bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser micromachining of chromium-rich die steels under controlled atmospheres
Authors: Jackson M J , Robinson G M , Mills B , O'Neill W
Published: May 2003

Diode-pumped, solid-state (DPSS) lasers with multiwavelength capability have become an industrial reality in recent years. Multiwavelength capability allows DPSS lasers to perform operations such as micromachining in a variety of engineering materials such as ceramics, metals and polymers. A series of experiments was performed to investigate how shielding gas environments and gas pressure affect the ability to cut and machine chromium-rich die steels. Results from this study reveal that traditional plasma-controlling gases have a detrimental effect on the surface morphology of micromachined components.
Reverse engineering of simple surfaces of unknown shape with touch probes: Scanning and compensation issues
Authors: Vosniakos G C , Giannakakis T
Published: May 2003

This work discusses issues concerning the implementation of scanning of unknown engineering objects containing just simple (i.e. no freeform) surfaces with touch probes on three-axis computer numerical control (CNC) measuring machines in order to reconstruct their shape in a computer aided design (CAD) system. Several ideas are put forward e.g. scanning along vertical slicing planes adaptive point sampling distances in-process ‘proactive’ segmentation of points into curve sections and probe radius compensation in two directions as well as limited remedy of edge scanning ambiguities. Most of the suggested algorithms are implemented as parametric numerical control (NC) programs on an OKUMA machining centre.
New Little ICE Age Instead of Global Warming?
Authors: Landscheidt Theodor
Published: May 2003

Analysis of the sun's varying activity in the last two millennia indicates that contrary to the IPCC's speculation about man-made global warming as high as 5.8°C within the next hundred years, a long period of cool climate with its coldest phase around 2030 is to be expected. It is shown that minima in the secular Gleissberg cycle of solar activity, coinciding with periods of cool climate on Earth, are consistently linked to an 83-year cycle in the change of the rotary force driving the sun's oscillatory motion about the centre of mass of the solar system. As the future course of this cycle and its amplitudes can be computed, it can be seen that the Gleissberg minimum around 2030 and another one around 2200 will be of the Maunder minimum type accompanied by severe cooling on Earth. This forecast should prove ‘skilful’ as other long-range forecasts of climate phenomena, based on cycles in the sun's orbital motion, have turned out correct, as for instance the prediction of the last three El Niños years before the respective event.
Betz cells of the primary motor cortex
Authors: Nolan Matthew , Scott Connor , Hof Patrick. R. , Ansorge Olaf
Published: January 2024

Betz cells, named in honor of Volodymyr Betz (1834–1894), who described them as “giant pyramids” in the primary motor cortex of primates and other mammalian species, are layer V extratelencephalic projection (ETP) neurons that directly innervate α‐motoneurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. Despite their large volume and circumferential dendritic architecture, to date, no single molecular criterion has been established that unequivocally distinguishes adult Betz cells from other layer V ETP neurons. In primates, transcriptional signatures suggest the presence of at least two ETP neuron clusters that contain mature Betz cells; these are characterized by an abundance of axon guidance and oxidative phosphorylation transcripts. How neurodevelopmental programs drive the distinct positional and morphological features of Betz cells in humans remains unknown. Betz cells display a distinct biphasic firing pattern involving early cessation of firing followed by delayed sustained acceleration in spike frequency and magnitude. Few cell type‐specific transcripts and electrophysiological characteristics are conserved between rodent layer V ETP neurons of the motor cortex and primate Betz cells. This has implications for the modeling of disorders that affect the motor cortex in humans, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Perhaps vulnerability to ALS is linked to the evolution of neural networks for fine motor control reflected in the distinct morphomolecular architecture of the human motor cortex, including Betz cells. Here, we discuss histological, molecular, and functional data concerning the position of Betz cells in the emerging taxonomy of neurons across diverse species and their role in neurological disorders.
German Media Discourses and Public Perceptions on Hydrogen Imports: An Energy Justice Perspective
Authors: Sadat‐Razavi Pantea , Karakislak Irmak , Hildebrand Jan
Published: January 2024

While aiming to become a global pioneer in green hydrogen, import of hydrogen is indispensable for meeting the German hydrogen demand. Public perception and acceptance of a changing energy landscape are crucial for enabling a hydrogen economy in Germany. The societal discourse surrounding hydrogen imports carries significant importance as it provides a lens through which to assess the alignment of these developments with Sustainable Development Goals and justice principles. This study sheds light on potential synergies or conflicts resulting from socioeconomic implications of hydrogen imports. With a multimethod approach, media discourses and public perceptions of hydrogen import are assessed. This study presents results from a media analysis of N = 37 newspaper articles and a representative survey (N = 2752). Media representation of hydrogen imports focuses on discussed motives for imports and conditions for partnerships with potential countries, whereas implications for exporting countries receive little attention. The survey results on public perceptions of Power‐to‐X technologies show support for renewables as a basis for imports. Yet, there is still a high degree of uncertainty in the assessment, expressed by a high number of “don't know” answers within the survey. The study highlights the need for stronger science communication and dialogue on hydrogen import strategies.
Triboelectric Nanogenerator‐Enabled 3D Microporous Polydimethylsiloxane–Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for Flexible Self‐Powered Humidity Sensing Applications
Authors: Mohamadbeigi Nima , Rafiefard Nassim , Ejehi Faezeh , Mohammadpour Raheleh , Iraji zad Azam
Published: January 2024

The imperative to meet the energy needs of contemporary electronic devices has spurred extensive exploration into self‐powered systems. Given the anticipated ubiquity of sensor networks in future cities, a novel battery‐free sensing paradigm, rooted in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG), has gained prominence. Utilizing mechanical energy otherwise wasted daily for electricity generation presents a promising alternative to conventional sensors. Embedding the sensing electrode within the TENG structure enables the creation of gas sensors suitable for portable and wireless applications. This study focuses on fabricating a 3D microporous sponge of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using sugar cubes and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. Leveraging the hydrophilic properties of the GO enhances moisture absorption, elevating the humidity sensor's responsivity. In addition, the porous structure not only improves sensitivity to high humidity but also mitigates surface saturation issues prevalent in nonporous sensors. The porous self‐powered sensor, composed of PDMS with 0.5 wt% of GO, exhibits a response of up to 2500%, quantified as ((ΔV/V) × 100%), to relative humidity changes from 20% to 99%. Furthermore, the response and recovery times stand at 1.2 and 2.3 s, respectively. These findings underscore the feasibility of integrating TENG electrodes, utilizing a porous PDMS–GO nanocomposite, to create various types of integrated gas sensors.
Comparison of In Situ‐Fabricated Ternary NiCoMn‐Metal–Organic Frameworks versus Slurry Deposition on Porous Ni‐Foam: A Facile Approach for Enhancing Supercapacitor Performance
Authors: Abdul Karim Muhammad Ramzan , Khalid Wajahat , Zahid Rida
Published: January 2024

Owing to the worldwide energy requirements, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been extensively used as electrode material. Ternary MOFs have been of prime importance because of their characteristic of a variety of oxidation states than mono‐ and bimetallic MOFs. Herein, a novel comparison and superiority of binder‐free MOF deposition known as in situ (IN) on the substrate have been investigated over the slurry deposition method involving the excellent properties of ternary MOFs. Confirmation of MOF formation using X‐ray diffraction and investigation of its morphological features have been explored using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive X‐ray area mapping has also been integrated for conformity of uniform elemental distribution. The electrochemical properties of NiCoMn‐MOF have been investigated and the results obtained for NiCoMn deposited using IN methodology are superior due to excellent penetration of MOF inside substrate that provides the basis of excellent electrochemical properties. A specific capacitance of 1000 C g−1 at 4 A g−1 in 3‐electrode assembly has been achieved accompanied by energy and power density of 55 Wh kg−1 and 2467 W kg−1 in 2‐electrode setup. An excellent cyclic stability of about 97% has been obtained after subjecting the asymmetric supercapacitor device to 5000 charge/discharge cycles at 20 A g−1. Diffusive nature dominancy over capacitive is also observed by manipulating Dunns’ model. The superior and novel aspect of using IN deposition may pave the way for their efficient use in energy storage devices.
The intensity of environmental scandals, responsible innovation, and corporate resilience: The moderating role of relational trust
Authors: Xia Cao , Delei Wang
Published: January 2024

Research on the reasons contributing to the heterogeneous effects of environmental scandals on corporate performance remains limited. This study examines the factors of corporate resilience (CR) and employs event system theory to investigate the roles of responsible innovation (RI) and relational trust (RT) in shaping the relationship between environmental scandal intensity (ESI) and CR. We focus on examining the mediating role of RI in the relationship between ESI and CR and consider the moderating effect of RT. Analyzing survey data from 211 Chinese companies, we find that RI significantly mediates the inverted U‐shaped impact of ESI on CR. Moreover, RT regulates this relationship. These findings help extend our knowledge on the practice of CR when a scandal occurs and during its aftermath.
Metabolome profiling of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) callus under drought stress conditions induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) as osmoticant
Authors: Boutchouang Rodrigue Pouengue , Fliniaux Ophélie , Eyamo Jos Victor Evina , Djabou Astride Stephanie Mouafi , Fontaine Jean‐Xavier , Molinié Roland , Mesnard François , Niemenak Nicolas
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), a perennial crop that serves as a source of cacao beans, can suffer from drastic climate changes such as irregular rainfall and shorter rainy seasons. The search for hybrids which are capable of producing specific metabolites favoring adaptation in new climatic conditions is a challenge in cacao farming.

Objectives

We aimed to (1) analyze the metabolic changes in calli of three cacao genotypes during water deficit induced by incubation with polyethylene glycol and (2) assess their response to water deficit stress with regard to somatic embryo differentiation.

Methods

Metabolic profiling was carried out using 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis was applied to crude extracts of calli grown in non‐stress or water deficit stress conditions.

Results

Water deficit stress influences the capacity of calli to produce embryos. The SCA12 genotype exhibited the best conversion capacity under severe conditions and was considered as tolerant to drought, followed by the SCA6 genotype (mid‐tolerant) and the MA12 genotype (sensitive). Fifty‐four metabolites were identified in the three cacao genotypes and discriminant metabolites were identified. Metabolites involved in water stress tolerance such as fructose, trans‐aconitic acid, leucine, and hydroxybenzene derivatives were observed in SCA12, the tolerant genotype.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the utility of 1H‐NMR metabolomics as an essential tool for the analysis of the drought tolerance characteristics of T. cacao.
Mechanical Abrasion of Laser‐Machined Highly Hydrophobic Stainless Steel Surface Depending on Surface Topography
Authors: Lorenz Pierre , Zajadacz Joachim , Streisel Leon , Ehrhardt Martin , Morgenstern Roy , Lampke Thomas , Hommes Gregor , Peter Sebastian , Zimmer Klaus
Published: January 2024

Stainless steel (SST) is an important material for a variety of applications including construction, food, and medical. Highly hydrophobic wetting properties enhance the surface properties of SST to support processes such as self‐cleaning . However, applications also require long‐term stability of such properties against chemical and mechanical influences from the environment or technical processes. Therefore, the reduction of highly hydrophobicity of chemically modified, laser‐textured SST surfaces is investigated in relation to abrasive wear using hierarchical structures, micro‐/nanotextured surface, and support structures that shield the highly hydrophobic pattern. Surface textures comprising ridges, grooves (size: 50–500 μm; depth: up to 100 μm), and a nanostructured grooves bottom are machined by infrared ultrashort pulse laser ablation into SST and are subsequently chemically modified by a self‐assembled monolayer of a fluorinated, phosphonic acid‐modified alkane. Abrasive wear tests of these surfaces show decreasing water contact angles with increasing wear of the modified surface of the support structures. However, there is good stability of the highly hydrophobic properties due to the protection of modified areas at the groove bottom. The proposed wetting model for such designed functionalized laser textures shows possibilities for further optimization of such robust highly hydrophobic surfaces and adaptation to specific applications.
Ni‐Alloyed Copper Iodide Thin Films: Microstructural Features and Functional Performance
Authors: Dethloff Christiane , Thieme Katrin , Selle Susanne , Seifert Michael , Vogt Sofie , Splith Daniel , Botti Silvana , Grundmann Marius , Lorenz Michael
Published: January 2024

To tailor electrical properties of often degenerate pristine CuI, Ni is introduced as alloy constituent. Cosputtering in a reactive, but also in an inert atmosphere as well as pulsed laser deposition (PLD), is used to grow thin films. The Ni content within the alloy thin films is systematically varied for different growth techniques and growth conditions. A solubility limit is evidenced by an additional phase for Ni contents , observed in X‐Ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy by a change in surface morphology. Furthermore, metallic, nanoscaled nickel clusters, revealed by X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), underpin a solubility limit of Ni in CuI. Although no reduction of charge carrier density is observed with increasing Ni content, a dilute magnetic behavior of the thin films is observed in vibrating sample magnetometry. Further, independent of the deposition technique, unique multilayer features are observed in HRTEM measurements for thin films of a cation composition of . Opposite to previous claims, no transition to n‐type behavior was observed, which was also confirmed by density functional theory calculations of the alloy system.
Sex differences in the tumor promoting effects of tobacco smoke in a cRaf transgenic lung cancer disease model
Authors: Zhong Shen , Borlak Jürgen
Published: January 2024

Tobacco smoke (TS) is the leading cause for lung cancer (LC), and female smokers are at a greater risk for LC. Yet, the underlying causes are unknown. We performed whole genome scans in TS exposed wild type and histologically characterized tumor lesions of cRaf transgenic mice. We constructed miRNA-gene and transcription factor-miRNA/gene regulatory networks and determined sex-specific gene regulations by evaluating hormone receptor activities. We validated the findings from TS exposed cRaf mice in a large cohort of smoking and never-smoking LC patients. When compared to males, TS prompted a sevenfold increase in tumor multiplicity in cRaf females. Genome-wide scans of tumor lesions identified 161 and 53 genes and miRNAs, which code for EGFR/MAPK signaling, cell proliferation, oncomirs and oncogenes, and 50% of DEGs code for immune response and tumor evasion. Outstandingly, in transgenic males, TS elicited upregulation of 20 tumor suppressors, some of which are the targets of the androgen and estrogen receptor. Conversely, in females, 18 tumor suppressors were downregulated, and five were specifically repressed by the estrogen receptor. We found TS to perturb the circadian clock in a sex-specific manner and identified a female-specific regulatory loop that consisted of the estrogen receptor, miR-22-3p and circadian genes to support LC growth. Finally, we confirmed sex-dependent tumor promoting effects of TS in a large cohort of LC patients. Our study highlights the sex-dependent genomic responses to TS and the interplay of circadian clock genes and hormone receptors in the regulation of oncogenes and oncomirs in LC growth.
Optimal Investment with a Noisy Signal of Future Stock Prices
Authors: Bank Peter , Dolinsky Yan
Published: January 2024

We consider an investor who is dynamically informed about the future evolution of one of the independent Brownian motions driving a stock’s price fluctuations. With linear temporary price impact the resulting optimal investment problem with exponential utility turns out to be not only well posed, but it even allows for a closed-form solution. We describe this solution and the resulting problem value for this stochastic control problem with partial observation by solving its convex-analytic dual problem.
Habitat and morphological characteristics affect juvenile mortality in five coral reef damselfishes
Authors: Fakan Eric P. , McCormick Mark I. , Jones Geoffrey P. , Hoey Andrew S.
Published: January 2024

The abundance and distribution of demersal fishes rely on larvae successfully settling from the pelagic environment to a benthic habitat and their subsequent survival. With high mortality rates during this life stage, settling to a habitat that maximizes survival is critical. However, relationships between settlement choices and subsequent survival are poorly understood and may vary among species with different habitat preferences. To test this, we focused on five congeneric (Pomacentrus) damselfish species that are known to differ in their habitat choices and explored whether habitat associations at settlement influenced survival. Newly settled individuals were tagged and monitored daily for two weeks to estimate natural mortality rates. Morphological attributes of fish and characteristics of settlement habitats, including depth, rugosity, benthic substrata, and local fish assemblages, were used to predict mortality. We found that some species displayed stronger associations with specific benthic substrata at settlement, but contrary to expectations, these selected habitat characteristics were relatively weak predictors of survivorship. Our survival analysis revealed that the best predictors of survivorship were rugosity (P. adelus and P. amboinensis) and two morphological traits, body depth and ocellus size (P. chrysurus and P. adelus). Interestingly, we found that P. moluccensis that settled in areas of high coverage of mounding coral experienced increased mortality. Of the remaining substrata, analysis showed that instead of associating with habitat characteristics enhancing survivorship, individuals tended not to associate with habitats characteristics that increased mortality (e.g., Turbinaria and sand). This study highlights the species-specific drivers of early post-settlement mortality in coral reef fishes.
Evaluating the impact of passive physical everyday tools on interacting with virtual reality museum objects
Authors: Ogrizek Manca , Mortimer Michael , Antlej Kaja , Callari Tiziana C. , Stefan Hans , Horan Ben
Published: January 2024

Museums are increasingly embracing new methods and technologies to enhance the visitor experience. Virtual Reality (VR) provides the opportunity to experience objects and situations that are not readily available or don’t otherwise exist making it well suited to museum applications. Museum visitors represent an ultra-diverse cohort with technology experience levels ranging from first-time users through to experts, and typically needing to interact with the exhibit with little to no induction and training, and in many instances as a once off encounter. To support such users, this paper evaluates the impact of passive physical everyday tools to provide passive haptic feedback and enhance user interaction with desk-top sized museum objects. Museums face challenges in exhibiting larger objects and in this work the cargo area of a utility vehicle (i.e. ute) was selected as contextually suitable larger object. Three different interaction techniques are used with and without everyday physical tools and experiments undertaken to investigate the impact of the physical tools on the usability and user experience with free-hand interaction techniques. A comparison between using the passive physical tool for the interaction technique and without showed improved efficiency for two of the techniques and positive impact on the user experience with the mechanically more complex of the interaction techniques. These insights may prove useful in the design of interaction techniques for enhanced free-hand interaction with museum objects in VR.
Evaluation of the novelty effect in immersive Virtual Reality learning experiences
Authors: Miguel-Alonso Ines , Checa David , Guillen-Sanz Henar , Bustillo Andres
Published: January 2024

In this study, the novelty effect or initial fascination with new technology is addressed in the context of an immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) experience. The novelty effect is a significant factor contributing to low learning outcomes during initial VR learning experiences. The aim of this research is to measure the effectiveness of a tutorial at mitigating the novelty effect of iVR learning environments among first-year undergraduate students. The iVR tutorial forms part of the iVR learning experience that involves the assembly of a personal computer, while learning the functions of the main components. 86 students participated in the study, divided into a Control group (without access to the tutorial) and a Treatment group (completing the tutorial). Both groups showed a clear bimodal distribution in previous knowledge, due to previous experience with learning topics, giving us an opportunity to compare tutorial effects with students of different backgrounds. Pre- and post-test questionnaires were used to evaluate the experience. The analysis included such factors as previous knowledge, usability, satisfaction, and learning outcomes categorized into remembering, understanding, and evaluation. The results demonstrated that the tutorial significantly increased overall satisfaction, reduced the learning time required for iVR mechanics, and improved levels of student understanding, and evaluation knowledge. Furthermore, the tutorial helped to homogenize group behavior, particularly benefiting students with less previous experience in the learning topic. However, it was noted that a small number of students still received low marks after the iVR experience, suggesting potential avenues for future research.
An 18–28 GHz dual-mode down-converter IC for 5G applications
Authors: Naghavi Saeed , Ryynänen Kaisa , Zahra Mahwish , Korsman Aleksi , Stadius Kari , Kosunen Marko , Unnikrishnan Vishnu , Anttila Lauri , Valkama Mikko , Ryynänen Jussi
Published: January 2024

Emerging spectrum trends require a higher integration of 5G New Radio Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2) bands to enhance the availability of spectrum and spectrum-sharing opportunities. To enable the reception of both FR1 and FR2 bands in a seamless hardware entity, we propose combining homodyne and heterodyne architectures. This necessitates the incorporation of a down-converter module that transfers the incoming signals from FR2 bands down to FR1, ensuring compatibility with an FR1 direct-conversion receiver (DCR) for the final signal reception. The primary focus of this paper is the design and implementation of the required integrated down-converter. The module includes an integrated balun, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) with a bypass mode, a dual-mode mixer, and an intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier. The introduced bypass mode helps to further elevate the linearity performance compared to the nominal mode. The bypass mode is designed for joint communication and sensing operation to avoid the compression of the receiver. This work also incorporates a local oscillator (LO) signal distribution network with phase tuning elements using a mixed-signal approach. The circuit is implemented in a 22-nm CMOS process, and the active die area is 0.6 $$\text {mm}^\text {2}$$

mm
2

. The measurements demonstrate that the implemented chip can efficiently perform the required frequency conversion over a wide frequency range of 18–28 GHz. Conversion gain of 4.5–7.5 dB, noise figure of 15–19.7 dB, 1 dB compression point (IP1dB) of − 16 to − 10 dBm, and input third-order intercept point (IIP3) of − 5 to 0 dBm are achieved. The measured IP1 dB and IIP3 for the bypass mode are +0.5 to +4.5 dBm and +8.5 to +10 dBm, respectively.
Variability in the Integration of Peers in a Multi-site Digital Mental Health Innovation Project
Authors: Cha Biblia S. , Borghouts Judith , Eikey Elizabeth , Mukamel Dana B. , Schueller Stephen M. , Sorkin Dara H. , Stadnick Nicole A. , Zhao Xin , Zheng Kai , Schneider Margaret L.
Published: January 2024

Peer support specialists (“peers”) who have the lived experience of, and are in recovery from, mental health challenges are increasingly being integrated into mental health care as a reimbursable service across the US. This study describes the ways peers were integrated into Help@Hand, a multi-site innovation project that engaged peers throughout efforts to develop and offer digital mental health interventions across counties/cities (“sites”) in California. Using a mixed methods design, we collected quantitative data via quarterly online surveys, and qualitative data via semi-annual semi-structured phone interviews with key informants from Help@Hand sites. Quantitative data were summarized as descriptive findings and qualitative data from interviews were analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis methods. In the final analytic phase, interview quotes were used to illustrate the complex realities underlying quantitative responses. 117 quarterly surveys and 46 semi-annual interviews were completed by key informants from 14 sites between September 2020 and January 2023. Peers were integrated across diverse activities for support and implementation of digital mental health interventions, including development of training and educational materials (78.6% of sites), community outreach (64.3%), technology testing (85.7%), technology piloting (90.9%), digital literacy training (71.4%), device distribution (63.6%), technical assistance (72.7%), and cross-site collaboration (66.7%). Peer-engaged activities shifted over time, reflecting project phases. Peer-provided digital literacy training and technology-related support were key ingredients for project implementations. This study indicates the wide range of ways peers can be integrated into digital mental health intervention implementations. Considering contextual readiness for peer integration may enhance their engagement into programmatic activities.
Characterization and Statistical Optimization of Enterobatin Synthesized by Escherichia coli OQ866153
Authors: Khazaal Mohamed T. , Faraag Ahmed H. I. , Hamada Marwa A. , El-Hendawy Hoda H.
Published: January 2024

Microorganisms produce siderophores, which are secondary metabolites with a high affinity for iron. Siderophores have received significant attention due to their diverse applications in ecological and clinical research. In this study, siderophores production by Escherichia coli OQ866153 was optimized using two-stage statistical approach involving Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) using central composite design (CCD). Out of 23 variables, succinate, tryptophan, Na2HPO4, CaCl2, agitation, and KH2PO4 were found to have the most significant effect on siderophores production in the first optimization stage with the highest SU% of 43.67%. In the second stage, RSM using CCD was utilized, and the optimal conditions were determined to be 0.3 g/l succinate, 0 g/l tryptophan, 6 g/l Na2HPO4, 0.1 g/l CaCl2, 150 RPM agitation, and 0.6 g/l KH2PO4, resulting in a maximum siderophore units (SU%) of 89.13%. The model was significant, as indicated by the model f-value of 314.14 (p-value = 0.0004) and coefficient of determination R2 of 0.9950. During validation experiments, the obtained maximum SU% was increased up to 87.1472%, which was two times as the value obtained under ordinary conditions (46.62%). The produced siderophores were purified and characterized using 1H, 13C NMR, IR spectroscopy. The obtained results indicated that the compound was enterobactin and entABCDEF genes were further detected in Escherichia coli OQ866153 extracted DNA. To our knowledge, this is the first report of statistical optimization for enterobactin synthesis by an E. coli strain isolated from a clinical source in Egypt.
Effects of Horseback Riding on the Postural Control of Autistic Children: A Multiple Baseline Across-subjects Design
Authors: Vives-Vilarroig Juan , Ruiz-Bernardo Paola , García-Gómez Andrés
Published: January 2024

The aim of this research was to study the effect of a horseback-riding programme on postural control in a group of autistic children (ASD). Nine children aged 9 to 12 years participated in this study through a multiple baseline across subjects design. The whole programme took place over nine months. Participants followed a previously developed specific horseback-riding programme, consisting of 45-minute sessions held twice a week for at least three months. To evaluate postural control, the average velocity of the centre of pressure displacement was measured by means of a posturographic platform. Results indicated that this intervention with horses had a positive effect on the postural control in children with ASDs.
Improvement of Cross-linked Alginate Hydrogel Microparticles Loaded with Galangin-β-Cyclodextrin Complex by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Şahin Saliha , Aybastıer Önder , Dorken Eftal Alp , Patır İlkyaz
Published: January 2024

Galangin is a phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activity, which makes it highly useful in cosmetics and medicine. However, the poor solubility of galangin in water limits its usefulness in these areas. This study it is aimed to increase the solubility of galangin in water by encapsulation method. Therefore, in this study, ethanolic and methanolic extracts were obtained from Alpinia officinarum Hance, and the phenolic compound profile and content of the extracts were determined by HPLC-DAD. Galangin was purified and fractionated from Alpinia officinarum Hance extracts by column chromatography. Galangin was encapsulated with β-cyclodextrin, and galangin-β-cyclodextrin loaded alginate hydrogel microparticles were developed. The central composite design-response surface methodology was used to develop galangin-β-cyclodextrin loaded alginate hydrogel microparticles under optimum conditions with maximum galangin release. The encapsulation efficiency and release of galangin in galangin-β-cyclodextrin loaded alginate hydrogel microparticles developed under optimum conditions were characterized by HPLC-DAD, surface morphology by SEM, and structural properties by FTIR.
Consequences of Juvenile Fish Movement and Seascape Connectivity: Does the Concept of Nursery Habitat Need a Rethink?
Authors: Swadling Daniel S. , Knott Nathan A. , Taylor Matthew D. , Rees Matthew J. , Cadiou Gwenael , Davis Andrew R.
Published: January 2024

Estuarine and adjacent inshore habitats have long been recognised as important nursery areas for fishes before they disperse to coastal habitats. Assessing nursery function supports spatial and fisheries management, yet work commonly focusses on singular habitat types. Re-considering how juvenile fish connect habitats may improve our understanding of nursery function and the scales that recruits are supplied to coastal fisheries. This study quantified the juvenile movements of two harvested fishes in south-eastern Australia, luderick (Girella tricuspidata) and yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus australis). Acoustic tags were used to track 33 luderick and 20 yellowfin bream from seagrass meadows for up to ~400 days in Jervis Bay Marine Park. Both species had relatively small home ranges (< 7 km2) and exhibited site attachment to seagrass meadows where they were released. Most luderick and yellowfin bream were detected moving 100’s metres to kilometres to reefs adjacent to seagrass, although these movements were not habitat shifts. Rather, reef-ward movements represented repeated visits that lasted days to months before fish returned to seagrass, suggesting that these movements may be explorations in search of suitable adult habitat. Strong retention within an existing marine reserve was observed, with only five of 33 fish tagged within reserves crossing the boundary into fished waters. Overall, our results demonstrate that juvenile fish use and connect multiple habitat types during their movements. These findings support the broadening of the nursery concept from single habitats to a mosaic of functionally connected habitat patches (dubbed ‘seascape nurseries’).
Aspect-level multimodal sentiment analysis based on co-attention fusion
Authors: Wang Shunjie , Cai Guoyong , Lv Guangrui
Published: January 2024

Aspect-level multimodal sentiment analysis is the fine-grained sentiment analysis task of predicting the sentiment polarity of given aspects in multimodal data. Most existing multimodal sentiment analysis approaches focus on mining and fusing multimodal global features, overlooking the correlation of more fine-grained multimodal local features, which considerably limits the semantic relevance between different modalities. Therefore, a novel aspect-level multimodal sentiment analysis method based on global–local features fusion with co-attention (GLFFCA) is proposed to comprehensively explore multimodal associations from both global and local perspectives. Specially, an aspect-guided global co-attention module is designed to capture aspect-guided intra-modality global correlations. Meanwhile, a gated local co-attention module is introduced to capture the adaptive association alignment of multimodal local features. Following that, a global–local multimodal feature fusion module is constructed to integrate global–local multimodal features in a hierarchical manner. Extensive experiments on the Twitter-2015 dataset and Twitter-2017 dataset validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which can achieve better aspect-level multimodal sentiment analysis performance compared with other related methods.
High-Temperature Corrosion of High- and Medium-Entropy Alloys CrMnFeCoNi and CrCoNi Exposed to a Multi-Oxidant Atmosphere H2O–O2–SO2
Authors: Mohring Wencke , Karafiludis Stephanos , Manzoni Anna M. , Laplanche Guillaume , Schneider Mike , Stephan-Scherb Christiane
Published: January 2024

The high-temperature corrosion behaviors of the equimolar CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy and CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy were studied in a gas atmosphere consisting of a volumetric mixture of 10% H2O, 2% O2, 0.5% SO2, and 87.5% Ar at 800 °C for up to 96 h. Both alloys were initially single-phase fcc with a mean grain size of ~ 50 μm and a homogeneous chemical composition. The oxide layer thickness of CrMnFeCoNi increased linearly with exposure time while it remained constant at ~ 1 μm for CrCoNi. A Cr2O3 layer and minor amounts of (Co,Ni)Cr2O4 developed on the latter while three oxide layers were detected on the former, i.e., a thin and continuous chromium rich oxide layer at the oxide/alloy interface, a dense (Mn,Cr)3O4 layer in the center and a thick and porous layer of Mn3O4 and MnSO4 at the gas/oxide interface. Additionally, a few metal sulfides were observed in the CrMnFeCoNi matrix. These results were found to be in reasonable agreement with thermodynamic calculations.
Modeling of two-stage anaerobic onsite wastewater sanitation system to predict effluent soluble chemical oxygen demand through machine learning
Authors: Mathur Rajshree , Sharma Meena Kumari , Loganathan K. , Abbas Mohamed , Hussain Shaik , Kataria Gaurav , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Srinivas Rao Koppula
Published: January 2024

The present research aims to predict effluent soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) in anaerobic digestion (AD) process using machine-learning based approach. Anaerobic digestion is a highly sensitive process and depends upon several environmental and operational factors, such as temperature, flow, and load. Therefore, predicting output characteristics using modeling is important not only for process monitoring and control, but also to reduce the operating cost of the treatment plant. It is difficult to predict COD in a real time mode, so it is better to use Complex Mathematical Modeling (CMM) for simulating AD process and forecasting output parameters. Therefore, different Machine Learning algorithms, such as Linear Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest and Artificial Neural Networks, have been used for predicting effluent SCOD using data acquired from in situ anaerobic wastewater treatment system. The result of the predicted data using different algorithms were compared with experimental data of anaerobic system. It was observed that the Artificial Neural Networks is the most effective simulation technique that correlated with the experimental data with the mean absolute percentage error of 10.63 and R2 score of 0.96. This research proposes an efficient and reliable integrated modeling method for early prediction of the water quality in wastewater treatment.
Improved target detection method for space-based optoelectronic systems
Authors: Zhu Rui , Fu Qiang , Liu Nan , Zhao Feng , Wen Guanyu , Li Yingchao , Jiang Huilin
Published: January 2024

The detection of faint and small targets by space-based surveillance systems is difficult owing to the long distances, low energies, high speeds, high false alarm rates, and low algorithmic efficiencies involved in the process. To improve space object detection and help prevent collisions with critical facilities such as satellites, this study proposes an improved method for the detection of faint and small space-based targets. The proposed method consists of two components: star atlas preprocessing and space-based target detection. The star atlas preprocessing step applies multi-exposure image pyramidal weighted fusion to the original image containing the faint and small space-based target. After obtaining the image pyramidal weighted fusion result atlas, the algorithm employs threshold segmentation to improve the overall image clarity, highlight image details, and provide additional information for target detection. The detection of targets partially relies on the local symmetry of the image. Accordingly, a diffusion function describing the local symmetry is established to precisely locate stars by measuring the symmetry factor in a small area surrounding each pixel in the star atlas. This effectively removes the background stars while retaining high-definition and high-contrast images. The efficacy of the algorithm is validated using simulated datasets consisting of space-based and real images. The results demonstrate that the proposed technique improves the applicability of the multistage hypothesis testing (MHT) method in the context of a complex space environment, thus improving the performance of the space-based electro-optical detection system to better catalogue, identify, and track space targets.
Ensemble learning based compressive strength prediction of concrete structures through real-time non-destructive testing
Authors: Arora Harish Chandra , Bhushan Bharat , Kumar Aman , Kumar Prashant , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana , Radu Dorin , Cazacu Christiana Emilia , Kapoor Nishant Raj
Published: January 2024

This study conducts an extensive comparative analysis of computational intelligence approaches aimed at predicting the compressive strength (CS) of concrete, utilizing two non-destructive testing (NDT) methods: the rebound hammer (RH) and the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test. In the ensemble learning approach, the six most popular algorithms (Adaboost, CatBoost, gradient boosting tree (GBT), random forest (RF), stacking, and extreme gradient boosting (XGB)) have been used to develop the prediction models of CS of concrete based on NDT. The ML models have been developed using a total of 721 samples, of which 111 were cast in the laboratory, 134 were obtained from in-situ testing, and the other samples were gathered from the literature. Among the three categories of analytical models—RH models, UPV models, and combined RH and UPV models; seven, ten, and thirteen models have been used respectively. AdaBoost, CatBoost, GBT, RF, Stacking, and XGB models have been used to improve the accuracy and dependability of the analytical models. The RH-M5, UPV-M6, and C-M6 (combined UPV and RH model) models were found with highest performance level amongst all the analytical models. The MAPE value of XGB was observed to be 84.37%, 83.24%, 77.33%, 59.46%, and 81.08% lower than AdaBoost, CatBoost, GBT, RF, and stacking, respectively. The performance of XGB model has been found best than other soft computing techniques and existing traditional predictive models.
Atmospheric non-thermal plasma inactivation of Ascosphaera apis, the causative agent of chalkbrood disease in honeybee
Authors: Boonmee Thummanoon , Sinpoo Chainarong , Thayatham Kunlada , Suanpoot Pradoong , Disayathanoowat Terd , Pettis Jeffery S. , Chaimanee Veeranan
Published: January 2024

Ascosphaera apis is a worldwide pathogenic fungi of honeybees that can cause a decline in bee populations. In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of non-thermal plasma on fungal growth. Spore inactivation after exposure to gas plasma by liquid phase and plasma activated water (PAW) and pathogenicity of A. apis in vivo were also examined. The results demonstrated that the mycelial growth of fungi was completely inhibited after argon plasma treatment. Both gas plasma and PAW exposures resulted in a significant decrease of A. apis spore numbers, maximum reduction of 1.71 and 3.18-fold, respectively. Germinated fungal spores on potato dextrose agar were also reduced after plasma treatment. SEM analysis revealed a disruption in the morphological structure of the fungal spores. The pathogenicity of A. apis on honeybee larvae was decreased after spores treated by gas plasma and PAW with a disease inhibition of 63.61 ± 7.28% and 58.27 ± 5.87%, respectively after 7 days of cultivation. Chalkbrood in honey bees have limited control options and our findings are encouraging. Here, we demonstrate a possible alternative control method using non-thermal plasma for chalkbrood disease in honeybees.
Effect of longer femoral head on leg length, offset, and range of motion in total hip arthroplasty: a simulation study
Authors: Shimizu Tomohiro , Miyazaki Takuji , Yokota Shunichi , Ishizu Hotaka , Takahashi Daisuke , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: January 2024

In this study, we investigated the relationship between head length, leg length, offset, and dislocation resistance using range of motion (ROM) simulations based on computed tomography data to examine if a longer femoral head reduces the risk of dislocation. The femoral components were set to eliminate leg length differences with a + 0 mm head, and variations for + 4-, + 7-, and + 8-mm heads were analyzed. Offset and ROM were assessed when longer heads were used, with the leg length adjusted to be similar to that of the contralateral side. While internal rotation at flexion and external rotation at extension increased with + 4-mm longer heads, the + 7- and + 8-mm heads did not increase dislocation resistance. When adjusting for leg length, the longer heads showed no significant differences in offset and ROM. Enhancing dislocation resistance by solely increasing the offset with a longer head, while simultaneously adjusting the depth of stem insertion, may be a beneficial intraoperative technique. Although a + 4-mm longer head possibly increases ROM without impingement, heads extended by + 7 or + 8 mm may not exhibit the same advantage. Therefore, surgeons should consider this technique based on the implant design.
Rice residue management alternatives in rice–wheat cropping system: impact on wheat productivity, soil organic carbon, water and microbial dynamics
Authors: Korav Santosh , Yadav Dharam Bir , Yadav Ashok , Rajanna G. A. , Parshad Jagdish , Tallapragada Sridevi , Elansary Hosam O. , Mahmoud Eman A.
Published: January 2024

In the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) predominates, producing large quantity of crop residue and its management is major concern. Farmers usually burn the residue to clear the field for succeding crop, and burning damages soil microbes, resulted in loss of soil organic matter. Hence, current study was conducted to assess the impact of different Happy seeder based residue management options on changes in microbial dynamics, enzyme activities and soil organic matter content and also to know that alternative method for attaining sustainable wheat productivity in sandy loam soils of Haryana, India. Results revealed that Zero tillage wheat (ZTW) with partial and full residue retention treatments sown with Happy seeder (after using chopper and spreader), and ZTW with anchored stubbles significantly enhanced soil microbial count by 47.9–60.4%, diazotropic count by 59.0–73.1% and actinomycetes count by 47.3–55.2%, grain yield by 9.8–11.3% and biomass yield by 7.4–9.6% over conventional tilled (CT) residue burning and residue removal plots. ZTW sown with surface retention of rice crop residue increased the organic carbon by 0.36–0.42% and the soil moisture content by 13.4–23.6% over CTW without residue load. Similarly, ZTW sown with Happy seeder with full residue enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity from 95.3 µg TPF g−1 soil 24 h−1 in 2018–2019 to 98.6 µg TPF g−1 soil 24 h−1 in 2019–2020 over control plots. Likely, microbial population and enzymatic activity showed strong positive correlation under variable residue retention practices. However, increased microbial population reduced the soil pH from 7.49 to 7.27 under ZTW with residue retention plots. The wheat yield enhanced by 9.8–11.3% during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 under ZTW with Happy seeder with full residue load over residue burning and residue removal plots. ZTW sown with Happy seeder under full residue retention, achieved maximum net return 43.16–57.08 × 103 ₹ ha−1) and B-C ratio (1.52 to 1.70) over CTW without residue. Therefore, rice residue needs to be managed by planting wheat using appropriate machinery under ZT for sustaining higher productivity in RWCS and improve soil health and environment under IGP regions.