bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of a Two-Dimensional GO/Ti3C2TX Composite Membrane and Investigation of Mg2+/Li+ Separation Performance
Authors: Feng Zhenhua , Liu Chengwen , Tang Binbin , Yang Xiaojun , Jiang Wenjie , Wang Peng , Tang Xianjun , Wang Hongshan , Zeng Xiangdong , Zeng Guangyong
Published: October 2023

Graphene oxide (GO) two-dimensional (2D) membranes with unique layer structures and tunable layer spacing have special advantages and great potential in the field of water treatment. However, GO membranes face the issues of weak anti-swelling ability as well as poor permeability. We prepared GO/Ti3C2TX 2D composite membranes with 2D/2D structures by intercalating Ti3C2TX nanosheets with slightly smaller sizes into GO membranes. Ti3C2TX intercalation can effectively expand the layer spacing of GO, thereby substantially enhancing the flux of the composite membrane (2.82 to 6.35 L·m−2·h−1). Moreover, the GO/Ti3C2TX composite membrane exhibited a good Mg2+/Li+ separation capability. For the simulated brine, the separation factor of M2 was 3.81, and the salt solution flux was as high as 5.26 L·m−2·h−1. Meanwhile, the incorporation of Ti3C2TX nanosheets significantly improved the stability of GO/Ti3C2TX membranes in different pH environments. This study provides a unique insight into the preparation of highly permeable and ion-selective GO membranes.
Convergence Gas Sensors with One-Dimensional Nanotubes and Pt Nanoparticles Based on Ultraviolet Photonic Energy for Room-Temperature NO2 Gas Sensing
Authors: Kim Sohyeon , Yang Ju-Eun , Park Yoon-Seo , Park Minwoo , Kim Sang-Jo , Kim Kyoung-Kook
Published: October 2023

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a promising material for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas sensors because of its nontoxicity, low cost, and small size. We fabricated one-dimensional (1D) and zero-dimensional (0D) convergence gas sensors activated via ultraviolet (UV) photonic energy to sense NO2 gas at room temperature. One-dimensional ZnO nanorod (ZNR)-based and ZnO nanotube (ZNT)-based gas sensors were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method. All the sensors were tested under UV irradiation (365 nm) so that they could be operated at room temperature rather than a high temperature. In addition, we decorated 0D Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on the gas sensors to further improve their sensing responsivity. The NO2-sensing response of the ZNT/Pt NP convergence gas sensor was 2.93 times higher than that of the ZNR gas sensor. We demonstrated the complex effects of UV radiation on 1D ZnO nanostructures and 0D metal nanostructures in NO2 gas sensing.
FeF3/(Acetylene Black and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube) Composite for Cathode Active Material of Thermal Battery through Formation of Conductive Network Channels
Authors: Kim Su Hyeong , Choi Ji-Hyeok , Park So Hyun , Ahn Tae Young , Cheong Hae-Won , Yoon Young Soo
Published: October 2023

Considerable research is being conducted on the use of FeF3 as a cathode replacement for FeS2 in thermal batteries. However, FeF3 alone is inefficient as a cathode active material because of its low electrical conductivity due to its wide bandgap (5.96 eV). Herein, acetylene black and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were combined with FeF3, and the ratio was optimized. When acetylene black and MWCNTs were added separately to FeF3, the electrical conductivity increased, but the mechanical strength decreased. When acetylene black and MWCNTs were both added to FeF3, the FeF3/M1AB4 sample (with 1 wt.% MWCNTs and 4% AB) afforded a discharge capacity of approximately 74% of the theoretical capacity (712 mAh/g) of FeF3. Considering the electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, this composition was confirmed to be the most suitable.
Complementary Nutritional Improvements of Cereal-Based Products to Reduce Postprandial Glycemic Response
Authors: Demangeat Agnès , Hornero-Ramirez Hugo , Meynier Alexandra , Sanoner Philippe , Atkinson Fiona S. , Nazare Julie-Anne , Vinoy Sophie
Published: October 2023

High glycemic response (GR) is part of cardiometabolic risk factors. Dietary polyphenols, starch digestibility, and dietary fibers could play a role in modulating GR. We formulated cereal products with high dietary fibers, polyphenols, and slowly digestible starch (SDS) contents to test their impact on the glycemic index (GI) and insulin index (II). Twelve healthy subjects were randomized in a crossover-controlled study to measure the GI and II of four biscuits according to ISO-26642(2010). Two types of biscuits were enriched with dietary fibers and polyphenols and high in SDS, and two similar control biscuits with low levels of these compounds were compared. The subjects consumed 50 g of available carbohydrates from the biscuits or from a glucose solution (reference). Glycemic and insulinemic responses were monitored for 2 h after the start of the consumption. The two enriched biscuits led to low GI and II (GI: 46 ± 5 SEM and 43 ± 4 SEM and II: 54 ± 5 SEM and 45 ± 3 SEM) when controls had moderate GI and II (GI: 57 ± 5 SEM and 58 ± 5 SEM and II: 61 ± 4 SEM and 61 ± 4 SEM). A significant difference of 11 and 15 units between the GI of enriched and control products was obtained. These differences may be explained by the polyphenol contents and high SDS levels in enriched products as well as potentially the dietary fiber content. This study provides new proposals of food formulations to induce beneficial health effects which need to be confirmed in a longer-term study in the context of the SINFONI consortium.
One-Step Automatic Radiosynthesis and Evaluation of [18F]TM-30089 as GPR44 Radiotracer
Authors: Peng Jiangling , Tang Wei , Rawson Jeffrey , Miao Lynn , Gonzalez Nelson , Yin Runkai , Chen Jiaqi , Ji Melinda , Li Zhixuan , Gao Anna , Wu Andy Z. , Shively John E. , Kandeel Fouad , Li Junfeng
Published: October 2023

Recently, a G-protein coupled receptor 44 (GPR44) was discovered to play a significant role in the process of inflammation-related diseases, including cancer and diabetes. However, the precise role of GPR44 has yet to be fully elucidated. Currently, there is a strong and urgent need for the development of GPR44 radiotracers as a non-invasive methodology to explore the exact mechanism of GPR44 on inflammation-related diseases and monitor the progress of therapy. TM-30089 is a potent GPR44 antagonist that exhibits a high specificity and selectivity for GPR44. Its structure contains a fluorine nuclide, which could potentially be replaced with 18F. In the present study, we successfully took a highly effective synthesis strategy that pretreated the unprotected carboxylic acid group of the precursor and developed a feasible one-step automatic radiosynthesis strategy for [18F]TM-30089 with a high radiochemical purity and a good radiochemical yield. We further evaluated this radiotracer using mice models implanted with 1.1 B4 cell lines (GPR44-enriched cell lines) and human islets (high GPR44 expression), respectively. The results revealed the persistent and specific uptake of [18F]TM-30089 in GPR44 region, indicating that [18F]TM-30089 is a promising candidate for targeting GPR44. Further evaluation is ongoing.
Efficacy of the Multi-Target Compound E153 in Relieving Pain and Pruritus of Different Origins
Authors: Mogilski Szczepan , Kubacka Monika , Świerczek Artur , Wyska Elżbieta , Szczepańska Katarzyna , Sapa Jacek , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna , Łażewska Dorota
Published: October 2023

Itch and pain are closely related but distinct sensations that share largely overlapping mediators and receptors. We hypothesized that the novel, multi-target compound E153 has the potential to attenuate pain and pruritus of different origins. After the evaluation of sigma receptor affinity and pharmacokinetic studies, we tested the compound using different procedures and models of pain and pruritus. Additionally, we used pharmacological tools, such as PRE-084, RAMH, JNJ 5207852, and S1RA, to precisely determine the role of histamine H3 and sigma 1 receptors in the analgesic and antipruritic effects of the compound. In vitro studies revealed that the test compound had potent affinity for sigma 1 and sigma 2 receptors, moderate affinity for opioid kappa receptors, and no affinity for delta or μ receptors. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that after intraperitoneal administration, the compound was present at high concentrations in both the peripheral tissues and the central nervous system. The blood–brain barrier-penetrating properties indicate its ability to act centrally at the levels of the brain and spinal cord. Furthermore, the test compound attenuated different types of pain, including acute, inflammatory, and neuropathic. It also showed a broad spectrum of antipruritic activity, attenuating histamine-dependent and histamine-independent itching. Finally, we proved that antagonism of both sigma 1 and histamine H3 receptors is involved in the analgesic activity of the compound, while the antipruritic effect to a greater extent depends on sigma 1 antagonism.
Human β-Defensin 23 as a Carrier for In Vitro and In Vivo Delivery of mRNA
Authors: Kim Kyoung-Ran , Kim Junghyun , Cho Seunghye , Ahn Dae-Ro
Published: October 2023

The successful application of mRNA therapeutics hinges on the effective intracellular delivery of mRNA both in vitro and in vivo. However, this remains a formidable challenge due to the polyanionic nature, longitudinal shape, and low nuclease resistance of mRNA. In this study, we introduce a novel mRNA delivery platform utilizing a human β-defensin peptide, hBD23. The positive charge of hBD23 allows it to form nanocomplexes with mRNA, facilitating cellular uptake and providing protection against serum nucleases. When optimized for peptide-to-mRNA (N/P) ratios, these hBD23/mRNA complexes demonstrated efficient cellular delivery and subsequent protein expression both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, as hBD23 is human derived, the complexes exhibited minimal cytotoxicity and immunogenicity. Given its high biocompatibility and delivery efficiency, hBD23 represents a promising platform for the in vitro and in vivo delivery of mRNA.
Recent Advances in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Delivering siRNA for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Xie Xiaowei , Yue Tianxiang , Gu Wenting , Cheng WeiYi , He Li , Ren WeiYe , Li Fanzhu , Piao Ji-Gang
Published: October 2023

Silencing genes using small interfering (si) RNA is a promising strategy for treating cancer. However, the curative effect of siRNA is severely constrained by low serum stability and cell membrane permeability. Therefore, improving the delivery efficiency of siRNA for cancer treatment is a research hotspot. Recently, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have emerged as bright delivery vehicles for nucleic acid drugs. A comprehensive understanding of the design of MSN-based vectors is crucial for the application of siRNA in cancer therapy. We discuss several surface-functionalized MSNs’ advancements as effective siRNA delivery vehicles in this paper. The advantages of using MSNs for siRNA loading regarding considerations of different shapes, various options for surface functionalization, and customizable pore sizes are highlighted. We discuss the recent investigations into strategies that efficiently improve cellular uptake, facilitate endosomal escape, and promote cargo dissociation from the MSNs for enhanced intracellular siRNA delivery. Also, particular attention was paid to the exciting progress made by combining RNAi with other therapies to improve cancer therapeutic outcomes.
Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, and Antioxidant Evaluation of Phytosteroids from Notholirion thomsonianum (Royle) Stapf
Authors: Huneif Mohammad A. , Fahad Shah , Abdulwahab Alqahtani , Alqahtani Seham M. , Mahnashi Mater H. , Nawaz Asif , Hussain Fida , Sadiq Abdul
Published: October 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic complication and can pose a serious challenge to human health. DM is the main cause of many life-threatening diseases. Researchers of natural products have been continuously engaged in treating vital diseases in an economical and efficient way. In this research, we extensively used phytosteroids from Notholirion thomsonianum (Royle) Stapf for the treatment of DM. The structures of phytosteroids NtSt01 and NtSt02 were confirmed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. Through in vitro studies including α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPPH assays, compound NtSt01 was found to be comparatively potent. An elevated dose of compound NtSt01 was also found to be safe in an experimental study on rats. With a dose of 1.0 mg/kg of NtSt01, the effect on blood glucose levels in rats was observed to be 519 ± 3.98, 413 ± 1.87, 325 ± 1.62, 219 ± 2.87, and 116 ± 1.33 mg/dL on the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, days, respectively. The in vivo results were compared with those of glibenclamide, which reduced the blood glucose level to 107 ± 2.33 mg/dL on the 28th day. On the 28th day of NtSt01 administration, the average weights of the rats and vital organs (liver, kidney, pancreas, and heart) remained healthy, with a slight increase. The biochemical parameters of the blood, i.e., serum creatinine, blood urea, serum bilirubin, SGPT (or ALT), and serum alkaline phosphatase, of rats treated with NtSt01 remained in the normal ranges. Similarly, the serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels also remained within the standard ranges. It is obvious from our overall results that the phytosteroids (specifically NtSt01) had an efficient therapeutic effect on the blood glucose level, protection of vital organs, and blood biochemistry.
Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca, Neofusicoccum spp. and the Decline of Olive Trees in Salento (Apulia, Italy): Comparison of Symptoms, Possible Interactions, Certainties and Doubts
Authors: Scortichini Marco , Manetti Giuliano , Brunetti Angela , Lumia Valentina , Sciarroni Lorenzo , Pilotti Massimo
Published: October 2023

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (XFP), Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, N. stellenboschiana and other fungi have been found in olive groves of Salento (Apulia, Italy) that show symptoms of severe decline. XFP is well known to be the cause of olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS). It has also been assessed that Neofusicoccum spp. causes a distinct disease syndrome, namely, branch and twig dieback (BTD). All these phytopathogens incite severe symptoms that can compromise the viability of large canopy sectors or the whole tree. However, their specific symptoms are not easily distinguished, especially during the final stages of the disease when branches are definitively desiccated. By contrast, they can be differentiated during the initial phases of the infection when some facets of the diseases are typical, especially wood discoloration, incited solely by fungi. Here, we describe the typical symptomatological features of OQDS and BTD that can be observed in the field and that have been confirmed by Koch postulate experiments. Similar symptoms, caused by some abiotic adverse conditions and even by additional biotic factors, are also described. Thus, this review aims at: (i) raising the awareness that declining olive trees in Salento do not have to be linked a priori to XFP; (ii) defining the guidelines for a correct symptomatic diagnosis to orient proper laboratory analyses, which is crucial for the application of effective control measures. The possibility that bacterium and fungi could act as a polyspecies and in conjunction with predisposing abiotic stresses is also widely discussed.
Recent Progress on Moisture Absorption Aging of Plant Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Wang Quan , Chen Tuo , Wang Xiaodong , Zheng Yue , Zheng Jiayu , Song Gaojie , Liu Shuyi
Published: October 2023

Plant fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites have attracted much attention in many industries due to their abundant resources, low cost, biodegradability, and lightweight properties. Compared with synthetic fibers, various plant fibers are easy to obtain and have different characteristics, making them a substitute for synthetic fiber composite materials. However, the aging phenomenon of composite materials has been a key issue that hinders development. In natural environments, moisture absorption performance leads to serious degradation of the mechanical properties of composite materials, which delays the use of composite materials in humid environments. Therefore, the effects of moisture absorption performance of plant fiber composite materials on their mechanical properties have been summarized in this article, as well as various treatment methods to reduce the water absorption of composite materials.
Religiosity and Neopagans: Testing the Use of FAITHS on Alternative Spirituality
Authors: Kern Leesa J.
Published: October 2023

In the United States, Christianity’s customs, calendar, and behaviors have long influenced scholarship on what religion looks like. Is this template useful for studying other religions, such as Neopaganism? Neopaganism is a set of earth-based, often polytheistic or animistic religions that lack a central authority, organized structure, or accepted texts, and often accept diverse relationships as “families” beyond heteronormative monogamy. In this research, I explore whether measures of religiosity developed on a Christian template can be applied to Neopagans. I utilize Faith Activities In the Home Scale (FAITHS). I apply FAITHS in self-administered questionnaires to a sample of Neopagans from attendees at gatherings called “festivals”, asking about both individual and family experiences. My results indicate that FAITHS can be useful; however, the principal component analysis reveals different item scaling for Neopagans than in the original analysis. My results also support the individualistic nature of Neopaganism when comparing both individual and family-setting results.
A New Framework for the Reconstruction of Daily 1 km Land Surface Temperatures from 2000 to 2022
Authors: Xiao Yuanjun , Li Shengcheng , Huang Jingfeng , Huang Ran , Zhou Chang
Published: October 2023

Accurate, seamless, and long-term land surface temperature (LST) data sets are crucial for investigating climate change and agriculture production. However, factors like cloud contamination have led to invalid values in the LST product, which has restricted the application of the LST dataset. Therefore, the reconstruction of LST products is challenging, and it is attracting widespread attention. This study compared the performance of different algorithms (XGBoost, GBDT, RF, POLY, MLR) and different training sets (using only good-quality pixels or using both good-quality and other-quality pixels) in the estimation of missing pixels in the LST data, obtaining a seamless daily 1 km LST dataset of MODIS Terra-day, Aqua-day, Terra-night, and Aqua-night data for Zhejiang Province and its surrounding areas from 2000 to 2022. The results demonstrated that the performance of machine-learning models is significantly better than that of linear models, and among the five models, XGBoost performed the best, with an RMSE of less than 1 °C. The Wilcoxon test between the reconstructed LST and the true LST values revealed that including both good-quality and other-quality pixels for reconstruction resulted in a 33% increase in the number of days with non-significant differences compared with using only good-quality pixels. Moreover, the reconstructed nighttime LST has a lower RMSE compared with the reconstructed daytime LST, and the RMSE of the reconstructed LST on the Terra satellite is lower than the RMSE of the reconstructed LST on the Aqua satellite. The RMSEs for the reconstructed LSTs are 0.50 °C, 0.61 °C, 0.36 °C, and 0.39 °C, corresponding to Terra-day, Aqua-day, Terra-night, and Aqua-night for images with coverage reaching 70%, 0.65 °C, 0.83 °C, 0.49 °C, respectively, and 0.52 °C for images with coverage less than 70%. The accuracy of the reconstructed LSTs using our proposed framework outperforms the existing reconstruction methods. The 1 km daily seamless LST products can be applied in various fields, such as air temperature estimation, climate change, urban heat island, and crop temperature stress monitoring.
A Probabilistic Method-Based Smartphone GNSS Fault Detection and Exclusion System Utilizing PDR Step Length
Authors: Jiang Changhui , Chen Yuwei , Liu Zuoya , Xia Qingyuan , Chen Chen , Hyyppa Juha
Published: October 2023

A smartphone equipped with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module can generate positional information for location-based services. However, GNSS signals are susceptible to fragility, multipath (MP), and Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) interference, which can lead to a degradation in the accuracy of GNSS positioning on smartphones. Due to limitations in the smartphone’s antenna, GNSS signal strength is typically lower. Moreover, in urban areas, where smartphones rely on GNSS, MP and NLOS signals are the primary factors impeding accurate positioning. In this paper, with the goal of enhancing both the accuracy and robustness of smartphone GNSS positioning, we propose two methods. Firstly, an optimized particle filter method employing a Krill Herd Algorithm (KHA) is suggested for the integration of GNSS and Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR). Secondly, a probabilistic approach is presented to identify faulty GNSS measurements using step distance information obtained from the PDR. Experimental tests were conducted using smartphones to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that both the KHA and fault detection methods effectively enhance the performance of integrated PDR and GNSS.
TCF-Trans: Temporal Context Fusion Transformer for Anomaly Detection in Time Series
Authors: Peng Xinggan , Li Hanhui , Lin Yuxuan , Chen Yongming , Fan Peng , Lin Zhiping
Published: October 2023

Anomaly detection tasks involving time-series signal processing have been important research topics for decades. In many real-world anomaly detection applications, no specific distributions fit the data, and the characteristics of anomalies are different. Under these circumstances, the detection algorithm requires excellent learning ability of the data features. Transformers, which apply the self-attention mechanism, have shown outstanding performances in modelling long-range dependencies. Although Transformer based models have good prediction performance, they may be influenced by noise and ignore some unusual details, which are significant for anomaly detection. In this paper, a novel temporal context fusion framework: Temporal Context Fusion Transformer (TCF-Trans), is proposed for anomaly detection tasks with applications to time series. The original feature transmitting structure in the decoder of Informer is replaced with the proposed feature fusion decoder to fully utilise the features extracted from shallow and deep decoder layers. This strategy prevents the decoder from missing unusual anomaly details while maintaining robustness from noises inside the data. Besides, we propose the temporal context fusion module to adaptively fuse the generated auxiliary predictions. Extensive experiments on public and collected transportation datasets validate that the proposed framework is effective for anomaly detection in time series. Additionally, the ablation study and a series of parameter sensitivity experiments show that the proposed method maintains high performance under various experimental settings.
Genetically Encoded Biosensors for the Fluorescence Detection of O2 and Reactive O2 Species
Authors: Marchetti Marialaura , Ronda Luca , Cozzi Monica , Bettati Stefano , Bruno Stefano
Published: October 2023

The intracellular concentrations of oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living cells represent critical information for investigating physiological and pathological conditions. Real-time measurement often relies on genetically encoded proteins that are responsive to fluctuations in either oxygen or ROS concentrations. The direct binding or chemical reactions that occur in their presence either directly alter the fluorescence properties of the binding protein or alter the fluorescence properties of fusion partners, mostly consisting of variants of the green fluorescent protein. Oxygen sensing takes advantage of several mechanisms, including (i) the oxygen-dependent hydroxylation of a domain of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1, which, in turn, promotes its cellular degradation along with fluorescent fusion partners; (ii) the naturally oxygen-dependent maturation of the fluorophore of green fluorescent protein variants; and (iii) direct oxygen binding by proteins, including heme proteins, expressed in fusion with fluorescent partners, resulting in changes in fluorescence due to conformational alterations or fluorescence resonance energy transfer. ROS encompass a group of highly reactive chemicals that can interconvert through various chemical reactions within biological systems, posing challenges for their selective detection through genetically encoded sensors. However, their general reactivity, and particularly that of the relatively stable oxygen peroxide, can be exploited for ROS sensing through different mechanisms, including (i) the ROS-induced formation of disulfide bonds in engineered fluorescent proteins or fusion partners of fluorescent proteins, ultimately leading to fluorescence changes; and (ii) conformational changes of naturally occurring ROS-sensing domains, affecting the fluorescence properties of fusion partners. In this review, we will offer an overview of these genetically encoded biosensors.
Simultaneous Measurement of Microdisplacement and Temperature Based on Balloon-Shaped Structure
Authors: Zhang Yaxun , Liu Yuxin , Huang Zhiliang , Huang Pingbang , Tang Xiaoyun , Liu Zhihai , Zhang Yu , Yuan Libo
Published: October 2023

An optical fiber sensor for the simultaneous measurement of microdisplacement and temperature based on balloon-shaped single-mode fibers cascaded with a fiber Bragg grating with two core-offset joints is proposed. The interference between the core mode and cladding mode is caused by the stimulation of the cladding mode by the core-offset joints’ structure. The cladding of the core has a distinct refractive index, which causes optical path differences and interference. The balloon-shaped structure realizes mode selection by bending. As the displacement increases, the radius of the balloon-shaped interferometer changes, resulting in a change in the interference fringes of the interferometer, while the Bragg wavelength of the fiber grating remains unchanged. Temperature changes will cause the interference fringes of the interferometer and the Bragg wavelength of the fiber grating to shift. The proposed optical fiber sensor allows for the simultaneous measurement of microdisplacement and temperature. The results of the experiment indicate that the sensitivity of the interferometer to microdisplacement is 0.306 nm/µm in the sensing range of 0 to 200 μm and that the temperature sensitivity is 0.165 nm/°C, respectively. The proposed curvature sensor has the advantages of a compact structure, extensive spectrum of dynamic measurement, high sensitivity, and simple preparation, and has a wide range of potential applications in the fields of structural safety monitoring, aviation industry, and resource exploration.
Explainable Remaining Tool Life Prediction for Individualized Production Using Automated Machine Learning
Authors: Krupp Lukas , Wiede Christian , Friedhoff Joachim , Grabmaier Anton
Published: October 2023

The increasing demand for customized products is a core driver of novel automation concepts in Industry 4.0. For the case of machining complex free-form workpieces, e.g., in die making and mold making, individualized manufacturing is already the industrial practice. The varying process conditions and demanding machining processes lead to a high relevance of machining domain experts and a low degree of manufacturing flow automation. In order to increase the degree of automation, online process monitoring and the prediction of the quality-related remaining cutting tool life is indispensable. However, the varying process conditions complicate this as the correlation between the sensor signals and tool condition is not directly apparent. Furthermore, machine learning (ML) knowledge is limited on the shop floor, preventing a manual adaption of the models to changing conditions. Therefore, this paper introduces a new method for remaining tool life prediction in individualized production using automated machine learning (AutoML). The method enables the incorporation of machining expert knowledge via the model inputs and outputs. It automatically creates end-to-end ML pipelines based on optimized ensembles of regression and forecasting models. An explainability algorithm visualizes the relevance of the model inputs for the decision making. The method is analyzed and compared to a manual state-of-the-art approach for series production in a comprehensive evaluation using a new milling dataset. The dataset represents gradual tool wear under changing workpieces and process parameters. Our AutoML method outperforms the state-of-the-art approach and the evaluation indicates that a transfer of methods designed for series production to variable process conditions is not easily possible. Overall, the new method optimizes individualized production economically and in terms of resources. Machining experts with limited ML knowledge can leverage their domain knowledge to develop, validate and adapt tool life models.
Extending the Shelf-Life of Immunoassay-Based Microfluidic Chips through Freeze-Drying Sublimation Techniques
Authors: Moon Sangjun
Published: October 2023

Point-of-care testing (POCT) platforms utilizing immunoassay-based microfluidic chips offer a robust and specific method for detecting target antibodies, demonstrating a wide range of applications in various medical and research settings. Despite their versatility and specificity, the adoption of these immunoassay chips in POCT has been limited by their short shelf-life in liquid environments, attributed to the degradation of immobilized antibodies. This technical limitation presents a barrier, particularly for resource-limited settings where long-term storage and functionality are critical. To address this challenge, we introduce a novel freeze-dry sublimation process aimed at extending the shelf-life of these microfluidic chips without compromising their functional integrity. This study elaborates on the mechanisms by which freeze-drying preserves the bioactivity of the immobilized antibodies, thereby maintaining the chip’s performance over an extended period. Our findings reveal significant shelf-life extension, making it possible for these POCT platforms to be more widely adopted and practically applied, especially in settings with limited resources. This research paves the way for more accessible, long-lasting, and effective POCT solutions, breaking down previous barriers to adoption and application.
Wood Waste Management from the Furniture Industry: The Environmental Performances of Recycling, Energy Recovery, and Landfill Treatments
Authors: de Souza Pinho Giusilene Costa , Calmon João Luiz , Medeiros Diego Lima , Vieira Darli , Bravo Alencar
Published: October 2023

Proper management of wood waste (WW) from the furniture industry has become an important issue. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool that is widely used for identifying environmental gains in WW management strategies. Thus, the aim of this research was to perform a comparative LCA, analyzing the environmental aspects and impacts of different WW management scenarios generated in the furniture industry in the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil. To conduct the study, five scenarios were designed: medium-density fiberboard (MDF) production (Scenario 1), medium-density particleboard (MDP) production (Scenario 2), solid ceramic brick production (Scenario 3), heat production in the ceramics industry (Scenario 4), and landfill disposal (Scenario 5). The results showed that compared to Scenarios 3 and 4, Scenarios 1 and 2 are potentially more favorable for disposing of WW. Scenario 1 achieved more environmental benefits in all of the impact categories evaluated. Notably, 1 m3 of MDF stores 1080 kg CO2 eq/m3, which results in a net impact of −849 kg CO2 eq/m3 of MDF. Scenario 5 is the least favorable practice. This research designs scenarios that contribute to reductions in the demand for virgin sources and increases in environmental gains.
Digital Transformation of Agricultural Products Purchasing: From the Perspective of Short Videos Live-Streaming
Authors: Zeng Bo , Liu Xiao , Zhang Weimin , Wu Lianbei , Xu Ding
Published: October 2023

In the current competitive market situation, live streaming has become an essential part of the digital transformation of agriculture. In this study, we empirically examine the influence of short video live streaming on the purchase of agricultural products. A regression model was developed using SPSS 23 software. The final results of this study show that short video live streaming has a significant effect on the sales of agricultural products. Consumer cognition and emotion show mediation in the impact between the Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) of charisma, content richness, and interactive evaluation on the purchase of agricultural products. This study explores the path of the impact of short video live streaming on the purchasing of agricultural products. It is beneficial to help agriculture-related practitioners develop new marketing paths, reduce the waste of agricultural products, and improve the economic income of related practitioners.
Flow Patterns around a Marginal Bank under the Action of Unsteady Flow
Authors: Wang Pingyi , Tian Ye , Guo Genting , Wang Meili
Published: October 2023

Unsteady flow represents one of the most prevalent and intricate forms of fluid motion in nature. The erosion and damage caused by water flow to slope protection blocks are issues of significant concern. Understanding the hydrodynamic structures near slopes is crucial for enhancing the protection of these blocks. This study primarily focuses on the tidal flats along the main waterways in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The analysis includes the distribution of water surfaces, velocity distribution, average flow velocity, and their variations near these beaches. The results indicate that the water flow near the beaches can be divided into four main regions: the rising water area, the falling water area, the backflow area, and the maximum flow velocity area. The slope of the beach has a noticeable impact on the water’s surface profile. Within a certain range, the area of flow velocities above 0.35 m/s is linearly inversely correlated with the beach angle. In terms of longitudinal water surface profiles, the shallowest water level occurs at the widest part of the beach, and the location of maximum flow velocity is about one-fourth of the beach length from the head of the beach. Steep changes in the water surface are more likely to occur at the junction of steep slopes and the riverbed. Near the backflow area, the flow velocity is approximately zero, and in longitudinal sections other than the backflow area, the maximum flow velocity is 1.3–1.8 times the minimum flow velocity.
Hybrid Wind/PV E-Bike Charging Station: Comparison of Onshore and Offshore Systems
Authors: Afzal Wardah , Zhao Li-Ye , Chen Guang-Zhi , Xue Yu
Published: October 2023

The concept behind this research article is advancement towards utilizing renewable energy sources of wind–solar to generate electrical energy for E-bike (electric bike) charging stations. To optimize the design and operation control of the wind–solar E-bike charging station system, the development of modelling this hybrid power generation system, consisting of solar and wind energy combined with battery storage, is proposed and will be studied in this paper. A university campus setting is utilized for the case study by comparing offshore (Huangdao) and onshore (Laoshan) sites. The proposed research will focus on annual energy production (AEP) and system cost analysis. The proposed work’s main objectives are to analyze the wind/solar properties of the installation’s location using the last 20 years’ data, calculate the AEP for wind turbines and solar PV, and estimate how many E-bikes can be charged day/year with reliable operation. We have calculated that the hybrid power available is 27.08 kWh/day offshore and 22 kWh/day onshore. This research study concludes that on average, based on AEP, in the case of offshore, 5110 E-bikes can be charged per year and in the case of onshore, 4015 E-bikes can be charged per year. We have also calculated the COE (cost of energy) for 20 years for the proposed project, which is $0.62/kWh onshore and $0.46/kWh offshore.
Restoration Effects of Supplementary Planting Measures on the Abandoned Mining Areas in the Altay Mountain, Northwest China
Authors: Xu Qiao , Xu Hailiang , Wei Yan , Aili Aishajiang
Published: October 2023

Ecological restoration of abandoned mining areas in the Altay Mountain, northwest China, has always been considered a challenging issue due to the wide restoration area and serious devastation. To examine the restoration effects of the experimental measures carried out by our research team in an abandoned mining area in the Altay Mountain since 2010, short-term (2 years) and long-term (9 years) restoration efficiency of two types of supplementary planting measures, sowing commercial seeds (M1) and sowing soil seed banks (M2), were analyzed by calculating the vegetation growth indexes, soil–rock ratio, soil bulk density, and soil moisture content. Results show that both supplementary planting methods can significantly improve the growth status of surface vegetation, which is reflected by the variation of vegetation growth indices. The short-term restoration effect of M1 on vegetation is faster but, over time, the effect of M2 was more prominent. Restoration effects of the M2 on the soil condition were more significant at 30–40 cm of the soil layer, reflected in the higher soil–rock ratio, which is 7.2%. The water storage function of soil has significantly improved under both supplementary planting methods; the remediation effect of method M1 on the soil bulk density is mainly reflected in the surface layer, while the effect of method M2 on the soil bulk density is reflected in deeper (40–50 cm) layer. The results of this study would be helpful to explore the new practices for the restoration of mining areas.
Exploring the Structure of Static Net Fisheries in a Highly Invaded Region: The Case of Rhodes Island (Eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: Kondylatos Gerasimos , Vagenas Georgios , Kalaentzis Konstantinos , Mavrouleas Dimitris , Conides Alexios , Karachle Paraskevi K. , Corsini-Foka Maria , Klaoudatos Dimitris
Published: October 2023

Experimental fishing was conducted in three different locations along the coastal marine waters of eastern Rhodes Island, Levantine Sea, Hellas, from April 2021 to March 2022 on a monthly basis. Twelve samplings with gill nets and 12 with trammel nets at each of three selected locations resulted in a total of 72 samplings. The numbers of indigenous and non-indigenous species, as well as their abundances, biomasses and frequencies of occurrence, were recorded. Overall, the samplings yielded 71 species, of which 14 were non-indigenous. The total abundance was 1879 individuals, corresponding to a fish biomass of 433.57 kg. Fistularia commersonii, Sparisoma cretense and Pterois miles exhibited the highest numbers of individuals, whereas three of the invasive alien species in the Hellenic seas, namely, F. commersonii, Lagocephalus sceleratus and P. miles had the highest biomasses. The results exhibited a strong presence of P. miles in the Rhodian fisheries as the dominant invasive species based on the examined indicators (i.e., abundance, catches and frequency of occurrence). Comparisons in regard to the collected biomass between the locations, seasons, species origins and types of fishing gear were performed. All three locations were characterized by a good ecological status based on the relationship between abundance and biomass. The results of this study contribute valuable information on the ongoing changes in small-scale fisheries in the marine waters of Rhodes Island, which is one of the Eastern Mediterranean regions most affected by biological invasions.
A Multi-Module Information-Optimized Approach to English Language Teaching and Development in the Context of Smart Sustainability
Authors: Gan Shiyuan , Yang Xuejing , Alatas Bilal
Published: October 2023

With high-tech advancements, intelligent, sustainable development has become widespread in daily life. However, due to developmental differences among various regions, continuity in English language teaching can be challenging. The goal of teaching in the context of sustainable development is to tailor learning plans for students through intelligent intervention. In this paper, we address the issues of classifying students’ interests and jointly assessing the listening, reading, and writing modules in online English teaching. Our results demonstrate that an autoencoder can accurately recognize students’ interests in the four modules, with a recognition accuracy as high as 93.1%. Additionally, the mean squared error (MSE) between the comprehensive assessment and the teacher’s given grade under GRUs is only 0.63, significantly outperforming other RNN-type methods. Therefore, the proposed framework in this paper is crucial in promoting future research development in the sustainable development of English teaching intelligence and the problems of multi-module assessment problem and multi-information integration.
Deconcentration of Industrial Activity as a Constituent of Sustainable Urban Development in a Post-Socialist City: A Case Study of Wroclaw, Poland
Authors: Sikorski Dominik , Kryczka Piotr
Published: October 2023

The transformative period following 1989 ushered in significant political and economic changes across Central and Eastern Europe. Among the profound consequences of these shifts were the initiation of suburbanization processes and the uncontrolled expansion of suburbs, particularly around major cities in the region. Suburban zones experienced extensive spatial and functional alterations, while agglomeration centers, the cities themselves, underwent noteworthy transformations. The interplay of land rent dynamics contributed to the reconfiguration of functions within cities, intensifying land use. The aim of this study is to explain the spatial processes of industrial deconcentration within a post-socialist CEE city, using Wroclaw, Poland, as a case study. Employing GIS software, we examine both the spatial patterns and localization of industrial activity within the Wroclaw agglomeration. The research highlights that the peak of industrial deconcentration in the city transpired during the 1990s. Presently, the suburban zone has assumed an increasingly predominant role in the industrial activities within the agglomeration, aligning with the imperatives of sustainable development policies.
Multi-Granulation Double Fuzzy Rough Sets
Authors: Abdallah A. A. , Sayed O. R. , El-Sanousy E. , Ragheb Sayed Y. H. , Abu_Shugair M. N. , Salahuddin Salahuddin
Published: October 2023

In this article, we introduce two new rough set models based on the concept of double fuzzy relations. These models are called optimistic and pessimistic multi-granulation double fuzzy rough sets. We discuss their properties and explore the relationship between these new models and double fuzzy rough sets. Our study focuses on the lower and upper approximations of these models, which generalize the conventional rough set model. In addition, we suggest that the development of the multi-granulation double fuzzy rough set model is significant for the generalization of the rough set model.
Defect Wormholes Are Defective
Authors: Baines Joshua , Gaur Rudeep , Visser Matt
Published: October 2023

The various “defect wormholes” developed by Klinkhamer have recently attracted considerable attention—especially in view of the fact that the simplest example, the so-called “vacuum defect wormhole”, was claimed to be an everywhere-vacuum everywhere-Ricci-flat exact solution to the Einstein equations. This claim has been conclusively refuted by Feng, and in the current article, we take a deeper look at exactly what goes wrong. The central issue is this: Although Klinkhamer’s specific representation of the metric gab is smooth (C∞), his inverse metric gab is not even everywhere continuous (C0), being undefined at the wormhole throat. This situation implies that one should very carefully investigate curvature tensors at the throat using the Israel–Lanczos–Sen thin-shell formalism. Doing so reveals the presence of a delta-function energy-condition-violating thin shell of matter at the wormhole throat. The “defect wormholes” are thus revealed to be quite ordinary “cut-and-paste” thin-shell wormholes, but represented in a coordinate system that is unfortunately pathological at exactly the same place that all the interesting physics occurs. To help clarify the situation, we shall focus on the behavior of suitable coordinate invariants—the Ricci scalar, the eigenvalues of the mixed Rab Ricci tensor, and the eigenvalues of the mixed Rabcd Riemann tensor.
In Ovo Vaccination with Recombinant Herpes Virus of the Turkey-Laryngotracheitis Vaccine Adjuvanted with CpG-Oligonucleotide Provides Protection against a Viral Challenge in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Gaghan Carissa , Browning Matthew , Fares Abdelhamid M. , Abdul-Careem Mohamed Faizal , Gimeno Isabel M. , Kulkarni Raveendra R.
Published: October 2023

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an economically important disease in chickens. We previously showed that an in ovo adjuvantation of recombinant herpesvirus of the turkey-Laryngotracheitis (rHVT-LT) vaccine with CpG-oligonucleotides (ODN) can boost vaccine-induced responses in one-day-old broiler chickens. Here, we evaluated the protective efficacy of in ovo administered rHVT-LT + CpG-ODN vaccination against a wild-type ILT virus (ILTV) challenge at 28 days of age and assessed splenic immune gene expression as well as cellular responses. A chicken-embryo-origin (CEO)-ILT vaccine administered in water at 14 days of age was also used as a comparative control for the protection assessment. The results showed that the rHVT-LT + CpG-ODN or the CEO vaccinations provided significant protection against the ILTV challenge and that the level of protection induced by both the vaccines was statistically similar. The protected birds had a significantly upregulated expression of interferon (IFN)γ or interleukin (IL)-12 cytokine genes. Furthermore, the chickens vaccinated with the rHVT-LT + CpG-ODN or CEO vaccine had a significantly higher frequency of γδ T cells and activated CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, compared to the unvaccinated-ILTV challenge control. Collectively, our findings suggest that CpG-ODN can be used as an effective adjuvant for rHVT-LT in ovo vaccination to induce protective immunity against ILT in broiler chickens.