bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Flash Drought and Its Impact on Forest Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in Northeast China from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Adhikari Saraswoti , Zhou Wanying , Dou Zeyu , Sakib Nazmus , Ma Rong , Chaudhari Bhavana , Liu Binhui
Published: July 2024

Flash drought is characterized by rapid onset and short-duration drought conditions caused by a combination of factors, including high evaporation, high temperature, and prolonged periods of little to no precipitation, leading to a sudden and severe decrease in soil moisture levels. In comparison to conventional drought, it is more susceptible to the effects of global warming and has the potential to become a common drought phenomenon in the coming years, necessitating further research. In this paper, we focused on flash drought events, specifically in forest parts of northeastern China that are included within the Greater Khingan Mountains (GKM), Lesser Khingan Mountains (LKM), and Changbai Mountains (CM), using daily soil moisture data as well as SPOT- VEGETATION NDVI satellite data from 2000 to 2020 and determined their impact on the forest NDVI. Our major findings are as follows. (1) The forest within GKM had the maximum area being affected by flash drought events. (2) The frequency ranged from 1 to 2 times, whereas the total duration varied between 20 and 55 days over the study area in a 21-year period. (3) Flash drought was most common in the plant-growing seasons. (4) The flash drought events had a negative influence on the forest NDVI. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the flash drought dynamics in forest areas of northeast China for flash drought monitoring, prediction, and management strategies in this region.
Weak Value Amplification Based Optical Sensor for High Throughput Real-Time Immunoassay of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein
Authors: Zhang Xiaonan , Zhang Lizhong , Li Han , Xu Yang , Meng Lingqin , Liang Gengyu , Wang Bei , Liu Le , Guan Tian , Guo Cuixia , He Yonghong
Published: July 2024

The demand for accurate and efficient immunoassays calls for the development of precise, high-throughput analysis methods. This paper introduces a novel approach utilizing a weak measurement interface sensor for immunoassays, offering a solution for high throughput analysis. Weak measurement is a precise quantum measurement method that amplifies the weak value of a system in the weak interaction through appropriate pre- and post-selection states. To facilitate the simultaneous analysis of multiple samples, we have developed a chip with six flow channels capable of conducting six immunoassays concurrently. We can perform real-time immunoassay to determine the binding characteristics of spike protein and antibody through real-time analysis of the flow channel images and calculating the relative intensity. The proposed method boasts a simple structure, eliminating the need for intricate nano processes. The spike protein concentration and relative intensity curve were fitted using the Log-Log fitting regression equation, and R2 was 0.91. Utilizing a pre-transformation approach to account for slight variations in detection sensitivity across different flow channels, the present method achieves an impressive limit of detection(LOD) of 0.85 ng/mL for the SARS-CoV-2 the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein, with a system standard deviation of 5.61. Furthermore, this method has been successfully verified for monitoring molecular-specific binding processes and differentiating binding capacities.
Integrated Droplet-Based Digital Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Microfluidic Chip with Droplet Generation, Incubation, and Continuous Fluorescence Detection
Authors: Lin Yen-Heng , Hung Yuan-Ting , Chang Wei , Chiou Chiuan-Chian
Published: July 2024

This study integrated sample partition, incubation, and continuous fluorescence detection on a single microfluidic chip for droplet-based digital Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) of nucleic acids. This integration eliminated the need to transfer reactions between different platforms, avoiding sample contamination and loss. Prior to the reaction, filling the channels with an oil phase and adding a glass cover slip on top of the chip overcame the problem of bubble generation in the channels during the LAMP reaction due to heating. Additionally, using two fluorescence intensity thresholds enabled simultaneous detection and counting of positive and negative droplets within a single fluorescence detection channel. The chip can partition approximately 6000 droplets from a 5 µL sample within 10 min, with a droplet diameter of around 110 µm and a coefficient of variation (CV) value of 0.82%. Staphylococcus aureus was quantified via the proposed platform. The results demonstrated a highly accurate correlation coefficient (R = 0.9998), and the detection limit reached a concentration of 1.7 × 102 copies/µL. The entire process of the droplet digital LAMP reaction, from droplet generation to incubation to quantitative results, took a maximum of 70 min.
Gender Typicality and Engineering Attachment: Examining the Viewpoints of Women College Engineers and Variation by Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Nguyen Ursula , Riegle-Crumb Catherine
Published: July 2024

Women remain under-represented in many STEM occupations, including in the high-status and lucrative field of engineering. This study focuses on women who have chosen to enter this men-dominated field, to consider whether and how feelings of gender typicality predict their attachment to the field. Specifically, utilizing a U.S. sample of approximately 800 women college engineers from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, we build on emerging research on gender typicality to distinguish perceptions of feminine typicality as well as masculine typicality. Subsequently, we consider whether these perceptions have implications for their attachment to engineering, including their engineering identity as well as their certainty of staying in the field. Importantly, in doing so, we consider potential racial/ethnic variations in these relationships.
A Comparative Study of the Rheological Properties of a Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Reinforced with PP Fiber for 3D Printing: An Experimental and Numerical Approach
Authors: Sariyev Bakytzhan , Konysbekov Alisher , Jexembayeva Assel , Konkanov Marat
Published: July 2024

The present study investigates the flow characteristics of fly ash-based (FA) geopolymers reinforced with polypropylene (PP) fibers during the extrusion process in three-dimensional printing. By applying the Herschel–Bulkley rheological model, this research provides a sound theoretical basis to understand the flow behavior of these materials under various conditions. The Herschel–Bulkley model describes the relationship between shear stress and the shear rate in non-Newtonian fluids, capturing yield stress and flow consistency. A combination of experimental and numerical techniques based on the Finite-Element Method (FEM) in COMSOL has been used in this study. The results of both experimental and simulation approaches are compared to examine the material behavior during extrusion. The experimental results indicate that PP fiber content significantly affects the rheological properties. Mixtures with high fiber content encountered issues such as high static yield. However, mixtures with moderate fiber content showed smoother extrusion processes, suggesting an optimal fiber addition range that balances mechanical properties and extrudability. The numerical simulations generally agreed with the experimental data up to a certain fiber content level, beyond which more complex interactions necessitate further model refinements. The investigation identified a 0.25% to 0.5% fiber content range that enhances performance without complicating the extrusion process, facilitating the production of properly printed structures.
Exploring the Benefits of Mass Timber Construction in the Workplace: A Novel Primer for Research
Authors: Whyte Stephen , Kaburagi Ryotaro , Gan Victor , Candido Christhina , Avazpour Behnaz , Fatourehchi Dorsa , Chan Ho Fai , Dong Yue , Dulleck Uwe , Finlay Sabine , Zhou Jin , Hewson Nick , Li Tong , Maxwell Duncan , McNulty Craig , Sarnyai Zoltan
Published: July 2024

Mass timber construction has recently gained popularity due to its outstanding environmental benefits and building performance, which hold revolutionary potential for the construction industry. However, its impacts from the perspective of occupants have not been thoroughly explored. This study introduces an innovative empirical approach that explores the potential benefits of mass timber construction for individuals and organizations, with an emphasis on the workplace. We review the conceptual framework regarding how visual and physical exposure to timber construction materials and finishes have a positive effect on individuals and organizations at a broad level. We propose a more holistic mixed-method behavioral approach to studying occupant behavior and well-being by integrating self-reported questionnaires, objective biomarkers (heart rate variability and hair cortisol), and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) measures. Our study offers a novel research primer on the exploration of mass timber construction impacts and benefits for both office workers and construction workers. Participants from different office settings completed pre- and post-occupancy evaluation surveys to assess their experiences, including IEQ satisfaction, productivity, and health. Office workers were located in three different offices: a controlled laboratory environment, an open-plan office, and an open-plan space with a timber interior. The construction workers worked in a timber space for three months and then moved to work in a building with a concrete structure. The analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression to compare differences between office settings and assess the relationship between environmental variables and overall satisfaction in IEQ, comfort, productivity, and health. In office workers, in terms of building image, thermal comfort, and artificial lighting, the data analysis revealed significant differences in occupants’ satisfaction levels between office settings. However, the low number of participants affected the results, and some factors were not found significant in relation to the office setting. Among tradespeople, there was no relationship between the building environment and productivity, health, or comfort. However, the results of hair cortisol testing indicated that working in a timber space can decrease the level of cortisol (stress) and have an impact on the productivity of workers. Such occupant’s perspective research is pivotal to informing policy makers, developers, business owners, construction professionals, timber industry stakeholders, environmentalists, and researchers in their decision-making processes. Fostering the future widespread adoption and advancement of mass timber construction.
A Constraint Programming Approach for Discrete Time–Cost Tradeoff Problems in a Time-Constrained Activity Network
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Dawei , Rong Yanzhao , Song Penghui , Zou Xin
Published: July 2024

The discrete time-cost tradeoff problem (DTCTP) is a well-researched topic in the field of operations research. The majority of existing DTCTP models are based on traditional activity networks, which permit the execution of an activity as soon as all its predecessors have been completed. This assumption is reasonable, but it is important to note that there are always exceptions. The main work of this study was threefold. Firstly, we expanded the analysis of the DTCTP to encompass time-constrained activity networks (DTCTPTC), which encompassed three different types of time constraints. The first constraint was the time-window constraint, which limited the time interval during which an activity could be executed. The second constraint was the time-schedule constraint, which specified the times at which an activity could begin execution. The third constraint was the time-switch constraint, which required project activities to start at specific times and remain inactive during designated time periods. Secondly, a constraint programming (CP) model was developed for the purpose of solving the DTCTPTC. The model employed interval variables to define the activity and its potential time constraints, while CP expressions were utilized to ensure the feasibility of the solution. The objective was to identify the optimal execution mode for each activity, the optimal start times for time-scheduled activities, and the optimal work/rest patterns for time-switch activities, with the aim of minimizing the total cost of the project. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed CP model was validated through two case studies based on two illustrative projects of varying sizes. The outcomes were then compared against existing algorithms. The results demonstrated that time constraints were important factors affecting schedule optimization, and the proposed CP model had the ability to solve large-scale DTCTPTC.
Compressive Bearing Capacity and Ductility of Slurry-Infiltrated Fiber Concrete Blocks with Two-Dimensional Distributed Steel Fibers
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Zhang Yang , Huang Lihua , Gao Hongbo
Published: July 2024

Slurry-infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) has excellent potential for application as a new material with good crack resistance, impact resistance, and seismic performance. In this paper, SIFCON blocks were cast in a single pour using the custom-made two-dimensional directional steel fiber placement device, followed by compressive testing. Based on the test results, the effects of fly ash substitution rate, steel fiber aspect ratio, and steel fiber volume fraction on the compressive bearing capacity and ductility of SIFCON blocks were investigated. The results indicate that the custom-made device in this paper effectively achieves the directional placement of steel fibers, offering a cost-effective solution that optimizes the construction process. Regarding the test results, it was observed that the compressive bearing capacity of SIFCON blocks decreases linearly with increasing fly ash substitution rate, while the addition of fly ash improves the ductility of the blocks. Notably, a 31% decrease in bearing capacity was noted when the fly ash substitution rate increases from 0% to 40%, whereas the ductility ratio increased by 99% for the same substitution rate range. Furthermore, the results revealed a positive correlation between the bearing capacity and ductility of SIFCON blocks with higher steel fiber aspect ratios and volume fractions. Specifically, the bearing capacity increased by 19% and 33% with steel fiber aspect ratio increments from 33 to 70 and volume fraction increases from 10% to 14%, respectively. Additionally, the ductility ratio of the test blocks increased by 104% when the aspect ratio of the steel fibers increased from 33 to 70, and by 37% when the volume fraction of steel fibers rose from 10% to 14%.
The Impact of Pain Education Interventions for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hernández-Hernández Sofía , Heredia-Ciuró Alejandro , Martín-Núñez Javier , Calvache-Mateo Andrés , Navas-Otero Alba , López-López Laura , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Cancer-related pain is a global health-related problem associated with functional impairment, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The use of educational interventions for patients and their caregivers has been proposed as a promising tool for overcoming pain in cancer. The aim of this study was to summarize by means of a standardized methodological systematic revision the actual pain education intervention used in cancer patients and their caregivers and to analyze its effects on pain. Methods: A search was conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cinhal from their inception to September 2022. Randomized controlled trials which included pain education interventions were identified. Two reviewers performed independent data extraction and methodologic quality assessments of these studies. Results: A total of seven studies was included in the study. The meta-analysis showed that pain education interventions have a significant effect on the worst pain; however, there was no effect on average pain. Conclusions: Pain education interventions addressed to patients and their caregivers could have positive effects on cancer-related pain. It is recommended that a minimum of three sessions of about one hour’s duration be held once a week. Further research needs to be carried out and analyzed on the effects over the long term. Pain education interventions show positive results in improving pain in cancer patients regardless of etiology or extent of the cancer. Studies with better methodological quality should be carried out to address specific components related to education interventions.
Germline Sequencing of DNA Damage Repair Genes in Two Hereditary Prostate Cancer Cohorts Reveals New Disease Risk-Associated Gene Variants
Authors: Foley Georgea R. , Marthick James R. , Lucas Sionne E. , Raspin Kelsie , Banks Annette , Stanford Janet L. , Ostrander Elaine A. , FitzGerald Liesel M. , Dickinson Joanne L.
Published: July 2024

Rare, inherited variants in DNA damage repair (DDR) genes have a recognised role in prostate cancer (PrCa) susceptibility. In addition, these genes are therapeutically targetable. While rare variants are informing clinical management in other common cancers, defining the rare disease-associated variants in PrCa has been challenging. Here, whole-genome and -exome sequencing data from two independent, high-risk Australian and North American familial PrCa datasets were interrogated for novel DDR risk variants. Rare DDR gene variants (predicted to be damaging and present in two or more family members) were identified and subsequently genotyped in 1963 individuals (700 familial and 459 sporadic PrCa cases, 482 unaffected relatives, and 322 screened controls), and association analyses accounting for relatedness (MQLS) undertaken. In the combined datasets, rare ERCC3 (rs145201970, p = 2.57 × 10−4) and BRIP1 (rs4988345, p = 0.025) variants were significantly associated with PrCa risk. A PARP2 (rs200603922, p = 0.028) variant in the Australian dataset and a MUTYH (rs36053993, p = 0.031) variant in the North American dataset were also associated with risk. Evaluation of clinicopathological characteristics provided no evidence for a younger age or higher-grade disease at diagnosis in variant carriers, which should be taken into consideration when determining genetic screening eligibility criteria for targeted, gene-based treatments in the future. This study adds valuable knowledge to our understanding of PrCa-associated DDR genes, which will underpin effective clinical screening and treatment strategies.
Head and Neck Cancer: A Potential Risk Factor for Parkinson’s Disease?
Authors: Lee Il Hwan , Kim Dong-Kyu
Published: July 2024

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are frequently associated with neurodegeneration. However, the association between HNC and Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between HNC and subsequent PD. This retrospective study used data from a nationally representative cohort. Patients with HNC were identified based on the presence of corresponding diagnostic codes. Participants without cancer were selected using 4:1 propensity score matching based on sociodemographic factors and year of enrollment; 2296 individuals without HNC and 574 individuals with HNC were included in the study. Hazard ratios (HR) for the incidence of PD in patients with HNC were calculated using 95% confidence intervals (CI). The incidence of PD was 4.17 and 2.18 per 1000 person-years in the HNC and control groups, respectively (adjusted HR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.08–3.33). The HNC group also showed an increased risk of subsequent PD development. The risk of PD was higher in middle-aged (55–69 years) patients with HNC and oral cavity cancer. Our findings suggest that middle-aged patients with HNC have an increased incidence of PD, specifically those with oral cavity cancer. Therefore, our findings provide new insights into the development of PD in patients with HNC.
Editorial: Air and Water Purification Processes through Photocatalysis—Scale-Up Perspectives, 2nd Edition
Authors: Tummino Maria Laura , Navarro Yerga Rufino M.
Published: July 2024

In the face of escalating environmental challenges, innovative solutions for purifying air and water are more critical than ever [...]
Advances in Regenerative Dentistry: A Systematic Review of Harnessing Wnt/β-Catenin in Dentin-Pulp Regeneration
Authors: Amir Mariam , Jeevithan Lakshmi , Barkat Maham , Fatima Syeda Habib , Khan Malalai , Israr Sara , Naseer Fatima , Fayyaz Sarmad , Elango Jeevithan , Wu Wenhui , Maté Sánchez de Val José Eduardo , Rahman Saeed Ur
Published: July 2024

Dentin pulp has a complex function as a major unit in maintaining the vitality of teeth. In this sense, the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway has a vital part in tooth development, maintenance, repair, and regeneration by controlling physiological activities such as growth, differentiation, and migration. This pathway consists of a network of proteins, such as Wnt signaling molecules, which interact with receptors of targeted cells and play a role in development and adult tissue homeostasis. The Wnt signals are specific spatiotemporally, suggesting its intricate mechanism in development, regulation, repair, and regeneration by the formation of tertiary dentin. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in dentin and pulp regeneration, how different proteins, molecules, and ligands influence this pathway, either upregulating or silencing it, and how it may be used in the future for clinical dentistry, in vital pulp therapy as an effective treatment for dental caries, as an alternative approach for root canal therapy, and to provide a path for therapeutic and regenerative dentistry.
The Use of Polyurethane Composites with Sensing Polymers as New Coating Materials for Surface Acoustic Wave-Based Chemical Sensors—Part III: Ultrasonic Analyses and Optical Microscopy Characterization of the Coating Results
Authors: Carvalho Mauro dos Santos de , Rapp Michael , Voigt Achim , Dirschka Marian
Published: July 2024

The chemical sensitization of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors plays a key role for this technology. The analysis of the resulting nanometric sensing layer is crucial for the development of new sensing materials as well as for the quality control of SAW sensors systems for commercial applications. In the previous works, the resulting coating layers using new coating materials based on polyurethane-polymer composites were evaluated considering the ultrasonic analysis, the adhesion, and the sensor responses. In this work, the characterization of the coating process, Bright Field Microscopy (BFM) and Dark Field Microscopy (DFM) were used to evaluate the quality of the material distribution and homogeneity of the obtained sensing layers. The sensing materials analyzed were the four polymers used in the previous works and their respective new composites with polyurethane (PU). The combination of BFM and DFM allows the characterization of the resulting material distribution obtained by the coating process, providing inferences about the interaction of each coating material with the surface of the SAW sensor element as well as about the correlation between the results of the ultrasonic parameters, the real material distribution and the homogeneity of the obtained coating layer of each coating material.
Coupling Response of Piezoelectric Semiconductor Composite Fiber under Local Temperature Change
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Wang Wenjun
Published: July 2024

This paper details the thermal–mechanical–electrical response of a piezoelectric semiconductor (PS) composite fiber composed of a PS layer and two piezoelectric layers under local temperature change. The phenomenological theory of thermal piezoelectric semiconductors (PSs) is adopted to obtain the analytical solution for each field in the composite fiber under local temperature change. Our findings reveal that such temperature fluctuations induce local polarization, leading to the formation of local potential barriers and potential wells that effectively impede the flow of low-energy electrons along the fiber. Furthermore, the initial carrier concentration and geometric parameters of the composite fiber exert significant influence on its individual fields. The results contribute to the structural design and practical application of piezoelectric semiconductor devices.
Genetic Diversity and Profile of Red Algae Pterocladiella capillacea (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) along the Coast of China
Authors: Li Jianning , Chen Zepan , Sun Zhongmin , Chen Weizhou
Published: July 2024

Red algae Pterocladiella capillacea off the coast of China were investigated for genetic diversity. With 176 samples categorized into six populations based on concatenated rbcL and cox1 sequences, the results rang warning bells for the genetic diversity of Pterocladiella capillacea along the Chinese coastline: (1) a good diversity of haplotype (Hd > 0.5) in Naozhou and Hui’an populations situated along the southern coast of China, but highest in the former; (2) less nucleotide diversity in each of the six populations (Pi < 0.005); (3) genetic differentiation occurred between the north population in Changdao and the two southern grown populations in Nan’ao, and Naozhou. To identify molecular markers, an MP phylogenetic tree was used to illustrate genetic profiles in detail, with 161 concatenated sequences clustered into four branches: Changdao (north), Nan’ao (south), Naozhou (south), and the remaining regions (middle). The Fst value for each of Changdao, Nan’ao, and Naozhou was greater than 0.5, which denotes that these three populations are genetically different to those growing in the middle coast. Moreover, a 30-haplotype-based median-joining network corroborated this genetic differentiation, though variations between all the investigated populations were not very high due to the relatively smaller values of genetic distance between the six (Dxy < 0.01). Overall, red algae P. capillacea in Chinese coastal seawater showed a higher haplotype diversity and lower nucleotide diversity. Such a genetic profile indicates that both natural random genetic drift and interference from human activities have possibly affected the distribution of gene frequencies in red algae P. capillacea along the Chinese coastline.
Automated Laryngeal Invasion Detector of Boluses in Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study Videos Using Action Recognition-Based Networks
Authors: Nam Kihwan , Lee Changyeol , Lee Taeheon , Shin Munseop , Kim Bo Hae , Park Jin-Woo
Published: July 2024

We aimed to develop an automated detector that determines laryngeal invasion during swallowing. Laryngeal invasion, which causes significant clinical problems, is defined as two or more points on the penetration–aspiration scale (PAS). We applied two three-dimensional (3D) stream networks for action recognition in videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) videos. To detect laryngeal invasion (PAS 2 or higher scores) in VFSS videos, we employed two 3D stream networks for action recognition. To establish the robustness of our model, we compared its performance with those of various current image classification-based architectures. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 92.10%. Precision, recall, and F1 scores for detecting laryngeal invasion (≥PAS 2) in VFSS videos were 0.9470 each. The accuracy of our model in identifying laryngeal invasion surpassed that of other updated image classification models (60.58% for ResNet101, 60.19% for Swin-Transformer, 63.33% for EfficientNet-B2, and 31.17% for HRNet-W32). Our model is the first automated detector of laryngeal invasion in VFSS videos based on video action recognition networks. Considering its high and balanced performance, it may serve as an effective screening tool before clinicians review VFSS videos, ultimately reducing the burden on clinicians.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Portal Cavernoma in Adult Patients with Portal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Cazacu Sergiu Marian , Alexandru Dragoș Ovidiu , Dumitrescu Daniela , Vieru Alexandru Marian , Urhuț Marinela Cristiana , Săndulescu Larisa Daniela
Published: July 2024

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) represents a restriction or occlusion of the portal vein by a blood clot, which can appear in liver cirrhosis, inherited or acquired thrombophilia, malignancies, abdominal infection, abdominal inflammation, and injury to the portal vein; it can evolve to local venous extension, recanalization, or portal cavernoma (PC). This research represents an observational study of patients admitted with a diagnosis of PVT between January 2018 and December 2022. We assessed the rate of and risk factors for PC. In total, 189 patients with PVT were included; the rate of PC was 14.8%. In univariate and multivariate analysis, the main risk factors for the presence of PC were etiology (thrombophilia, myeloproliferative disorders, local inflammatory diseases, and idiopathic causes), prior PVT, and complete versus incomplete or single-branch portal obstruction. In patients with superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis, distal obstruction was more prone to PC than proximal obstruction. The main predictive factors were etiology, prior PVT, complete PVT obstruction, and no prior non-selective beta-blocker (NSBB) use; in patients with SMV thrombosis, the distal extension was more significantly associated with the risk of PC. We propose a composite score for the prediction of PC which includes etiology, prior diagnosis of PVT, prior NSBB use, complete versus incomplete PVT, and distal versus proximal SMV thrombosis, with good accuracy (AUC 0.822) and an estimated sensitivity of 76.92% and specificity of 82.39% at a cut-off value of 4.
Evolving and Novel Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Thoracic Imaging
Authors: Chang Jin Y. , Makary Mina S.
Published: July 2024

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing medicine, particularly radiology. With the development of newer models, AI applications are demonstrating improved performance and versatile utility in the clinical setting. Thoracic imaging is an area of profound interest, given the prevalence of chest imaging and the significant health implications of thoracic diseases. This review aims to highlight the promising applications of AI within thoracic imaging. It examines the role of AI, including its contributions to improving diagnostic evaluation and interpretation, enhancing workflow, and aiding in invasive procedures. Next, it further highlights the current challenges and limitations faced by AI, such as the necessity of ‘big data’, ethical and legal considerations, and bias in representation. Lastly, it explores the potential directions for the application of AI in thoracic radiology.
Energy-Efficient Electric Cooking and Sustainable Energy Transitions
Authors: Scott Nigel , Leach Matthew , Clements Will
Published: July 2024

Transitioning to clean cooking fuels is not only part of achieving SDG7 but also makes a significant contribution to mitigating climate change by reducing carbon emissions. Research projects and pilots across a number of countries in Africa and South Asia have been exploring the suitability and energy performance of different cooking appliances and fuels. The paper presents the first statistical analysis across these multiple datasets to determine the range of energy required to cook dishes using different technologies and fuels. The paper draws out distinctions between African and Asian dishes, notably the impact of energy-intensive dishes prepared mostly in Africa. The paper demonstrates that the standard efficiency-based approaches to comparing the performance of stoves are not appropriate to modern electric cooking devices, so a novel alternative approach based on specific energy consumption and termed energy ratios is developed. Charcoal stoves are shown to use 15 times as much energy as electric pressure cookers (EPCs) to cook African dishes, and a detailed review of how the EPC works explains why this should be. Energy ratios provide a basis for estimating carbon emission reductions associated with transitioning to modern cooking fuels and also for estimating household cooking costs. Fuel and electricity prices from studies show that the cost of cooking with an EPC can be only 20% of the cost of cooking with charcoal, which highlights the potential for modern, energy-efficient electric cooking devices to defy the conventional wisdom of the energy ladder.
Time-Limited Aging Analysis of the Containment of Nuclear Power Plants without Monitoring Tendons
Authors: Sun Feng , Ren Guopeng
Published: July 2024

A prestressed concrete containment is the enclosure structure of a nuclear reactor that serves as the last physical barrier of a nuclear power plant (NPP) safety defense system. It plays a key role in the prestress time-limited aging analysis (TLAA) required for operating license extensions for NPPs. Considering prestress containment systems without long-term monitoring tendons in a nuclear power plant, the technical route for prestress TLAAs involves analyzing operating license extension regulations and in-service monitoring technical requirements for prestressed tendons performance. Using tendons based on theoretical calculations of prestress loss in a nuclear power plant and the minimum required value of prestress determined by numerical simulation, the theoretical predictive value can be compared with the minimum required value for prestressed steel tendons. This comparison can be used to evaluate the 20-year life extension of the prestress system and provide a reference for aging and life management of NPPs.
Advanced Methods for Hydrogen Production, Storage and Utilization
Authors: Bampaou Michael , Panopoulos Kyriakos D.
Published: July 2024

Renewable hydrogen plays a critical role in the current energy transition and can facilitate the decarbonization and defossilization of hard-to-abate sectors, such as the industrial, power and mobility sectors [...]
Recent Advances in Geochemical and Mineralogical Studies on CO2–Brine–Rock Interaction for CO2 Sequestration: Laboratory and Simulation Studies
Authors: Khan Muhammad Noman , Siddiqui Shameem , Thakur Ganesh C.
Published: July 2024

The urgent need to find mitigating pathways for limiting world CO2 emissions to net zero by 2050 has led to intense research on CO2 sequestration in deep saline reservoirs. This paper reviews key advancements in lab- and simulation-scale research on petrophysical, geochemical, and mineralogical changes during CO2–brine–rock interactions performed in the last 25 years. It delves into CO2 MPD (mineralization, precipitation, and dissolution) and explores alterations in petrophysical properties during core flooding and in static batch reactors. These properties include changes in wettability, CO2 and brine interfacial tension, diffusion, dispersion, CO2 storage capacity, and CO2 leakage in caprock and sedimentary rocks under reservoir conditions. The injection of supercritical CO2 into deep saline aquifers can lead to unforeseen geochemical and mineralogical changes, possibly jeopardizing the CCS (carbon capture and storage) process. There is a general lack of understanding of the reservoir’s interaction with the CO2 phase at the pore/grain scale. This research addresses the gap in predicting the long-term changes of the CO2–brine–rock interaction using various geochemical reactive transport simulators. Péclet and Damköhler numbers can contribute to a better understanding of geochemical interactions and reactive transport processes. Additionally, the dielectric constant requires further investigation, particularly for pre- and post-CO2–brine–rock interactions. For comprehensive modeling of CO2 storage over various timescales, the geochemical modeling software called the Geochemist’s Workbench was found to outperform others. Wettability alteration is another crucial aspect affecting CO2–brine–rock interactions under varying temperature, pressure, and salinity conditions, which is essential for ensuring long-term CO2 storage security and monitoring. Moreover, dual-energy CT scanning can provide deeper insights into geochemical interactions and their complexities.
Performance Analysis of a New Cogeneration System with Efficient Utilization of Waste Heat Resources and Energy Conversion Capabilities
Authors: Sun Dahan , Liu Zhongyan , Zhang Hao , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a new type of cogeneration system coupled by Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), Absorption Heat Pump (AHP), and Compression Heat Pump (CHP). The new system can meet the needs of different scenarios. Simulations were conducted to analyze the effect of different factors on the parameters and performance indexes of the new system and compared with the system of ORC, AHP, CHP. The results showed that the factors of flue gas temperature at evaporator1 outlet and CHP have the greatest effect on the parameters and performance indexes of the Organic Absorption-Compression Coupling Heat Power (OACCHP) system, and the effect of AHP on the parameters and performance indexes of the OACCHP system can be ignored. In the given range of flue gas temperature at evaporator1 outlet, the heat production of total and net work is reduced by 1.17% and 33.33%, respectively. In a given range of CHP evaporation temperature, the heat production of the total is reduced by 5.74%. In the given range of the outlet temperature of the gas cooler, the heat production of the total is increased by 10.58%. In a given working condition, compared with the single ORC system, the single CHP system, and the single AHP system, the thermal efficiency, COP, and energy earning rate of the OACCHP system are increased by up to 755.49%, 59.8%, 5.8%, respectively. Finally, the optimal operating conditions for different scenarios were determined.
Operation Model Based on Artificial Neural Network and Economic Feasibility Assessment of an EV Fast Charging Hub
Authors: Castro José F. C. , Venerando Augusto C. , Rosas Pedro A. C. , Neto Rafael C. , Limongi Leonardo R. , Xavier Fernando L. , Rhoden Wesley M. , Spader Newmar , Simões Adriano P. , Dantas Nicolau K. L. , Filho Antônio V. M. L. , Silva Luiz C. P. , Rodrigues Pérolla
Published: July 2024

The energy transition towards a low-emission matrix has motivated efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels in the transportation sector. The growth of the electric mobility market has been consistent in recent years. In Brazil, there has been an accelerated growth in the sales rate of new electric (and hybrid) vehicles (EVs). Fiscal incentives provided by governments, along with the reduction in vehicle costs, are factors contributing to the exponential growth of the EV fleet—creating a favorable environment for the dissemination of new technologies and enabling the participation of players from sectors such as battery manufacturing and charging stations. Considering the international context, the E-Lounge R&D joint initiative aims to evaluate different strategies to economically enable the electric mobility market, exploring EV charging service sales by energy distribution utility companies in Brazil. This work describes the step-by-step development of an ideal model of a charging hub and discusses its operation based on a real deployment, as well as its associated technical and economic feasibility. Using EV charging data based on the E-Lounge’s operational behavior, an artificial neural network (ANN) is applied to forecast future energy consumption to each EV charging station. This paper also presents an economic analysis of the E-Lounge case study, which can contribute to proposals for electric vehicle charging ecosystems in the context of smart energy systems. Based on the operational results collected, as well as considering equipment usage projections, it is possible to make EV charging enterprises feasible, even when high investments in infrastructure and equipment (charging stations and battery storage systems) are necessary, since the net present value is positive and the payback period is 4 years. This work contributes by presenting real operational data from a charging hub, a projection model aimed at evaluating future operations, and a realistic economic evaluation model based on a case study implemented in São Paulo, Brazil.
Analysis of Land-Use/Cover-Type Extraction Results of Tamarix Shrub Forest of China Based on Remote Sensing Technology
Authors: Wang Jin , Liu Ruiting , Zhang Yanhua , Cheng Xiaoxiang , Xu Jingtao , Liu Yaohui , Chen Feiyong
Published: July 2024

The endmember spectrum method can improve image classification quality based on the spectral features of pure pixels in remote sensing images. The CART (Classification and Regression Tree) is a powerful machine learning algorithm that can also be used for remote sensing image classification. In this study, the Tamarix chinensis forest in the Changyi National Marine Ecological Special Reserve in Shandong Province was taken as the research object, and the endmember spectrum method and the CART decision tree method were used to compare and analyze the results of land-use/cover-type classification extraction. In the extraction process, the land use/cover types of the Tamarix forest in the study area were first divided into forested land types such as high-density forest land, medium-density forest land, and low-density forest land, as well as non-forested land types such as water bodies, roads, dams, buildings, and bare soil. Through analysis, the following conclusions could be drawn: while the overall forest cover of the Tamarix forest is high, there is still some room for further afforestation and ecological restoration in the protection area; from the results of land-use/cover extraction results based on the endmember spectrum method in the study area, it can be seen that this method has better results when extracting well-grown forested land, such as high-density Tamarix chinensis forests and medium-density Tamarix chinensis forests, and poorer results when extracting non-forested land, such as low-density tamarisk forests, roads, buildings, dams, and water bodies; from the results of land use/cover extraction based on a CART decision tree in the study area, it can be seen that this method is more effective when extracting non-forested land, such as roads, buildings, dams, and water bodies, but less effective when extracting forested land, such as high-density Tamarix chinensis forests, medium-density Tamarix chinensis forests, and low-density Tamarix chinensis forests. The relevant research results and conclusions of this study can provide some reference for the classification and extraction of large-scale shrub forest cover types based on remote sensing images.
Explainable Artificial Intelligence Methods to Enhance Transparency and Trust in Digital Deliberation Settings
Authors: Siachos Ilias , Karacapilidis Nikos
Published: July 2024

Digital deliberation has been steadily growing in recent years, enabling citizens from different geographical locations and diverse opinions and expertise to participate in policy-making processes. Software platforms aiming to support digital deliberation usually suffer from information overload, due to the large amount of feedback that is often provided. While Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing techniques can alleviate this drawback, their complex structure discourages users from trusting their results. This paper proposes two Explainable Artificial Intelligence models to enhance transparency and trust in the modus operandi of the above techniques, which concern the processes of clustering and summarization of citizens’ feedback that has been uploaded on a digital deliberation platform.
The Mystery of the Tanganyika Knife and the Rediscovery of the Polish Refugee Experience of Britain’s Wartime Empire
Authors: Tomasiewicz Kasia
Published: July 2024

My Polish grandmother was sixteen when she arrived in Bolton. By the time teenagers today sit their GCSE examinations, she had travelled the distance of almost three-quarters of the globe. From Drohobycz in Poland (now modern Ukraine) following the arrest and murder of her father by the USSR’s NKVD aged 6, to a detention camp in Soviet Kyrgyzstan, to Iran, Tanganyika, and South Africa, before finally settling in England. Hers is a story of Stalin’s crimes, but it is simultaneously a story of how refugees utilised the global connections and routes created by the British Empire. It is also a postwar story of how she made a home in the nation that facilitated her wartime life. She carried with her few possessions, bar a bone letter-opener knife with an elephant carved into the handle, which she passed down to me. Bringing scholarship around refugee experiences, family histories, and material culture into conversation, this journal article seeks to achieve three things. First, it brings the story of the Polish refugees who utilised the imperial routes, colonies, dominions, and nations of British ‘interest’ to greater attention. While there has been some research into this in Britain, it has been an under-explored aspect of wartime experience which shows us as much about the war in the East as it does the inherently global nature of the war. Second, it asks what role the memory of the Polish refugee experience serves, both for those who lived through it and for subsequent generations. And finally, it addresses how this memory, beyond the Polish diaspora, might be used to explore more the nuances of life during the Second World War.
Comparative Analysis and Phylogeny of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Nine Cynanchum (Apocynaceae) Species
Authors: Zhang Erdong , Ma Xueling , Guo Ting , Wu Yujie , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2024

Cynanchum belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is a morphologically diverse genus that includes around 200 shrub or perennial herb species. Despite the utilization of CPGs, few molecular phylogenetic studies have endeavored to elucidate infrafamilial relationships within Cynanchum through extensive taxon sampling. In this research, we constructed a phylogeny and estimated divergence time based on the chloroplast genomes (CPGs) of nine Cynanchum species. We sequenced and annotated nine chloroplast (CP) genomes in this study. The comparative analysis of these genomes from these Cynanchum species revealed a typical quadripartite structure, with a total sequence length ranging from 158,283 to 161,241 base pairs (bp). The CP genome (CPG) was highly conserved and moderately differentiated. Through annotation, we identified a total of 129–132 genes. Analysis of the boundaries of inverted repeat (IR) regions showed consistent positioning: the rps19 gene was located in the IRb region, varying from 46 to 50 bp. IRb/SSC junctions were located between the trnN and ndhF genes. We did not detect major expansions or contractions in the IR region or rearrangements or insertions in the CPGs of the nine Cynanchum species. The results of SSR analysis revealed a variation in the number of SSRs, ranging from 112 to 150. In five types of SSRs, the largest number was mononucleotide repeats, and the smallest number was hexanucleotide repeats. The number of long repeats in the cp genomes of nine Cynanchum species was from 35 to 80. In nine species of Cynanchum, the GC3s values ranged from 26.80% to 27.00%, indicating a strong bias towards A/U-ending codons. Comparative analyses revealed four hotspot regions in the CPG, ndhA-ndhH, trnI-GAU-rrn16, psbI-trnS-GCU, and rps7-ndhB, which could potentially serve as molecular markers. In addition, phylogenetic tree construction based on the CPG indicated that the nine Cynanchum species formed a monophyletic group. Molecular dating suggested that Cynanchum diverged from its sister genus approximately 18.87 million years ago (Mya) and species diversification within the Cynanchum species primarily occurred during the recent Miocene epoch. The divergence time estimation presented in this study will facilitate future research on Cynanchum, aid in species differentiation, and facilitate diverse investigations into this economically and ecologically important genus.