bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Large Language Model Performance and Reliability for Citations and References in Scholarly Writing: Cross-Disciplinary Study (Preprint)
Authors: Mugaanyi Joseph , Cai Liuying , Cheng Sumei , Lu Caide , Huang Jing
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Large language models (LLMs) have gained prominence since the release of ChatGPT in late 2022.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of citations and references generated by ChatGPT (GPT-3.5) in two distinct academic domains: the natural sciences and humanities.

METHODS

Two researchers independently prompted ChatGPT to write an introduction section for a manuscript and include citations; they then evaluated the accuracy of the citations and Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs). Results were compared between the two disciplines.

RESULTS

Ten topics were included, including 5 in the natural sciences and 5 in the humanities. A total of 102 citations were generated, with 55 in the natural sciences and 47 in the humanities. Among these, 40 citations (72.7%) in the natural sciences and 36 citations (76.6%) in the humanities were confirmed to exist (P=.42). There were significant disparities found in DOI presence in the natural sciences (39/55, 70.9%) and the humanities (18/47, 38.3%), along with significant differences in accuracy between the two disciplines (18/55, 32.7% vs 4/47, 8.5%). DOI hallucination was more prevalent in the humanities (42/55, 89.4%). The Levenshtein distance was significantly higher in the humanities than in the natural sciences, reflecting the lower DOI accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

ChatGPT’s performance in generating citations and references varies across disciplines. Differences in DOI standards and disciplinary nuances contribute to performance variations. Researchers should consider the strengths and limitations of artificial intelligence writing tools with respect to citation accuracy. The use of domain-specific models may enhance accuracy.
A Deep Learning Model to Predict Breast Implant Texture Types Using Ultrasonography Images: Feasibility Development Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Ho Heon , Jeong Won Chan , Pi Kyungran , Lee Angela Soeun , Kim Min Soo , Kim Hye Jin , Kim Jae Hong
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Breast implants, including textured variants, have been widely used in aesthetic and reconstructive mammoplasty. However, the textured type, which is one of the shell texture types of breast implants, has been identified as a possible etiologic factor for lymphoma, specifically breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Identifying the shell texture type of the implant is critical to diagnosing BIA-ALCL. However, distinguishing the shell texture type can be difficult due to the loss of human memory and medical history. An alternative approach is to use ultrasonography, but this method also has limitations in quantitative assessment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the feasibility of using a deep learning model to classify the shell texture type of breast implants and make robust predictions from ultrasonography images from heterogeneous sources.

METHODS

A total of 19,502 breast implant images were retrospectively collected from heterogeneous sources, including images captured from both Canon and GE devices, images of ruptured implants, and images without implants, as well as publicly available images. The Canon images were trained using ResNet-50. The model’s performance on the Canon dataset was evaluated using stratified 5-fold cross-validation. Additionally, external validation was conducted using the GE and publicly available datasets. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and the area under the precision-recall curve (PRAUC) were calculated based on the contribution of the pixels with Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM). To identify the significant pixels for classification, we masked the pixels that contributed less than 10%, up to a maximum of 100%. To assess the model’s robustness to uncertainty, Shannon entropy was calculated for 4 image groups: Canon, GE, ruptured implants, and without implants.

RESULTS

The deep learning model achieved an average AUROC of 0.98 and a PRAUC of 0.88 in the Canon dataset. The model achieved an AUROC of 0.985 and a PRAUC of 0.748 for images captured with GE devices. Additionally, the model predicted an AUROC of 0.909 and a PRAUC of 0.958 for the publicly available dataset. This model maintained the PRAUC values for quantitative validation when masking up to 90% of the least-contributing pixels and the remnant pixels in breast shell layers. Furthermore, the prediction uncertainty increased in the following order: Canon (0.066), GE (0072), ruptured implants (0.371), and no implants (0.777).

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated the feasibility of using deep learning to predict the shell texture type of breast implants. This approach quantifies the shell texture types of breast implants, supporting the first step in the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL.

CLINICALTRIAL
Sexual and psychosocial risk burdens associated with online sex-seeking among young men who have sex with men from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Preprint)
Authors: Cheung Doug H. , Waratworawan Worawalan , C. Clatts Michael , Colby Donn , Le Giang Minh , Kongjareon Yamol , Do Lan Anh Thi , Guadamuz Thomas E.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The heightened HIV vulnerability associated with men who have sex with men (MSM) and find sex online in Western and East Asian countries may pose similar concerns for MSM in Southeast Asia. However, this line of research has been underexamined among Southeast Asian MSM, especially in Southeast Asian cities with a high HIV prevalence among young MSM, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the sexual behavioral and psychosocial correlates of online sex seeking in a sample of largely gay-identified young MSM in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. To examine the relationships between social support, outness, and last condomless anal sex, but not PrEP or ART. The analysis included specific attention paid to the use of different types of online sex platforms, which may contribute to the understanding of online sexual seeking.

METHODS

Patterns of online sexual seeking in a cross-sectional sample of YMSM (N=1005) were identified using latent class analysis (LCA). Multinomial logistic regressions and Poisson regressions with robust variance were used to estimate the associations between patterns of online sex seeking and other participant characteristics.

RESULTS

We found four latent classes of MSM with distinct profiles of online platform use for sex seeking: 1) “negligible app users,” 2) “gay app users,” 3) “poly app users,” and 4) “low-cost app users.” Patterns of online sex seeking moderated the protective effects of social support and outness on last condomless anal sex, but not on PrEP or ART. When stratified by levels of social support and outness, only gay app users were associated with a protective effect on last condomless anal sex but not on PrEP or ART when social support and outness were high. Low-cost app users were marginally associated with a higher prevalence of condomless anal sex but not with PrEP or ART when the level of outness was low.

CONCLUSIONS

Vietnamese YMSM who find sex partners online have distinct patterns of app use, with contrasting sexual and psychosocial health burdens that indicate online sex seeking as a socially patterned behavior. HIV prevention programs and tailored digital interventions should consider the different exposures to social influences associated with patterns of social networking app use as they could moderate the effectiveness of the delivered programs and interventions in reducing YMSM’s HIV vulnerability.
Large-Scale Analysis of Substance Use Trends during COVID-19: An Advanced Deep Learning Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Maharjan Julina , Zhu Jianfeng , King Jennifer , Phan Hai , Kenne Deric , Jin Ruoming
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the challenges associated with mental health and substance use, with societal and economic upheavals leading to heightened stress and increased reliance on drugs as coping mechanisms. CDC data from June 2020 showed that 13% of Americans used substances more frequently due to pandemic-related stress[11], accompanied by an 18% rise in drug overdoses early in the year [12]. Simultaneously, a significant increase in social media engagement provided unique insights into these trends [16]. Our study analyzes social media data from January 2019 to December 2021 to identify changes in substance use patterns across the pandemic timeline, aiming to inform effective public health interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to analyze drug use from large-scale social media data during COVID-19 including pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods as baseline and consequence periods. The objective is to examine the pattern of a broader spectrum of drug types with underlying themes, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of substance use trends during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We leveraged a deep learning model RoBERTa to analyze large-scale social media data spanning from January 2019 to December 2021, aiming to identify substance use posts. The model’s performance was enhanced by the Human-in-the-Loop strategy that subsequently enriched the annotated data used during the fine-tuning phase. To extract insights into substance use trends over the study period, we applied a range of statistical techniques, including trend analysis, k-means clustering, topic modeling, and thematic analysis. Additionally, we have integrated the system into a real-time application designed for monitoring and preventing substance use within specific geographical locations.

RESULTS

Compared to 2019 and 2021, the most substantial display of substance use-related posts occurred in 2020, with a sharp 21% increase within 3 days of the global pandemic declaration. Alcohol and cannabinoids remained the top discussed substances throughout the research period. The pandemic particularly influenced the rise in easily accessible substances like alcohol, prescription medication, and cannabinoids. Additionally, theme analysis highlighted COVID-19, mental health, and economic stress as the leading issues that contributed to the influx of substance-related posts during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the potential of leveraging social media data for real-time detection of substance use trends during global crises. By uncovering how factors like mental health and economic stress drive substance use spikes, particularly in alcohol and prescription medication, we offer crucial insights for public health strategies. Our approach paves the way for proactive, data-driven interventions, helping to mitigate the impact of future crises on vulnerable populations.

CLINICALTRIAL
Impact of Aging Methods and Frozen Storage on Beef Quality Attributes from Different Finishing Diets
Authors: Correa Daniela , del Campo Marcia , Luzardo Santiago , de Souza Guillermo , Álvarez Carlos , Font-i-Furnols María , Brito Gustavo
Published: April 2024

The effects of finishing diet (pasture or grain) and meat preservation method on beef’s physicochemical, micro- biological, and sensory attributes were evaluated. The preservation methods assessed were dry aging in bag (DAb) and wet aging (WA) for 40 d, and then frozen storage (Fr) ([DAb + Fr] and [WA + Fr]) for 180 d. Sixty striploins (Longissimus lumborum) from British breed steers (n = 15 from pasture and n = 15 from grain-based diet) were used. Lightness (L*) was only affected by finishing diet where meat from grain-fed steers was lighter than those fed on pasture (P < 0.01). DAb meat had higher pH (P < 0.01) and lower cooking losses (P < 0.01) than WA. DAb + Fr had the highest Psychotrophic bacteria counts compared to WA + Fr, DAb and WA (P < 0.01). DAb and DAb + Fr increased Enterobacteriaceae bacteria counts (P < 0.01) compared to WA and WA + Fr. DAb + Fr samples had the lowest L*, a*, and b* values. No interaction between physicochemical characteristics (color coordinates, pH, cooking losses, and shear force) and surface microbiological load was observed (P > 0.05). Greater polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), PUFA n-3, conjugated linoleic acid (c9, t11 – 18:2) (P < 0.01), and PUFA/saturated fatty acid ratio (P < 0.05) and lower n-6:n-3 ratio (P < 0.01) were observed in pasture- than grain-fed steers. The consumer sensory panel showed acceptable scores for all treatments, although some differences between attributes were detected by cluster analysis. Different aging methods followed by a frozen storage period could be used to produce and export meat with the required quality attributes to meet consumer expectations
Design and Development Chairless Chair
Authors: Jagtap Prof. M. D.
Published: April 2024

Abstract: It is very difficult to stand and work for overall shift in the company by a worker. This will reduce the efficiency of the worker. The solution to this problem is to have a portable device which has an ergonomic design, low cost exoskeletons. In this work a mechanical ergonomics device that is designed around the shape and function of the human body, with segments and joints corresponding to those of the person it is externally coupled with. It functions as a chair whenever it is needed and is coined as Chair less Chair. Worker in industrial can wear it on legs like an exoskeleton. It locks into place and you can sit down on it. The device never touches the ground, which makes it easier to wear: a belt secures it to the hips and it has straps that wrap around the thighs. These are specially designed and part of the mechanism, but an alternate version works with any footwear and touches the ground only when in a stationary position. The user just moves into the desired pose. It will fit closely to lower part of the body as an external body part on which maximum body forces act upon. It is a cost effective product and any error in design may fail the structure which creates loss. So, these forces should be carefully analyzed during the design of structure. The best way to predict these forces during pre-manufacturing stage is to make an analysis on the structure with the help of software. This helps in estimating the stresses induced on the structure which is one of the most important criteria for evaluation of the model.
Skin Cancer DetectionSkin Cancer Detection
Authors: Rao P. V Venkateswa
Published: April 2024

Abstract: The skin is the largest organ and serves as a barrier to protect the internal organs, as well as the bones and muscles underneath it. When the skin deteriorates, the whole body is affected. Skin cancer is surprisingly common since the skin is so easily damaged by UV rays and other kinds of environmental pollutants. It seems that the two most common forms of skin cancer are benign melanoma and malignant melanoma. Malignant moles are significantly more harmful than benign moles and create bleeding blisters on the skin. They get their name because they resemble the more deadly melanocyte cells. Over 700,000 skin lesions are found annually in the United States, reports the American Cancer Society
The Role of the Healthcare System in the Issues of Human Potential Reproduction and National Security of the State
Authors: Sipieva Maria S. , Smirnova Evgenia A. , Masyuk Yulia S.
Published: April 2024

The healthcare system plays an undisputed role in the issues of human potential reproduction and is an integral part of ensuring national security. A key and important factor for ensuring sustainable development of the country and its future is investment in the health of citizens. The purpose of the study is to explore the healthcare system as one of the most important spheres, which is one of the primary components of public life. The methodological basis of the study consists of an analysis of statistical indicators of morbidity in Russia from 2020 to 2023, as well as an analysis of the total number of medical workers over the past two years. This allowed to identify the main problems in the healthcare system that can be addressed through the national project “Healthcare”. The implementation of the national project “Healthcare” in Russia will significantly improve the healthcare system in the future, increase access and quality of medical care for citizens, and reduce the level of morbidity and mortality from various diseases. This is an important step towards creating a healthy nation and developing the country as a whole.
AI Readiness Level in Public Administration: Case of the Russian Federation
Authors: Stupin Roman S.
Published: April 2024

The study explores approaches to the analysis of measurable indicators of artificial intelligence and its use in the system of sectoral public administration. As a part of the research the author developed the methodological basis for assessing the likelihood of the emergence of artificial intelligence. The research proposed analysis of the external base, technology, statistical reliability, education, labor market, citizens’ perspectives and development of the index of readiness for the emergence of artificial intelligence in sectoral public administration. The author carried out analysis of state functions and tasks for the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies, monitoring of measurable results of the introduction of artificial intelligence, analysis of government programs and cases of digital transformation based on AI technologies. It is shown, that currently, when using artificial intelligence solutions in the public sector, only individual problem blocks are mainly analyzed. The author states that a comprehensive index and a comprehensive risk analysis are not available both in Russia and abroad. The developed approaches to readiness assessment would help to reduce the costs of public administration and the risks of mistakes in the implementation of AI technologies.
The Impact of the State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Field of Demography and Health-Care on the Quality of Life of the Population
Authors: Alexandrova Margarita V. , Maslyukova Ekaterina A. , Yutkina Olga V.
Published: April 2024

The study examines the features of state policy in the field of demography and health care, special attention is paid to the analysis of the main indicators of the quality of life of the population, as well as the results already achieved within the framework of the national projects “Demography” and “Health Care”. The problems of low life expectancy of the population and a decrease in the birth rate have been identified. Based on the results of monitoring of the national projects “Demography” and “Health Care”, it was concluded that they are interconnected and it is possible to achieve the targets only through the successful implementation of both national projects. Based on this, the research suggests measures aimed at improving state policy in the field of demography and health, including the need to strengthen measures aimed at combating neoplasms, including malignant ones, which in turn will have a positive impact on the quality of life of the country’s population.
Is Load Shedding another Pandemic, Post COVID-19 at Institution of Higher Learning in South Africa?
Authors: Kgarose Mathibedi F. , Makhubele Daphney K. , Setaise Lebo C.
Published: April 2024

In 1994, the African National Congress (ANC)-led government implemented a Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) program that entailed providing South Africans with stable and regular electricity supplies. Government through the state president declared COVID-19 a pandemic in 2019. Institutions of higher education resorted to introduce online teaching and learning as a method of ensuring that section 27 (1) (a) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa was executed. Load shedding brought numerous challenges in the education settings in the institutions of higher learning. The crisis led to institutional economy and disrupted academic performance at institutions of higher learning. The purpose of this study is to examine whether load shedding can be regarded as a pandemic post COVID-19. Access the impact of load shedding at institutions of higher learning. Therefore, this is a conceptual paper and it relied on existing data for analysis and interpretation. The study recommends that institution of higher learning should invest in alternative sources of energy, and develop an effective communication strategy.
Boko Haram* Insurgency and the Challenges of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria
Authors: Oghuvbu Ejiroghene A.
Published: April 2024

The consequences of insurgency, internal strife, and natural disasters force internally displaced people (IDPs) to live lives they never anticipated or desired. On this note, this study explores the challenges faced by IDPs in Nigeria as well as the globalisation of the Boko Haram (recognized as a terrorist organization in the Russian Federation) insurgency. The study also looks at the difficulties IDPs in Nigeria face as a result of the Boko Haram (recognized as a terrorist organization in the Russian Federation) insurgency, such as violence between Hausa and Fulani, natural and man-made disasters. Due to their affiliation with foreign terrorists, Boko Haram’s (recognized as a terrorist organization in the Russian Federation) effects are more devastating. The study adopted the human needs theory and used qualitative research methods to gather information from secondary sources including books, journal articles, news magazines, and internet sources. According to the human needs theory, it is up to the government to decide how to handle social issues. Findings indicate that the difficulties faced by internally displaced people in Nigeria, which include housing shortages, starvation, hunger, lack of access to water and electricity, and lack of sustainable occupation, portend serious threats to the nation’s human security. The study also suggests that to address the issue of start-up funds, which threatens IDPs’ economic opportunities in new environments, the government should quicken the advancement of low-interest loans for skilled IDPs. The government should also work with people and organisations to provide vocational skills. The study concludes that, doing so will help to alleviate the situation of Nigeria’s internally displaced people.
On the problem of personnel reproduction in Russian science and universities (introduction to the discussion)
Authors: Chernysh M. F
Published: April 2024

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Food loss factors in the cold supply chain: a case study in the poultry sector
Authors:   OLID Lab, Higher Institute of Industrial Management of Sfax (ISGIS), University of Sfax, Tunisia, Ayadi Imen , Ali Elleuch Mohamed ,   OLID Lab, Higher Institute of Industrial Management of Sfax (ISGIS), University of Sfax, Tunisia, Frikha Ahmed ,   OLID Lab, Higher Institute of Industrial Management of Sfax (ISGIS), University of Sfax, Tunisia
Published: April 2024

Food loss is one of the challenges in the cold chain (CC), which can lead to serious problems with human safety, environment, and economies around the world. Recently, reducing food loss has drawn public attention; previous studies mostly gave attention to food loss drivers in the retailer- -consumer stages of the supply chain. In this study, we focused on identi- fying food-loss-factors (FLF) all over the CC, and developed an approach based on multi decision-making methods and fuzzy sets to rank FLFs by those who have more influence on food loss in the poultry sector. The first phase concerns the identification of FLFs based on the literature as well as experts opinions in the poultry field. Then fuzzy Delphi method was im- plemented to reach the consistency level of >75% among all the group members. In the second phase, fuzzy AHP method was employed for the weighting of FLFs, in order to rank them. For the validation of our contri- bution, a sensitivity analysis was performed. This research presents a guide for decision makers in the CC to help them make an efficient strat- egy plan to reduce food loss during logistic activities. Keywords: cold chain (CC), food loss factors (FLF), MCDM, poultry supply chain, sensitivity analysis.
Construcciones sociales de la salud sexual en mujeres adolescentes de una comunidad rural
Authors: Torres-Camarillo Diego Alonso , Lara-Díaz Cristina Judith , Gallegos-Ortiz Ana Emmily , Espitia-López Jazmin Zurisadai , Altamira-Camacho Ramiro
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: Indagar cuáles son las construcciones sociales en la salud sexual de las mujeres adolescentes de una comunidad rural. Material y Métodos: Estudio cualitativo fenomenológico hermenéutico, donde participaron mujeres adolescentes de 14 a 19 años, pertenecientes a la comunidad, El Molino, Ojuelos Jalisco. A través de un muestreo por cadena de referencia, se realizaron entrevistas fenomenológicas, transcritas de manera artesanal y analizadas mediante el “círculo hermenéutico Heiderggariano”. Se obtuvo la autorización mediante el consentimiento informado, así como el asentimiento por parte de los tutores. Cumpliendo un rigor metodológico a través de la trasparencia, transferibilidad, credibilidad y autenticidad. Resultados: se realizaron 10 entrevistas afines a 10 adolecentes, se determinaron 6 unidades de significado, de los cuales tres son ónticas; una realidad palpable a el desconocimiento de métodos anticonceptivos, ideologías paternales adiestradas y falocentrismo como base central en la dinámica social. Y tres son ontológicas; Sesgo educativo, Discurso del lenguaje culturizado, finalmente tabúes y estigmas familiares. Conclusión: Las mujeres adolescentes de una comunidad rural vivencian una doble moral social. Demostrando así, un ineficiente conocimiento sobre salud sexual hasta ser un tema intrascendente, los padres son quienes influyen y toman decisiones sobre la educación, autonomía y forma de pensar. 
Palabras clave:  Feminismo; Sexualidad; Enfermería; Genero.
The legal construction for the International Chamber of Commerce arbitration in resolving corporate conflict
Authors: Almansour Haneen Mansour , Ismail Mahmoud
Published: April 2024

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a private international non-governmental organization that provides its services to the international trade sectors (Wetter, 1985). Further, the ICC supervises its arm known as the International Court of Arbitration, which is an independent arbitral institution, affiliated with the ICC, which administers arbitration proceedings following the arbitration rules of the ICC but without adjudication of disputes as the adjudication of disputes is the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal. Yet, we have two problematic issues that the research treats: the confusion in the nomenclature and competencies between the components and units of the ICC during its practice of arbitration to settle corporate conflicts; while the second issue is that the basic elements of the arbitration process at the ICC based on its arbitration rules is not clear. Hence, the research approached these two issues in a direct presentation of the reality of arbitration at the ICC. The research emphasized the new modifications of the ICC arbitration system that resolve both above problematic issues.
Fraud prevention: A study of skepticism moderating variable
Authors: Mappanyukki Ratna , Nengzih Nengzih , Kusmayadi Dedi , Endri Endri
Published: April 2024

Fraud is bad behavior that can cause significant harm to the organization (Omar et al., 2016). Fraud must be prevented, but low emotional intelligence (EI) and professional commitment (PC) fueled by skepticism encourage actions that harm the organization to continue (Mohd-Sanusi et al., 2022). With skepticism as a moderating factor, this study aims to ascertain how emotional intelligence and professional commitment affect fraud prevention (FP). Forty-two respondents participated in this quantitative study of accounting department staff at the Regional Work Units (SKPD) Gowa Regency in South Sulawesi. SmartPLS 3.0 was used as this study’s analysis tool, and the questionnaires used to acquire the research data were from surveys. The moderation test results demonstrate two types of moderation: quasi-moderation and moderating predictors. Quasi-moderation demonstrates that the skepticism variable mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and fraud prevention variables. The quasi-moderation variable interacts with the dynamic intelligence variable and is independent. Skepticism solely serves as an independent variable in the study model because it does not affect how the professional commitment and fraud prevention variables are related.
A Data-Driven Bayesian Approach for Optimal Dynamic Product Transitions
Authors: FLORES-TLACUAHUAC ANTONIO , Fuentes-Cortes Luis Fabian
Published: April 2024

Dynamic product transitions are essential for achieving high product
quality and reducing production costs. However, optimizing dynamic
product transitions is a challenging task due to the complex dynamics of
the process and the uncertainty in the measurements. In this work, a
data-driven Bayesian approach for optimal dynamic product transitions is
proposed. The approach is based on a dynamic optimization problem that
is solved using a Bayesian optimization algorithm. One of the advantages
of this approach for process optimization tasks is that it does not
require a first-principles dynamic mathematical model. The approach is
applied to three case studies. The results show that the proposed
approach finds optimal transition trajectories meeting product
composition requirements using smooth control actions. The approach is
also able to cope with noisy measurements, which is an important feature
in real-world applications. The proposed approach has several advantages
including being data-driven, able to cope with noisy measurements.
“Point by Point” Source The Chinese Pine Plantations in North China by Evidence from mtDNA
Authors: Zhou Biao , Zhang Zijie , Zhang Hongjing , Li Yupeng , Ma Yanguang , Zhang Shubin , Niu Shihui , Li Yue
Published: April 2024

The geographical variation and domestication of tree species are an
important part of the theory of forest introduction, germplasm tracing
is the theoretical basis for the construction of high-quality
plantations. The Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) is an important
native timber tree species widely distributed in northern China, but it
is unclear the exact germplasm sources of the main Chinese pine
plantation populations. Here, using two mtDNA markers, we analyzed 796
(873) individuals representing 38 populations of main natural and
artificial populations in northern China (Shanxi, Hebei, and Liaoning
provinces). The results confirmed that the core position of SX* natural
populations in Chinese pine populations of northern China, genetic
diversity of HB and LN plantations was higher than that of SX* natural
populations, and there was a great difference in the genetic background
within the groups of SX* and LN, HB showed the opposite. More
importantly, we finished the “point-by-point” tracing of the HB and LN
plantations task. The results suggested that almost all HB populations
came from SX* (GDS*, ZTS*, GCS*, and THS*), which brought the genetic
background homogeneity of HB populations. Most of the germplasm of LN
plantations came from LN* (ZJS*, WF*), and the other part came from GDS*
(SX*), which contributed to great differences in the genetic background
within the LN group. Our findings provided a reliable theoretical basis
for the scientific allocation, management, and utilization of Chinese
pine populations in northern China, and for promoting the high-quality
construction of Chinese pine plantations.
The influence of conversion creatine and guanidinoacetic acid from zwitterionic to cationic form on their solubility in water - a thermodynamic study
Authors: Vranes Milan , Panic Jovana
Published: April 2024

In this work, the solubility of creatine, creatinine, guanidinoacetic acid and their hydrochlorides in water at atmospheric pressure and in the temperature range T 293.15?313.15 K was determined by the gravimetric method. The thermodynamic parameters of dissolution in water for the mentioned compounds were calculated. The solubility increases significantly by converting the zwitterionic structures of creatine and guanidinoacetic acid into a cationic form, i.e., hydrochloride salt. The effect of increasing solubility is more pronounced for guanidinoacetic acid and decreases with temperature for both compounds. A simple process of transforming the electrically neutral zwitterionic structures into cations represents a good way to increase the solubility in water and bioavailability of biologically active compounds.
Synthesis of syngas from municipal solid waste in a fluidized bed gasifier
Authors: Ali Mujahid , Mahmood Faisal , Magoua Mbeugang , Kumar Sunel , Tang Jiazhen , Li Bin
Published: April 2024

In this study, three representative materials, wood, paper, and cloth from municipal solid waste, were studied separately in an atmospheric fluidized bed gasifier. The effects of different feedstock, equivalence ratio, gasification temperature, and calcium carbonate presence on syngas composition, the lower heating value, and carbon conversion efficiency were investigated at different operating temperatures (800-950?C), and the equivalence ratio range from 0.2 and 0.5. As the equivalence ratio increased, the yields of syngas and its lower heating value decreased, whereas the CO2 yield and carbon conversion efficiency increased generally from wood gasification. Higher gasification temperature favored enhancing the CO and H2 yield and lowering the CO2 yield while the lower heating value and carbon conversion efficiency of syngas increased. Different variations of CO2 yield and the lower heating value of syngas were observed in different feedstock gasification. CaCO3 was more supportive for enhancing the yields of syngas components (H2, CO, and CH4) and lowering the CO2 yield, while a lower heating value of syngas was also increased from different feedstock gasification. However, an optimum temperature of 900?C was the highest lower heating value of syngas, reaching 8000 kJ/Nm3 from wood gasification.
Numerical simulation of oxygen-enriched combustion in a precalciner using coal gangue-blended pulverized fuel
Authors: Wang Jie , Chen Long , Kao Hongtao
Published: April 2024

This study emphasizes the potential role of coal gangue as an alternative fuel and oxygen-enriched combustion technology within twin-tank furnace precalciners in mitigating carbon emissions from cement production. The research primarily unfolds in two segments. Initially, the investigation addresses the influence of blending varying proportions of coal gangue under an air atmosphere on the internal temperature field and raw material decomposition components within the precalciner, aiming to discern the optimal blending ratio. Subsequently, the study simulates combustion under different oxygen-enriched atmospheres at the ideal coal-gangue blending ratio, establishing the combustion patterns under these conditions. Although the mixed fuel prompts symmetry in the flow field and temperature field, the distinct combustion characteristics of coal gangue and coal powder, following a 20% coal gangue blend, lead to an accelerated mainstream velocity and abbreviated fuel residence time. Consequently, the exit temperature and CO2 concentration diminish with increasing blending content, reaching an optimal raw material decomposition rate of 91.12% within the precalciner when blended with 20% coal gangue. Furthermore, in oxygen-enriched combustion, as the oxygen content escalates, both the average temperature at the precalciner's exit and the raw material decomposition rate witness an upsurge, whereas the average CO2 concentration at the outlet experiences a decline.
Thermodynamic analysis of electric field enhanced CO2 capture by moisture-sensitive quaternary ammonium-based sorbents
Authors: Hou Chenglong , Ding Liwei , Lai Zhenya , Chen Jiaying , Dong Hao , Lv Hongkun , Zhang Kang , Wang Tao , Fang Mengxiang
Published: April 2024

Climate change incurred by the increasing amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere has become a global priority, and triggers the development of carbon capture, utilization, and storage. Low energy requirement and cost by employing moisture swing process make quaternary ammonium-based materials applicable for CO2 capture. The moisture-sensitive sorbents suffer decreased CO2 affinity and cyclic capacities with moderate or high humidity, while water vapor ubiquitously exists in flue gas or ambient air. The effect of applying electric field on CO2 adsorption, especially the water-involved proton transfer step, by quaternary ammonium-based sorbents in the existence of water, is analyzed. The discrepancy in the hydrophilicity between reactant and product species is enhanced by the electric field, which indicates more favorable chemisorption. Thermodynamics of CO2 adsorption coupling interfacial water evaporation under the electric field are depicted with changes of enthalpy and free energy calculated. Therefore, the rationality of electric field enhanced CO2 capture of quaternary ammonium-based sorbents in moist circumstance is theoretically validated, providing the methodology of optimizing moisture swing adsorption from process intensification apart from material design.
The motion and wake characteristics of bottom blowing coaxial double bubbles
Authors: Zhao Yutang , Zhang Xiaohui , Tong Xinting , Yu Xiaolv , Luo Jing , Fu Yanxiong , Wang Hua
Published: April 2024

In the process of bottom blowing bath smelting, continuous bubbles are formed and rise in the melt after the bottom blowing gas is ejected. In order to reveal the motion behavior and wake characteristics of continuous bubbles formed during the injection process, the rising process of coaxial double bubbles is studied through numerical simulation, the velocity and deformation characteristics of coaxial double bubbles in the rising process are obtained. Based on the vortex identification reconstruction of the flow field, the characteristics of formation, evolution, and configuration of bubble wake are obtained. The results show that in terms of motion characteristics, the aspect ratio of the upper bubble is always less than 1, and lower bubble has a large span of change: the minimum is 0.85 and the maximum is 1.2. As the two bubbles approach, the aspect ratio of the upper bubble is always less than 1, while the maximum aspect ratio of the lower bubble can reach 1.2. In terms of wake characteristics, the vorticity on the upper bubble surface is larger. When the wake rotation centers of the upper and lower bubbles merge with each other, the instantaneous acceleration of the lower bubble reaches the maximum.
Investigation of the suppression effect of inert dust on the pressure characteristics of gas coal dust explosion
Authors: Jing Guoxun , Sun Yue , Liu Chuang , Guo Shaoshuai
Published: April 2024

The suppression effect of inert powder on gas-induced suspension coal dust explosions was investigated using a semi-closed pipeline experimental platform. The shock wave overpressure propagation characteristics of gas explosions with different concentrations of mixed dust (calcium carbonate and coal dust) were measured and analyzed. The suppression mechanism of inert powder on the explosion process was also discussed. The results indicate that when the coal dust concentration is 200 g/m?, the peak overpressure of the explosion decreases gradually with increasing inert powder concentration, and the peak overpressure ratio in the pipeline shows a decreasing-increasing trend. The acceleration of the explosion pressure reduces with increasing mixed dust concentration, and when high concentration of mixed dust is involved in the explosion, the acceleration of the explosion pressure is lower than that when only coal dust is involved. The inhibitory effect of calcium carbonate on dust explosion increased linearly with its concentration when the ratio of inert dust to coal dust was 1:2. Inert powder mainly suppresses the explosive power by physical heat absorption and reducing heat ex-change efficiency. The experimental results established the theoretical basis for inert dust suppressing coal dust participation in explosions, and have reference significance for formulating mine explosion suppression measures.
Analysis of heating load distribution and operation optimization for 350MW high back pressure double extraction series units
Authors: Luan Xilin , Ma Jianlong , Dong Xiaoming , Yang Yanchun , Nie Shenqiang
Published: April 2024

Large-scale high back pressure cogeneration units can make full use of the waste heat of the spent steam to reduce the unit's cold-end losses, improve the field utilization rate, and heating efficiency, the energy saving effect is remarkable. The 2?350 MW cogeneration unit of a power plant is modeled as an example. The boundary conditions of the heat network are calculated according to the ambient temperature, and the thermal economy and exergy efficiency of the condensing unit and the high back pressure unit are analyzed during the heating period, to obtain the advantages of the high back pressure unit during the heating period. In turn, the study presents the high back pressure unit extracts steam distribution method is adjusted to optimize the operation strategy during the heating period. The results indicate that: after adopting high back pressure operation during the heating period, the average power generation increased by 24.5 MW compared to the condensing unit, the average reduction in coal consumption for power generation is 97.5 g/kWh, exergy efficiency increased by an average of 9.4%, exergy efficiency of the unit?s heating network has increased by an average of 19.2%. After the unit adopts optimized allocation of extraction load, the average coal consumption for power generation is reduced by 0.69 g/kWh on the basis of high back pressure heating operation. The average efficiency improvement of steam-water exergic is 0.44%, while the efficiency average improvement of heating networks is 0.6%, with a maximum increase of 1.4 MW of exergy energy.
Predicting Children's Reading Comprehension: A Short-term Longitudinal Approach
Authors:   Regional Entrepreneurship Education Research Center, Park Seo-Hyun , Lee Kyoung-Jin
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This study was a short-term longitudinal study to examine how vocabulary and morphological awareness of kindergarten(Time 1) and word reading and reading fluency of first-year(Time 2) affect reading comprehension(Time 2). Method: A total of 67 children were participated both Time 1 and Time 2. At the Time 1 vocabulary and morphological awareness and word reading, reading fluency, and reading comprehension were examined at the Time 2. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, t-test were conducted and then a hierarchical regression analysis was conducted. Results: First, there were significant positive correlations among variables. Second, there were significant differences in variables according to reading comprehensive level of first graders. Third, the reading fluency had the highest influence on reading comprehension. Conclusion: There were that vocabulary, word reading, morphological awareness, and reading fluency are closely related to reading comprehension in first-year students. The result presents direction and guidance for reading education.
Increased Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet–Lymphocyte Ratio in Chronic and Severe Urticaria
Authors: Weissmann Sarah , Burrack Nitzan , Golan-Tripto Inbal , Horev Amir
Published: April 2024

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disturbing skin condition often severely detrimental to quality of life. Haematological markers of inflammation such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte may be used in the assessment of inflammatory skin diseases. Their usefulness in urticaria is unknown. Neutrophil- to-lymphocyte, platelet-to-lymphocyte, and total serum IgE were investigated in urticaria patients: acute spontaneous urticaria (ASU) versus CSU, children versus adults with CSU, and patients with mild-to-moderate versus severe CSU. This retrospective cohort study included patients of all ages diagnosed with urticaria between 2005 and 2020 and blood counts within 30 days of diagnosis. Patients with comorbidities influencing blood cells (infection, surgery, malignancy) were excluded. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte were evaluated in patients with ASU vs CSU and mild-to-moderate CSU vs severe CSU (defined by the use of systemic medications or hospitalizations). A total of 13,541 urticaria patients were included in the study. CSU patients (n = 5,021) had higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte, as well as serum IgE levels compared with ASU patients (n = 8,520). Adults had higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte than children. Severely affected patients (n = 53) had higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte compared with mild-to-moderately affected patients (n = 4,968). Patients with higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte had higher odds of having CSU rather than ASU and severe urticaria rather mild-to-moderate. In conclusion, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte are simple and available markers that can be used to predict and assess severe and chronic urticaria.
An in-vitro study on effects of laser activation on dye penetration in human root dentin
Authors: Anton y Otero Clara Isabel , Marger Laurine , Di Bella Enrico , Feilzer Albert , Krejci Ivo , Abdelaziz Marwa
Published: April 2024

Objective: To evaluate the penetration of a dye in root dentin after activation with different laser wavelengths.
Materials: Palatal roots of 38 human molars were enlarged and disinfected. Irrigation activation was performed with an Er:YAG laser: @50 mJ, 15 Hz (Er:YAG); a 9.3 µm CO2 laser: @40% power (CO2); diode lasers 455 nm/970 nm: @0.8 W, 15 Hz (D455, D970) and 808/980 nm: @1 W (D808, D980) and compared to positive control: etching with 35% H3PO4 (POS); negative control: water (NEG) and conventional needle irrigation: NaOCl and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (CONV). Methylene blue solution was introduced in the canal and laser-activated or left untouched for 100 s before the roots were dried and cut into horizontal slices. Dye penetration was automatically calculated by color recognition of two samples per root third (n = 8 per group in each coronal, middle and apical root thirds). The presence and absence of a smear layer was checked in two additional samples of the negative and positive control under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). 
Results: Full-depth infiltration was not achieved in any group. Dye penetration in CONV was significantly less than in Er:YAG, CO2, POS, D455, D970, D808 and similar to NEG and D980 when results of different root thirds were pooled.
Conclusion: Laser activation using certain parameters enhanced dye penetration compared to conventional needle irrigation with NaOCl and EDTA (CONV).