi-effect glycopeptide antibiotic that compromises membrane integrity, delocalizes cell division proteins and inhibits cell division besides inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Stable Cs2ReX6 (X – Cl, Br) vacancy-ordered perovskites for solar water splitting
Authors: Phani Chandra Neelam Venkata , Hamdan Muhammed , Chandiran Aravind Kumar
Published: January 2023

We report one of the most stable vacancy-ordered perovskites Cs2ReX6 (X – Cl, Br) that show panchromatic visible absorption and demonstrated excellent acid/base stability, which enabled them to be employed as photoanodes for solar water oxidation.
Subsurface oxygen reduction reaction activity on Ti2N MXene revealed byin situRaman spectroelectrochemistry
Authors: Pranada Eugenie , Johnson Denis , Yoo Ray , Djire Abdoulaye
Published: January 2023

In situRaman spectroscopy reveals that the subsurface of Ti2N nitride MXene is the active site for oxygen reduction reaction. We also report that the Ti2N MXene is more active than Ti3C2MXene and more stable than Ti3C2and 10% Pt/C.
In situ UV-cured composite electrolytes for highly efficient quasi-solid-state lithium ion batteries with wide temperature range applications
Authors: Zhou Pengcheng , Liu Yuxian , Chen Jian , Lu Shouqiang , Li Huiyang
Published: January 2023

Quasi-solid-state LIBs with UV-cured IPCEs exhibited a high specific capacity of 128 mA h g−1 with a long cycle life at 25 °C and could retain excellent performances over a wide temperature range from 25 to 100 °C.
A natural juncus-derived three-dimensional interconnected tubular carbon network decorated with tiny solid-solution metal sulfide nanoparticles achieves efficient sodium storage
Authors: Zhao Wenxi , Ma Xiaoqing , Wang Xiaodeng , Yue Luchao , He Xun , Luo Yongsong , Zheng Dongdong , Zheng Yinyuan , Sun Shengjun , Zhang Jing , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Sun Xuping , Tang Chengwu
Published: January 2023

Juncus-derived three-dimensional interconnected tubular carbon network decorated with tiny solid-solution metal sulfide nanoparticles favorably affords affluent active sites and porous channels, thus endowing superior sodium-storage performance.
Impaired conjugation boosts CO2 electroreduction by Ni(ii) macrocyclic catalysts immobilized on carbon nanotubes
Authors: Huang Yanjun , Dai Hao , Moonshiram Dooshaye , Li Zhuofeng , Luo Zhi-Mei , Zhang Ji-Hong , Yang Wenxing , Shen Yong , Wang Jia-Wei , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: January 2023

Attenuated conjugation in a Ni(ii) catalyst simultaneously facilitates the molecule–support interactions and the intrinsic activity, unexpectedly displaying a superior performance in CO2 electroreduction.
Self-assembly of metal–organosilicate on porous silica substrates for efficient CO2hydrogenation to methanol
Authors: Shao Yu , Zeng Hua Chun
Published: January 2023

The self-assembly of metal–organosilicate shells on silica substrates and their derived CuZn-catalysts for MeOH synthesis from CO2hydrogenation.
Lignin and metal–organic frameworks: mutual partners on the road to sustainability
Authors: Li Ruijin , Huang Danlian , Lei Lei , Chen Sha , Chen Yashi , Wang Guangfu , Du Li , Zhou Wei , Tao Jiaxi , Chen Haojie
Published: January 2023

Aiming at the two limitations of the biocompatibility of MOFs and the low utilization of lignin biomass, herein, we review the interaction between lignin macromolecules and MOFs to promote their high-end applications and sustainability.
A covalent organic framework constructed from a donor–acceptor–donor motif monomer for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water
Authors: Wang Guang-Bo , Xu Hai-Peng , Xie Ke-Hui , Kan Jing-Lan , Fan Jianzhong , Wang Yan-Jing , Geng Yan , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: January 2023

Derived from a D–A–D motif monomer, a novel COF was designed and synthesized, which exhibited excellent efficiency for hydrogen evolution from water under visible-light irradiation as a photocatalyst.
Engineering ROS-scavenging Prussian blue nanozymes for efficient atherosclerosis nanotherapy
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Dai Chen , Hu Ruizhi , Yu Luodan , Chen Yu , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2023

Prussian blue nanozymes were fabricated for atherosclerosis nanotherapy, which could reduce cellular reactive oxygen species level and exert cytoprotective effects against macrophages apoptosis, significantly boycotting atherosclerosis development.
Indium tin oxide as a dual-band compatible stealth material with low infrared emissivity and strong microwave absorption
Authors: Xu Yang , Wan Gengping , Ma Lingling , Zhang Ying , Su Yanran , Liu Disheng , Wang Guizhen
Published: January 2023

To explore radar/infrared compatible stealth materials, indium tin oxides were prepared and showed high-efficiency microwave absorption and infrared stealth properties.
In vivo imaging of axonal transport in peripheral nerves of rodent forelimbs
Authors: Lang Qiuhan , Schiavo Giampietro , Sleigh James N.
Published: January 2023

Axonal transport is the essential process by which neurons actively traffic a variety of cargoes between the cell soma and axon terminals. Accordingly, dysfunctional axonal transport is linked to many nervous system conditions. Therefore, being able to image and quantify this dynamic process in live neurons of animal disease models is beneficial for understanding neuropathology and testing new therapies at the preclinical level. As such, intravital approaches have been developed to assess cargo movement in the hindlimb sciatic nerves of live, anaesthetised mice. Here, we describe an adapted method for in vivo imaging of axonal transport in intact median and ulnar nerves of the rodent forelimb. Injection of a fluorescently labelled and non-toxic fragment of tetanus neurotoxin (HCT) into the mouse forepaw permits the identification of signalling endosomes in intact axons of median and ulnar nerves. Through immunofluorescent analysis of forelimb lumbrical muscles and median/ulnar nerves, we confirmed that HCT is taken up at motor nerve terminals and predominantly locates to motor axons. We then showed that the baseline trafficking of signalling endosomes is similar between the median/ulnar nerves and the sciatic nerve in adult wild-type mice. Importantly, this adapted method can be readily tailored for assessment of additional cargoes, such as mitochondria. By measuring transport in forelimb and hindlimb nerves, comparative anatomical and functional analyses can be performed in rodent disease models to aid our understanding of peripheral nerve disease pathogenesis and response to injury.
An access control model for data security sharing cross‐domain in consortium blockchain
Authors: Liu Yang , Yang Weidong , Wang Yanlin , Liu Yang
Published: January 2023

With the rapid increment of the demand for data sharing among parties, data is considered a cornerstone component to provide value in the big data environment. Concerns regarding sharing data security have impeded the development of cross‐domain data interaction. Therefore, an access control model for data security sharing cross‐domain is proposed, Fabric‐ABAC, that is based on Hyperledger Fabric and Attribute‐based Access Control (ABAC). In order to solve the data security challenges caused by a trusted central organization implementation, a distributed environment is constructed that consists of stakeholders among parties. The unified attribute model is designed for multi‐environment combined with smart contracts. Fabric‐ABAC realizes multi‐level, fine‐grained, and auditable access control, enabling data security through automatic permission verification. Considering the ledger is visible to all participants in consortium blockchain, it is necessary to protect the confidentiality of sensitive data. Thus, Proxy Re‐Encryption (PRE), which is implemented by smart contracts, is adopted in the scheme to realize the ciphertext interaction without the third party. The security of PRE and the access control model used in Fabric‐ABAC is discussed to show that a secure environment for data sharing is provided. Moreover, the completeness of the implementation and effectiveness of the system performance in the multi‐domain environment is demonstrated in the experimental results.
Adaptive criteria of estimating power system separation times based on inter‐area signal
Authors: Ranjbar Soheil
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an online protective scheme of estimating critical inter‐area angle for controlling the inter‐area oscillations based on evaluating the rate of changes of rotor angle oscillations as an adaptive tripping index (ATI)‐based protective zone. For this purpose, by using wide area measuring system technology, oscillatory signals Δδ and Δω are measured which based on correlation coefficients criteria, coherent groups are identified which based on evaluating oscillating areas, inter‐area signals ΔδCOI‐AB and ΔωCOI‐AB are provided. In the case of evaluating an inter‐area oscillation, the proposed ATI scheme is activated which the first zero crossing point (ZCP0) of δCOI‐AB is determined as the critical criteria for estimating unstable situation. The proposed ATI approach consists of two adaptive protective zones ATI1 and ATI2 to estimate inter‐area oscillatory and inter‐area transient instabilities, respectively. The proposed ATI is an online and non‐model‐based scheme which evaluates the system dynamic stability through two straight and sinusoidal‐based adaptive zones. The effectiveness of the proposed ATI approach is evaluated on three different test systems IEEE 39‐bus, modified IEEE 39‐bus with converter‐based low inertia sources and a practical Iran nation power grid with presenting positive effects of damping inter‐area oscillations through different operational and topological conditions.
Design analysis and experimental validation of a multi‐level inverter for vehicle to home application
Authors: Khalid Mohd , Ahmad Furkan , Al‐Fagih Luluwah
Published: January 2023

Robust and economic inverting devices are needed with the increasing practice of direct current (DC) sources. This paper proposes a compact multi‐level inverter topology for Vehicle to Home (V2H) application under different load conditions. A reduced number of switches with a single DC source (EV battery) is used to generate the 11‐level of output voltage and current waveform. The proposed topology is quite simple in structure and ensures the increase of two levels with each additional switch. The complete power loss analysis is performed for the proposed inverter. The MATLAB/Simulink is used to perform the simulation, and the results are validated through the experimental hardware setup designed. The comparison with the existing multi‐level inverter (MLI) topologies and literature shows the significant acceptability and reliability of the proposed multi‐level inverter. The operation of the proposed MLI under various loading conditions has expressed robustness for V2H application. The simulated and experimental data confirm that both results have a good agreement in terms of THD and output power. The output voltage levels of the proposed inverter could be flexibly varied by employing different numbers of switching capacitors.
Consensus based target tracking against deception jamming in distributed radar networks
Authors: Yang Ye , Da Kai , Zhu Yongfeng , Xiang Shengwen , Fu Qiang
Published: January 2023

In this study, an anti‐deception jamming target tracking algorithm based on the data‐level fusion is proposed in a distributed radar network. First, the consensus covariance intersection (CCI) algorithm is proposed to improve tracking performance by introducing the consensus theory to the field of covariance intersection fusion. Second, unscented Kalman filter is utilised to implement the preprocessing of distributed filtering. Then, two distributed target discrimination schemes are developed for non‐collaborative and collaborative false targets respectively. For non‐collaborative false targets, according to the characteristics that estimated spatial locations of the false target from different radars are relatively scattered, a false target elimination method based on nearest neighbour algorithm is proposed. For collaborative false targets, after equipped with passive radars that are less vulnerable to interference, the consensus algorithm is introduced to convey the real target information to the unconnected active radars, thus achieving an effect of global anti‐deception jamming. Finally, the CCI algorithm is deployed for distributed fusion of physical target tracking, so as to improve the overall estimation performance.
Application of the convolutional neural network in partial discharge spectrum recognition of power apparatus
Authors: Gu Feng‐Chang
Published: January 2023

Partial discharge (PD) detection is used to evaluate the insulation status of high‐voltage equipment. The most challenging aspect of traditional PD recognition is extracting features from the discharge signal. Accordingly, this study applied the visual geometry group‐19 (VGG‐19) model to gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS) PD image recognition. A high frequency current transformer and an LDP‐5 inductive sensor measured PD electrical signals emitted by 15‐kV GIS. Next, the Hilbert energy spectrum was obtained by Hilbert transform in the time and frequency domains. Compared with a phase‐resolved PD pattern, the Hilbert spectrum can represent the energy and instantaneous frequency with the time variable. Finally, the VGG‐19 model was applied for PD pattern recognition. For validation, its recognition performance was compared with that of a fractal theory by using a neural network method. The VGG‐19 method is straightforward and has a high PD recognition rate, thereby enabling equipment manufacturers to quickly verify the insulation of GIS during assembly or operation.
Simulation of deformation behaviour of Aluminium 7075 during Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP)
Authors: Shagwira Harrison , Obiko Japheth , Mwema Fredrick , Jen Tien-Chien
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a finite element simulation of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) since it is one of the most common and successful severe plastic deformation techniques. This study reports the influence of the most significant factors influencing the ECAP technique. Through finite element simulation, the effect of the die geometry, workpiece geometry, and the pressing speed on the effective strain distributions, damage, and pressing loads, were investigated. The influence of the ECAP method on different material models is also presented. Additionally, the prospective expansion and future applications of ECAP are herein highlighted. From the results, the die geometry of a 90° channel imparts the highest strains during ECAP. Additionally, specimens of rectangular geometry are susceptible to cracking and damage as compared to circular samples. It was found that very high processing speeds (>7mm/sec) are undesirable during ECAP since they cause very high internal stresses to the structure of the workpieces. Besides, processing at room temperature can achieve homogeneous strain distribution with minimum sample damage.
Tungsten oxide thin film for room temperature nitrogen dioxide gas sensing
Authors: Mpanza Thokozani , Ndlangamandla Ceboliyazakha L. , Ngom Balla D. , Nkosi Steven S. , Jili Thulani P. , Thethwayo Charles T. , Biyela Puleng N. , Cebekhulu Ntokozo G. , Mkwae Prince S. , Ogundipe Sunday A.
Published: January 2023

Tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films for gas sensing have been successfully deposited using reactive direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering at different deposition temperatures (300 °C, 400 °C and 500 °C). The structural, morphological properties, thickness and composition have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) techniques. To investigate the effect of deposition temperature on the gas sensing properties of deposited thin films on alumina substrates, was conducted using the Kenosistec gas sensing unit. WO3 thin film deposited at 500 °C exhibited a higher response when sensing Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at room temperature as compared to the thin films prepared at 300 °C and 400 °C, respectively. However, as deposited WO3 thin films exhibited low sensitivity when sensing reducing gases such as hydrogen (H2) and ammonia (NH3), which was an indication of good selectivity properties of WO3 related sensors.
The solar powered refrigerator and heat pump for urban street vendors
Authors: Musifu Gracia Wa Mwamba , Ngonda Tiyamike , Magoda Cletus
Published: January 2023

This article proposes an integrated solar PV refrigerator and heat pump (ISPVRHP) for Sub-Saharan African food vendors; the warm chamber would keep prepared food warm until the food is sold, while the cold chamber would minimise food spoilage. The ISPVRHP proposed in this article can cool water or other beverages and be capable of utilising the heat rejected to the atmosphere by the condenser for warming food. The ISPVRHP was modelled using ANSYS software, and the results were validated experimentally. The results show that both systems work well at peak hours, especially under more intense sun rays. The study found that the variation of incident solar radiation and ambient temperature has significant effects on the performance of the ISPVRHP; the wind speed, however, has only a minor impact on the total heat load of the system. In addition, the systems (cooling and heating) reached the desired temperatures and maintained them for long periods. The capacity of the refrigeration system can be increased by increasing the component sizes, including the PV system size. The ISPVRHP performance dropped substantially when the doors remained open for extended periods due to loss of energy through mass transfer.
Research on the Influence of Import Trade on China's Employment: Empirical Analysis Based on Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Li Nanyi , Sun Bo
Published: January 2023

With the opening up of foreign trade, various economic issues have become obvious. In addition, due to the impact of the COVID-19 in 2020, the dilemma of ‘difficult employment’ has a certain impact on China's economic development. In the context of internationalization, import trade has a significant impact on the employment level of different countries through a variety of mechanisms. As a developing country and a big trading country, the study on the impact of import trade on the level of labor in China has a strong practical guiding significance. By empirical analysis, we reached the conclusion that import has a restraining effect on employment of the whole country and the eastern, central and western regions; import has restrained the total employment in the three industries as well.
The Application of Interdisciplinary In Airborne Electromechanical System and Its Enlightenment to the Cultivation of Graduate Students’ Innovative Ability
Authors: Shen Dongkai , Wang Jiayao , Yang Liman , Wang Heping , Liu Guoqiang
Published: January 2023

With the progress of science and technology, intelligent monitoring and diagnosis system has developed rapidly. Intelligent diagnosis technology, as an engineering application of artificial intelligence, has developed rapidly both at home and abroad in recent years. Research shows that intelligent diagnosis technology is a comprehensive industry integrating multiple technologies and interdisciplinary disciplines, and it is also a partial epitome of contemporary scientific and technological progress. Combined with the development of intelligent diagnosis technology of airborne electromechanical system and the important task of colleges and universities as the undertaker of high-end talent training, this paper puts forward that the current talent training mode needs to be adjusted according to the needs of science and technology, and teaching practice reform should be carried out from professional fields, discipline categories, practical training platforms and other aspects, so as to provide reserve talents for China's scientific and technological progress.
Mathematics Case Teaching Method and Its Characteristics and Significance
Authors: Zhou Yinggao , Jiao Yong , Zheng Zhoushun , Li Zhouxin
Published: January 2023

Based on the teaching needs of applying the Nonlinear Functional Analysis, a new type of discussion-type teaching method was refined to strengthen the mathematical foundation and train the ability of scientific research, which is called the Mathematical Case Teaching Method (MCTM). It is an open teaching mode which is centered on an important principle in mathematics, with the results of applied research as the material, drawing on the concept of Case Teaching Method (CTM) for case design, and on the basis of students’ full research. It has similar but not identical characteristics and teaching advantages with traditional teaching methods.
Corpus-based Development of Syntactic Complexity in EFL Writing
Authors: Wang Weilu , Duan Manfu , Zhang Hongmei
Published: January 2023

Syntactic complexity has long been taken as a significant factor in determining writing quality by EFL learners. And researchers in recent years have made a lot of efforts to devise and verify a wide range of factors or indicators for the purpose of measuring syntactic complexity or predicting EFL writing quality. The present study discussed bases itself on a self-built learner corpus with data collected over three years, with the aim of determining the applicable indices for predicting beginner writing quality. Based on previous research, the present study takes into account such factors as unit length, verb-VAC complexity, and clausal complexity. The results of pairwise comparisons by year indicate that there are significant differences for some indices but not for others. In terms of unit length, the three indicators of mean length of sentence, mean length of Tuni, and mean length of clause can serve as the main descriptive variables for the development of the language of beginners; for clausal complexity, seven indices: coordinate phrases per T-unit, verb phrases per T-unit, clauses per T-unit, coordinate phrases per clause, complex nominals per Tunit, complex nominals per clause and T-units per sentence, are the reliable indicators for beginner writing development. But indices for noun phrase complexity and verb-VAC complexity show no significant difference in the Kruskal-Wallis tests. The findings provide proof for the conclusion that knowledge and skills of modification, coordination, and subordination form the real difficulties for EFL beginners. It provides implications for coursebook design and classroom teaching where beginners are supposed to focus more on breeding awareness and skills in these aspects.
Vertical Management Reform of Environmental Protection System and Air Quality Improvement: Empirical Test Based on RDD
Authors: Du Aili , Wang Lei
Published: January 2023

As a major institutional innovation in the field of environmental protection system, the supervision and law enforcement of environmental protection system in China has been transformed from the jurisdictional management system to a vertical management system, and its effect on improving air quality is a hot issue to be tested urgently. This paper uses regression discontinuity design model (RDD) to test the daily air quality of 321 prefecture-level cities from September 2016 to December 2019. The results show that the vertical management reform of environmental protection system can significantly improve the air quality, and has a significant long-term inhibitory and sustainable effect on air pollution. Furthermore, a series of robustness tests also further prove the reliability of the results. As a conclusion, this paper provides a basis for decision-making in deepening the vertical management reform of environmental protection system.