bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommendation of SLM Process Parameters Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process and Weighted Particle Swarm Optimization for High-Temperature Alloys
Authors: Zhang Ze-Jun , Wu Yuan-Jie , Wang Ze-Ming , Ji Xiao-Yuan , Guo Wei , Peng Dong-Jian , Tu Xian-Meng , Zhou Sheng-Zhi , Yang Huan-Qing , Zhou Jian-Xin
Published: August 2023

Selective laser melting (SLM) of high-temperature alloys involves intricate interdependencies among key process parameters, such as laser power and scanning speed, affecting properties such as density and tensile strength. However, relying solely on experiential knowledge for process parameter design often hampers the precise attainment of target requirements. To address this challenge, we propose an innovative approach that integrates the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted particle swarm optimization (WPSO) to recommend SLM process parameters for high-temperature alloy fabrication. Our proposed AHP–WPSO model consists of three main steps. First, a comprehensive historical database is established, capturing the process parameters and performance metrics of high-temperature alloy SLM parts. Utilizing an AHP framework, we compute the performance similarity between target and historical cases, applying rational thresholds to identify analogous cases. When suitable analogs are elusive, the model seamlessly transitions to the second step. Here, the WPSO model optimizes and recommends process parameters according to target specifications. Lastly, our experimental validation of the GH4169 high-temperature alloy through SLM experiments corroborates the effectiveness of our AHP–WPSO model in making process parameter recommendations. The outcomes underscore the model’s high accuracy, attaining a recommendation precision of 99.81% and 96.32% when historical analogs are present and absent, respectively. This innovative approach offers a robust and reliable solution to the challenges posed in SLM process parameter optimization for high-temperature alloy applications.
Surface Roughening of Irradiation-Activated Basalt Fiber through In Situ Growth of SiO2: Effects on Crystallization and Properties of PP Composites
Authors: Zhang Shuai , He Pan , Jing Shuoyi , Chen Gang , Li Guangzhao , Wang Zhongzui , Han Rui , Li Yijun
Published: August 2023

Basalt fiber (BF) is deemed a new environmentally friendly and high-performance fiber material due to its high strength, electrical insulation, corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. Yet, the surface inertness restricts its practical application. In this work, the BF was irradiated and activated by electron beam, followed by in situ growth of SiO2 using a hydrothermal method, then composites with polypropylene (PP) were prepared by microinjection molding. According to the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), more active sites can be formed after irradiation, thus more SiO2 nanoparticles were generated on the surface of BF. Consequently, the rough surface of modified BF could provide stronger shear force during melt processing and resulted in a higher orientation of the molecular chains, increasing the lamellar thickness and generating more highly ordered β crystals in the composites. I400BF-gSiO2 exhibited the highest content of β crystals with the crystallinity of 53.62% and orientation of β (300) crystal plane of 0.91, which were 8.66% and 0.04 higher than those of the composite with pristine BF. Furthermore, due to the perfection of crystals, increased interfaces and interfacial interlocking between PP molecules and modified BF, I400BF-gSiO2 showed good overall performance, with storage modulus of 8000 MPa at −100 °C, glass transition temperature of 23.03 °C and tensile strength of 62.2 MPa, which was 1900 MPa, 1.23 °C and 29.6 MPa higher than neat PP. Hence, the surface roughing strategy proposed in this work is expected to provide some insight and promote the application of BF reinforced thermoplastic composites.
CO2-Assisted Sugar Cane Gasification Using Transition Metal Catalysis: An Impact of Metal Loading on the Catalytic Behavior
Authors: Beldova Daria A. , Medvedev Artem A. , Kustov Alexander L. , Mashkin Mikhail Yu. , Kirsanov Vladislav Yu. , Vysotskaya Irina V. , Sokolovskiy Pavel V. , Kustov Leonid M.
Published: August 2023

To meet the increasing needs of fuels, especially non-fossil fuels, the production of “bio-oil” is proposed and many efforts have been undertaken to find effective ways to transform bio-wastes into valuable substances to obtain the fuels and simultaneously reduce carbon wastes, including CO2. This work is devoted to the gasification of sugar cane bagasse to produce CO in the process assisted by CO2. The metals were varied (Fe, Co, or Ni), along with their amounts, in order to find the optimal catalyst composition. The materials were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron diffraction, and were tested in the process of CO2-assisted gasification. The catalysts based on Co and Ni demonstrate the best activity among the investigated systems: the conversion of CO2 reached 88% at ~800 °C (vs. 20% for the pure sugarcane bagasse). These samples contain metallic Co or Ni, while Fe is in oxide form.
Development of a Layer Made of Natural Fibers to Improve the Ecological Performance of the Face Mask Type II
Authors: Mańkowski Jerzy , Zimniewska Małgorzata , Gieparda Weronika , Romanowska Barbara , Kicińska-Jakubowska Anna , Kołodziej Jacek , Foksowicz-Flaczyk Joanna , Rojewski Szymon , Bujnowicz Krzysztof , Przybylska Patrycja , Kwiatkowska Edyta , Alam MD Masud , Różańska Wanda , Wawro Aleksandra , Hołderna-Kędzia Elżbieta
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to develop a natural nonwoven layer made of cottonized bleached flax and cotton fibers which is suitable to replace one of the three polypropylene layers of face mask type II in order to reduce non-biodegradable waste production and limit the negative impact of used masks on the environment. The work focused on the design of a nonwoven structure based on properly blending cotton and flax fibers as well as ensuring the cover factor, which can support the mask’s barrier properties against air dust particles and does not make breathing difficult. Additionally, a biodegradable film was developed to connect the nonwoven layer with the other polypropylene filtering layers. The effectiveness of the biodeterioration of the flax/cotton nonwoven was evaluated based on a test of the susceptibility of materials to the action of soil microorganisms. The flax/cotton nonwoven layer was tested in terms of mechanical, physical, and biophysical properties, and an analysis of the covering of the nonwoven surface with fibers was conducted as well. The results confirmed that the structure of flax/cotton nonwovens is suitable to replace the nondegradable polypropylene layer of the face mask type II to improve its environmental performance.
Theoretical and Experimental Analyses on the Sound Absorption Coefficient of Rice and Buckwheat Husks Based on Micro-CT Scan Data
Authors: Sakamoto Shuichi , Toda Kentaro , Seino Shotaro , Hoshiyama Kohta , Satoh Takamasa
Published: August 2023

In this study, the sound absorption coefficients of rice and buckwheat husks were estimated. Computed tomography (CT) images were processed to determine the circumference and surface area of voids in the granular material, and the normal incident sound absorption coefficients were derived. In addition, the tortuosity, which expresses the complexity of the sound wave propagation through the structure, was measured for each material. The theoretical sound absorption coefficients were then compared to the measured sound absorption coefficients with and without consideration of the tortuosity. A correction factor was used to bring the surface area of the granular material closer to the actual surface area and observed that the tortuosity obtained theoretical values that matched the trend of the measured values. These results indicate that using CT images to estimate the sound absorption coefficient is a viable approach.
Virtual Multiplexing Chamber-Based Digital PCR for Camel Milk Authentication Applications
Authors: Li Jinchao , Cheng Jingmeng , Li Shanshan , Wu Jie Jayne , Li Junwei
Published: August 2023

In this work, we proposed a chamber-based digital PCR (cdPCR) microfluidic device that is compatible with fluorescence imaging systems for milk adulteration detection. The device enables the digitalization of PCR reagents, which are loaded into microchambers, and subsequent thermocycling for DNA amplification. Then, fluorescence images of the microchambers are captured and analyzed to obtain the total number of positive chambers, which is used to calculate the copy numbers of the target DNA, enabling accurate quantitative detections to determine intentional milk adulteration from accidental contaminations. The validation of this device is performed by camel milk authentication. We performed 25,600-chamber virtual multiplexing cdPCR tests using 40 × 40 chamber devices for the detection of DNA templates extracted from pure or mixed milk with different dilutions. Then, the cdPCR chip was used to authenticate blind milk samples, demonstrating its efficacy in real biotechnical applications.
Longitudinal–Torsional Ultrasonic Grinding of GCr15: Development of Longitudinal–Torsional Ultrasonic System and Prediction of Surface Topography
Authors: Zhang Huan , Niu Ying , Jia Xiaofeng , Chu Shuaizhen , Niu Jingjing
Published: August 2023

The common material of bearing rings is GCr15 bearing steel which is a typical difficult-to-machine material. As an important working surface of the bearing, the inner surface of the raceway plays a vital role in the performance of the bearing. As an important means to solve the high-performance manufacturing of difficult-to-machine materials, longitudinal–torsional ultrasonic processing is widely used in various types of processing. In the presented work, the basic size of the horn is obtained from the wave equation of the forced vibration, and the modal analysis and amplitude test are carried out to verify the rationality of the LUTG structure. Then, according to the probability density function of cutting thickness and the overlapping effect of adjacent abrasive trajectories, the LUTG surface topography prediction model is established by using the height formula of the surface residual material, and the model reliability is verified by using the orthogonal test. The error between the test results and the prediction model is within 13.2%. Finally, based on the response surface method, the optimal process parameters that can meet the requirements of low roughness (Ra) and high material removal rate (MRR) are screened, and the optimal combination of process parameters is obtained as follows: A = 4.5 μm, n = 6493.3 r/min, ap = 28.4 μm, and vf = 21.1 mm/min.
Assessment of Serum Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe Concentration in Women with Endometrial Cancer and Different Endometrial Pathologies
Authors: Michalczyk Kaja , Kapczuk Patrycja , Kupnicka Patrycja , Witczak Grzegorz , Michalczyk Barbara , Bosiacki Mateusz , Chlubek Dariusz , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta
Published: August 2023

Background: There is conflicting evidence on the effect of specific micronutrient concentration and cancer risk. In this study, we investigated the differences in serum zinc, copper, iron, and manganese levels and different endometrial pathologies, including endometrial cancer. Methods: 110 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of endometrial cancer, benign uterine conditions (endometrial polyp, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine myoma), or normal endometrium were included in the study and assessed in terms of endometrial cancer risk factors. The measurements of serum micronutrients were conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Results: When assessing for differences between serum concentrations of trace metals, we found significant differences in the distribution of Mn (p < 0.001) and Fe (0.034). There was also a significant difference in Cu/Zn ratio between the analyzed groups (p = 0.002). Patients’ BMI was found to influence Cu concentration, with obese patients having higher mean copper concentration (p = 0.006). Also, patients’ menopausal status was shown to influence Cu concentration with postmenopausal patients having higher Cu levels (p = 0.001). The menopausal status was found to influence Cu/Zn ratio (p = 0.002). Univariable regression analysis did not confirm that any of the micronutrients significantly influence the risk of endometrial cancer. Conclusion: The concentration of specific trace metals varies between different histopathological diagnoses of endometrial pathologies. Menopausal status and patient BMI are endometrial cancer risk factors impacted by the concentrations of Cu and Zn and their ratio.
Nutrition and Diet Apps: Brazilian Panorama before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Batista Sueny Andrade , Cupertino Alessandra Fabrino Bretas , Cupertino Ana Paula , Botelho Raquel Braz Assunção , Pimentel Juliana , Cartujano-Barrera Francisco , Ginani Verônica Cortez
Published: August 2023

In the last decade, we have seen a substantial increase in the development and use of mobile technology to improve diet and healthy eating behaviors. Objective: To describe the characteristics of nutrition and diet apps before and after the COVID-19 pandemic available in Brazil. Methods: Nutrition and diet apps were identified using the official Apple and Google stores. The search occurred in January 2020 and May 2022 in Brazil. We extracted the nutritional content and standard indicators (e.g., being developed before or after 2020, number of languages, target population, investment, prices, seller, number of reviews and downloads, consumer rating). Results: 280 apps were launched before and 411 during the COVID-19 period. Most apps were available in at least ten languages (96.6%), with no indication of age (95.6%) or partial or full cost (59%). As for the contents, 18.9% addressed personal diet suggestions; 73.4%, nutritional education; 48.8%, revenues; 35.9%, physical activity with a nutritional guide; 2.3%, nutritional recommendation for eating out; 23.9%, grocery shopping with a scan code; 32.4%, food diary; 18.9%, water intake; and 4.6%, nutrition/diseases. The data show an evolution that may have been boosted by the pandemic and that reveals a trend towards the development of apps with educational content. Conclusion: During the pandemic, there was a positive qualitative and quantitative movement in e-health regarding the promotion of education.
Effects of the Timing of Carbohydrate Intake on Metabolism and Performance in Soccer Players
Authors: Noh Ki-Woong , Oh Jung-Hwan , Park Sok
Published: August 2023

This study aims to provide information to improve the performance of athletes comparing the effects of carbohydrate–electrolyte intake before and during exercise on metabolism and performance in soccer players. The study had a single-blind cross-over design. Drust’s protocol is a soccer-specific intermittent exercise test. The carbohydrate–electrolyte intake experiments were divided into three timings: first, pre-exercise; second, half-time; and third, mixed. Eight participants were included in the data analysis (age: 21.32 ± 1.19 years; BMI: 22.69 ± 1.91 kg/m2; height: 176.5 ± 7.52 cm; weight: 69.5 ± 9.18 kg; Vmax: 16.75 0.71 km/h). The results of the mixed test showed a significantly lower respiratory exchange ratio than those of the placebo and half-time tests (p < 0.05). The mixed test showed significantly more fat oxidation than the half-time test (p < 0.05). The running times are placebo (422.13 ± 133.44 s) and mixed (677.38 ± 217.75 s), and the distances are placebo (1577.25 ± 517.02 m) and mixed (2530.00 ± 832.71 m) (p < 0.05). The mixed test showed a significantly lower rating of perceived exertion than the placebo test (p < 0.05). Carbohydrate oxidation and heart rate showed no significant differences between the experiments (p > 0.05). The exercise protocol in this study showed the metabolic response of soccer players to intermittent high-intensity exercise and subsequent endurance exercise. In conclusion, it can be seen that the intake of carbohydrate–electrolytes improves the performance of soccer players, and the effect varies depending on the timing of carbohydrate–electrolyte intake.
Potential of Fatty Acids in Treating Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Huang Tao , Liu Chaoran , Cui Can , Zhang Ning , Cheung Wing , Wong Ronald
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a systematic review of studies investigating the effects of fatty acid supplementation in potentially preventing and treating sarcopenia. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched using the keywords ‘fatty acid’ and ‘sarcopenia’. Results: A total of 14 clinical and 11 pre-clinical (including cell and animal studies) studies were included. Of the 14 clinical studies, 12 used omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as supplements, 1 study used ALA and 1 study used CLA. Seven studies combined the use of fatty acid with resistant exercises. Fatty acids were found to have a positive effect in eight studies and they had no significant outcome in six studies. The seven studies that incorporated exercise found that fatty acids had a better impact on elderlies. Four animal studies used novel fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid, trans-fatty acid, and olive leaf extraction as interventions. Three animal and four cell experiment studies revealed the possible mechanisms of how fatty acids affect muscles by improving regenerative capacity, reducing oxidative stress, mitochondrial and peroxisomal dysfunctions, and attenuating cell death. Conclusion: Fatty acids have proven their value in improving sarcopenia in pre-clinical experiments. However, current clinical studies show controversial results for its role on muscle, and thus the mechanisms need to be studied further. In the future, more well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to assess the effectiveness of using fatty acids in humans.
Design of Tetra-Peptide Ligands of Antibody Fc Regions Using In Silico Combinatorial Library Screening
Authors: Jukič Marko , Kralj Sebastjan , Kolarič Anja , Bren Urban
Published: August 2023

Peptides, or short chains of amino-acid residues, are becoming increasingly important as active ingredients of drugs and as crucial probes and/or tools in medical, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical research. Situated at the interface between small molecules and larger macromolecular systems, they pose a difficult challenge for computational methods. We report an in silico peptide library generation and prioritization workflow using CmDock for identifying tetrapeptide ligands that bind to Fc regions of antibodies that is analogous to known in vitro recombinant peptide libraries’ display and expression systems. The results of our in silico study are in accordance with existing scientific literature on in vitro peptides that bind to antibody Fc regions. In addition, we postulate an evolving in silico library design workflow that will help circumvent the combinatorial problem of in vitro comprehensive peptide libraries by focusing on peptide subunits that exhibit favorable interaction profiles in initial in silico peptide generation and testing.
A Machine Learning Approach to Qualitatively Evaluate Different Granulation Phases by Acoustic Emissions
Authors: Fulek Ruwen , Ramm Selina , Kiera Christian , Pein-Hackelbusch Miriam , Odefey Ulrich
Published: August 2023

Wet granulation is a frequent process in the pharmaceutical industry. As a starting point for numerous dosage forms, the quality of the granulation not only affects subsequent production steps but also impacts the quality of the final product. It is thus crucial and economical to monitor this operation thoroughly. Here, we report on identifying different phases of a granulation process using a machine learning approach. The phases reflect the water content which, in turn, influences the processability and quality of the granule mass. We used two kinds of microphones and an acceleration sensor to capture acoustic emissions and vibrations. We trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify the different phases using transformed sound recordings as the input. We achieved a classification accuracy of up to 90% using vibrational data and an accuracy of up to 97% using the audible microphone data. Our results indicate the suitability of using audible sound and machine learning to monitor pharmaceutical processes. Moreover, since recording acoustic emissions is contactless, it readily complies with legal regulations and presents Good Manufacturing Practices.
Tailoring PLA/ABS Blends Compatibilized with SEBS-g-MA through Annealing Heat Treatment
Authors: Costa Anna Raffaela de Matos , Luna Carlos Bruno Barreto , do Nascimento Emanuel Pereira , Ferreira Eduardo da Silva Barbosa , Costa Claudia de Matos , de Almeida Yeda Medeiros Bastos , Araújo Edcleide Maria
Published: August 2023

In this work, blends based on poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) compatibilized with maleic anhydride-grafted (SEBS-g-MA) were prepared in a co-rotational twin-screw extruder by varying the concentrations of the compatibilizing agent. The influence of the compatibilizing agent on the morphology, mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, and rheological properties of the prepared materials was analyzed. The effect of annealing on the properties of the blends was also investigated using injection-molded samples. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results proved that the increments in crystallinity were an effect of annealing in the PLA/ABS/SEBS-g-MA blends, resonating at higher heat deflection temperatures (HDTs). The impact strength of the PLA/ABS blends compatibilized with 10 wt% SEBS-g-MA was significantly increased when compared to the PLA/ABS blends. However, the hardness and elastic modulus of the blends decreased when compared to neat PLA. The refined morphology shown in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses corroborated the improved impact strength promoted by SEBS-g-MA. The torque rheometer degradation study also supported the increased compatibility between SEBS-g-MA, PLA, and ABS. The TGA results show that the PLA/ABS and PLA/ABS/SEBS-g-MA blends are more thermally stable than the neat PLA polymer at higher temperatures. The results showed that the ideal composition is the heat-treated PLA/ABS/SEBS-g-MA (60/30/10 wt%), given the high impact strength and HDT results. The results of this work in terms of mechanical improvement with the use of compatibilizers and annealing suggest that the PLA/ABS/SEBS-g-MA system can be used in the production of 3D-printing filaments.
Strength and Deformation Characteristics of Fiber and Cement-Modified Waste Slurry
Authors: Ye Jiahao , Jiang Ping , Chen Lejie , Zhou Xuhui , Rao Fei , Tang Xinyi
Published: August 2023

Using fiber and cement to modify waste slurry and apply it to roads is an effective way to recycle waste slurry. A new type of road material, fiber–cement-modified waste slurry (FRCS), was prepared in this study. The static and dynamic characteristics of the cement soil were studied using an unconfined compressive strength test and dynamic triaxial test. The results show that the optimum fiber content of FRCS is 0.75%. In the unconfined compressive strength test, under this fiber content, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the FRCS is the largest, and the elastic modulus and modulus strength ratio are both the smallest, indicating that the tensile properties of the cement slurry have been enhanced. In the dynamic triaxial test, the hysteretic curve of the FRCS tends to be stable with the increase in the number of cycles, the dynamic elastic modulus of the FRCS decreases first and then increases with the increase in the dosage, while the damping ratio becomes stable after a rapid decline, and the fiber incorporation increases the cumulative strain of the soil–cement under low-stress cycles, indicating that the ductility of the FRCS is improved. In addition, a cumulative strain prediction model of the FRCS is established in this paper, which can provide a reference for the resource application of waste slurry in road engineering.
Thermal, Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Multifunctional Composites Based on Biodegradable Polymers/Bentonite Clay: A Review
Authors: Mapossa António Benjamim , da Silva Júnior Afonso Henrique , de Oliveira Carlos Rafael Silva , Mhike Washington
Published: August 2023

The extensive use of non-biodegradable plastic products has resulted in significant environmental problems caused by their accumulation in landfills and their proliferation into water bodies. Biodegradable polymers offer a potential solution to mitigate these issues through the utilization of renewable resources which are abundantly available and biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly. However, biodegradable polymers face challenges such as relatively low mechanical strength and thermal resistance, relatively inferior gas barrier properties, low processability, and economic viability. To overcome these limitations, researchers are investigating the incorporation of nanofillers, specifically bentonite clay, into biodegradable polymeric matrices. Bentonite clay is an aluminum phyllosilicate with interesting properties such as a high cation exchange capacity, a large surface area, and environmental compatibility. However, achieving complete dispersion of nanoclays in polymeric matrices remains a challenge due to these materials’ hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature. Several methods are employed to prepare polymer–clay nanocomposites, including solution casting, melt extrusion, spraying, inkjet printing, and electrospinning. Biodegradable polymeric nanocomposites are versatile and promising in various industrial applications such as electromagnetic shielding, energy storage, electronics, and flexible electronics. Additionally, combining bentonite clay with other fillers such as graphene can significantly reduce production costs compared to the exclusive use of carbon nanotubes or metallic fillers in the matrix. This work reviews the development of bentonite clay-based composites with biodegradable polymers for multifunctional applications. The composition, structure, preparation methods, and characterization techniques of these nanocomposites are discussed, along with the challenges and future directions in this field.
Integrating Life Cycle Assessment and Machine Learning to Enhance Black Soldier Fly Larvae-Based Composting of Kitchen Waste
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Yousaf , Saeed Salaha , Raza Ahsan , Ahmad Anum Suhail , Urbanowska Agnieszka , Jackowski Mateusz , Niedzwiecki Lukasz
Published: August 2023

Around 40% to 60% of municipal solid waste originates from kitchens, offering a valuable resource for compost production. Traditional composting methods such as windrow, vermi-, and bin composting are space-intensive and time-consuming. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) present a promising alternative, requiring less space and offering ease of handling. This research encompasses experimental data collection, life cycle assessment, and machine learning, and employs the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm in an Artificial Neural Network, to optimize kitchen waste treatment using BSFL. Factors such as time, larval population, aeration frequency, waste composition, and container surface area were considered. Results showed that BSFL achieved significant waste reduction, ranging from 70% to 93% by weight and 65% to 85% by volume under optimal conditions. Key findings included a 15-day treatment duration, four times per day aeration frequency, 600 larvae per kilogram of waste, layering during feeding, and kitchen waste as the preferred feed. The larvae exhibited a weight gain of 2.2% to 6.5% during composting. Comparing the quality of BSFL compost to that obtained with conventional methods revealed its superiority in terms of waste reduction (50% to 73% more) and compost quality. Life cycle assessment confirmed the sustainability advantages of BSFL. Machine learning achieved high accuracy of prediction reaching 99.5%.
Digital Transformation and Green Development Research: Microscopic Evidence from China’s Listed Construction Companies
Authors: Shen Aihua , Wang Rui
Published: August 2023

The construction industry is in urgent need to transition away from its rough development and management practices. It is essential to embrace a sustainable development path to enhance core competitiveness, promote resource intensification, and prioritize environmental friendliness. The digital transformation uses information and data as the key elements to promote the transformation of traditional industries to become more intelligent and green. This ushers in new opportunities for transformation in the construction industry, marking a significant turning point for its evolution. This paper explores the impact of digital transformation on the green development of construction companies and its inner mechanism. Based on the panel data of the listed companies in China’s construction industry from 2015 to 2021, the two-way fixed effect, mediating effect, moderating effect, and threshold effect models are used to test the relationship between them. The results indicate that digital transformation significantly promotes the green development of construction companies. Additionally, this result still holds after robustness and endogeneity tests. This effect is more significant in state-owned, larger companies situated in regions with weaker digital economy development. In addition, the intensity of regional environmental regulations strengthens the impact of digital transformation on green development. However, it has a threshold effect. In the test of mediating effect, it has been found that green innovation and corporate human capital structure can serve as mediators. In the general trend of digital change, the drive towards the sustainable development of construction companies offers micro-empirical evidence that the digital economy empowers green development in China.
The Impact of Land Use Changes on Carbon Flux in the World’s 100 Largest Cities
Authors: Lyu Minghao , Zhou Yajie , Wei Yongping , Li Jinghan , Wu Shuanglei
Published: August 2023

Urbanization has become an important player in the global carbon cycle, and land use change is the second largest source of carbon emissions. However, despite great advances in remote sensing and satellite imagery, there is no reliable estimate of the impact of land use change on changes in land carbon stock in global cities. This paper quantified the impact of land use change on land carbon flux in the world’s 100 largest cities by using annual land cover data based on LandSat 8 images and land carbon stock parameters provided by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). It was found that significant urban expansion could be observed in 83 cities, while 29 cities showed a deforestation trend, and croplands in 42 cities have shrunk. Carbon stock reduced by more than 112 million tons in the 100 selected cities from 2013 to 2022 due to land cover change. A total of 39 cities showed significant negative trends in land carbon stock that were mainly caused by urban sprawl and shrinkage in forest or cropland, among which Kolkata, Chongqing, Seoul, Guangzhou, and Hefei showed the greatest decline. Because of the growth of forest and cropland, or reduction in barren land and grassland, 28 cities showed clear positive trends in land carbon stock. In order to increase urban land carbon stock, the urban planning of most cities should focus on the protection of forests or afforestation that replace barren land or grassland and should avoid mindless urban expansion.
Research on Extension Evaluation Method of Mudslide Hazard Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process–Criteria Importance through Intercriteria Correlation Combination Assignment of Game Theory Ideas
Authors: Li Hui , Bai Xueshan , Zhai Xing , Zhao Jianqing , Zhu Xiaolong , Li Chenxi , Liu Kehui , Wang Qizhi
Published: August 2023

Mountain mudslides have emerged as one of the main geological dangers in the Yanshan region of China as a result of excessive rains. In light of this, a multi-step debris flow hazard assessment method combining optimal weights and a topological object metamodel is proposed based on game theory ideas. First of all, based on the geological environment research in Yanshan area, this paper determines the mudslide danger evaluation indexes according to the field investigation and remote sensing image data, then combines them with the theory of topological object element evaluation, utilizes the idea of game theory, and carries out the optimal combination of the weight coefficients derived from hierarchical analysis and the CRITIC method to obtain the final comprehensive weights of the indexes, and forms the combination-assigning topological object element of the mudslide danger topological model. The results suggest that improved weight coefficients can increase topological evaluation precision, which is more in line with objective reality than the traditional method and has some application utility.
The impact of ageing on adults with cerebral palsy: the results of a national online survey
Authors: Bell Brian G , Shah Sonali , Coulson Neil , McLaughlin Janice , Logan Pip , Luke Richard , Avery Anthony J
Published: August 2023

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common neurological disorders in children and results in lifelong physical impairments. Adults with CP have approximately the same life expectancy as their non-disabled peers, so helping them to stay healthy throughout the life course will have long-term cost benefits via reductions in hospital admissions, long-term care, and unemployment rates.

Aim

To explore how adults with CP experience ageing.

Design & setting

National online survey given to adults with CP in the UK.

Method

The participants were adults with CP. Items for the online survey were taken from existing self-report measures, with additional items developed for the survey. Several domains of functioning were assessed including mobility, dexterity, fatigue, pain, speech, mental health, swallowing and health maintenance/self-care as well as healthcare usage. Data were analysed using χ2to examine the relationships between the demographic variables and the survey responses.

Results

The survey was completed by 395 participants, of whom 74.2% were female and approximately 59.3% aged <45 years. Responders reported having problems with mobility, pain, and fatigue with older participants reporting higher levels of pain and more mobility problems, although the correlations were fairly small. Healthcare usage was surprisingly low.

Conclusion

The study found that age was associated with a decline in mobility and a higher level of pain, although the relationships were weak. It is possible that the low healthcare usage among the responders is owing to services not being available to respond to their needs.
Building Teamwork into an Integrated Extension Program: Faculty Perspectives on Area of Expertise Teams
Authors: Bitsch Vera , Thornsbury Suzanne
Published: August 2023

In today's Extension environment of budget cuts and restructuring, the emphasis on building team programs has become greater than ever. We review the Area of Expertise team structure approach that was initiated at Michigan State University for Extension programming in 1994. Goals were to strengthen integration between campus and field staff, between research and Extension, and between disciplines. We provide an update on team-building within this structure and describe two faculty approaches to joining these, now ongoing, teams. Common experiences and lessons learned are highlighted to guide others in the process of joining diverse team environments in an effective way.
Native Landscaping vs. Exotic Landscaping: What Should We Recommend?
Authors: Hostetler Mark , Main Martin
Published: August 2023

In Extension, many questions are fielded concerning the installation and maintenance of turfgrass and ornamental plants. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the cumulative impacts of replacing native habitat with non-native turfgrass and ornamental plants is contributing significantly to the decline of biodiversity in both urban areas and surrounding natural areas. Given the state of our natural environment, perhaps Extension programs should present alternative landscaping approaches to help conserve urban biodiversity.
Rural Tourism Development: A Case Study of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in Southern Illinois
Authors: Smith Sylvia , Davis Nicole , Pike John
Published: August 2023

The research reported here analyzed non-wine activities that wine tourists might engage in while visiting a wine trail. Data was obtained by online questionnaires from 104 tour visitors to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in southern Illinois. Results indicated wine tourists were older, with higher education and income than local visitors. Wine tourists found local dining, national parks, and fine dining to be important, whereas locals considered local dining, site seeing, and photography important. Results reported may assist the rural wine tourism industry to better understand activities to enhance the tourist experience while increasing the tourism dollars to rural communities.
Tips to Create Biodiverse, Urban Communities
Authors: Hostetler Mark , Main Martin
Published: August 2023

Urban landscapes dominated by non-native turfgrass and ornamental plants are contributing to the decline of biodiversity in both urban areas and surrounding natural areas. Given that a majority of people now live in and experience nature in urban areas, landscaping recommendations by Extension professionals should focus on practices that conserve native biodiversity. We present alternative landscaping approaches to help conserve urban biodiversity.
Exploring Motives and Strategies in the Production of Knowledge in the University Context by the Example of Academic Career Trajectories
Authors: Hennig Marina , Bilgin Emre , Shehata Omar , Booh Aimée Tina , Domes Seraphine , Nottebaum Marie
Published: August 2023

Current research has shown that the combination of implicit and explicit knowledge among various actors is particularly crucial to the production of knowledge and that the characteristics of social relationships and resulting networks impact on how proficienty is acquired, transferred, absorbed, and applied. Although investigations have suggested that the actors involved in knowledge production are active and strategic agents, who differ considerably in their abilities to incorporate and generate knowledge, they are mostly referred to in terms as nodes or black boxes. In this regard, relationship research has demonstrated that actors differ in terms of motivations and abilities to share information and knowledge. Such motives are often strategic.
SIKAP TOLERANSI DAN FENOMENA KONFLIK KEHIDUPAN ANTAR UMAT BERAGAMA DI KOTA CILEGON DALAM PERSPEKTIF HADIS
Authors: Mahfud Mochammad Qoyum
Published: August 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membahas hadis tentang tasamuḥ atau toleransi. Objek formal penelitianini adalah ilmu hadis, sedangkan objek materialnya ialah hadis seputar toleransi didalam riwayat Imam Aḥmad. Hasil dan pembahasan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa status hadis mengenai toleransi berkualitas ṣahih dengan kualifikasi maqbul ma’mul bih bagi pengalaman umat beragama dalam wujud keakraban, bukan permusuhan dan perselisihan di antara umat beragama itu sendiri. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa hadis riwayat Aḥmad relevan untuk digunakan sebagai landasan aktualisasi toleransi beragama di Indonesia.
ECTODERMAL DYSPLASIA WITH TRUE ANODONTIA-A RARE CASE REPORT
Authors: Bhardwaj Sameeksha , Mohan Vinay , Gaur Anuj , Khanal Nirmala , Ankita Ankita , Singh Shivani
Published: August 2023

Ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic disorder caused by defects in the ectoderm that is developing in the embryo. The distinction between the hidrotic
and hypo hidrotic kinds of ectodermal dysplasia is based on the presence or lack of sweat glands. A case of a 6-year-old male child with hypo
hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is given, together with the complete anodontia of both the primary and secondary dentitions. The youngster was
under weight and was of short stature. The absence of sweat glands and a partial or total absence of primary and/or permanent dentition are
frequently seen along with the triad of nail dystrophy, alopecia or hypotrichosis, and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis.
CLINICAL EVALUATION OF A PANEL OF CIRCULATING MICRORNAS IN NONSMALL CELL LUNG CANCER
Authors: Pangeni Lamsal Laxmi , Cheng Liming , Luo Xia , Pangeni Roshan
Published: August 2023

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical role in the carcinogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Many serum miRNAs have
been identied as biomarkers for NSCLC. In this study, we examined the expression of serum miRNAs (miR-145, miR-155, miR-182, miR-197,
miR-205, and miR-210), and evaluated their diagnostic value in NSCLC. MicroRNAs were e Methods: xtracted from serum samples of 33 healthy
volunteers, 29 patients with benign lung disease (BLD), and 55 NSCLC patients. The expression of miRNAs was detected by quantitative real-time
PCR. We found that the serum miR-155, miR-210, miR-197, and miR-182 levels were signicantly Results: increased in NSCLC, while the
expression of miR-145 was substantially decreased in NSCLC. In addition, miR-155, miR-210, and miR-145 were signicantly changed in all
stages and subtypes. The expression of miR-182 was mainly increased in late stage, while miR-197 was mainly elevated in early stage. Moreover,
miR-197 and miR-182 were mainly increased in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
analysis indicated that combination of miR-155, miR-210 and miR-145 can be used as an ideal serum biomarker panel in the diagnosis of NSCLC.
Conclusions: These data suggest that combination of circulating miR-155, miR-210, and miR-145 can be further evaluated as novel potential
biomarkers in NSCLC.
THE IMPACT OF AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS ON ANXIETY AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGICAL DENTAL EXTRACTION IN A RURAL COMMUNITY OF INDIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Deshmukh Gargi , Deore Deepmala , Bendke Shruti , Mahindra Uma , Toshniwal Gauri
Published: August 2023

Anxiety is a common psychological issue experienced by many people, particularly when faced with perceived danger or threat. Dental anxiety,
specically related to surgical dental extractions, is a common phenomenon, leading to avoidance of extraction and other dental procedures. Aims
and Background: The study aims to determine the prevalence of anxiety in patients undergoing dental surgical extraction before and after
awareness session about the procedure by using the Modied Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and also to evaluate the role of awareness of dental
extraction procedures in the form of Audio-Visual awareness tapes of the procedure on anxiety in patients. A sample of Materials and Method:
150 patients in the age group of 18-55 years was examined for the study by the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The MDAS score
was recorded before showing the Audio-visual tape about the surgical dental extraction procedure. Scores were again recorded after the patient has
seen the audio-visual tape. Both scores were compared and the effectiveness of the awareness tape was assessed. The study found a Result:
signicant decrease in anxiety levels among patients who received audio-visual awareness sessions about the surgical dental extraction procedure.
Conclusion: The use of audio-visual awareness aids as a psychotherapeutic method to alleviate dental anxiety before dental extraction was found
to be signicantly effective.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: Verma Vikas , Rathi Nikhil , L. Kanojia M.
Published: August 2023

Background: Relationship of diabetes with metabolic syndrome is often temporal in nature as diabetes is not only one of the component factors of
metabolic syndrome but it is also a metabolic disorder that increases the risk of metabolic syndrome too. The risk of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus has
been shown to rise markedly with increase in degree of obesity. Aim: The present study was conducted to compare the incidence of metabolic
syndrome in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Materials and Method: Acase control study was conducted among 100 patients(50cases and 50
control) at MIMS, Uttar Pradesh for the period of January 2021 to December 2022. Upon obtaining informed consent, demographic information,
history taking, general and systemic examination, anthropometric data, blood pressure measurements, fasting and post prandial blood sugar,
HbA , blood urea, serum creatinine, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and HDLassessment done.Inclusion of anthropometry matched cases led 1c
to matching of two groups for certain metabolic syndrome risk factors like central obesity. Results: Study suggestive of higher incidence of
metabolic syndrome in diabetic patients(80%) compared to non diabetic patients(38%). Signicantly higher proportion of cases as compared to
controls had history of dyslipidaemia(case=58%,control=6%) and respiratory disease(case=6%,control=0%). Mean BMI of cases(62%) was
signicantly higher as compared to that of controls(26%). Cases as compared to controls had signicantly higher triglyceride and signicantly lower HDL levels. Incidence of low HDL levels and insulin resistance was signicantly higher in cases as compared to that of controls. Conclusion: Incidence of metabolic syndrome was found to be higher in diabetic patient compared to non diabetic patients which was statistically signicant.
"MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOMES FOLLOWING COVID-19 VACCINATION DURING PREGNANCY”: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
Authors: Ahmad Wani Bilal , Masuma razvi Syed , Rashid Nasir , Iqbal Asif , Muzafar Waafia
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The safety and efcacy of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy are still being studied. The purpose of this retrospective cohort
study was to look into the incidence of adverse outcomes in pregnant women who received COVID-19 vaccination during the second and third
trimesters, the prevalence of adverse outcomes in neonates born to vaccinated mothers, and the overall safety prole of COVID-19 vaccination in
terms of maternal and fetal outcomes. This retrospective cohort study was ca Methods: rried in patients who were admitted in Lalla Ded hospital,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Government Medical College Srinagar during the study period from September 2021 to March 2022.
The study included 565 pregnant women who had received COVID-19 vaccination. The ndings reve Results: aled that the incidence of adverse
outcomes was low in pregnant women who received COVID-19 vaccination, with 3 cases of stillbirths, 5 neonatal death and 4 fetal abnormalities.
124 neonates, on the other hand, were admitted to the NICU, primarily due to Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (74) and low birth weight (36).
Maternal outcomes were also positive, with no reports of PPH or APH. COVID-19 vaccination during preg Conclusion: nancy had a generally
positive safety prole, with no serious adverse events reported. The lack of a comparison group and the retrospective nature of the data are two of
the study's limitations. Overall, the ndings of this study provide important information about the safety and efcacy of COVID-19 vaccination
during pregnancy, which can be used to inform clinical care and public health policies
MORPHOLOGY OF SUPERIOR SUPRARENAL ARTERIES
Authors: Markam Yamini , Maurya Sweta
Published: August 2023

Due to the functional necessity, the suprarenal glands have a rich [1] vasculature in comparison to their compact size and less weight. Both glands gain abundant supply via three sources- superior suprarenal artery arising from inferior phrenic artery, a branch of abdominal aorta, middle suprarenal artery arising directly from the anterolateral surface of abdominal aorta and inferior suprarenal artery arising from renal [2] arterie