bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Model Strategies for Prevention of Infection Caused by Certain Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms in A Rehabilitation Unit: A Semi-Experimental Study
Authors: Li Shiyu , Lin Ji , Tao Siyuan , Guo Linwen , Huang Wenzhi , Li Jingwen , Du Chunping , Wang Zhiting , Liu Liwen , Chen Yi , Qiao Fu
Published: July 2023

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of multi-model strategies on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) in rehabilitation units. Methods: A semi-experimental study was conducted in a rehabilitation unit with 181 beds from January 2021 to December 2022 in a teaching hospital with 4300 beds in China. In 2021, many basic prevention and control measures were conducted routinely. Based on the basic measures, strengthening multi-model strategies for the prevention and control of MDROs was pursued year-round since 1 January 2022. Results: A total of 6206 patients were enrolled during the study period. The incidence density of HAIs caused by MDROs decreased from 1.22 (95% CI, 0.96~1.54) cases/1000 patient-days in the pre-intervention period to 0.70 (95% CI, 0.50~0.95) cases/1000 patient-days (p = 0.004). Similarly, the incidence of HAIs in the intervention period was 50.85% lower than that in the pre-intervention period (2.02 (95% CI, 1.50~2.72) vs. 4.11 (95% CI, 3.45–4.85) cases/100 patients, p < 0.001). The rate of MDROs isolated from the environment decreased by 30.00%, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.259). Conclusion: Multi-model strategies can reduce the incidence of HAIs and HAIs caused by certain MDROs in the rehabilitation unit.
Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of the Secondary Metabolites of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from the Medicinal Plant Hyssopus officinalis
Authors: Eshboev Farkhod , Karakozova Marina , Abdurakhmanov Jaloliddin , Bobakulov Khayrulla , Dolimov Khayotjon , Abdurashidov Akhror , Baymirzaev Asadali , Makhnyov Artyom , Terenteva Ekaterina , Sasmakov Sobirdjan , Piyakina Galina , Egamberdieva Dilfuza , Nazarov Pavel A. , Azimova Shakhnoz
Published: July 2023

According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that by 2050, drug-resistant infections could cause up to 10 million deaths annually. Therefore, finding a new generation of antibiotics is crucial. Natural compounds from endophytic fungi are considered a potential source of new-generation antibiotics. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of ethyl acetate extracts of nine endophytic fungal isolates obtained from Hyssopus officinalis were investigated for bioassay-guided isolation of the natural compounds. An extract of isolate VII showed the highest antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (30.12 ± 0.20 mm and 35.21 ± 0.20 mm) and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30.41 ± 0.23 mm and 25.12 ± 0.25 mm) among the tested extracts of isolates. Molecular identification of isolate VII confirmed it as Chaetomium elatum based on sequencing of its ITS genes, and it was discovered that this was the first time C. elatum had been isolated from H. officinalis. This isolate was cultured at a large scale for the isolation and identification of the active compound. Penicillic acid was isolated for the first time from C. elatum and its chemical structure was established by NMR spectroscopy. The penicillic acid showed strong antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus with 20.68 mm and 25.51 mm inhibition zones, respectively. In addition, MIC and MBC values and antibiofilm activities of penicillic acid were determined. It was found that penicillic acid reduced the level of biofilms in proportion to antibacterial activity.
Impact of Modern Vehicular Technologies and Emission Regulations on Improving Global Air Quality
Authors: Ravi Sai Sudharshan , Osipov Sergey , Turner James W. G.
Published: July 2023

Over the past few decades, criteria emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) from transportation have decreased significantly, thanks to stricter emission standards and the widespread adoption of cleaner technologies. While air quality is a complex problem that is not solely dependent on transportation emissions, it does play a significant role in both regional and global air quality levels. Emission standards such as Euro 1–6 in Europe, Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations, Tier I—III standards in the US and the low emission vehicle (LEV) program in California have all played a huge role in bringing down transportation emissions and hence improving air quality overall. This article reviews the effect of emissions from transportation, primarily focusing on criteria emissions from road transport emissions and highlights the impact of some of the novel technological advances that have historically helped meet these strict emission norms. The review also notes how modern road engine vehicles emissions compare with national and international aviation and shipping and discusses some of the suggested Euro 7 emissions standards and their potential to improve air quality.
CO2 Geological Storage and Utilization
Authors: Huang Liang
Published: July 2023

With increasing greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities, climate change is affecting the survival and development of human society [...]
Robust Heart Rate Variability Measurement from Facial Videos
Authors: Odinaev Ismoil , Wong Kwan Long , Chin Jing Wei , Goyal Raghav , Chan Tsz Tai , So Richard H. Y.
Published: July 2023

Remote Photoplethysmography (rPPG) is a contactless method that enables the detection of various physiological signals from facial videos. rPPG utilizes a digital camera to detect subtle changes in skin color to measure vital signs such as heart rate variability (HRV), an important biomarker related to the autonomous nervous system. This paper presents a novel contactless HRV extraction algorithm, WaveHRV, based on the Wavelet Scattering Transform technique, followed by adaptive bandpass filtering and inter-beat-interval (IBI) analysis. Furthermore, a novel method is introduced to preprocess noisy contact-based PPG signals. WaveHRV is bench-marked against existing algorithms and public datasets. Our results show that WaveHRV is promising and achieves the lowest mean absolute error (MAE) of 10.5 ms and 6.15 ms for RMSSD and SDNN on the UBFCrPPG dataset.
Allogenic Stem Cells Carried by Porous Silicon Scaffolds for Active Bone Regeneration In Vivo
Authors: Renaud Matthieu , Bousquet Philippe , Macias Gerard , Rochefort Gael Y. , Durand Jean-Olivier , Marsal Lluis F. , Cuisinier Frédéric , Cunin Frédérique , Collart-Dutilleul Pierre-Yves
Published: July 2023

To date, bone regeneration techniques use many biomaterials for bone grafting with limited efficiencies. For this purpose, tissue engineering combining biomaterials and stem cells is an important avenue of development to improve bone regeneration. Among potentially usable non-toxic and bioresorbable scaffolds, porous silicon (pSi) is an interesting biomaterial for bone engineering. The possibility of modifying its surface can allow a better cellular adhesion as well as a control of its rate of resorption. Moreover, release of silicic acid upon resorption of its nanostructure has been previously proved to enhance stem cell osteodifferentiation by inducing calcium phosphate formation. In the present study, we used a rat tail model to experiment bone tissue engineering with a critical size defect. Two groups with five rats per group of male Wistar rats were used. In each rat, four vertebrae were used for biomaterial implantation. Randomized bone defects were filled with pSi particles alone or pSi particles carrying dental pulp stem cells (DPSC). Regeneration was evaluated in comparison to empty defect and defects filled with xenogenic bone substitute (Bio-Oss®). Fluorescence microscopy and SEM evaluations showed adhesion of DPSCs on pSi particles with cells exhibiting distribution throughout the biomaterial. Histological analyzes revealed the formation of a collagen network when the defects were filled with pSi, unlike the positive control using Bio-Oss®. Overall bone formation was objectivated with µCT analysis and showed a higher bone mineral density with pSi particles combining DPSC. Immunohistochemical assays confirmed the increased expression of bone markers (osteocalcin) when pSi particles carried DPSC. Surprisingly, no grafted cells remained in the regenerated area after one month of healing, even though the grafting of DPSC clearly increased bone regeneration for both bone marker expression and overall bone formation objectivated with µCT. In conclusion, our results show that the association of pSi with DPSCs in vivo leads to greater bone formation, compared to a pSi graft without DPSCs. Our results highlight the paracrine role of grafted stem cells by recruitment and stimulation of endogenous cells.
Spheroids of FAP-Positive Cell Lines as a Model for Screening Drugs That Affect FAP Expression
Authors: Pleshkan Victor V. , Zinovyeva Marina V. , Antonova Dina V. , Alekseenko Irina V.
Published: July 2023

Fibroblast activation protein has a unique expression profile that manifests mainly in wounds and tumors, which anticipates it as an encouraging and selective target for anticancer therapy. However, research of the therapeutic potential of FAP is limited both by legal restraints when working in vivo and by the difficulty of obtaining standardized primary cultures of FAP-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts due to their high heterogeneity. We found that 3D spheroids of FAP-positive cell lines could serve as robust and convenient models of FAP expression, in contrast to monolayers. By exposing such spheroids to various factors and compounds, it is possible to study changes in FAP expression, which are easily detected by confocal microscopy. FAP expression increases under the influence of the TGFβ, does not depend on pH, and decreases during hypoxia and starvation. We believe that the proposed model could be used to organize large-scale high-throughput screening of drugs that target FAP expression.
Enhancing the Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Curcumin in Combination with Quercetin, for the Prevention and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pellegrino Michele , Bevacqua Emilia , Frattaruolo Luca , Cappello Anna Rita , Aquaro Stefano , Tucci Paola
Published: July 2023

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. Although epidemiologic studies show that a higher intake of polyphenols, curcumin (CUR), and quercetin (QRT), in particular, result in lower prostate cancer risk, the chemopreventive mechanisms underlying the effects of CUR and QRT have not been fully understood yet, and most investigations were conducted with individual compounds. Here, we investigated the anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects of CUR in combination with QRT, respectively, in a human prostate cancer cell line, PC-3, and in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, and found that their combination significantly inhibited proliferation and arrested the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, so exhibiting synergic activities stronger than single drug use. Moreover, via their antioxidant effects, the combination of CUR and QRT modulated several inflammation-mediated signaling pathways (ROS, nitric oxide, and pro-inflammatory cytokines) thus helping protect cells from undergoing molecular changes that trigger carcinogenesis. Although additional studies, including in vivo experiments and translational studies, are required, this study raises the possibility of their use as a safe, effective, and affordable therapeutic approach to prostate cancer.
Functional State of the Motor Centers of the Lumbar Spine after Contusion (Th8-Th9) with Application of Methylprednisolone-Copolymer at the Site of Injury
Authors: Baltin Maxim , Smirnova Victoriya , Khamatnurova Regina , Sabirova Diana , Samigullin Bulat , Sachenkov Oskar , Baltina Tatyana
Published: July 2023

Spinal cord injuries must be treated as soon as possible. Studies of NASCIS protocols have questioned the use of methylprednisolone therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of local delivery of methylprednisolone succinate in combination with a tri-block copolymer in rats with spinal cord injury. The experiments were conducted in accordance with the bioethical guidelines. We evaluated the state of the motor centers below the level of injury by assessing the amplitude of evoked motor responses in the hind limb muscles of rats during epidural stimulation. Kinematic analysis was performed to examine the stepping cycle in each rat. Trajectories of foot movements were plotted to determine the range of limb motion, maximum foot lift height, and lateral deviation of the foot in rats on the 21st day after spinal cord injury. We have shown that the local application of methylprednisolone succinate in combination with block copolymer leads to recovery of center excitability by 21 days after injury. In rats, they recovered weight-supported locomotion, directional control of walking, and balance. The proposed assessment method provides valuable information on gait disturbances following injury and can be utilized to evaluate the quality of therapeutic interventions.
Application of Paper-Based Microfluidic Analytical Devices (µPAD) in Forensic and Clinical Toxicology: A Review
Authors: Musile Giacomo , Grazioli Cristian , Fornasaro Stefano , Dossi Nicolò , De Palo Elio Franco , Tagliaro Franco , Bortolotti Federica
Published: July 2023

The need for providing rapid and, possibly, on-the-spot analytical results in the case of intoxication has prompted researchers to develop rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective methods and analytical devices suitable for use in nonspecialized laboratories and at the point of need (PON). In recent years, the technology of paper-based microfluidic analytical devices (μPADs) has undergone rapid development and now provides a feasible, low-cost alternative to traditional rapid tests for detecting harmful compounds. In fact, µPADs have been developed to detect toxic molecules (arsenic, cyanide, ethanol, and nitrite), drugs, and drugs of abuse (benzodiazepines, cathinones, cocaine, fentanyl, ketamine, MDMA, morphine, synthetic cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol, and xylazine), and also psychoactive substances used for drug-facilitated crimes (flunitrazepam, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), ketamine, metamizole, midazolam, and scopolamine). The present report critically evaluates the recent developments in paper-based devices, particularly in detection methods, and how these new analytical tools have been tested in forensic and clinical toxicology, also including future perspectives on their application, such as multisensing paper-based devices, microfluidic paper-based separation, and wearable paper-based sensors.
Insight into Cancer Immunity: MHCs, Immune Cells and Commensal Microbiota
Authors: Wen Minting , Li Yingjing , Qin Xiaonan , Qin Bing , Wang Qiong
Published: July 2023

Cancer cells circumvent immune surveillance via diverse strategies. In accordance, a large number of complex studies of the immune system focusing on tumor cell recognition have revealed new insights and strategies developed, largely through major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs). As one of them, tumor-specific MHC-II expression (tsMHC-II) can facilitate immune surveillance to detect tumor antigens, and thereby has been used in immunotherapy, including superior cancer prognosis, clinical sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy and tumor-bearing rejection in mice. NK cells play a unique role in enhancing innate immune responses, accounting for part of the response including immunosurveillance and immunoregulation. NK cells are also capable of initiating the response of the adaptive immune system to cancer immunotherapy independent of cytotoxic T cells, clearly demonstrating a link between NK cell function and the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Eosinophils were shown to feature pleiotropic activities against a variety of solid tumor types, including direct interactions with tumor cells, and accessorily affect immunotherapeutic response through intricating cross-talk with lymphocytes. Additionally, microbial sequencing and reconstitution revealed that commensal microbiota might be involved in the modulation of cancer progression, including positive and negative regulatory bacteria. They may play functional roles in not only mucosal modulation, but also systemic immune responses. Here, we present a panorama of the cancer immune network mediated by MHCI/II molecules, immune cells and commensal microbiota and a discussion of prospective relevant intervening mechanisms involved in cancer immunotherapies.
Abrasive Wear and Physical Properties of In-Situ Nano-TiCx Reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr Composites
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Lu Pengyong , He Xiya , Gao Yali
Published: July 2023

Cu–Cr–Zr alloys reinforced in situ with TiCx nanoparticles were prepared via combustion synthesis and electromagnetic stirring casting. The microstructure of TiCx/Cu-Cr-Zr composites with various contents was analyzed. The microhardness and Brinell hardness of the composites were determined; the average volumetric abrasive wear rate and worn surface of the composites were investigated; and the electrical, thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficients of the materials were discussed. The results indicated that the addition of TiCx particles transformed the Cu–Cr–Zr matrix alloy microstructure from a dendritic to an equiaxed crystal, and the grain size was significantly refined as the amount added was increased. The composites with high TiCx content possessed higher hardness and abrasive wear resistance. The addition of TiCx particles reduced the electrical and thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficients of the materials.
An Overview of Active Electrode Materials for the Efficient High-Performance Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Arumugam Bharathi , Mayakrishnan Gopiraman , Subburayan Manickavasagam Suresh Kumar , Kim Seong Cheol , Vanaraj Ramkumar
Published: July 2023

Recent energy research focuses on the efficiency enhancement of supercapacitor devices for multipurpose applications. Several materials have been used as electrode materials to achieve the maximum specific capacitance. The present review article concludes with three different types of materials recently used to enhance the efficiency of supercapacitors. The first type involves carbon-based materials for storage and supercapacitor applications. The carbon materials could be obtained naturally and synthesized manually based on need. The additional advantage of carbon material is these materials can be obtained from natural sources. The second type discusses the recent advances in metal oxide materials for high-performance supercapacitors. The metal oxide materials are involved in different types of attachment through the bi-tri metallic bonding, which enhances the specific capacitance. The third type involves recently advanced materials for high energy and power density application. The power and energy density of the materials is enhanced by the surface modification of the materials. In recent days, the MXene and nanocomposite materials seem to be an appropriate material to increase the power and energy density of the device. The modification and surface treatment of respective materials could enhance the specific capacitance of the material.
Population Dynamics of Three Polyplacophora Species from the Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: Varkoulis Anastasios , Voulgaris Konstantinos , Zachos Daniil Solonas , Vafidis Dimitris
Published: July 2023

The present study is the first to examine spatio-temporal variations in the densities and morphometrics of three shallow water Polyplacophora species (Rhyssoplax olivacea, Acanthochitona fascicularis and Lepidopleurus cajetanus), native to the eastern Mediterranean, while also estimating several growth parameters. Two intertidal boulder fields located in the Pagasitigos gulf (central Aegean) were sampled monthly with SCUBA diving using quadrant sampling, to compare the spatial and temporal (month, season) effects on their size, population density and dispersion pattern. Region was the most significant factor influencing the abundance and size for all three species, while the temporal scales affected mostly Rhyssoplax olivacea. The effect of a boulder under the surface was only significant for the density of Lepidopleurus cajetanus. The standardized major axis method showed that the three species exhibited different allometric relationships between length, width and weight, while a slope comparison between regions yielded significant, in most cases, results. Using the standardized Morisita index for dispersion, a clustered pattern was observed for all species seasonally, with the exception of Acanthochitona fascicularis in Plakes in autumn and winter. To estimate the growth parameters, a bootstrapped Electronic Frequency Analysis (ELEFAN) utilizing a genetic algorithm was employed on pooled populations. L∞ and K varied among the three species with A. fascicularis exhibiting the highest L∞ and L. cajetanus the lowest K value.
Immunoprotective Effect of Coptis chinensis-Supplemented Diet on Streptococcus agalactiae Infection in Tilapia
Authors: Guo Ruijie , Yu Kai , Huang Kai , Lin Qiang , Liu Ting
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate the immunoprotective effect of Coptis chinensis (CC) on Streptococcus agalactiae (SA) infection in tilapia. Experimental fish were randomly divided into two groups feeding on a normal diet (ND) and a CC-supplemented diet (CCD) for 2 weeks and then injected with SA. After the inoculation experiment, the ND and CCD groups were named PI_ND and PI_CCD, respectively. CCD increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) activity significantly before and after infection. Immunological assays revealed that the serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), complement 3 (C3), immunoglobulin M (IgM), Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the CCD group were significantly higher than in the ND group both before and after infection. In addition, proteomics analysis of liver tissue identified 62 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in CCD vs. ND, and 36 DEPs in the PI_CCD vs. the PI_ND groups. Furthermore, 80 specific upregulated proteins and 49 specific downregulated proteins were screened in the CCD group. The specific upregulated proteins included important antimicrobial enzymes such as lysozymes and cathepsin D, and antimicrobial peptides such as septins, granulin, and grancalcin, involving multiple KEGG brite categories such as enzymes, exosomes, membrane transport, and proteolipid proteins. Furthermore, specific downregulated proteins were enriched in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and TCA cycle pathways. In conclusion, CC supplementation effectively enhances the ability of tilapia to resist SA infection by modulating various antioxidant enzymes, immune factors, antimicrobial enzymes, and antimicrobial peptides, and by moderately inhibiting central carbon metabolism. These findings provide a basis for replacing antibiotics with environmentally-friendly functional aquatic feeds to control bacterial diseases.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Physical Fitness and Risk of Hypertension in Korean Adults Aged 20–59
Authors: Jeoung Bogja , Kim Jiyoun
Published: July 2023

Intervention for hypertension in young age groups is very important. Adults in their 30s and 40s in Korea are the main producers of economic activity. Stress in work life, frequent drinking and smoking, an unhealthy diet, and a lack of physical activity are the biggest factors that increase the risk of high blood pressure. This study analyzed obesity-related body composition, physical fitness, and risk according to age and sex by analyzing population-based hypertension and physical fitness trends in individuals aged 20–59 years in 360,321 Korean adults via National Physical Award Project (NFAP) data points collected from 2012 to 2019. The functional fitness test battery for adults was composed of seven components: (a) aerobic endurance (2-min step), (b) upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), (c) lower body muscle endurance (sit-ups), (d) flexibility (sit and reach), (e) cardiopulmonary endurance (progressive aerobic capacity endurance run), (f) body compositions (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]), and (g) blood pressure. For all items, there was a significant difference in blood pressure according to people’s physical fitness levels. Specifically, for obesity-related BMI and WC, the higher the obesity, the higher the blood pressure (post hoc, obesity > overweight > normal > underweight). It was also confirmed that the lower the grade, that is, the weaker the grip, the higher the blood pressure (post hoc, 4 > 3 > 2 > 1). Subsequently, in identifying the risk factors for high blood pressure, the physical fitness level (Model 1) and obesity-related indicator (Model 2) differed by 1.024 and 1.335 times, respectively. Finally, it was confirmed that the risk of high blood pressure in the age and gender model (Model 3) increased by 1.388 times. In addition to the recommendation for changes in blood pressure, significant differences in blood pressure according to physical fitness and significant effects on blood pressure risk in terms of age, obesity-related body composition, and physical fitness were confirmed.
MSGAT-Based Sentiment Analysis for E-Commerce
Authors: Jiang Tingyao , Sun Wei , Wang Min
Published: July 2023

Sentence-level sentiment analysis, as a research direction in natural language processing, has been widely used in various fields. In order to address the problem that syntactic features were neglected in previous studies on sentence-level sentiment analysis, a multiscale graph attention network (MSGAT) sentiment analysis model based on dependent syntax is proposed. The model adopts RoBERTa_WWM as the text encoding layer, generates graphs on the basis of syntactic dependency trees, and obtains sentence sentiment features at different scales for text classification through multilevel graph attention network. Compared with the existing mainstream text sentiment analysis models, the proposed model achieves better performance on both a hotel review dataset and a takeaway review dataset, with 94.8% and 93.7% accuracy and 96.2% and 90.4% F1 score, respectively. The results demonstrate the superiority and effectiveness of the model in Chinese sentence sentiment analysis.
Two Birds with One Stone: Ammonium-Induced Carbon Nanotube Structure and Low-Crystalline Cobalt Nanoparticles Enabling High Performance of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Tan Qi , Liu Hongliang , Liang Guozhu , Jiang Kaigui , Xie Hangxuan , Si Weijie , Lin Jiajv , Kang Xiongwu
Published: July 2023

The electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur batteries (LiSBs) has been hampered by the slow redox kinetics and shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), which require the rational design and synthesis of highly active electrocatalysts towards this reaction. Herein, worm-like N-doped porous carbon nanotube-supported low-crystalline Co nanoparticles (a-Co-NC@C) were derived from binary Zn–Co ZIF via a two-step thermal annealing method. Initial thermal annealing 950 °C in Ar + H2 atmosphere results in the carbonization of binary Zn–Co ZIF and the formation of high crystalline Co nanoparticles. Thermal annealing in ammonia atmosphere at 350 °C not only results in the reduced crystallinity of cobalt nanoparticles; it also promotes the growth of highly graphitized and heavily N-doped intertwined carbon nanotubes. The enlarged porous carbon nanotube structure offers accommodation for sulfur content, while the doped carbon and Co nanoparticles with reduced crystallinity facilitate the redox kinetics of LiPSs, improving the cycling stability, rate performance and capacity of LiSBs batteries. As a result, the a-Co-NC@C cathode displays a specific capacity of 559 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 C, and a specific capacity of 572 mAh g−1 at 3 C. It delivers a specific capacity of 579 mAh g−1 at high sulfur loading of a 2.55 mg cm−2 at 1 C after 400 cycles. This work highlights the importance of phase engineering of carbon matrix and transition metal nanoparticles in electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries.
Experimental and Numerical Study on Crack Propagation of Cracked Plates under Low Cycle Fatigue Loads
Authors: Qin Dong , Geng Xu , Jie Zhao , Yaoyu Hu
Published: July 2023

The traditional study on fatigue strength for ship structures usually focuses on high cycle fatigue and ignores low cycle fatigue. However, given the recent trend towards large-scale ship development, the stress and deformation experienced by ship structures are becoming increasingly significant, leading to greater attention being paid to low cycle fatigue damage. Therefore, experimental and numerical studies on crack propagation behavior of cracked plates under low cycle fatigue loads were carried out in this paper, in order to explain the fatigue crack propagation mechanism. The effect of the stress ratio and maximum applied load on the crack propagation behavior was investigated by conducting experimental research on the cracked plate of AH32 steel. The experimental results show that an increasing maximum applied load and decreasing stress ratio will shorten the fatigue life of the cracked plate. Meanwhile, based on the finite element method, the distribution of the stress–strain field at the crack tip and the effect of crack closure were evaluated. The influencing factors such as the stress ratio and crack length were considered in numerical studies, which provided a new way to study the low cycle fatigue crack propagation behavior.
Microplastic–Pharmaceuticals Interaction in Water Systems
Authors: Arienzo Michele , Donadio Carlo
Published: July 2023

Microplastics, MPs, in aquatic environments pose serious threats when associated with other pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, PHs. This review is a continuation of an earlier paper on the role of MPs as containers and carriers of heavy metals, HMs, persistent organic pollutants, POPs, pharmaceuticals, PHs, and personal care products, PCPs, in marine environments and published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. The current effort aims to elucidate the most recent data on the interaction and association of MPs with PHs and the ecotoxicological implications on food webs. This review focuses on the nature of the interaction from different perspectives, such as the hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of the polymer and drug, the polymer surface, and the rate of weathering. The effects of environmental conditions, such as mechanical stress, photodegradation, pH, salinity, dissolved organic matter, and gastrointestinal features of marine biota, were reported. This review reports on experimental laboratory, mathematical, and field data on MPs’ carrier and accumulation role in PHs and their release and ecotoxicological effects on water bodies. From the survey of the data, it emerges that the nature of the interaction and the effects on biota are very complex and variable, and perhaps only a systematic mechanic approach of data collection with a statistical approach using big data and deep learning will contribute in the future to clarify.
Intelligent Approaches for Anomaly Detection in Compressed Air Systems: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mallia Jasmine , Francalanza Emmanuel , Xuereb Peter , Refalo Paul
Published: July 2023

Inefficiencies within compressed air systems (CASs) call for the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies for financially viable and sustainable operations. A systematic literature review of intelligent approaches within CASs was carried out, in which the research methodology was based on the PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out on 1 November 2022 within two databases: Scopus and Web of Science. The research methodology resulted in 37 papers eligible for a qualitative and bibliometric analysis based on a set of research questions. These aimed to identify specific characteristics of the selected publications. Thus, the review performed a comprehensive analysis on mathematical approaches, multiple machine learning (ML) methods, the implementation of neural networks (NNs), the development of time-series techniques, comparative analysis, and hybrid techniques. This systematic literature review allowed the comparison of these approaches, while widening the perspective on how such methods can be implemented within CASs for a more intelligent approach. Any limitations or challenges faced were mitigated through an unbiased procedure of involving multiple databases, search terms, and researchers. Therefore, this systematic review resulted in discussions and implications for the definition of future implementations of intelligent approaches that could result in sustainable CASs.
Kinematic Modeling and Simulation of a New Robot for Wingbox Internal Fastening Application
Authors: Jiang Jiefeng , You Jingjing , Bi Yunbo
Published: July 2023

At present, the fastener installation in a wingbox facing a narrow space must be performed manually. Using a robot is an appropriate solution for automatic assembly. However, the existing robots cannot meet the internal fastening requirements. A new robot with a prismatic joint and four revolute joints (1P4R) was developed to perform the positioning and operation in the wingbox. A compact arm link was designed, and mechanical frame structures were set up. The control system was also set up for the robot’s motion. Then, the forward kinematic model was carried out with the matrix transformation method, and in the analysis the workspace entirely covered the wingbox. The inverse kinematic model was established using the geometric method, and through calculation and simulation, the inverse kinematic equations were verified and refined.
A Note on Weibull Parameter Estimation with Interval Censoring Using the EM Algorithm
Authors: Park Chanseok
Published: July 2023

In many engineering applications, it is often the case that the observations are only available in interval form. In this note, by using the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm, the parameter estimation of the Weibull distribution with interval-censored data is considered. The estimates obtained using the EM algorithm are compared with those obtained using the conventional Newton-type methods, including the Davidon–Fletcher–Powell (DFP) and Berndt–Hall–Hall–Hausman (BHHH) methods. The results indicate that the estimates obtained using the proposed EM method demonstrate superior convergence properties compared to the conventional DFP and BHHH methods. Finally, a numerical study that illustrates the advantages of the proposed method is provided.
A Decentralized Federated Learning Based on Node Selection and Knowledge Distillation
Authors: Zhou Zhongchang , Sun Fenggang , Chen Xiangyu , Zhang Dongxu , Han Tianzhen , Lan Peng
Published: July 2023

Federated learning has become increasingly important for modern machine learning, especially for data privacy sensitive scenarios. Existing federated learning mainly adopts a central server-based network topology, however, the training process of which is susceptible to the central node. To address this problem, this article proposed a decentralized federated learning method based on node selection and knowledge distillation. Specifically, the central node in this method is variable, and it is selected by the indicator interaction between nodes. Meanwhile, the knowledge distillation mechanism is added to make the student model as close as possible to the teacher’s network and ensure the model’s accuracy. The experiments were conducted on the public MNIST, CIFAR-10, and FEMNIST datasets for both the Independent Identically Distribution (IID) setting and the non-IID setting. Numerical results show that the proposed method can achieve an improved accuracy as compared to the centralized federated learning method, and the computing time is reduced greatly with less accuracy loss as compared to the blockchain decentralized federated learning. Therefore, the proposed method guarantees the model effect while meeting the individual model requirements of each node and reducing the running time.
Characteristics and Factors Influencing Pore Structure in Shale Oil Reservoirs of Different Lithologies in the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation of the Yingshan Gas Field in Central Sichuan Basin
Authors: Wang Youzhi , Deng Hucheng , Wang Zhiguo , Wang Xiandong , Cao Qian , Cheng Dean , Zhu Yanping , Li An
Published: July 2023

Shale in the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation in central Sichuan exhibits strong heterogeneity. The study of the pore structure characteristics of different lithologies is crucial to the selection of the target interval. Shale samples of the Lianggaoshan Formation from well YS5 in the central part of the Sichuan Basin were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, high-pressure mercury injection (HPMI), and large -field splicing method -based scanning electron microscopy (LFS-SEM) to elucidate the pore structure characteristics of shale and their influencing factors. The mineral composition of the reservoir in the study area was diverse, primarily consisting of clay minerals, followed by quartz and calcite. The reservoir space comprised intergranular, granular, and organic matter pores, and oil was observed to fill the reservoir space. Reservoir characteristics varied with the lithological properties. In clayey shale, intergranular pores located in clay mineral particles and pores between pyrite and natural fractures were mainly observed, with a bimodal distribution of pore size and peak distribution of 10–50 nm and >100 nm. The storage space of ash-bearing shale mainly consisted of intragranular pores and intergranular (crystalline) micropores, with pore sizes primarily concentrated in the 10–50 nm range. The storage space in silty shale mainly developed in clastic mineral particles such as quartz, followed by clay mineral intergranular pores with a relatively wide distribution of sizes. Pores were mainly inkbottle-shaped and slit-type/plate-type pores, with an average specific surface area of approximately 6.9046 m2·g−1 and an average pore volume of approximately 0.0150 cm3·g−1. The full-pore capillary pressure curve was established using a combination of gas adsorption–desorption tests and HPMI. The fractal dimension of the sample pore structure was calculated, and a significant linear correlation was found between clay mineral content and the fractal dimension. Thus, the pore structure characteristics were mainly controlled by the content and distribution of clay minerals.
Time–Frequency Signatures of Electronic Coherence of Colloidal CdSe Quantum Dot Dimer Assemblies Probed at Room Temperature by Two-Dimensional Electronic Spectroscopy
Authors: Hamilton James R. , Amarotti Edoardo , Dibenedetto Carlo N. , Striccoli Marinella , Levine Raphael D. , Collini Elisabetta , Remacle Francoise
Published: July 2023

Electronic coherence signatures can be directly identified in the time–frequency maps measured in two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES). Here, we demonstrate the theory and discuss the advantages of this approach via the detailed application to the fast-femtosecond beatings of a wide variety of electronic coherences in ensemble dimers of quantum dots (QDs), assembled from QDs of 3 nm in diameter, with 8% size dispersion in diameter. The observed and computed results can be consistently characterized directly in the time–frequency domain by probing the polarization in the 2DES setup. The experimental and computed time–frequency maps are found in very good agreement, and several electronic coherences are characterized at room temperature in solution, before the extensive dephasing due to the size dispersion begins. As compared to the frequency–frequency maps that are commonly used in 2DES, the time–frequency maps allow exploiting electronic coherences without additional post-processing and with fewer 2DES measurements. Towards quantum technology applications, we also report on the modeling of the time–frequency photocurrent response of these electronic coherences, which paves the way to integrating QD devices with classical architectures, thereby enhancing the quantum advantage of such technologies for parallel information processing at room temperature.
Ameliorating Uniformity and Color Conversion Efficiency in Quantum Dot-Based Micro-LED Displays through Blue–UV Hybrid Structures
Authors: Lee Tzu-Yi , Miao Wen-Chien , Hung Yu-Ying , Bai Yi-Hong , Chen Pei-Tien , Huang Wei-Ta , Chen Kuan-An , Lin Chien-Chung , Chen Fang-Chung , Hong Yu-Heng , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: July 2023

Quantum dot (QD)-based RGB micro light-emitting diode (μ-LED) technology shows immense potential for achieving full-color displays. In this study, we propose a novel structural design that combines blue and quantum well (QW)-intermixing ultraviolet (UV)-hybrid μ-LEDs to achieve high color-conversion efficiency (CCE). For the first time, the impact of various combinations of QD and TiO2 concentrations, as well as thickness variations on photoluminescence efficiency (PLQY), has been systematically examined through simulation. High-efficiency color-conversion layer (CCL) have been successfully fabricated as a result of these simulations, leading to significant savings in time and material costs. By incorporating scattering particles of TiO2 in the CCL, we successfully scatter light and disperse QDs, effectively reducing self-aggregation and greatly improving illumination uniformity. Additionally, this design significantly enhances light absorption within the QD films. To enhance device reliability, we introduce a passivation protection layer using low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology on the CCL surface. Moreover, we achieve impressive CCE values of 96.25% and 92.91% for the red and green CCLs, respectively, by integrating a modified distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) to suppress light leakage. Our hybrid structure design, in combination with an optical simulation system, not only facilitates rapid acquisition of optimal parameters for highly uniform and efficient color conversion in μ-LED displays but also expands the color gamut to achieve 128.2% in the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) space and 95.8% in the Rec. 2020 standard. In essence, this research outlines a promising avenue towards the development of bespoke, high-performance μ-LED displays.
Oat Beta-Glucan Alone and in Combination with Hydrochlorothiazide Lowers High Blood Pressure in Male but Not Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Raj Pema , Sayfee Karen , Yu Liping , Sabra Ali , Wijekoon Champa , Malunga Lovemore , Thandapilly Sijo Joseph , Netticadan Thomas
Published: July 2023

Oats are considered a functional food due to the beneficial health effects associated with their consumption and are suitable to be explored for their ability to prevent or manage chronic disease, such as hypertension. Here, we examined the cardiovascular benefits of an oat beta-glucan extract in male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) to unravel its sex-specific roles when used with an anti-hypertensive medication, hydrochlorothiazide. Five-week-old male and female SHRs and Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with oat beta-glucan and hydrochlorothiazide for 15 weeks. Twenty-week-old male and female SHRs showed high blood pressure (BP), cardiac remodeling, and cardiac dysfunction. These animals also had significantly increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), angiotensin II, and norepinephrine. Treatments with beta-glucan and hydrochlorothiazide were able to differentially prevent high BP, cardiac dysfunction, and alterations in malondialdehyde (MDA), angiotensin II, and norepinephrine in 20-week-old male and female SHRs. To conclude, beta-glucan alone and in combination with hydrochlorothiazide may be a promising a strategy for managing hypertension and related cardiac complications.
Prevalence of Feeding Problems in Children and Associated Factors—A Cross-Sectional Study among Polish Children Aged 2–7 Years
Authors: Białek-Dratwa Agnieszka , Kowalski Oskar
Published: July 2023

Food neophobia is an aversion to eating or a reluctance to try unfamiliar or new foods. From an evolutionary perspective, this behaviour may minimise the risk of consuming foods that are harmful to health. However, such aversion causes food monotony, which may result in nutritional deficiencies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of feeding problems among Polish children aged 2–7 years using the Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale and to investigate the correlation between age, gender, mode of feeding in infancy, including complementary feeding, and the prevalence of feeding difficulties in the study group of children. Material and method: The study group consisted of 585 children: 299 boys (51.11%) and 286 girls (48.89%). The study was conducted using a questionnaire-based method, with an indirect survey technique using a web-based form (CAWI). The research tool used was the Montreal Children’s Hospital-Pediatric Feeding Program. Results: Groups with the lowest risk feeding problems, risk 0, comprised 445 children (76.06%); group 1, middle difficulties, 59 children (10.08%); group 2, moderate difficulties, 40 children (6.84%); and group 3, most difficulties, 40 children (7.01%). The mean MCH-FS score for the entire study group was calculated and was 37.29 points ± 12.02; for 2 year olds, 35.69 points; for 3 year olds, 37.41 points; for 4 year olds, 38.31 points; for 5 year olds, 38.46 points; for 6 year olds, 37.95 points; and for 7 year olds, 36.06 points. The mean value of the MCH-FS scale for girls was 37.44 points, and for boys, 37.32 points. None of the above parameters correlated with the risk of feeding problems, including age, except with a non-significative tendency to be higher in the youngest age. Conclusion: Breast milk feeding and the time of complementary feeding (CF) in the study group did not influence the risk of feeding problems. Using the full BLW method during CF can protect the child against the occurrence of feeding problems such a food selectivity or picky eating in the future. In our study, children with difficulties during CF, mainly the vomiting reflex, were more likely to develop feeding problems such as food neophobia. Based on our study, we did not observe a correlation between age, gender, and the occurrence of feeding problems, and there was only a non-significant tendency to be higher in the youngest age. However, further research needs to be undertaken to assess how such behaviour affects subsequent feeding difficulties.