bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mid- and End-of-the-Century Estimation of Agricultural Suitability of California’s Specialty Crops
Authors: Granco Gabriel , He Haoji , Lentz Brandon , Voong Jully , Reeve Alan , Vega Exal
Published: October 2023

Specialty crops with long economic life cycles have lower adaptability and flexibility to climate change, making long-term planning crucial. This study examines the impact of climate change on almond, citrus, pistachio, and walnut production in California, using a machine learning approach to estimate crop suitability under current and future environmental conditions. We used recent satellite-observed cropland data to generate an occurrence dataset for these crops. Ecological data including bioclimatic variables derived from global circulation models developed under the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and surface variables were used to model suitability. The bioclimatic variables relating to temperature and precipitation had the largest effect on each crop’s suitability estimation. The results indicate that suitable areas for almonds, citrus, and walnuts will change significantly within 20 years due to climatic change, and the change will be even greater by the end of the century, indicating a potential loss of 94% of the current suitable area. The results for pistachios indicate change in the spatial distribution of suitable area but the total area is predicted to remain near the current suitable area. Policymakers, researchers, and farmers must work together to develop proactive adaptation strategies to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on specialty crop production. The application of a species distribution model for agriculture suitability provides critical information for future work on adaptation to climate change, identifying areas to target for further analysis.
Exploring the Environmentally Responsible Behavior of Generations Y and Z from a Cross-Cultural Perspective in the Context of Nature-Based Tourism
Authors: Lu Peifang , Weerapaiboon Wongladda , Lin Chinsu
Published: October 2023

There are increasing numbers of studies involving Generation Y and Generation Z, as these generations represent the present and future generations and drive the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development of the natural environment. Environmentally responsible behavior is the key feature for diagnosing how people think and react to the environment where they are situated. This study investigates and analyzes the relevant influencing factors of nature tourists from Generation Y and Generation Z in Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam regarding their performance of environmentally responsible behaviors and compares the differences of these factors among the three groups. The study analysis methods were regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Based on the research results, we verified three factors related to environmentally responsible behavior, pro-ecological worldview, environmental attitude and situational factors. A pro-ecological worldview will indirectly affect environmentally responsible behavior within the three groups. Situational factors directly and indirectly significantly affect environmental attitudes and environmentally responsible behavior in the three groups. In addition, these three groups have significant differences in the average recognition of pro-ecological worldview, environmental attitude, and situational factors and thus environmentally responsible behavior. The overall result reveals that the Thai group tended to have better recognition than that of the Taiwanese and Vietnamese groups. However, all the participants among the groups agreed on the importance of nature preservation and would like to support environmental protection.
Professional Development of Pre-Service Language Teachers in Content and Language Integrated Learning: A Training Programme Integrating Video Technology
Authors: Díaz-Martín Cristina
Published: October 2023

Over the years, the integration of technology in bilingual education has become increasingly significant. In the European context, particularly in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), supporting the professional development of future educators has emerged as a crucial aspect. Video-based technology plays a key role in the training of pre-service language teachers, where it serves as a valuable tool for teacher education. There is a growing demand to enhance language teachers’ professional development programs, especially within the realm of CLIL teacher education. This study presents a video-based technology training programme intended to enhance the professional development of pre-service language teachers in CLIL. After implementation of the video-based training programme, semi-structured interviews with pre-service language teachers were conducted to evaluate the impact of the programme. The results show a positive influence on the pre-service language teachers’ professional development. The utilization of video-based technology was found to significantly improve their comprehension of CLIL while fostering their awareness of their teaching practice. For the research community, these encouraging results should act as a driving force to continue exploring video technology within teacher education programs in CLIL to enhance educators’ professional development.
Ion Channels and Ionotropic Receptors in Astrocytes: Physiological Functions and Alterations in Alzheimer’s Disease and Glioblastoma
Authors: Lia Annamaria , Di Spiezio Alessandro , Vitalini Lorenzo , Tore Manuela , Puja Giulia , Losi Gabriele
Published: October 2023

The human brain is composed of nearly one hundred billion neurons and an equal number of glial cells, including macroglia, i.e., astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain. In the last few decades, compelling evidence has revealed that glial cells are far more active and complex than previously thought. In particular, astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell population, not only take part in brain development, metabolism, and defense against pathogens and insults, but they also affect sensory, motor, and cognitive functions by constantly modulating synaptic activity. Not surprisingly, astrocytes are actively involved in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and other neurological disorders like brain tumors, in which they rapidly become reactive and mediate neuroinflammation. Reactive astrocytes acquire or lose specific functions that differently modulate disease progression and symptoms, including cognitive impairments. Astrocytes express several types of ion channels, including K+, Na+, and Ca2+ channels, transient receptor potential channels (TRP), aquaporins, mechanoreceptors, and anion channels, whose properties and functions are only partially understood, particularly in small processes that contact synapses. In addition, astrocytes express ionotropic receptors for several neurotransmitters. Here, we provide an extensive and up-to-date review of the roles of ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocyte physiology and pathology. As examples of two different brain pathologies, we focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one of the most diffuse neurodegenerative disorders, and glioblastoma (GBM), the most common brain tumor. Understanding how ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocytes participate in NDs and tumors is necessary for developing new therapeutic tools for these increasingly common neurological conditions.
Non-Magnetic Negative Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Support Structure between Payloads in the Taiji Space Gravitational Wave Detection Satellite
Authors: Diao Yuqing , Tao Wei , Deng Xiaoqin , Sha Wei
Published: October 2023

The support structure between payloads is an important part of a space gravitational wave detection satellite, and its thermal stability will directly affect the interferometer’s measurement accuracy. However, due to temperature changes, the connecting structure between the loads will generate deformation, and a support structure with the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of −1 × 10−6/K will thus need to be designed to counteract this thermal deformation. In order to solve this problem, this paper adopts the method of mutual offsetting of the thermal deformation of different materials to design a thermally stable support structure satisfying this negative CTE. The structure was optimized by the arithmetic of non-linear programming by the quadratic Lagrangian hybrid algorithm (NLPQL), and the structural parameter satisfying the CTE of −1.008 × 10−6/K was obtained. Meanwhile, the effect of the change in the thermal expansion coefficient of each material on the overall structure under this parameter was sampled and calculated. Moreover, the experimental results show that the CTE of the support structure under the optimized parameters was −1.114 × 10−6/K, which differs from the simulation results by 9.5%.
Vibration Attenuation in a Beam Structure with a Periodic Free-Layer Damping Treatment
Authors: Guo Zhiwei , Sheng Meiping , Zeng Hao
Published: October 2023

In order to improve the vibration reduction performance of damping treatments, a new damping structure consisting of a uniform base layer and two periodically alternating free layers was examined in this study. Closed-form solutions for both the band structure and the forced response of the periodic bi-layer beam were theoretically derived and verified via numerical solutions using the finite-element method. The results showed that the structure with periodic free-layer damping (PFLD) treatment reduced broadband vibrations, and the levels of reduction were dominated by Bragg scattering in the band gaps and damping in the passbands. The vibration experiment verified the derived theory’s accuracy and showed that the PFLD treatment could increase vibration reduction levels in low-frequency band gaps compared with traditional free-layer damping treatments. The effects of the parameters—cell lengths, sub-cell-length ratios, and thickness ratios—were also discussed, providing further understanding of the vibration reduction performance of the bi-layer beam with the PFLD treatment, and this can be used to help designers optimize the periodic bi-layer beam to achieve better performance.
Mssgan: Enforcing Multiple Generators to Learn Multiple Subspaces to Avoid the Mode Collapse
Authors: Soriano-Garcia Miguel S. , Sevilla-Escoboza Ricardo , Garcia-Pedrero Angel
Published: October 2023

Generative Adversarial Networks are powerful generative models that are used in different areas and with multiple applications. However, this type of model has a training problem called mode collapse. This problem causes the generator to not learn the complete distribution of the data with which it is trained. To force the network to learn the entire data distribution, MSSGAN is introduced. This model has multiple generators and distributes the training data in multiple subspaces, where each generator is enforced to learn only one of the groups with the help of a classifier. We demonstrate that our model performs better on the FID and Sample Distribution metrics compared to previous models to avoid mode collapse. Experimental results show how each of the generators learns different information and, in turn, generates satisfactory quality samples.
Hopf Bifurcation Analysis of a Class of Saperda populnea Infectious Disease Model with Delay
Authors: Cai Fuyu , Ding Yuting
Published: October 2023

Under the background of double carbon, it is important to study forest pests and diseases to improve forest carbon sink. In this paper, we establish a delayed model associated with the larvae and adults of Saperda populnea, susceptible poplars, and infected poplars. First, we analyze the existence and stability of the equilibrium of the model. Second, we study the existence of Hopf bifurcation near the equilibrium and obtain the normal form of Hopf bifurcation by the multiple time scales method. Then, we analyze the direction and stability of Hopf bifurcating periodic solutions. Third, we analyze and conjecture some parameter values based on official data, and carry out numerical simulations to verify our results. Finally, we give some suggestions on the prevention and control of Saperda populnea.
A Novel Nonlinear Dynamic Model Describing the Spread of Virus
Authors: Shakhmurov Veli B. , Kurulay Muhammet , Sahmurova Aida , Gursesli Mustafa Can , Lanata Antonio
Published: October 2023

This study proposes a nonlinear mathematical model of virus transmission. The interaction between viruses and immune cells is investigated using phase-space analysis. Specifically, the work focuses on the dynamics and stability behavior of the mathematical model of a virus spread in a population and its interaction with human immune system cells. The endemic equilibrium points are found, and local stability analysis of all equilibria points of the related model is obtained. Further, the global stability analysis, either at disease-free equilibria or in endemic equilibria, is discussed by constructing the Lyapunov function, which shows the validity of the concern model. Finally, a simulated solution is achieved, and the relationship between viruses and immune cells is highlighted.
Parametrization and Optimal Tuning of Constrained Series PIDA Controller for IPDT Models
Authors: Huba Mikulas , Bistak Pavol , Vrancic Damir
Published: October 2023

The new modular approach to constrained control of higher-order processes with dominant first-order dynamics using generalized controllers with automatic resets (ARCs) is addressed. The controller design is based on the multiple real dominant pole (MRDP) method for the integrator plus dead time (IPDT) process models. The controller output constraints are taken into account by inserting the smallest numerator time constant of the controller transfer function into the positive feedback loop representing the automatic reset (integral) term. In the series realization of the proportional–integral–derivative–acceleration (PIDA) controller (and other controllers with even derivative degree), the time constant mentioned is complex, so only the real part of the time constant has been used so far. Other possible conversions of a complex number to a real number, such as the absolute value (modulus), can be covered by introducing a tuning parameter that modifies the calculated real time constant and generalizes the mentioned conversion when designing controllers with constraints. In this article, the impact of the tuning parameter on the overall dynamics of the control loop is studied by simulation. In addition, an evaluation of the stability of the closed-loop control system is performed using the circle criterion in the frequency domain. The analysis has shown that the approximation of the complex zero by its real part and modulus leads to a near optimal response to the set point tracking. The disturbance rejection can be significantly improved by increasing the tuning parameter by nearly 50%. In general, the tuning parameter can be used to find a compromise between servo and regulatory control. The robustness and applicability of the proposed controller is evaluated using a time-delayed process with first-order dominant dynamics when the actual transfer function is much more complicated than the IPDT model. A comparison of the proposed MRDP-PIDA controller with series PI, PID and PIDA controllers based on a modified SIMC method has shown that the MRDP-PIDA controller performs better than the SIMC method, although the SIMC uses a more complex process model.
Predictive Prompts with Joint Training of Large Language Models for Explainable Recommendation
Authors: Lin Ching-Sheng , Tsai Chung-Nan , Su Shao-Tang , Jwo Jung-Sing , Lee Cheng-Hsiung , Wang Xin
Published: October 2023

Large language models have recently gained popularity in various applications due to their ability to generate natural text for complex tasks. Recommendation systems, one of the frequently studied research topics, can be further improved using the capabilities of large language models to track and understand user behaviors and preferences. In this research, we aim to build reliable and transparent recommendation system by generating human-readable explanations to help users obtain better insights into the recommended items and gain more trust. We propose a learning scheme to jointly train the rating prediction task and explanation generation task. The rating prediction task learns the predictive representation from the input of user and item vectors. Subsequently, inspired by the recent success of prompt engineering, these predictive representations are served as predictive prompts, which are soft embeddings, to elicit and steer any knowledge behind language models for the explanation generation task. Empirical studies show that the proposed approach achieves competitive results compared with other existing baselines on the public English TripAdvisor dataset of explainable recommendations.
Enhancing the Convergence Order from p to p + 3 in Iterative Methods for Solving Nonlinear Systems of Equations without the Use of Jacobian Matrices
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Leonardo-Sepúlveda Miguel A. , Torregrosa Juan R. , Vassileva María P.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we present an innovative technique that improves the convergence order of iterative schemes that do not require the evaluation of Jacobian matrices. As far as we know, this is the first technique that allows us the achievement of an increase, from p to p+3 units, in the order of convergence. This is constructed from any Jacobian-free scheme of order p. We conduct comprehensive numerical tests first in academical examples to validate the theoretical results, showing the efficiency and effectiveness of the new Jacobian-free schemes. Then, we apply them on the non-differentiable partial differential equations that models the nutrient diffusion in a biological substrate.
Sensitivity of Survival Analysis Metrics
Authors: Vasilev Iulii , Petrovskiy Mikhail , Mashechkin Igor
Published: October 2023

Survival analysis models allow for predicting the probability of an event over time. The specificity of the survival analysis data includes the distribution of events over time and the proportion of classes. Late events are often rare and do not correspond to the main distribution and strongly affect the quality of the models and quality assessment. In this paper, we identify four cases of excessive sensitivity of survival analysis metrics and propose methods to overcome them. To set the equality of observation impacts, we adjust the weights of events based on target time and censoring indicator. According to the sensitivity of metrics, AUPRC (area under Precision-Recall curve) is best suited for assessing the quality of survival models, and other metrics are used as loss functions. To evaluate the influence of the loss function, the Bagging model uses ones to select the size and hyperparameters of the ensemble. The experimental study included eight real medical datasets. The proposed modifications of IBS (Integrated Brier Score) improved the quality of Bagging compared to the classical loss functions. In addition, in seven out of eight datasets, the Bagging with new loss functions outperforms the existing models of the scikit-survival library.
Multi-Effective Collocation Methods for Solving the Volterra Integral Equation with Highly Oscillatory Fourier Kernels
Authors: Wang Jianyu , Fang Chunhua , Zhang Guifeng
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we focus on the numerical solution of the second kind of Volterra integral equation with a highly oscillatory Fourier kernel. Based on the calculation of the modified moments, we propose four collocation methods to solve the equations: direct linear interpolation, direct higher order interpolation, direct Hermite interpolation and piecewise Hermite interpolation. These four methods are simple to construct and can quickly compute highly oscillatory integrals involving Fourier functions. We present the corresponding error analysis and it is easy to see that, in some cases, our proposed method has a fast convergence rate in solving such equations. In some cases, our proposed methods have significant advantages over the existing methods. Some numerical experiments demonstrating the efficiency of the four methods are also presented.
Beneficial Effects of IABP in Anterior Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Somaschini Alberto , Cornara Stefano , Leonardi Sergio , Demarchi Andrea , Mandurino-Mirizzi Alessandro , Fortuni Federico , Ferlini Marco , Crimi Gabriele , Camporotondo Rita , Gnecchi Massimiliano , Oltrona Visconti Luigi , De Servi Stefano , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives. Recent guidelines have downgraded the routine use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) due to ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Despite this, its use in clinical practice remains high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of the IABP in patients with STEMI complicated by CS undergoing primary PCI (pPCI), focusing on patients with anterior MI in whom a major benefit has been previously hypothesized. Materials and Methods. We enrolled 2958 consecutive patients undergoing pPCI for STEMI in our department from 2005 to 2018. Propensity score matching and mortality analysis were performed. Results. CS occurred in 246 patients (8.3%); among these patients, 145 (60%) had anterior AMI. In the propensity-matched analysis, the use of the IABP was associated with a lower 30-day mortality (39.3% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.032) in the subgroup of patients with anterior STEMI. Conversely, in the whole group of CS patients and in the subgroup of patients with non-anterior STEMI, IABP use did not have a significant impact on mortality. Conclusions. The use of the IABP in cases of STEMI complicated by CS was found to improve survival in patients with anterior infarction. Prospective studies are needed before abandoning or markedly limiting the use of the IABP in this clinical setting.
Prognostic Impact of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Heavily Calcified Coronary Artery Disease Receiving Rotational Atherectomy
Authors: Jung Jin , Seo Yeonjoo , Her Sung-Ho , Lee Jae-Hwan , Lee Kyusup , Yoo Ki-Dong , Moon Keon-Woong , Moon Donggyu , Lee Su-Nam , Jang Won-Young , Choi Ik-Jun , Lee Jang-Hoon , Lee Sang-Rok , Lee Seung-Whan , Yun Kyeong-Ho , Lee Hyun-Jong
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Although both rotational atherectomy (RA) and atrial fibrillation (AF) have a high thrombotic risk, there have been no previous studies on the prognostic impact of AF in patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using RA. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the prognostic impact of AF in patients undergoing PCI using RA. Materials and Methods: A total of 540 patients who received PCI using RA were enrolled between January 2010 and October 2019. Patients were divided into AF and sinus rhythm groups according to the presence of AF. The primary endpoint was net adverse clinical events (NACEs) defined as a composite outcome of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, cerebrovascular accident, or total bleeding. Results: Although in-hospital adverse events showed no difference between those with AF and those without AF (in-hospital events, 54 (11.0%) vs. 6 (12.2%), p = 0.791), AF was strongly associated with an increased risk of NACE at 3 years (NACE: hazard ratio, 1.880; 95% confidence interval, 1.096–3.227; p = 0.022). Conclusions: AF in patients who underwent PCI using RA was strongly associated with poor clinical outcomes. Thus, more attention should be paid to thrombotic and bleeding risks.
Effects of Seven Weeks of Combined Physical Training on High-Density Lipoprotein Functionality in Overweight/Obese Subjects
Authors: Bacchetti Tiziana , Morresi Camilla , Ferretti Gianna , Larsson Anders , Åkerfeldt Torbjörn , Svensson Michael
Published: October 2023

Our study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise on HDL composition and functional properties in overweight/obese subjects. Eighteen overweight/obese subjects (nine F and nine M, BMI = 30.3 ± 3 kg/m2) attended supervised training for 7 weeks. The protocol included combined resistance and conditioning training four to five times each week. The activity of the antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1) associated with HDL was evaluated in all subjects before and after the training intervention. Moreover, myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels and oxidative stress markers (ox-LDLs and total antioxidant capacity) were studied in the serums of the subjects. At the end of the intervention, the activity of PON1 was increased (p < 0.0001), and MPO levels and the MPO/PON1 ratio were decreased (p < 0.0001). In addition, a significant improvement in muscle strength and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) (p < 0.0001) and a significant reduction in total and visceral adipose tissue mass (p < 0.001) and waist circumference (p < 0.008), without any significant decrease in body weight, were observed. A significant correlation was established between serum MPO/PON ratios, HDL redox activity and ox-LDLs. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that exercise training, without modifications of dietary habits, improved HDL functionality in overweight/obese adults, without any significant reduction in BMI or modifications of glucose and lipid biochemical parameters.
The Effect of HPGR and Conventional Crushing on the Extent of Micro-Cracks, Milling Energy Requirements and the Degree of Liberation: A Case Study of UG2 Platinum Ore
Authors: Nghipulile Titus , Nkwanyana Sandile , Lameck Niyoshaka
Published: October 2023

Comparative high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) and cone crusher pilot-scale tests were conducted using Upper Group 2 (UG2) platinum-bearing ore in order to determine the impact of micro-cracks in HPGR products toward energy requirements in ball mills and the degree of liberation. The ball mill was fed with HPGR and cone crusher products of similar particle size distributions (PSDs). Qualitative analysis of the degree of micro-cracking on the HPGR and cone crusher products performed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and image analysis software showed that an HPGR product had more micro-cracks than the equivalent cone crusher product. Milling energy requirements were evaluated using size-specific energy consumption indices calculated based on three grind sizes of 300 µm, 150 µm and 75 µm. The effect of residual micro-cracks in the products of HPGR and cone crusher on the milling size-specific energy requirement is inconclusive. The kinetic parameter k in the cumulative rate kinetic model for ball milling cone crusher products and for ball milling HPGR products were similar. Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy (QEMSCAN) was used to determine the degree of liberation of various mineral phases in the mill products. At a coarser grind size (P80 of 300 µm), the sulfides in the mill products pre-crushed using the cone crusher have consistently poorer liberation than in the equivalent HPGR pre-crushed sample. However, at a finer grind size (P80 of 75 µm), the sulfides in the mill products pre-crushed using the cone crusher and using an HPGR showed similar liberation.
Enhancement of Potential Field Source Boundaries Using the Hyperbolic Domain (Gudermannian Function)
Authors: Alvandi Ahmad , Su Kejia , Ai Hanbing , Ardestani Vahid E. , Lyu Chuan
Published: October 2023

Horizontal boundary identification of causative sources is an essential tool in potential field data interpretation due to the feasibility of automatically retrieving the boundary information of subsurface gravity or geomagnetic structures. Although many approaches have been proposed to address these issues, it is still a hot research topic for many researchers to derive novel methods or enhance existing techniques. We present two high-resolution edge detectors based on the Gudermannian function and the modifications of the second-order derivative of the field. The effectiveness of the newly proposed filters was initially tested on synthetic gravity anomalies and geomagnetic responses with different assumptions (2-D and 3-D; imposed and superimposed; noise-free and noise-contaminated). The obtained results verified that the two novel methods yield the capability of producing high-resolution, balanced amplitudes and accurate results for better imaging causative sources with different geometrical and geophysical properties, compared with the other nine representative edge enhancement techniques. Furthermore, the yielded results from the application of the two strategies to a real-world aeromagnetic data set measured from the Central Puget Lowland (C.P.L) of the United States and a gravity data set surveyed from the Jalal Abad area of Kerman province, Iran, with detailed comparative studies validated that the edges identified via the two methods are in good agreement with the major geological structures within the study areas and the determined lateral information using the tilt-depth, top-depth estimation method. These features make them valuable tools for solving edge detection problems.
Solar Photocatalytic Activity of Ba-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles: The Role of Surface Hydrophilicity
Authors: Hamrouni Abdessalem , Moussa Marwa , Fessi Nidhal , Palmisano Leonardo , Ceccato Riccardo , Rayes Ali , Parrino Francesco
Published: October 2023

Bare zinc oxide (ZnO) and Ba-doped ZnO (BZO) samples were prepared by using a simple precipitation method. The effects of Barium doping on the structural, morphological, and optoelectronic properties, as well as on the physico-chemical features of the surface were investigated and correlated with the observed photocatalytic activity under natural solar irradiation. The incorporation of Ba2+ ions into the ZnO structure increased the surface area by ca. 14 times and enhanced the hydrophilicity with respect to the bare sample, as demonstrated by infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. The surface hydrophilicity was correlated with the enhanced defectivity of the doped sample, as indicated by X-ray diffraction, Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopies. The resulting higher affinity with water was, for the first time, invoked as an important factor justifying the superior photocatalytic performance of BZO compared to the undoped one, in addition to the slightly higher separation of the photoproduced pairs, an effect that has already been reported in literature. In particular, observed kinetic constants values of 8∙10−3 and 11.3∙10−3 min−1 were determined for the ZnO and BZO samples, respectively, by assuming first order kinetics. Importantly, Ba doping suppressed photocorrosion and increased the stability of the BZO sample under irradiation, making it a promising photocatalyst for the abatement of toxic species.
One-Pot Synthesis of Lamellar Fe-Cu Bimetal-Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide and Its Enhanced Removal of Cr(VI) from Water
Authors: Li Jing , Fan Mingjie , Yuan Ziting , Liu Fang , Li Miao
Published: October 2023

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a typical heavy metal pollutant, making its removal from wastewater imperative. Although nanosized zero-valent iron (nZVI) and graphene-based materials are excellent remediation materials, they have drawbacks, such as agglomeration and being difficult to recycle. A facile synthesis method for decorating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with ultrathin nZVI (within 10 nm) was explored in this study in order to develop an effective tool for Cr(VI) detoxication. Cu particles were doped in these composites for electron-transfer enhancement and were verified to improve the rate by 2.4~3.4 times. Batch experiments were conducted at different pHs, initial concentrations, ionic strengths, and humic acid (HA) concentrations. From these observations, it was found that the acid condition and appearance of Cu and rGO enhanced the treatment capacity. This procedure was fitted with a pseudo-second-order model, and the existence of NaCl and HA impeded it to some extent. Cr(VI) could be detoxified into Cr(III) and precipitated on the surface. Combining these analyses, a kinetics study, and the characterizations before and after the reaction, the removal mechanism of Cr(VI) was further discussed as a complex process involving adsorption, reduction, and precipitation. The maximum removal capacity of 156.25 mg g−1 occurred in the acid condition, providing a potential Cr(VI) remediation method.
The Potential Role of Circulating Long Miscellaneous RNAs in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Hepatitis C Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Abdelsattar Shimaa , Fahim Sally A. , Kamel Hala F. M. , Al-Amodi Hiba , Kasemy Zeinab A. , Khalil Fatma O. , Abdallah Mahmoud S. , Bedair Hanan M. , Gadallah Abdel-Naser Abdel-Atty , Sabry Aliaa , Sakr Mohamed A. , Selim Mahmoud , Gayed Eman M. Abd El
Published: October 2023

Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) are important regulators of gene expression and crucial for the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was designed to determine the diagnostic and prognostic utility of the circulating long miscellaneous RNAs; LINC01419, AK021443, and AF070632 in HCV-related HCC patients. Real-time PCR was used to measure their relative expression levels in the plasma of 194 HCV patients, 120 HCV-related HCC patients and 120 healthy controls. LINC01419 and AK021443 expression levels had significantly increasing linear trend estimates while AF070632 was dramatically downregulated in HCC compared to HCV. Interestingly, LINC01419 and AK021443 served as more significant diagnostic biomarkers for HCC than AF070632 and AFP. Multivariate analysis with cox regression revealed that the high expression of AK021443 [HR = 10.06, CI95%: 3.36–30.07], the high expression of LINC01419 [HR 4.13, CI95%: 1.32–12.86], and the low expression of AF070632 [HR = 2.70, CI95%: 1.07–6.81] were significant potential prognostic factors for HCC. Besides, the Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that HCC patients with high LIN01419 and AK021443 and low AF070632 expression levels had shorter OS. The circulating LINC01419 and AK021443 can be used as noninvasive potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of HCV-related HCC patients than AF070632 providing new targets for limiting the progression of the disease.
Watt-Level Diode-End-Pumped Self-Mode-Locked Tm,Ho:LLF Laser
Authors: Zhang Su , Ma Liheng , Liu Wen , Sun Chunsheng , Han Hongwei , Hu Qingping , Zhang Shuang , Kai Li
Published: October 2023

A diode-end-pumped self-mode-locked Tm,Ho:LuLiF4 (LLF) laser is demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. At the incident pump power of 3.4 W, the stable self-mode-locked operation of the Tm,Ho:LLF laser was realized without any additional devices in the resonator. Further increasing the incident pump power to 6.8 W, the maximum average output power of 1.07 W was achieved at 2068 nm with a pulse width of 746 ps and a repetition frequency of 468 MHz. The experimental results indicate that the Tm,Ho:LLF crystal is promising to generate the high-power self-mode-locked solid-state laser at 2 μm waveband. The self-mode-locked Tm,Ho:LLF laser has potential applications in optical communication, remote sensing, material process, and nonlinear frequency conversion.
A Laser Triangulation Displacement Sensor Based on a Cylindrical Annular Reflector
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Tao Wei , Zhao Hui
Published: October 2023

The ellipticity of the spot caused by laser jitter has a significant effect on the measurement accuracy of the traditional laser triangulation method. In order to overcome the influence of laser characteristics on measurement and improve the accuracy of displacement measurement, this paper proposes a measurement model for a laser displacement sensor based on a cylindrical annular reflector. A physical prototype is designed through parameter optimization using NSGA-II, and a two-step detection algorithm is proposed for the imaging ring of the prototype. The algorithm performs contour thinning after rough positioning of the imaging annular ring, and then performs precise detection. Through physical experiments, it is verified that the repeatability error of this method can reach below 0.02%, and the accuracy is significantly improved compared to traditional laser triangulation displacement sensors. Meanwhile, the measurement results of displacement show linearity. The optical path design of this sensor is simpler than the previously proposed rotational symmetrical laser triangulation displacement sensor, which has good application prospects.
Active Differential Fiber Coupled Plasmon Waveguide Resonance Sensor Based on the Mode Competition Effect
Authors: Li Songquan , Yang Qian , Gao Laixu , Zhu Miao , Zou Changwei
Published: October 2023

We proposed an active differential intensity (DI) fiber coupled plasmon waveguide resonance (CPWR) sensor based on the mode competition effect in the C-band, aiming to enhance the sensitivity. The sensing head is a fiber probe with a sensing layer of ITO/Au/ITO/TiO2 film, enabling the excitation of CPWR in the C-band. The narrow CPWR spectrum allows DI interrogation by tracking the intensity of light at two wavelengths. The fiber probe is inserted into a dual-wavelength fiber laser to adjust the intra-cavity loss at the two lasing wavelengths. By using the differential modulation of the reflectivity from the refractive index variations, the mode competition effect is triggered. The powers at two lasing wavelengths change oppositely, enlarging the power difference and then resulting in enhanced sensitivity. The average sensitivity is up to 5702 dB/RIUs, which is 10 times higher than that of conventional DI interrogation. The sensitivity enhancement mechanism based on the mode competition effect provides a new technical approach for enhancing the sensitivity of DI SPR sensors.
Total Content of Saponins, Phenols and Flavonoids and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of In Vitro Culture of Allochrusa gypsophiloides (Regel) Schischk Compared to Wild Plants
Authors: Mursaliyeva Valentina K. , Sarsenbek Balaussa T. , Dzhakibaeva Gulnara T. , Mukhanov Tlek M. , Mammadov Ramazan
Published: October 2023

Allochrusa gypsophiloides is a rare Central Asian species, a super-producer of triterpene saponins with pharmacological and technical value. In this work, a comparative evaluation of the in vitro culture of adventitious roots (ARs), in vitro adventitious microshoots (ASs), natural roots and aboveground parts of wild plants from Kazakhstan to define the total saponin (TS), phenol (TP) and flavonoid (TF) content, as well as antioxidant (AOA) and antimicrobial activity, is presented for the first time. In the AR culture, growth index (GI), TS, TP and TF were evaluated on days 25, 45 and 60 of cultivation on ½ MS medium without (control) and with auxin application. It was found out that TS and TF were higher in the in vitro AR culture. The amount of TP and TF are higher in the aerial part of vegetative plants with maximum AOA. The concentration of the extract required to inhibit 50% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical formation (ICO50) in extracts from natural material negatively correlated with TS, TP, TF and in the in vitro AR culture with TF. Control extracts from the in vitro AR culture with high TS levels showed growth-inhibitory activity against S. thermophillus, S. cerevisiae and C. albicans. The influence shares of medium composition factor, cultivation duration factor and their interaction with GI, TS, TP and TF were determined. The in vitro AR culture is promising for obtaining triterpene saponins TSR with high antibacterial and antifungal activity, and the in vitro ASs culture—for shoot multiplication with antioxidant properties.
The Developmental Mechanism of the Root System of Cultivated Terrestrial Watercress
Authors: Ran Jiajun , Ding Qiang , Wang Guangpeng , Shen Yunlou , Gao Zhanyuan , Gao Yue , Ma Xiaoqing , Hou Xilin
Published: October 2023

A well-developed root system is crucial for the rapid growth, asexual reproduction, and adaptation to the drought environments of the watercress. After analyzing the transcriptome of the watercress root system, we found that a high concentration of auxin is key to its adaptation to dry conditions. For the first time, we obtained DR5::EGFP watercress, which revealed the dynamic distribution of auxin in watercress root development under drought conditions. Via the application of naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), 4-biphenylboronic acid (BBO), ethylene (ETH), abscisic acid (ABA), and other factors, we confirmed that auxin has a significant impact on the root development of watercress. Finally, we verified the role of auxin in root development using 35S::NoYUC8 watercress and showed that the synthesis of auxin in the root system mainly depends on the tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine amino acids (TAA) synthesis pathway. After the level of auxin increases, the root system of the watercress develops toward adaptation to dry environments. The formation of root aerenchyma disrupts the concentration gradient of auxin and is a key factor in the differentiation of lateral root primordia and H cells in watercress.
Activation of Gossypium hirsutum ACS6 Facilitates Fiber Development by Improving Sucrose Metabolism and Transport
Authors: Geng Chen , Li Leilei , Han Shuan , Jia Mingzhu , Jiang Jing
Published: October 2023

Cotton fiber yield depends on the density of fiber cell initials that form on the ovule epidermis. Fiber initiation is triggered by MYB-MIXTA-like transcription factors (GhMMLs) and requires a sucrose supply. Ethylene or its precursor ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) is suggested to affect fiber yield. The Gossypium hirsutum (L.) genome contains 35 ACS genes (GhACS) encoding ACC synthases. Here, we explored the role of a GhACS family member in the regulation of fiber initiation. Expression analyses showed that the GhACS6.3 gene pair was specifically expressed in the ovules during fiber initiation (3 days before anthesis to 5 days post anthesis, −3 to 5 DPA), especially at −3 DPA, whereas other GhACS genes were expressed at very low or undetectable levels. The expression profile of GhACS6.3 during fiber initial development was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. Transgenic lines overexpressing GhACS6.3 (GhACS6.3-OE) showed increased ACC accumulation in ovules, which promoted the formation of fiber initials and fiber yield components. This was accompanied by increased transcript levels of GhMML3 and increased transcript levels of genes encoding sucrose transporters and sucrose synthase. These findings imply that GhACS6.3 activation is required for fiber initial development. Our results lay the foundation for further research on increasing cotton fiber production.
Effect of Cation Nonstoichiometry on Hydration and Charge Transport Processes in Yb-Doped SrZrO3 Perovskite-Type Proton Conductor for Ceramic Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Khaliullina Adelya , Meshcherskikh Anastasia , Dunyushkina Liliya
Published: October 2023

The effect of Sr deficiency on the hydration process and ionic and electronic conductivity of Yb-doped SrZrO3 proton conductors with a perovskite-type structure was investigated. Dense SrxZr0.95Yb0.05O3-δ (x = 0.94–1.00) ceramics were prepared using solution combustion synthesis. Thermogravimetry and Raman spectroscopy methods were used to determine the concentration of bulk protonic species. Sr deficiency was found to enhance the hydration ability of the zirconate; however, lowering of Sr content to x = 0.94 deteriorated the proton uptake. The conductivity of the SrxZr0.95Yb0.05O3-δ series depending on the oxygen partial pressure at different humidities was studied by the four-probe direct current technique. Sr-deficient ceramics with x = 0.96 and 0.98 were shown to become purely protonic conductors in humid atmospheres at a temperature close to 500 °C. The ionic conductivity reaches its highest value at a Sr content of x = 0.98 (2 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 500 °C and pH2O = 3.17 kPa). The hydration behavior and transport properties of SrxZr0.95Yb0.05O3-δ are discussed in terms of the defect chemistry model that assumes the distribution of Yb ions over Sr and Zr sites at a large Sr deficiency.
Design and Optimization of a Novel Dust Collection Device for Underground Dry Drilling Based on Numerical Simulation and Field Testing
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Zhang Hongyue , Zhou Yuzhu , Jin Longzhe , Li Gang , Wang Tianyang , Tian Yunqi , Yu Jie , Wei Lin , Wu Bin , Wu Xinran
Published: October 2023

To address the challenge of dust control during dry drilling of underground coal seams, a novel dust-collecting device for micron-size dust was designed and tested. To determine the optimal structural parameters of the dust collector, numerical simulations were employed to investigate the influence of the positions of the dust extraction pipe, slag discharge pipe angle, and cavity diameter on the distributions of the airflow velocity field and the pressure field inside the device. The findings revealed that the best performance was achieved when the dust extraction pipe was positioned in the lower part of the cavity, the angle between the slag discharge pipe and the cavity was 45°, and the cavity diameter was 300 mm. Under these conditions, the average airflow velocity in the dust extraction pipe reached 8.32 m/s, the maximum negative pressure at the pipe’s mouth was recorded at 1012.38 Pa, and the velocity of the dusty airflow in the cavity remained below 4.38 m/s. Dust capture performance was evaluated through on-site testing in the Taoyuan Coal Mine. The results demonstrated that using the novel device, the dust suppression rates at the slag discharge port, the connection between the device and the drill pipe, and 6 m from the drill hole on the downwind side increased by 92.5%, 88.5%, and 89.1%, respectively.
Explosion Risk of Metal Powder Used in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Sun Siheng , Xing Chonglin , Ding Jianxu , Cheng Yan , Liu Kai , Pang Lei
Published: October 2023

The explosive characteristic parameters of additive manufacturing (AM) dust were systematically studied. A systematic experimental study was performed on the characteristic parameters of dust explosions fueled by metal powder for AM, to obtain the distribution pattern of those parameters for four types of AM dust samples. Based on experimental data, the dust-explosive severity was classified via two-dimensional matrix analysis in terms of Pmax and Kst, and the dust-explosive sensitivity was classified via three-dimensional matrix analyses of the MIE, MIT, and MEC. Finally, a dust-explosive risk assessment model of AM metal powder was established based on comprehensive considerations of the dust-explosive severity and sensitivity, and four types of AM dust sample were applied empirically. The risk assessment method can provide a scientifically credible and effective basis for assessing and improving the AM process based on powder spreading.