bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced performance of polyvinylidene fluoride with triethanolamine and polyethylene glycol ultrafiltration membrane for textile wastewater treatment
Authors: Elnagar E. R. , Hamdy G. , Abdallah H. , Ali S. S. , Taher F. A.
Published: August 2024

Pollution resulting from textile industries wastewater, affects aquatic life, groundwater, crops, and human life. Hence, using membrane-based filtration technology to treat produced water opens new avenues for water recovery. In this work, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes with triethanolamine (TEA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were synthesized and tested as ultrafiltration (UF) materials for textile wastewater removal. PVDF UF membranes were synthesized by phase inversion method with different additives ratios (0, 1:0,1:1, 2:1, 2:2 of M0, M1, M2, M3, M4, respectively) of TEA and PEG. The PVDF UF membrane’s performance (water flus and dye rejection) was evaluated by synthetic disperse dyes and real textile industrial wastewater. The physical and chemical structure of PVDF UF membranes was investigated using FTIR, SEM, elongation, tensile strength, porosity, water uptake rate (WUR) and water contact angle (WCA) techniques. In comparison to virgin membrane (M0), the M2 UF membrane exhibited higher than 97.3% dye rejection for both disperse dyes removal with flux of 100 LMH due to the formation of dense sponge pores in the top layer with microvoid near the bottom, leading to high rejection with reasonable flux and cost-effective procedures. While for real textile industrial wastewater, M2 showed a good rejection of 90.4% and flux of 53.1 LMH due to other complications of suspended solids, organic aggregates, salts, etc. real sample. In the same line, this optimum M2 UF membrane demonstrated tensile strength of 8.6 MPa, porosity of 30.8%, WUR of 57.5%, and WCA of 78. Eventually, the prepared membranes have high dye removal efficiency and the treated water can be directly reused within the same textile industry in scouring and finishing processes, washing tanks, cooling towers, washing earth, and planting nonedible plants.

Graphical abstract
Mapping Structural Break and Sectoral Movement on Female Employment in India Since 1991
Authors: Mishra Surbhi , Sahoo Dukhabandhu , Mohapatra Souryabrata
Published: August 2024

The new economic regime in India has had a cascading impact on resource allocation and the redistribution of employment. Previous research has examined the general effects of economic shifts but lacks an exhaustive analysis of its impact on sector-specific female labour force participation (FLFP). This paper analyses structural breaks in sectoral FLFP in India using yearly data from 1991 to 2022, exploring the dynamic relationship among gross domestic product (GDP) contribution, education and FLFP across sectors and analysing inter-sectoral female labour movement. Results reveal that females engaged in the agriculture sector in India witnessed the highest structural breaks compared to other sectors. New economic reform of 1991, government policies, urbanisation and mechanisation, could be attributed to these breaks. Further, results revealed sectoral contribution to GDP and female education as an important determinant of FLFP. Along with this, the results of the Impulse Response Function show a significant shift in FLFP from agriculture to services. However, Variance Decomposition has provided evidence that the agriculture sector remains a fallback option for women in India. Based on these findings, the paper suggests that policymakers should promote higher education among women to enhance FLFP in the service sector. Furthermore, the study proposes strategies to attract and retain FLFP in the industrial sector, thereby alleviating labour pressures in agriculture.
Expedited access to β-lactams via a telescoped three-component Staudinger reaction in flow
Authors: Minuto Federica , Basso Andrea , Baumann Marcus
Published: August 2024

The Staudinger reaction is widely used for the generation of β-lactams via the thermal cycloaddition of imines with ketenes. Traditionally, it cannot be performed as a multicomponent reaction between aldehydes, amines and ketenes, thus limiting its versatility. Recently we reported for the first time a three-component Staudinger reaction in batch, exploiting a photochemical Wolff rearrangement of diazoketones and an in situ generation of the imine. Here we report an expedited continuous flow approach that generates the crucial ketene intermediate prior to its telescoped reaction with an imine component at ambient temperatures. The imine is prepared by an in situ dehydration between amines and aldehydes in a packed bed reactor containing basic alumina as drying agent. The resulting telescoped flow approach features a fast dehydration reaction (tRes ca. 3 min) as well as an efficient Wolff rearrangement using LEDs (420 nm) to afford the desired β-lactam products in less than 30 min which compares favorably with reaction times of several days in batch mode. Flow processing thereby affords a safe and streamlined entry to these important targets and allows their effective generation on gram scale. Moreover, this approach exploits several homogeneous and heterogeneous transformations under mild conditions that generate water and nitrogen gas as the only by-products.

Graphical abstract
Ocean Spray Is Relatively Lifeless
Authors: Scharping Nathaniel
Published: August 2024

Organic contributions from ocean organisms are sparse in sea spray, helping to clarify predictions of its impact on the climate.
Text messaging to improve retention in hypertension care in Bangladesh
Authors: Jubayer Shamim , Akhtar Jubaida , Abrar Ahmad Khairul , Sayem Md. Noor Nabi , Islam Shahinul , Amin Khondoker Ehsanul , Nahid Muhtamim Fuwad , Bhuiyan Mahfuzur Rahman , Al Mamun Mohammad Abdullah , Alim Abdul , Amin Mohammad Robed , Burka Daniel , Gupta Prabhanshu , Zhao Di , Matsushita Kunihiro , Moran Andrew E. , Choudhury Sohel Reza , Gupta Reena
Published: August 2024

Visit non-attendance is a common barrier to hypertension control in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile text messaging in improving visit attendance among patients with hypertension in primary healthcare facilities in Bangladesh. A randomized A/B testing study was conducted with two patient groups: (1) patients regularly attending visits (regular patients) and (2) patients overdue for their follow-up clinic visit (overdue patients). Regular patients were randomized into three groups: a cascade of three text reminders, a single text reminder, or no text reminder. Overdue patients were randomized into two groups: a single text reminder or no text reminder. 20,072 regular patients and 12,708 overdue patients were enrolled. Among regular patients, visit attendance was significantly higher in the cascade reminder group and the single reminder group compared to the no reminder group (78.2% and 76.6% vs. 74.8%, p < 0.001 and 0.027, respectively). Among overdue patients, the single reminder group had a 5.8% higher visit attendance compared to the no reminder group (26.5% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001). The results remained consistent in multivariable analysis; adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) was 1.04 (95% CI 1.02–1.06) for the cascade reminder group and 1.02 (95% CI 1.00–1.05) for the single reminder group among regular patients. The adjusted PR for the single reminder group vs. the no reminder group among overdue patients was 1.23 (95% CI 1.15–1.33). Text message reminders are an effective strategy for improving retention of patients in hypertension treatment in LMICs, especially for patients overdue to care.
Surgical necrotizing enterocolitis risk factors in extremely preterm infants: a Korean nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kim Seung Hyun , Son Joonhyuk , Park Hyun-Kyung
Published: August 2024

Background

The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is significantly associated with gestational age (GA). This study aimed to investigate risk factors for surgically treated NEC (sNEC) in extremely preterm infants (EPIs) using nationwide cohort registry.

Methods

Data were collected from 16,338 very-low-birth-weight infants registered in the Korean neonatal network. Clinical data of 5310 EPIs were retrospectively analyzed. sNEC was defined as infants with diagnosis of NEC requiring surgical treatment, who underwent surgical intervention for NEC or died before surgery. Infants were categorized into three groups based on their NEC status: infants without NEC (control), medically treated NEC (mNEC), and sNEC. These groups were matched based on GA to investigate risk factors for NEC.

Results

In EPIs, small for gestational age (SGA; odds ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–2.36, p = 0.004), hypotension (1.49, 1.18–1.89, p = 0.001), and IVH (1.63, 1.30–2.05, p < 0.001) were identified as risk factors for sNEC. Complete administration of antenatal steroid reduced the risk of sNEC (0.80, 0.64–0.99, p = 0.044).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that EPIs who are SGA, and experience hypotension and IVH may be at an increased risk of developing NEC requiring surgery. These groups require close attention and monitoring for any signs of surgical indications of NEC.

Impact

This nationwide cohort study aimed to identify characteristics of infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among extremely preterm infants (EPIs) and analyze the risk factors associated with NEC requiring surgical intervention.

Small for gestational age (SGA), hypotension, and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were identified as significant risk factors for surgically treated NEC (sNEC) in EPIs. The administration of antenatal steroids decreases the risk of sNEC.

Close attention and monitoring for EPIs with early identifiable risk factors such as SGA, hypotension, and IVH should be considered to prevent and detect sNEC early, ultimately leading to improved long-term outcomes.
Examining the role of personality functioning in a hierarchical taxonomy of psychopathology using two years of ambulatory assessed data
Authors: Kerber André , Ehrenthal Johannes C. , Zimmermann Johannes , Remmers Carina , Nolte Tobias , Wendt Leon P. , Heim Phileas , Müller Sascha , Beintner Ina , Knaevelsrud Christine
Published: August 2024

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) arranges phenotypes of mental disorders based on empirical covariation, ranging from narrowly defined symptoms to higher-order spectra of psychopathology. Since the introduction of personality functioning (PF) in DSM-5 and ICD-11, several studies have identified PF as a predictor of transdiagnostic aspects of psychopathology. However, the role of PF in the HiTOP classification system has not been systematically examined. This study investigates how PF can be integrated into HiTOP, whether PF accounts for transdiagnostic variance captured in higher-order spectra, and how its predictive value for future affective well-being (AWB) and psychosocial impairment (PSI) compares to the predictive value of specific psychopathology beyond PF. To this end, we examined two years of ambulatory assessed data on psychopathology, PF, PSI, and AWB of N = 27,173 users of a mental health app. Results of bass-ackwards analyses largely aligned with the current HiTOP working model. Using bifactor modeling, aspects of PF were identified to capture most of the internalizing, thought disorder, and externalizing higher-order factor variance. In longitudinal prediction analyses employing bifactor-(S-1) modeling, PF explained 58.6% and 30.6% of variance in PSI and AWB when assessed across one year, respectively, and 33.1% and 23.2% of variance when assessed across two years. Results indicate that personality functioning may largely account for transdiagnostic variance captured in the higher-order components in HiTOP as well as longitudinal outcomes of PSI and AWB. Clinicians and their patients may benefit from assessing PF aspects such as identity problems or internal relationship models in a broad range of mental disorders. Further, incorporating measures of PF may advance research in biological psychiatry by providing empirically sound phenotypes.
Applications of OPM-MEG for translational neuroscience: a perspective
Authors: Brickwedde Marion , Anders Paul , Kühn Andrea A. , Lofredi Roxanne , Holtkamp Martin , Kaindl Angela M. , Grent-‘t-Jong Tineke , Krüger Peter , Sander Tilmann , Uhlhaas Peter J.
Published: August 2024

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) allows the non-invasive measurement of brain activity at millisecond precision combined with localization of the underlying generators. So far, MEG-systems consisted of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDS), which suffer from several limitations. Recent technological advances, however, have enabled the development of novel MEG-systems based on optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), offering several advantages over conventional SQUID-MEG systems. Considering potential improvements in the measurement of neuronal signals as well as reduced operating costs, the application of OPM-MEG systems for clinical neuroscience and diagnostic settings is highly promising. Here we provide an overview of the current state-of-the art of OPM-MEG and its unique potential for translational neuroscience. First, we discuss the technological features of OPMs and benchmark OPM-MEG against SQUID-MEG and electroencephalography (EEG), followed by a summary of pioneering studies of OPMs in healthy populations. Key applications of OPM-MEG for the investigation of psychiatric and neurological conditions are then reviewed. Specifically, we suggest novel applications of OPM-MEG for the identification of biomarkers and circuit deficits in schizophrenia, dementias, movement disorders, epilepsy, and neurodevelopmental syndromes (autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Finally, we give an outlook of OPM-MEG for translational neuroscience with a focus on remaining methodological and technical challenges.
Interfacial assessment of cention forte vs. equia forte and two forms of calcium silicate cements at two time intervals
Authors: Abdelkafy Heba , Salem Nada A. , Marzouk Rasha Mohamed , Eldehna Alaa M.
Published: August 2024

Aim

Assessment of interfacial gaps and mechanical impact of the materials layering between Cention Forte and Equia Forte restorations with two forms of Calcium Silicate Cements (CSCs) at the interfacial surface at two-time intervals.

Methodology

Six groups of 72 primary molars were categorized by restorative material type and CSCs: Cention Forte(C), Cention Forte without primer (Cx), and Equia Forte (EQ). All were applied over MTA Angelus powder (M) or Bio-C Repair putty (P). Restorative materials were applied immediately (subgroup A) or delayed (Subgroup B). SEM was used to detect interface gaps. EDX measured element migration from the interface at specific distances. Vickers Microhardness Tester assessed microhardness.

Results

Regarding SEM, there were no gaps between CSCs interfaces of both types (Powder and Putty) with all restorations at two-time intervals. Microhardness, there was a statistically nonsignificant difference between subgroups A & B in all groups except at 200 µm in the Cention groups (subgroup A) was significantly lower than (subgroup B) (P = 0.002, 0.03) respectively. At 400 µm in the MTA Angelus powder Group Cx, subgroup A was significantly higher than subgroup B (P = 0.003*). While Bio-C Repair putty in Group EQ (subgroup A) was significantly higher than (Subgroup B) (P < 0.0001*).

Conclusions

The delayed application of Cention Forte over two types of CSCs is useful in getting the maximum HV and, in turn, the long survival rate of the filling. Immediate application of Cention Forte without primer is better over both types of CSCs. The delayed application of Equia Forte over MTA angelus powder is more considerable.
MCM2-7 loading-dependent ORC release ensures genome-wide origin licensing
Authors: Reuter L. Maximilian , Khadayate Sanjay P. , Mossler Audrey , Liebl Korbinian , Faull Sarah V. , Karimi Mohammad M. , Speck Christian
Published: August 2024

Origin recognition complex (ORC)-dependent loading of the replicative helicase MCM2-7 onto replication origins in G1-phase forms the basis of replication fork establishment in S-phase. However, how ORC and MCM2-7 facilitate genome-wide DNA licensing is not fully understood. Mapping the molecular footprints of budding yeast ORC and MCM2-7 genome-wide, we discovered that MCM2-7 loading is associated with ORC release from origins and redistribution to non-origin sites. Our bioinformatic analysis revealed that origins are compact units, where a single MCM2-7 double hexamer blocks repetitive loading through steric ORC binding site occlusion. Analyses of A-elements and an improved B2-element consensus motif uncovered that DNA shape, DNA flexibility, and the correct, face-to-face spacing of the two DNA elements are hallmarks of ORC-binding and efficient helicase loading sites. Thus, our work identified fundamental principles for MCM2-7 helicase loading that explain how origin licensing is realised across the genome.
Proximity-driven site-specific cyclization of phage-displayed peptides
Authors: Brown Libby , Vidal Aldrin V. , Dias Ana Laura , Rodrigues Tiago , Sigurdardottir Anna , Journeaux Toby , O’Brien Siobhan , Murray Thomas V. , Ravn Peter , Papworth Monika , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L.
Published: August 2024

Cyclization provides a general strategy for improving the proteolytic stability, cell membrane permeability and target binding affinity of peptides. Insertion of a stable, non-reducible linker into a disulphide bond is a commonly used approach for cyclizing phage-displayed peptides. However, among the vast collection of cysteine reactive linkers available, few provide the selectivity required to target specific cysteine residues within the peptide in the phage display system, whilst sparing those on the phage capsid. Here, we report the development of a cyclopropenone-based proximity-driven chemical linker that can efficiently cyclize synthetic peptides and peptides fused to a phage-coat protein, and cyclize phage-displayed peptides in a site-specific manner, with no disruption to phage infectivity. Our cyclization strategy enables the construction of stable, highly diverse phage display libraries. These libraries can be used for the selection of high-affinity cyclic peptide binders, as exemplified through model selections on streptavidin and the therapeutic target αvβ3.
Improving the air stability of flexible top-emitting organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Riahi Mina , Yoshida Kou , Samuel Ifor D. W.
Published: August 2024

Flexible organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are promising light sources for biomedical applications. However, the use of these flexible devices has been restricted by their short shelf lifetimes due to poor ambient stability. Here, the fabrication of a long-lived flexible OLED is reported by replacing air-sensitive metals such as aluminum, and alkali metals used as n dopants, with silver. In addition, to achieve stable and efficient flexible OLEDs we tuned the optical cavity length to the second-order interference maximum. The device design has simple encapsulation and leads to an improvement in the air stability of flexible OLEDs which show a shelf lifetime of greater than 130 days whereas the conventional structure exhibits degradation after only 12 days. The proposed design for making flexible OLEDs demonstrates a great potential for using the devices for wearable bioelectronic applications.
Green synthesis of trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite using Ziziphus spina-christi plant extract: characterization, statistically experimental designs, and antimicrobial assessment
Authors: El-Sawaf Ayman K. , El-Moslamy Shahira H. , Kamoun Elbadawy A. , Hossain Kaizar
Published: August 2024

In this study, Ziziphus spina christi leaves was used to synthesize a trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite by a simple and green method. Many characterizations e.g. FTIR, UV–vis DRS, SEM–EDX, TEM, XRD, zeta-size analysis, and DLS, were used to confirm green-synthesized trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite. The green, synthesized trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited a spherical dot-like structure, with an average particle size of around 7.11 ± 0.67 nm and a zeta potential of 21.5 mV. An extremely homogeneous distribution of signals, including O (79.25%), Cu (13.78%), Zn (4.42%), and Ag (2.55%), is evident on the surface of green-synthetic nanocomposite, according to EDX data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to effectively use an industrially produced green trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite as a potent antimicrobial agent by employing different statistically experimental designs. The highest yield of green synthetic trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite was (1.65 mg/mL), which was enhanced by 1.85 and 5.7 times; respectively, by using the Taguchi approach in comparison to the Plackett–Burman strategy and basal condition. A variety of assays techniques were utilized to evaluate the antimicrobial capabilities of the green-synthesized trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite at a 200 µg/mL concentration against multidrug-resistant human pathogens. After a 36-h period, the tested 200 µg/mL of the green-synthetic trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite effectively reduced the planktonic viable counts of the studied bacteria, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which showed the highest percentage of biofilm reduction (98.06 ± 0.93 and 97.47 ± 0.65%; respectively).
Practical preparation of unsaturated very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and very-long-chain alkene pollinator attractants
Authors: Bohman Björn , Bersch Aylin J. , Flematti Gavin R. , Schlüter Philipp M.
Published: August 2024

To prepare very-long-chain fatty acids and alkenes (VLCFAs and VLC alkenes) that are known pollinator attractants for sexually deceptive orchids, and biosynthetic precursors thereof, we applied a methodology allowing us to prepare monounsaturated VLCFAs with chain lengths up to 28 carbons and VLC alkenes up to 31 carbons. We implemented a coupling reaction between commercially available terminal alkynes and bromoalkanoic acids to prepare VLCFAs, allowing the products to be formed in two steps. For VLC alkenes, with many alkyltriphenylphosphonium bromides commercially available, we applied a Wittig reaction approach to prepare (Z)-configured monoenes in a single step. Using practical methods not requiring special reagents or equipment, we obtained 11 VLCFAs in > 90% isomeric purity, and 17 VLC alkenes in > 97% isomeric purity. Such general and accessible synthetic methods are essential for chemical ecology and biochemistry research to aid researchers in unambiguously identifying isolated semiochemicals and their precursors.
Large effects of fine and coarse aerosols on tropical deep convective systems throughout their lifecycle
Authors: Yin Jianhua , Pan Zengxin , Mao Feiyue , Rosenfeld Daniel , Zang Lin , Chen Jiangping , Gong Jianya
Published: August 2024

Previous studies have shown that aerosols invigorate deep convective systems (DCS). However, the magnitude or even the existence of aerosol invigoration of DCS remains controversial. Here, we aimed to observationally quantify the full aerosol effects on DCS by tracking their entire lifecycle and spatial extent in tropical regions. We found that fine aerosols (FA) can invigorate DCS, making them taller and longer lived, and resulting in up to ×5 increase in total area and rainfall amount. In contrast, added coarse sea salt aerosols (CSA) over the ocean can inhibit the vertical development of DCS through enhancing warm rain formation, yet resulting in longer lived and extensive DCSs. Notably, combining FA and CSA generates the strongest aerosol invigoration effect at the concentrations of ~5 and ~80 μg/m³, leading up to ×10 increase in rainfall amount. Our results indicate that aerosols significantly redistribute convective precipitation and climate effects, greatly underestimated in previous studies.
Cell-specific expression of key mitochondrial enzymes limits OXPHOS in astrocytes of the adult human neocortex and hippocampal formation
Authors: Dobolyi Arpád , Cservenák Melinda , Bagó Attila G. , Chen Chun , Stepanova Anna , Paal Krisztina , Lee Jeonghyoun , Palkovits Miklós , Hudson Gavin , Chinopoulos Christos
Published: August 2024

The astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle model entails that, upon glutamatergic neurotransmission, glycolytically derived pyruvate in astrocytes is mainly converted to lactate instead of being entirely catabolized in mitochondria. The mechanism of this metabolic rewiring and its occurrence in human brain are unclear. Here by using immunohistochemistry (4 brains) and imaging mass cytometry (8 brains) we show that astrocytes of the adult human neocortex and hippocampal formation express barely detectable amounts of mitochondrial proteins critical for performing oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). These data are corroborated by queries of transcriptomes (107 brains) of neuronal versus non-neuronal cells fetched from the Allen Institute for Brain Science for genes coding for a much larger repertoire of entities contributing to OXPHOS, showing that human non-neuronal elements barely expressed mRNAs coding for such proteins. With less OXPHOS, human brain astrocytes are thus bound to produce more lactate to avoid interruption of glycolysis.
Effect of ferrous sulfate treatment on microbially influenced corrosion of CuNi 70/30 marine pipeline alloy by sulfate reducing bacteria
Authors: Javed M. A. , Neil W. C. , Wade S. A.
Published: August 2024

Ferrous sulfate treatment used for copper–nickel pipelines in maritime industries should be avoided in environments susceptible to microbially influenced corrosion.
Dual function of precisely modified hydroxy-PS-b-PMMA as neutral layers and thin films for perpendicularly oriented lamella
Authors: Mizusaki Riku , Maekawa Shinsuke , Seshimo Takehiro , Dazai Takahiro , Sato Kazufumi , Hatakeyama-Sato Kan , Nabae Yuta , Hayakawa Teruaki
Published: August 2024

We show a facile way to obtain perpendicular lamellae using a block copolymer (BCP) with two hydroxy groups between polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate). The BCP works as both neutral layers and thin films with microphase-separated structures.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel PSMA–PI3K small molecule drug conjugate
Authors: Peng Shouguo , Li Haixia , Cui Weilu , Xiong Tianning , Hu Jiaqi , Qi Haixiang , Lin Songwen , Wu Deyu , Ji Ming , Xu Heng
Published: August 2024

A novel PSMA–PI3K small molecule drug conjugate has been prepared, highlighting its potential in targeted cancer therapy.
Development of a portable electrochemical sensing platform for impedance spectroscopy-based biosensing using an ARM-based microcontroller
Authors: Spiro Joseph Charles Khavul , Mishra Kundan Kumar , Dhamu Vikram Narayanan , Bhatia Avi , Muthukumar Sriram , Prasad Shalini
Published: August 2024

Detecting pesticides like atrazine is a significant global health challenge due to their association with numerous foodborne illnesses.
Janus in situ formed CoO/Li2CO3/LiF interlayer between LiCoO2 and Li6PS5Cl solid electrolytes boosting the 4.5 V performance of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Li Zengzhu , Zheng Shiliang , Zhang Bingkai
Published: August 2024

This study uses PVDF high-temperature treatment to modify LiCoO2 cathodes for solid-state lithium batteries, forming a CoO/Li2CO3/LiF coating that improves interfacial stability and reduces resistance, enhancing high-voltage performance.
Mimic turbo compiled code structure for wireless communication systems
Authors: Shi Yuchen , Liu Shangdong , Shao Sisi , Ji Yimu , Wu Fei , Gu Tiansheng , Zheng Yulu , Nie Yijun , Ji Zongkai , Sun Cailing , Chen Zeng , Sun Yawei
Published: August 2024

Turbo codes play a crucial role in wireless communication systems, and their compiled code structures are key factors affecting the performance of the entire communication system. As a result, the study of turbo compiled code structures has been a focal point for researchers. The iterative decoding of turbo code structures has multiple limitations and large storage resource consumption, leading to poor system anti‐interference ability and a rapid increase in BER. To address these issues, this paper proposes the mimic turbo compiled code structure (MTCCS) for wireless communication systems. MTCCS is based on the DHR idea, incorporating dynamic, heterogeneous, and redundancy characteristics. Dynamicity is achieved through a dynamic scheduling algorithm based on abnormal feedback information. Heterogeneity is achieved through a codec component collection design method based on intrinsic and extrinsic heterogeneity. Redundancy is achieved through a majority voting algorithm. At the beginning of information transmission, MTCCS randomly selects heterogeneous codecs from the heterogeneous codec collection to enter the runtime pool. After the information transmission is complete, the majority voting algorithm is used to adjudicate the multi‐mode output of the codecs, resulting in a relatively accurate decoding outcome. Meanwhile, the dynamic scheduling module calculates the abnormal feedback information of each codec and accordingly dynamically schedules the mimic turbo codecs to replace the abnormal ones. Through the above process, MTCCS realizes the adaptive compilation code and improves the anti‐interference ability of turbo code. Simulation experiments are conducted on MTCCS in both non‐interference and interference scenarios. Simulation experiments show that MTCCS introducing the DHR idea achieves a balance between anti‐interference and decoding performance. It effectively addresses the issue of poor anti‐interference ability in turbo codes, and the decoding performance of MTCCS is superior to that of the previous single conventional turbo codes.
DC near‐area voltage stability constrained renewable energy integration for regional power grids
Authors: He Hailei , Zhang Yantao , Fang Xin , Zhou Qinyong
Published: August 2024

With the increasing deployment of renewable energy resources, the scale of DC networks and renewable capacity continues to grow. System security is challenged by the decrease in inertia from traditional synchronous generators. In order to accommodate high‐penetration renewable energy, voltage stability should be considered in the renewable energy integration planning. Herein, first, a voltage stability‐constrained minimum startup index and algorithm for conventional thermal power plants are proposed. Then, based on time series production simulation, a renewable energy integration capacity analysis algorithm is designed considering voltage stability and peak shaving constraints. Finally, based on the boundary conditions of the “Fifteen‐Five Plan”, the renewable energy capacity considering voltage stability and peak shaving constraints for Northwest and East China power grids are analysed to verify the effectiveness and engineering practicality of the proposed methodology. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can maintain the renewable energy integration goal outlined in the “Fifteen‐Five Plan” while maintaining the voltage stability in these regions.
Enhancing road safety through misbehaviour detection in vehicle‐to‐everything systems of Korea
Authors: Park Seungyoung , Lee Sangseok , Kim Eunyoung , Kim Jungwook , Park Youngin , Eom Sungwook , Kim Sungbum , Han Seunghui
Published: August 2024

Vehicle‐to‐everything communication systems play a crucial role in enhancing road safety and traffic efficiency through vehicle and roadside infrastructure interactions. To provide robust defences against external threats in secure and trustworthy information exchange, these systems utilise public key infrastructure to authenticate vehicle‐to‐everything participant identities with digital certificates and security credential management systems to administer these certificates and encryption keys. However, even with these defences, vulnerabilities persist, particularly from vehicles with legitimate certificates that may malfunction or be exploited for malicious purposes. To address these issues, this paper introduces a misbehaviour detection (MBD) system, notable for its combined use of local and global MBD algorithms. This system is specifically designed to combat both conventional and novel threats, including slander attacks, in which vehicles with legitimate certificates may be falsely accused, and sophisticated attacks targeting the global MBD system itself. The efficacy of our MBD system was rigorously validated at K‐City, the leading autonomous vehicle technology testing facility in Korea, demonstrating its ability to identify and counter internal misbehaviours precisely.
Detection of failures in HV surge arrester using chaos pattern with deep learning neural network
Authors: Hung Chun‐Chun , Wang Meng‐Hui , Lu Shiue‐Der , Kuo Cheng‐Chien
Published: August 2024

As a protective component of HV equipment, the primary function of a surge arrester is to mitigate the impact of surge voltages. When a surge arrester fails, the equipment it protects becomes vulnerable to damage. This study integrates chaotic systems with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to diagnose faults in HV surge arresters. The Partial Discharge (PD) test was initially performed on six HV surge arrester fault models. The Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) was performed for filtering the PD signals. Subsequently, the Chen‐Lee chaotic system converted the filtered PD signals into a dynamic error scatter diagram, creating a feature map of various fault states. This feature map was then used as the input layer to train the CNN model. The results demonstrate that the proposed CNN achieved an accuracy of 97.0%, outperforming AlexNet and traditional methods using Histograms of Oriented Gradients (HOG) combined with Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN), and K‐Nearest Neighbor (KNN). This study also incorporates the LabVIEW graphic control software with a fault diagnosis system for HV surge arresters. The PD data can identify the fault type in real‐time, enhancing power equipment maintenance efficiency.
A metaheuristic approach for hierarchical wireless sensor networks using particle swarm optimisation‐based Enhanced LEACH protocol
Authors: Bekal Punith , Kumar Pramod , Mane Pallavi R.
Published: August 2024

A network created in places inaccessible to humans is known as the wireless sensor network. A sensor must detect data/information before it sends this data to a base station. Data can be routed between just one node to a base station using a variety of routing protocols. The hierarchical routing method is one of the routing protocols that hierarchically distributes sensed data. Using clustering to arrange the network into an interconnected hierarchy has shown to be a successful strategy. Bio‐inspired particle swarm optimisation is combined with the Enhanced LEACH protocol to overcome the shortcomings of conventional protocol like overall consumption of energy, the total number of survival nodes, and packets being delivered during the network's life. Metaheuristic approach of particle swarm optimisation which explores alternative paths during optimisation, leading to more adaptive and efficient energy dissipation. Enhanced LEACH with the bioinspired protocol makes it more efficient for real‐time applications. Simulation results show that the proposed protocol has a greater advantage over the conventional and Enhanced LEACH.
Four HD 209458 b transits through CRIRES+: Detection of H2O and non-detections of C2H2, CH4, and HCN
Authors: Blain D. , Landman R. , Mollière P. , Dittmann J.
Published: August 2024

Context. HD 209458 b is one of the most studied exoplanets to date. Despite this, atmospheric characterisation studies yielded inconsistent species detections and abundances. Values reported for the C/O ratio range from ≈0.1 to 1.0. Of particular interest is the simultaneous detection of H2O and HCN reported by some studies using high-resolution ground-based observations, which would require the atmospheric C/O ratio to be fine-tuned to a narrow interval around 1. HCN has however not been detected from recent space-based observations.

Aims. We aim to provide an independent study of HD 209458 b’s atmosphere with high-resolution observations, in order to infer the presence of several species, including H2O and HCN.

Methods. We observed four primary transits of HD 209458 b at a high resolution (ℛ ≈ 92000) with CRIRES+ in the near infrared (band H, 1.431243–1.837253 μm). After reducing the data with pycrires, we prepared the data using the SysRem algorithm and performed a cross-correlation (CCF) analysis of the transmission spectra. We also compared the results with those obtained from simulated datasets constructed by combining the Exo-REM self-consistent model with the petitRADTRANS package.

Results. Combining the four transits, we detect H2O with a signal-to-noise CCF metric of 8.7σ. This corresponds to a signal emitted at Kp = 151.3−23.4+31.1 km s−1 and blueshifted by −6−2+1 km s−1, consistent with what is expected for HD 209458 b. We do not detect any other species among C2H2, CH4, CO, CO2, H2S, HCN, and NH3. Comparing this with our simulated datasets, this result is consistent with a C/O ratio of 0.1 and an opaque cloud top pressure of 50 Pa, at a 3 times solar metallicity. This would also be consistent with recent JWST observations. However, none of the simulated results obtained with a bulk C/O ratio of 0.8, a value suggested by previous studies using GIANO-B and CRIRES, are consistent with our observations.
Stellar model tests and age determination for RGB stars from the APO-K2 catalogue
Authors: Valle G. , Dell’Omodarme M. , Prada Moroni P. G. , Degl’Innocenti S.
Published: August 2024

Aims. By adopting the recently empirically derived dependence of α-elements on [α/Fe] instead of the conventionally applied uniform one, we tested the agreement between stellar model predictions and observations for red giant branch (RGB) stars in the APO-K2 catalogue. We particularly focused on the biases in effective temperature scales and on the robustness of age estimations.

Methods. We computed a grid of stellar models relying on the empirical scaling of α-elements, investigating the offset in effective temperature ΔT between these models and observations, using univariate analyses for both metallicity [Fe/H] and [α/Fe]. To account for potential confounding factors, we then employed a multivariate generalised additive model to study the dependence of ΔT on [Fe/H], [α/Fe], log g, and stellar mass.

Results. The initial analysis revealed a negligible trend of ΔT with [Fe/H], in contrast with previous works in the literature, which adopt a uniform relation between the various α-elements and [α/Fe]. A slight ΔT difference of 25 K was detected between stars with high and low α-enhancement. Our multivariate analysis reveals a dependence of ΔT on both [Fe/H] and [α/Fe], and highlights a significant dependence on stellar mass. This suggests a discrepancy in how effective temperature scales with stellar mass in the models compared to observations. Despite differences in assumed chemical composition, our analysis, through a fortunate cancellation effect, yields ages that are largely consistent with recent studies of the same sample. Notably, our analysis identifies a 6% fraction of stars younger than 4 Ga within the high-α population. However, our analysis of the [C/N] ratio supports the possible origin of these stars as a result of mergers or mass transfer events.
The far right in the Global South, geopolitical conflict, and the fascist present
Authors: Kumral Sefika
Published: August 2024

This short article seeks to extend Richard Saull’s analysis of the relationship between capitalism and the far right in his “Capital, Race and Space”, focusing specifically on the Global South and its unique context within neoliberalism and its crises. Saull's framework, which explores the far right's rise through the uneven and combined development of capitalism over an extended historical period, offers valuable insights for understanding these dynamics outside the traditional centers of capitalism in the Global North. By examining the uneven and combined effects of capitalist neoliberalism, this piece argues that while the mechanisms driving the far right in Europe and the United States through neoliberal policies and crises provide a useful lens, they are not wholly sufficient to explain the distinct forms of far right regimes emerging in the Global South. These regimes are shaped by relational global contexts, which require a tailored approach to fully grasp their development and implications. Furthermore, this geographical extension of Saull’s analysis aims to enrich discussions about the contemporary relevance of fascism, drawing parallels with the historical experiences of nations like Italy and Germany that emerged as incubators of interwar fascism in the early 20th century. By shifting focus to the far right in rising or emerging nations, this work highlights the importance of considering how aspirations for great power status in the Global South may similarly foster expansionist forms of far right regimes today.
Smoking, Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome in Two High Security Settings
Authors: Jeandarme Inge , Goktas Gokhan , Claessens Barbara , Michem Tine , Van Poucke Sofie , Verbeke Geert
Published: August 2024

Forensic psychiatric patients pose a vulnerable population due to their unbalanced diet, overweight, smoking, adverse effects of medication, and sedentary lifestyle within secure settings. These lifestyle traits have been correlated with a higher incidence of morbidity and a lower life expectancy. Nonetheless, empirical data regarding these topics remains limited. In the current study we examined obesity, metabolic syndrome and smoking patterns in two high-security settings in Flanders. We also examined the influence of psychiatric diagnoses and the usage of antipsychotic medication to these characteristics. Results indicated that obesity, smoking, and metabolic syndrome were highly prevalent across different diagnoses. In contrast to previous findings, there was no association between the presence of metabolic syndrome and the use of (second generation) antipsychotics. Missing information in the electronic files further indicated that there remains room for improvement in the detection and monitoring of physical health. It is recommended that forensic institutions pay more attention to the provision of care programs to manage weight and smoking.
SFNet: Stellar Feature Network with CWT for Stellar Spectra Recognition
Authors: Fu Hao , Liu Peng , Qi Xuan , Mei Xue
Published: August 2024

Stellar spectral classification is crucial in astronomical data analysis. However, existing studies are often limited by the uneven distribution of stellar samples, posing challenges in practical applications. Even when balancing stellar categories and their numbers, there is room for improvement in classification accuracy. This study introduces a Continuous Wavelet Transform using the Super Morlet wavelet to convert stellar spectra into wavelet images. A novel neural network, the Stellar Feature Network, is proposed for classifying these images. Stellar spectra from Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope DR9, encompassing five equal categories (B, A, F, G, K), were used. Comparative experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed methods and network, achieving significant improvements in classification accuracy.
The Stellar Abundances and Galactic Evolution Survey (SAGES) III
Authors: Li Chun , Fan Zhou , Zhao Gang , Wang Wei , Zheng Jie , Tan Kefeng , Zhao Jingkun , Huang Yang , Yuan Haibo , Xiao Kai , Chen Yuqin , Li Haining , Liu Yujuan , Song Nan , Esamdin Ali , Niu Hu-Biao , Liu Jin-Zhong , Feng Guo-Jie
Published: August 2024

The Stellar Abundances and Galactic Evolution Survey (SAGES) is a multi-band survey that covers the northern sky area of ∼12,000 deg2. The Nanshan One-meter Wide-field Telescope (NOWT) of the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory carried out observations on g/r/i bands. Here, we present the survey strategy, data processing, catalog construction, and database schema. The observations of NOWT started in 2016 August and were completed in 2018 January, a total of 17,827 frames were obtained and ∼4600 deg2 sky areas were covered. In this paper, we release the catalog of the data in the g/r/i bands observed by NOWT. In total, there are 109,197,578 items of source records. The catalog is the supplement for the SDSS for the bright end, and the combination of our catalog and these catalogs could be helpful for source selections for other surveys and Milky Way sciences, e.g., white dwarf candidates and stellar flares.
Compensation
Authors: Hobér Kaj
Published: August 2024

This chapter provides an overview of compensation in investment arbitrations, including the basis for the right to compensation, the standards of compensation, and the most common methods for calculation of compensation. Based on a review of recent and historical case law, the determination of compensation in investment arbitration has become more sophisticated over time, as counsel and arbitrators are more familiar with the economic models used, and decisions on compensation have become more refined and well reasoned. This chapter illustrates the approaches taken by international tribunals in practice on various issues relating to compensation as well as proposes case management techniques with the aim to assist the parties and the tribunal during the course of the proceedings.
The Legal Nature of the Treaty-Based Consent to Investment Arbitration
Authors: Gronemann Martin , Krajewski Markus
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the legal nature of the host state’s treaty-based consent to investor-state arbitration. Hence, it discusses the contemporary models that arbitral tribunals and scholars have developed to explain this topic. Some of these draw on private law frameworks, others draw parallels with instruments of public international law and yet others adopt a combination of private and public law concepts. In contrast to these approaches, the authors suggest that the legal nature of consent should be approached through the lens of the applicable law. Having identified a specific conflict of laws rule covering the state’s consent to investor-state arbitration, they consider the law of the host state to be the applicable legal system for the determination of the legal nature of the state consent.
The Role of Human Rights in Investment Awards
Authors: Desierto Diane A
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores the existing jurisprudence of investor-state arbitral awards to map four primary uses of human rights in the context of investor-state disputes. First, human rights have been invoked for investment treaty reinterpretation, particularly to recalibrate or evolve existing understandings of investment treaty provisions on investment treaty standards, to take into account the international human rights obligations of host states. Second, while human rights have been invoked separately as part of the applicable law to investment disputes often as part of the host state’s regulatory environment, the inclusion of human rights law as part of the applicable law has had little practical or operational effect thus far on desired human rights outcomes. Third, human rights have been invoked as evidence for substantive arguments of both investors as well as host states, with varying degrees of success. Finally, while human rights law has also figured in non-disputing party submissions (eg amicus submissions in various cases), the parameters of current investor-state arbitration procedures has constrained the effectiveness of non-disputing party contributions. On the whole, investor-state arbitral tribunals have thus far had a tangential experience with human rights fact-finding and the associated processes of interpreting these state obligations in investment disputes. Thus far, the normative potential for international human rights law to extensively inform and substantially affect investor-state disputes remains largely unexplored.