bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Geopolymers Incorporating Mechanically Activated Fly Ash Blended with Alkaline Earth Carbonates: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kalinkin Alexander M. , Kalinkina Elena V. , Kruglyak Ekaterina A. , Ivanova Alla G.
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study is to perform a comparative analysis of the impact of incorporating alkaline earth metal carbonates (MCO3, where M–Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) into low-calcium fly ash (FA) on the geopolymerization processes and the resultant properties of composite geopolymers. Mechanical activation was employed to enhance the reactivity of the mixtures. The reactivity of the mechanically activated (FA + alkaline earth carbonate) blends towards NaOH solution was experimentally studied using XRD analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. In agreement with thermodynamic calculations, MgCO3 demonstrated the most active interaction with the alkaline solution, whereas strontium and barium carbonates exhibited little to no chemical interaction, and calcite was situated in the transition region. As the calcite content in the mixture with FA increased, the compressive strength of the geopolymers continuously improved. The addition of Mg, Sr, and Ba carbonates to the FA did not enhance the strength of geopolymers. However, the strength of geopolymers based on these blends was comparable with that of geopolymers based on 100% FA. The strength of geopolymers synthesized from the 100% FA and from the (90% FA + 10% MCO3) blends, mechanically activated for 180 s, at the age of 180 days was 11.0 MPa (0% carbonate), 11.1 MPa (10% MgCO3), 36.5 MPa (10% CaCO3), 13.6 MPa (10% SrCO3), and 12.4 MPa (10% BaCO3) MPa, respectively. The influence of carbonate additives on the properties of the composite geopolymers was examined, highlighting filler, dilution, and chemical effects. The latter determined the unique position of calcite among the carbonates of alkaline earth metals.
Tunable Hydrogen-Related Defects in ZnO Nanowires Using Oxygen Plasma Treatment by Ion Energy Adjustment
Authors: Dieulesaint Alexandre , Chaix-Pluchery Odette , Weber Matthieu , Donatini Fabrice , Lacoste Ana , Consonni Vincent , Sarigiannidou Eirini
Published: July 2024

The chemical bath deposition (CBD) process enables the deposition of ZnO nanowires (NWs) on various substrates with customizable morphology. However, the hydrogen-rich CBD environment introduces numerous hydrogen-related defects, unintentionally doping the ZnO NWs and increasing their electrical conductivity. The oxygen-based plasma treatment can modify the nature and amount of these defects, potentially tailoring the ZnO NW properties for specific applications. This study examines the impact of the average ion energy on the formation of oxygen vacancies (VO) and hydrogen-related defects in ZnO NWs exposed to low-pressure oxygen plasma. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), 5 K cathodoluminescence (5K CL), and Raman spectroscopy, a comprehensive understanding of the effect of the oxygen ion energy on the formation of defects and defect complexes was established. A series of associative and dissociative reactions indicated that controlling plasma process parameters, particularly ion energy, is crucial. The XPS data suggested that increasing the ion energy could enhance Fermi level pinning by increasing the amount of VO and favoring the hydroxyl group adsorption, expanding the depletion region of charge carriers. The 5K CL and Raman spectroscopy further demonstrated the potential to adjust the ZnO NW physical properties by varying the oxygen ion energy, affecting various donor- and acceptor-type defect complexes. This study highlights the ability to tune the ZnO NW properties at low temperature by modifying plasma process parameters, offering new possibilities for a wide variety of nanoscale engineering devices fabricated on flexible and/or transparent substrates.
Raman Study of Novel Nanostructured WO3 Thin Films Grown by Spray Deposition
Authors: Popescu Andreea Gabriela Marina , Tudose Ioan Valentin , Romanitan Cosmin , Popescu Marian , Manica Marina , Schiopu Paul , Vladescu Marian , Suchea Mirela Petruta , Pachiu Cristina
Published: July 2024

The present communication reports on the effect of the sprayed solution volume variation (as a thickness variation element) on the detailed Raman spectroscopy for WO3 thin films with different thicknesses grown from precursor solutions with two different concentrations. Walls-like structured monoclinic WO3 thin films were obtained by the spray deposition method for further integration in gas sensors. A detailed analysis of the two series of samples shows that the increase in thickness strongly affects the films’ morphology, while their crystalline structure is only slightly affected. The Raman analysis contributes to refining the structural feature clarifications. It was observed that, for 0.05 M precursor concentration series, thinner films (lower volume) show less intense peaks, indicating more defects and lower crystallinity, while thicker films (higher volume) exhibit sharper and more intense peaks, suggesting improved crystallinity and structural order. For higher precursor concentration 0.1 M series, films at higher precursor concentrations show overall more intense and sharper peaks across all thicknesses, indicating higher crystallinity and fewer defects. Differences in peak intensity and presence reflect variations in film morphology and structural properties due to increased precursor concentration. Further studies are ongoing.
The Effect of Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids on Nrf2 Activity in the Central Nervous System and Periphery
Authors: Marini Pietro , Maccarrone Mauro , Saso Luciano , Tucci Paolo
Published: July 2024

The relationship between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and phytocannabinoids/endocannabinoids (pCBs/eCBs) has been investigated in a variety of models of peripheral illnesses, with little clarification on their interaction within the central nervous system (CNS). In this context, evidence suggests that the Nrf2-pCBs/eCBS interaction is relevant in modulating peroxidation processes and the antioxidant system. Nrf2, one of the regulators of cellular redox homeostasis, appears to have a protective role toward damaging insults to neurons and glia by enhancing those genes involved in the regulation of homeostatic processes. Specifically in microglia and macroglia cells, Nrf2 can be activated, and its signaling pathway modulated, by both pCBs and eCBs. However, the precise effects of pCBs and eCBs on the Nrf2 signaling pathway are not completely elucidated yet, making their potential clinical employment still not fully understood.
Food Proteins as Functional Ingredients in the Management of Chronic Diseases: A Concise Review
Authors: Shahnaz Thaniyath , Fawole Abosede O. , Adeyanju Adeyemi A. , Onuh John O.
Published: July 2024

Chronic diseases have emerged as a formidable global health concern, with their prevalence steadily rising over the years. Several approaches to addressing these concerns include the use of medications, which are often expensive, contain synthetic chemical substances, and have reported adverse effects. The use of foods, especially proteins, as an alternative approach to addressing chronic health concerns by treating and managing chronic diseases is increasing. This review evaluates the intriguing role of food proteins in mitigating chronic diseases and improving our understanding of the therapeutic potential of different protein types, including those derived from legumes, nuts, and seeds, dairy, fish, and numerous other sources. They have been reported to offer promising avenues for managing chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic inflammation, weight management, bone health, glycemic control, muscle preservation, and many other health benefits. Although the exact mechanisms for these actions are still not properly elucidated, it is, however, understood that food proteins exert these health-beneficial effects by their unique nutritional and bioactive profiles, especially their bioactive peptides and amino acids. Practical applications are also discussed, including dietary interventions that are tailored towards incorporating protein-rich foods and the development of functional foods for disease prevention and management. Food proteins are a promising approach to combating chronic diseases that can turn around public health practices.
Effects of Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition by Febuxostat on Lipid Profiles of Patients with Hyperuricemia: Insights from Randomized PRIZE Study
Authors: Saito Yuichi , Tanaka Atsushi , Yoshida Hisako , Nakashima Hitoshi , Ban Noriko , Matsuhisa Munehide , Kobayashi Yoshio , Node Koichi ,   on behalf of the PRIZE Study Investigators
Published: July 2024

Although patients with hyperuricemia and gout often have dyslipidemia, the effects of febuxostat, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, on their lipid profiles are unclear. Thus, we performed a sub-analysis of the randomized PRIZE study in which the effects of febuxostat on carotid atherosclerosis were investigated in patients with hyperuricemia. The participants were randomized to the febuxostat or control group. The primary endpoint of this sub-analysis was changes in the patients’ non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels from baseline to 6-month follow-up. Correlations between the changes in lipid profiles and cardiometabolic parameters were also evaluated. In total, 456 patients were included. From baseline to 6 months, non-HDL-C levels were significantly reduced in the febuxostat group (−5.9 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −9.1 to −2.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001), but not in the control group (−1.3 mg/dL, 95% CI: −4.4 to 1.8, p = 0.348). The reduction in non-HDL-C levels was more pronounced in women and correlated with changes in serum uric acid and estimated glomerular filtration rate levels only in the febuxostat group. In patients with hyperuricemia, febuxostat treatment was associated with reduced non-HDL-C levels from baseline to the 6-month follow-up compared to the control treatment, suggesting that the lipid-lowering effect of febuxostat should be considered when targeting dyslipidemia.
Cholecalciferol Supplementation Impacts Behavior and Hippocampal Neuroglial Reorganization in Vitamin D-Deficient Rats
Authors: Gáll Zsolt , Csüdör Ágnes , Sável István-Gábor , Kelemen Krisztina , Kolcsár Melinda
Published: July 2024

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is widespread around the world and has been extensively documented to affect various health conditions, including the cognitive functioning of the brain. Serum 25-hydroxylated forms of vitamin D are traditionally used to determine vitamin D status. However, there is now evidence that cholecalciferol activation can occur and be controlled by locally expressed enzymes in the brain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on cognitive function in rats who underwent transient VDD in adulthood. Thirty-six adult Wistar rats were administered paricalcitol (seven doses of 32 ng injected every other day) along with a “vitamin D-free” diet to induce VDD, which was confirmed using a LC–MS/MS serum analysis of the cholecalciferol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels. Treatment was performed by including 1000 IU/kg and 10,000 IU/kg cholecalciferol in the diet. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the novel object recognition (NOR), Morris water maze (MWM), and radial arm maze (RAM) tests. An immunohistochemical analysis of the brain regions involved in learning and memory was performed by quantifying the neurons, astrocytes, and microglia labelled with anti-neuronal nuclei (NeuN), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) antibodies, respectively. The vitamin D deficient group showed the lowest performance in both the MWM and RAM tests. In contrast, the cholecalciferol-treated groups exhibited a faster learning curve. However, no difference was detected between the groups in the NOR test. On the other hand, differences in the cellular organization of the hippocampus and amygdala were observed between the groups. Cholecalciferol supplementation decreased the density of the Iba-1- and GFAP-labeled cells in the hilus and cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) regions of the hippocampus and in the amygdala. These results support vitamin D’s substantial role in learning and memory. They also highlight that subtle changes of cognitive function induced by transient VDD could be reversed by cholecalciferol supplementation. Further studies are needed to better understand VDD and cholecalciferol’s effects on the brain structure and function.
Physiological Impacts of Energy Drink Consumption: A Clinical Analysis in Adolescents
Authors: Naveh Gilad , Mansour Bshara , Bader Mahmoud , Steckler Rafi , Nasrallah Elias , Hujeyrat Hamed , Magzal Faiga , Elias Nael , Horovitz Omer , Nimri Lili
Published: July 2024

Energy drink (ED) consumption among Israeli-Arab adolescents is widespread. This study aimed to investigate the acute glycemic and insulin effects of EDs in healthy adolescents. Seventy-one Israeli-Arab adolescents (56% girls, average age 16.04 ± 1.03 years) participated in a non-randomized, case-controlled, open-label study. Participants consumed ED (n = 36) or a volume- and carbohydrate-matched non-caffeinated soft drink (SD, n = 35), followed by a 2 h glucose tolerance test. Blood glucose was measured at baseline and 15, 30, 60, and 120 min post-consumption (T0, T15, T30, T60 and T120, respectively). Serum insulin concentration and caffeine relative intensity were determined 45 min post-consumption (T45). Blood glucose levels peaked significantly at T15 and remained significantly higher at T30 in the ED group compared to the SD group (p = 0.005, p = 0.017, respectively). Insulin concentrations were substantially higher at T45 in the ED group (t [64] = 2.794, p = 0.001). This pattern was especially prominent in heavy ED consumers. A positive correlation emerged between the amount of caffeine consumed (mg/kg), blood glucose levels at T15 and T30, and insulin concentration at T45. This study is the first to demonstrate the glycemic and insulin responses to ED consumption in adolescents, suggesting that regulatory measures limiting ED sales to adolescents could improve their health.
Chrononutrition and Cardiometabolic Health: An Overview of Epidemiological Evidence and Key Future Research Directions
Authors: Raji Oluwatimilehin E. , Kyeremah Esther B. , Sears Dorothy D. , St-Onge Marie-Pierre , Makarem Nour
Published: July 2024

Chrononutrition is a rapidly evolving field of nutritional epidemiology that addresses the complex relationship between temporal eating patterns, circadian rhythms, and metabolic health, but most prior research has focused on the cardiometabolic consequences of time-restricted feeding and intermittent fasting. The purpose of this topical review is to summarize epidemiological evidence from observational and intervention studies regarding the role of chrononutrition metrics related to eating timing and regularity in cardiometabolic health preservation and cardiovascular disease prevention. Observational studies are limited due to the lack of time-stamped diet data in most population-based studies. Findings from cohort studies generally indicate that breakfast skipping or the later timing of the first eating occasion, a later lunch and dinner, and a greater proportion of caloric intake consumed in the evening are associated with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes, including higher risk for coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation. Randomized controlled trials are also limited, as most in the field of chrononutrition focus on the cardiometabolic consequences of time-restricted feeding. Overall, interventions that shift eating timing patterns to earlier in the day and that restrict evening caloric intake tend to have protective effects on cardiometabolic health, but small sample sizes and short follow-up are notable limitations. Innovation in dietary assessment approaches, to develop low-cost validated tools with acceptable participant burden that reliably capture chrononutrition metrics, is needed for advancing observational evidence. Culturally responsive pragmatic intervention studies with sufficiently large and representative samples are needed to understand the impact of fixed and earlier eating timing schedules on cardiometabolic health. Additional research is warranted to understand the modifiable determinants of temporal eating patterns, to investigate the role of chrononutrition in the context of other dimensions of diet (quantity, quality, and food and nutrition security) in achieving cardiometabolic health equity, and to elucidate underlying physiological mechanisms.
The Impact of High Levels of Compensatory Exercise on Treatment Outcomes in Threshold and Subthreshold Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Camacho-Barcia Lucía , Sánchez Isabel , Ibáñez-Caparrós Ana , Ohsako Noriaki , Granero Roser , Artero Cristina , Crespo José Manuel , Paslakis Georgios , Jiménez-Murcia Susana , Fernández-Aranda Fernando
Published: July 2024

Bulimia nervosa (BN) and other specific feeding or eating disorders with subthreshold BN symptoms (OSFED-BN) are characterized by recurrent binge eating episodes accompanied by compensatory behaviors, including excessive exercise. We aimed to examine the role of compensatory exercise on several clinical disorder-related variables and the treatment outcomes. The sample included 478 patients diagnosed with either BN or OSFED-BN admitted for a 16-week eating disorder-specific treatment program. A battery of questionnaires was administered to evaluate eating and general psychopathology, and personality traits. Other clinical disorder-related data, including levels of compensatory exercise, were assessed through a semi-structured clinical interview. Between-group comparisons of compensatory exercise levels were analyzed, as a predictive model of risk of poor treatment outcomes. Path analysis was conducted using structural equation models to estimate the direct and indirect effects between the main variables. Higher levels of self-reported compensatory exercise were associated with greater eating psychopathology, general psychopathology, and more dysfunctional personality traits and were a predictor of poor treatment outcomes. Additionally, these levels achieved a mediating role in several paths contributing to a higher likelihood of a poor outcome. Further research is required to determine how psychotherapeutic approaches can be optimized to adequately include adaptive exercise for these patients.
Synergistic Effect of Essential Oils and Antifungal Agents in Fighting Resistant Clinical Isolates of Candida auris
Authors: Cavallo Lorenza , Menotti Francesca , Roana Janira , Costa Cristina , Longo Fabio , Pagano Claudia , Curtoni Antonio , Bondi Alessandro , Banche Giuliana , Allizond Valeria , Mandras Narcisa
Published: July 2024

Recently, a large number of nosocomial infections have been caused by an emerging pathogen that is rising as a worldwide issue in human health: Candida auris. This yeast is considered resistant to antifungals of the first-line therapies, and consequently it is related to morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the in vitro anti-C. auris activity against twenty-three resistant clinical strains of different essential oils (EOs), pure or in combination with traditional antifungal agents, mainly caspofungin, fluconazole, micafungin and 5-flucytosine. Broth dilution assay was performed to evaluate the fungistatic and fungicidal effectiveness of fifteen EOs towards all the C. auris isolates. The data demonstrated that EOs were able to prevent C. auris growth, with MIC values ranging from 0.03 to 1% for the efficacious EOs (thyme, cinnamon, geranium, clove bud, lemongrass and mentha of Pancalieri), whereas the MICs were >1% for the ineffective ones. Thereafter, the six most effective EOs were used to perform the checkerboard experiments by assaying simultaneously the activity of EOs and traditional antifungals towards two selected strains. The most promising synergic combinations towards C. auris, depending on the isolate, were those with micafungin and geranium, thyme, cinnamon, lemongrass or clove bud EOs, with fluconazole and mentha of Pancalieri EO, and with 5-flucytosine and mentha of Pancalieri EO. These EOs and their combinations with antifungal drugs may provide a useful therapeutic alternative that could reduce the dose of the individual components, limiting the overall side effects. These associations might be a prospective option for the future treatment of infections, thus helping to overcome the challenging issue of resistance in C. auris.
Investigation of Stabilized Amorphous Solid Dispersions to Improve Oral Olaparib Absorption
Authors: Yun Taehan , Lee Sumin , Yun Seowan , Cho Daeyeong , Bang Kyuho , Kim Kyeongsoo
Published: July 2024

In this study, we investigated the formulation of stable solid dispersions to enhance the bioavailability of olaparib (OLA), a therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer and breast cancer characterized as a BCS class IV drug with low solubility and low permeability. Various polymers were screened based on solubility tests, and OLA-loaded solid dispersions were prepared using spray drying. The physicochemical properties of these dispersions were investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Subsequent dissolution tests, along with assessments of morphological and crystallinity changes in aqueous solutions, led to the selection of a hypromellose (HPMC)-based OLA solid dispersion as the optimal formulation. HPMC was effective at maintaining the supersaturation of OLA in aqueous solutions and exhibited a stable amorphous state without recrystallization. In an in vivo study, this HPMC-based OLA solid dispersion significantly enhanced bioavailability, increasing AUC0–24 by 4.19-fold and Cmax by more than 10.68-fold compared to OLA drug powder (crystalline OLA). Our results highlight the effectiveness of HPMC-based solid dispersions in enhancing the oral bioavailability of OLA and suggest that they could be an effective tool for the development of oral drug formulations.
Design and Study of Low Loss, High Birefringence Quasi-Symmetric Hollow-Core Anti-Resonant Fiber
Authors: Gao Binhao , Tan Fang , Chen Dexiao , Cui Shunfa , Hou Zhiyong , Zhang Yuze , Wang Weichun , Ban Yumeng , Zhou Dechun
Published: July 2024

Low-loss, high-birefringence, bend-resistant hollow-core anti-resonant fibers for infrared wavelengths have important applications in the fields of precision interferometric sensing, laser systems, and optical communications. In this paper, an eight-tube cladding quasi-symmetric hollow-core anti-resonant fiber is proposed, and two other anti-resonant fibers are designed based on this fiber structure. The finite element analysis method is used to numerically analyze the limiting loss, birefringence coefficient, bending resistance, and other properties of the three optical fibers after the optimized design. The results show that the limiting loss of the three optical fibers at λ = 1.55 μm is lower than 10−4 magnitude, and all of them obtain a birefringence coefficient of 10−4 magnitude; at the same time, the three optical fibers have their own characteristics and advantages, and the first optical fiber can reach a birefringence coefficient of 9.25 × 10−4 at λ = 1.52 μm.The limiting loss at λ = 1.55 μm is 3.42 × 10−5 dB/km. The minimum bending radius of the three types of anti-resonant fibers is less than 40 mm, which represents good bending characteristics, and the eight-tube cladding quasi-symmetric optical fiber has a bending loss of less than 2.10 × 10−3 dB/km when the bending radius is 28 mm. The three types of optical fibers have obtained good results in improving the mutual constraints between low limiting loss and high birefringence, with better results than the other two types. The obtained results have high development potential.
Numerical Simulation of the Laser Welding Process for Diamond Saw Blades
Authors: Xu Qiang , Cao Xiaodie , Liu Yibo , Xu Yanjun , Wu Jiajun
Published: July 2024

The development and application of laser welding transition layer technology is pivotal for manufacturing high-performance diamond saw blades. Despite its importance, there is a need for more precise modeling to optimize welding parameters and enhance blade performance. This study employs SYSWELD software to simulate the laser welding process, demonstrating high accuracy in predicting the molten pool shape. A cross-scale multi-field coupling model was established using the finite element method, incorporating temperature field, phase transformation, grain morphology, stress field, and fatigue performance. A comprehensive life cycle assessment identified optimal welding parameters. The results indicate that a laser welding speed of 26 mm/s and a power of 1700 W minimize weld stress, reduce the digital volume correlation (DVC) value, and enhance fatigue resistance. Additionally, welding tests confirmed that using 1700 W produced the highest tooth strength of 1200 MPa, validating the simulation results. This study addresses existing gaps in modeling accuracy and parameter optimization, offering a robust framework for improving the performance and reliability of laser-welded diamond saw blades.
Analysis of ICRF Heating Schemes in ITER Non-Active Plasmas Using PION+ETS Integrated Modeling
Authors: Bensadon Tomas , Mantsinen Mervi J. , Jonsson Thomas , Gallart Dani , Sáez Xavier , Manyer Jordi
Published: July 2024

The PION code has been integrated into the European Transport Solver (ETS) transport workflow, and we present the first application to model Ion Cyclotron Resonance Frequency (ICRF) heating scenarios in the next-step fusion reactor ITER. We present results of predictive, self-consistent and time-dependent simulations where the resonant ion concentration is varied to study its effects on the performance, with a special emphasis on the resulting bulk ion heating and thermal ion temperature. We focus on two ICRF heating schemes, i.e., fundamental H minority heating in a 4He plasma at 2.65 T/7.5 MA and a three-ion ICRF scheme consisting of fundamental 3He heating in a H-4He plasma at 3.3 T/ 8.8 MA. The H minority heating scenario is found to result in strong absorption by resonant H ions as compared to competing absorption mechanisms and dominant background electron heating for H concentrations up to 10%. The highest H absorption of ∼80% of the applied ICRF power and highest ion temperature of ∼15 keV are obtained with an H concentration of 10%. For the three-ion scheme in 85%:15% H:4He plasma, PION+ETS predicts 3He absorption in the range of 21–65% for 3He concentrations in the range of 0.01–0.20%, with the highest 3He absorption at a 3He concentration of 0.20%.
Synergistic Enhancement of the Friction and Wear Performance for UHMWPE Composites under Different Aging Times
Authors: Liu Yingliang , Han Yunxiang , Yuan Lin , Zhen Jinming , Jia Zhengfeng , Zhang Ran
Published: July 2024

With the rapid development of the pipeline transportation and exploitation of mineral resources, there is an urgent requirement for high-performance polymer matrix composites with low friction and wear, especially under oxidative and prolonged working conditions. In this work, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix composites with the addition of carbon fibers (CFs), TiC, and MoS2 were prepared by the hot press sintering method. The influence of thermal oxygen aging time (90 °C, 0 h–64 h) on their mechanical and frictional performance was investigated. The results showed that TiC ceramic particles can increase wear resistance, especially by aging times up to 32 and 64 h. The wear mechanisms were analyzed based on the results of SEM images, EDS, and Raman spectra. The knowledge obtained herein will facilitate the design of long-service-life polymer matrix composites with promising low friction and wear performances.
Development of Eco-Efficient Composite from Textile Waste with Polyamide Matrix
Authors: Burgada Francisco , Arrieta Marina P. , Borrell Begoña , Fenollar Octavio
Published: July 2024

The main aim of the present work is to evaluate and characterize the mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of wastes coming from the textile industry, mainly composed of cotton and polyester. These wastes will be thereafter implemented in commodity plastic such as polyamide, in order to develop new formulations of environmentally friendly materials. The composites were produced by extrusion and injection-molded processes in amounts between 15 wt.% and 60 wt.% of textile waste. With the objective of improving the properties of the materials, silanes were used as a compatibilizer between the textile fibers and the polymeric matrix. The effect of the compatibilizer in the composites was studied together with the effect of the amount of textile fiber added to the composites. Mechanical, thermal, morphological and wettability properties were analyzed for each composite. The results show that the use of silanes improves the interaction especially in those composites with a higher amount of textile waste, offering a balanced mechanical behavior with significantly high quantities. On the other hand, the melting temperature does not vary significantly with the introduction of silanes and textile waste content, although the incorporation of textile waste slightly reduces up to 23% the degradation temperature of the resulting composites. The wettability of the composites is also increased up to 16% with the incorporation of textile waste. Finally, the appearance of the composites with textile waste is strongly influenced by the incorporation of the reinforcement, offering shades close to dark brown in the whole range of compositions.
Lagrangian Split-Step Method for Viscoelastic Flows
Authors: Bašić Martina , Blagojević Branko , Klarin Branko , Peng Chong , Bašić Josip
Published: July 2024

This research addresses and resolves current challenges in meshless Lagrangian methods for simulating viscoelastic materials. A split-step scheme, or pressure Poisson reformulation of the Navier–Stokes equations, is introduced for incompressible viscoelastic flows in a Lagrangian context. The Lagrangian differencing dynamics (LDD) method, which is a thoroughly validated Lagrangian method for Newtonian and non-Newtonian incompressible flows, is extended to solve the introduced split-step scheme to simulate viscoelastic flows based on the Oldroyd-B constitutive model. To validate and evaluate the new method’s capabilities, the following benchmarks were used: lid-driven cavity flow, droplet impact response, 4:1 planar sudden contraction, and die swelling. These findings highlight the LDD method’s effectiveness in accurately simulating viscoelastic flows and capturing large deformations and memory effects. Even though the extra stress was directly modeled without any regularization approach, the method produced stable simulations for high Weissenberg numbers. The stability and performance of the the Lagrangian numerics for complex temporal evolution of material properties and stress responses encourage its use for industrial problems dealing with polymers.
Research on Operation Optimization of Fluid Sampling in Wireline Formation Testing with Finite Volume Method
Authors: Wu Lejun , Wang Junhua , Liu Haibo , Huang Rui , Xie Huizhuo , Li Xiaodong , Li Xuan , Liu Jinhuan , Zhao Changjie
Published: July 2024

Wireline formation testing is an important technique in the exploration and development of oil fields. Not only can real fluid samples be prepared from the formation directly obtained to know exactly whether the oil existed in the formation or not, but it can also show flowing pressure change to determine the production capacity of the formation. So, it is an important measurement method for formation evaluation during the drilling process and supports activities related to the exploration and development of oil fields. A numerical simulation model in this article is researched and established based on the finite volume method considering the influence of sensitive parameters such as reservoir heterogeneity, probe suction area, and mud-filtrate invasion depth during the drilling. The model is capable of designing and evaluating formation fluid sampling operations by calculating hydrocarbon content and flowing pressure. Furthermore, through case application, the performance and effect of the process of wireline formation testing were investigated. The results indicate that this technology can serve as an effective auxiliary tool for fluid sampling operations with the function of optimizing fluid sampling measures. It can improve the accuracy of predicting indicators such as hydrocarbon content and breakthrough time during the sampling process. This study provides important supporting evidence and technical guidance for professionals in geological exploration and oil field development.
Optimized Ultrasonic Extraction of Essential Oil from the Biomass of Lippia graveolens Kunth Using Deep Eutectic Solvents and Their Effect on Colletotrichum asianum
Authors: Manjarrez-Quintero Juan Pablo , Valdez-Baro Octavio , García-Estrada Raymundo Saúl , Contreras-Angulo Laura Aracely , Bastidas-Bastidas Pedro de Jesús , Heredia J. Basilio , Cabanillas-Bojórquez Luis Angel , Gutiérrez-Grijalva Erick Paul
Published: July 2024

Essential oils are emerging as alternatives to conventional pest control chemicals. Lippia graveolens Kunth (Mexican oregano) is a source of essential oils and during conventional extraction, the biomass generated is discarded as waste; however, reports show that this biomass is still a rich source of essential oils. Conventional essential oil extraction causes contamination and utilizes toxic solvents. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) offer low toxicity, biodegradability, high selectivity, and yields comparable to organic solvents. This study obtained essential oil from Lippia graveolens biomass via hydrodistillation with ultrasound-assisted DES pretreatment. This research aimed to optimize the extraction of essential oil from Lippia graveolens biomass using ultrasound-assisted DESs and assess its in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effect on C. asianum. The response variables were extraction yield and total reducing capacity. Optimal conditions were determined using a central composite rotatable design, considering solid-to-liquid ratio (0.38 g/mL), ultrasonic amplitude (45.05%), and time (7.47 min). The optimized oil, with thymol (48%) as the predominant component, exhibited more volatile compounds than conventional hydrodistillation. Fungicidal assays highlighted its potential in controlling anthracnose in papaya fruits caused by C. asianum, making ultrasound-assisted DES pretreatment a promising alternative for obtaining essential oil from botanical byproducts.
A Twice-Open Control Method for a Hydraulic Variable Valve System in a Diesel Engine
Authors: Guo Degaoxuan , Tang Juan , Xie Zongfa , Li Xiaoxia , Cao Xinzheng
Published: July 2024

In order to solve the cold-starting problem and improve the intake and exhaust pipe temperatures of diesel engines under cold-starting and low- and medium-speed conditions, this paper proposes a twice-open control method for a hydraulic variable valve system. First, a hydraulic variable valve system that can realize a fully variable valve lift and phase angle is applied to replace the original intake system in order to meet the air intake requirements of different conditions. Then, a twice-open control method in which the intake valve opens two times at the exhaust stroke and intake stroke is proposed to improve the intake pipe temperature and solve the cold-starting problem. This paper contains a numerical work analysis. A GT-POWER model is constructed to validate the intake valve twice-open control method. The cylinder pressure, cylinder temperature, intake pipe pressure, and intake pipe temperature are obtained and compared between the original intake valve system and the hydraulic variable valve system with the proposed intake valve twice-open control method. The results show that the twice-open control method can increase the intake pipe temperature to 260 K or even higher, which can improve the cold-starting performance and the exhaust temperature at low and medium speeds. At the same time, the performance under low- and medium-speed conditions is improved.
Back to Bohr: Quantum Jumps in Schrödinger’s Wave Mechanics
Authors: Dick Rainer
Published: July 2024

The measurement problem of quantum mechanics concerns the question as to under which circumstances coherent wave evolution becomes disrupted to produce eigenstates of observables, instead of evolving superpositions of eigenstates. The problem already needs to be addressed within wave mechanics, before second quantization, because low-energy interactions can be dominated by particle-preserving potential interactions. We discuss a scattering array of harmonic oscillators, which can detect particles penetrating the array through interaction with a short-range potential. Evolution of the wave function of scattered particles, combined with Heisenberg’s assertion that quantum jumps persist in wave mechanics, indicates that the wave function will collapse around single oscillator sites if the scattering is inelastic, while it will not collapse around single sites for elastic scattering. The Born rule for position observation is then equivalent to the statement that the wave function for inelastic scattering amounts to an epistemic superposition of possible scattering states, in the sense that it describes a sum of probability amplitudes for inelastic scattering off different scattering centers, whereas, at most, one inelastic scattering event can happen at any moment in time. Within this epistemic interpretation of the wave function, the actual underlying inelastic scattering event corresponds to a quantum jump, whereas the continuously evolving wave function only describes the continuous evolution of probability amplitudes for scattering off different sites. Quantum jumps then yield definite position observations, as defined by the spatial resolution of the oscillator array.
New Diatom and Sedimentary Data Confirm the Existence of the Northern Paleo-Outlet from Lake Ladoga to the Baltic Sea
Authors: Ludikova Anna V. , Subetto Dmitry A. , Kuznetsov Denis D. , Orlov Alexander V. , Shatalova Angelina E.
Published: July 2024

Despite more than 100 years of research, a number of questions concerning the evolution of the post-glacial connection between Lake Ladoga, the largest European lake, and the Baltic Sea remain unanswered. In particular, the location and chronological frames of the paleo-outlet from Lake Ladoga in the Holocene remain debatable. Paleolimnological studies were performed in small lakes in the northern part of the Karelian Isthmus (NW Russia), where the outlet from Lake Ladoga, the Heinjoki Strait, is thought to have existed until the lake drained to the south due to the tilting of its basin. The presence of the indicative “Ladoga species” (e.g., Aulacoseira islandica, Achnanthes joursacense, Cymbella sinuata, Ellerbeckia arenaria, Navicula aboensis, N. jaernefeltii, N. jentzschii, etc.) in the diatom assemblages is used as evidence for the influence of Lake Ladoga during the accumulation of coarse-grained sediments at the bottom of the ancient channel. It also confirms the functioning of the hypothetical northern local branch of the strait. Decreased abundances of the “Ladoga species” and the onset of the accumulation of fine-grained sediments suggest that the water discharge via this paleo-outlet rapidly reduced starting from ca. 4100 cal BP. The termination of the functioning of the Heinjoki Strait is recorded as an abrupt disappearance of the indicative taxa from the diatom record. This was dated to ca. 3500–3200 cal BP, which corresponds to the estimated ages of the birth of the River Neva, the present outlet from Lake Ladoga.
Hydrological Regime of Rivers in the Periglacial Zone of the East European Plain in the Late MIS 2
Authors: Sidorchuk Aleksey , Panin Andrei , Borisova Olga
Published: July 2024

At the end of the Pleniglacial and the first half of the Late Glacial period, approximately between 18 and 14 ka BP, rivers of the central and southern parts of the East European Plain had channels up to 10 times as large as the present day channels of the same rivers. These ancient channels, called large meandering palaeochannels, are widespread in river floodplains and low terraces. The hydrological regime of these large rivers is of great interest in terms of the palaeoclimatology of the late Marine Isotope Stage 2 (MIS 2). In this study, we aimed at quantitative estimation of maximum flood discharges of rivers in the Dnepr, Don and Volga basins in the late MIS 2. To approach this, we used massive measurements of the morphometric characteristics of large palaeochannels on topographic maps and remote sensing data—palaeochannel width, meander wavelength and their relationships with river flow parameters. The runoff depth of the maximum flood, which corresponds to the maximum depth of daily snow thaw during the snowmelt period, was obtained for unit basins with an area of <1000 km2. The mean value for the southern megaslope of the East European Plain was 44.2 mm/day (6 times the modern value), with 46 mm/day for the Volga River (5.5 times), 45 mm/day (6.3 times) for the Don River and 39 mm/day (8 times the modern value) for the Dnepr River basins. In general, the Dnepr basin was drier than the Don and Volga basins, which corresponds well to the modern distribution of humidity. At the same time, the westernmost part of the Dnepr River basin was relatively wet in the past, and the decrease in humidity from the past to the modern situation was greater there than in the eastern and central regions. The obtained results contradict the prevailing ideas, based mainly on climatic modeling and palynological data, that the climate of Europe was cold and dry during MIS 2. The reason is that palaeoclimatic reconstructions were made predominantly for the LGM epoch (23–20 ka BP). On the East European Plain, the interval 18–14 ka BP is rather poorly studied. Our results of paleoclimatological and palaeohydrological reconstructions showed that the Late Pleniglacial and the first half of the Late Glacial period was characterized by a dramatic increase in precipitation and river discharge relative to the present day.
Religious Cooperation between Thailand and Sri Lanka in the 19th Century: A Study Based on Exchanged Pāli Letters
Authors: Beliatte Metteyya , Liu Yaoping
Published: July 2024

When it comes to relations between Thailand (Siam) and Sri Lanka (Ceylon), the Buddhist connections between the two countries are often discussed and are highly valued. Communications between Thai and Sinhalese monks can be traced back to the 13th century: the Sukhothai era. These communications were then continuously maintained in the Ayutthaya era and have been up until the present day. Despite being situated far from each other and being separated by the sea, the people in these countries have been interacting through maritime routes and cooperating with each other regarding religious, cultural, financial, diplomatic, and political matters for centuries. The continuous interactions between the two came to a halt in the 18th century due to political instability in both countries. Only in the middle of the 19th century did Buddhists from the two countries resume their travels and interactions, rebuilding their bilateral relations and cooperation. There are very few studies that provide information regarding the religious cooperation between Siam and Ceylon in the 19th century. Religious cooperation between the two countries in the 19th Century has never been thoroughly studied and presented in detail. The purpose of the research paper is to investigate how Buddhists in these two countries cooperated with each other to achieve continuity and solidarity in Theravada Buddhism in both countries. We will address this question by analyzing the available data, which can mainly be found in the form of letters written in the Pāli language exchanged between Buddhists in the two countries. These letters have been published in Pālisandesāvalī in Sri Lanka and in Samaṇasāsana in Thailand.
Emptiness/Nothingness as Explained by Ryu Yongmo (Tasŏk) (1890–1981) and Isaac Jacob Schmidt (1779–1847): A Cross-Cultural Study of the Integration of Asian Intellectual Heritage into the Worldview of Two Protestant Christians
Authors: Kļaviņš Kaspars
Published: July 2024

The concepts of emptiness and nothingness are extremely important in Eastern as well as Western spiritual traditions. In East Asia, they are relevant in Daoism, Confucianism (in the context of integrating Daoist ideas) and Buddhism (in Śūnyatā), while in the European Christian discourse they are significant in the context of creatio ex nihilo, kenotic theories, individual self-emptying out of humility and Nihilianism. These concepts have formed and continue to form the basis of important intercultural interactions, influencing philosophical and scholarly discourse in both the “East” and “West” to the present day. This article compares the perception of emptiness/nothingness from two representatives of Protestantism: the Korean Christian philosopher Ryu Yongmo (1890–1981, pen name Tasŏk) and the Moravian missionary Isaac Jacob Schmidt (1779–1847), who was a pioneer of Buddhist studies in Europe. A comparison between Schmidt and Tasŏk is important, because tracing the evolution of the worldview of both thinkers reveals a great similarity in how they reconciled the spiritual heritage of Asia with the principles of Western Protestant Christianity despite their different backgrounds. It also could shed new light on the possibility of dialogue between Christianity and Buddhism, especially in the context of two major philosophical systems of Mahāyāna Buddhism: Yogācāra and Mādhyamika, which were once so important in East Asia. In addition, it is exactly the interpretation of emptiness/nothingness that forms the cornerstone of the analogy of the religious–philosophical ideas of the two thinkers compared in the article.
Dynamic Programming-Based Track-before-Detect Algorithm for Weak Maneuvering Targets in Range–Doppler Plane
Authors: Wu Xinghui , Ding Jieru , Wang Zhiyi , Wang Min
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on detecting and tracking maneuvering weak targets in the range–Doppler (RD) plane with the track-before-detect (TBD) algorithm based on dynamic programming (DP). Traditional DP-TBD algorithms integrate target detection and tracking in their framework while searching the paths provided by a predefined model of the kinematic properties within the constraints allowed. However, both the approximate motion model used in the RD plane and the model mismatch caused when the target undergoes a maneuver can degrade the TBD performance sharply. To address these issues, this paper accurately describes the evolution of the RD equation based on Constant Acceleration (CA) and Coordinated Turn (CT) motion models with the process noise in the Cartesian coordinate system, and it also employs a recursive method to estimate the parameters in the equations for efficient energy accumulation and path searches. Facing the situation that targets energy accumulation during the DP iteration process will lead to an expansion of the target energy accumulation process. This paper designs a more efficient Optimization Function (OF) to inhibit the expansion effect, improve the resolution of the nearby targets, and increase the detection probability of the weak targets simultaneously. In addition, to search the trajectory more efficiently and accurately, we improved the process of DP multi-frame accumulation, thus reducing the computation amount of large-scale searches. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method for CA and CT motion target detection and tracking is verified by many of the simulation experiments that were conducted in this paper.