bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural ventilation cooling effectiveness classification for building design addressing climate characteristics
Authors: Li Wenjing , Xu Xinhui , Yao Jiawei , Chen Qingchang , Sun Zhuoyang , Makvandi Mehdi , Yuan Philip F.
Published: July 2024

The evaluation of natural ventilation potential for effective sustainable options and innovative green building design strategies is of great interest to architects, researchers and governments. From a retrospective review, we found that the potential evaluation of natural ventilation (NV) cooling effectiveness in the same category based on similar meteorological uncertainty, research objectives and objects showed significant differences. Uncertainties added and uncertainty propagation (both model form uncertainties and parameter uncertainties) could result in large discrepancies between simulation outcomes and real scenarios, especially in the design performance modeling (DPM) phase. In this conceptual design stage, a few parameters are available and therefore decisive. It is necessary to review and identify the key performance indicators and explore the extent to which deviations are caused by inconsistencies or biases in model information. As a basis for more concrete research, we propose statistical tests based on quantitative evaluations to explore the rule of natural ventilation potential volatility and identify whether there is a significant potential improvement resulting from the critical parameter enhancement with the optimal relationship. The showcase is applied in China, where there has been a significant amount of criticism regarding the current building climate zoning due to the perceived coarseness of the system and where there has been an active exploration into the possibility of redefining building climate zoning with a view toward improving its accuracy and effectiveness.
Analysis of clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis on primary gastric adenosquamous carcinoma
Authors: Du Yuqiang , Tian Hongkun , Chen Zhiliang , Mao Gan , Shen Qian , Jiang Qi , Yin Yuping , Tao Kaixiong , Zeng Xiangyu , Zhang Peng
Published: July 2024

Primary gastric adenosquamous carcinoma (PGASC) is a rare type of gastric cancer with limited research and poorly understood clinicopathological features. This study investigated the clinicopathological features and outcomes of PGASC. Patients with PGASC from Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology and from the published literature were enrolled in this study. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and prognostic factors were identified through Cox proportional hazards regression models. This study identified 76 eligible cases of PGASC, with 45 cases from published literature and 31 from our center. The most prevalent symptoms were abdominal pain and dysphagia, with a median age of 62 years (range: 29–84 years). The primary lesions were predominantly in the proximal stomach, with a median tumor size of 6.5 cm (range: 1.5–16.0 cm). Tumor stages II, III, and IV were detected in 12 (16.7%), 43 (59.7%), and 17 (23.6%) patients, respectively. Most tumors were poorly differentiated in both the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) component and adenocarcinoma (AC) component. The median survival time was 17 months (range: 2–122 months). The 1, 3, and 5-year overall survival (OS) was 60.7%, 31.1%, and 24.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that OS was independently predicted by the proportion of SCC component, differentiation of AC component, and tumor stage. PGASC is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. A high proportion of SCC components, low differentiated AC components, and advanced tumor were associated with worse survival in patients with PGASC. Adjuvant therapy did not improve survival time.
Single-cell level LasR-mediated quorum sensing response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to pulses of signal molecules
Authors: Ábrahám Ágnes , Dér László , Csákvári Eszter , Vizsnyiczai Gaszton , Pap Imre , Lukács Rebeka , Varga-Zsíros Vanda , Nagy Krisztina , Galajda Péter
Published: July 2024

Quorum sensing (QS) is a communication form between bacteria via small signal molecules that enables global gene regulation as a function of cell density. We applied a microfluidic mother machine to study the kinetics of the QS response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria to additions and withdrawals of signal molecules. We traced the fast buildup and the subsequent considerably slower decay of a population-level and single-cell-level QS response. We applied a mathematical model to explain the results quantitatively. We found significant heterogeneity in QS on the single-cell level, which may result from variations in quorum-controlled gene expression and protein degradation. Heterogeneity correlates with cell lineage history, too. We used single-cell data to define and quantitatively characterize the population-level quorum state. We found that the population-level QS response is well-defined. The buildup of the quorum is fast upon signal molecule addition. At the same time, its decay is much slower following signal withdrawal, and the quorum may be maintained for several hours in the absence of the signal. Furthermore, the quorum sensing response of the population was largely repeatable in subsequent pulses of signal molecules.
Different humidity environments do not affect the subsequent exercise ability of college football players after aerobic high-intensity interval training
Authors: Fan Yongzhao , Zhang Ben , Wang Yan , Wu Hao
Published: July 2024

Previous studies have explored the effect of differing heat and relative humidity (RH) environments on the performance of multiple anaerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Still, its impact on physiological responses and performance following aerobic HIIT has not been well studied. This study examined the effects of differing RH environments on physiological responses and performance in college football players following HIIT. Twelve college football completed HIIT under four different environmental conditions: (1) 25 °C/20% RH (Control group); (2) 35 °C/20% RH (H20 group); (3) 35 °C/40% RH (H40 group); (4) 35 °C/80% RH (H80 group). The heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), lactate, tympanic temperature (TT), skin temperature (TS), thermal sensation (TS), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded continuously throughout the exercise. The heart rate variability (HRV): including root mean squared differences of the standard deviation (RMSSD)、standard deviation differences of the standard deviation (SDNN)、high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), squat jump height (SJH), cycling time to exhaustion (TTE), and sweat rate (SR) were monitored pre-exercise and post-exercise. The HR, MAP, lactate, TT,Ts,TS, and RPE in the 4 groups showed a trend of rapid increase, then decreased gradually. There was no significant difference in HR, MAP, TT,or RPE between the 4 groups at the same time point (p > 0.05), in addition to this, when compared to the C group, the lactate, Ts,TS in the other 3 groups significant differences were observed at the corresponding time points (p < 0.05). The RMSSD, SDNN, HF, and LF levels in the 4 groups before exercise were not significantly different. The RMSSD and HF in the H40 and H80 groups were significantly decreased and other HRV indicators showed no significant difference after exercise. In sports performance measurement, the SJH and TTE were significantly decreased, but there was no significant difference in the 4 groups. The SR was no significant difference in the 4 groups after exercise. In conclusion, heat and humidity environments elicited generally greater physiological effects compared with the normal environment but did not affect sports performance in college football players.
Stone axes throw new light on Baltic stone age mortuary rites
Authors: Petrović Anđa , Macāne Aija , Strautnieks Ivars , Kalniņa Laimdota , Holmqvist Elisabeth , Hunter Emily M. , Pomstra Diederik , Goodchild Helen , Villén Ana Harto , Zagorska Ilga , Edmonds Mark , Nordqvist Kerkko , Little Aimée
Published: July 2024

Despite their ubiquity, Mesolithic lithic tools given as funerary offerings have rarely been studied in detail. Whereas personal ornaments (e.g. beads, pendants) are commonly interpreted as markers of social identity and status, archaeologists have struggled to understand the stone tools, commonly regarded as “utilitarian” items. As a result, this class of grave goods has not received the same level of attention, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of Mesolithic mortuary behaviours. Our research challenges long-lasting perceptions of lithic tools as strictly utilitarian objects and draws on studies of one of the most substantial stone axe funerary collections from one of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe–Zvejnieki, Latvia. Evidence suggests the selection of unused axes as grave offerings, while unusual wear traces on an axe found in a female grave (no 57) raises questions about its use in the burial rites. Using a multi-proxy approach, we compare life histories of axes placed in burials to those recovered from contemporary, nearby settlement contexts. Finally, a strong correlation between axes and women and children at Zvejnieki challenges gendered stereotypes of stone tools, historically regarded as possessions of the adult male members of Stone Age societies.
Regularized ensemble learning for prediction and risk factors assessment of students at risk in the post-COVID era
Authors: Khan Zardad , Ali Amjad , Khan Dost Muhammad , Aldahmani Saeed
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on students’ academic performance. The effects of the pandemic have varied among students, but some general trends have emerged. One of the primary challenges for students during the pandemic has been the disruption of their study habits. Students getting used to online learning routines might find it even more challenging to perform well in face to face learning. Therefore, assessing various potential risk factors associated with students low performance and its prediction is important for early intervention. As students’ performance data encompass diverse behaviors, standard machine learning methods find it hard to get useful insights for beneficial practical decision making and early interventions. Therefore, this research explores regularized ensemble learning methods for effectively analyzing students’ performance data and reaching valid conclusions. To this end, three pruning strategies are implemented for the random forest method. These methods are based on out-of-bag sampling, sub-sampling and sub-bagging. The pruning strategies discard trees that are adversely affected by the unusual patterns in the students data forming forests of accurate and diverse trees. The methods are illustrated on an example data collected from university students currently studying on campus in a face-to-face modality, who studied during the COVID-19 pandemic through online learning. The suggested methods outperform all the other methods considered in this paper for predicting students at the risk of academic failure. Moreover, various factors such as class attendance, students interaction, internet connectivity, pre-requisite course(s) during the restrictions, etc., are identified as the most significant features.
Assessing long-term effects of gaseous air pollution exposure on mortality in the United States using a variant of difference-in-differences analysis
Authors: Yu Yong , Tang Ziqing , Huang Yuqian , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Yixiang , Zhang Yunquan , Wang Qun
Published: July 2024

Long-term mortality effects of particulate air pollution have been investigated in a causal analytic frame, while causal evidence for associations with gaseous air pollutants remains extensively lacking, especially for carbon monoxide (CO) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). In this study, we estimated the causal relationship of long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), CO, SO2, and ozone (O3) with mortality. Utilizing the data from National Morbidity, Mortality, and Air Pollution Study, we applied a variant of difference-in-differences (DID) method with conditional Poisson regression and generalized weighted quantile sum regression (gWQS) to investigate the independent and joint effects. Independent exposures to NO2, CO, and SO2 were causally associated with increased risks of total, nonaccidental, and cardiovascular mortality, while no evident associations with O3 were identified in the entire population. In gWQS analyses, an interquartile range-equivalent increase in mixture exposure was associated with a relative risk of 1.067 (95% confidence interval: 1.010–1.126) for total mortality, 1.067 (1.009–1.128) for nonaccidental mortality, and 1.125 (1.060–1.193) for cardiovascular mortality, where NO2 was identified as the most significant contributor to the overall effect. This nationwide DID analysis provided causal evidence for independent and combined effects of NO2, CO, SO2, and O3 on increased mortality risks among the US general population.
A climate vulnerability assessment of the fish community in the Western Baltic Sea
Authors: Moll Dorothee , Asmus Harald , Blöcker Alexandra , Böttcher Uwe , Conradt Jan , Färber Leonie , Funk Nicole , Funk Steffen , Gutte Helene , Hinrichsen Hans-Harald , Kotterba Paul , Krumme Uwe , Madiraca Frane , Meier H. E. Markus , Meyer Steffi , Moritz Timo , Otto Saskia A. , Pinto Guilherme , Polte Patrick , Riekhof Marie-Catherine , Sarrazin Victoria , Scotti Marco , Voss Rudi , Winkler Helmut , Möllmann Christian
Published: July 2024

Marine fisheries are increasingly impacted by climate change, affecting species distribution and productivity, and necessitating urgent adaptation efforts. Climate vulnerability assessments (CVA), integrating expert knowledge, are vital for identifying species that could thrive or suffer under changing environmental conditions. This study presents a first CVA for the Western Baltic Sea's fish community, a crucial fishing area for Denmark and Germany. Characterized by a unique mix of marine, brackish, and freshwater species, this coastal ecosystem faces significant changes due to the combined effects of overfishing, eutrophication and climate change. Our CVA involved a qualitative expert scoring of 22 fish species, assessing their sensitivity and exposure to climate change. Our study revealed a dichotomy in climate change vulnerability within the fish community of the Western Baltic Sea because traditional fishing targets cod and herring as well as other species with complex life histories are considered to face increased risks, whereas invasive or better adaptable species might thrive under changing conditions. Our findings hence demonstrate the complex interplay between life-history traits and climate change vulnerability in marine fish communities. Eventually, our study provides critical knowledge for the urgent development of tailored adaptation efforts addressing existing but especially future effects of climate change on fish and fisheries in the Western Baltic Sea, to navigate this endangered fisheries systems into a sustainable future.
Identification of candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes associated with sugarcane leaf scald disease
Authors: Li Yisha , Lin Pingping , You Qian , Huang Jiangfeng , Yao Wei , Wang Jianping , Zhang Muqing
Published: July 2024

Leaf scald, caused by Xanthomonas albilineans, is a severe disease affecting sugarcane worldwide. One of the most practical ways to control it is by developing resistant sugarcane cultivars. It is essential to identify genes associated with the response to leaf scald. A panel of 170 sugarcane genotypes was evaluated for resistance to leaf scald in field conditions for 2 years, followed by a 1-year greenhouse experiment. The phenotypic evaluation data showed a wide continuous distribution, with heritability values ranging from 0.58 to 0.84. Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, significantly associated with leaf scald resistance. Among these, eight were stable across multiple environments and association models. The candidate genes identified and validated based on RNA-seq and qRT-PCR included two genes that encode NB-ARC leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing domain disease-resistance protein. These findings provide a basis for developing marker-assisted selection strategies in sugarcane breeding programs.
Smart city energy efficient data privacy preservation protocol based on biometrics and fuzzy commitment scheme
Authors: Nyangaresi Vincent Omollo , Abduljabbar Zaid Ameen , Mutlaq Keyan Abdul-Aziz , Bulbul Salim Sabah , Ma Junchao , Aldarwish Abdulla J. Y. , Honi Dhafer G. , Al Sibahee Mustafa A. , Neamah Husam A.
Published: July 2024

Advancements in cloud computing, flying ad-hoc networks, wireless sensor networks, artificial intelligence, big data, 5th generation mobile network and internet of things have led to the development of smart cities. Owing to their massive interconnectedness, high volumes of data are collected and exchanged over the public internet. Therefore, the exchanged messages are susceptible to numerous security and privacy threats across these open public channels. Although many security techniques have been designed to address this issue, most of them are still vulnerable to attacks while some deploy computationally extensive cryptographic operations such as bilinear pairings and blockchain. In this paper, we leverage on biometrics, error correction codes and fuzzy commitment schemes to develop a secure and energy efficient authentication scheme for the smart cities. This is informed by the fact that biometric data is cumbersome to reproduce and hence attacks such as side-channeling are thwarted. We formally analyze the security of our protocol using the Burrows–Abadi–Needham logic logic, which shows that our scheme achieves strong mutual authentication among the communicating entities. The semantic analysis of our protocol shows that it mitigates attacks such as de-synchronization, eavesdropping, session hijacking, forgery and side-channeling. In addition, its formal security analysis demonstrates that it is secure under the Canetti and Krawczyk attack model. In terms of performance, our scheme is shown to reduce the computation overheads by 20.7% and hence is the most efficient among the state-of-the-art protocols.
Research on the enhancement material and culture method of soil aggregates composed of feldspathic sandstone and sand
Authors: Li Juan , Li Jinbin , Hua Dongwen , Li Shaowei , Pang Zhe , Jiang Hongli
Published: July 2024

The Mu Us Sandy Land is a region characterized by wind-blown sand and soil erosion in northern China. To enhance the soil quality of this area, various organic materials were incorporated into the mixed soil at a volume ratio of 1:2 for feldspathic sandstone to sand. Culture was conducted in the field and under constant temperature conditions in laboratory culture chambers. Four treatments were established in the experiment, each calculated based on weight ratio and controlled (with no organic material added, CK); single application of straw (5% straw, P1); single application of biochar (5% biochar, P2); combined application of biochar and straw (5% biochar + 5% straw, P3). After 90 days of culture, soil samples were collected for analysis of various indicators such as soil aggregate particle size distribution, water stability of soil aggregates, mean weight diameter, mean geometric diameter, and fractal dimension using dry sieving and wet sieving methods. The objective is to establish a scientific basis and provide technical support for addressing the challenges associated with compound soil and implementing rational fertilization measures. The research results indicate that: (1) The quantity of aggregates > 0.25 mm under different treatments follows the order CK < P1 < P2 < P3, and the differences between treatments are significant (P < 0.05); (2) Soil water stability, mean weight diameter (MWD), mean geometric diameter (GMD), and fractal dimension of soil aggregates in compound soil with different organic material additions are superior to the control, and the effect of biochar on improving soil aggregates is better than that of corn straw. The combined application of both significantly improves the effect compared to single applications. In both culture modes, under wet sieving, the P3 treatment shows the highest MWD and GMD of soil aggregates, with an increase ranging from 3.45% to 85% and 4.55% to 38.46%, respectively, compared to other treatments. (3) The trend of fractal dimension among treatments is consistent: P3 < P2 < P1 < CK, and the differences between treatments are significant (P < 0.05). Moreover, there is a good negative correlation linear equation relationship between the fractal dimension (y) and WR > 0.25 (x) of compound soil, with a correlation coefficient of up to 0.9851. In conclusion, the incorporation of organic materials can effectively enhance the proportion of macroaggregates in compound soil consisting of Feldspathic sandstone and sand, thereby improving soil stability and erosion resistance. The optimal outcome is achieved through the combined application of biochar and straw. Indoor culture proves to be more effective than field culture, while wet sieving accurately reflects the structural characteristics of compound soil under both dry and wet sieving treatments.
Design and experimental validation of a metamaterial-based sensor for microwave imaging in breast, lung, and brain cancer detection
Authors: Hamza Musa N. , Koziel Slawomir , Pietrenko-Dabrowska Anna
Published: July 2024

This study proposes an innovative geometry of a microstrip sensor for high-resolution microwave imaging (MWI). The main intended application of the sensor is early detection of breast, lung, and brain cancer. The proposed design consists of a microstrip patch antenna fed by a coplanar waveguide with a metamaterial (MTM) layer-based lens implemented on the back side, and an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) realized on as a separate layer. The analysis of the AMC’s permeability and permittivity demonstrate that the structure exhibits negative epsilon (ENG) qualities near the antenna resonance point. In addition, reflectivity, transmittance, and absorption are also studied. The sensor prototype has been manufactures using the FR4 laminate. Excellent electrical and field characteristics of the structure are confirmed through experimental validation. At the resonance frequency of 4.56 GHz, the realized gain reaches 8.5 dBi, with 3.8 dBi gain enhancement contributed by the AMC. The suitability of the presented sensor for detecting brain tumors, lung cancer, and breast cancer has been corroborated through extensive simulation-based experiments performed using the MWI system model, which employs four copies of the proposed sensor, as well as the breast, lung, and brain phantoms. As demonstrated, the directional radiation pattern and enhanced gain of the sensor enable precise tumor size discrimination. The proposed sensor offers competitive performance in comparison the state-of-the-art sensors described in the recent literature, especially with respect to as gain, pattern directivity, and impedance matching, all being critical for MWI.
Impact of particle size and associated minerals on rare earth desorption and incorporation mechanisms in a South American ion-adsorption clay
Authors: Ding Lingyang , Azimi Gisele
Published: July 2024

This research delves into the intricate nexus of particle size, mineralogical composition, surface attributes, elemental mapping, and rare earth element (REE) adsorption mechanisms within an ion-adsorption clay sample from South America. The investigation entails the fractionation of the ion-adsorption clay into three size categories: S1 (< 0.25 mm), S2 (0.25–0.5 mm), and S3 (0.5–2 mm). Each fraction undergoes meticulous characterization to unveil its elemental composition, mineralogical composition, surface area, morphological characteristics, elemental mapping, and the mechanisms governing REE incorporation. The results indicate that S1 has 31% physiosorbed, 8% chemisorbed, and 61% mineralized REEs, while S2 has 40% physiosorbed, 5% chemisorbed, and 55% mineralized REEs, and S3 has 24% physiosorbed, 5% chemisorbed, and 71% mineralized REEs. The physisorbed REEs are attributed to the presence of kaolinite, conducive to mostly physisorption. In terms of grain size and REE content/type relationship, the results show that REE content decreases with increasing grain size; however, there is not a clear trend in terms of REE occurrence modes with grain size. Heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) are discernibly favored in adsorption over light rare earth elements (LREEs). This preference is underpinned by the weathering processes that led to the formation of ion-adsorption clay, which facilitated the transport and accumulation of HREEs. Notably, the ion-adsorption clay encompasses a substantial content of mineralized REEs, necessitating more demanding extraction methodologies, such as acid baking followed by water leaching if complete extraction of all REEs is desired. Among the desorbable REEs, physisorption dominates, encompassing over 80% of the total. Chemisorbed REEs exhibit versatility in association with various minerals, encompassing kaolinite, quartz, and goethite. In essence, this study unveils the intricate interplay between particle dimensions, mineralogical constitution, surface attributes, and REE adsorption modes within this ion-adsorption clay sample. The ion-adsorption clay in this study contains a significant portion of mineralized REEs that cannot be extracted using the mild conditions typically employed for the desorption process. Additionally, the REE concentration in this ion-adsorption clay is notably higher than the average found in clay deposits worldwide, reaching levels comparable to those of regolith deposits in China, which are a major global source of REEs. This remarkable concentration of REEs, along with the unique modes of their occurrence in this deposit, presents a significant interest to the scientific community.
The clinical value of nutritional and inflammatory indicators in predicting pneumonia among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Zhao Guang , Chen Yuyang , Gu Yuting , Xia Xiaohua
Published: July 2024

Immunosuppression and malnutrition play pivotal roles in the complications of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and are intricately linked to the development of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). Inflammatory markers, including NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), SII (systemic immune inflammation index), SIRI (systemic inflammatory response index), and SIS (systemic inflammation score), along with nutritional indexes such as CONUT (controlling nutritional status) and PNI (prognostic nutritional index), are crucial indicators influencing the inflammatory state following ICH. In this study, our objective was to compare the predictive efficacy of inflammatory and nutritional indices for SAP in ICH patients, aiming to determine and explore their clinical utility in early pneumonia detection. Patients with severe ICH requiring ICU admission were screened from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The outcomes included the occurrence of SAP and in-hospital death. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, multivariate logistic regression, smooth curve analysis, and stratified analysis were employed to investigate the relationship between the CONUT index and the clinical outcomes of patients with severe ICH. A total of 348 patients were enrolled in the study. The incidence of SAP was 21.3%, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 17.0%. Among these indicators, multiple regression analysis revealed that CONUT, PNI, and SIRI were independently associated with SAP. Further ROC curve analysis demonstrated that CONUT (AUC 0.6743, 95% CI 0.6079–0.7408) exhibited the most robust predictive ability for SAP in patients with ICH. Threshold analysis revealed that when CONUT < 6, an increase of 1 point in CONUT was associated with a 1.39 times higher risk of SAP. Similarly, our findings indicate that CONUT has the potential to predict the prognosis of patients with ICH. Among the inflammatory and nutritional markers, CONUT stands out as the most reliable predictor of SAP in patients with ICH. Additionally, it proves to be a valuable indicator for assessing the prognosis of patients with ICH.
Evaluation of regional comprehensive development efficiency under low-carbon policy: based on optimized DDF-GML combined with unsupervised clustering method
Authors: Yu Runqun , Luo Zhuoyang
Published: July 2024

In the study of urban development, it is very important to evaluate the influence of production factors reasonably and efficiently for the region to achieve efficient development. The principal aim of this investigation is to amalgamate the conventional measurement model characterized by robust interpretability with the non-parametric model characterized by limited interpretability, thereby enhancing the precision of research outcomes. Towards this objective, the study employs an optimized directional distance function integrated with a global Malmquist–Luenberger index to formulate a comprehensive total factor productivity measurement framework. In elucidating the homogeneous attributes of regions, departing from prior methodologies reliant on manual or direct algorithmic partitioning, this paper employs the K-means clustering algorithm for index discernment, abstracting the concept of K-means clustering centroids to encapsulate regional homogeneity, thereby delineating results through the visualization of regional development potential maps and the evolution of centroid-based clustering trend maps. The findings of the investigation illuminate common patterns of change across disparate regions, proposing a strategy for leveraging regional resource endowments towards a cohesive framework, thereby transcending constraints imposed by production efficiency limitations. Amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study draws upon provincial-level data spanning from 2000 to 2018 in China. The conclusive analytical outcomes underscore the pivotal role of energy factors in regional development efficiency, particularly within high-potential development regions, followed by the capital and labor factors. Concurrently, the study discerns a discernible hierarchical pattern among areas of development potential, which exhibits correlation with factor mobility dynamics.
Determination of vat-photopolymerization parameters for microneedles fabrication and characterization of HPMC/PVP K90 dissolving microneedles utilizing 3D-printed mold
Authors: Chanabodeechalermrung Baramee , Chaiwarit Tanpong , Udomsom Suruk , Rachtanapun Pornchai , Piboon Promporn , Jantrawut Pensak
Published: July 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) printing serves as an alternative method for fabricating microneedle (MN) patches with a high object resolution. In this investigation, four distinct needle shapes: pyramid mounted over a long cube (shape A), cone mounted over a cylinder (shape B), pyramidal shape (shape C), and conical shape (shape D) were designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software with compensated bases of 350, 450 and 550 µm. Polylactic acid (PLA) biophotopolymer resin from eSun and stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer from Anycubic technology were used to print MN patches. The 3D-printed MN patches were employed to construct MN molds, and those molds were used to produce hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) K90 dissolving microneedles (DMNs). Various printing parameters, such as curing time, printing angle, and anti-aliasing (AA), were varied to evaluate suitable printing conditions for each shape. Furthermore, physical appearance, mechanical property, and skin insertion ability of HPMC/PVP K90 DMNs were examined. The results showed that for shape A and C, the suitable curing time and printing angle were 1.5 s and 30° while for shapes B and D, they were 2.0 s and 45°, respectively. All four shapes required AA to eliminate their stair-stepped edges. Additionally, it was demonstrated that all twelve designs of 3D-printed MN patches could be employed for fabricating MN molds. HPMC/PVP K90 DMNs with the needles of shape A and B exhibited better physicochemical properties compared to those of shape C and D. Particularly, both sample 9 and 10 displayed sharp needle without bent tips, coupled with minimal height reduction (< 10%) and a high percentage of blue dots (approximately 100%). As a result, 3D printing can be utilized to custom construct 3D-printed MN patches for producing MN molds, and HPMC/PVP K90 DMNs manufactured by those molds showed excellent physicochemical properties.
A study of size threshold for cooling effect in urban parks and their cooling accessibility and equity
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Huina , Qi Ruoming
Published: July 2024

Rapid urbanization has led to increasingly prominent urban heat island phenomena and social inequality. It is urgent to quantify the threshold area of urban parks from multiple perspectives to maximize the cooling effect and improve the equity of park cooling services. Using 33 urban parks in Harbin City as research objects, four indices, i.e., park cooling intensity (PCI), park cooling distance (PCD), park cooling area (PCA), and park cooling efficiency (PCE), were used to explore the park cooling effect and the threshold value of efficiency (TVoE) of the size. The OD (origin–destination) matrix model was constructed to assess the spatial accessibility from the community to the cooling range. The Gini coefficient was used to assess the equity of cooling range accessibility. The relative contribution of each influencing factor to the cooling indicator was quantified through regression modeling. The results showed that the average PCI was 3.27 ℃, the average PCD was 277 m, the average PCA was 115.35 ha, and the average PCE was 5.74. Gray space area was the dominant factor for PCI, PCD, and PCA (relative contributions of 100%, 31%, and 19%, respectively). Park area was the dominant factor for PCE (relative contribution of 28%). The TVoE of park sizes based on PCA and PCE were calculated as 82.37 ha and 2.56 ha, respectively. 39.2% and 94.01% of communities can reach cooling ranges within 15 min in walk mode and transit mode, respectively. Approximately 18% of neighborhood residents are experiencing severe inequities in cooling range accessibility. This study can guide park design that maximizes cooling effects, as well as inform city planners on more equitable allocation of urban park resources.
Efficient synthesis of some [1,3]-oxazine derivatives in the presence of solid acid nano catalyst based on ferrierite and study on their activity against breast cancer through molecular docking calculation
Authors: khollat Atiyeh , Moradi Leila
Published: July 2024

In this research, the magnetic solid acid nanocatalyst based on ferrierite has been prepared and used as catalyst for the green synthesis of some [1,3]-oxazine derivatives in water at room temperature. The synthesized compounds were obtained in high to excellent yields after short reaction times and the structure of synthesized products were investigated by spectroscopic methods such as: FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The prepared magnetic solid acid catalyst was characterized using XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX, elemental mapping, TGA and VSM analysis methods. Magnetic catalyst has easy separation ability, which leads to better and easier recycling. The preparation and synthesis of [1,3]-oxazine derivatives were carried out at room temperature in the presence of M-FER/TEPA/SO3H. Easy workup, green solvent (water) and also short reaction times with high to excellent yield of products, are some of advantageous of presented method. Docking calculations on the structure of the synthesized compounds proved their medicinal properties against breast cancer cells.
Evaluating the predictive efficacy of first trimester biochemical markers (PAPP-A, fβ-hCG) in forecasting preterm delivery incidences
Authors: Swiercz G. , Zmelonek-Znamirowska A. , Szwabowicz K. , Armanska J. , Detka K. , Mlodawska M. , Mlodawski J.
Published: July 2024

In this investigation, we explored the correlation between first-trimester biochemical markers and the incidence of preterm birth (PTB), irrespective of the cause, spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), and preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) within a cohort comprising 1164 patients. It was discovered that diminished levels of Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) between 11 and 13 + 6 weeks of gestation significantly contributed to the risk of preterm deliveries both before 35 and 37 weeks, as well as to pPROM instances. Furthermore, women experiencing sPTB before the 37th week of gestation also exhibited lower concentrations of PAPP-A. Moreover, reduced first-trimester concentrations of free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (fb-HCG) were identified as a risk factor for deliveries preceding 37 weeks, pPROM, and sPTB before 35 weeks of gestation. Despite these correlations, the area under the curve for these biochemical markers did not surpass 0.7, indicating their limited diagnostic potential. The most significant discriminatory capability was noted for PAPP-A levels, with a threshold of < 0.71 multiples of the median (MoM) predicting PTB before 37 weeks, yielding an odds ratio of 3.11 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.97–4.92). For sPTB, the greatest discriminatory potential was observed for PAPP-A < 0.688, providing an OR of 2.66 (95% CI 1.51–4.66). The cut-off points corresponded to accuracies of 76.05% and 79.1%, respectively. In regression analyses, the combined predictive models exhibited low explanatory power with R2 values of 9.2% for PTB and 7.7% for sPTB below 35 weeks of gestation. In conclusion, while certain biochemical markers demonstrated associations with outcomes of preterm birth, their individual and collective predictive efficacies for foreseeing such events were found to be suboptimal.
Pan-Arctic methanesulfonic acid aerosol: source regions, atmospheric drivers, and future projections
Authors: Pernov Jakob Boyd , Harris Eliza , Volpi Michele , Baumgartner Tamara , Hohermuth Benjamin , Henne Stephan , Aeberhard William H. , Becagli Silvia , Quinn Patricia K. , Traversi Rita , Upchurch Lucia M. , Schmale Julia
Published: July 2024

Natural aerosols are an important, yet understudied, part of the Arctic climate system. Natural marine biogenic aerosol components (e.g., methanesulfonic acid, MSA) are becoming increasingly important due to changing environmental conditions. In this study, we combine in situ aerosol observations with atmospheric transport modeling and meteorological reanalysis data in a data-driven framework with the aim to (1) identify the seasonal cycles and source regions of MSA, (2) elucidate the relationships between MSA and atmospheric variables, and (3) project the response of MSA based on trends extrapolated from reanalysis variables and determine which variables are contributing to these projected changes. We have identified the main source areas of MSA to be the Atlantic and Pacific sectors of the Arctic. Using gradient-boosted trees, we were able to explain 84% of the variance and find that the most important variables for MSA are indirectly related to either the gas- or aqueous-phase oxidation of dimethyl sulfide (DMS): shortwave and longwave downwelling radiation, temperature, and low cloud cover. We project MSA to undergo a seasonal shift, with non-monotonic decreases in April/May and increases in June-September, over the next 50 years. Different variables in different months are driving these changes, highlighting the complexity of influences on this natural aerosol component. Although the response of MSA due to changing oceanic variables (sea surface temperature, DMS emissions, and sea ice) and precipitation remains to be seen, here we are able to show that MSA will likely undergo a seasonal shift solely due to changes in atmospheric variables.
Revealing new pathways for the reaction of Criegee intermediate CH2OO with SO2
Authors: Yin Cangtao , Czakó Gábor
Published: July 2024

Criegee intermediates play an important role in the tropospheric oxidation models through their reactions with atmospheric trace chemicals. We develop a global full-dimensional potential energy surface for the CH2OO + SO2 system and reveal how the reaction happens step by step by quasi-classical trajectory simulations. A new pathway forming the main products (CH2O + SO3) and a new product channel (CO2 + H2 + SO2) are predicted in our simulations. The new pathway appears at collision energies greater than 10 kcal/mol whose behavior demonstrates a typical barrier-controlled reaction. This threshold is also consistent with the ab initio transition state barrier height. For the minor products, a loose complex OCH2O ∙ ∙ ∙ SO2 is formed first, and then in most cases it soon turns into HCOOH + SO2, in a few cases it decomposes into CO2 + H2 + SO2 which is a new product channel, and rarely it remains as ∙OCH2O ∙ + SO2.
Enhancing the excitation gap of a quantum-dot-based Kitaev chain
Authors: Liu Chun-Xiao , Bozkurt A. Mert , Zatelli Francesco , ten Haaf Sebastiaan L. D. , Dvir Tom , Wimmer Michael
Published: July 2024

Connecting double quantum dots via a semiconductor-superconductor hybrid segment offers a platform for creating a two-site Kitaev chain that hosts Majorana zero modes at a finely tuned sweet spot. However, the effective couplings mediated by Andreev bound states in the hybrid are generally weak in the tunneling regime. As a consequence, the excitation gap is limited in size, presenting a formidable challenge for using this platform to demonstrate non-Abelian statistics and realize topological quantum computing. Here we systematically study the effects of increasing the dot-hybrid coupling. In particular, the proximity effect transforms the dot orbitals into Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states, and as the coupling strength increases, the excitation gap is significantly enhanced and sensitivity to local perturbation is reduced. We also discuss how the strong-coupling regime shows in experimentally accessible quantities, such as conductance, and provide a protocol for tuning a double-dot system into a sweet spot with a large excitation gap.
Drag force on a microrobot propelled through blood
Authors: Wu Chenjun , Omori Toshihiro , Ishikawa Takuji
Published: July 2024

Controlling microrobot locomotion in vessels and capillaries is crucial for precise drug delivery and minimally invasive surgeries. However, this is challenging due to the complex interactions with red blood cells (RBCs) and the difficulty navigating within the dense environment. Here, we construct a numerical framework to evaluate the relative resistance coefficient ($${C}_{{{{{{{{\rm{r}}}}}}}}}^{* }$$

C

r

*

) of a microrobot propelled through RBC suspensions. Our experiments validate the numerical results. We find that $${C}_{{{{{{{{\rm{r}}}}}}}}}^{* }$$

C

r

*

increases for smaller microrobots and higher hematocrit levels, while magnetic force strength weakly impacts $${C}_{{{{{{{{\rm{r}}}}}}}}}^{* }$$

C

r

*

. $${C}_{{{{{{{{\rm{r}}}}}}}}}^{* }$$

C

r

*

is smaller than the resistance coefficient of a macroscale robot estimated from the apparent viscosity of the RBC suspension. The aspect ratio of a prolate ellipsoidal microrobot influences $${C}_{{{{{{{{\rm{r}}}}}}}}}^{* }$$

C

r

*

along its long-axis direction. Additionally, machine learning accurately predicts $${C}_{{{{{{{{\rm{r}}}}}}}}}^{* }$$

C

r

*

. These insights could enhance the design and control of microrobots for medical applications.
Coherent interferometric control of strongly-coupled nano-electromechanical resonators
Authors: Correia Franck , Jara-Schulz Gladys , Madiot Guilhem , Barbay Sylvain , Braive Remy
Published: July 2024

The interferometric control of dissipation in a two-port system is a fruitful concept enabling the enhancement or cancellation of the input amplitudes as a function of their relative phases. Here, beyond the canonical configuration of Coherent Perfect Absorption (CPA), we apply this concept to two simultaneously excited strongly-coupled nanoscale electromechanical resonators submitted to independently controlled phase-shifted excitations. Both subsystems are read simultaneously by optical means allowing us to completely reconstruct the signature of coherent annihilation or amplification on both quadrature. We evidence that the mechanical modes amplitude can be enhanced or inhibited with respect to the case of single port excitation while phase experiences strong variations with the excitation imbalance and phase difference. Meanwhile, phase singularities with opposite topological charges are observed for mechanical normal modes. Close to the phase singularity, we demonstrate that the input of a weak phase modulation induces a large, pure phase modulation of the normal mode. These experimental demonstrations are fully modelled via the mechanical dynamical equations of our system. The interferometric control may open avenues for low-power amplitude controlled phase modulation schemes and vice-versa for potential switches and logical gates.
Novel hollow-electrode glow discharge mass spectrometry for the quantitative analysis of protein content in food
Authors: Ren Min , Wan Yingqi , Chen Jiwen
Published: July 2024

A novel hollow electrode glow discharge-quadrupole mass spectrometer was designed. The experimental platform of tube furnace + mass spectrometer was set up. Protein content in food was determined by measuring the intensity of NO+ ions.
Highly selective methanol adsorption from dilute aqueous solutions using Mn3[Fe(CN)6]2: a Prussian blue analog
Authors: Shudo Yuta , Akashi Mai , Sakurai Atsushi , Kawamoto Tohru , Takahashi Akira
Published: July 2024

Manganese hexacyanoferrate, a Prussian blue analog, exhibits superior methanol adsorption capacity from aqueous solutions compared to existing adsorbents.
Emerging A–D–A fused-ring photosensitizers for tumor phototheranostics
Authors: Xia Jiachen , Xie Shaoqi , Huang Yuying , Wu Xin-Xing , Lu Bing
Published: July 2024

This feature article comprehensively summarizes the application of A–D–A photosensitizers in the field of phototheranostics from the perspectives of both molecular design and nanodrug construction.
Green synthesis of sodium pyrithione salt-activated biomass-derived carbon for aqueous zinc-ion capacitors
Authors: Huang Lingqi , Gu Zilong , Gu Jiayang , Zhang Fei , Zhuang Jingshun , Ma Qingzhi , Zhang Tao , Li Jingfei , Liu Heyang , Feng Wei
Published: July 2024

An alternative green and sustainable route is proposed to prepare doped activated carbons with large surface areas, rich dopants, and porous structures via co-pyrolysis of lignin or hemi-lignin in the presence of sodium pyrithione.
Phenylstyrylpyrimidine derivatives as potential multipotent therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Devi Bharti , Jangid Kailash , Kumar Vijay , Arora Tania , Kumar Naveen , Dwivedi Ashish Ranjan , Parkash Jyoti , Kumar Vinod
Published: July 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.
Decaying leaves turn into energy: empowering high-energy-density lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang Xiao , Jia Yaozu , Wang Di , Ma Xinzhi , Su Hongxu , Gao Qiong , Xu Zhikun
Published: July 2024

The LSBs that coupled with Acer buergerianum exhibit a good battery capacity and considerable cycle life, reaching 318.8 mA h g−1 at a high charge/discharge rate of 4C and have a decay rate of only 0.03% at 1C for 400 cycles.
Design of Fe/Co–N doped porous carbon sheets using a hard template strategy as an oxygen reduction catalyst for Mg–air batteries
Authors: Liu Kun , Ling Yujing , Guan Xianglong , Hu Ke , Zhang Angli , Liu Kaiqi , Li Haoyi , Xu Guangnian , Fu Xucheng
Published: July 2024

Schematic of the synthesis procedure of Fe–Co–C–N.
Foam coarsening in a yield stress fluid
Authors: Requier Alice , Guidolin Chiara , Rio Emmanuelle , Galvani Nicolò , Cohen-Addad Sylvie , Pitois Olivier , Salonen Anniina
Published: July 2024

Foams made from emulsion show heterogeneous bubble organisation and growth during coarsening due to the continuous phase yield stress.