bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trend of Ultraprocessed Product Intake Is Associated with the Double Burden of Malnutrition in Mexican Children and Adolescents
Authors: Oviedo-Solís Cecilia , Monterrubio-Flores Eric , Cediel Gustavo , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Barquera Simón
Published: October 2022

Background: Ultraprocessed products (UPPs) have been associated with unfavorable health outcomes; however, until now, they have not been associated with the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition, known as the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) at the individual level. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were performed on data collected from children and adolescents participating in the 2006 and 2016 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys. The food and beverages reported in the food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) were classified as UPPs as defined by the NOVA classification system. Associations of UPPs with anemia, excess weight, and the DBM were estimated with logistic regression models. A pseudo-panel was generated using the cohorts of children born from 1997 to 2001 to estimate the effect of the UPPs on anemia, excess weight, and the DBM. Results: The consumption of UPPs (% energy) was higher in 2016 (children 30.1% and adolescents 28.3%) than in 2006 (children 27.3% and adolescents 23.0%) in both age-groups. The higher contribution of UPPs was positively associated with excess weight and the DBM in children’s lower tertile of socioeconomic status (SES) and the DBM in higher tertile of SES in adolescents. The pseudo-panel analysis shows the positive association between UPPs and DBM in lower SES. Conclusions: These results provide evidence of the association between the consumption of UPPs and the DBM and excess weight in children and adolescents.
Wearable Cameras Reveal Large Intra-Individual Variability in Timing of Eating among Young Adults
Authors: Wang Leanne , Chan Virginia , Allman-Farinelli Margaret , Davies Alyse , Wellard-Cole Lyndal , Rangan Anna
Published: October 2022

Studies have shown that young adults follow less structured eating patterns compared with older cohorts. This may have implications for dietary assessment methods which rely on memory and structured meal patterns. Our aim was to describe the intra-individual variation of eating times in young adults aged 18–30 years. Participants (n = 41) wore an Autographer camera that captured first-person perspective images every 30 s for three consecutive days. All images were timestamped and those showing food consumption were used to extract data such as the timing of the first and last eating occasions (EOs), number of EOs per day, and length of eating window. Intra-individual variability was calculated from these data using composite phase deviation (CPD) and coefficient of variation (CV). The number of individuals with high or very high variability was 28 and 18 for timing of first and last EOs, respectively (CPD > 1.70), and 27 and 17 for number of EOs and eating window, respectively (CV > 20%). In this sample of young adults, the lack of regularity in eating patterns should be considered when selecting a dietary assessment method.
Effect of p-Synephrine on Fat Oxidation Rate during Exercise of Increasing Intensity in Healthy Active Women
Authors: Gutiérrez-Hellín Jorge , Aguilar-Navarro Millán , Ruiz-Moreno Carlos , Muñoz Alejandro , Amaro-Gahete Francisco J. , Posada-Ayala María , López-Samanes Álvaro , Del Coso Juan , Varillas-Delgado David
Published: October 2022

p-Synephrine is the principal alkaloid of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium). Several recent investigations have found that the intake of 2–3 mg/kg of p-synephrine raises fat oxidation rate during exercise of low-to-moderate intensity. However, these investigations have been carried out only with samples of male participants or mixed men/women samples. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to study the effect of p-synephrine intake on fat oxidation during exercise of increasing intensity in healthy women. Using a double-blind, randomized experiment, 18 healthy recreationally active women performed two identical exercise trials after the ingestion of (a) 3 mg/kg of p-synephrine and (b) 3 mg/kg of a placebo (cellulose). The exercise trials consisted of a ramp test (from 30 to 80% of maximal oxygen uptake; VO2max) on a cycle ergometer while substrate oxidation rates were measured at each workload by indirect calorimetry. In comparison to the placebo, the intake of p-synephrine increased resting tympanic temperature (36.1 ± 0.5 vs. 36.4 ± 0.4 °C p = 0.033, d = 0.87) with no effect on resting heart rate (p = 0.111) and systolic (p = 0.994) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.751). During exercise, there was no significant effect of p-synephrine on fat oxidation rate (F = 0.517; p = 0.484), carbohydrate oxidation rate (F = 0.730; p = 0.795), energy expenditure rate (F = 0.480; p = 0.833), heart rate (F = 4.269; p = 0.068) and participant’s perceived exertion (F = 0.337; p = 0.580). The maximal rate of fat oxidation with placebo was 0.26 ± 0.10 g/min and it was similar with p-synephrine (0.28 ± 0.08 g/min, p = 0.449, d = 0.21). An acute intake of 3 mg/kg of p-synephrine before exercise did not modify energy expenditure and substrate oxidation during submaximal aerobic exercise in healthy active women. It is likely that the increase in resting tympanic temperature induced by p-synephrine hindered the effect of this substance on fat utilization during exercise in healthy active women.
Almond, Hazelnut, and Pistachio Skin: An Opportunity for Nutraceuticals
Authors: Alalwan Tariq A. , Mohammed Duha , Hasan Mariam , Sergi Domenico , Ferraris Cinzia , Gasparri Clara , Rondanelli Mariangela , Perna Simone
Published: October 2022

Nuts are dry, single-seeded fruits, with a combination of beneficial compounds that aid in disease prevention and treatment. This review aims to summarize the antioxidant components and the nutraceutical properties and applications of hazelnut, almond, and pistachio skins, as well as discuss their ability to prevent and treat specific diseases based on in vitro and in vivo studies. The search strategy included searching PubMed database and Google Scholar for relevant articles published in English. Research articles focusing on hazelnut, pistachio, and almond were included. The nut skin extracts were considered and other by-products were excluded from this search. Pistachio and almond skin hydroalcoholic extracts have antibacterial effects and decrease the risk of liver cancer by eliminating reactive oxygen species. Moreover, hazelnut skin can lower plasma against low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of colon cancer, and its polyphenolic extract can also decrease the formation of advanced glycation end products in vitro with multidimensional effects. Overall, hazelnut, pistachio, and almond skins are a great source of antioxidants, making them suitable for nutraceuticals’ development.
The Potential Therapeutic Role of Metformin in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Bone Impairment
Authors: Mu Wei , Liang Guoqiang , Feng Yue , Jiang Yunyun , Qu Falin
Published: October 2022

Metformin is a widely-used anti-diabetic drug in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) due to its safety and efficacy in clinical. The classic effect of metformin on lowering blood glucose levels is to inhibit liver gluconeogenesis that reduces glucose production as well as increases peripheral glucose utilization. However, the factors such as hyperglycemia, insulin deficiency, reduced serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and osteocalcin, accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), especially in collagen, microangiopathy, and inflammation reduced bone quality in diabetic patients. However, hyperglycemia, insulin deficiency, reduced levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and osteocalcin in serum, accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in collagen, microangiopathy, and inflammation, reduce bone quality in diabetic patients. Furthermore, the imbalance of AGE/RAGE results in bone fragility via attenuating osteogenesis. Thus, adequate glycemic control by medical intervention is necessary to prevent bone tissue alterations in diabetic patients. Metformin mainly activates adenosine 5′ -monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and inhibits mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I in bone metabolism. In addition, metformin increases the expression of transcription factor runt-related transcription factor2 (RUNX2) and Sirtuin protein to regulate related gene expression in bone formation. Until now, there are a lot of preclinical or clinical findings on the application of metformin to promote bone repair. Taken together, metformin is considered as a potential medication for adjuvant therapy in bone metabolic disorders further to its antidiabetic effect. Taken together, as a conventional hypoglycemia drug with multifaceted effects, metformin has been considered a potential adjuvant drug for the treatment of bone metabolic disorders.
β-Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges Inclusion Compounds Associated with Gold Nanorods for Potential NIR-II Drug Delivery
Authors: Salazar Sandoval Sebastián , Cortés-Adasme Elizabeth , Gallardo-Toledo Eduardo , Araya Ingrid , Celis Freddy , Yutronic Nicolás , Jara Paul , Kogan Marcelo J.
Published: October 2022

This article describes the synthesis and characterization of two nanocarriers consisting of β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (NSs) inclusion compounds (ICs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) for potential near-infrared II (NIR-II) drug-delivery systems. These nanosystems sought to improve the stability of two drugs, namely melphalan (MPH) and curcumin (CUR), and to trigger their photothermal release after a laser irradiation stimulus (1064 nm). The inclusion of MPH and CUR inside each NS was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, (FT-IR) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). Furthermore, the association of AuNRs with both ICs was confirmed by FE-SEM, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), TEM, dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ-potential, and UV–Vis. Moreover, the irradiation assays demonstrated the feasibility of the controlled-photothermal drug release of both MPH and CUR in the second biological window (1000–1300 nm). Finally, MTS assays depicted that the inclusion of MPH and CUR inside the cavities of NSs reduces the effects on mitochondrial activity, as compared to that observed in the free drugs. Overall, these results suggest the use of NSs associated with AuNRs as a potential technology of controlled drug delivery in tumor therapy, since they are efficient and non-toxic materials.
Recent Advances in 18F-Labeled Amino Acids Synthesis and Application
Authors: Wang Chao , Lin Rong , Yao Shaobo
Published: October 2022

Radiolabeled amino acids are an important class of agents for positron emission tomography imaging that target amino acid transporters in many tumor types. Traditional 18F-labeled amino acid synthesis strategies are always based on nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions with multistep radiosynthesis and low radiochemical yields. In recent years, new 18F-labeling methodologies such as metal-catalyzed radiofluorination and heteroatom (B, P, S, Si, etc.)-18F bond formation are being effectively used to synthesize radiopharmaceuticals. This review focuses on recent advances in the synthesis, radiolabeling, and application of a series of 18F-labeled amino acid analogs using new 18F-labeling strategies.
Advancements in Rectal Drug Delivery Systems: Clinical Trials, and Patents Perspective
Authors: Rathi Ritu , Sanshita  , Kumar Alpesh , Vishvakarma Vivekanand , Huanbutta Kampanart , Singh Inderbir , Sangnim Tanikan
Published: October 2022

The rectal route is an effective route for the local and systemic delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The environment of the rectum is relatively constant with low enzymatic activity and is favorable for drugs having poor oral absorption, extensive first-pass metabolism, gastric irritation, stability issues in the gastric environment, localized activity, and for drugs that cannot be administered by other routes. The present review addresses the rectal physiology, rectal diseases, and pharmaceutical factors influencing rectal delivery of drugs and discusses different rectal drug delivery systems including suppositories, suspensions, microspheres, nanoparticles, liposomes, tablets, and hydrogels. Clinical trials on various rectal drug delivery systems are presented in tabular form. Applications of different novel drug delivery carriers viz. nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, microspheres, transferosomes, nano-niosomes, and nanomicelles have been discussed and demonstrated for their potential use in rectal administration. Various opportunities and challenges for rectal delivery including recent advancements and patented formulations for rectal drug delivery have also been included.
Structure and Reactivity of CoFe2O4(001) Surfaces in Contact with a Thin Water Film
Authors: Kox Tim , Omranpoor Amir Hossein , Kenmoe Stephane
Published: October 2022

CoFe2O4 is a promising catalytic material for many chemical reactions. We used ab initio molecular dynamic simulations to study the structure and reactivity of the A- and B-terminations of the low-index CoFe2O4(001) surfaces to water adsorption at room temperature. Upon adsorption, water partly dissociates on both termination with a higher dissociation degree on the A-termination (30% versus 19%). The 2-fold coordinated Fe3+(tet) in the tetrahedral voids and the 5-fold coordinated Fe3+(oct) in the octahedral voids are the main active sites for water dissociation on the A- and B-termination, respectively. Molecular water, hydroxydes, and surface OH resulting from proton transfer to surface oxygens are present on the surfaces. Both water-free surface terminations undergo reconstruction. The outermost Fe3+(tet) on the A-termination and B-termination move towards the nearby unoccupied octahedral voids. In the presence of a thin film of 32 water molecules, the reconstructions are partially and completely lifted on the A- and B-termination, respectively.
Theoretical Study on the Thermal Degradation Process of Nylon 6 and Polyhydroxybutyrate
Authors: Didovets Yuliia , Brela Mateusz Z.
Published: October 2022

This work presents the study of the thermal degradation process of two selected polymers: nylon 6 and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), representatives of polyamides and polyesters, frequently used nowadays. It is extremely important to specify optimal conditions that would allow a non-toxic and fast reprocessing of polymers in the plastic industry. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) method and a set of various computational details were applied to investigate the influence of the solvent presence and the rise of temperature on the thermodynamics of the degradation process. Obtained results were compared for both of the studied polymers, highlighting observed similarities. External conditions leading to the spontaneity of the nylon 6 thermal degradation process have been estimated. The results described in this paper can be useful in future research works investigating biodegradation conditions of the studied polymers.
Integrative Effect of Protective Structures and Irrigation Levels on Tomato Performance in Indian Hot-Arid Region
Authors: Khapte Pratapsingh , Kumar Pradeep , Singh Akath , Wakchaure Goraksha , Saxena Anurag , Sabatino Leo
Published: October 2022

Protected cultivation is gaining momentum in (semi) arid regions to ameliorate the adverse environmental impacts on vegetable crops, besides ensuring high resource use efficiency in resource-limiting environments. Among the less techno-intensive protected cultivation structures, naturally ventilated polyhouses (NVP), insect-proof net houses (IPN) and shade net houses (SNH) are commercial structures in India. With the aim to find the best-protected structure, together with optimum irrigation level, for high yield and water productivity of the tomato crop, the most popular crop in hot arid regions, we evaluated tomato performance in low-tech protected structures (NVP, IPN and SNH) in interaction with three irrigation levels (100, 80 and 60% of crop evapotranspiration, ETc) during spring–summer of 2019 and 2020. The NVP was found superior to both the net house structures (IPN and SNH) for different performance indicators of tomatoes under investigation. The components of plant growth (leaf and stem dry mass) and fruit yield (fruit size, weight, yield), as well as fruit quality (total soluble solids, fruit dry matter and lycopene content) were higher in NVP, regardless of irrigation level. The yield as well as water productivity were significantly higher in NVP at 100% ETc. However, there was no statistical variation for water productivity between NVP and IPN. Microclimate parameters (temperature, relative humidity and photosynthetic active radiation) were markedly more congenial for tomato cultivation in NVP followed by IPN in relation to SNH. Consequently, plants’ physiological functioning with higher leaf relative water content (RWC) and lower leaf water potential concomitantly with better photosynthetic efficiency (chlorophyll fluorescence, Fv/Fm), was in NVP and IPN. Most growth and yield attributes were depressed with the decrease in water application rates; hence, deficit irrigation in these low-tech protected structures is not feasible. For tomato cultivation in resource-scarce arid regions, the combination of the normal rate of irrigation (100% ETc) and NVP was optimal for gaining high yield as well as water productivity as compared to net houses.
Towards an Eco-Friendly Coffee Rust Control: Compilation of Natural Alternatives from a Nutritional and Antifungal Perspective
Authors: Castillo Nora E. Torres , Acosta Yovanina Aguilera , Parra-Arroyo Lizeth , Martínez-Prado María Adriana , Rivas-Galindo Verónica M. , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Bonaccorso A. Damiano , Melchor-Martínez Elda M. , Parra-Saldívar Roberto
Published: October 2022

Hemileia vastatrix (HV) is the pathogen responsible for the coffee leaf rust (CLR) disease that has spread globally. CLR causes losses of up to a billion dollars annually and affects all types of crops regardless of their production regime (organic or inorganic). Additionally, smallholders produce approximately 80% of coffee in developing countries. The condition causes losses of up to a billion dollars annually. It affects all types of crops regardless of their production regime (organic or inorganic). Approximately 80% of coffee is produced by smallholders in developing countries. Until the 90s, shaded-production systems and native varieties were encouraged; however, the rapid spread of CLR has forced farmers to migrate towards inorganic schemes, mainly due to a lack of knowledge about natural alternatives to pesticides that can be implemented to control HV. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to compile the currently existing options, emphasizing two key factors that guarantee efficient rust control: selective fungicidal activity against HV and the nutrition of coffee crops. Thus, by comprehending how these natural compounds (such as plant, bacteria, fungi, animals, or algae metabolites) impact coffee rust proliferation. Furthermore, since a various range of biochar effects contributes to the control of foliar fungal pathogens through modification of root exudates, soil properties, and nutrient availability, which influence the growth of antagonist microorganisms, we present a review of the pathogen-suppressive effects of biochar, and new control strategies suitable for organic schemes can be developed.
A Facile Synthesis of Cellulose Nanofibers from Corn Cob and Rice Straw by Acid Hydrolysis Method
Authors: Rajanna Madhuri , Shivashankar Latha Muglihalli , Shivamurthy Onkarappa Honnebagi , Ramachandrappa Shwetha Uramundina , Betageri Virupaxappa Shekarappa , Shivamallu Chandan , Hallur Lakshmana Shetty Raghavendra , Kumar Saurabh , Amachawadi Raghavendra G. , Kollur Shiva Prasad
Published: October 2022

Agricultural residues are suitable to make useful products that can potentially replace the non-biodegradable polymeric materials. In the present work, corn cob and rice S=straw is quantitatively transformed to cellulose by alkali treatment preceded by bleaching. The obtained cellulose is changed into nanocellulose (NC) by the acid hydrolysis method followed by ultrasonication. Further NC was characterized by FTIR to study its functional regions and XRD for crystallinity. Thermal properties have been studied using TGA/DTA. The surface morphology of nanocellulose was done using SEM and TEM. The obtained results revealed remarkable thermal stability, semi-crystalline and fibrous nature of both corn cob and rice straw. The size of the cellulose is in the nanoscale dimension. This work provides the way to utilize corn cob and rice straw as a more useful raw material for many applications.
A Tribute to Dr. Elio Corti, August 23, 1942–September 9, 2017
Authors: Vogelaar Elly , Romanov Michael N. , Güntherodt Annett
Published: October 2022

This year we mark the 80th anniversary of the renowned and internationally recognized Italian poultry writer, expert, fancier and breeder Dr. Elio Corti [...]
Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Activity of Magnesium Oxide Nanoballs Synthesized via a Hydrothermal Route
Authors: Sagadevan Suresh , Lett J. Anita , Fatimah Is , Selvi K. Tamizh , Sivasankaran Ramesh Poonchi , Weldegebrieal Getu Kassegn , Oh Won-Chun
Published: October 2022

Currently, there is growing concern about minimizing the environmental impacts caused by the generation of waste on water, soil, air pollution, and contamination of the environment in general. Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoballs (NBs) were synthesized by the hydrothermal method followed by a calcination process. The average size of particles dispersed in deionized water was 159.2 ± 70 nm. The energy band gap was calculated to be 5.14 eV. The magnetic behavior, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance of MgO NBs were studied. Under visible-light irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of MgO nanoballs was investigated by methylene blue (MB) dye. Results showed that photodegradation for MB under visible light irradiation for 120 min and degradation results are fitted well with pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics with a rate constant of 0.00252 min−1 and a correlation coefficient of 0.96.
Remote Wind Farm Path Planning for Patrol Robot Based on the Hybrid Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chen Luobing , Hu Zhiqiang , Zhang Fangfang , Guo Zhongjin , Jiang Kun , Pan Changchun , Ding Wei
Published: October 2022

Globally, wind power plays a leading role in the renewable energy industry. In order to ensure the normal operation of a wind farm, the staff will regularly check the equipment of the wind farm. However, manual inspection has some disadvantages, such as heavy workload, low efficiency and easy misjudgment. In order to realize automation, intelligence and high efficiency of inspection work, inspection robots are introduced into wind farms to replace manual inspections. Path planning is the prerequisite for an intelligent inspection robot to complete inspection tasks. In order to ensure that the robot can take the shortest path in the inspection process and avoid the detected obstacles at the same time, a new path-planning algorithm is proposed. The path-planning algorithm is based on the chaotic neural network and genetic algorithm. First, the chaotic neural network is used for the first step of path planning. The planning results are encoded into chromosomes to replace the individuals with the worst fitness in the genetic algorithm population. Then, according to the principle of survival of the fittest, the population is selected, hybridized, varied and guided to cyclic evolution to obtain the new path. The shortest path obtained by the algorithm can be used for the robot inspection of the wind farms in remote areas. The results show that the proposed new algorithm can generate a shorter inspection path than other algorithms.
A Review on Hollow Fiber Membrane Contactors for Carbon Capture: Recent Advances and Future Challenges
Authors: Ramezani Rouzbeh , Di Felice Luca , Gallucci Fausto
Published: October 2022

Energy need is predicted to increase by 48% in the next 30 years. Global warming resulting from the continuously increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration is becoming a serious and pressing issue that needs to be controlled. CO2 capture and storage/use (CCS/CCU) provide a promising route to mitigate the environmental consequences of CO2 emission from fossil fuel combustion. In recent years, hollow fiber membrane contactors are regarded as an advanced technique with several competitive advantages over conventional technologies such as easy scale-up, independent control of flow rates, more operational flexibility, absence of flooding and foaming as well as high interfacial area per unit volume. However, many factors such as the membrane material selection, proper choice of solvent, and membrane module design are critical to success. In this regard, this paper aims at covering all areas related to hollow fiber membranes, including membrane material, membrane modification, membrane surface modification, shape, solvent characterization, operating parameters and costs, hybrid process, membrane lifetime, and energy consumption as well as commercially available systems. Current progress, future potential, and development of pilot-scale applications of this strategy are also assessed carefully. Furthermore, pore wetting as the main technical challenge in membrane contactor industrial implementation for post- and pre-combustion CO2 capture processes is investigated in detail.
Analysis of Potential Fluctuation in Flow
Authors: Li Wei
Published: October 2022

Understanding the physics of flow instabilities is important for processes in a wide range of engineering applications. Flow instabilities occur at the interfaces between moving fluids. Potential fluctuations are generated at the interfaces between two moving fluids based on the relationship of continuity. Theoretical analysis demonstrated that, in flow instabilities, potential fluctuation exhibits a potential oscillatory wave surface concurrently in the temporal and spatial dimensions. Potential fluctuations already internally exist in flow before flow instabilities begin to develop; these potential fluctuations greatly affect the formation of interpenetrating structures after forces act on the interfaces. Experimental studies supported the theoretical study: Experiments visualizing condensation flows using refrigerant in one smooth tube and one three-dimensional enhanced tube were conducted to show the development of potential fluctuation in spatial dimensions, and an experiment with cooling tower fouling in seven helically ridged tubes and one smooth tube were conducted to show the development of potential fluctuation in the temporal dimension. Both experimental studies confirmed that potential fluctuation was determined by the densities and velocities of the two fluids in the instability as indicated by the relationship of continuity. In addition, the results of numerical simulation in the literature qualitatively confirm the theoretical study. This paper is a first attempt to provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential fluctuation in flow.
Methods of Commercialization and Usage of Sosnovsky hogweed Processing
Authors: Mironova Daria Y. , Varadarajan Vijayakumar , Timakhovich Ivan V. , Barakova Nadezhda V. , Tokbaeva Asemgul A. , Rumiantceva Olga N. , Pomazkova Elizaveta E. , Baranov Igor V. , Tishchenko Liudmila I.
Published: October 2022

Sosnovsky’s hogweed is an invasive species that suppresses natural meadow biocenoses, but at the same time it can be a source of various biological substances (raw materials). Hogweed can be processed to produce cellulose. The obvious advantage of cellulose from Sosnovsky’s hogweed is the unsuitability of the raw material for other uses, i.e., while valuable resources that are now being used to produce cellulose can be saved, the stems of Sosnovsky’s hogweed are waste products obtained because of getting rid of the plant. Despite this, there is an actual problem of including hogweed in the production chain. To solve this problem, business models can be built that are aimed at using the biproducts of processing hogweed. It is important that business models not only reflect the process of producing added value but also can solve the main problem of processing weed plants: the finiteness of the specified resource. Specifically, entrepreneurs starting such a business should not get into a situation where they destroy their only resource. This article is focused on a comparison of business models according to the following criteria: feasibility, profitability, and environmental impact. Business models that involve constructing a processing plant, using mobile laboratories, and industrial symbiosis models are presented. The overall result of this work is a business model that meets the specified criteria. Similar business models can be used for other plants with the possibility of obtaining valuable raw materials. Research shows how Sosnovsky hogweed can be processed into bioethanol or cellulose.
Preferences and Consensus in the Philosophy of Xunzi
Authors: Yao Yurui
Published: October 2022

To understand Confucian ethics as a “hierarchical mode of association” is to think that it is incapable of dealing with a society of strangers or to understand Confucian ethics as “authoritarian” or “collectivist”, and to criticize that it ignores human characteristics and freedoms is to mistake one part of Confucianism for the whole. The Confucian theory of the individual and community actually has a tightly woven structure wherein its recognition of the plurality of diverse individuals and its appeal the unity of a common consensus are combined. From an exploration into the relationship between Xunzi’s concepts of “preference” (teyi 特意) and “consensus” (gongshi 共予) and from the way he uses such concepts as “similarity and difference” (tongyi 同異), “one and ten thousand” (yiwan 一萬), and “unity and division” (tongfen 統分), I show how Xunzi included the diversity of individuals within a pluralist society in a unified community with a collective consensus where this community at the same time guarantees the freedoms and preferences of each individual member that belongs to it.
Primary Interannual Variability Patterns of the Growing-Season NDVI over the Tibetan Plateau and Main Climatic Factors
Authors: Mao Xin , Ren Hong-Li , Liu Ge
Published: October 2022

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) vegetation plays an important role in the local ecosystem, which responds significantly to climate change and can affect local and large-scale weather and climate anomalies. However, little attention has been paid to its year-to-year variation. In this paper, using two NDVI datasets (GIMMS and MODIS) originated from satellite remote sensing, the variability characteristics of NDVI over the TP on the interannual time scale and associated local climatic factors were investigated. The results show that two primary patterns of NDVI governed TP during the main growing season (June–September, JJAS) for the period 1982–2020. The first one is a uniform pattern, with a consistent spatial variation over the entire TP, and the second is a dipole pattern, with an out-of-phase spatial variation of NDVI between the northern and southern TP. Interannual variations of the different climatic factors regulate the NDVI variability over the different regions of the TP. The interannual variability of the uniform NDVI pattern is mainly affected by the two local climatic factors, the preceding May–August precipitation and simultaneous JJAS sunshine duration. Specifically, NDVIs over the southern and eastern TP have a more significant response to the preceding precipitation and simultaneous sunshine duration, respectively. The variability of the dipole NDVI pattern is primarily modulated by the preceding May–August precipitation and simultaneous surface air temperature, ground surface temperature, and sunshine duration. However, NDVIs over the northern and southern TP have different degrees of response to the four climatic factors, with the most significant response being to preceding precipitation. The combined effect of these factors contributes to the formation of the interannual variability in the uniform and dipole patterns. This paper may shed light on deeply understanding the reasons for the inconsistency in variations of vegetation over the different regions of the TP under climate change. In addition to the effect of local climatic factors that this study focuses on, the influence of external climatic factors on the variability of the TP NDVI deserves further research in the future.
Narrow Linewidth Half-Open-Cavity Random Laser Assisted by a Three-Grating Ring Resonator for Strain Detection
Authors: Lv Bing , Zhang Wentao , Huang Wenzhu , Li Fang , Li Yongqian
Published: October 2022

A stabilized narrow-linewidth random fiber laser for strain detection, based on a three-grating ring (TGR) resonator and half-open-cavity structure, is proposed and investigated experimentally. The half-open-cavity structure proved to provide double optical gain of erbium-doped fiber, which was beneficial to increase the photon lifetime as well as further narrow the linewidth. Meanwhile, the stability and frequency noise of narrow lasing output was improved by suppressing the competition-induced undesired residual random lasing modes with the TGR resonator. The TGR resonator is composed of a double-cavity fiber Bragg grating Fabry–Perot (FBG-FP) interferometer, a section of single-mode fiber, and a circulator. The specially designed double-cavity FBG-FP interferometer embedded in the TGR resonator acted as the strain-sensing element and improved the resolution of the dynamic strain. A stable ultra-narrow linewidth of about 205 Hz was obtained. The frequency noise was reduced to about 2 Hz/√Hz. A high dynamic strain measuring resolution of 35 femto-strain (fε)/√Hz was achieved.
GRU Neural Network Improved Bioimpedance Based Stroke Volume Estimation during Ergometry Stress Test
Authors: Urban Mike , Klum Michael , Pielmus Alexandru-Gabriel , Liebrenz Falk , Mann Steffen , Tigges Timo , Orglmeister Reinhold
Published: October 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading members of non-communicable diseases. An early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, to reduce hospitalization time and health care costs. Nowadays, an exercise stress test on an ergometer is used to identify CVDs. To improve the accuracy of diagnostics, the hemodynamic status and parameters of a person can be investigated. For hemodynamic management, thoracic electrical bioimpedance has recently been used. This technique offers beat-to-beat stroke volume calculation but suffers from an artifact-sensitive signal that makes such measurements difficult during movement. We propose a new method based on a gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural network and the ECG signal to improve the measurement of bioimpedance signals, reduce artifacts and calculate hemodynamic parameters. We conducted a study with 23 subjects. The new approach is compared to ensemble averaging, scaled Fourier linear combiner, adaptive filter, and simple neural networks. The GRU neural network performs better with single artifact events than shallow neural networks (mean error −0.0244, mean square error 0.0181 for normalized stroke volume). The GRU network is superior to other algorithms using time-correlated data for the exercise stress test.
Garage-Fabricated, Ultrasensitive Capacitive Humidity Sensor Based on Tissue Paper
Authors: Ullah Asad , Zulfiqar Muhammad Hamza , Khan Muhammad Atif , Ali Muhammad , Zubair Muhammad , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim , Massoud Yehia
Published: October 2022

The role of humidity sensors in different industries and field applications, such as agriculture, food monitoring, biomedical equipment, heating, and ventilation, is well known. However, most commercially available humidity sensors are based on polymers or electronic materials that are not degradable and thus contribute to electronic waste. Here, we report a low-cost, flexible, easy-to-fabricate, and eco-friendly parallel-plate capacitive humidity sensor for field applications. The sensor is fabricated from copper tape and tissue paper, where copper tape is used to create the plates of the capacitor, and tissue paper is used as a dielectric sensing layer. Along with the low cost, the high sensitivity, better response and recovery times, stability, and repeatability make this sensor unique. The sensor was tested for relative humidity (RH), ranging from 40% to 99%, and the capacitance varied linearly with RH from 240 pF to 720 pF, as measured by an Arduino. The response time of the sensor is ~1.5 s, and the recovery time is ~2.2 s. The experiment was performed 4–5 times on the same sensor, and repeatable results were achieved with an accuracy of ±0.1%. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits a stable response when tested at different temperatures. Due to the above advantages, the presented sensor can find ready applications in different areas.
Trajectory Modeling by Distributed Gaussian Processes in Multiagent Systems
Authors: Xin Dongjin , Shi Lingfeng
Published: October 2022

This paper considers trajectory a modeling problem for a multi-agent system by using the Gaussian processes. The Gaussian process, as the typical data-driven method, is well suited to characterize the model uncertainties and perturbations in a complex environment. To address model uncertainties and noises disturbances, a distributed Gaussian process is proposed to characterize the system model by using local information exchange among neighboring agents, in which a number of agents cooperate without central coordination to estimate a common Gaussian process function based on local measurements and datum received from neighbors. In addition, both the continuous-time system model and the discrete-time system model are considered, in which we design a control Lyapunov function to learn the continuous-time model, and a distributed model predictive control-based approach is used to learn the discrete-time model. Furthermore, we apply a Kullback–Leibler average consensus fusion algorithm to fuse the local prediction results (mean and variance) of the desired Gaussian process. The performance of the proposed distributed Gaussian process is analyzed and is verified by two trajectory tracking examples.
Research on the Machinability of Micro-Tapered Hole Group in Piezoelectric Atomizer and the Improvement Method
Authors: Zhang Fan , Huang Xi , Chen Bochuan , Huo Yuxuan , Liu Zheng , Zhang Weirong , Ma Mingdong , Zhou Xiaosi , Liang Zhongwei , Gui Zhenzhen , Zhang Jianhui
Published: October 2022

A metal atomizing sheet with a group of micro-tapered holes is the core constituent of a piezoelectric atomizer. However, the diameters of large-end and small-end micro-tapered holes in industrial applications deviate from the design values by 15.25% and 15.83%, respectively, which adversely impacts the effect of atomizers. In this study, two main factors that influence the machining quality of tapered holes, the external vibration disturbance and the internal system errors inside the laser processor, were explored; consequently, the vibration model of the machining device and the laser drilling model were established, respectively. Based on the models and the experimental results, it was found that the errors in diameter caused by these two factors accounted for 20% and 67.87% of the total deviation, respectively. Finally, an improved method was proposed, where a damping system was added to the machining device, and the diameter of the initial laser spot was corrected. The measurement results of tapered holes machined by the improved method showed that the deviation of the large diameters and the small diameters from the design values declined to 4.85% and 4.83%, respectively. This study lays a foundation for the high-precision and large-scale industry of atomizing sheets, and provides a new research direction for enhancing the performance of atomizers.
Determination of USV’s Direction Using Satellite and Fluxgate Compasses and GNSS-RTK
Authors: Makar Artur
Published: October 2022

The measurement of a mobile object’s movement direction is performed by means of various analogue and digital devices, including both autonomous and non-autonomous ones. They represent different measuring qualities, dimensions, weights and tolerance to ambient disturbances. They allow measuring the course of heading and course over ground (COG) in sea navigation. They are used for the determination of motion vectors on the water’s surface and with respect to the sea bed, in integrated systems, DP and autopilots. Results of dynamic tests of three heading meters: electronic and satellite compasses, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) determining COG are presented in this paper. The measurements were conducted in good measuring conditions, in an open upper hemisphere for satellite receivers and at no or minimal disturbances of the magnetic field. Sensors were mounted on an unmanned survey vessel (USV) that was moving straight, performing quick turns and circulations. Each of them has some limitations with respect to its use in the water area in which a hydrographic sounding is to be performed; attention was paid to the possibility of using a given compass on board a small autonomous ship navigating automatically.
Fiber-Optic Sensors (FOS) for Smart High Voltage Composite Cables—Numerical Simulation of Multi-Parameter Bending Effects Generated by Irregular Seabed Topography
Authors: Drissi-Habti Monssef , Neginhal Abhijit , Manepalli Sriharsha , Carvelli Valter
Published: October 2022

Offshore renewable energy requires reliable high-voltage electric power cables to transport electricity to onshore stations. These power cables are critical infrastructures that are shipped to deep seas through shipping and handling operations and, once mounted, must then evolve in extreme conditions (sea, salt, wind, water-pressure, seabed topography, etc.). All of these operations and working conditions can lead to yielding of copper conductors, often resulting in electric shutdown. Indeed, copper is an excellent electric conductor (conductivity), but its mechanical properties are very poor. If any negligence occurs during the shipping and/or handling operations, copper can undergo plasticity, with effects on both mechanical and electric properties. It is therefore of prime importance to establish a reliable structural health-monitoring (SHM) technique that will enable the continuous recording of copper strain and temperature along a cable, and this has been proven using fiber-optic (FOS) sensors, when the phase is under tensile loading. In this prospective article, the scope is to maintain previous simulations and thus show that by the judicious placement of FOS, one can monitor strain and temperature within cables that are submitted to a bending. This article does not aim to deal directly with the case of a cable that undergoes bending on sloppy areas in seabeds. The idea behind the work is to suggest a concept for the use of embedded fiber-optic sensors and to think about all of what remains to be done as research in order to further suggest this technology to cable manufacturers.
Power Management Unit for Solar Energy Harvester Assisted Batteryless Wireless Sensor Node
Authors: Lopez-Gasso Alberto , Beriain Andoni , Solar Hector , Berenguer Roc
Published: October 2022

This work describes an energy-efficient monolithic Power Management Unit (PMU) that includes a charge pump adapted to photovoltaic cells with the capability of charging a large supply capacitor and managing the stored energy efficiently to provide the required supply voltage and power to low energy consumption wireless sensor nodes such as RFID sensor tags. The proposed system starts-up self-sufficiently with a light source luminosity equal to or higher than 500 lux using only a 1.42 cm2 solar cell and integrating an energy monitor that gives the ability to supply autonomous sensor nodes with discontinuous operation modes. The system occupies an area of 0.97 mm2 with a standard 180 nm CMOS technology. The half-floating architecture avoids losses of charging the top/button plate of the stray capacitors in each clock cycle. Measurements’ results on a fabricated IC exhibit an efficiency above 60% delivering 13.14 μW over 1.8 V. The harvested energy is enough to reach the communication range of a standard UHF RFID sensor tag up to 21 m.
Deblurring of Sound Source Orientation Recognition Based on Deep Neural Network
Authors: Wang Tong , Ren Haoran , Su Xiruo , Tao Liurong , Zhu Zhaolin , Ye Lingyun , Lou Weitao
Published: October 2022

Underwater target detection and identification technology are currently two of the most important research directions in the information disciplines. Traditionally, underwater target detection technology has struggled to meet the needs of current engineering. However, due to the large manifold error of the underwater sonar array and the complexity of ensuring long-term signal stability, traditional high-resolution array signal processing methods are not ideal for practical underwater applications. In conventional beamforming methods, when the signal-to-noise ratio is lower than −43.05 dB, the general direction can only be vaguely identified in the general direction. To address the above challenges, this paper proposes a beamforming method based on a deep neural network. Through preprocessing, the space-time domain of the target sound signal is converted into two-dimensional data in the angle-time domain. Subsequently, we trained the network with enough sample datasets. Finally, high-resolution recognition and prediction of two-dimensional images are realized. The results of the test dataset in this paper demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, with a minimum signal-to-noise ratio of −48 dB.
Concepts for a New Rapid and Simple HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Metoprolol and Meldonium in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
Authors: Piponski Marjan , Horyn Mariana , Grncaroska Kristina , Oleshchuk Oleksandra , Petrovska Elena , Angelevski Stefan , Uglyar Tetyana , Kucher Tetyana , Logoyda Liliya
Published: October 2022

Simultaneous determination of the tandem of drugs, like meldonium and metoprolol, with enormous polarity differences between them, requires thorough research and careful selection of chromatographic conditions. The three different CN-cyano groups with link-based particle columns, LiChrospher CN, Waters Spherisorb CNRP, Zorbax CN SB stationary phases, were tested, in an isocratic elution system, with a running mobile phase containing various concepts of composition contents. They were first with buffering salts which included acetonitrile and ammonium phosphate in one group, and then without buffering salts but with diluted acids, composed of acetonitrile and diluted acids as the second group. We can conclude that the most optimal concepts, in terms of expressiveness and environmental friendliness, were concepts using of column Zorbax CN SB (4.6 mm i.d. × 250 mm, 5 μm) and mobile phase ACN—0.15% NH4H2PO4 (50:50 and 60:40, v/v). There are very poor available data about ideas and usable information about the development of methods for simultaneous determination of these two active substances with polarity differences between them. We suggest that our work offered detailed and successful solutions for the mentioned aim using less sophisticated equipment for quality control and a lab for routine manufacturing control.