bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-exotic traversable wormhole solutions in linear $$f\left( R,T\right) $$ gravity
Authors: Luís Rosa João , Kull Paul Martin
Published: December 2022

In this work we analyze traversable wormhole solutions in the linear form of $$f\left( R,T\right) =R+\lambda T$$

f

R
,
T

=
R
+
λ
T

gravity satisfying the Null, Weak, Strong, and Dominant Energy Conditions (NEC, WEC, SEC, and DEC respectively) for the entire spacetime. These solutions are obtained via a fully analytical parameter space analysis of the free parameters of the wormhole model, namely the exponents controlling the degree of the redshift and shape functions, the radius of the wormhole throat $$r_0$$

r
0

, the value of the redshift function at the throat $$\zeta _0$$

ζ
0

, and the coupling parameter $$\lambda $$
λ
. Bounds on these free parameters for which the energy conditions are satisfied for the entire spacetime are deduced and two explicit solutions are provided. Even if some of these bounds are violated, leading to the violation of the NEC at some critical radius $$r_c>r_0$$

r
c

>

r
0

, it is still possible to find physically relevant wormhole solutions via a matching with an exterior vacuum spacetime in the region where the energy conditions are still satisfied. For this purpose, we deduce the set of junction conditions for the form of $$f\left( R,T\right) $$

f

R
,
T

considered and provide an explicit example. These results seem to indicate that a wide variety of non-exotic wormhole solutions are attainable in the $$f\left( R,T\right) $$

f

R
,
T

theory without the requirement of fine-tuning.
Influence of active and passive control of nanoparticles for the magnetized nanofluid flow over a slippery stretching cylinder
Authors: Maity Suprakash , Kundu Prabir Kumar
Published: December 2022

This paper explores the active and passive control implementation on the nanofluid flow over a stretching cylinder. Realistic velocity slip and thermal jump properties are clutched. Appearance of external heat source and magnetic influence is also reckoned. Concentration and temperature profiles are modified due to integration of Brownian motion together with thermophoresis. Leading equations are transfigured into ODEs by well-qualified similarity transfiguration and hence solved by RK-4 shooting technique. Entire simulation is settled by MAPLE software with proper rate of accuracy and the outcomes are portrayed by graphs and tables. Results are compared considering both slip and without slip conditions, whereas the concentration profile is described under active and passive control conditions. Mass transfer decreases for Brownian motion but reverse effect is found for thermophoresis parameter under passive control of flow. Mass transfer is changed by 10.1% in case of passive control condition for the Reynolds number parameter. Nusselt number is diminished by 6.16% under passive control provision for magnetic parameter.
Selection of solitons coinciding the numerical solutions for uniquely solvable physical problems: A comparative study for the nonlinear stochastic Gross–Pitaevskii equation in dispersive media
Authors: Baber Muhammad Z. , Seadway Aly R. , Ahmed Nauman , Iqbal Muhammad S. , Yasin Muhammad W.
Published: December 2022

In this study, the Gross–Pitaevskii equation perturbed with multiplicative time noise is under consideration numerically and analytically. The NLSE is a universal governing model that helps in evolution of complex fields that are used in dispersive media. For the numerical solution, we used the stochastic forward Euler (SFE) scheme. To find the exact solutions, we chose the techniques namely [Formula: see text]-model expansion. For the analysis of the proposed scheme, we checked the stability of the scheme with the help of Von-Neumann criteria and the consistency of the scheme with the mean of Ito’s sense. The exact solutions of the model are constructed successfully in the Jacobi elliptic function in the form of trigonometric and hyperbolic functions. Last, we compared the graphical behavior of the proposed scheme with some exact solutions by using the unique selection of initial and boundary conditions. The plots are constructed in the form of 3D, line, and contour representation by choosing the different values of parameters.
Recurrence Plot Analysis of Stock Market Based on CAPM Model and Stock Price Time Series
Authors: Zhu Hanhuai , Huang Jingjing
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we mainly use recurrence plot, recurrence quantification analysis and cross recurrence plot to investigate the potential nonlinear dynamical characteristics of the stock market. In addition, we introduce and analyze the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), which can analyze the correlation between returns and risks of stock price data. In particular, we selected the large-cap stocks represented by SSE 50 index and the small-cap stocks represented by CSI 500 index as our research objects. Through the recurrence plot analysis of the time series of [Formula: see text] factor of CAPM and the time series of the stock market, we can find the advantages of large-cap stocks, such as stronger stationarity and long-term certainty, the disadvantages of small-cap stocks, such as greater risk and information, and nonlinear cross recurrence with the stock market.
The Cantabrian Substage should be abandoned: revised chronostratigraphy of the Middle–Late Pennsylvanian boundary
Authors: Nelson W. John , Lucas Spencer G. , Elrick Scott D.
Published: December 2022

In spite of numerous revisions from 1966 to present, the Cantabrian Substage of the Stephanian Stage (Pennsylvanian) was never properly defined as a chronostratigraphic unit. Defined and redefined at least three times, the Cantabrian lacks boundary stratotypes that correspond to clear and correlateable biochronological signals. Thus, instead of using a biochronological datum of well-established validity and utility, Cantabrian advocates have relied on ill-defined macrofloral assemblage zones and on lithostratigraphic boundaries to define the substage. As a result, the Cantabrian is demonstrably diachronous, even within Europe; indeed, the Cantabrian has proven to be unusable for correlations outside its type area in northern Spain. To resolve these problems, we recommend that the Cantabrian Substage be abandoned, and the Westphalian–Stephanian boundary be redefined at the major floral turnover that has been documented in the USA, western and central Europe, and in the Donets Basin. We further recommend that the bases of the Kasimovian Series, Stephanian Series, Missourian Series, and Upper Pennsylvanian Series all be aligned with this same floral turnover.
Quantum Many-Body Scars: A Quasiparticle Perspective
Authors: Chandran Anushya , Iadecola Thomas , Khemani Vedika , Moessner Roderich
Published: December 2022

Weakly interacting quasiparticles play a central role in the low-energy description of many phases of quantum matter. At higher energies, however, quasiparticles cease to be well defined in generic many-body systems owing to a proliferation of decay channels. In this review, we discuss the phenomenon of quantum many-body scars, which can give rise to certain species of stable quasiparticles throughout the energy spectrum. This goes along with a set of unusual nonequilibrium phenomena including many-body revivals and nonthermal stationary states. We provide a pedagogical exposition of this physics via a simple yet comprehensive example, that of a spin-1 XY model. We place our discussion in the broader context of symmetry-based constructions of many-body scar states, projector embeddings, and Hilbert space fragmentation. We conclude with a summary of experimental progress and theoretical puzzles.
Climatic and Environmental Change, Migration, and Health
Authors: McMichael Celia
Published: December 2022

The impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events, are expected to increase and alter human migration and mobility. Climate-related mobility is not inherently a crisis; it can provide a pathway for adaptation to climate change. However, a growing body of research identifies health risks and some opportunities associated with climate-related mobility. This review examines recent research (published since 2018) on the climate change–mobility–health nexus; this research focuses largely on in-country mobility in Asia, Africa, and Pacific Island countries. It considers the links between human mobility and anthropogenic climate change and documents the findings of empirical research that addresses the health consequences of displacement, planned relocation, migration, and migration into sites of climate risk. The findings highlight the need for climate-sensitive and migrant-inclusive health care in a heating world.
Editors’ Choice—Review—Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Science and Technology: Highlighting a General Mechanistic Pattern and a General Rate Expression for Electrocatalytic Processes
Authors: Gottesfeld Shimshon
Published: December 2022

This article has been written for students and teachers of the science and technology of low-temperature fuel cells, as well as for scientists and engineers actively involved in research and development in this area. It offers first an analysis of fuel cell electrocatalytic processes, identifying a common pattern in the mechanisms of these processes which serves as basis fora universal expressiondescribing the non-linear V vs log J dependences observed under kinetic control. This analysis serves, in turn, as an introduction to reviews of several polymer electrolyte fuel cell technologies covering both science and engineering aspects and including process mechanisms and rate equations for the fuel cell electrode processes. These reviews highlight the requirement of explicit consideration of various types of overpotential-driven site activation steps in the analysis of experimentally observed V vs log J dependences. In addition to the mature technology of proton-conducting membrane fuel cells, the H2/air and NH3/air polymer electrolyte fuel cells using a hydroxide-ion conducting membrane as the electrolyte, are also discussed. Finally, a brief summary of remaining research and development needs and priorities is offered for each type of polymer electrolyte fuel cell discussed.This paper is a Critical Review in Electrochemical and Solid State Science and Technology (CRES3T).
Evaluation of Cathode Materials with Lithium-Metal Anodes: Baseline Performance and Protocol Standardization of Coin Cells
Authors: Tornheim Adam , O’Hanlon Daniel C. , Vu Anh , Gim Jihyeon , Abraham Daniel P. , Croy Jason R.
Published: December 2022

The collaborative evaluation of electrode materials across multiple research entities requires standardized electrochemical testing protocols to produce reliable, one-to-one comparisons between different systems of interest. Similar to the work done by Long et al. on protocol standardization for coin-cell testing with graphite anodes [J. Electrochem. Soc., 163, A2999, (2016)], we introduce two standardized testing protocols designed to quickly evaluate important electrochemical properties of cathode materials using lithium-metal anodes. The two protocols measure kinetic and thermodynamic capacity losses, rate- and voltage-dependent cycling capacities, instabilities at high voltage and high cycling rate, and overpotentials at various states of charge. We then apply these protocols to four commercially available cathode materials to establish benchmark performance metrics that can be used to screen and evaluate new cathode materials.
Infection Management of Virus-Diagnosing Biosensors Based on MXenes: An Overview
Authors: Zamiri Golnoush , Babadi Arman Amani , Chaudhary Vishal , Numan Arshid , Khalid Mohammad , Walvekar Rashmi , Khosla Ajit
Published: December 2022

The occurrence of sudden viral outbreaks, including (Covid-19, H1N1 flu, H5N1 flu) has globally challenged the existing medical facilities and raised critical concerns about saving affected lives, especially during pandemics. The detection of viral infections at an early stage using biosensors has been proven to be the most effective, economical, and rapid way to combat their outbreak and severity. However, state-of-the-art biosensors possess bottlenecks of long detection time, delayed stage detection, and sophisticated requirements increasing the cost and complexities of biosensing strategies. Recently, using two-dimensional MXenes as a sensing material for architecting biosensors has been touted as game-changing technology in diagnosing viral diseases. The unique surface chemistries with abundant functional terminals, excellent conductivity, tunable electric and optical attributes and high specific surface area have made MXenes an ideal material for architecting virus-diagnosing biosensors. There are numerous detecting modules in MXene-based virus-detecting biosensors based on the principle of detecting various biomolecules like viruses, enzymes, antibodies, proteins, and nucleic acid. This comprehensive review critically summarizes the state-of-the-art MXene-based virus-detecting biosensors, their limitations, potential solutions, and advanced intelligent prospects with the integration of internet-of-things, artificial intelligence, 5G communications, and cloud computing technologies. It will provide a fundamental structure for future research dedicated to intelligent and point-of-care virus detection biosensors.
Li-Ion Cell Safety Monitoring Using Mechanical Parameters: Part II. Battery Behavior during Thermal Abuse Tests
Authors: Kirchev A. , Guillet N. , Lonardoni L. , Dumenil S. , Gau V.
Published: December 2022

Acoustic ultrasound interrogation and deformation measurements have been used simultaneously as supplementary battery monitoring methods during external overheating and external short-circuit safety tests of LG INR-18650 MJ1 (NMC 811- G-SiOx) Li-ion cells. The short-circuit experiments showed that the MJ1 technology is protected against this type of thermal abuse by the current interruption device (CID) integrated in the positive terminal of the cell. The results indicate that the strain gage signal is able to provide very rapid alert for this type of battery safety breach due to an abrupt change of the cell pressure. It precedes the time of the increase of the skin temperature by an order of magnitude. The thermal stability experiments carried out in adiabatic rate calorimeter on completely charged and overcharged batteries at open circuit conditions, showed that the MJ1 technology is susceptible to self-heating by slow internal exothermic reactions starting above 60 °C. The subsequent process of thermal runaway starts when the temperature exceeds 140 C. The results from the extended monitoring of the cells during the thermal stability tests showed that the acoustic ultrasound interrogation data combined with data mapping and clustering of the signal provides advantageous indication for early detection of slowly approaching battery safety breach events.
Surface Chemistry and Degradation Processes of Dense La0.6Sr0.4CoO3–δ
Thin Film Electrodes
Authors: Siebenhofer Matthäus , Haselmann Ulrich , Nenning Andreas , Friedbacher Gernot , Ewald Bumberger Andreas , Wurster Stefan , Artner Werner , Hutter Herbert , Zhang Zaoli , Fleig Jürgen , Kubicek Markus
Published: December 2022

The changes of the surface morphology and the surface chemistry of LSC thin films grown on different substrates were tracked for 100 hours under SOFC operation conditions. Atomic force microscopy was used to monitor the formation of particles at the LSC surface. Depending on the thin film structure (polycrystalline vs. epitaxial), different particle formation dynamics were observed. Electron microscopy was employed to investigate the chemistry of the segregated particles and revealed that the particles were Sr- and S-rich. Secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements were performed on degraded LSC thin films, which also found significant amounts of sulfur on the LSC surface, despite no deliberate addition of sulfur compounds, as well as A-site cation enrichment. Impedance spectroscopy was used to track the polarization resistance of LSC grown on YSZ over the same degradation period and a strong increase inthe polarization resistance and in its activation energy was revealed (1.09 to 1.73 eV). The experimental results indicate that sulfur adsorption on LSC surfaces is omnipresent in the investigated conditions and even trace amounts of sulfur compounds present in nominally pure measurement gases account for particle formation and multiple degradation effects under operating conditions.
The State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery Based on Battery Capacity
Authors: Li Junhong , Jiang Zeyu , Jiang Yizhe , Song Weicheng , Gu Juping
Published: December 2022

In order to improve the estimation level of lithium batteries and promote the accurate control of the battery management system, accurate state of charge (SOC) estimation is very important. The CNN algorithm and the two-dimensional CNN (2DCNN) algorithm have been studied in the SOC estimation, but it is a technical difficulty to apply the three-dimensional CNN (3DCNN) algorithm to the SOC estimation. This paper firstly designs two-dimensional and three-dimensional datasets to describe the aging degree and SOC. The time and space dimensions of the three-dimensional dataset are used to memorize the short-term data and the long-term of the battery. Then, this paper proposes a fused convolutional neural network (FCNN) algorithm, which consists of two layers of neural networks in series. The FCNN algorithm can consider the aging degree of the battery, and is based on the definition of the SOC estimation. The results show that the fused 3DCNN has advantage over the 2DCNN in battery capacity estimation. In addition, the FCNN algorithm considering the battery capacity can improve the SOC estimation accuracy, and has also been verified by the comparison of the mean absolute percentage error.
Characterization of Electrochemical Behavior for Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Zeng Chao , Kim Soowhan , Chen Yunxiang , Fu Yucheng , Bao Jie , Xu Zhijie , Wang Wei
Published: December 2022

Use of aqueous redox flow batteries with organic redox-active materials holds great promise for large-scale and sustainable energy storage. The development of low-cost, highly efficient aqueous redox flow batteries lies in a comprehensive understanding of the electrochemical behaviors of redox-active compounds. An alkaline redox battery with organic dihydroxyphenazine sulfonate (DHPS) anolyte and ferro-/ferricyanide (Fe(CN)6) catholyte is investigated as a typical example of aqueous redox flow batteries using organic redox-active materials. The electrochemical kinetics of DHPS and Fe(CN)6 are separately characterized using the symmetrical cell design. The resistance components are calculated directly from the experimental measurement. The key kinetic parameters are extracted and compared for DHPS and Fe(CN)6 electrolytes. The extracted parameters are validated with symmetrical and full flow cell simulations at different operating conditions. Key parameters and internal loss are also compared with all-vanadium redox flow batteries, representing current state of the art. In addition, our extracted key parameters from a symmetrical flow cell are compared with the measured key parameters by cyclic voltammetry, a widely deployed electroanalytical technique. The cell performance prediction of DHPS anolyte on a 780 cm2 interdigitated cell is made and found the power density is peaked at 475 mW cm−2 at our measurement condition.
Effect of the Oxygen Evolution from Lithium-Rich Cathode Materials on the Formation Behavior of Passivation Surface Film
Authors: Inamoto Junichi , Baskoro Kei Joshua , Matsuo Yoshiaki
Published: December 2022

It has been reported that lithium-rich cathode materials of LIB emit singlet oxygen during charging, which chemically oxidizes electrolyte solutions, and the decomposition products form surface film on the material. However, the detailed conditions and mechanism of the surface film formation and its effect on the electrochemical reaction at the electrode/electrolyte interface have not been clarified in detail. In this study, using 0.5LiCoO2 • 0.5Li2MnO3 thin-film electrodes as the model electrodes of the lithium-rich cathode materials, the surface film formation behavior was investigated. After a constant current-constant voltage (CCCV) measurement to 4.8 V, passivation of the electrodes did not occur. On the other hand, the electrode after cyclic voltammetry (CV) up to 4.8 V showed complete passivation. The results of spectroscopic analyses revealed that decomposition products of the solvent formed thick surface film on the electrode after CV. From the results, it was concluded that the passivation surface film was formed by the simultaneous decomposition of the solvent via electrochemical oxidation at high potentials and chemical oxidation by singlet oxygen. Furthermore, the electrode with the surface film showed better cyclability than that without the surface film, indicating that it contributes to the suppression of side reactions at the electrode/electrolyte interface.
Aquatic Colloidal Graphene Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Flexible Rechargeable Zinc Air Batteries
Authors: Jia Xingliang , Ma Jingling , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Chenfei , Wang Guangxin
Published: December 2022

An alkaline gel polymer electrolyte, namely a poly (acrylic acid)-zinc acetate (Zn(AC)2)-aquatic colloidal graphene (ACG) solution (PAA-Zn(AC)2-ACG), was prepared by solution casting method. Properties of PAA-Zn(AC)2-ACG were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), AC impedance, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and water retention ability. Results obtained show that PAA-Zn(AC)2-ACG exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 407.9 mS·cm–1, an electrochemical stability window of 1.7 V, and 72.5% water retention ability. Flexible zinc-air batteries (ZABs) with PAA-Zn(AC)2-ACG gel polymer electrolyte have an better discharge capacity of 672 mAh g−1
Zn at 0.5 mA·cm–2 (current density), a continuous charge-discharge duration of 43.3 h, 130 cycles, and a cycle efficiency of 64.8%. Based on work done in this study, it can be concluded that flexible ZABs have advantageous prospects and large potential for practical applications.
S, N and Cl Separately Doped Graphene Oxide/Polyaniline Composites for Hybrid Supercapacitor Electrode
Authors: Yazar Sibel , Arvas Melih Besir , Sahin Yucel
Published: December 2022

Conducting polymer and carbon-based materials are important in supercapacitor applications as capacitive materials. However, the use of these materials alone limits their application due to poor rate capability and short lifetime or low capacitance. Herein, the supercapacitor electrodes were successfully synthesized by two step process on the carbon-felt. Firstly, S-GO, N-GO and Cl-GO was obtained by chronoamperometry method at room temperature. After, PANI composites were synthesized through a hydrothermal method with S, N and Cl heteroatom doped graphene oxide powders. The best specific capacitance for Cl-GO doped PANI (PANI/Cl-GO) electrode reaches 1217 mFcm−2 (608.3 Fg−1) at 4 A g−1 and, significantly higher that the results of PANI and other hybrids. Moreover, the symmetric supercapacitor using PANI/Cl-GO electrodes demonstrates excellent long-life performance after 5000 cycle (96.9%). The device has a maximum energy density of 42.8 Wh kg−1 while delivering a power density of 250 W kg−1.
Improving the Ionic Conductivity of Li1+xAlxTi2−x(PO4)3 in a Solid-State Synthesis by Regulating Li–O Bond with B3+ and Y3+
Authors: Wang Ruoyu , Chen Butian , Liu Chong , Yin Wen , Chen Huaican , Zhang Jicheng , Zhang Tianran , Sun Limei , Liu Xiangfeng
Published: December 2022

Li1+xAlxTi2−x(PO4)3 (LATP) is a promising solid electrolyte owing to its high stability and ionic conductivity. But the ionic conductivity of LATP prepared by a conventional solid-phase method is usually one order of magnitude lower than the one prepared by the liquid-phase method. Herein, we achieve a high ionic conductivity of 1.2 mS·cm−1 by doping B3+ and Y3+ ions in LATP in a solid-state synthesis, and the roles of the dopants are revealed. The incorporation of B3+ and Y3+ in the lattice broadens the ion migration path and mitigates the Li+ migration energy barrier. On the other hand, the strong electrostatic interaction between B–O and Y–O bond weakens the electrostatic attraction between the Li–O bond, which makes the Li–O bond easier to break, and greatly improves the ion conductivity of LATP. This study sheds light on the facile solid-state synthesis of LATP with a high ion conductivity and accelerates the incoming practical application in the solid-state battery.
Effects of hypoxic exercise on 24-hour glucose profile and substrate metabolism in overweight and obese men with impaired glucose metabolism
Authors: van Meijel Rens L. J. , Blaak Ellen E. , Goossens Gijs H.
Published: December 2022

We demonstrate that hypoxic exercise at similar relative exercise intensity (i.e. lower absolute workload) reduces systemic oxygen saturation ([Formula: see text]) and has comparable effects on mean 24-h glucose concentrations and glycemic variability than normoxic exercise in men with overweight/obesity and impaired glucose metabolism. A more pronounced reduction in [Formula: see text] during hypoxic exercise, however, was associated with lower 24-h and daytime glucose concentrations. Our findings suggest that a marked hypoxic stimulus may improve glucose homeostasis.
Parabrachial-insular stimulation does not wake mice
Authors: Grady Fillan S. , Graff Shantelle A. , Resch Jon M. , Geerling Joel C.
Published: December 2022

A brainstem region critical for wakefulness overlaps the medial parabrachial nucleus (PB) and has functional and direct axonal connectivity with the insular cortex. In this study, we hypothesized that this direct projection from the PB to the insular cortex promotes arousal. However, photostimulating PB axons in the insular cortex did not alter the cortical EEG or awaken mice. This information constrains the possible circuit connections through which brainstem neurons may sustain arousal.
Cortical reintegration after facial allotransplantation
Authors: Washington Kia M. , Solari Mario G. , Zanoun Rami R. , Kwegyir-Afful Ernest E. , Su An-Jey A. , Carvell George E. , Lee W. P. Andrew , Simons Daniel J.
Published: December 2022

Robust rodent hemifacial transplant model was used to record functional changes in somatosensory cortex after transplantation. Neurons in the somatosensory cortex of face transplant recipients had decreased sensitivity to stimulation of whiskers with increased directional sensitivity vs. naive rats. Transplant recipient cortical unit response was more dispersed in temporary vs. naive rats. Despite histological similarities to naive cortices, transplant recipient cortices had a mix of topographically appropriate and inappropriate whiskered at barrel cortex relationships.
Parametric separation of phase-locked and non-phase-locked activity
Authors: Singhal Shubham , Ghosh Priyanka , Kumar Neeraj , Banerjee Arpan
Published: December 2022

Parametric models for estimation of phase-locked and non-phase-locked brain signals reveals how estimation of non-phase-locked component is biased by the variability of phase-locked component and at the level of single trial becomes an ill-posed problem. Furthermore, the modeling framework delimits the boundaries where traditional averaging approach can be trusted to estimate the phase-locked and non-phase-locked components.
Measurement of Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Four Compounds from Nauclea officinalis in Rat Plasma and Tissues through HPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Wu Yuhuang , Li Liyan , Ming Guxu , Ma Xinyue , Liang Changfu , Li Yonghui , He Xiaoning
Published: December 2022

A rapid, sensitive, selective, and accurate HPLC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid, naucleactonin C, khaephuoside A 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl-1-O-β-apiofuroseyl(1 ⟶ 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside in rat plasma and tissues after oral administration of Nauclea officinalis extracts. Chloramphenicol was used as an internal standard (IS). The plasma and tissue samples were extracted by protein precipitation with methanol-ethyl acetate (1 : 1, v/v) including 0.1% (v/v) formic acid. The chromatographic separation was achieved by using an C18 column with gradient elution using mobile phase, which consisted of 0.1% formic acid water (A) and acetonitrile (B) and the flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Mass spectrometric detection was performed in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode utilizing electrospray ionization (ESI) in negative mode. The developed method exhibited good linearity (determination coefficients, R2 ≥ 0.9849), and the lower limits of quantification were 2, 5, 5, and 25 ng/mL for chlorogenic acid, naucleactonin C, khaephuoside A, and 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl-1-O-β-apiofuroseyl(1 ⟶ 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside. The intraday and interday precisions (relative standard deviation, RSD) were less than 12.65%, while the accuracy was ranged from 86.31 to 114.17%. The recovery rate were 51.85–97.06%, 75.99–106.68%, 77.46–105.35%, and 68.36–103.75% for chlorogenic acid, naucleactonin C, khaephuoside A, and 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl-1-O-β-apiofuroseyl(1 ⟶ 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside the matrix effects were 50.17–116.62%, 86.75–115.99%, 45.79–87.44%, and 51.60–92.34% for chlorogenic acid, naucleactonin C, khaephuoside A, and 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl-1-O-β-apiofuroseyl(1 ⟶ 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside in different matrix. The developed method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study and tissue distribution of four compounds in rats after oral administration of Nauclea officinalis extracts.
Evaluation of Compaction Uniformity of Asphalt Pavement Based on Construction Depth Variation
Authors: Jia Xiaodong
Published: December 2022

The continuous monitoring and real-time feedback on the uniformity of the mixture after paving and compaction is important to guide the construction and improve the life of the asphalt pavement. Thus, in this study, the latest digital image technology was used to collect images of asphalt pavement after paving and compaction according to the set parameters. The images collected were preprocessed in steps such as binary grayscale, filtering, histogram, and small particle filtering, which established the method for calculating the construction depth

H

P

of the digital images of pavement. Moreover, a method was proposed to evaluate the uniformity of asphalt pavement using the construction depth coefficient of variation. The coefficients of variation were computed based on 100 images of the dependent project and compared with the actual images. The results indicated that the construction depth coefficient of variation of the digital images obtained by the developed calculation procedure was in agreement with the actual situation and combined the correlation degree of the calculation results. Small areas of 42 are recommended as the division of the asphalt pavement compaction uniformity evaluation method based on construction depth variation, and the use of

C

v
4

≥
8.0

as the evaluation standard for the segregation of asphalt pavement is recommended. The method proposed is a new and rapid test to evaluate and detect the asphalt pavement uniformity.
Physicochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Seasonal Variations of Landfill Leachate and Groundwater Quality around Tanjaro Open Dump Area of Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan, Iraq
Authors: Rashid Sozan W. , Shwan Dler M. S. , Rashid Khsraw A.
Published: December 2022

The current study is concerned with the primary environmental assessment of the physicochemical characterization of seasonal fluctuations in the leachate of Tanjaro open dump site in Sulaymaniyah City, and its impact on the quality of the groundwater. The primary characteristics of the leachates were their high levels of organic and inorganic components and their toxicity because of the presence of heavy metal concentrations. For almost all physicochemical parameters, the leachate from the Tanjaro area dumping has incredibly high values. All heavy metals were present in leachate, with the exception of cadmium and mercury, albeit at levels below their respective permitted limits. The characterization revealed that Leachate 1 (L1) may be referred to as young leachate, whereas Leachate 2 (L2) and Leachate 3 (L3) can be referred to as old leachate due to their pH values. It was indicated that the Tanjaro dumping is operating and in the early stages of stabilization. BOD5/COD was around 0.63, and the leachate was highly biodegradable in the anaerobic phase. Groundwater, which contains little to no organic matter, was not found to be severely affected by monitoring wells located close to the dumpsites. The conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, Mn, and Fe were some of the values that went above the WHO guidelines. Correlation analysis was used as a preliminary descriptive technique to establish the strength of the association between the relevant variables. Some parameters were discovered to be statistically significantly correlated with one another, pointing to a close connection between these parameters.
Ethnomedicinal Information on Plants Used for the Treatment of Bone Fractures, Wounds, and Sprains in the Northern Region of the Republic of Benin
Authors: Codo Toafode Nonvignon Murielle , Oppong Bekoe Emelia , Vissiennon Zacharie , Ahyi Virgile , Vissiennon Cica , Fester Karin
Published: December 2022

Medicinal plants are frequently used in African countries due to their importance in the treatment of various conditions. In the northern Republic of Benin, traditional healers are recognized as specialists in the treatment of fractures, wounds, and sprains. The present study was conducted to document the practices (diagnosis and materials) and traditional knowledge accumulated by healers in this region on their area of specialty. In addition, literature-based research was performed to support the usage of the most cited plants. Sixty traditional healers identified as “reference persons” from Atakora and Donga departments in the northern Republic of Benin, who specialized in the treatment of fractures, wounds, and sprains, were interviewed in their communities through a semi-structured questionnaire. Information about the practice, age of the healers, medicinal plants used in this treatment, methods of preparation, and administration were collected. Samples of the plant species were also collected, identified, and stored in the national herbarium at the University of Abomey-Calavi, the Republic of Benin. The study enabled the identification of thirty-four (34) species belonging to twenty-three (23) families. Ochna rhizomatosa and Ochna schweinfurthiana (21%) were the most quoted plants among the species, followed by Chasmanthera dependens (12.1%), Piliostigma thonningii (11.3%), and Combretum sericeum (8.1%). These plants were reported to strengthen bones, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing in the northern part of the Republic of Benin. Besides their ability to treat fractures, wounds, and sprains, they are also used for multiple purposes in the West African subregions. According to the available literature, some of the plants will need to be investigated for their phytoconstituents and pharmacological activity to validate their ethnobotanical uses. These results confirm the need for documenting traditional knowledge since it represents an opportunity for exploring plant species with potentially good pharmacological effects, which have been barely investigated. Plants identified may constitute a significant source of bioactive compounds in the treatment of various ailments such as skin inflammation and musculoskeletal disorders. They can be further explored to justify their use in traditional Beninese medicine.
Comparative Approach of Tracking COVID-19 in Balkan Countries Using Interactive Web-Based Dashboard
Authors: Zaçaj Oriana , Beliu Etleva , Raço Endri , Haxhi Kleida , Hila Kostaq
Published: December 2022

Objective. The design and implementation of an online dashboard to support data-driven decision-making and joint coordination between health institutions and government bodies in the Balkan countries faced with new COVID-19 waves in the region. Methods. Shiny R dashboard tracks COVID-19 in real-time using a comparative approach to interactively visualize national-level data from various official sources. Results. The dashboard, named COVID-19 Situation in Balkan countries can be accessed online (COVID-19 Situation in Balkan countries). The daily situation in 11 Balkan countries focuses on similarities and differences between countries on a daily basis and since the beginning of the pandemic. The web resource features the most affected countries, the number of new cases, and fatality rates reported daily. Features also include rankings of the worst affected countries, information search and filtering, and a map component interactively showing daily information for each country comparatively. Conclusions. The dashboard for the COVID-19 situation in Balkan countries simplifies meaningful real-time information for public and health agencies regarding the COVID-19 situation in the whole Balkan region. The creation allows for a deep analysis of measures taken to face COVID-19 in a regional context, allowing for health policy updates and a better basis for collaboration among Balkan governments.
Coprophagy Prevention Affects the Reproductive Performance in New Zealand White Rabbits Is Mediated through Nox4-ROS-NFκB Pathway
Authors: Li Zhichao , Li RuiTing , Li Jing , Wang Zhitong , He Hui , Yan Duo , Yu Lei , Li Hengjian , Li Ming , Xu Huifen
Published: December 2022

Coprophagy is of great significance to the growth, development, and reproductive performance of rabbits. This study is aimed at exploring the effect of coprophagy on the reproductive performance of New Zealand white rabbits by coprophagy prevention (CP). The results showed that CP treatment significantly decreased the growth and development performance of female rabbits and the live birth rate of embryos. The results of blood biochemical indexes showed that CP treatment significantly increased the contents of serum ALB, ALP, and MDA, while serum SOD activity was significantly decreased. Transcriptome analysis showed that GO terms were mainly enriched in transport function and reproductive function after CP treatment. In addition, KEGG results showed that inflammation related signal pathways were activated and the expression level of genes related to tight junction proteins was downregulated by CP treatment. Concurrently, western blot further confirmed the results of KEGG. In short, fecal feeding is an important survival strategy for some small rodents, coprophagy prevention will affect the inflammatory level of the body, change the oxidative stress level of the body, and then activate NOX4-ROS-NF-κB pathway, increase the expression level of adhesion protein ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, lead to the damage of uterine epithelial barrier, and then affect the reproductive performance of rabbits.
Intermittent Control for Synchronization of Discrete-Delayed Complex Cyber-Physical Networks under Mixed Attacks
Authors: Zhu Chaoqun , Jia Xuan , Zhang Pan
Published: December 2022

This paper is concerned with the synchronization control problem for discrete-delayed complex cyber-physical networks under mixed attacks. To handle input delays and mixed attacks, the intermittent control mechanism is employed, which is distinctly different from the traditional control method. By utilizing the Lyapunov stability theorem, a novel synchronization control method is developed for the synchronization control of complex cyber-physical networks with mixed attacks. Then, sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee that the synchronization error dynamics are ultimately bounded. Moreover, the conditions for a special case where the absence of input delays. Subsequently, certain optimization problems are formulated with the aim to minimize the synchronization error. Finally, two numerical examples are given to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed synchronization control strategy.
Combination Chemotherapy of Multidrug-resistant Early-stage Colon Cancer: Determining Optimal Dose Schedules by High-performance Computer Simulation
Authors: Cockrell Chase , Axelrod David E.
Published: December 2022

The goal of this project was to utilize mechanistic simulation to demonstrate a methodology that could determine drug combination dose schedules and dose intensities that would be most effective in eliminating multidrug-resistant cancer cells in early-stage colon cancer. An agent-based model of cell dynamics in human colon crypts was calibrated using measurements of human biopsy specimens. Mutant cancer cells were simulated as cells that were resistant to each of two drugs when the drugs were used separately. The drugs, 5-flurouracil and sulindac, have different mechanisms of action. An artificial neural network was used to generate nearly 200,000 two-drug dose schedules. A high-performance computer simulated each dose schedule as a in silico clinical trial and evaluated each dose schedule for its efficiency to cure (eliminate) multidrug-resistant cancer cells and its toxicity to the host, as indicated by continued crypt function. Among the dose schedules that were generated, 2,430 dose schedules were found to cure all multidrug-resistant mutants in each of the 50 simulated trials and retained colon crypt function. One dose schedule was optimal; it eliminated multidrug-resistant cancer cells with the minimum toxicity and had a time schedule that would be practical for implementation in the clinic. These results demonstrate a procedure to identify which combination drug dose schedules could be most effective in eliminating drug-resistant cancer cells. This was accomplished using a calibrated agent–based model of a human tissue, and a high-performance computer simulation of clinical trials.

Significance:

The results of computer-simulated clinical trials suggest a practical dose schedule for two drugs, 5-fluorouracil and sulindac, that could eliminate multidrug resistant early-stage colon cancer cells with minimum toxicity to the host.
Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome: A Study Cohort over 10-Year Period in a Paediatric Tertiary Centre Hospital
Authors: Alletto Alessio , Attaianese Federica , Montemaggi Alessandra , Becherucci Francesca , Romagnani Paola , Trapani Sandra
Published: December 2022

Background: Haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. It represents the most frequent cause of acute kidney failure in paediatric age. HUS includes acquired types, such as post-infectious forms, and inherited types. If not promptly recognized, HUS still has high mortality and morbidity, with disabling long-term sequelae. Methods: Children diagnosed with HUS hospitalized between January 2010 and July 2021 at Meyer Children’s Hospital were retrospectively studied. Results: We selected 33 patients (M:F = 15:18) with a median age of 40 months (range 12–180 months). Twenty-eight cases (84.8%) were classified as acquired HUS: Shiga-like toxin Escherichia coli-related-HUS (STEC-HUS) was diagnosed in 26 patients (78.8%), while other 2 patients had HUS secondary to Streptococcus pneumoniae infections (3%) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (3%), each one. Five cases (15.1%) were classified as hereditary HUS: 4 patients (12.1%) presented inherited complement disorders (atypical HUS); 1 patient (3%) was diagnosed with cobalamin C deficiency. Diarrhoea was the most rated symptom (72.7%), mainly in STEC-HUS forms. In hereditary HUS, kidney involvement manifestations prevailed. Hypertension was present in 54.5% of total cases. Hypocomplementemia was present in 48.5% of patients; 30.3% of patients needed hospitalization in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Early hypertension and hypocomplementemia resulted to be related to the disease severity for either acute phase or long-term outcome. Leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and worsen renal function indices were related to PICU hospitalization. Overall, the outcome was good: long-term complications persisted in 18.2% of cases; 1 patient developed kidney failure; no patient died. Conclusions: HUS is a multifactorial disease mostly affecting children between 3 and 5 years old. Hypertension, leucocytosis, hypocomplementemia, thrombocytopenia, increased renal function indices, and extrarenal manifestations are risk factors for the worst outcome.
Visual Working Memory Capacity in Patients with Temporal Lobe Glioma
Authors: Ni Shengyuan , Chen Peng , Yang Yang , Bao Dejun , Zhang Rui , Pang Qi
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Working memory (WM) refers to the temporary storage and manipulation of information. Short-term memory storage can be divided into separate subsystems for verbal information and visual information. We explored the capacity of visual WM in patients with temporal lobe glioma. Methods: In this study, we assessed 30 patients with temporal lobe glioma and 30 healthy controls (HCs) using a method that combined memory tests with visual WM tasks (digital span task, spatial capacity N-back task, and emotional N-back task). Results: The results revealed that groups did not differ in terms of demographics, estimated intelligence, and level of psyc distress. For visual WM tasks, statistically significant differences were not found on the 1-back tasks and forward versions of simple span tasks between the temporal patient (TP) group and the HC group. Analysis of correct responses of the experimental tasks suggested that the TP group was significantly different from the HC group in the 2-back tasks and backward versions of simple span tasks. For reaction times, spatial capacity 2-back task and emotional 2-back task showed the TP group was significantly different from the HC group. Conclusion: These findings revealed that visual WM scores of temporal glioma patients were lower than HCs, and hence, the temporal lobe may be a certain neuroanatomical structure in the WM network.
Effect of Chest Computed Tomography Kernel Use on Emphysema Score in Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Evaluated for Lung Volume Reduction
Authors: Bakker Jens T. , Klooster Karin , Wisselink Hendrik Joost , Pelgrim Gert Jan , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , Slebos Dirk-Jan
Published: December 2022

Background: Chest computed tomography (CT) emphysema quantification is a vital diagnostic tool in patient evaluation for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR). Smooth kernels for CT image reconstruction are generally recommended for quantitative analyses. This recommendation is not always followed, which may affect quantification of emphysema extent and eventually, treatment decisions. Objective: The main goal is to demonstrate the influence of CT reconstruction kernels on emphysema quantification in patients with severe COPD, considered for BLVR. Methods: Chest CT scans were acquired with one multi-detector CT system and reconstructed using three different kernels: smooth, medium smooth, and sharp. Other parameters were kept constant. Emphysema scores (ESs), meaning the percentage of voxels below −950 Hounsfield units, were calculated and compared to the smooth reference kernel using paired t tests. Bland-Altman plots were made to assess the biases and limits of agreement between kernels. Results: Ninety-eight COPD patient CT scans were analyzed. The sharp kernel had a systematic bias of 6.2% and limits of agreement of 16.6% to −4.2% compared to the smooth kernel. The medium smooth kernel had a systematic bias of 5.7% and limits of agreement of 9.2% and 2.2% compared to the smooth kernel. The ES differed, for a single patient, up to 18% for different kernels. Conclusions: Chest CT kernel reconstruction can lead to a significant difference in emphysema severity quantification. This may cause invalid treatment selection in COPD patients evaluated for BLVR. Standardization of a smooth CT kernel setting and/or normalization to a standard kernel is strongly recommended.