bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ensemble-Based Multi-Classification Machine Learning Classifiers Approach to Detect Multiple Classes of Cyberbullying
Authors: Alqahtani Abdulkarim Faraj , Ilyas Mohammad
Published: January 2024

The impact of communication through social media is currently considered a significant social issue. This issue can lead to inappropriate behavior using social media, which is referred to as cyberbullying. Automated systems are capable of efficiently identifying cyberbullying and performing sentiment analysis on social media platforms. This study focuses on enhancing a system to detect six types of cyberbullying tweets. Employing multi-classification algorithms on a cyberbullying dataset, our approach achieved high accuracy, particularly with the TF-IDF (bigram) feature extraction. Our experiment achieved high performance compared with that stated for previous experiments on the same dataset. Two ensemble machine learning methods, employing the N-gram with TF-IDF feature-extraction technique, demonstrated superior performance in classification. Three popular multi-classification algorithms: Decision Trees, Random Forest, and XGBoost, were combined into two varied ensemble methods separately. These ensemble classifiers demonstrated superior performance compared to traditional machine learning classifier models. The stacking classifier reached 90.71% accuracy and the voting classifier 90.44%. The results of the experiments showed that the framework can detect six different types of cyberbullying more efficiently, with an accuracy rate of 0.9071.
A Sampling-Based Method for Detecting Data Poisoning Attacks in Recommendation Systems
Authors: Li Mohan , Lian Yuxin , Zhu Jinpeng , Lin Jingyi , Wan Jiawen , Sun Yanbin
Published: January 2024

The recommendation algorithm based on collaborative filtering is vulnerable to data poisoning attacks, wherein attackers can manipulate system output by injecting a large volume of fake rating data. To address this issue, it is essential to investigate methods for detecting systematically injected poisoning data within the rating matrix. Since attackers often inject a significant quantity of poisoning data in a short period to achieve their desired impact, these data may exhibit spatial proximity. In other words, poisoning data may be concentrated in adjacent rows of the rating matrix. This paper capitalizes on the proximity characteristics of poisoning data in the rating matrix and introduces a sampling-based method for detecting data poisoning attacks. First, we designed a rating matrix sampling method specifically for detecting poisoning data. By sampling differences obtained from the original rating matrix, it is possible to infer the presence of poisoning attacks and effectively discard poisoning data. Second, we developed a method for pinpointing malicious data based on the distance of rating vectors. Through distance calculations, we can accurately identify the positions of malicious data. After that, we validated the method on three real-world datasets. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in identifying malicious data within the rating matrix.
A Blockchain-Enabled Group Covert Channel against Transaction Forgery
Authors: Shen Tongzhou , Zhu Liehuang , Gao Feng , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Zijian , Li Meng
Published: January 2024

As a decentralized network infrastructure, the data sent to the blockchain are public and temper-evident. The cover of massive normal transactions in a blockchain network is ideal for constructing a stable and reliable covert channel to achieve one-to-many group covert communication. Existing blockchain-based covert communication schemes face challenges in balancing concealment, embedding rate and filtering efficiency, making them unsuitable for direct extension to group scenarios. Adopting a key-leakage scheme can increase the channel capacity while maintaining high concealment from external adversaries. However, it will also expose more knowledge to the receiver. A malicious receiver has the ability to steal a sender’s identity or replay historical transactions to control the entire channel. In this paper, we define the capabilities of malicious receivers in blockchain-based group covert communication scenarios and propose a group covert communication scheme resistant to transaction forgery attacks. Theoretical analysis and experiments prove that our covert transactions do not have any transaction correlativity, ensuring the unique authenticity of the sender’s identity while maintaining supreme concealment compared with the existing schemes. The precision and recall of machine learning detection results can reach 0.57–0.62 (0.5 is the ideal value).
Enzyme-Assisted Coextraction of Phenolics and Polysaccharides from Padina gymnospora
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Chinh , Ngo Kim Ngan , Tran Hoai Khang , Barrow Colin J.
Published: January 2024

Brown seaweed is a promising source of polysaccharides and phenolics with industrial utility. This work reports the development of a green enzyme-assisted extraction method for simultaneously extracting polysaccharides and phenolics from the brown seaweed Padina gymnospora. Different enzymes (Cellulast, Pectinex, and Alcalase), individually and in combination, were investigated, with Alcalase alone showing the highest efficiency for the simultaneous extraction of polysaccharides and phenolics. Yields from Alcalase-assisted aqueous extraction were higher than those obtained using either water alone or conventional ethanol extraction. Alcalase-assisted extraction was subsequently optimized using a response surface methodology to maximize compound recovery. Maximal polysaccharide and phenolic recovery was obtained under the following extraction conditions: a water-to-sample ratio of 61.31 mL/g, enzyme loading of 0.32%, temperature of 60.5 °C, and extraction time of 1.95 h. The extract was then fractionated to obtain alginate-, fucoidan-, and phenolic-rich fractions. Fractions exhibited potent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 140.55 µg/mL, 126.21 µg/mL, and 48.17 µg/mL, respectively, which were higher than those obtained from conventional extraction methods. The current work shows that bioactive polysaccharides and phenolics can be obtained together in high yield through a single aqueous-only green and efficient Alcalase-assisted extraction.
The Prognostic Value of One-Year Changes in Biventricular Mechanics for Three-Year Survival in Patients with Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension: A Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking Study
Authors: Padervinskienė Lina , Ažukaitė Joana , Hoppenot Deimantė , Krivickienė Aušra , Šimkus Paulius , Nedzelskienė Irena , Miliauskas Skaidrius , Ereminienė Eglė
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: The management of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) poses a considerable challenge. While baseline cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) indices are recognized for survival prognosis in PH, the prognostic value of one-year changes in biventricular mechanics, especially as assessed using feature tracking (FT) technology, remains underexplored. This study aims to assess the predictive value of one-year change in cMRI-derived biventricular function and mechanics parameters, along with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and six-minute walking test (6MWT) results for three-year mortality in precapillary PH patients. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 36 patients diagnosed with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (mPAP 55.0 [46.3–70.5] mmHg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure 10.0 [6.0–11.0] mmHg) were included. Baseline and one-year follow-up cMRI assessments, clinical data, and NT-proBNP levels were analyzed. FT technology was utilized to assess biventricular strain parameters. Patients were categorized into survival and non-survival groups based on three-year outcomes. Statistical analyses, including univariate logistic regression and Cox regression, were performed to identify predictive parameters. Results: The observed three-year survival rate was 83.3%. Baseline right ventricle (RV) ejection fraction (EF) was significantly higher in the survival group compared to non-survivors (41.0 [33.75–47.25]% vs. 28.0 [23.5–36.3]%, p = 0.044), and values of ≤32.5% were linked to a 20-fold increase in mortality risk. RV septum longitudinal strain (LS) and RV global LS exhibited significant improvement over a one-year period in the survival group compared to the non-survival group (−1.2 [−6.4–1.6]% vs. 4.9 [1.5–6.7]%, p = 0.038 and −3.1 [−9.1–2.6]% vs. 4.5 [−2.1–8.5]%, p = 0.048, respectively). Declines in RV septum LS by ≥2.95% and in RV GLS by ≥3.60% were associated with a 25-fold and 8-fold increase in mortality risk, respectively. Conclusions: The decrease in right ventricular septal and global longitudinal strain over a one-year period demonstrates a significant predictive value and an association with an increased three-year mortality risk in patients with precapillary PH.
Electrochemical Investigation of Chloride Ion-Induced Breakdown of Passive Film on P110 Casing Steel Surface in Simulated Pore Solution: Behavior and Critical Value Determination
Authors: Peng Ye , Lin Yuanhua , Xia Ruochen , Dai Zhixiang , Zhang Wenyan , Liu Wanying
Published: January 2024

In the petroleum industry, the casing steel is fixed with a cement sheath to ensure reliable service in demanding conditions characterized by high temperature, high pressure, and exposure to multiple types of media. After the hydration of the cement, a porous material is produced with a highly alkaline solution filling the pores, commonly referred to as the pore solution. The casing will form a protective passive film when in contact with a highly alkaline pore solution. Nevertheless, once the cement sheath cracks, chloride ions in the stratum will pass through the cement sheath to the surface of the casing. When chloride ions accumulate to a certain concentration, the passive film will be destroyed, without exerting a protective influence on the substrate. After chloride ions come into direct contact with the casing, the casing is prone to severe failure due to corrosion perforation. The casing failure can cause a blowout outside the casing and even scrapping of the oil well. Controlling casing corrosion and ensuring casing integrity relies on understanding the critical chloride ion concentration that can cause the degradation of the passive film. Therefore, to assess the electrochemical properties and analyze the damage process of the passive film under varying chloride ion concentrations, several characterization techniques were employed. These included potential–time curves (E-t), polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott–Schottky curves. In addition, the composition of the passive film on the surface of the P110 casing steel was qualitatively analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). To further understand the surface morphology of the P110 casing steel, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used.
Longitudinal Distribution Map of the Active Components and Endophytic Fungi in Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels Root and Their Potential Correlations
Authors: Sun Ying , Guo Rong , Geng Yuting , Shang Hushan , Guo Xiaopeng , Wu Yue , Wang Yonggang , Li Li , Li Xuee , Zhang Shengli , Xu Ning , Li Xueyan
Published: January 2024

The three distinct medicinal parts of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Ang) roots are the head, body, and tail (ARH, ARB, and ART, respectively). How endophytic fungi shape the differences in metabolic components among these parts remains unclear. We quantified the distribution of active components and endophytic fungi along the ARH, ARB, and ART and their relationships. Based on the metabolic components and their abundances detected via non-target metabolism, the different medicinal parts were distinguishable. The largest number of dominant metabolic components was present in ART. The difference between ART and ARH was the greatest, and ARB was in a transitional state. The dominant active molecules in ART highlight their effects in haemodynamics improvement, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hormone regulation, while ARH and ARB indicated more haemostasis, blood enrichment, neuromodulation, neuroprotection and tranquilisation, hepatoprotection, and antitumour activities than that of ART. The ARHs, ARBs, and ARTs can also be distinguished from each other based on the endophytic fungi at the microbiome level. The most dominant endophytic fungi were distributed in ART; the differences between ART and ARH were the largest, and ARB was in a transition state, which is consistent with the metabolite distributions. Structural equation modelling showed that the endophytic fungi were highly indicative of the metabolic components. Correlation analysis further identified the endophytic fungi significantly positively correlated with important active components, including Condenascus tortuosus, Sodiomyces alcalophilus, and Pleotrichocladium opacum. The bidirectional multivariate interactions between endophytic fungi and the metabolic components shape their spatial variations along the longitudinal direction in the Ang root.
Increasing the Pentose Phosphate Pathway Flux to Improve Plasmid DNA Production in Engineered E. coli
Authors: de la Cruz Mitzi , Kunert Flavio , Taymaz-Nikerel Hilal , Sigala Juan-Carlos , Gosset Guillermo , Büchs Jochen , Lara Alvaro R.
Published: January 2024

The demand of plasmid DNA (pDNA) as a key element for gene therapy products, as well as mRNA and DNA vaccines, is increasing together with the need for more efficient production processes. An engineered E. coli strain lacking the phosphotransferase system and the pyruvate kinase A gene has been shown to produce more pDNA than its parental strain. With the aim of improving pDNA production in the engineered strain, several strategies to increase the flux to the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) were evaluated. The simultaneous consumption of glucose and glycerol was a simple way to increase the growth rate, pDNA production rate, and supercoiled fraction (SCF). The overexpression of key genes from the PPP also improved pDNA production in glucose, but not in mixtures of glucose and glycerol. Particularly, the gene coding for the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) strongly improved the SCF, growth rate, and pDNA production rate. A linear relationship between the G6PDH activity and pDNA yield was found. A higher flux through the PPP was confirmed by flux balance analysis, which also estimates relevant differences in fluxes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. These results are useful for developing further cell engineering strategies to increase pDNA production and quality.
The Use of Lime over the Centuries: The Complexity of the Apulian Built Heritage
Authors: Eramo Giacomo , Clausi Marina , Fioretti Giovanna , Pinto Daniela
Published: January 2024

In the field of historical buildings, the wide use of lime as a binder in various contexts of application emerges from a series of artistic and archaeological evidence in the Apulia (Italy) from the 4th century BCE to the 15th century CE. The large availability of carbonate rocks in the geological substratum from Daunian Subappennines to Salento areas strongly influenced the material culture of the region. In this paper, significant study cases were presented to bring to light the technological complexity, almost completely cancelled by the widespread presence of industrial products, in the use of lime over the centuries. Through examples of use from antiquity to the modern age in Apulia (Egnatia, Lamapopoli, Tertiveri, Siponto, Lucera and Monopoli sites), technological solutions indicating an ecological dimension of production were discussed, bearing witness to technologies on a human scale and sustainability. The comparison of petrographical (POM, SEM-EDS) and mineralogical (XRPD) results indicated the technological trend and custom for lime production in the Apulian region that starts from the choice of the stone to be calcined and the aggregates and passes through the modalities of lime hydration and preparation of the mixture up to the laying.
Stepwise Regression for Increasing the Predictive Accuracy of Artificial Neural Networks: Applications in Benchmark and Advanced Problems
Authors: Papazafeiropoulos George
Published: January 2024

A new technique is proposed to increase the prediction accuracy of artificial neural networks (ANNs). This technique applies a stepwise regression (SR) procedure to the input data variables, which adds nonlinear terms into the input data in a way that maximizes the regression between the output and the input data. In this study, the SR procedure adds quadratic terms and products of the input variables on pairs. Afterwards, the ANN is trained based on the enhanced input data obtained by SR. After testing the proposed SR-ANN algorithm in four benchmark function approximation problems found in the literature, six examples of multivariate training data are considered, of two different sizes (big and small) often encountered in engineering applications and of three different distributions in which the diversity and correlation of the data are varied, and the testing performance of the ANN for varying sizes of its hidden layer is investigated. It is shown that the proposed SR-ANN algorithm can reduce the prediction error by a factor of up to 26 and increase the regression coefficient between predicted and actual data in all cases compared to ANNs trained with ordinary algorithms.
F16 Hybrids Derived from Steviol or Isosteviol Are Accumulated in the Mitochondria of Tumor Cells and Overcome Drug Resistance
Authors: Heise Niels V. , Heisig Julia , Meier Kristof , Csuk René , Mueller Thomas
Published: January 2024

Steviol and isosteviol were prepared from the commercially available sweetener stevioside and converted into lipophilic F16 hybrids. Their cytotoxicity was determined in SRB assays and showed to depend on both the substitution pattern of the aromatic substituent as well as on the spacer length. Therefore, compound 25 held an IC50 (A2780) of 180 nM, thus surpassing the activity of comparable rhodamine hybrids. Several of the compounds were also able to overcome drug resistance in the A2780/A2780cis model. Extra staining experiments showed a similar subcellular accumulation pattern of the F16 hybrids as a well-established mitocan, hence proving preferential mitochondrial accumulation but also some other accumulation in other cellular areas.
Recent Developments in Synthesis, Properties, Applications and Recycling of Bio-Based Elastomers
Authors: Burelo Manuel , Martínez Araceli , Hernández-Varela Josué David , Stringer Thomas , Ramírez-Melgarejo Monserrat , Yau Alice Y. , Luna-Bárcenas Gabriel , Treviño-Quintanilla Cecilia D.
Published: January 2024

In 2021, global plastics production was 390.7 Mt; in 2022, it was 400.3 Mt, showing an increase of 2.4%, and this rising tendency will increase yearly. Of this data, less than 2% correspond to bio-based plastics. Currently, polymers, including elastomers, are non-recyclable and come from non-renewable sources. Additionally, most elastomers are thermosets, making them complex to recycle and reuse. It takes hundreds to thousands of years to decompose or biodegrade, contributing to plastic waste accumulation, nano and microplastic formation, and environmental pollution. Due to this, the synthesis of elastomers from natural and renewable resources has attracted the attention of researchers and industries. In this review paper, new methods and strategies are proposed for the preparation of bio-based elastomers. The main goals are the advances and improvements in the synthesis, properties, and applications of bio-based elastomers from natural and industrial rubbers, polyurethanes, polyesters, and polyethers, and an approach to their circular economy and sustainability. Olefin metathesis is proposed as a novel and sustainable method for the synthesis of bio-based elastomers, which allows for the depolymerization or degradation of rubbers with the use of essential oils, terpenes, fatty acids, and fatty alcohols from natural resources such as chain transfer agents (CTA) or donors of the terminal groups in the main chain, which allow for control of the molecular weights and functional groups, obtaining new compounds, oligomers, and bio-based elastomers with an added value for the application of new polymers and materials. This tendency contributes to the development of bio-based elastomers that can reduce carbon emissions, avoid cross-contamination from fossil fuels, and obtain a greener material with biodegradable and/or compostable behavior.
{GdIII7} and {GdIII14} Cluster Formation Based on a Rhodamine 6G Ligand with a Magnetocaloric Effect
Authors: Miao Lin , Liu Cai-Ming , Kou Hui-Zhong
Published: January 2024

Heptanuclear {GdIII7} (complex 1) and tetradecanuclear {GdIII14} (complex 2) were synthesized using the rhodamine 6G ligand HL (rhodamine 6G salicylaldehyde hydrazone) and characterized. Complex 1 has a rare disc-shaped structure, where the central Gd ion is connected to the six peripheral GdIII ions via CH3O−/μ3-OH− bridges. Complex 2 has an unexpected three-layer double sandwich structure with a rare μ6-O2− ion in the center of the cluster. Magnetic studies revealed that complex 1 exhibits a magnetic entropy change of 17.4 J kg−1 K−1 at 3 K and 5 T. On the other hand, complex 2 shows a higher magnetic entropy change of 22.3 J kg−1 K−1 at 2 K and 5 T.
Green Synthesis of Er-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles: An Investigation on the Methylene Blue, Eosin, and Ibuprofen Removal by Photodegradation
Authors: Silva Marília C. R. , Castro-Lopes Samuel , Jerônimo Aimée G. , Barbosa Ricardo , Lins Alexsandro , Trigueiro Pollyana , Viana Bartolomeu C. , Araujo Francisca P. , Osajima Josy A. , Peña-Garcia Ramón R.
Published: January 2024

We present a study on the green synthesis of undoped and Er-doped ZnO compounds using Mangifera indica gum (MI). A set of tests were conducted to assess the structure of the material. The tests included X-ray diffraction, Raman, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Optical properties were studied using diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence. Morphological and textural investigations were done using SEM images and N2 adsorption/desorption. Furthermore, photocatalytic tests were performed with methylene blue (MB), yellow eosin (EY), and the pharmaceutical drug ibuprofen (IBU) under UV irradiation. The study demonstrated that replacing the stabilizing agent with Mangifera indica gum is an effective method for obtaining ZnO nanoparticles. Additionally, the energy gap of the nanoparticles exhibits a slight reduction in value. Photoluminescence studies showed the presence of zinc vacancies and other defects in both samples. In the photocatalytic test, the sample containing Er3+ exhibited a degradation of 99.7% for methylene blue, 81.2% for yellow eosin, and 52.3% for ibuprofen over 120 min. In the presence of methyl alcohol, the degradation of MB and EY dyes is 16.7% and 55.7%, respectively. This suggests that hydroxyl radicals are responsible for the direct degradation of both dyes. In addition, after the second reuse, the degradation rate for MB was 94.08%, and for EY, it was 82.35%. For the third reuse, the degradation rate for MB was 97.15%, and for EY, it was 17%. These results indicate the significant potential of the new semiconductor in environmental remediation applications from an ecological synthesis.
Short-Time Magnetron Sputtering for the Development of Carbon–Palladium Nanocomposites
Authors: Knabl Florian , Kostoglou Nikolaos , Terziyska Velislava , Hinder Steven , Baker Mark , Bousser Etienne , Rebholz Claus , Mitterer Christian
Published: January 2024

In recent nanomaterials research, combining nanoporous carbons with metallic nanoparticles, like palladium (Pd), has emerged as a focus due to their potential in energy, environmental and biomedical fields. This study presents a novel approach for synthesizing Pd-decorated carbons using magnetron sputter deposition. This method allows for the functionalization of nanoporous carbon surfaces with Pd nano-sized islands, creating metal–carbon nanocomposites through brief deposition times of up to 15 s. The present research utilized direct current magnetron sputtering to deposit Pd islands on a flexible activated carbon cloth substrate. The surface chemistry, microstructure, morphology and pore structure were analyzed using a variety of material characterization techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, gas sorption analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed Pd islands of varying sizes distributed across the cloth’s carbon fibers, achieving high-purity surface modifications without the use of chemicals. The synthesis method preserves the nanoporous structure of the carbon cloth substrate while adding functional Pd islands, which could be potentially useful in emerging fields like hydrogen storage, fuel cells and biosensors. This approach demonstrates the possibility of creating high-quality metal–carbon composites using a simple, clean and economical method, expanding the possibilities for future nanomaterial-based applications.
Synergizing Machine Learning Algorithm with Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Advanced Self-Powered Sensing Systems
Authors: Li Roujuan , Wei Di , Wang Zhonglin
Published: January 2024

The advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) has increased the demand for large-scale intelligent sensing systems. The periodic replacement of power sources for ubiquitous sensing systems leads to significant resource waste and environmental pollution. Human staffing costs associated with replacement also increase the economic burden. The triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) provide both an energy harvesting scheme and the possibility of self-powered sensing. Based on contact electrification from different materials, TENGs provide a rich material selection to collect complex and diverse data. As the data collected by TENGs become increasingly numerous and complex, different approaches to machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms have been proposed to efficiently process output signals. In this paper, the latest advances in ML algorithms assisting solid–solid TENG and liquid–solid TENG sensors are reviewed based on the sample size and complexity of the data. The pros and cons of various algorithms are analyzed and application scenarios of various TENG sensing systems are presented. The prospects of synergizing hardware (TENG sensors) with software (ML algorithms) in a complex environment and their main challenges for future developments are discussed.
Self-Assembled Monolayer-Based Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yeo Doyeong , Shin Juyeon , Kim Dabit , Jaung Jae , Jung In
Published: January 2024

Ever since self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were adopted as hole-transporting layers (HTL) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), numerous SAMs for HTL have been synthesized and reported. SAMs offer several unique advantages including relatively simple synthesis, straightforward molecular engineering, effective surface modification using small amounts of molecules, and suitability for large-area device fabrication. In this review, we discuss recent developments of SAM-based hole-transporting materials (HTMs) for PSCs. Notably, in this article, SAM-based HTMs have been categorized by similarity of synthesis to provide general information for building a SAM structure. SAMs are composed of head, linker, and anchoring groups, and the selection of anchoring groups is key to design the synthetic procedure of SAM-based HTMs. In addition, the working mechanism of SAM-based HTMs has been visualized and explained to provide inspiration for finding new head and anchoring groups that have not yet been explored. Furthermore, both photovoltaic properties and device stabilities have been discussed and summarized, expanding reader’s understanding of the relationship between the structure and performance of SAMs-based PSCs.
Unified Interpretations of Two Kinds of Needle-Shaped Precipitates Using Transmission Electron Microscopy and Small-Angle Neutron Scattering in Aged Al–Mg2Si(-Cu) Alloys
Authors: Kaharudin Amalina Aina , Ohnuma Masato , Lee Seungwon , Tsuchiya Taiki , Asada Yuuki , Ikeda Ken-ichi , Ohishi Kazuki , Suzuki Jun-ichi , Matsuda Kenji , Homma Tomoyuki
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the nanostructural properties of pseudo-binary Al–1.0Mg2Si (mass%) alloys with and without 0.5Cu using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The TEM results show that both alloys exhibit extra electron diffraction spots related to MgSiMg second clusters at peak-aged conditions. High-resolution TEM images have revealed that the second cluster exists as a needle-shaped precipitate that is shorter and thicker than the β″ phase. We found that the second cluster, which we referred to as the R phase in this paper, is more likely to form partially along the longitudinal axis of a random-type precipitate. Thus, the atomic arrangement in the random-type precipitate is not completely random. SANS is used to quantify the size and volume fraction of the observed needle-shaped precipitates since the R phase is difficult to observe with TEM. The R phase forms even in the Cu-free alloy, but the volume fraction is low, and the growth and formation are retarded near the peak-aged conditions. Undoubtedly, the Cu addition has the effect of stabilizing the growth of the R phase and also promoting its formation. Therefore, the R phase also contributes to the increase in hardness at both under- and peak-aged conditions in the Cu-containing alloy in addition to the strengthening β″ phases.
Core-Shell Fe3O4@C Nanoparticles as Highly Effective T2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Yue Huan , Zhao Dejun , Tegafaw Tirusew , Ahmad Mohammad Yaseen , Saidi Abdullah Khamis Ali Al , Liu Ying , Cha Hyunsil , Yang Byeong Woo , Chae Kwon Seok , Nam Sung-Wook , Chang Yongmin , Lee Gang Ho
Published: January 2024

Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) have been intensively investigated because of their potential biomedical applications due to their high saturation magnetization. In this study, core–shell Fe3O4@C NPs (core = Fe3O4 NPs and shell = amorphous carbons, davg = 35.1 nm) were synthesized in an aqueous solution. Carbon coating terminated with hydrophilic –OH and –COOH groups imparted excellent biocompatibility and hydrophilicity to the NPs, making them suitable for biomedical applications. The Fe3O4@C NPs exhibited ideal relaxometric properties for T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (i.e., high transverse and negligible longitudinal water proton spin relaxivities), making them exclusively induce only T2 relaxation. Their T2 MRI performance as contrast agents was confirmed in vivo by measuring T2 MR images in mice before and after intravenous injection.
Capacitorless One-Transistor Dynamic Random-Access Memory with Novel Mechanism: Self-Refreshing
Authors: Lee Sang Ho , Park Jin , Yoon Young Jun , Kang In Man
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we propose for the first time a self-refreshing mechanism in a junctionless field-effect transistor (JLFET) based on one-transistor dynamic random-access memory (1T-DRAM) with a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure. The self-refreshing mechanism continuously creates holes by appropriately generating impact ionization during the holding process through the application of an appropriate operation bias voltage. This leads to self-refreshing, which prevents the recombination of holes. When using the self-refreshing mechanism for the proposed device, the sensing margins were 15.4 and 12.7 μA/μm at 300 and 358 K, respectively. Moreover, the device achieved an excellent performance retention time of >500 ms, regardless of the temperature of the 1T-DRAM with a single gate. Furthermore, cell disturbance analysis and voltage optimization were performed to evaluate the in-cell reliability of the proposed device. It also showed excellent performance in terms of energy consumption and writing speed.
Effect of 100% Orange Juice and a Volume-Matched Sugar-Sweetened Drink on Subjective Appetite, Food Intake, and Glycemic Response in Adults
Authors: Robayo Stephanie , Kucab Michaela , Walker Sarah E. , Suitor Katherine , D’Aversa Katherine , Morello Olivia , Bellissimo Nick
Published: January 2024

Dietary recommendations to reduce the consumption of free sugars often group 100% fruit juice with other sugar-containing beverages. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of consuming 100% orange juice compared to an orange drink on next-meal food intake (FI), glycemic response, average appetite, emotions, and sensory characteristics in normal-weight adults. Thirty-six normal-weight adults (age: 26.8 ± 0.9 years) consumed, in random order and at least 5 days apart, three 240 mL test beverages as follows: (a) 100% orange juice, (b) orange drink, or (c) water. Subjective sweetness and pleasantness were determined immediately after test beverage consumption. Glycemic response, average appetite, and subjective emotions were measured every 15 min for 60 min. Food intake was determined at a pizza lunch 60 min later. Rest-of-day glycemic response and energy intake (EI) were determined using a continuous glucose monitor and food record, respectively. Lunch FI (p = 0.054) and total EI (p = 0.01) were both lower after 100% orange juice compared with the orange drink. Caloric compensation was 84% after 100% orange juice and −25% after the orange drink (p = 0.047). Average appetite was not significantly different between the test beverages (p > 0.05). Blood glucose iAUC adjusted for available carbohydrate was lower after 100% orange juice compared with the orange drink (p < 0.001). Rest-of-day blood glucose concentrations were lower after 100% orange juice compared with the orange drink (p = 0.03) and water control (p < 0.001). In conclusion, consumption of 100% orange juice as a preload resulted in higher caloric compensation, lower total daily EI, and lower blood glucose concentrations compared to the orange drink.
Metabolic and Nutritional Issues after Lower Digestive Tract Surgery: The Important Role of the Dietitian in a Multidisciplinary Setting
Authors: Utrilla Fornals Alejandra , Costas-Batlle Cristian , Medlin Sophie , Menjón-Lajusticia Elisa , Cisneros-González Julia , Saura-Carmona Patricia , Montoro-Huguet Miguel A.
Published: January 2024

Many patients undergo small bowel and colon surgery for reasons related to malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mesenteric ischemia, and other benign conditions, including post-operative adhesions, hernias, trauma, volvulus, or diverticula. Some patients arrive in the operating theatre severely malnourished due to an underlying disease, while others develop complications (e.g., anastomotic leaks, abscesses, or strictures) that induce a systemic inflammatory response that can increase their energy and protein requirements. Finally, anatomical and functional changes resulting from surgery can affect either nutritional status due to malabsorption or nutritional support (NS) pathways. The dietitian providing NS to these patients needs to understand the pathophysiology underlying these sequelae and collaborate with other professionals, including surgeons, internists, nurses, and pharmacists. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the nutritional and metabolic consequences of different types of lower gastrointestinal surgery and the role of the dietitian in providing comprehensive patient care. This article reviews the effects of small bowel resection on macronutrient and micronutrient absorption, the effects of colectomies (e.g., ileocolectomy, low anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, and proctocolectomy) that require special dietary considerations, nutritional considerations specific to ostomized patients, and clinical practice guidelines for caregivers of patients who have undergone a surgery for local and systemic complications of IBD. Finally, we highlight the valuable contribution of the dietitian in the challenging management of short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure.
Umbilical Vein Calcification Associated with Double-Lumen Catheter Malpositioning in an Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infant
Authors: Yamamoto Takuya , Iijima Shigeo
Published: January 2024

Umbilical venous (UV) catheters (UVCs) are commonly used in severely ill neonates. Complications associated with UVC often result from an inappropriate UVC position. Calcification of the UV, a rare complication, was observed in an extremely low-birth-weight infant born at 23 weeks of gestation. After birth, the infant experienced respiratory and circulatory dysfunction, followed by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). A UVC was inserted, and circulatory agonists and blood transfusions were administered, as well as a calcium gluconate infusion for hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia. Ten days after birth, calcification was detected in the UV, likely due to a tunica intima injury caused by UVC, a hypercoagulable state due to DIC, and a high-dose calcium gluconate infusion. Additionally, proximal port malpositioning of the double-lumen catheter might have contributed to calcification within the UV. To prevent such complications, real-time ultrasound confirmation with agitated saline contrast during UVC placement is recommended; in the absence of the facility or skills for ultrasonography, X-rays should be performed in the lateral and anteroposterior views. Furthermore, when using multi-lumen catheters, physicians should not only verify the tip position but also ensure proper placement of proximal ports and carefully select medications administered through the ports.
Aptamers’ Potential to Fill Therapeutic and Diagnostic Gaps
Authors: Berzal-Herranz Alfredo , Romero-López Cristina
Published: January 2024

More than 30 years ago, in 1990, three independent research groups published several papers demonstrating that genetics could be performed in vitro in the absence of living organisms or cells [...]
Resistive Memory-Switching Behavior in Solution-Processed Trans, trans-1,4-bis-(2-(2-naphthyl)-2-(butoxycarbonyl)-vinyl) Benzene–PVA-Composite-Based Aryl Acrylate on ITO-Coated PET
Authors: Kamath Rachana , Sarkar Parantap , Melanthota Sindhoora Kaniyala , Biswas Rajib , Mazumder Nirmal , De Shounak
Published: January 2024

Resistive switching memories are among the emerging next-generation technologies that are possible candidates for in-memory and neuromorphic computing. In this report, resistive memory-switching behavior in solution-processed trans, trans-1,4-bis-(2-(2-naphthyl)-2-(butoxycarbonyl)-vinyl) benzene–PVA-composite-based aryl acrylate on an ITO-coated PET device was studied. A sandwich configuration was selected, with silver (Ag) serving as a top contact and trans, trans-1,4-bis-(2-(2-naphthyl)-2-(butoxycarbonyl)-vinyl) benzene–PVA-composite-based aryl acrylate and ITO-PET serving as a bottom contact. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristics showed hysteresis behavior and non-zero crossing owing to voltages sweeping from positive to negative and vice versa. The results showed non-zero crossing in the devices’ current–voltage (I–V) characteristics due to the nanobattery effect or resistance, capacitive, and inductive effects. The device also displayed a negative differential resistance (NDR) effect. Non-volatile storage was feasible with non-zero crossing due to the exhibition of resistive switching behavior. The sweeping range was −10 V to +10 V. These devices had two distinct states: ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’. The ON/OFF ratios of the devices were 14 and 100 under stable operating conditions. The open-circuit voltages (Voc) and short-circuit currents (Isc) corresponding to memristor operation were explained. The DC endurance was stable. Ohmic conduction and direct tunneling mechanisms with traps explained the charge transport model governing the resistive switching behavior. This work gives insight into data storage in terms of a new conception of electronic devices based on facile and low-temperature processed material composites for emerging computational devices.
Impact of Polylactic Acid Fibers in Cellulose Nonwoven Mulch Blends on Biodegradability and Performance—An Open Field Study
Authors: Kopitar Dragana , Marasovic Paula , Vrsaljko Domagoj
Published: January 2024

The performance and degradation of nonwoven mulches made from viscose, jute, hemp fibers, and their blends with PLA fibers, subjected to field conditions, are investigated. This research explores the possible substitution of traditional agricultural polyethylene mulching agro foil with environmentally friendly biodegradable nonwoven mulches produced from blends of jute, hemp, and viscose fibers along with PLA fibers. The nonwoven mulches underwent a ten-month exposure to field conditions, showing varied degradation. The jute and hemp nonwoven mulches degraded completely within the test period, whereas their blends with PLA fibers exhibited slowed degradation. This study indicated that PLA fibers in blends with jute, hemp, and viscose mulches slowed degradation, impacting their structural integrity and tensile properties. The tensile properties of nonwoven mulches blended with 20% of PLA fibers increased the breaking forces after field exposure. Observations on structural changes through microscopy highlighted the structure maintenance in jute and hemp blends due to the non-degraded PLA fibers, contrasting the complete degradation of 100% jute and hemp mulches. A microscopic analysis revealed alterations in the fiber structure and density changes, particularly in viscose mulches and their blends with PLA fibers. Soil temperature variations were observed under different mulches; e.g., agro foil consistently exhibited higher temperatures compared to nonwoven mulches. Notably, the hemp and jute/PLA blend mulches showed slightly elevated temperatures, while the viscose-based mulches consistently revealed the lowest temperatures. Regarding soil moisture, the nonwoven mulches generally maintained higher moisture levels compared to the control field and agro foil from June to October. These findings suggest that nonwoven mulches effectively preserved soil moisture during critical growth periods, potentially positively impacting plant growth. The weed suppression capabilities varied among mulches, with hemp mulch initially displaying the lowest suppression ability in the first six months. The addition of 20% of PLA fibers in mulch blends with viscose, jute, and hemp notably improved the weed control capabilities. Understanding the impacts of field conditions on newly produced nonwoven mulches is crucial for optimizing mulch selection in agricultural practices to enhance soil conditions and weed management.
A Numerical Simulation Study into the Effect of Longitudinal and Transverse Pitch on Deposition of Zhundong Coal Ash on Tube Bundles
Authors: Guo Zipeng , Li Jianbo , Liang Yintang , Long Xiaofei , Lu Xiaofeng , Zhang Dongke
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the dynamic deposition behavior of Na-enriching Zhundong coal ash on tube bundles with varying longitudinal and transverse pitches was numerically studied. By using a modified critical viscosity model, an improved CFD deposition model has been established and key parameters, including deposit mass and morphology, particle trajectories and impaction and sticking probabilities, as well as the heat flux distribution, have been analyzed. The results show that the ash deposited on tubes in the first row is, respectively, 1.74 and 3.80 times higher than that on the second and third rows, proving that ash deposition in the downstream is lessened. As the longitudinal pitch increased from 1.50 D to 2.50 D, deposit mass in the downstream increased two times, suggesting that an increase in longitudinal pitch would aggravate ash deposition. The effect of transverse pitch, however, with the least deposit propensity at St/D = 1.75, is non-linear due to the joint effect of adjacent tubes and walls in affecting particle trajectory. In addition, due to the non-uniform distribution of the deposit, heat flux across the tube is the smallest at the stagnation point but becomes six times higher at two sides and the leeward, which makes the thermal damage of these sides to be warranted as a practical concern.
Optimization Simulation of Hydraulic Fracture Parameters for Highly Deviated Wells in Tight Oil Reservoirs, Based on the Reservoir–Fracture Productivity Coupling Model
Authors: Mao Chonghao , Huang Fansheng , Hu Qiujia , Liu Shiqi , Zhang Cong , Lei Xinglong
Published: January 2024

The production potential of highly deviated wells cannot be fully realized by conventional acid fracturing, as it can only generate a single fracture. To fully enhance the productivity of highly deviated wells, it is necessary to initiate multiple fractures along a prolonged well section to ensure the optimal number of fractures, thereby maximizing the economic returns post-stimulation. Thus, the number of fractures is a crucial parameter in the acid fracturing design of highly deviated wells. Considering factors such as the random distribution of natural fractures within the reservoir and interference between fractures during production, and, based on the oil–water two-phase flow equation, a three-dimensional reservoir–fracture production coupling model and its seepage difference model are established to simulate the production performance of highly deviated wells under varying conditions, including the number of fractures, fracture spacing, and conductivity parameters. A numerical model for the number of acid fracturing fractures in highly deviated wells is also established, in conjunction with an economic evaluation model. The simulation results indicate that the daily oil production of highly deviated wells increases with the increase in fracture number, fracture conductivity, fracture length, and reservoir permeability. However, over time, the daily oil production gradually decreases. Similarly, the cumulative production also increases with these parameters, but shows a downward trend over time. By conducting numerical simulations to evaluate the productivity and economy of highly deviated wells post-acid fracturing, it is determined that the optimal number of fractures to achieve maximum efficiency is six. The reliability of this result is confirmed by the pressure distribution cloud map of the formation after acid fracturing in highly deviated wells.
Intercultural Dialogue in Diverse Classrooms: Debating the Socratic Dialogue Method from a Postcolonial Perspective
Authors: Skrefsrud Thor-André
Published: January 2024

This article provides a critical examination of the Socratic Dialogue method, exploring its potential benefits and pitfalls in fostering intercultural and interreligious understanding in the classroom. Drawing on postcolonial theoretical perspectives, the analysis delves into the method’s capacity to amplify marginalized student voices while acknowledging the risk of unintentional silencing. Emphasizing the importance of teachers’ attentiveness to diverse experiences, this article underscores the need for a nuanced approach that avoids othering opinions and rationales that are different from the mainstream. The study calls for an academic challenge to the idealization of dialogue, urging deeper reflection to identify blind spots and ensure an inclusive intercultural dialogue.