bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Chloride Ion Attack in Self-Compacting Concrete Using Recycled Construction and Demolition Waste Aggregates
Authors: Peixoto Lorena K. S. , Anjos Marcos A. S. dos , Farias Evilane C. de , Branco Fernando G.
Published: January 2024

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) destined for recycling companies has great potential for use in civil construction, since it gives rise to recycled aggregates of different particle sizes that can be used in concrete. However, there is a lack of studies on the durability of concrete produced with recycled aggregates from CDW. This study analyzed the influence of incorporating recycled aggregates from CDW, sand, and gravel on the durability parameters of SCC mixtures, with and without the addition of metakaolin (MK), when subjected to two exposure conditions: outdoors and in cycles of attack by chloride ions. Five mixtures were produced: reference SCC, with natural sand and gravel; SCC with recycled sand and gravel; SCC with recycled sand and gravel and the addition of 10% MK; SAC with recycled sand, natural gravel, and the addition of 10% MK; and SCC with natural sand, recycled gravel and the addition of 10% MK. The water/binder ratio was kept constant for all mixtures and the additive dosage was adjusted according to the variation in the use of aggregates. The mechanical and durability properties were assessed using axial compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, chloride penetration, chloride ion diffusion, and electrical resistivity tests. The results showed the feasibility of using recycled aggregates from CDW in SCC. The addition of MK significantly improved the performance of SCC using these aggregates. The mixtures with added MK showed a low risk of corrosion and high resistance to chloride ion penetration, and, under highly aggressive attack conditions, it was observed that the chloride ions did not exceed the minimum cover thickness recommended for reinforced concrete structures. The addition of MK to the mix with recycled aggregates caused an 84.6% reduction in the Cl− diffusion coefficient, there was also a 40.3% reduction in Cl− penetration and an increase of up to 156.14% in electrical resistivity compared to the mix with recycled aggregates without the addition of MK. The SCC mix with recycled sand and metakaolin stood out positively compared to the others, achieving an axial compressive strength similar to the reference mix (55.10 MPa). We, therefore, conclude that it is possible to produce such a mix with acceptable performance and ensure good behavior under aggressive environmental conditions.
Augmented Data-Driven Machine Learning for Digital Twin of Stud Shear Connections
Authors: Roh Gi-Tae , Vu Nhung , Jeon Chi-Ho , Shim Chang-Su
Published: January 2024

Existing design codes for predicting the strength of stud shear connections in composite structures are limited when adapting to constant changes in materials and configurations. Machine learning (ML) models for predicting shear connection are often constrained by the number of input variables, resembling conventional design equations. Moreover, these models tend to overlook considerations beyond those directly comprising the connection. In addition, the data used in ML are often biased and limited in quantity. This study proposes a model using AutoML to automate and optimize the process for predicting the ultimate strength and deformation capacity of shear connections. The proposed model leverages a comprehensive dataset derived from experimental studies and finite element analyses, offering an advanced data-driven solution to overcome the limitations of traditional empirical equations. A digital twin model for the static design of pushout specimens was defined to replace existing empirical design codes. The digital twin model incorporates predictions of the geometry model, ultimate strength, and slip as input parameters and provides criteria for evaluating the limit state through a bilinear load–slip curve. This study advances predictive methodologies in structural engineering by emphasizing the importance of ML in addressing the dynamic and multifaceted nature of shear connection behaviors.
Fragility Assessment of a Long-Unit Prestressed Concrete Composite Continuous Girder Bridge with Corrugated Steel Webs Subjected to Near-Fault Pulse-like Ground Motions Considering Spatial Variability Effects
Authors: Han Mingcheng , Dong Yidian , Wang Tong , Du Mingqu , Gao Qingfei
Published: January 2024

Prestressed concrete composite girder bridges with corrugated steel webs (PCCGBCSWs) are extensively employed in bridge construction because of their low dead weight, fast construction, and high prestressing efficiency. Moreover, PCCGBCSWs will experience deformation and failure of the corrugated steel webs, including steel fatigue and fracture, during earthquakes. These changes will introduce safety hazards, which can be addressed via bridge disaster prevention and mitigation. Because near-fault pulse-like ground motions (NFPLGMs) have high peak accelerations, these motions can easily cause damage to a bridge. Therefore, in this study, a seismic fragility assessment is performed for long-unit PCCGBCSWs subjected to NFPLGMs considering spatial variability effects, and a sensitivity evaluation of the seismic fragility is conducted considering girder type, bearing type, ground motion type, and apparent wave velocity to offer a point of reference for seismic design. The results show that PCCGBCSWs are less vulnerable than concrete bridges. The shock absorption effect of the friction pendulum bearing is better than that of the viscous damper. The impact of NFPLGMs on bridges is greater than that of near-fault non-pulse-like ground motions (NFNPLMs) and far-fault ground motions (FFGMs). The seismic fragility under nonuniform excitation conditions is greater than that under uniform excitation conditions, showing an increasing trend with decreasing apparent wave velocity.
Digital-Era Resilience: Navigating Logistics and Supply Chain Operations after COVID-19
Authors: Kashem Mohammad Abul , Shamsuddoha Mohammad , Nasir Tasnuba
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in supply chain and logistics operations to respond to myriad disruptions. However, this paradigm shift has changed the supply chain to be more resilient, agile, flexible, and adaptable to upcoming disruptions. Hence, a comprehensive guide to understanding, implementing, and harnessing the power of digitization in the face of disruption, leading to a more resilient and adaptive global community, is greatly appreciated. Thus, this study aims to identify the strategies used in the complex and dynamic nature of the contemporary supply chain landscape for these disruptions. Among several strategies adopted and proposed, this systematic review examines overall efficiency and operational resilience, particularly supplier diversification, investment in digital supply chain technology, and adopting flexible manufacturing models. Following a rigorous four-step identification, screening, qualification, and inclusion process, this review focuses on real-time visibility, robust risk management, and data-driven decision making to determine whether future disruptions under digitization are conducive. Therefore, this systematic review, along with these enhanced resilience strategies, will provide a comprehensive resource for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to navigate and improve logistics and supply chain operations in the face of future disruptions.
Osteoclasts and Probiotics Mediate Significant Expansion, Functional Activation and Supercharging in NK, γδ T, and CD3+ T Cells: Use in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Kaur Kawaljit , Jewett Anahid
Published: January 2024

Our previous studies have introduced osteoclasts (OCs) as major activators of NK cells. It was found that OCs exhibit the capabilities of inducing cell expansion as well as increasing the cytotoxic activity of NK cells by granule release and increasing the secretion of TNF-α and TRAIL, leading to increased lysis of tumors in short-term as well as long-term periods, respectively. OC- induced expanded NK cells were named supercharged NK cells (sNK) due to their significantly high functional activity as well as their significantly higher cell expansion rate. It is, however, unclear whether the OC-mediated effect in NK cells is specific or whether other cytotoxic immune cells can also be expanded and activated by OCs. We chose to focus on γδ T cells and pan T cells, which also include CD8+ T cells. In this paper, we report that OCs are capable of expanding and functionally activating both γδ T cells and pan T cells. Expanded γδ T and pan T cells were capable of secreting high levels of INF-γ, albeit with different dynamics to those of NK cells, and, moreover, they are unable to kill NK-specific targets. Since we used humanized-BLT (hu-BLT) mice as a model of human disease, we next determined whether NK and T cell activation through OCs is also evident in cells obtained from hu-BLT mice. Similar to humans, OCs were capable of increasing the cell expansion and secretion of IFN-γ in the culture of either NK or T cells from hu-BLT mice, providing yet further evidence that these mice are appropriate models to study human disease. Therefore, these studies indicated that CD3+ T or γδ T cells can proliferate and be supercharged by OCs similar to the NK cells; thus, they can be used individually or in combination in the cell therapy of cancers.
Nerve Growth Factor and the Role of Inflammation in Tumor Development
Authors: Ferraguti Giampiero , Terracina Sergio , Tarani Luigi , Fanfarillo Francesca , Allushi Sara , Caronti Brunella , Tirassa Paola , Polimeni Antonella , Lucarelli Marco , Cavalcanti Luca , Greco Antonio , Fiore Marco
Published: January 2024

Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a dual role both in inflammatory states and cancer, acting both as a pro-inflammatory and oncogenic factor and as an anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mediator in a context-dependent way based on the signaling networks and its interaction with diverse cellular components within the microenvironment. This report aims to provide a summary and subsequent review of the literature on the role of NGF in regulating the inflammatory microenvironment and tumor cell growth, survival, and death. The role of NGF in inflammation and tumorigenesis as a component of the inflammatory system, its interaction with the various components of the respective microenvironments, its ability to cause epigenetic changes, and its role in the treatment of cancer have been highlighted in this paper.
Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Monoamine Oxidase and the Severity of Addiction to Betel Quid
Authors: Hung Chung-Chieh , Ko Ying-Chin , Chung Chia-Min
Published: January 2024

Betel quid (BQ) is the fourth most popular psychoactive substance in the world, and BQ use disorder (BUD) is prevalent in Asian countries. Although the mechanisms underlying BUD remain unclear, studies have reported influences from monoamine oxidase inhibitor. We enrolled 50 patients with BUD and assessed their BQ consumption habits, emotional conditions, and the clinical severity of addiction—assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fifth Edition] (DSM-5) criteria, Substance Use Severity Rating Scale, and Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Rating Scale for BQ. Patients were categorized into the severe group when showing six or more symptoms defined by DSM-5. A genome-wide association study was conducted for single nucleotide polymorphisms in BRCA1, COL9A1, NOTCH1, HSPA13, FAT1, and MAOA by using patients’ blood samples. More severe BUD symptoms were associated with younger age of using BQ and poor oral hygiene and with severe craving for and more anxiety toward BQ use. The MAOA rs5953210 polymorphism was significantly associated with severe BUD (odds ratio, 6.43; 95% confidence interval, 5.12–7.74; p < 0.01) and might contribute to BQ-associated cancer risk. Further studies are required to investigate the addictive properties of BQ and the development of novel diagnostic tools and pharmacotherapeutic alternatives to BUD treatment.
Correlation between Tomography Scan Findings and Clinical Presentation and Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Orbital Floor Fractures
Authors: Stopa Łukasz , Stopa Wojciech , Stopa Zygmunt
Published: January 2024

Background: Orbital floor fractures involve damage to the orbital floor but not the infraorbital margin. Despite intensive research, they remain a controversial topic. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between parameters gathered by means of computed tomography (CT), the clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes, in patients suffering from orbital floor fractures. Methods: Forty patients with orbital floor fractures were included in this study. Information regarding diplopia, impaired ocular mobility, asymmetric eyeball placement, and infraorbital paresis was gathered from the medical records. Nine CT-based parameters were assessed. Two parameters were calculated, based on them. The follow-up data of 30 patients were analyzed. The results were statistically evaluated. The significance level was p < 0.05. Results: Statistical evaluation revealed multiple correlations between CT-based findings, symptoms, and treatment results. Among others, the hernia into the maxillary sinus was significantly larger in patients without improvement in infraorbital paresis (p = 0.0031) and without improvement in assymetric eyeball placement (p = 0.0037). There was no correlation between the entrapment of the rectus inferior muscle and impaired ocular mobility (p = 0.664431; p = 0.420289) and between the direct fracture of the infraorbital canal and infraorbital paresis (p = 0.371102). Conclusions: The widely assumed thesis that impaired ocular mobility in orbital fractures is caused by entrapment of the rectus inferior muscle is disproved by CT-based data. CT-based findings, symptoms, and treatment results in patients with orbital floor fractures were significantly correlated. A large hernia may be a negative prognostic factor.
Inflammation—A Possible Link between Myocarditis and Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lala Ioan Radu , Pop-Moldovan Adina
Published: January 2024

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a primary genetic disease caused by mutations in the desmosome genes. Ever since the introduction of new imaging techniques, like cardiovascular magnetic resonance, the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy has become more challenging as left ventricular or biventricular variants may have resemblance to other cardiomyopathies or myocarditis. Not only this but they may also share an acute phase, which might cause even more confusion and misdiagnoses and influence the prognosis and outcome. In this case report, we present a 31-year-old patient with multiple clinical pictures: his symptoms were acute chest pain, new onset of heart failure and arrhythmia symptoms, which determined a dynamic change in clinical diagnosis and management, ultimately taking into consideration arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Through the article, we try to uncover and explain common pathophysiological pathways shared by arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and other clinical entities with a special focus on inflammation. The final question remains: “If there is more than one heart disorder that eventually leads to the same clinical image, one may wonder, is arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy a syndrome rather than a specific condition?”.
End-to-End Nano-Drone Obstacle Avoidance for Indoor Exploration
Authors: Zhang Ning , Nex Francesco , Vosselman George , Kerle Norman
Published: January 2024

Autonomous navigation of drones using computer vision has achieved promising performance. Nano-sized drones based on edge computing platforms are lightweight, flexible, and cheap; thus, they are suitable for exploring narrow spaces. However, due to their extremely limited computing power and storage, vision algorithms designed for high-performance GPU platforms cannot be used for nano-drones. To address this issue, this paper presents a lightweight CNN depth estimation network deployed on nano-drones for obstacle avoidance. Inspired by knowledge distillation (KD), a Channel-Aware Distillation Transformer (CADiT) is proposed to facilitate the small network to learn knowledge from a larger network. The proposed method is validated on the KITTI dataset and tested on a Crazyflie nano-drone with an ultra-low power microprocessor GAP8. This paper also implements a communication pipe so that the collected images can be streamed to a laptop through the on-board Wi-Fi module in real-time, enabling an offline reconstruction of the environment.
Theoretical Study of Liquid Flow and Temperature Distribution in OF-Cooled Power Transformers
Authors: Plaznik Uroš , Breznik Blaž , Prašnikar Borut
Published: January 2024

The objective of the paper is to analyse the effects of various geometrical and operating parameters on the liquid flow distribution in OF-cooled power transformers. Our investigation includes two cases: one with a simplified winding geometry and another that closely resembles the actual winding geometry. The analyses were carried out using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and custom, internally developed thermo-hydraulic models. Our findings confirm that buoyancy forces rather than the pump drive the liquid flow within the windings of an OF-cooled power transformer. The results also show that the liquid flow distribution, which is influenced by the winding geometrical properties and liquid properties, has a significant impact on the hot-spot temperatures of the windings. The comparison between the results of the CFD simulations and the results of the simple model demonstrates a high level of agreement in calculating both the mass flow rates and temperatures.
Sicklefin Chub (Macrhybopsis meeki) and Sturgeon Chub (M. gelida) Temporal and Spatial Patterns from Extant Population Monitoring and Habitat Data Spanning 23 Years
Authors: Wildhaber Mark L. , West Benjamin M. , Bennett Kendell R. , May Jack H. , Albers Janice L. , Green Nicholas S.
Published: January 2024

Sicklefin (Macrhybopsis meeki) and sturgeon chub (M. gelida) historically occurred throughout the Missouri River (MR), in some tributaries, and Mississippi River downstream of the MR. They have been species of U.S. state-level conservation concern and U.S. Endangered Species Act listing candidates since the 1990s. We applied analytical approaches from occupancy modeling to correlation to monitoring data spanning 23 years to assess relationships between occupancy and time, space, environmental factors, habitat, and other species. Sicklefin chub occupancy appeared higher in the early to mid-2000s and mid-to-late 2010s. A potential decline in occupancy occurred for sturgeon chub in the mid-to-late 2010s. Spatially, chub occupancy was depressed for 159 to 438 km downstream of MR dams. Among macrohabitats, inside bends had relatively high occupancy for both species; secondary connected channels had relatively high values for sturgeon chub. Co-occurrence was likely between sicklefin and sturgeon chub and between chubs and shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhybchus platorybchus) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). The observed co-occurrence of chubs and pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus; PS) was potentially higher than expected for adult PS. For juvenile PS, co-occurrence was lower than expected in the Lower MR and potentially higher than expected in the Upper MR, warranting future research. Results from this research suggest management for the improvement of sicklefin and sturgeon chub populations may benefit other MR fish populations.
Automated Monitoring of Bluefin Tuna Growth in Cages Using a Cohort-Based Approach
Authors: Muñoz-Benavent Pau , Andreu-García Gabriela , Martínez-Peiró Joaquín , Puig-Pons Vicente , Morillo-Faro Andrés , Ordóñez-Cebrián Patricia , Atienza-Vanacloig Vicente , Pérez-Arjona Isabel , Espinosa Víctor , Alemany Francisco
Published: January 2024

In this article, the evolution of BFT (bluefin tuna) sizes in fattening cages is studied, for which it was necessary to perform exhaustive monitoring with stereoscopic cameras and an exhaustive analysis of the data using automatic procedures. Exploring the size evolution of BFT over a long period is an important step in inferring their growth patterns, which are essential for designing smart aquaculture and sustainable fishing, and even assessing their health status. An important objective of this work was to verify whether tuna in captivity, in addition to fattening, grow in length. To this end, our autonomous monitoring system, equipped with stereoscopic cameras, was installed from 28 July 2020 to 23 May 2021 in a fattening cage in the Mediterranean containing 724 free-swimming tuna. This system provides thousands of images that, grouped by time intervals, allow us to conduct our studies. An automatic procedure, already introduced in a previous work and capable of processing large volumes of data, is used to estimate the length and width of individuals in ventral stereoscopic images of fish, and the evolution over time is analysed for each biometric characteristic. However, verifying the evolution of length and width based only on means or medians of these measurements may be inconsistent and insufficiently accurate to support our study objectives, as individuals of different sizes and ages may grow at different rates. Therefore, a modal analysis (Bhattacharya’s method) was undertaken to identify the cohorts within the population. The results showed that each modal length surpassed the length of the next cohort and that there was accelerated growth in cages compared to the wild. In addition, we proved that using a length–width–weight relationship to estimate fish weight gives more accurate results than traditional length–weight relationships for fish fattened in cages.
Reimagining Literary Analysis: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Classify Modernist French Poetry
Authors: Yang Liu , Wang Gang , Wang Hongjun
Published: January 2024

Aligned with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and multidisciplinary approaches integrating AI with sustainability, this research introduces an innovative AI framework for analyzing Modern French Poetry. It applies feature extraction techniques (TF-IDF and Doc2Vec) and machine learning algorithms (especially SVM) to create a model that objectively classifies poems by their stylistic and thematic attributes, transcending traditional subjective analyses. This work demonstrates AI’s potential in literary analysis and cultural exchange, highlighting the model’s capacity to facilitate cross-cultural understanding and enhance poetry education. The efficiency of the AI model, compared to traditional methods, shows promise in optimizing resources and reducing the environmental impact of education. Future research will refine the model’s technical aspects, ensuring effectiveness, equity, and personalization in education. Expanding the model’s scope to various poetic styles and genres will enhance its accuracy and generalizability. Additionally, efforts will focus on an equitable AI tool implementation for quality education access. This research offers insights into AI’s role in advancing poetry education and contributing to sustainability goals. By overcoming the outlined limitations and integrating the model into educational platforms, it sets a path for impactful developments in computational poetry and educational technology.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Richness, Diversity and Abundance of Floral Visitors of Curry Plants (Bergera koenigii L.): Insights on Plant-Pollinator Interactions
Authors: Layek Ujjwal , Das Anirban Deep , Das Uday , Karmakar Prakash
Published: January 2024

The reproductive success of flowering plants relates to flower-visitor communities and plant-pollinator interactions. These traits are species- and region-specific and vary across regions, pollinator groups, and plant species. However, little literature exists on the spatiotemporal variation in visitor activity, especially in India. Here, we aimed to depict the spatial and temporal variation in visitor activity on the curry plants (Bergera koenigii). Data were collected at different daytime slots from three vegetation zones (confirmed by field surveys and normalized difference vegetation index values in remote sensing)—dense, medium-density, and low-density vegetation in West Bengal, India. The visitors’ richness, diversity, and abundance were higher in the area with dense vegetation. Considering daytime patterns, higher values for these parameters were obtained during 10.00–14.00 h. For most visitors, the flower handling time was shorter, and the visitation rate was higher in dense vegetation areas (at 10.00–14.00 h) than in medium- and low-density vegetation areas. The proportions of different foraging categories varied over time. Vital pollinators were Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, Appias libythea, Halictus acrocephalus, Nomia iridescens, and Tetragonula iridipennis. However, the effectiveness of pollinators remained region-specific. Therefore, it can be concluded that floral visitors’ richness, diversity, abundance, and plant-visitor interactions varied spatially with their surrounding vegetation types and also changed daytime-wise.
An Examination of the Motives for Attributing and Interpreting Deception in People with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Tilkeridou Maria , Moraitou Despina , Papaliagkas Vasileios , Frantzi Nikoleta , Emmanouilidou Evdokia , Tsolaki Magdalini
Published: January 2024

The aim of the present study was to examine how a person with amnestic mild cognitive impairment perceives the phenomenon of deception. Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) usually represents the prodromal phase of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with patients showing memory impairment but with normal activities of daily living. It was expected that aMCI patients would face difficulties in the attribution and interpretation of deceptive behavior due to deficits regarding their diagnosis. The main sample of the study consisted of 76 older adults who were patients of a daycare center diagnosed with aMCI. A sample of 55 highly educated young adults was also examined in the same experiment to qualitatively compare their performance with that of aMCI patients. Participants were assigned a scenario where a hypothetical partner (either a friend or a stranger) was engaged in a task in which the partner could lie to boost their earnings at the expense of the participant. The results showed that aMCI patients, even if they understood that something was going wrong, did not invest in interpretations of potential deception and tended to avoid searching for confirmative information related to the hypothetical lie of their partner compared to highly educated young adults. It seems that aMCI patients become somehow “innocent”, and this is discussed in terms of cognitive impairment and/or socioemotional selectivity.
Effect of Intermediate Path on Post-Wrinkle Initiation of the Multi-Pass Metal Spinning Process: Analysis in the Rotating Reference Frame
Authors: Nguyen Huy Hoan , Champliaud Henri , Le Van Ngan
Published: January 2024

The metal spinning process has been observed in recent major investigations carried out using finite element analysis. One interesting idea has proposed simulating a rotating disc for the simulation of the metal spinning process to reduce computational time. The development of this concept is presented in this paper, including the formal mathematical transformation from the inertial frame to the rotating reference frame, specific FEM configurations with mesh sizes based on a minimized aspect ratio, a mesh convergence study, and the application of a feed rate scale. Furthermore, in the context of the rotating reference frame, the flange geometry after wrinkle initiation is investigated, including the number of peaks and their amplitudes. Using this new approach, it was found that the number of peaks gradually increases from two to eight peaks while their amplitude decreases. In the case of severe wrinkles, the number of peaks stays at four while the amplitude increases dramatically. The intermediate path proves capable of increasing the number of peaks while maintaining a low amplitude. These results will make it possible to design new paths, facilitating the production of defect-free spun parts.
Pedicled Rectus Femoris Flap for Restoration of Suprapatellar Quadriceps Tendon and Defect Coverage after Multiple Reconstruction Attempts—A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Hecker Andrzej , Watzinger Nikolaus , Pignet Anna-Lisa , Schellnegger Marlies , Reinbacher Patrick , Girsch Werner
Published: January 2024

There is no unified approach for restoring the suprapatellar quadriceps tendon and covering tissue defects simultaneously. In this case report, we present the pedicled myocutaneous rectus femoris flap as one effective approach in two cases with extensive loss or impairment of the suprapatellar muscle–tendon structures after trauma-related suprapatellar quadriceps tendon rupture and multiple reconstruction attempts. Additionally, we provide a literature review of the reconstructive use of the functional pedicled myocutaneous rectus femoris flap. Methods: Two male patients, 48 and 74 years old, with extensive loss or impairment of the suprapatellar muscle–tendon structures due to multiple reconstruction attempts, underwent restoration of the knee extension with a pedicled myocutaneous rectus femoris flap. Results: Three months after reconstruction, both patients were able to walk freely, unaided. After a six-month follow-up, the free passive mobility of the knee joint was restored, and the active extension of the knee joint was possible in both patients. Conclusion: The authors conclude that the pedicled rectus femoris flap is a reliable method for the restoration of knee extension, with excellent functional results in cases of suprapatellar tendon lesions. Further to the functional restoration, this technique has the additional advantage of simultaneously achieving coverage of soft-tissue defects, while a direct closure of the donor site is possible. Elderly patients and patients with relevant comorbidities or multiple revisions may especially benefit from this technique.
The Direct Alloying of Steel through Silicothermic Self-Reduction of Chromite Ore Utilizing Si-Containing Solid Waste
Authors: Chen Yiliang , Xue Zhengliang , Song Shengqiang
Published: January 2024

Organosilicon materials generate copious amounts of Si-containing solid waste during production, leading to severe environmental pollution and substantial resource squandering. In pursuit of the resource utilization of Si-containing solid waste, this study conducted experimental research on the direct alloying of molten steel through the silicothermic self-reduction of chromite ore using Si-containing solid waste as a reducing agent. Additionally, thermodynamic analysis was performed, employing the thermodynamic calculation software FactSage 8.2 (Thermfact Ltd., Montreal, QC, Canada and GTT-Technologies, Aachen, Germany), to examine the equilibrium reactions of the silicothermic reduction of chromite ore and the variations in the thermodynamic equilibrium compositions of slag and metal phases. The results indicate a reduction sequence for the reducible components in chromite ore as Fe2O3 → Cr2O3. The introduction of CaO and Al2O3 into the silicothermic self-reduction compacts altered the forms of Fe and Cr oxides in equilibrium, significantly reducing the standard Gibbs free energy (ΔG0) of the silicothermic reduction reaction. The initial slag melting point decreased from 1700 °C without the addition of CaO and Al2O3 to 1500 °C with the addition of CaO and Al2O3. Correspondingly, the slag viscosity at 1600 °C decreased from 134.1 Pa·s without CaO and Al2O3 addition to 1.81 Pa·s with CaO and Al2O3 addition. The addition of CaO and Al2O3 accelerated the reduction of Cr oxide in chromite ore and enhanced the recovery of Cr, consistent with the thermodynamic calculation results. In the process of steelmaking through the direct alloying of chromite ore silicothermic self-reduction compacts, the final recovery rate of Cr increased from 86.4% without CaO and Al2O3 addition to 95.4% with CaO and Al2O3 addition.
Controllable Synthesis of Flower-like Hierarchical CuCo2S4 Nanostructure Arrays for High-Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Man , Yu Ningning , Xu Lei , Wang Wenyu , Wei Fuxiang , Qi Jiqiu , Sui Yanwei
Published: January 2024

Transition metal sulfides (TMSs) are considered as attractive materials in the areas of energy storage because of their unique redox properties, excellent electronic conductivity, as well as environmental friendliness. However, poor cyclic stability and limited electrochemical active sites hinder their further application. To address this issue, a flower-like hierarchical CuCo2S4 structure is constructed by a two-step hydrothermal method. In this nanostructure, CuCo2S4 grows outward to form a tightly bound hierarchical structure on the nickel foams (NFs). This oriented structure can provide more laminar gaps for electrolyte ion diffusion, exposing more reaction sites to increase the ion transport efficiency between the layers, reducing the ion transport resistance and improving the reaction kinetics. Thus, the CuCo2S4 electrode exhibits excellent energy storage performance, exhibiting a high specific capacity of 1415.6 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. After 10,000 cycles of 10 A g−1, it still has 91.9% of the initial performance. In addition, an asymmetrical supercapacitor (ASC) was constructed by choosing CuCo2S4 as the anode and RGO as the cathode, which has the maximum energy density (61.8 Wh Kg−1) at 812.1 W Kg−1 and significant cycling endurance (92.05% retention) at 10,000 turns. Briefly, the researchers successfully constructed an array of CuCo2S4 flower-like hierarchical nanostructures and confirmed their potential application in supercapacitors.
Study on the Hydrogen Effect and Interface/Border Traps of a Depletion-Mode AlGaN/GaN High-Electron-Mobility Transistor with a SiNx Gate Dielectric at Different Temperatures
Authors: Zhao Dongsheng , He Liang , Wu Lijuan , Xiao Qingzhong , Liu Chang , Chen Yuan , He Zhiyuan , Yang Deqiang , Lv Mingen , Cheng Zijun
Published: January 2024

In this study, the electrical characteristics of depletion-mode AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) with a SiNx gate dielectric were tested under hydrogen exposure conditions. The experimental results are as follows: (1) After hydrogen treatment at room temperature, the threshold voltage VTH of the original device was positively shifted from −16.98 V to −11.53 V, and the positive bias of threshold was 5.45 V. When the VDS was swept from 0 to 1 V with VGS of 0 V, the IDS was reduced by 25% from 9.45 A to 7.08 A. (2) Another group of original devices with identical electrical performance, after the same duration of hydrogen treatment at 100 °C, exhibited a reverse shift in threshold voltage with a negative threshold shift of −0.91 V. The output characteristics were enhanced, and the saturation leakage current was increased. (3) The C-V method and the low-frequency noise method were used to investigate the effect of hydrogen effect on the device interface trap and border trap, respectively. It was found that high-temperature hydrogen conditions can passivate the interface/border traps of SiNx/AlGaN, reducing the density of interface/border traps and mitigating the trap capture effect. However, in the room-temperature hydrogen experiment, the concentration of interface/border traps increased. The research findings in this paper provide valuable references for the design and application of depletion-mode AlGaN/GaN HEMT devices.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Paleocene–Eocene Palana Formation in Western Rajasthan, India: Insights for Sedimentary Paleoenvironmental Conditions and Volcanic Activity
Authors: Hakimi Mohammed Hail , Kumar Alok , Alqubalee Abdullah M. , Singh Alok K. , Almobarky Mohammed , Rahim Afikah , Alqudah Mohammad , Lashin Aref , Mustapha Khairul Azlan , Naseem Waqas
Published: January 2024

Organic-rich shale rocks from the Paleocene–Eocene Palana Formation in western Rajasthan, India, were systematically investigated based on inorganic and organic geochemistry combined with microscopic examinations to evaluate the sedimentary paleoenvironmental conditions and volcanic activity and their impact on the high organic carbon accumulation. The Palana shales are categorized by high organic matter (OM) and sulfur contents, with total values up to 36.23 wt.% and 2.24 wt.%, respectively. The richness of phytoplankton algae (i.e., telalginite and lamalginite) together with redox-sensitive trace elements further suggests a marine setting and anoxic environmental conditions during the Paleocene–Eocene. The significant low oxygen conditions may contribute to enhancing the preservation of organic matter during deposition. The mineralogical and inorganic geochemical indicators demonstrate that the Palana organic-rich shale facies was accumulated in a warm and humid climate with moderate salinity stratification conditions in the water columns, thereby contributing to the high bioproductivity of the phytoplankton algae blooms within the photic zone. The presence of significant contents of zeolite derived from volcanic material together with silica minerals such as apophyllite and tridymite in most of the Palana organic-rich shales indicates a volcanic origin and supports hydrothermal activities during the Paleocene–Eocene period. These volcanic activities in this case are considered the influx of large masses of nutrients into the photic zone due to the ash accumulation, as indicated by the presence of the zeolites in the Palana shales. Therefore, the high bio-productivity associated with effective OM preservation led to the organic carbon accumulation in the Palana Formation during the Paleocene–Eocene.
Optimal Stimulus Properties for Steady-State Visually Evoked Potential Brain–Computer Interfaces: A Scoping Review
Authors: Reitelbach Clemens , Oyibo Kiemute
Published: January 2024

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) based on steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs) have been well researched due to their easy system configuration, little or no user training and high information transfer rates. To elicit an SSVEP, a repetitive visual stimulus (RVS) is presented to the user. The properties of this RVS (e.g., frequency, luminance) have a significant influence on the BCI performance and user comfort. Several studies in this area in the last one-and-half decades have focused on evaluating different stimulus parameters (i.e., properties). However, there is little research on the synthesis of the existing studies, as the last review on the subject was published in 2010. Consequently, we conducted a scoping review of related studies on the influence of stimulus parameters on SSVEP response and user comfort, analyzed them and summarized the findings considering the physiological and neurological processes associated with BCI performance. In the review, we found that stimulus type, frequency, color contrast, luminance contrast and size/shape of the retinal image are the most important stimulus properties that influence SSVEP response. Regarding stimulus type, frequency and luminance, there is a trade-off between the best SSVEP response quality and visual comfort. Finally, since there is no unified measuring method for visual comfort and a lack of differentiation in the high-frequency band, we proposed a measuring method and a division of the band. In summary, the review highlights which stimulus properties are important to consider when designing SSVEP BCIs. It can be used as a reference point for future research in BCI, as it will help researchers to optimize the design of their SSVEP stimuli.
Directed Evolution of Near-Infrared Serotonin Nanosensors with Machine Learning-Based Screening
Authors: An Seonghyeon , Suh Yeongjoo , Kelich Payam , Lee Dakyeon , Vukovic Lela , Jeong Sanghwa
Published: January 2024

In this study, we employed a novel approach to improve the serotonin-responsive ssDNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotube (ssDNA-SWCNT) nanosensors, combining directed evolution and machine learning-based prediction. Our iterative optimization process is aimed at the sensitivity and selectivity of ssDNA-SWCNT nanosensors. In the three rounds for higher serotonin sensitivity, we substantially improved sensitivity, achieving a remarkable 2.5-fold enhancement in fluorescence response compared to the original sequence. Following this, we directed our efforts towards selectivity for serotonin over dopamine in the two rounds. Despite the structural similarity between these neurotransmitters, we achieved a 1.6-fold increase in selectivity. This innovative methodology, offering high-throughput screening of mutated sequences, marks a significant advancement in biosensor development. The top-performing nanosensors, N2-1 (sensitivity) and L1-14 (selectivity) present promising reference sequences for future studies involving serotonin detection.
Magnetron Sputtering as a Versatile Tool for Precise Synthesis of Hybrid Iron Oxide–Graphite Nanomaterial for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Käufer Fee , Quade Antje , Kruth Angela , Kahlert Heike
Published: January 2024

Iron oxide nanomaterials are promising candidates for various electrochemical applications. However, under operating conditions high electric resistance is still limiting performance and lifetime. By incorporating the electronically conductive carbon into a nanohybrid, performance may be increased and degeneration due to delamination may be prevented, eliminating major drawbacks. For future applications, performance is an important key, but also cost-effective manufacturing suitable for scale-up must be developed. A possible approach that shows good potential for up-scale is magnetron sputtering. In this study, a systematic investigation of iron oxides produced by RF magnetron sputtering was carried out, with a focus on establishing correlations between process parameters and resulting structural properties. It was observed that increasing the process pressure was favourable with regard to porosity. Over the entire pressure range investigated, the product consisted of low-crystalline Fe3O4, as well as Fe2O3 as a minor phase. During sputtering, a high degree of graphitisation of carbon was achieved, allowing for sufficient electronic conductivity. By means of a new alternating magnetron sputtering process, highly homogeneous salt-and-pepper-type arrangements of both nanodomains, iron oxide and carbon were achieved. This nano-containment of the redox-active species in a highly conductive carbon domain improves the material’s overall conductivity, while simultaneously increasing the electrochemical stability by 44%, as confirmed by cyclic voltammetry.
The Influence of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases on Viral Pneumonia Development, Including COVID-19: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yi Kexin , Tian Mingjie , Li Xue
Published: January 2024

The association between thyroid function and viral pneumonia has undergone extensive examination, yet the presence of a causal link remains uncertain. The objective of this paper was to employ Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the connections between three thyroid diseases and thyroid hormone indicators with viral pneumonia and COVID-19. We obtained summary statistics datasets from seven genome-wide association studies (GWASs). The primary method used for estimating relationships was inverse-variance weighting (IVW). In addition, we employed weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO as supplementary analytical tools. Sensitivity analyses encompassed Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and MR-PRESSO. Our study revealed significant causal relationships between having a genetic predisposition to autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and an increased susceptibility to viral pneumonia (odds ratio [OR]: 1.096; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.022–1.176). Moreover, it demonstrated a heightened susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 (OR for COVID-19 susceptibility, COVID-19 hospitalization, and COVID-19 critical illness, with 95% CIs of 1.016, 1.001–1.032; 1.058, 1.003–1.116; 1.045, 1.010–1.081). However, no statistically significant associations were found between TSH, FT4, subclinical hypo- or hyperthyroidism, and the risk of viral pneumonia incidence, or the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 (all p > 0.05). This study establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between AITD and the development of viral pneumonia, as well as the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19.
Mouldable Conductive Plastic with Optimised Mechanical Properties
Authors: Anis Arfat , Alhamidi Abdullah , Bashir Zahir , Alam Mohammad Asif , Al-Zahrani Saeed M.
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates making an injection mouldable conductive plastic formulation that aims for conductivity into the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding range, with good mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness, strength, and impact resistance). While conductivity in the range (electrostatic charge dissipation) and EMI shielding have been attained by incorporating conductive fillers such as carbon black, metals powders, and new materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), this often occurs with a drop in tensile strength, elongation-to-break resistance, and impact resistance. It is most often the case that the incorporation of high modulus fillers leads to an increase in modulus but a drop in strength and impact resistance. In this work, we have used short carbon fibres as the conductive filler and selected a 50/50 PBT/rPET (recycled PET) for the plastic matrix. Carbon fibres are cheaper than CNTs and graphenes. The PBT/rPET has low melt viscosity and crystallises sufficiently fast during injection moulding. To improve impact resistance, a styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) rubber toughening agent was added to the plastic. The PBT/rPET had very low-impact resistance and the SEBS provided rubber toughening to it; however, the rubber caused a drop in the tensile modulus and strength. The short carbon fibre restored the modulus and strength, which reached higher value than the PBT/rPET while providing the conductivity. Scanning electron microscope pictures showed quite good bonding of the current filler (CF) to the PBT/rPET. An injection mouldable conductive plastic with high conductivity and raised modulus, strength, and impact resistance could be made.
Preparation and Characterization of Soluble Dietary Fiber Edible Packaging Films Reinforced by Nanocellulose from Navel Orange Peel Pomace
Authors: Chen Lili , Wu Yincai , Guo Yuntian , Yan Xiaofeng , Liu Wenliang , Huang Si
Published: January 2024

The packaging problem with petroleum-based synthetic polymers prompts the development of edible packaging films. The high value-added reuse of navel orange peel pomace, which is rich in bioactive compounds, merited more considerations. Herein, nanocellulose (ONCC) and soluble dietary fiber (OSDF) from navel orange peel pomace are firstly used to prepare dietary fiber-based edible packaging films using a simple physical blend method, and the impact of ONCC on the film’s properties is analyzed. Adopting three methods in a step-by-step approach to find the best formula for edible packaging films. The results show that dietary-fiber-based edible packaging films with 4 wt.% ONCC form a network structure, and their crystallinity, maximum pyrolysis temperature, and melting temperature are improved. What’s more, dietary-fiber-based edible packaging films have a wide range of potential uses in edible packaging.