bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in Metal and Metal Oxide Nanomaterials for Topical Antimicrobial Applications: Insights and Future Perspectives
Authors: Medic Belmina Saric , Tomic Nikolina , Lagopati Nefeli , Gazouli Maria , Pojskic Lejla
Published: November 2024

Nanotechnology has seen significant growth in the past few decades, with the use of nanomaterials reaching a wide scale. Given that antimicrobial resistance is peaking, nanotechnology holds distinct potential in this area. This review discusses recent applications of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents, particularly focusing on their topical applications and their role in chronic wound therapy. We explore their use in various forms, including coated, encapsulated, and incorporated in hydrogels or as complexes, proposing them as topical antimicrobials with promising properties. Some studies have shown that metal and metal oxide nanoparticles can exhibit cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, while others have found no such properties. These effects depend on factors such as nanoparticle size, shape, concentration, and other characteristics. It is essential to establish the dose or concentration associated with potential toxic effects and to investigate the severity of these effects to determine a threshold below which metal or metal oxide nanoparticles will not produce negative outcomes. Therefore, further research should focus on safety assessments, ensuring that metal and metal oxide nanoparticles can be safely used as therapeutics in biomedical sciences.
Carbonized Apples and Quinces Stillage for Electromagnetic Shielding
Authors: Milenkovic Mila , Saeed Warda , Yasir Muhammad , Milivojevic Dusan , Azmy Ali , Nassar Kamal E. S. , Syrgiannis Zois , Spanopoulos Ioannis , Bajuk-Bogdanovic Danica , Maletić Snežana , Kerkez Djurdja , Barudžija Tanja , Jovanović Svetlana
Published: November 2024

Electromagnetic waves (EMWs) have become an integral part of our daily lives, but they are causing a new form of environmental pollution, manifesting as electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency signal leakage. As a result, the demand for innovative, eco-friendly materials capable of blocking EMWs has escalated in the past decade, underscoring the significance of our research. In the realm of modern science, the creation of new materials must consider the starting materials, production costs, energy usage, and the potential for air, water, and soil pollution. Herein, we utilized biowaste materials generated during the distillation of fruit schnapps. The biowaste from apple and quince schnapps distillation was used as starting material, mixed with KOH, and carbonized at 850 °C, in a nitrogen atmosphere. The structure of samples was investigated using various techniques (infrared, Raman, energy-dispersive X-ray, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, thermogravimetric analysis, BET surface area analyzer). Encouragingly, these materials demonstrated the ability to block EMWs within a frequency range of 8 to 12 GHz. Shielding efficiency was measured using waveguide adapters connected to ports (1 and 2) of the vector network analyzer using radio-frequency coaxial cables. At a frequency of 10 GHz, carbonized biowaste blocks 78.5% of the incident electromagnetic wave.
Excitonic-Vibrational Interaction at 2D Material/Organic Molecule Interfaces Studied by Time-Resolved Sum Frequency Generation
Authors: Chen Huiling , Lian Yu , Zhou Tao , Li Hui , Li Jiashi , Liu Xinyi , Huang Yuan , Liu Wei-Tao
Published: November 2024

The hybrid heterostructures formed between two-dimensional (2D) materials and organic molecules have gained great interest for their potential applications in advanced photonic and optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells and biosensors. Characterizing the interfacial structure and dynamic properties at the molecular level is essential for realizing such applications. Here, we report a time-resolved sum-frequency generation (TR-SFG) approach to investigate the hybrid structure of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) molecules and 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). By utilizing both infrared and visible light, TR-SFG can provide surface-specific information about both molecular vibrations and electronic transitions simultaneously. Our setup employed a Bragg grating for generating both a narrowband probe and an ultrafast pump pulse, along with a synchronized beam chopper and Galvo mirror combination for real-time spectral normalization, which can be readily incorporated into standard SFG setups. Applying this technique to the TMDC/PMMA interfaces yielded structural information regarding PMMA side chains and dynamic responses of both PMMA vibrational modes and TMDC excitonic transitions. We further observed a prominent enhancement effect of the PMMA vibrational SF amplitude for about 10 times upon the resonance with TMDC excitonic transition. These findings lay a foundation for further investigation into interactions at the 2D material/organic molecule interfaces.
Optimization Design and Simulation of Coin-Slot-Type Anti-Resonant Fiber Structure for 2 μm Transmission
Authors: Zhang Boyue , Tian Zhaoyang , Li Yu , Su Xinyang , Chi Hongxiang , Nie Zikun , Luo Xiaoyu , Li Bohan , Sun Tianran , Sarkisov Sergey , Kobtsev Sergey
Published: November 2024

In this work, we propose a new type of hollow-core anti-resonant fiber (HC-ARF) structure called a coin-slot structure. In this type of structure, two more layers of glass walls are added into the outer cladding capillary, which can effectively prevent light from leaking out of the fiber. In aiming to explore the influence of the outer resonant tube on loss at a wavelength of 2 μm, the fundamental mode loss, high-order mode loss, and higher-order mode extinction ratio (HOMER) under different geometric parameters are studied.
Analysis of Copper and Lead in Aerosols with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Diaz Daniel , Carreon Alejandra , Hahn David W.
Published: November 2024

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to the analysis of aerosolized Cu- and Pb-bearing particles generated from aqueous solutions. A nitrogen-driven nebulizer was utilized to aerosolize Cu- and Pb-spiked solutions. The liquid matrix of the aqueous droplets was evaporated before the LIBS analysis, and the remaining gas-phase analyte-rich aerosols were analyzed in a LIBS system that featured a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, a Czerny–Turner spectrometer, and an ICCD camera. The Cu and Pb concentrations in the aerosol streams were 0.26–1.29 ppm and 0.40–1.19 ppm, respectively. Laser diffraction and the particle size distributions of the aqueous aerosols were obtained to indirectly demonstrate the evaporation of the liquid matrix. Highly linear calibration curves (R2 = 0.995 for Cu and R2 = 0.987 for Pb) and acceptable limits of detection (2 ppb for Cu and 9 ppb for Pb) and quantification (5 ppb and 28 ppb) were obtained. The applications of the presented methodology include the near-real-time and in situ analysis of wastewater and gas-phase aerosols contaminated with heavy metals.
Dual-Stream Enhanced Deep Network for Transmission Near-Infrared Dorsal Hand Vein Age Estimation with Attention Mechanisms
Authors: Shu Zhenghua , Xie Zhihua , Zou Xiaowei
Published: November 2024

Dorsal hand vein recognition, with unique stable and reliable advantages, has attracted considerable attention from numerous researchers. In this case, the dorsal hand vein images captured by the means of transmission infrared imaging are clearer than those collected by other infrared methods, enabling it to be more suitable for the biometric applications. However, less attention is paid to individual age estimation based on dorsal hand veins. To this end, this paper proposes an efficient dorsal hand vein age estimation model using a deep neural network with attention mechanisms. Specifically, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is developed to extract the expressive features for age estimation. Simultaneously, another deep residual network is leveraged to strengthen the representation ability on subtle dorsal vein textures. Moreover, variable activation functions and pooling layers are integrated into the respective streams to enhance the nonlinearity modeling of the dual-stream model. Finally, a dynamic attention mechanism module is embedded into the dual-stream network to achieve multi-modal collaborative enhancement, guiding the model to concentrate on salient age-specific features. To evaluate the performance of dorsal hand vein age estimation, this work collects dorsal hand vein images using the transmission near-infrared spectrum from 300 individuals across various age groups. The experimental results show that the dual-stream enhanced network with the attention mechanism significantly improves the accuracy of dorsal hand vein age estimation in comparison with other deep learning approaches, indicating the potential of using near-infrared dorsal hand vein imaging and deep learning technology for efficient human age estimation.
A High-Speed Silicon-Photonics WDM Switch for Optical Networks Applications
Authors: Elkattan Mohamed , Gad Michael
Published: November 2024

This article introduces the design of a novel high-speed silicon-photonics hitless switch that adheres to wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) standards for channel 3 dB bandwidth, channel free spectral range, crosstalk, shape factor, and dispersion. The design combines the advantages of two structures, a compound ring resonator structure, and a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) modulator. The mathematical treatment for the proposed device is detailed, and two designs are presented. For a switch of five ring resonators, the through (drop) channel 3 dB bandwidth is 60 GHz (38 GHz), channel crosstalk is −24 dB (−24 dB), dispersion is 22 ps/nm (21 ps/nm), shape factor is 0.66 (0.5), and insertion loss is 0.3 dB (1.7 dB). For a switch of nine ring resonators, the through (drop) channel 3 dB bandwidth is 59 GHz (38 GHz), channel crosstalk is −37 dB (−24 dB), dispersion is 28.5 ps/nm (29 ps/nm), shape factor is 0.8 (0.73), and insertion loss is 0.3 dB (2.3 dB). For the five-ring design, the switch-on/off ratio is 30 dB, and for the nine-ring design, it is 31 dB. For both designs, the switching speed is 100 GHz.
Experimental Research on the Correction of Vortex Light Wavefront Distortion
Authors: Ge Yahang , Ke Xizheng
Published: November 2024

Wavefront distortion occurs when vortex beams are transmitted in the atmosphere. The turbulence effect greatly affects the transmission of information, so it is necessary to use adaptive optical correction technology to correct the wavefront distortion of the vortex beam at the receiving end. In this paper, a method of vortex wavefront distortion correction based on the deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm is proposed; this is a new correction method that can effectively handle high-dimensional state and action spaces and is especially suitable for correction problems in continuous action spaces. The entire system uses adaptive wavefront correction technology without a wavefront sensor. The simulation results show that the deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm can effectively correct the distorted vortex beams and improve the mode purity, and the intensity correlation coefficient of single-mode vortex light can be increased to about 0.88 and 0.69, respectively, under weak turbulence and strong turbulence, and the intensity coefficient of weak-turbulence multi-mode vortex light can be increased to about 0.96. The experimental results also show that the adaptive correction technology based on the deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm can effectively correct the wavefront distortion of vortex light.
Blue Light Enhances the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antitumor Potential of the Green Microalgae Coelastrella sp. BGV
Authors: Georgieva Zhaneta , Karcheva Zornitsa , Toshkova-Yotova Tanya , Georgieva Ani , Toshkova Reneta , Petrova Detelina , Zhiponova Miroslava , Chaneva Ganka
Published: November 2024

Green algae of the genus Coelastrella have attracted the attention of scientists due to their rich biochemical composition and potential for application in phytomedicine. The present study investigated the influence of light on the bioactive capacity of extracts from the Bulgarian strain of the green microalgae Coelastrella sp. BGV. Three LED lights were examined—red/blue (C1), blue (C2), and control white light (C3). The respective ethanol extracts were analyzed for the total content of phenolic antioxidants. The antimicrobial activity was tested using the disk-diffusion method against 10 microorganisms. The antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on cervical carcinoma HeLa and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell lines, as well as non-tumorigenic embryonal fibroblasts BALB/3T3 control, were evaluated using a cell viability assay. The overall results highlighted blue light as a factor enhancing the antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities of the C2 microalgal extract. Additionally, the investigated mechanism of the antitumor activity revealed a proapoptotic effect. In contrast, the C1 extract exhibited weaker activity and selectivity, while the C3 extract was the least active but demonstrated high cytotoxic selectivity. This study could contribute to expanding knowledge about the high biological potential of green microalgae and the development of biotechnological approaches for its regulation.
Major and Trace Airborne Elements and Ecological Risk Assessment: Georgia Moss Survey 2019–2023
Authors: Chaligava Omari , Zinicovscaia Inga , Peshkova Alexandra , Yushin Nikita , Frontasyeva Marina , Vergel Konstantin , Nurkassimova Makhabbat , Cepoi Liliana
Published: November 2024

The study, carried out as part of the International Cooperative Program on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops, involved collecting 95 moss samples across the territory of Georgia during the period from 2019 to 2023. Primarily samples of Hypnum cupressiforme were selected, with supplementary samples of Abietinella abietina, Pleurozium schreberi, and Hylocomium splendens in cases of the former’s absence. The content of 14 elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, Sr, V, and Zn) was detected using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), while the Hg content was determined using a Direct Mercury Analyzer. To identify any relationships between chemical elements and to depict their sources, multivariate statistics was applied. Principal component analysis identified three main components: PC1 (geogenic, 43.4%), PC2 (anthropogenic, 13.3%), and PC3 (local anomalies, 8.5%). The results were compared with the first moss survey conducted in Georgia in the period from 2014 to 2017, offering insights into temporal trends of air quality. Utilizing GIS, a spatial map illustrating pollution levels across Georgia, based on the Pollution Load Index, was generated. The Potential Environmental Risk Index emphasized significant risks associated with mercury and cadmium at several locations. The study highlights the utility of moss biomonitoring in assessing air pollution and identifying hotspots of contamination. The findings from this study could be beneficial for future biomonitoring research in areas with varying physical and geographical conditions.
Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture
Authors: Schulz Margot , Tabaglio Vincenzo
Published: November 2024

Allelopathy is an important mechanism in plant communication and interference, involving the release of plant/microorganism self-produced, special featured organic molecules into the environment [...]
Formulating an Innovative Emulsion Based on Poloxamer 407 Containing Oregano and Thyme Essential Oils as Alternatives for the Control of Mastitis Caused by Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Guimarães Nayhara M. , Ferreira Nicolly S. , Menezes Kássia V. , Neto Cleveland S. , Cunha Gabriel M. , Menini Luciano , Resende Juliana A. , Villanova Janaina C. O.
Published: November 2024

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge in human and veterinary medicine, primarily due to the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents. This issue is especially problematic when treating bovine mastitis, a prevalent infection in dairy cattle often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. We developed a sterile emulsion incorporating essential oils (EOs) of Origanum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris, known for their antimicrobial properties. The formulation based on poloxamer 407 was designed for intramammary or topical application on bovine teats. The most promising emulsion was subjected to preliminary stability testing at various temperature conditions over a 35-day period, during which its physicochemical characteristics, texture profile, and film-forming capacity were assessed. In vitro assays were used to evaluate its efficacy against both antimicrobial-sensitive and -resistant S. aureus strains. Thymol was identified as the predominant bioactive compound in the EOs. The formulation, containing 10% (w/w) EOs, exhibited antimicrobial activity against all tested strains and remained stable without phase separation. The emulsion demonstrated film-forming properties along with a satisfactory texture profile. These findings suggest that the emulsion has potential as an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of antimicrobial-resistant S. aureus infections in bovine mastitis, highlighting the potential of natural compounds in combating AMR. Further clinical studies are necessary to confirm the safety and therapeutic efficacy of the emulsion in vivo.
Electrochemical Co-Degradation of Acetaminophen and Bisphenol A in Aqueous Solutions: Degradation Competition and Pathways
Authors: Huang Kuo-Lin , Hung Jui-Chiung , Kuo Yi-Ming
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the degradation competition and pathways of electrochemical co-degradation of two emerging environmental contaminants, polar acetaminophen (AP) and (moderately) non-polar bisphenol A (BPA), on a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode in aqueous solutions. The results showed that both compounds mainly relied on hydroxyl radicals (•OH) to trigger indirect oxidation for their electrochemical degradation, although AP also underwent direct oxidation during electrolysis. The effect of increasing current density on the increases in degradation performance was almost the same for AP and BPA. However, BPA exhibited a better performance in mono-degradation than AP, while the opposite tendency was observed for their co-degradation. Their degradation efficiencies were better in 1 M Na2SO4 solution than in a real water matrix. Both UV-vis and excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence analyses demonstrated that all the aromatic rings of AP and BPA were opened after 30 min of electrolysis at 0.5 A cm−2 in 1 M Na2SO4 solution. Regardless of the small difference in intermediate species, the pathways of electrochemical AP+BPA co-degradation were similar to those of their mono-degradation combination. A double exponential decay model is proposed to simulate the formation and degradation rate constants of benzoquinone (an intermediate).
Causes and Evolution of High Injection–Production Ratios in Low-Permeability Reservoirs: The Role of Water Absorption in Barrier and Intercalated Layers
Authors: Fang Zheng , Chen Mian , Yin Daiyin , Wang Dongqi , Liu Kai , Yang Yuqing , Yang Konghang
Published: November 2024

During the waterflood development of low-permeability reservoirs, the lithology of barrier and intercalated layers adjacent to the reservoir, with specific permeability and porosity, has a significant impact on water injection efficiency and reservoir energy recovery. However, current research on injection–production parameters and pressure changes in low-permeability reservoirs has not fully considered the effect of these barrier layers. Therefore, this study focuses on the Chaoyanggou Oilfield, a typical low-permeability reservoir, aiming to reveal the influence of water absorption by barrier layers on water injection efficiency and pressure changes in the reservoir. The study systematically analyzes the evolution of the injection–production ratio at different development stages by constructing a comprehensive lithological geological model and applying numerical simulation methods. It explores how the water absorption characteristics of barrier layers affect reservoir pressure and injection efficiency. The results demonstrate that argillaceous siltstone and silty mudstone have significant water absorption effects on injected water, critically influencing pressure distribution and fluid flow dynamics in the reservoir. As the water cut increases, the injection–production ratio gradually stabilizes, and the elastic water storage in the reservoir becomes crucial for establishing an effective oil displacement system. The water absorption of barrier layers accounts for 30% to 40% of the injected water. A high injection–production ratio alone does not lead to rapid energy recovery or increased production. Only by balancing the injection–production ratio, reservoir pressure, and water absorption in barrier layers can the efficiency and recovery rate of waterflood development in low-permeability reservoirs be further improved.
Optimized Fault Classification in Electric Vehicle Drive Motors Using Advanced Machine Learning and Data Transformation Techniques
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu S. , Karthick K. , Aruna S. K. , Manikandan R. , Safran Mejdl
Published: November 2024

The increasing use of electric vehicles has made fault diagnosis in electric drive motors, particularly in variable speed drives (VSDs) using three-phase induction motors, a critical area of research. This article presents a fault classification model based on machine learning (ML) algorithms to identify various faults under six operating conditions: normal operating mode (NOM), phase-to-phase fault (PTPF), phase-to-ground fault (PTGF), overloading fault (OLF), over-voltage fault (OVF), and under-voltage fault (UVF). A dataset simulating real-world operating conditions, consisting of 39,034 instances and nine key motor features, was analyzed. Comprehensive data preprocessing steps, including missing value removal, duplicate detection, and data transformation, were applied to enhance the dataset’s suitability for ML models. Yeo–Johnson and Hyperbolic Sine transformations were used to reduce skewness and improve the normality of the features. Multiple ML algorithms, including CatBoost, Random Forest (RF) Classifier, AdaBoost, and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), were trained and evaluated using Bayesian optimization with cross-validation. The CatBoost model achieved the best performance, with an accuracy of 94.1%, making it the most suitable model for fault classification in electric vehicle drive motors.
Acoustic Tunnel Lining Void Detection: Modeling and Instrument System Development
Authors: Tang Luxin , Zeng Jinbin , Chen Chuixin , Huang Jian , Zhou Shuxing , Wang Li , Zhang Defu , Wu Weibin , Gao Ting
Published: November 2024

The detachment of railway tunnel lining constitutes a grave danger to train operation safety and drastically curtails the tunnel’s service life. This study endeavors to efficiently detect the void defects in railway tunnel lining by creating a finite element model of tunnel lining structures. Utilizing this model, the study simulates the nonlinear acoustic wave propagation cloud maps for three representative tunnel lining structures: void-free, air void, and water void. This facilitates a thorough examination of the acoustic signal characteristics in the wavefield, time domain, and frequency domain. To satisfy the precision and efficiency demands of tunnel lining void detection, this study has devised and developed a portable acoustic detector that incorporates automatic analysis and processing capabilities and is furnished with a high-performance rare-earth magneto-strictive acoustic excitation device. This detection system can swiftly detect and assess typical void defects in tunnel lining. To further validate the effectiveness of this system, this study conducted lining defect detection in the Pingdao Railway Tunnel in the eastern Qinling Mountains. The test results show that the detection rate of this system for both air-filled and water-filled voids with a width of 1 m reached 100%, demonstrating its extremely high application value.
Enhancing the Thermal Efficiency of Parabolic Trough Collectors by Using Annular Receivers for Low-Enthalpy Steam Generation
Authors: Aquino-Santiago Zuriel , Aguilar J. O. , Becerra-Núñez Guillermo , Jaramillo O. A.
Published: November 2024

Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTCs) are a well-established technology for efficiently generating hot water and low-enthalpy steam. For instance, PTCs can be used in steam power systems to drive small Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs). This study evaluated the thermal efficiency of a PTC equipped with a receiver tube featuring a concentric annular cross-section. This receiver design consists of a tube with a concentric rod inside, forming an annular gap through which the working fluid flows. A thermodynamic model was developed to assess the PTC’s thermal efficiency in hot water and low-enthalpy steam applications. The evaluation considered the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, factoring in environmental losses. The model included a bare receiver tube with three-rod diameters—3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inches—and a range of volumetric flow rates from 1 to 6 L per minute. The results showed improved heat transfer with the annular cross-section receiver compared to a conventional circular one, particularly at lower flow rates of 1 and 2 L per minute. The highest increase in thermal efficiency was observed with the 3/4-inch rod at a flow rate of 1 L per minute, where the maximum efficiency reached 40%.
Two-Stage, Three-Layer Stochastic Robust Model and Solution for Multi-Energy Access System Based on Hybrid Game Theory
Authors: Wu Guodong , Li Xiaohu , Wang Jianhui , Zhang Ruixiao , Bao Guangqing
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes a two-stage, three-layer stochastic robust model and its solution method for a multi-energy access system (MEAS) considering different weather scenarios which are described through scenario probabilities and output uncertainties. In the first stage, based on the principle of the master–slave game, the master–slave relationship between the grid dispatch department (GDD) and the MEAS is constructed and the master–slave game transaction mechanism is analyzed. The GDD establishes a stochastic pricing model that takes into account the uncertainty of wind power scenario probabilities. In the second stage, considering the impacts of wind power and photovoltaic scenario probability uncertainties and output uncertainties, a max–max–min three-layer structured stochastic robust model for the MEAS is established and its cooperation model is constructed based on the Nash bargaining principle. A variable alternating iteration algorithm combining Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions (KKT) is proposed to solve the stochastic robust model of the MEAS. The alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is used to solve the cooperation model of the MEAS and a particle swarm algorithm (PSO) is employed to solve the non-convex two-stage model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model and method is verified through case studies.
A Real-Time Accounting Method for Carbon Dioxide Emissions in High-Energy-Consuming Industrial Parks
Authors: Liu Hongli , Xie Lianfang , Wei Yang , Chen Yumin , Liu Xueyuan , Zhang Yibin , Liu Deming , Li Qian
Published: November 2024

Industrial parks play a crucial role in carbon control and reduction. With energy-intensive enterprises at their core, such parks feature highly concentrated carbon emission sources and a significant demand for carbon trading. Nonetheless, the absence of precise and real-time carbon accounting methods makes it difficult for them to effectively manage and regulate carbon emissions. The real-time accounting methods for carbon dioxide emissions in high-energy-consuming industrial parks urgently need further study. Therefore, this paper initially examines three areas—fuel combustion, industrial engineering, and electricity usage—and proposes a real-time framework to account for carbon dioxide emissions in high-energy industrial parks. Secondly, it extracts real-time elements from each part and proposes a real-time carbon dioxide emission accounting method tailored to the actual needs of high-energy-consuming industrial parks. Finally, an empirical analysis is carried out on an aluminum production park as an example to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the real-time accounting method for carbon dioxide emissions in high-energy-consuming industrial parks.
Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass into 2nd Generation Biofuel
Authors: Giertl Tomáš , Vitázek Ivan , Gaduš Ján , Kollárik Rastislav , Przydatek Grzegorz
Published: November 2024

Bioenergy is considered the largest contributor to the renewable and sustainable energy sector worldwide, playing a significant role in various energy sectors such as heating, electricity supply, and even in replacing fossil fuels in the transportation sector. As part of renewable, low-carbon energy systems, bioenergy can also ensure atmospheric carbon sequestration, provide numerous environmental and socio-economic benefits, and thus contribute to achieving global climate change goals, as well as broader environmental, social, economic, and sustainable development objectives. The use of bioenergy can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and thus contribute to improving the environment. While bioenergy conversion of biomass produces some amount of carbon dioxide, similar to traditional fossil fuels, its impact can be minimized by replacing forest biomass with fast-growing trees and energy crops. Therefore, fast-growing trees and energy crops are the primary raw materials for bioenergy. The results of the research in this publication confirm the high efficiency of biomass depolymerization through thermochemical conversion. The principle of continuous biomass conversion was used at a process temperature of 520 °C. The experiments were carried out in the Biomass Gasification Laboratory at the AgroBioTech Research Center of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. The biomass used for the experiments was from energy-producing fast-growing willows, specifically the varieties Sven, Inger, and Express. The aim was to determine the amount of biochar produced from each of these tree species and subsequently to investigate its potential use for energy purposes. During the experiments, 0.106 kg of biochar was produced from 1 kg of Inger willow biomass, 0.252 kg from 1 kg of Express willow biomass, and 0.256 kg from 1 kg of Sven willow biomass. A subsequent goal was to determine the production of gas, which can also be used for energy purposes. The biofuel samples obtained were subsequently subjected to thermogravimetric analysis to determine moisture content, volatile matter, and ash content. The ash content in dry matter ranged from 6% to 7.28%, while the volatile matter in dry matter was between 92.72% and 94%. The moisture content in the samples ranged from 1.7% to 2.43%. These results may contribute to innovative insights into biomass depolymerization and help define optimized parameters for thermochemical conversion, as well as the required biomass composition, with the goal of generating second-generation biofuels in the most cost-effective way.
Enhancing Engine Cylinder Heat Dissipation Capacity Through Direct Optimization (DO) Techniques
Authors: Agarwal Abhishek , Dinka Megersa Olumana , Ilunga Masengo
Published: November 2024

Internal combustion (IC) engines are used widely as the primary power source for automobiles of all types, cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Because of the high combustion temperatures involved in the operation, the excess heat is removed by means of extended fins that increase the surface area for adequate cooling. Significant improvement in the heat dissipation characteristics of the engine cylinder can be achieved by optimizing the design of these fins. The aim of this study is to evaluate the thermal performance of engine cylinder fins using an analytical system of finite element analysis (ANSYS FEA) software, using a direct optimization (DO) approach to identify optimal fin design. Analysis shows that fin length and width play critical roles in improving cooling efficiency, lowering the maximum temperature within the cylinder to 549.46 K and enhancing total heat flux to 7225.31 W/m2, which is a 25.87% increase from the generic design, capable of heating removal of 5740.22 W/m2. The current fin design is effective but could be improved in heat dissipation, mainly at fin tips. To optimize thermal performance while minimizing material costs, a balanced fin dimension is recommended. Alternative materials, transient heating analysis, and experimental verification may be examined in the future to achieve a total understanding of fin geometry and behavior under real operating conditions. These insights lay a foundation to accelerate cooling systems development in the automotive, aerospace, and heavy equipment industries, where efficient heat transfer is key for performance and long-term durability.
Bridging Cultures: A Comparative Study of Early Catholic Missionaries’ Chinese Proverb Collections
Authors: Sang Rui , Nardone Jean-Luc
Published: November 2024

For early Christian missionaries, Chinese proverbs were an invaluable resource for learning the language, understanding the culture, and carrying out religious evangelization. While existing research has predominantly focused on collections of Chinese proverbs by Protestant missionaries, Catholic missionaries’ efforts in gathering Chinese proverbs preceded those of their Protestant counterparts and hold significant linguistic, historical, and cross-cultural value. This study begins by tracing the emergence of Catholic missionaries’ interest in Chinese proverbs and then presents a comparative analysis of three representative collections compiled by Joseph de Prémare (1666–1736), Paul Perny (1818–1907), and Joseph Van Oost (1877–1939): Catholic missionaries from different orders and historical periods. It examines the compilation structures, purposes, Chinese proverbs selected, and interpretive approaches in their works, tracing the evolution of Catholic missionaries’ Chinese proverb collections. The study interprets this evolution in relation to the Catholic Church’s missionary strategies and the personal evangelization philosophies of the missionaries themselves. This research demonstrates the diverse cultural engagement practices of Catholic missionaries in China from the 18th to the early 20th century, offering new insights into the interaction between Catholicism and Chinese culture during this period.
Reflection on the Unity of the Three Teachings in the Late Ming Dynasty—Centered on the Concept of “Sanhanjiao Is Non-Orthodox Teaching” in The True Meaning of the Lord of Heaven
Authors: Tang Zhejia
Published: November 2024

In his work The True Meaning of the Lord of Heaven, Matteo Ricci not only criticized Buddhism and Taoism but also put forward the viewpoint that “Sanhanjiao is non-orthodox teaching”. The so-called Sanhanjiao actually refers to the three teachings into one established by Lin Zhaoen, so Ricci’s criticism of the three teachings into one, to some extent, is also a criticism of Lin Zhaoen’s “Three-in-One Doctrine”. Ricci used the argument “One Teaching cannot have Three Teachings” to criticize the view of “One Dao, Three Teachings” and also used “it is not possible to forcibly equate the Three Teachings” to criticize the theory of “the Three Teachings are the same”, bringing the perspective of the uniqueness of faith in Western religious culture to China. Ricci’s criticism of the three teachings into one is based on the premise of spreading Catholicism; his argument mainly relies on the logical reasoning of the Western way of thinking, thus ignoring the inherent characteristics of Chinese indigenous culture. However, his viewpoint at least broke the mainstream ideology of “the Unity of the Three Teachings” in the late Ming Dynasty and also provided significant inspiration for the intellectuals of the late Ming Dynasty to reflect on this trend. Ricci’s dialogue with Chinese indigenous religions did not erase the differences between their respective cultures, but actually promoted the integration between Chinese and Western cultures. Therefore, the significance of The True Meaning of the Lord of Heaven lies not only in the dissemination of Catholic thought but also implies a dialogue and cultural transformation between different civilizations.
The Effect of Risk Management on Direct and Indirect Capital Structure Deviations
Authors: Li Xiaoyi , Shiu Yung-Ming
Published: November 2024

This study explores the effect of risk management on capital structure deviations. Specifically, we innovatively classify capital structure deviations into direct and indirect deviations, with our classification being based on deviations resulting mainly from changes in either actual or target leverage. Thus, if the variation in the actual leverage exceeds the variation in the target leverage, this deviation is considered direct. Conversely, if the target leverage varies more than the actual leverage, it is considered an indirect deviation. Our results reveal that risk management can help reduce these deviations, which mainly result from changes in actual leverage. We further demonstrate that insurers with direct deviations adjust their capital structure approximately 29.2% faster than insurers with indirect deviations.
A Deep Learning-Based Method for Bearing Fault Diagnosis with Few-Shot Learning
Authors: Li Yang , Gu Xiaojiao , Wei Yonghe
Published: November 2024

To tackle the issue of limited sample data in small sample fault diagnosis for rolling bearings using deep learning, we propose a fault diagnosis method that integrates a KANs-CNN network. Initially, the raw vibration signals are converted into two-dimensional time-frequency images via a continuous wavelet transform. Next, Using CNN combined with KANs for feature extraction, the nonlinear activation of KANs helps extract deep and complex features from the data. After the output of CNN-KANs, an FAN network module is added. The FAN module can employ various feature aggregation strategies, such as weighted averaging, max pooling, addition aggregation, etc., to combine information from multiple feature levels. To further tackle the small sample issue, data generation is performed on the original data through diffusion networks under conditions of fewer samples for bearings and tools, thereby increasing the sample size of the dataset and enhancing fault diagnosis accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that, under small sample conditions, this method achieves higher accuracy compared to other approaches.
Quantitative Detection Method for Surface Angled Cracks Based on Laser Ultrasonic Full-Field Scanning Data
Authors: Wang Chenwei , Han Rui , Zhang Yihui , Wang Yuzhong , Zi Yanyang , Zhao Jiyuan
Published: November 2024

Surface angled cracks on critical components in high-speed machinery can lead to fractures under stress and pressure, posing a significant threat to the operational safety of equipment. To detect surface angled cracks on critical components, this paper proposes a “Quantitative Detection Method for Surface Angled Cracks Based on Full-field Scanning Data”. By analyzing different ultrasonic signals in the full-field scanning data from laser ultrasonics, the width, angle, and length of surface angled cracks can be determined. This study investigates the propagation behavior of ultrasonic waves and their interaction with surface angled cracks through theoretical calculations. The crack width is solved by analyzing the distribution of Rayleigh waves in the full-field scanning data. This paper also discusses the differences in ultrasonic wave propagation between near-field and far-field detection and identifies the critical point between these regions. Different computational methods are employed to calculate the inclination angle and the crack endpoint at various scan positions. Four sets of experiments were conducted to validate the proposed method, with results showing that the errors in determining the width, angle, and length of the surface angled cracks were all within 5%. This confirms the feasibility of the method for detecting surface angled cracks. The quantitative detection of surface angled cracks on critical components using this method allows for a comprehensive assessment of the component’s condition, aiding in the prediction of service life and the mitigation of operational risks. This method shows promising application potential in areas such as aircraft engine blade inspection and gear inspection.
High-Entropy Thermistor Ceramics (La1/3Nd1/3M1/3)2(Zr1/2Sn1/2)2O7 (M = Sm, Eu, Gd, or Dy) with High Sensitivity for High-Temperature Measurements
Authors: Chen Yian , Xuan Tingting , Li Xiaohui , Tuo Yuling , Chen Xiaoyi , Gao Bo
Published: November 2024

A series of high-entropy pyrochlore ceramics, specifically (La1/3Nd1/3M1/3)2(Zn1/2Sn1/2)2O7 (M = Sm, Eu, Gd, or Dy), have been synthesized using the solid-state reaction method. Their potential as high-temperature thermistors was investigated by analyzing electrical and aging properties at elevated temperatures. Characterization using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy confirms that these ceramics are dense, single-phase solid solutions with a pyrochlore structure. Electrical analysis demonstrate that these ceramics maintain high resistivity and resistance stability, exhibiting typical negative temperature coefficient features and high B values across a wide temperature range. These characteristics make (La1/3Nd1/3M1/3)2(Zn1/2Sn1/2)2O7 promising candidates for the development of high-sensitivity, long-life high-temperature thermistors suitable for applications within the temperature range of 400–1200 °C.
‘Two Families Rejected Her; We Won’t’—Experiences of Same-Sex Couples in the Chilean Public Adoption System
Authors: Morrison Rodolfo , Cirineu Cleber Tiago , Chávez Nicolás , Retamal Nallely , Reyes Paulina , Sepúlveda Amanda , Lagos-Ceron Daniel
Published: November 2024

In Chile, same-sex couples have faced legal and social barriers that limit their equitable access to the adoption process. Objective: To explore the experiences of three same-sex couples who completed the adoption process in the Chilean public system before implementing the equal marriage law in 2022. Method: A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews to collect narratives from adoptive families. The information was analyzed using qualitative content analysis, identifying patterns and emerging themes. Results: It was revealed that families identified a market-driven logic within the adoption process, where personal preferences and prejudices influence the adoption decisions of traditional families, from which same-sex couples try to distance themselves. Additionally, significant challenges related to emotional bonding and family adaptation post-adoption were identified. Same-sex couples reported being clearly in a different position compared to traditional families and faced additional difficulties due to a lack of institutional support and insufficient post-adoption follow-up. Discussion and Conclusions: The need for structural reforms in the Chilean adoption system is highlighted to ensure equity and fair treatment for all families, regardless of their composition. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of implementing inclusive policies that recognize and support family diversity, promoting a fairer and more equitable adoption system that ensures the well-being of all children involved.
Incarceration and Addiction: Women’s Lived Experiences of Deprivation
Authors: Yang Chiao-Yu
Published: November 2024

Aims: This research examined the incarceration experiences of adult women with histories of drug addiction, aiming to fill knowledge gaps regarding how these women subjectively interpret their incarceration experiences. Methodology: In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 formerly incarcerated women from the Northeast and Midwest United States. A phenomenological approach was used to explore the meaning of incarceration for the participants, with the deprivation model of imprisonment guiding the analysis. Findings: Women with drug addiction reported being treated differently while incarcerated because of their addiction. They experienced a lack of physical and psychosocial security, limited autonomy in health-related decisions, and diminished freedom to act and express themselves, often as a result of their mental health and drug addiction issues. Additionally, they experienced a loss of identity, stigma, and internalized stigma due to the way they were treated in prison. Conclusions: Incarceration is a critical life event that deprives women of many basic human needs, shaping their health, self-perception, and understanding of the criminal justice system. Further research is necessary to explore how the experience of incarceration impacts women’s mental health, drug addiction recovery, and overall well-being.
Valorising Transnational Heritage Through Cultural Routes—European Travels in Special Collections of Adriatic Libraries
Authors: Urošević Nataša , Cameron Ross , Frančić Damjana
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the authors present the possibilities of transnational networking and developing innovative cultural routes through participatory research and creative presentations of European cultural heritage in special collections of Adriatic libraries. The purpose of the research, conducted in the framework of the course Travel Writing and Cultural Routes, was to identify collections that contain travel writing material related to the broader Euro-Mediterranean area and to enable its better visibility through the digitization and creation of new European cultural routes. The students, with the help of librarians at the University Library in Pula, explored special collections, such as the Marine Library, and proposed the creation of new cultural routes, following the itineraries of European travel writers in the Adriatic. The conducted research indicated collections and materials in heritage institutions (archives, libraries and museums) in Pula and Istria relevant to the topics of cultural routes and travel in Europe, as well as regional multicultural history. Libraries in Istria and Dalmatia have valuable collections of rare archival material related to European travels to the Adriatic. The cataloguing and digitisation of rare travel texts has the potential to raise awareness of these collections, adding to their significance for academic research and heritage-based tourism.