bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of the Influence of Construct Parameters on the Solar Radiation Input in an Insulated Plastic Greenhouse
Authors: Tian Dongkun , Li Yanfeng , Zhao Shumei , Wu Qinan , Ma Chengwei , Song Weitang
Published: March 2024

Insulated plastic greenhouses (IPG) were a new type of facility emerging in production in China. The mechanism of construct parameters on the indoor solar radiation deserves further study. A mathematical model that can well describe the spatial and temporal distribution of solar radiation in the greenhouse was established. Based on this model, the effects of multiple construct parameters, such as insulation blanket shading, height–span ratio, greenhouse azimuth, and geographical latitude, on the indoor solar radiation of IPG were quantitatively specified. The results showed that the spatial and temporal distribution of inside solar radiation was highly variable along the span direction of IPG. And by analyzing the simulation data, it was found that for different heights of greenhouses, the corresponding optimal span is different. Therefore, in the construction of greenhouses, the appropriate height–span ratio should be selected according to the planting demand. And by simulating the inside solar radiation under different greenhouse azimuth angles, it was found that accumulated daily solar radiation in the greenhouse reaches the optimum value when the greenhouse azimuth angle is in the range of 0–20°. This paper can provide theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of structure parameters of IPG in China.
Genome-Wide Association Study on Candidate Genes Associated with Soybean Stem Pubescence and Hilum Colors
Authors: Zhou Miaomiao , Wang Junyan , Chen Huatao , Jia Qianru , Hu Shengyan , Xiong Yawen , Zhang Hongmei , Zhang Wei , Wang Qiong , Su Chengfu
Published: March 2024

The colorations of stem pubescence and hilum are crucial criteria for discerning diverse soybean germplasms, governed by multiple genes that substantially influence the seed’s outward appearance quality and the resistance to abiotic stresses. This comprehensive study delved into the stem pubescence and hilum color traits across a natural population of 264 accessions during 2021 and 2022. The phenotypes of these two traits within our population were analyzed for the investigation of population genetics and evaluation of germplasm resources in the future. Numerous noteworthy SNPs associated with both traits were detected through a genome-wide association study (GWAS), with the most significant signals for 2021 and 2022 localized on chromosome 6. Seven candidate genes regulating stem pubescence color and four genes influencing hilum color were identified by analyzing the expression patterns, cold stress responses, and regulatory pathways of genes within the LD decay distance of SNPs. This study not only underscores the applicability of GWAS in unraveling the genetic basis of quality traits, but also contributes novel genetic reservoirs and research paradigms to the explorations of the soybean plant and seed color. These results provide foundational insights into the breeding improvement of seeds’ outward appearance quality and a comprehensive evaluation of soybean germplasm.
Chemical Characterization and Biological Properties Assessment of Euphorbia resinifera and Euphorbia officinarum Moroccan Propolis
Authors: Boutoub Oumaima , El-Guendouz Soukaina , Matos Isabel , El Ghadraoui Lahsen , Costa Maria Clara , Carlier Jorge Dias , Faleiro Maria Leonor , Figueiredo Ana Cristina , Estevinho Letícia M. , Miguel Maria Graça
Published: March 2024

Although the plants of the genus Euphorbia are largely exploited by therapists in Morocco, the composition and antibacterial activities of propolis from these plants are still unknown. To address this gap, this study aimed to characterize the pollen type, the volatile compounds, and the phenolic and mineral profiles of three Euphorbia propolis samples collected in Morocco and evaluate their antimicrobial activities. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the propolis samples was determined by the microdilution method, and the anti-adherence activity was evaluated by the crystal violet assay. The examination of anti-quorum-sensing proprieties was performed using the biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Pollen analysis revealed that Euphorbia resinifera pollen dominated in the P1 sample (58%), while E. officinarum pollen dominated in the P2 and P3 samples (44%). The volatile compounds were primarily composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons, constituting 35% in P1 and 31% in P2, with α-pinene being the major component in both cases, at 16% in P1 and 15% in P2. Calcium (Ca) was the predominant mineral element in both E. resinifera (P1) and E. officinarum (P2 and P3) propolis samples. Higher levels of phenols, flavonoids and dihydroflavonoids were detected in the E. officinarum P2 sample. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ranged from 50 to 450 µL/mL against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Euphorbia propolis displayed the ability to inhibit quorum sensing in the biosensor C. violaceum CV026 and disrupted bacterial biofilm formation, including that of resistant bacterial pathogens. In summary, the current study evidences the potential use of E. officinarum propolis (P2 and P3) to combat important features of resistant pathogenic bacteria, such as quorum sensing and biofilm formation.
Rapid Phenotypic Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiling of Clinical Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Blood Cultures
Authors: Hefetz Idan , Bardenstein Rita , Rotem Shahar , Zaide Galia , Bilinsky Gal , Shifman Ohad , Zimhony Oren , Aloni-Grinstein Ronit
Published: March 2024

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are defined by the presence of viable bacteria or fungi, accompanied by systemic signs of infection. Choosing empirical therapy based solely on patient risk factors and prior antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) may lead to either ineffective treatment or unnecessarily broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure. In general, Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute guideline-approved ASTs have a turnaround time of 48–72 h from sample to answer, a period that may result in a critical delay in the appropriate selection of therapy. Therefore, reducing the time required for AST is highly advantageous. We have previously shown that our novel rapid AST method, MAPt (Micro-Agar-PCR-test), accurately identifies susceptibility profiles for spiked bioterrorism agents like Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis and Francisella tularensis directly from whole-blood and blood culture samples, even at low bacterial levels (500 CFU/mL). This study evaluated the performance of MAPt on routine bloodstream infection (BSI), focusing on Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from clinical cultures, including resistant strains to some of the six tested antibiotics. Notably, MAPt yielded results exceeding 95% agreement with the standard hospital method within a significantly shorter timeframe of 6 h. These findings suggest significant potential for MAPt as a rapid and reliable BSI management tool.
Analysis of the Fracture Characteristics and Crack Propagation Mechanism of Fractured Sandstone under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Ping Qi , Li Xiangyang
Published: March 2024

In order to study the impact of fracture thickness on the dynamic mechanical properties of rock specimens, impact compression tests on prefabricated sandstone specimens with different fracture thicknesses and intact specimens were carried out by using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test device, and the dynamic mechanical parameters of the fractured sandstone specimens were obtained. The results showed that the dynamic stress–strain curves of the prefabricated fractured sandstone specimens are similar to those of the intact sandstone specimens, which can be divided into three stages: elasticity, plasticity, and failure. With the increase in the thickness of prefabricated cracks, the dynamic compressive strength of the sandstone specimens decreases in a quadratic function, the dynamic strain decreases in a power exponential function, and the dynamic elastic modulus decreases linearly. Attempts were made to quantitatively analyze the crushing degree of sandstone specimens. The average particle size of the crushed specimens was negatively correlated with the thickness of prefabricated cracks, and the fractal dimension was linearly negatively correlated with the dynamic compressive strength. The 1.5–2.5 mm prefabricated fractured sandstone specimens produced airfoil cracks and secondary cracks; the 3–3.5 mm prefabricated fractured specimens produced airfoil cracks, coplanar secondary cracks, and secondary oblique cracks; and the complete specimens were subjected to axial failure to produce axial cracks.
A Rapid and Inexpensive Method for Finding the Basic Parameters of Involute Helical Gears
Authors: Alaci Stelian , Ciornei Florina-Carmen , Romanu Ionut-Cristian , Doroftei Ioan , Bujoreanu Carmen , Tamașag Ioan
Published: March 2024

The paper proposes a rapid, straightforward, and inexpensive method for finding the basic parameters of helical gears with an involute profile. The basic parameters envisaged are the normal module, normal profile shift coefficient, and the helix angle. The proposed method uses balls introduced between the teeth and, thus, the contact with the measuring device surfaces is of the point type, and the centres of the balls are positioned symmetrically with respect to the measuring direction. The condition that the centre of the ball occupies an imposed position is mandatory. Additionally, there is the condition of the positions of the contact points between the balls and the flanks of the teeth. Two sets of balls of different sizes are necessary for a measurement. The conditions of the balls’ positioning lead to a system of five unknowns. The methodology of solving the system is detailed and the method is exemplified for an actual helical gear. The new proposed method is based on the distance over pins but, using balls, presents the following advantages: It can be applied equally to all gears, regardless of the odd or even number of teeth. Furthermore, the dimension to be measured is singular compared to the dimension over pins when a maximum value must be found from several measurements.
Research on the Recognition Method of Dial Scales for Arrester Pointer Instruments Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Huaiwen , Hu Yang , Yin Honghuan , Cui Yue
Published: March 2024

To address the recognition challenges faced by arrester pointer instruments’ dial scales in various scenarios, this paper introduces a deep learning-based recognition method for pointer instrument scales. An attention module is integrated into the YOLOv5 network architecture, enhancing the accuracy and robustness of the model. After correcting the dial, dial recognition is conducted with OpenCV to achieve precise identification of the instrument scales. The proposed method was tested using images of arrester pointer instruments against diverse backgrounds. The experimental results demonstrate that the method processes instrument data images in an average time of 0.662 s and achieves a successful recognition rate of 96% with an average error of 0.923%. This method provides a rapid and efficient approach for recognizing instrument scales and offers a novel solution for identifying similar types of instruments.
Microplastics in Mediterranean Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: Comparison between Cultured and WildType Mussels from the Northern Adriatic
Authors: Kovačić Ines , Štefanko Karla , Špada Vedrana , Pustijanac Emina , Buršić Moira , Burić Petra
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to assess microplastics (MPs) in the digestive glands of Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels. Mussels were collected from pristine, aquaculture, and port areas of the northern Adriatic Sea (Slovenia and Croatia coastline). MPs were detected using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The characterized MPs were further categorized based on their shape, size, and color. The highest number of 32.85 ± 27.98 MPs per mussel digestive gland was found in the mussels sampled from the ACI marina Rovinj (Croatia). The predominant MPs found in the mussel digestive glands at all investigated locations belonged to the smallest analyzed category (5–10 μm in size) and exhibited spherical and fragment shapes. The most abundant MPs found in mussels by color were white particles. MPs were found in both wild and farmed mussels and, hence, the results point out that the abundance of microplastic pollution is omnipresent along the coastal waters of the northern Adriatic Sea.
Steam Explosion-Based Method for the Extraction of Cellulose and Lignin from Rice Straw Waste
Authors: Serrano-Martínez Víctor M. , Pérez-Aguilar Henoc , Carbonell-Blasco María Pilar , Arán-Ais Francisca , Orgilés-Calpena Elena
Published: March 2024

This paper focuses on the optimisation of an efficient extraction process for cellulose and lignin from rice straw waste from the Albufera of Valencia using the steam explosion method. This method is particularly pertinent given the environmental and economic challenges posed by the current disposal practices of agricultural waste. The technique comprises a high-temperature cooking stage followed by instantaneous decompression, effectively altering the biomass’s physical and chemical properties to enhance its surface area and porosity. Our adaptation of the steam explosion technique specifically addresses the challenges of rice straw waste, marking a significant departure from previous applications. This innovation is crucial in addressing the urgent need for more sustainable waste management practices, as it effectively deconstructs the lignocellulosic matrix of rice straw. This facilitates the selective extraction of cellulose at a 70% efficiency, with a 20% yield and the subsequent recovery of lignin. The results of this study are significant for sustainable biomaterial production, offering novel insights into optimising these crucial biomass components. By refining the process and focusing on critical parameters, our work advances the application of steam explosion methods for agricultural waste, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. By utilising rice straw biowaste, this research not only proposes a solution to a pressing environmental issue but also demonstrates the potential to create new market opportunities, increase the economic value for rice producers, and significantly reduce the environmental footprint of existing waste disposal methods. The holistic and ecological approach of this study underscores the vital need for innovative strategies in agricultural waste management, positioning the valorisation of rice straw waste as a key component in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.
Synergistic Improvement in Setting and Hardening Performance of OPC-CSA Binary Blended Cement: Combined Effect of Nano Calcium Carbonate and Aluminum Sulfate
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Liu Zhiwei , Hasan Mohammad Mahadi , Zhang Liheng , Ren Qiang , Lu Zichen , Sun Zhenping
Published: March 2024

The combined effect and corresponding mechanism of nano calcium carbonate (NC) and aluminum sulfate (AS) on the setting and hardening performance of binary blended cement (ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA)) were evaluated through multiple experiments, including setting time, calorimetry, compressive strength, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The results showed that, as compared to OPC, OPC-CSA binary blended cement exhibited reduced setting time but decreased early strength, which could be caused by the depressed silicate phase hydration due to the fast supply of aluminate ions during the hydration of aluminate-contained phases contained in CSA. However, through the combined addition of NC and AS, the depressed silicate phase hydration was greatly promoted by NC due to its nucleation effect, and the reduced early strength was significantly improved. Further analysis indicates that the combined addition of NC and AS can promote the formation of C-S-H gel and decrease the porosity of the hardened OPC-CSA binary paste. In this way, one promising repair material with rapid setting and hardening properties was prepared by OPC-CSA binary blended cement with the combined addition of NC and AS.
Determination of Effective Parameters for Hydropower Plants’ Energy Generation: A Case Study
Authors: Karakoyun Yakup
Published: March 2024

The current study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the key parameters that affect the energy output of the Bagisli Hydropower Plant, located on the Zap River in the Dicle (Tigris) basin of Turkey. It considers the daily data for the time interval of 2016–2019 related to flow rate, precipitation, and temperature in relation to the generation of electricity. The relationship between energy output and flow rate is evident; however, the energy production is limited by the design flow rate. The largest flow rates were seen during the spring season after the occurrence of peak precipitation, which exhibited a shifting pattern. Similarly, energy generation also reaches its highest level during this time period. Another outcome of this study is that there is no apparent association between daily precipitation and daily energy generation. Moreover, a novel correlation with an R2 value of 0.89 has been proposed, in the deviation band of ±20%, to estimate energy generation when only flow rate data are available.
A Comprehensive Review of Supervised Learning Algorithms for the Diagnosis of Photovoltaic Systems, Proposing a New Approach Using an Ensemble Learning Algorithm
Authors: Toche Tchio Guy M. , Kenfack Joseph , Kassegne Djima , Menga Francis-Daniel , Ouro-Djobo Sanoussi S.
Published: March 2024

Photovoltaic systems are prone to breaking down due to harsh conditions. To improve the reliability of these systems, diagnostic methods using Machine Learning (ML) have been developed. However, many publications only focus on specific AI models without disclosing the type of learning used. In this article, we propose a supervised learning algorithm that can detect and classify PV system defects. We delve into the world of supervised learning-based machine learning and its application in detecting and classifying defects in photovoltaic (PV) systems. We explore the various types of faults that can occur in a PV system and provide a concise overview of the most commonly used machine learning and supervised learning techniques in diagnosing such systems. Additionally, we introduce a novel classifier known as Extra Trees or Extremely Randomized Trees as a speedy diagnostic approach for PV systems. Although this algorithm has not yet been explored in the realm of fault detection and classification for photovoltaic installations, it is highly recommended due to its remarkable precision, minimal variance, and efficient processing. The purpose of this article is to assist technicians, engineers, and researchers in identifying typical faults that are responsible for PV system failures, as well as creating effective control and supervision techniques that can minimize breakdowns and ensure the longevity of installed systems.
A Review of Current Trends, Techniques, and Challenges in Large Language Models (LLMs)
Authors: Patil Rajvardhan , Gudivada Venkat
Published: March 2024

Natural language processing (NLP) has significantly transformed in the last decade, especially in the field of language modeling. Large language models (LLMs) have achieved SOTA performances on natural language understanding (NLU) and natural language generation (NLG) tasks by learning language representation in self-supervised ways. This paper provides a comprehensive survey to capture the progression of advances in language models. In this paper, we examine the different aspects of language models, which started with a few million parameters but have reached the size of a trillion in a very short time. We also look at how these LLMs transitioned from task-specific to task-independent to task-and-language-independent architectures. This paper extensively discusses different pretraining objectives, benchmarks, and transfer learning methods used in LLMs. It also examines different finetuning and in-context learning techniques used in downstream tasks. Moreover, it explores how LLMs can perform well across many domains and datasets if sufficiently trained on a large and diverse dataset. Next, it discusses how, over time, the availability of cheap computational power and large datasets have improved LLM’s capabilities and raised new challenges. As part of our study, we also inspect LLMs from the perspective of scalability to see how their performance is affected by the model’s depth, width, and data size. Lastly, we provide an empirical comparison of existing trends and techniques and a comprehensive analysis of where the field of LLM currently stands.
Selective Extraction and Determination of Hydrocortisone and Dexamethasone in Skincare Cosmetics: Analytical Interpretation Using Statistical Physics Formalism
Authors: Aouaini Fatma , Bouaziz Nadia , Cherif Ahlem , Alyousef Haifa A. , Lamine Abdelmottaleb Ben
Published: March 2024

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), as magnetic extraction adsorbents, are used for the selective, rapid determination and extraction of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone in skincare products. Therefore, in this paper, magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) and magnetic non-molecularly imprinted polymers (MNIPs) were utilized as adsorbents to describe the adsorption phenomena of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone. This interpretation, based on a statistical physics theory, applies the multilayer model with saturation to comprehend the adsorption of the drugs. Results obtained via numerical simulation revealed that dexamethasone and hydrocortisone adsorption happens via a non-parallel orientation on the surfaces of MMIPs and MNIPs, and they also showed that the adsorption amount of the MMIPs for the template molecule was notably greater than that of the MNIPs at the same initial concentration. The adsorption energy values retrieved from the data analysis ranged between 7.65 and 15.77 kJ/mol, indicating that the extraction and determination of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone is a physisorption process. Moreover, the distribution of a site’s energy was calculated to confirm the physical nature of the interactions between adsorbate/adsorbent and the heterogeneity of the surfaces of the MMIPs and MNIPs. Finally, the thermodynamic interpretation confirmed the exothermicity and spontaneous nature of the adsorption of these drugs on the tested adsorbents.
Alkali-Activated Copper Slag with Carbon Reinforcement: Effects of Metakaolinite, OPC and Surfactants
Authors: Lemougna Patrick Ninla , Hernandez Guillermo Meza , Dilissen Nicole , Kingne Felicite , Gu Jun , Rahier Hubert
Published: March 2024

Copper slag is an industrial residue with a large unutilized fraction. This study presents the development of alkali-activated composites from a copper slag named Koranel®. The effects of metakaolinite, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and surfactants were investigated. The reactivity of Koranel with potassium silicate solutions with molar ratio R = SiO2/K2O varying from 1 to 2.75, with 0.25 intervals, was investigated using isothermal calorimetry. The reactivity was relatively low at 20 °C; the reaction started after a few hours with a low silica modulus, to several weeks with the highest silica modulus. The substitution of Koranel by OPC (5 wt.%) or by metakaolinite (10–20 wt.%), both led to higher reaction heat and rate; meanwhile, the addition of 2 wt.% polyethylene glycol/2-methyl 2,4 pentanediol delayed the reaction time in the system containing metakaolinite. Raising the curing temperature from 20 °C to 80 °C shortened the setting time of the low reactive systems, from several days to almost instantaneous, opening perspectives for their application in the production of prepreg composite materials. The use of carbon fabric as reinforcement in the alkali-activated matrix led to composite materials with flexural strength reaching 88 MPa and elastic modulus of about 19 GPa—interesting for engineering applications such as high-strength lightweight panels.
Odd-Even Effect of Polyesters‘ Cyclic Oligomers and the Definition of Oligomers Based on Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Alberto Lopes Joao , Reniero Fabiano , Guillou Claude , Tsochatzis Emmanouil
Published: March 2024

This work explores the definition and characterization of synthetic polymeric oligomers, chemical substances comprising a small number of repeated organic molecules. It highlights the lack of clarity surrounding the range of repeated units that can be classified as an oligomer, and how this definition is field-dependent. The present study focused on PET cyclic oligomers and revealed that the progression of the ring length from smaller to longer oligomers followed the well-known odd-even effect. This phenomenon affects the physical and chemical properties of oligomers and can also be observed with analytical techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) and NMR. Similarities between PET and PBT oligomers were also observed, and an alternative potential definition for oligomers in the polymeric field is suggested based on physical behaviour of the longer cyclic oligomers.
Comparative Study of Monte Carlo Simulation and the Deterministic Model to Analyze Thermal Insulation Costs
Authors: Montufar Benítez Marco Antonio , Mora Vargas Jaime , Castro Esparza José Raúl , Rivera Gómez Héctor , Montaño Arango Oscar
Published: March 2024

The main purpose of this paper is to implement a simulation model in @RISKTM and study the impact of incorporating random variables, such as the degree days in a traditional deterministic model, for calculating the optimum thickness of thermal insulation in walls. Currently, green buildings have become important because of the increasing worldwide interest in the reduction of environmental pollution. One method of saving energy is to use thermal insulation. The optimum thickness of these insulators has traditionally been calculated using deterministic models. With the information generated from real data using the degree days required in a certain zone in Palestine during winter, random samples of the degree days required annually in this town were generated for periods of 10, 20, 50, and 70 years. The results showed that the probability of exceeding the net present value of the cost calculated using deterministic analysis ranges from 0% to 100%, without regard to the inflation rate. The results also show that, for design lifetimes greater than 40 years, the risk of overspending is lower if the building lasts longer than the period for which it was designed. Moreover, this risk is transferred to whomever will pay the operating costs of heating the building. The contribution of this research is twofold: (a) a stochastic approach is incorporated into the traditional models that determine the optimum thickness of thermal insulation used in buildings, by introducing the variability of the degree days required in a given region; (b) a measure of the economic risk incurred by building heating is established as a function of the years of use for which the building is designed and the number of years it is actually used.
On the Identity of Neostenotarsus guianensis (Caporiacco, 1954), with a Redescription of the Holotype Male and the First Records from Guyana (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
Authors: Sherwood Danniella , Gabriel Ray
Published: March 2024

Herein, we redescribe Neostenotarsus guianensis (Caporiacco, 1954) nearly seven decades after its original description. In the original description of Neostenotarsus scissistylus Tesmoingt & Schmidt, 2002, we found characters incongruent with N. guianensis, namely, the purported presence of serration on the prolateral keels of the palpal bulb; a narrower apical third of the embolus; the absence of a patch of bristles on the retrolateral face of the palpal tibia and of a baso-retrolateral protuberance on metatarsus I; and a shorter and more apically situated megaspine on the retrolateral branch of the tibial apophyses. The characters from its original description are discussed. N. scissistylus stat. rev. has been revalidated until such time as the type material, or topotypic material, can be examined by future workers.
Comparing the Performance of Two Butcher-Based Block Hybrid Algorithms for the Solution of Initial Value Problems
Authors: Akinola Richard Olatokunbo , Shokri Ali , Sunday Joshua , Marian Daniela , Akinlabi Oyindamola D.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we compare the performances of two Butcher-based block hybrid methods for the numerical integration of initial value problems. We compare the condition numbers of the linear system of equations arising from both methods and the absolute errors of the solution obtained. The results of the numerical experiments illustrate that the better conditioned method outperformed its less conditioned counterpart based on the absolute errors. In addition, after applying our method on some examples, it was discovered that the absolute errors in this work were better than those of a recent study in the literature. Hence, we recommend this method for the numerical solution of stiff and non-stiff initial value problems.
Research on Inconsistency Evaluation of Retired Battery Systems in Real-World Vehicles
Authors: Wang Jiegang , Li Kerui , Zhang Chi , Wang Zhenpo , Zhou Yangjie , Liu Peng
Published: March 2024

Inconsistency is a key factor triggering safety problems in battery packs. The inconsistency evaluation of retired batteries is of great significance to ensure the safe and stable operation of batteries during subsequent gradual use. This paper summaries the commonly used diagnostic methods for battery inconsistency assessment. The local outlier factor (LOF) algorithm and the improved Shannon entropy (ImEn) algorithm are selected for validation based on the individual voltage data from real-world vehicles. Then, a comprehensive inconsistency evaluation strategy for retired batteries with many levels and indicators is established based on the three parameters of LOF, ImEn, and cell voltage range. Finally, the evaluation strategy is validated using two real-world vehicle samples of retired batteries. The results show that the proposed method can achieve the inconsistency evaluation of retired batteries quickly and effectively.
Thermal Runaway Characteristics and Gas Analysis of LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 Batteries
Authors: Shi Chao , Wang Hewu , Shen Hengjie , Wang Juan , Li Cheng , Li Yalun , Xu Wenqiang , Li Minghai
Published: March 2024

Layered ternary materials with high nickel content are regarded as the most promising cathode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries, owing to their advantages of high capacity, low cost, and relatively good safety. However, as the nickel content increases in ternary layered materials, their thermal stability noticeably decreases. It is of paramount importance to explore the characteristics of thermal runaway for lithium-ion batteries. In this study, two high-nickel LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 batteries were laterally heated to thermal runaway in a sealed chamber filled with nitrogen to investigate the thermal characteristics and gas compositions. The temperature of the battery tabs was measured, revealing that both batteries were in a critical state of thermal runaway near 120 degrees Celsius. A quantitative analysis method was employed during the eruption process, dividing it into three stages: ultra-fast, fast, and slow; the corresponding durations for the two batteries were 3, 2, 27 s and 3, 3, 26 s. By comparing the changes in chamber pressure, it was observed that both batteries exhibited a similar continuous venting duration of 32 s. However, the pressure fluctuation ranges of the two samples were 99.5 and 68.2 kPa·m·s−1. Compared to the other sample, the 211 Ah sample exhibited larger chamber pressure fluctuations and reached higher peak pressures, indicating a higher risk of explosion. In the experimental phenomenon captured by a high-speed camera, it took only 1 s for the sample to transition from the opening of the safety valve to filling the experimental chamber with smoke. The battery with higher energy density exhibited more intense eruption during thermal runaway, resulting in more severe mass loss. The mass loss of the two samples is 73% and 64.87%. The electrolyte also reacted more completely, resulting in a reduced number of measured exhaust components. The main components of gaseous ejections are CO, CO2, H2, C2H4, and CH4. For the 211 Ah battery, the vented gases were mainly composed of CO (41.3%), CO2 (24.8%), H2 (21%), C2H4 (7.4%) and CH4 (3.9%), while those for the other 256 Ah battery were mainly CO (30.6%), CO2 (28.5%), H2 (21.7%), C2H4 (12.4%) and CH4 (5.8%). Comparatively, the higher-capacity battery produced more gases. The gas volumes, converted to standard conditions (0 °C, 101 kPa) and normalized, resulted in 1.985 L/Ah and 2.182 L/Ah, respectively. The results provide valuable guidance for the protection of large-capacity, high-energy-density battery systems. The quantitative analysis of the eruption process has provided assistance to fire alarm systems and firefighting strategies.
Molecular Dynamics and In Vitro Studies Elucidating the Tunable Features of Reconfigurable Nanodiscs for Guiding the Optimal Design of Curcumin Formulation
Authors: Li Yongxiao , Xu Wanting , Wang Xinpei , Lai Ruizhi , Qiu Xiaohui , Zeng Zekai , Wang Zhe , Wang Junqing
Published: March 2024

In this study, we advance our exploration of Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) peptide analogs (APAs) for their application in nanodisc (ND) assembly, focusing on the dynamic conformational characteristics and the potential for drug delivery. We explore APA-ND interactions with an emphasis on curcumin encapsulation, utilizing molecular dynamic simulations and in vitro assessments to evaluate the efficacy of various APA-ND formulations as drug carriers. The methodological approach involved the generation of three unique apoA-I α-11/3 helical mimics, resulting in fifteen distinct APAs. Their structural integrity was rigorously assessed using ColabFold-AF2, with particular attention to pLDDT and pTM scores. Extensive molecular dynamics simulations, covering 1.7 μs across 17 ND systems, were conducted to investigate the influence of APA sequence variations on ND stability and interactions. This study reveals that the composition of APAs, notably the presence of Proline, Serine, and Tryptophan, significantly impacts ND stability and morphology. Oligomeric APAs, in particular, demonstrated superior stability and distinct interaction patterns compared to their monomeric counterparts. Additionally, hydrodynamic diameter measurements over eight weeks indicated sequence-dependent stability, highlighting the potential of specific APA configurations for sustained colloidal stability. In vitro study successfully encapsulated curcumin in [AA]3/DMPC ND formulations, revealing concentration-dependent stability and interaction dynamics. The findings underscore the remarkable capability of APA-NDs to maintain structural integrity and efficient drug encapsulation, positioning them as a promising platform for drug delivery. The study concludes by emphasizing the tunability and versatility of APA-NDs in drug formulation, potentially revolutionizing nanomedicine by enabling customized APA sequences and ND properties for targeted drug delivery.
Knee Joint Preservation in Tactical Athletes: A Comprehensive Approach Based upon Lesion Location and Restoration of the Osteochondral Unit
Authors: Cognetti Daniel J. , Defoor Mikalyn T. , Yuan Tony T. , Sheean Andrew J.
Published: March 2024

The unique physical demands of tactical athletes put immense stress on the knee joint, making these individuals susceptible to injury. In order to ensure operational readiness, management options must restore and preserve the native architecture and minimize downtime, while optimizing functionality. Osteochondral lesions (OCL) of the knee have long been acknowledged as significant sources of knee pain and functional deficits. The management of OCL is predicated on certain injury characteristics, including lesion location and the extent of subchondral disease. Techniques such as marrow stimulation, allograft and autologous chondrocyte implantation are examined in detail, with a focus on their application and suitability in tactical athlete populations. Moreover, the restoration of the osteochondral unit (OCU) is highlighted as a central aspect of knee joint preservation. The discussion encompasses the biomechanical considerations and outcomes associated with various cartilage restoration techniques. Factors influencing procedure selection, including lesion size, location, and patient-specific variables, are thoroughly examined. Additionally, the review underscores the critical role of post-operative rehabilitation and conditioning programs in optimizing outcomes. Strengthening the surrounding musculature, enhancing joint stability, and refining movement patterns are paramount in facilitating the successful integration of preservation procedures. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive resource for surgeons, engineers, and sports medicine practitioners engaged in the care of tactical athletes and the field of cartilage restoration. The integration of advanced preservation techniques and tailored rehabilitation protocols offers a promising avenue for sustaining knee joint health and function in this demanding population.
Reduced Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Affect Body Weight, Brain Weight and Behavior
Authors: Voigt Matthias Wilhelm , Schepers Jens , Haas Jacqueline , von Bohlen und Halbach Oliver
Published: March 2024

Neurotrophins, which belong to the family of growth factors, not only play crucial roles during development but are also involved in many processes in the postnatal brain. One representative of neurotrophins is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF plays a role in the regulation of body weight and neuronal plasticity and is, therefore, also involved in processes associated with learning and memory formation. Many of the studies on BDNF have been carried out using BDNF-deficient mice. Unfortunately, homozygous deletion of BDNF is lethal in the early postnatal stage, so heterozygous BDNF-deficient mice are often studied. Another possibility is the use of conditional BDNF-deficient mice in which the expression of BDNF is strongly downregulated in some brain cells, for example, in the neurons of the central nervous system, but the expression of BDNF in other cells in the brain is unchanged. To further reduce BDNF expression, we crossed heterozygous BDNF-deficient mice with mice carrying a deletion of BDNF in neurofilament L-positive neurons. These offspring are viable, and the animals with a strong reduction in BDNF in the brain show a strongly increased body weight, which is accompanied by a reduction in brain weight. In addition, these animals show behavioral abnormalities, particularly with regard to locomotion.
Association of Altered Plasma Lipidome with Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Zhang Zhengzheng , Karu Naama , Kindt Alida , Singh Madhulika , Lamont Lieke , van Gammeren Adriaan J. , Ermens Anton A. M. , Harms Amy C. , Portengen Lutzen , Vermeulen Roel C. H. , Dik Willem A. , Langerak Anton W. , van der Velden Vincent H. J. , Hankemeier Thomas
Published: March 2024

The severity of COVID-19 is linked to an imbalanced immune response. The dysregulated metabolism of small molecules and bioactive lipids has also been associated with disease severity. To promote understanding of the disease biochemistry and provide targets for intervention, we applied a range of LC-MS platforms to analyze over 100 plasma samples from patients with varying COVID-19 severity and with detailed clinical information on inflammatory responses (>30 immune markers). This is the third publication in a series, and it reports the results of comprehensive lipidome profiling using targeted LC-MS/MS. We identified 1076 lipid features across 25 subclasses, including glycerophospholipids, sterols, glycerolipids, and sphingolipids, among which 531 lipid features were dramatically changed in the plasma of intensive care unit (ICU) patients compared to patients in the ward. Patients in the ICU showed 1.3–57-fold increases in ceramides, (lyso-)glycerophospholipids, diglycerides, triglycerides, and plasmagen phosphoethanolamines, and 1.3–2-fold lower levels of a cyclic lysophosphatidic acid, sphingosine-1-phosphates, sphingomyelins, arachidonic acid-containing phospholipids, lactosylceramide, and cholesterol esters compared to patients in the ward. Specifically, phosphatidylinositols (PIs) showed strong fatty acid saturation-dependent behavior, with saturated fatty acid (SFA)- and monosaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-derived PI decreasing and polystaturated (PUFA)-derived PI increasing. We also found ~4000 significant Spearman correlations between lipids and multiple clinical markers of immune response with |R| ≥ 0.35 and FDR corrected Q < 0.05. Except for lysophosphatidic acid, lysophospholipids were positively associated with the CD4 fraction of T cells, and the cytokines IL-8 and IL-18. In contrast, sphingosine-1-phosphates were negatively correlated with innate immune markers such as CRP and IL-6. Further indications of metabolic changes in moderate COVID-19 disease were demonstrated in recovering ward patients compared to those at the start of hospitalization, where 99 lipid species were altered (6 increased by 30–62%; 93 decreased by 1.3–2.8-fold). Overall, these findings support and expand on early reports that dysregulated lipid metabolism is involved in COVID-19.
The Influence of Lipid Electric Charge on the Binding of Aβ(1–42) Amyloid Peptide to Bilayers in the Liquid-Ordered State
Authors: Ahyayauch Hasna , Masserini Massimo E. , Goñi Félix M. , Alonso Alicia
Published: March 2024

The amyloidogenic Aβ peptides are widely considered as a pathogenic agent in Alzheimer’s disease. Aβ(1-42) would form aggregates of amyloid fibrils on the neuron plasma membranes, thus perturbing neuronal functionality. Conflicting data are available on the influence of bilayer order on Aβ(1-42) binding to membranes. In the present study, a biophysical approach was used in which isothermal calorimetry and surface pressure measurements were applied to explore the interaction of Aβ(1-42) in either monomeric, oligomeric, or fibrillar form with model membranes (bilayers or monolayers) in the liquid-ordered state that were either electrically neutral or negatively charged. In the latter case, this contained phosphatidic acid, cardiolipin, or ganglioside. The calorimetric studies showed that Aβ(1-42) fibrils, oligomers, and monomers could bind and/or be inserted into bilayers, irrespective of electric charge, in the liquid-ordered state, except that monomers could not interact with electrically neutral bilayers. The monolayer studies in the Langmuir balance demonstrated that Aβ(1-42) aggregation hindered peptide insertion into the monolayer, hindered insertion in the decreasing order of monomer > oligomer > fibril, and that lipid composition did not cause large differences in insertion, apart from a slight facilitation of monomer and oligomer insertion by gangliosides.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Hemp Production, Logistics and Processing in the U.S
Authors: Khanal Asmita , Shah Ajay
Published: March 2024

Industrial hemp is a versatile crop, and its products have important applications in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, textile, paper and composite industries. Since its legalization in the U.S. in 2018, interest in growing and using hemp has been increasing. This study evaluated the techno-economics of hemp grain and fiber production, harvest and post-harvest logistics, the drying and storage of hemp grain, and the decortication of fiber stalks. The analysis was performed using a process modeling approach with data obtained from the literature considering a farm size of 162 ha (average U.S. farm size). The input parameters were used as distributed functions and the results obtained are reported as interquartile ranges after 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations. The total cost of producing and processing hemp grain and fiber was estimated to be in the interquartile range of USD 2911–3566 Mg−1 and USD 1155–1505 Mg−1, respectively. The costs of seed and fertilizer along with grain and fiber yields were found to be the major factors influencing field production costs, while costs associated with facilities and labor were the main costs in fiber processing. Despite the high resource requirements and processing costs, high-value applications of hemp grain and fiber show great potential to produce net incomes of USD 426–3701 Mg−1 and USD 1570–2016 Mg−1, respectively.
Characteristics of the Gut Microbiota in Regard to Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergies of Children
Authors: Nekrasova Alexandra I. , Kalashnikova Irina G. , Bobrova Maria M. , Korobeinikova Anna V. , Bakoev Sirozhdin Yu. , Ashniev German A. , Petryaikina Ekaterina S. , Nekrasov Alexander S. , Zagainova Angelica V. , Lukashina Mariya V. , Tolkacheva Larisa R. , Zhdanova Anastasia S. , Mukhin Vladimir E. , Yudin Vladimir S. , Keskinov Anton A. , Makarov Valentin V. , Kraevoy Sergey A. , Yudin Sergey M.
Published: March 2024

The gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining human health, as well as in the development of various pathologies, as indicated by a large amount of research. One of the manifestations of an imbalance in the gut microbiome composition is the appearance of various diseases or immune reactions, in particular, atopic dermatitis (AD) and/or food allergies (FA). In this research, using 16S NGS sequencing, it was found that the gut microbiome of children with food allergies and children with atopic dermatitis can be characterized as having higher inflammatory potential. Both groups exhibited an abundance of representatives from the Pasteurellaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae families, as well as a decrease in the relative number of representatives from the Barnesiellaceae family compared to healthy participants. In the group of participants with food allergies, there was a decrease in the relative number of Desulfovibrionaceae representatives and Bifidobacteriaceae family enrichment in relatively healthy participants. In addition, when comparing this group with patients with atopic dermatitis, it was revealed that a number of representatives of such families as Erysipelotrichaceae, Ruminococcaceae and Sutterellaceae prevailed. This information confirms that AD and FA correlate with changes in the composition of the gut microbiota. Further research is needed to determine the cause–effect connections and the effect of compounds derived from the microbiota on the AD and FA development and progression, as well as to create new probiotic drugs to prevent and modulate immune responses, including at an early age.