bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of high-temperature anaerobic digestion of municipal sludge under acid/alkali and low-temperature hydrothermal synergistic pretreatment
Authors: Huang Ying , baoyan Chi , Zhang Zhongyu , Shao Feng , Zhou Weidong , Zhou Kemei , Zha Rong , Ruan Xiaoqing
Published: February 2024

The efficiency of anaerobic digestion of sludge can be significantly improved through a combination of acid or alkali hydrolysis with low-temperature hydrothermal (LTH) pretreatment. The impact of various agents in conjunction with LTH treatment on sludge properties and high-temperature anaerobic digestion (HTAD) systems was comprehensively examined in this study. Comparative analyses reveal that NaOH-LTH pretreatment surpasses HCl-LTH pretreatment in enhancing sludge organic matter solubilization and enhancing HTAD system. Contrary to expectations, the use of acetic acid (HAc) pretreatment does not further enhance organic matter solubilization in sludge. Instead, it inhibits gas production efficiency and diminishes the removal efficiency of total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) during HTAD. Among the pretreatments, NaOH (pH 11, 24h)-LTH (90°C, 30 min) co-treatment emerges as the optimal condition. This configuration results in a 12.5-fold increase in sludge soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) compared to untreated samples, a 34.1% improvement in methane yield in the HTAD system, and a remarkable TCOD removal efficiency of 36.8%. Notably, this combined pretreatment induces significant alterations in the microbial community structure of the sludge HTAD system. Following NaOH-LTH pretreatment, the total relative abundance of methanogenic archaea increases from 80.2–92.3% compared to untreated systems. These findings offer valuable insights for the engineering application of sludge HTAD, particularly in the selection of treatment protocols.
Revisiting the absolute green synthesis of MFI zeolite and derived metal-acid bifunctional catalysts
Authors: Xu Wenqi , Li Hongqing , Zhu Mengxuan , Wang Rui , Jiang Heng , Jin Changzi
Published: February 2024

Developing sustainable synthesis method of versatile zeolites to overcome the shortcoming of traditional process is of significant for development of green chemistry and environmentally friendly techniques. In this work, MFI zeolite (ZSM-5) was synthesized through organotemplate-, solvent- and seed-free quasi-solid state transformation with commercial silica gel or Stöber colloidal SiO2 as silica source. The key influencing factors to this absolute green synthesis process, such as starting material composition, crystallization temperature and time, had been unambiguously investigated by combining a series of characterization techniques and the optimized synthesis conditions had been obtained. In addition, this green synthesis method can be extended into the fabrication of encapsulated metal-zeolite bifunctional catalyst, which is effective in hydroisomerization of n-heptane. These results are instructive for development of green synthesis of aluminosilicate zeolites and derived heterogeneous catalysts.
Hierarchical representations of relative numerical magnitudes in the human frontoparietal cortex
Authors: Kido Teruaki , Yotsumoto Yuko , Hayashi Masamichi
Published: February 2024

The ability to estimate numerical magnitude is essential for decision-making and is thought to underlie arithmetic skills. In humans, neural populations in the frontoparietal regions are tuned to represent numerosity. However, it remains unclear whether their response properties are fixed to a specific numerosity (i.e., absolute code) or dynamically scaled according to the range of numerosities relevant to the context (i.e., relative code). Here, using functional magnetic resonance imaging combined with multivariate pattern analysis, we uncover evidence that representations of relative numerosity coding emerge gradually as visual information processing advances in the frontoparietal regions. In contrast, the early sensory areas predominantly exhibit absolute coding. These findings indicate a hierarchical organization of relative numerosity representations that adapt their response properties according to the context. Our results highlight the existence of a context-dependent optimization mechanism in numerosity representation, enabling the efficient processing of infinite magnitude information with finite neural recourses.
A comprehensive investigation on various welding facets for FSW of advanced structural AMC
Authors: Acharya Uttam , Choudhury Smrity , Sethi Durjyodhan , Akinlabi Esther , Saxena Kuldeep K , Roy Barnik Saha
Published: February 2024

The study comprehensively explores various welding facets for FSW of advanced structural AMC (AA6092/17.5 SiCp-T6) by varying the Tool Rotational Speed (TRS). Thermal variations, force-torque distribution, structural evolution, and joint mechanical characteristics were evaluated. At 1000 rpm, welding temperature increases along the welding direction, contrasting with other TRS. The cooling rate escalates as welding progresses. The temperature gap between the Advancing Side (AS) and the Retreating Side (RS) widens with higher TRS. Increasing TRS leads to decreased spindle torque and Z-force, with X-force fluctuations evident at lower TRS. Additionally, the TRP exhibits a direct linear relationship with the energy input during the welding process. Microstructural analysis reveals diverse SiC particle aggregation in the Nugget Zone (NZ) across all the TRS conditions. Notably, at 1500 rpm, an onion ring width of 80 µm is observed. At 1750 rpm, iron particles indicating tool wear and an Al2O3 mud-cake-like formation is traced out. Furthermore, as TRS rises to 1500 rpm, there is a decrease in the particle size, succeeded by an increase, aligning with variations in the grain size. Welds display lower hardness than the BM, following a 'W' shape profile with the AS-HAZ region consistently showing the lowest hardness across all conditions. Hardness peaks at 1500 rpm, then decreases. The Tensile samples mostly fracture outside the weld zone, except at 1700 rpm. UTS values range from 308 MPa to 358 MPa, with joint efficiency peaking at 87% for 1500 rpm before decreasing to 74%. Welding at 1500 rpm exhibits greater elongation compared to the Base Metal, with fractographic analysis indicating predominantly ductile failure, except at 1750 rpm, displaying a mixed mode of failure.
Rendezvous-PIERCE technique: establishing a channel through severe calcification in infrainguinal arterial lesions using needle rendezvous
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Tsujimoto Masanaga , Kashima Yoshifumi , Sato Katsuhiko , Fujita Tsutomu
Published: February 2024

Background
Severe calcification often prevents device passage and balloon expansion in cases of lower extremity artery disease. To address this limitation, we introduced a novel calcium modification technique called Rendezvous-PIERCE (R-PIERCE).
Methods
A needle was inserted in a retrograde manner and advanced to touch the tip of an antegrade guidewire within the lesion. Then, the guidewire was advanced into the lumen of the needle to achieve partial guidewire externalization, also known as needle rendezvous. The needle was then introduced over the externalized guidewire under wire tension and repeatedly rotated and advanced across the lesion to modify calcified intimal plaques. Notably, this technique can be applied in the opposite direction.
Results
Case 1 involved a 68-year-old male with a calcified occlusion of the anterior tibial artery. An antegrade guidewire reached the midpoint of the occlusion; however, microcatheters and balloons could not pass through the proximal calcification. Therefore, R-PIERCE was used to modify uncrossable lesions. An antegrade 2.5-mm balloon crossed and dilated the lesion, achieving hemostasis at the needle insertion site. The antegrade guidewire successfully crossed the entire lesion and was dilated by the 2.5-mm balloon. Final angiography demonstrated successful flow. In Case 2, an 80-year-old male had a calcified femoropopliteal occlusion. An antegrade guidewire was advanced into the distal superficial femoral artery (SFA); however, no device was able to follow it. R-PIERCE was performed to modify the calcification from the distal to the medial SFA. The antegrade balloon successfully crossed and dilated obstructed lesions. Furthermore, the antegrade guidewire crossed the entire lesion, and the antegrade balloon was dilated. Final angiography revealed a successful flow without complications.
Conclusions
R-PIERCE is useful for modifying complex calcified lesions during the wiring of occlusive lesions.
Optimizing expected cross value for genetic introgression
Authors: Chen Charles , Ahadi Pouya , Balasundaram Balabhaskar , Borrero Juan
Published: February 2024

In this study, we address the mate selection problem in the hybridization stage of a breeding pipeline, which constitutes the multi-objective breeding goal key to the performance of a variety development program. The solution framework we formulate seeks to ensure that individuals with the most desirable genomic characteristics are selected to cross, in order to maximize the likelihood of the inheritance of desirable genetic materials to the progeny. Unlike approaches that use phenotypic values for parental selection and evaluate individuals separately, we use a criterion that relies on the genetic architecture of target traits and evaluates the combination of the genomic information of the pair of individuals. We introduce the expected cross value (ECV) criterion that measures the expected number of desirable alleles for a gamete produced by two individuals of the population selected as parents. We use the ECV criterion to develop an integer linear programming formulation for the parental selection problem. The formulation is capable of controlling the inbreeding level between selected parents. We extend the approach in two directions: (i) improving multiple target traits simultaneously, and (ii) finding a multi-parental solution to design crossing blocks. We evaluate the performance of the ECV criterion using a simulation study. Finally, we discuss how the ECV criterion and the proposed integer linear programming techniques can be applied to improve the efficiency of genetic introgression while maintaining genetic diversity in a breeding program.
Genetic diversity and population structure of wheat landraces in Southern Winter Wheat Region of China
Authors: Liu Ying , Fu Bisheng , Zhang Qiapfeng , Cai Jin , Guo Wei , Zhai Wenling , Wu Jizhong
Published: February 2024

Background
Wheat landraces are considered a valuable source of genetic diversity that can be used in breeding programs. It is useful to evaluate the genetic diversity in breeding studies such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genomic selection. In addition, constructing a core germplasm set that represents the genetic diversity of the entire variety set is of great significance for the efficient conservation and utilization of wheat landrace germplasms.
Results
To understand the genetic diversity in wheat landrace, 2,023 accessions in the Jiangsu Provincial Crop Germplasm Resource Bank were used to explore the molecular diversity and population structure using the Illumina 15K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip. These accessions were divided into 5 subpopulations based on population structure, principal coordinate and kinship analysis. A significant variation was found within and among the subpopulations based on the molecular variance analysis (AMOVA). Subpopulation 3 showed the more genetic variability based on the different allelic patterns (Na, Ne and I). The M strategy as implemented in MStratv 4.1 software was used to construct the representative core collection. A core collection with a total of 311 accessions (15.37%) was selected from the entire landrace germplasm based on genotype and 12 different phenotypic traits. Compared to the initial landrace collections, core collection displayed higher gene diversity (0.31) and polymorphism information content (PIC) (0.25), and represented almost all phenotypic variation.
Conclusions
A core collection comprising 311 accessions containing 100% of the genetic variation in the initial population was developed. This collection provides a germplasm base for effective management, conservation, and utilization of the variation in the original set.
OH-Functionalized N-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots as an Efficient Metal-Free Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in PEMFCs
Authors: Thiruppathiraja Thangaraj , Lakshmipathi Senthilkumar
Published: February 2024

Utilizing the density functional theory (DFT) method, we investigated the catalytic activity of N-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) with nitrogen (N) atoms strategically doped at various active sites on the surface. We focused on exploring their efficiency in the 2e− and 4e− reduction pathways for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). By introducing N-doping at the central benzene ring of carbon-based materials, we observed the formation of localized π-orbitals, significantly enhancing their electrocatalytic activity. In comparison to other reported catalysts, our N-doped GQDs metal-free electrocatalyst displayed remarkable adsorption capability. Furthermore, we introduced the hydroxyl group (OH) into the functionalized N-doped GQDs, which further improved electrocatalytic performance. This enhancement was attributed to the decreased HOMO-LUMO energy gap and increased chemical reactivity. The calculated free energy (ΔG) values for each elementary reaction step in the 4e− reduction pathway were highly favorable and indicated the feasibility of the process. Our findings indicate that N-doped GQDs exhibit exceptional activity for the ORR, positioning them as promising carbon-based metal-free electrocatalysts. Consequently, they hold significant potential as an alternative to noble metal-based catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and metal-air batteries.
Method Development for Simultaneous Estimation of Acetaminophen and Its Related Impurities by Liquid Chromatography-mass Spectrometry
Authors: BAKYALAKSHMI M , PD GOKULAN , K.L SENTHIL KUMAR , S KARTHIKEYAN
Published: February 2024

Development and Analysis of drugs involve the most stimulating work in the medicinal field in that way, in that way, there emergence of new drug in day to day. Acetaminophen is a common Over the counter drug used by worldwide as the use of this drug increased globally requirement for detecting its impurities is mandatory and its determination of related substance were evaluated by using Liquid Chromatography Mass spectrometry, this method has emerged as a capable and multipurpose tool for analysing various types of drug product and its impurities. It has the capability of detecting small molecule to high molecule with high sensitivity. The optimized method was developed for estimation of related substance of acetaminophen using a gradient program mobile phase of formic acid and acetonitrile with 0.6 ml/min flow at 210 and 254 nm wavelength with optimized mass condition. In this paper, briefly discussed about method development for determination of related substance of acetaminophen along with its active pharmaceutical ingredient in a finished marketed product.
Impact of Tree Growth Form on Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Particulate Matter with Various Particle Sizes in Urban Street Canyons
Authors: Wang Xiaoshuang , Xiang Yang , Peng Chucai , Teng Mingjun , Ma Bojun , Zhou Zhixiang , Peng Changhui
Published: February 2024

Context. Trees reduce street-level particulate matter (PM) pollution in metropolitan areas, thereby enhancing air quality and promoting healthier, more sustainable cities. However, the optimal tree growth type for maximizing the retention of various sizes of PM remains uncertain.
Objectives. We aimed to investigate the PM retention abilities of evergreen and deciduous broadleaf street trees. We compared the PM concentration in different seasons and examined the role of leaf phenology in the dispersion of pollutants of different sizes.
Methods. We collected data on 6 sizes of PM from 72 sites among 6 streets in Wuhan, China, in summer and winter of 2017-2018. Each street was lined with a single species of either evergreen or deciduous broadleaf trees.
Results. We found that concentrations of PM of all sizes were higher in deciduous-lined streets than in evergreen-lined streets, during both summer and winter. for example, 27.2% higher PM2.5 in summer, and 5.5% higher PM10 in winter. However, during summer, evergreen-lined streets had mainly small-sized particles (PM1, PM2.5), which have the potential to infiltrate the human respiratory system, pose greater health risks, while deciduous-lined streets had mainly larger particles (PM4, PM7, PM10, and total suspended particulate [TSP]). During winter, larger particles were dominant, regardless of the tree growth form. Additionally, the disparities in PM concentrations between evergreen- and deciduous-lined streets diminished during winter.
Conclusions. We recommend prioritizing evergreen broadleaf trees as the primary street trees while interspersing deciduous broadleaf trees at appropriate intervals. This approach will ensure that urban greenery provides maximum ecological benefits while reducing the PM concentration. The results of this study provide a valuable reference for selecting trees for the targeted reduction of specific-sized PM to support human health through choice of plant growth form.
The First Ensemble of Kilometre-Scale Simulations of a Hydrological Year over the Third Pole
Authors: Collier Emily , Ban Nikolina , Richter Niklas , Ahrens Bodo , Chen Deliang , Chen Xingchao , Lai Hui-Wen , Leung Ruby , Li Lu , Ou Tinghai , Pothapakula Praveen Kumar , Potter Emily , Prein Andreas F. , Sakaguchi Koichi , Schroeder Marie , Singh Prashant , Sobolowski Stefan , Sugimoto Shiori , Tang Jianping , Yu Hongyong , Ziska Catharina
Published: February 2024

An accurate understanding of the current and future water cycle over the Third Pole is of great societal importance, given the role this region plays as a water tower for densely populated areas downstream. An emerging and promising approach for skillful climate assessments over regions of complex terrain is kilometer-scale climate modeling. As a foundational step towards such simulations over the Third Pole, we present a multi-model and multi-physics ensemble of kilometer-scale regional simulations for the hydrological year of October 2019 to September 2020. The ensemble consists of 13 simulations performed by an international consortium of 10 research groups, configured with a horizontal grid spacing ranging from 2.2 to 4 km covering all of the Third Pole region. These simulations are driven by ERA5 reanalysis and are part of a Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling EXperiment Flagship Pilot Study on Convection-Permitting Third Pole. The simulations are compared against available gridded and in-situ observations and remote-sensing data, to assess the performance and spread of the model ensemble compared to the driving reanalysis during the cold and warm seasons. A key challenge in assessing the performance of the ensemble is the large difference amongst the gridded precipitation datasets used as a reference over this region. However, consistent with results from other mountainous regions, we show the ensemble improves on many warm-season precipitation metrics compared with ERA5, including most wet-day and hour statistics, and also adds value in the representation of wet spells in both seasons. As such, the CPTP ensemble will provide an invaluable resource for future improvements in the process understanding of the hydroclimate of this remote but important region.
Identifying central symptoms and central symptom clusters in acute myeloid leukemia patients receiving chemotherapy: A network analysis
Authors: Guo Xiu-fang , Meng Li-min , He Cong-cong , Qiu Yuan , Wang Fei-fei , Yuan Qiu-yu , Liu T. , Lin Dong-mei
Published: February 2024

Purpose. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia who are receiving chemotherapy experience multiple concurrent symptoms (i.e., symptom clusters) that interfere with activities of daily living. However, few studies have focused on revealing the relationship between these symptoms and symptom clusters. We used network analysis to identify central symptoms and central symptom clusters and analyze the relationships between them in acute myeloid leukemia patients receiving chemotherapy.
Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 575 acute myeloid leukemia patients receiving chemotherapy. The Chinese version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was used to assess the symptoms via convenience sampling. Exploratory factor analysis was used for symptom cluster identification. Network analysis was used to construct the symptom network and centrality indices.
Results. The most common symptom was lack of energy. The most severe and distressing symptom was worrying. Three symptom clusters were identified: neuropathy, nutritional, and psychological. In the network, the central symptom was feeling sad (rs=1.233), and the neuropathy symptom cluster was the most central symptom cluster in adult acute leukemia patients receiving chemotherapy (rs=0.903).
Conclusions. Our study demonstrated the importance of assessing centrality indices and network density as essential components of acute leukemia. Future studies should focus on constructing dynamic symptom and symptom cluster networks, analyzing centrality indices using longitudinal data to explore causality among symptoms and symptom clusters for targeting central symptoms, and developing interventions for managing central symptom clusters.
Long-term remission by mycophenolate mofetil after single-dose rituximab in children with refractory frequently relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Nada Taishi , Kamei Koichi , Nishi Kentaro , Uchimura Toru , Sato Mai , Inaba Aya , Ogura Masao , Hamada Riku , Hataya Hiroshi , Ito Shuichi
Published: February 2024

Background
Immunosuppressive agents administered after rituximab as maintenance therapy are effective for sustaining remission in children with refractory frequently relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FR/SDNS). We evaluated the long-term outcome and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) after rituximab.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study on patients with childhood-onset refractory FR/SDNS who received MMF after a single dose of rituximab and were followed up ≥ 2 years at three tertiary pediatric nephrology centers. Relapses, additional treatment, risk factors for relapse, and adverse events were analysed.
Results
A total of 106 patients were enrolled, and 47 (44%) patients had no relapse under MMF with a median relapse-free period of 3.2 years and interquartile range of 2.7–3.8 years. The 50% relapse-free survival was 3.2 years during MMF administration as shown by the Kaplan–Meier method. Sixty-one (58%) patients required additional doses of rituximab during a median follow-up of 7.2 years. The mean annual number of relapses before the first rituximab treatment versus 1 year after rituximab was 3.7 (SD 1.3) versus 0.4 (SD 0.8) times. Sixty-six of 74 (89%) patients using a calcineurin inhibitor immediately before rituximab discontinued its use within 1 year. A dosage of MMF < 1000 mg/m2 was an independent significant risk factor for the first relapse under MMF after rituximab (p = 0.03). No fatal adverse events were observed.
Conclusions
MMF after a single dose of rituximab is safe and effective in achieving a long relapse-free period and discontinuing a calcineurin inhibitor in patients with refractory FR/SDNS.
The Study of The Safety And Efficacy of Knot-free Barbed Sutures for Wound Healing in Obese Patients Undergoing Posterior Cervical Surgery
Authors: Qi Wei , Lei Wei , Zhang Yang , Ma Tiancheng , Ji Yufei , Zhang Dawei
Published: February 2024

Objective
This retrospective, single-center clinical study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of barbed sutures for incision closure in posterior cervical surgery among obese patients, providing evidence for their potential broader application in this surgical context.
Methods
A total of 92 obese patients (Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 28kg/m2) who required posterior cervical decompression, fusion, and internal fixation surgery between January 2021 and December 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of the PLA Air Force Military Medical University were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to admission time: a control group (n = 53, admitted in 2021) where common Mersilk sutures were used and a test group (n = 39, admitted in 2022) where knot-free barbed sutures were used for suturing the deep fascia layer, superficial fascia layer, and skin. Various factors were compared between the groups at 3 months after surgery, including JOA, NDI, and VAS scores, incision length, subcutaneous fat thickness, incision suture time and speed, incision healing rate, and complication incidence, including specific comparisons of incision infection and dehiscence rates with cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
Results
The data showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of incision length, subcutaneous fat thickness, as well as NDI, and VAS scores at 3 months after surgery (p > 0.05). However, the test group had significantly shorter incision suture time (p < 0.01), faster suture speed (p < 0.01), and higher incision healing rate (p < 0.05) as compared to the control group. Furthermore, this group also demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of complications, including lower incision dehiscence rate when cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred (p < 0.05). Nonetheless, there was no statistical difference in incision infection rate between both groups when cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Compared with the conventional silk suture, the utilization of the knot-free barbed suture in posterior cervical incisions among obese patients is efficacious and of high significance, as it promotes optimal incision healing and minimizes the likelihood of postoperative complications.
Fatty Acids Production under Stress Condition by Halotolerant Bacillus: Extraction and Application
Authors: Hassanabadi Zahra Fathi , Etemadzadeh Shekoofeh Sadat , Tabaii Maryam Jalili , Emtiazi Giti
Published: February 2024

Microbial lipids or single cell oils are produced by some microorganisms such as microalgae, Bacillus bacteria, fungi and yeasts. These compounds can be straight or branched, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated and in addition to essential unsaturated fatty acids that are used in the pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic, and food industries, other fatty acids such as biodiesel and their derivatives also have different applications. In this experiment, fatty acids production was studied by Bacillus halotolerant in different media and the type of them were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry analysis. Different kinds of fatty acids with different applications were detected like omega-3 (α-Linolenic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid), omega-6 (γ-Linolenic acid and Linoleic acid), myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, cis-hexadecenoic, cis-octadecenoic acid, and so on. The effect of metals and nanoparticles for promotion of fatty acid were also investigated in this work. the data showed that the maximum variety of fatty acids and production were related to lead-containing medium.
A Deep Learning Prototype Tested Against 2 ND Order Statistical Central Composite Design (CCD) Models
Authors: Bagchi Tapan P , Mohanty R P , Femi Julius Godslove
Published: February 2024

This empirical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of deep learning (DL), a burgeoning aspect of machine learning and artificial intelligence, in exploring input-response dependencies from observed data, especially when complex nonlinearities are present. DL has the potential to be at least as effective as, if not better than, traditional statistical techniques such as response surface methodology (RSM). To test this hypothesis, we developed DL models using Tensorflow and compared their predictions against those of well-established statistical models. Our DL models were hyperparameter tuned using grid search. We found that, for identical input data, DL's predictions closely matched the results of published central composite designs, and often resulted in smaller root mean square errors, indicating greater predictability, particularly in cases where higher order nonlinearities might be present but missed. Therefore, it is recommended that engineers and R&D scientists incorporate DL in their study of complex processes, along with classical statistical methods, if they have appropriately collected input data. Overall, this study provides evidence that DL can be a valuable tool for exploring complex relationships in data.
Self-regulated Learning and Perfectionism as Predictors of Listening Anxiety in the Context of Foreign Language Learning: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Movafaghardestani Elham , Barjesteh Hamed , Dehqan Mahmood
Published: February 2024

This study was an endeavor to discover the roles of self-regulated learning (SRL), and perfectionism in predicting foreign language learners’ listening anxiety. In so doing, 350 EFL learners were selected by cluster random sampling to complete the three reliable and valid questionnaires of the study. (i.e., SRL, perfectionism, & listening anxiety). To analyze the SEM model and answer the questions, after data collection, a SEM approach was utilized. Based on the findings, a significant linear relationship was found among variables and their components. The results also indicated that although SRL and perfectionism had a significant effect on listening anxiety, perfectionism was a stronger predictor of listening anxiety. In terms of predictive power, SRL was in the next rank. To put it more clearly, students with higher levels of perfectionism experienced higher listening anxiety. Furthermore, those students with higher levels of self-regulation experienced lower levels of listening anxiety, and those with low levels of self-regulation experienced higher levels of listening anxiety. The findings of this study may be beneficial for materials developers and EFL teachers. They should pay more attention to the affective and cognitive variables of English learners because they are known to be important factors in influencing listening anxiety.
Modelling of melting and resolidification of thin metal film subjected to ultrafast laser pulse using the two-temperature model
Authors: Dziatkiewicz Jolanta , Majchrzak Ewa
Published: February 2024

The heating of thin metal film subjected to the ultrafast laser pulse is analyzed. The thermal processes occurring in the domain considered are described using the hyperbolic two-temperature model supplemented by the procedure of melting and resolidification modelling. The problem is solved by means of the implicit scheme of the finite difference method. The examples of computations for different laser intensities and characteristic times of laser pulse are presented.
Safe path prioritization for multi-unit visiting missions performed by UAVs
Authors: Borges Nícolas Pereira , Ghedini Cinara Guellner , Ribeiro Carlos Henrique Costa
Published: February 2024

Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) present a promising avenue for humanitarian missions, particularly in addressing urgent global public health concerns. Their versatility allows for the efficient transportation of lightweight payloads, including vital medical tests, blood products, vaccines, and medications , to remote, inaccessible, or perilous regions. In a military context, UAVs serve various critical functions such as surveillance, reconnaissance and logisti-cal support. The focus of this work is on Combat Service Support (CSS), a type of logistical support mission where UAVs provide supplies to ground forces personnel (GFs) engaged in combat or reconnaissance missions under threat. One challenge in CSS missions is the need for dynamic route planning, as threats can be discovered during the mission. Considering this, we propose a model named Safe Path Prioritization, which adopts as premise that the best way to avoid threat action is to prioritize regions where other UAVs have already flown and did not detect the presence of enemies. In addition, closer ground forces should have visitation priority, as the longer a UAV flies, the greater its chance of being neutralized. The proposed model is combined with a communication approach between UAVs and Ground Control Station (GCS) to increase the stealthiness of UAVs. We validated our proposal in diverse scenarios with different combinations of ground forces, number of UAVs and threat hostility level.Overall, the results show that the combination of safe path prioritization with a traditional minimum path approach can bring benefits regarding both the number of GFs visited and the number of UAVs kept unharmed in CSS scenarios.
UM171 suppresses breast cancer progression by inducing KLF2
Authors: Ran Xiaojuan , Hu Anling , Kuang Yi , Wang Chunlin , Liu Wuling , Xiao Xiao , Zacksenhaus Eldad , Yu Xiangdi , Ben-David Yaacov
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women with significant death rate. Morbidity is associated with drug resistance and metastasis. Development of novel drugs is unmet need. The aim of this study is to show potent anti-neoplastic activity of the UM171 compound on breast cancer cells and its mechanism of action.
Methods: The inhibitory effect of UM171 on several breast cancer (BC) cell lines was examined using MTT and colony forming assays. Cell cycle and apoptosis assays were utilized to determine the effect of UM171 on BC cell proliferation and survival. Wound healing scratch and transwell migration assays were used to examine the migration of BC cell lines in culture. Xenograft of mouse model with 4T1 cells was used to determine inhibitory effect of UM171 in vivo. Q-RT-PCR and western blotting were used to determine the expression level of genes effected by UM171. Lentivirus-mediated shRNA were used to knockdown the expression of KLF2 in BC cells.
Results: UM171 was previously identified as a potent agonist of human hematopoietic stem cell renewal and inhibitor of leukemia. In this study, UM171 was shown to inhibit the growth of multiple breast cancer cell lines in culture. UM171-mediated growth inhibition was associated with the induction of apoptosis, G2/M cell cycle arrest, lower colony forming capacity and reduced motility. In a xenotransplantation model of mouse triple negative breast cancer 4T1 cells injected into syngeneic BALB/c mice, UM171 strongly inhibited tumor growth at a level comparable to paclitaxel. UM171 increased the expression of the three PIM genes (PIM1-3) in breast cancer cells. Moreover, UM171 strongly induced the expression of the tumor suppressor gene KLF2 and cell cycle inhibitor P21CIP1. Accordingly, knockdown of KLF2 using lentivirus-mediated shRNA significantly attenuated the growth suppressor activity of UM171. As PIM1-3 act as oncogenes and are involved in breast cancer progression, induction of these kinases likely impedes the inhibitory effect of KLF2 induction by UM171. Accordingly, combination of UM171 with a PAN-PIM inhibitor LGH447 significantly reduced tumor growth in culture.
Conclusion: These results suggested that UM171 inhibited breast cancer progression in part through activation of KLF2 and P21. Combination of UM171 with a PAN-PIM inhibitor offer a novel therapy for aggressive forms of breast cancer.
Advancement of an Eco-Friendly and Innovative Sustainable Rubber Wrap Film Exhibiting Superior Sealing Properties
Authors: Suchat Sunisa , Boonrasri Siwarote
Published: February 2024

The rubber wrap film is a promising new product that could have a positive impact on the en-vironment. The film is environmentally friendly, durable, and effective in sealing containers and keeping food fresh or crispy. The raw materials used to make the product were studied, namely fresh and concentrated natural rubber latex. No nitrosamines were found in either fresh or concentrated latex, which is important as nitrosamines are known to be carcinogenic. The absence of nitrosamines in the raw materials suggests that the universal rubber wrap film is safe for use. In this study, the rubber formulation and properties of rubber used to make rubber wrap film were studied. The content of additives affecting rubber properties was varied to find the optimum rubber formulation for making rubber wrap film. The rubber formulation with the least amount of chemicals that met the following criteria was selected: tensile strength at least 15 MPa, elongation at break at least 600%, and nitrosamine content below 6 ppm. It was found experimentally that the optimum rubber formulation for making a translucent rubber film had 0.7 phr zinc oxide and 1.0 phr sulfur. In actual use tests it was found that the translucent rubber wrap sealed containers more tightly than a PE plastic film or aluminum foil, because of its elasticity. This allows the rubber film to conform to the shape of the container more closely, creating a tighter seal. The results of this study provide valuable information for developing a universal rubber wrap film that is safe with low nitrosamines.
Hardware implementation of AV1 fraction motion estimation
Authors: Shi Longzhao , Lin Zedeng , Zhang Lijing , Chen Yimeng , Yang Xiaoling
Published: February 2024

A 4-tap coefficient, 8-neighborhood subpixel search algorithm is presented in this paper to simplify hardware implementation. This algorithm is intended to be used for the fraction motion estimation module of the AV1 video coding standard. A 32 × 32 block is used as the fundamental unit for searching and interpolation in hardware implementation. Blocks of the same MV are combined in a merge grouping method to perform subpixel searches, improving search efficiency. The search method for the eight subpixel points of the current MV in a clockwise order is used to realize continuous reading data without stopping the flow, improving the work efficiency of the pipeline. Finally, a shift-and-add method is employed to implement the multiplication calculation of fixed coefficients, fully utilizing the common factor between the coefficients to reuse part of the circuit and other approaches to effectively reduce the expenditure of hardware. The interpolation and searching process of subpixels is implemented in Verilog HDL, and synthesis is performed using Design Compiler under 55 nm process conditions at SMIC with an operating frequency of up to 200 MHz, an area of 5894809.13 µm2, and a power consumption of 352.21 mW.
Vehicle Stability Control for External Disturbance Inputs and Fault-Tolerant via Finite-time Terminal Sliding Mode
Authors: Li Jing , Gao Min , Hu Taihong , Feng Baidong , Luo Jin
Published: February 2024

Vehicle stability control, as an important part of active safety technology, has a critical impact on improving the overall safety of vehicles. The purpose of this paper is to discuss an integrated DYC (Direct Yaw Moment Control) and AFS (Active Front Steering) system. A fault-tolerant disturbance adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control (FDASMC) is proposed with the aim of solving the problem of maintaining the stability of the system and improving the tracking performance of the system in a finite period of time with external perturbations and actuator failures. Firstly a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDOB) based on the dynamics model of four-wheel independently-actuated electric vehicle(4WIDEV) is constructed with the aim of reducing the negative effects of system uncertainty and external disturbances on the controller accuracy. Secondly to improve the convergence performance of the traditional sliding mode control, this paper introduces a nonlinear function into the sliding mode switching function to ensure that the system accurately tracks the desired state in finite time. In addition, a non-singular fast terminal sliding mode controller is further designed to prevent singular phenomena, and a dynamic gain observer is designed on this to cope with the system instability due to actuator failure. Finally, through theoretical analysis and simulation verification, this paper demonstrates that the proposed integrated control system is not only able to achieve accurate tracking of the desired state within a limited time, but also has excellent tracking accuracy, which significantly improves the vehicle's maneuvering stability.
Living on the Edge: Spatial Distributions and Edge Relationships of Plant Communities in the Coastal Barrens of the Chebucto Peninsula, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Authors: Buckland-Nicks Michael , Porter Caitlin , Lundholm Jeremy
Published: February 2024

Context Coastal barrens support habitat types including wetlands, dwarf shrublands and tree 'islands' as well as rare plant species. Forest expansion, sea-level rise and recreational trails affect plant communities but spatial vegetation patterns within barrens are unknown.Objectives To classify plant communities; to quantify size, shape, spatial distributions, edge relationships and environmental correlates of plant community patches.Methods Landcover maps were created at three 500 m x 500 m coastal barrens sites using high-resolution multispectral aerial imagery. Community patches were compared using size and shape metrics; shared edge length identified adjacent communities. Community distributions were modelled using environmental variables such as elevation and distance to coast.Results Forty distinct plant communities were detected, with shrublands (37.5% total area), dwarf shrublands (23.3%) and bog wetlands (13.9%) being the most abundant. Average patch size was 9.2 m2; average patch density was 951 patches/ha, indicating fine scale community variability. ATV trails occurred primarily in bog wetlands. Dwarf shrublands and some wetland types were closest to the coastline; taller shrublands and tree islands occurred further from the coast. Edge relationships revealed a vegetation height gradient across the forest-barren ecotone: tree islands were mostly adjacent to tall shrub communities, followed by progressively shorter vegetation.Conclusions Topographic variability and distance to coast were important predictors of community distribution. Shrublands and dwarf shrublands dominated the sites; other types including forest and wetland were abundant in certain conditions. Edge relationships among communities allowed identification of those most at risk from trail disturbance, forestation and coastal squeeze.
An Analysis of Shear-Dependent Mechanochemical Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Rana Resham , Hopper Nicholas , Sidoroff François , Cayer-Barrioz Juliette , Mazuyer Denis , Tysoe Wilfred T
Published: February 2024

The variation in the rate of a tribochemical reaction is calculated as a function of combined normal and shear stresses using Evans-Polanyi perturbation theory. The effect of perturbations such as stresses is obtained using transition-state theory from their influence on the equilibrium constant between the initial- and transition-state structures using the molar Gibbs free energy change. An advantage of this approach is it capability of calculating the effect of several perturbations, such as combined normal and shear stresses. Two effects have been identified. The first is that the effective activation volume contains contributions from both the normal and shear stresses. More importantly, the analysis predicts that the asymptote of this plot at zero stress is not equal to the thermal reaction rate; there is a change in the inherent tribochemical reaction rate that depends on velocity. This prediction is shown to be true for the shear-induced decomposition of ethyl thiolate species adsorbed on a Cu(100) single crystal substrate where this effect contributes to about two orders of magnitude increase in the reaction rate. This indicates that tribochemical reactions can be influenced by either just normal stresses or a combination of normal and shear stresses, but that the latter contribution is much larger. It is predicted that there is a linear relationship between the activation energy and the logarithm of the pr-exponential factor of this asymptotic rate constant, known as a compensation effect in catalysis. While this has not yet been seen for tribochemical reactions on surfaces, it has been found for reactions occurring in sheared fluids.
Pre-surgical Cryoablation in≤ 2cm ER+HER2-tumors. Prognostic factors for the presence of residual invasive carcinoma
Authors: Navarro María José Roca , Goldaracena Jose María Oliver , Alonso Diego Garrido , Monforte Ylenia Navarro , Durbán Teresa Díaz de Bustamante , Chicote Mª Vicenta Córdoba , martínez Fernando García , álvarez Covadonga Martí , gregorio Laura Yébenes , Botella José Luís Montes , Hervás Carmen Martín , Méndez José Ignacio Sánchez
Published: February 2024

Background: Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is the standard approach for small low-risk tumors. If the efficacy of cryoablation is demonstrated, it could provide a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
Purpose: To determine the success of ultrasound-guided cryoablation in achieving the absence of Residual Invasive Cancer (RIC) for patients with ER+/HER2- tumors ≤ 2cm and sonographically negative axillary nodes.
Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out from April 2021 to June 2023, and involved 60 preoperative cryoablation procedures on ultrasound-visible, node-negative (cN0) infiltrating ductal carcinomas (IDC). Standard diagnostic imaging included mammography and tomosynthesis, supplemented by ultrasound-guided biopsy. MRI was performed in patients with associated intraductal carcinoma (DCIS) and an invasive component on core needle biopsy (18 out of 22 cases). All tumors were tagged with ferromagnetic seeds. A triple-phase protocol (freezing-thawing-freezing) with Argon was used, with an average procedure duration of 40 minutes.
A logistic regression model was applied to determine significant correlation between RIC and the study variables.
Results: Fifty-nine women (mean age 63 ± 8 years) with sixty low-risk unifocal IDC underwent cryoablation prior to surgery. Pathological examination of lumpectomy specimens post-cryoablation revealed RIC in only one of 38 patients with pure IDC and in 4 of 22 mixed IDC/DCIS cases. All treated tumors had clear surgical margins, with no significant procedural complications.
Conclusions: Cryoablation was effective in eradicating 97% of pure infiltrating ER+/HER2-tumors ≤ 2cm, demonstrating its potential as a surgical alternative in selected patients.