bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Drivers of Vegetation Change in Xinjiang, 2000–2020
Authors: Li Guo , Liang Jiye , Wang Shijie , Zhou Mengxue , Sun Yi , Wang Jiajia , Fan Jinglong
Published: January 2024

Examining the features of vegetation change and analyzing its driving forces across an extensive time series in Xinjiang are pivotal for the ecological environment. This research can offer a crucial point of reference for regional ecological conservation endeavors. We calculated the fractional vegetation cover (FVC) using MOD13Q1 data accessed through the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. To discern the characteristics of vegetation changes and forecast future trends, we employed time series analysis, coefficient of variation, and the Hurst exponent. The correlation between climate factors and FVC was investigated through correlation analysis. Simultaneously, to determine the relative impact of meteorological change and anthropogenic actions on FVC, we utilized multiple regression residual analysis. Furthermore, adhering to China’s ecological functional zone classification, Xinjiang was segmented into five ecological zones: R1 Altai Mountains-Junggar West Mountain Forest and Grassland Ecoregion, R2 Junggar Basin Desert Ecoregion, R3 Tianshan Mountains Mountain Forest and Grassland Ecoregion, R4 Tarim Basin-Eastern Frontier Desert Ecoregion, and R5 Pamir-Kunlun Mountains-Altan Mountains Alpine Desert and Grassland Ecoregion. A comparative analysis of these five regions was subsequently conducted. The results showed the following: (1) During the first two decades of the 21st century, the overall FVC in Xinjiang primarily exhibited a trend of growth, exhibiting a rate of increase of 4 × 10−4 y−1. The multi-year average FVC was 0.223. The mean value of the multi-year FVC was 0.223, and the mean values of different ecological zones showed the following order: R1 > R3 > R2 > R5 > R4. (2) The predominant spatial pattern of FVC across Xinjiang’s landscape is characterized by higher coverage in the northwest and lower in the southeast. In this region, 66.63% of the terrain exhibits deteriorating vegetation, while 11% of the region exhibits a notable rise in plant growth. Future changes in FVC will be dominated by a decreasing trend. Regarding the coefficient of variation outcomes, a minor variation, representing 42.12% of the total, is noticeable; the mean coefficient of variation stands at 0.2786. The stability across varied ecological zones follows the order: R1 > R3 > R2 > R4 > R5. (3) Factors that have a facilitating effect on vegetation FVC included relative humidity, daylight hours, and precipitation, with relative humidity having a greater influence, while factors that have a hindering effect on vegetation FVC included air temperature and wind speed, with wind speed having a greater influence. (4) Vegetation alterations are primarily influenced by climate change, while human activities play a secondary role, contributing 56.93% and 43.07%, respectively. This research underscores the necessity for continued surveillance of vegetation dynamics and the enhancement of policies focused on habitat renewal and the safeguarding of vegetation in Xinjiang.
Volumetric Techniques for Product Routing and Loading Optimisation in Industry 4.0: A Review
Authors: Lopes Ricardo , Trovati Marcello , Pereira Ella
Published: January 2024

Industry 4.0 has become a crucial part in the majority of processes, components, and related modelling, as well as predictive tools that allow a more efficient, automated and sustainable approach to industry. The availability of large quantities of data, and the advances in IoT, AI, and data-driven frameworks, have led to an enhanced data gathering, assessment, and extraction of actionable information, resulting in a better decision-making process. Product picking and its subsequent packing is an important area, and has drawn increasing attention for the research community. However, depending of the context, some of the related approaches tend to be either highly mathematical, or applied to a specific context. This article aims to provide a survey on the main methods, techniques, and frameworks relevant to product packing and to highlight the main properties and features that should be further investigated to ensure a more efficient and optimised approach.
Beyond Lexical Boundaries: LLM-Generated Text Detection for Romanian Digital Libraries
Authors: Nitu Melania , Dascalu Mihai
Published: January 2024

Machine-generated content reshapes the landscape of digital information; hence, ensuring the authenticity of texts within digital libraries has become a paramount concern. This work introduces a corpus of approximately 60 k Romanian documents, including human-written samples as well as generated texts using six distinct Large Language Models (LLMs) and three different generation methods. Our robust experimental dataset covers five domains, namely books, news, legal, medical, and scientific publications. The exploratory text analysis revealed differences between human-authored and artificially generated texts, exposing the intricacies of lexical diversity and textual complexity. Since Romanian is a less-resourced language requiring dedicated detectors on which out-of-the-box solutions do not work, this paper introduces two techniques for discerning machine-generated texts. The first method leverages a Transformer-based model to categorize texts as human or machine-generated, while the second method extracts and examines linguistic features, such as identifying the top textual complexity indices via Kruskal–Wallis mean rank and computes burstiness, which are further fed into a machine-learning model leveraging an extreme gradient-boosting decision tree. The methods show competitive performance, with the first technique’s results outperforming the second one in two out of five domains, reaching an F1 score of 0.96. Our study also includes a text similarity analysis between human-authored and artificially generated texts, coupled with a SHAP analysis to understand which linguistic features contribute more to the classifier’s decision.
Beyond Innovation and Use, or Why We Must Follow Technologies through Time
Authors: Weber Heike
Published: January 2024

Synthesizing various studies that follow technology beyond innovation and use, this article aims to continue widening the scope of history of technology toward this perspective. It argues that we must follow technology through time and—in addition to its use—its maintenance and repair, while also addressing its so-called afterlife, encompassing topics such as reuse, reconfiguration and/or restoration, decline or deliberate ruination, abandonment, and removal and/or remains. Recent studies of these issues underscore that the temporality of technology does not end with the end of its use, suggesting instead multilayered temporalities. History of technology is thus challenged to rethink some of its established and largely unquestioned approaches, such as the “innovation timeline”, the model of “technology diffusion and substitution”, and “lifecycle” metaphors borrowed from twentieth-century theories of economic growth and innovation.
Trends in Mental Wellbeing of US Children, 2019–2022: Erosion of Mental Health Continued in 2022
Authors: Bhandari Neeraj , Gupta Shivani
Published: January 2024

We provide fresh estimates of a change in the nationwide prevalence of mental health symptoms among US children during the COVID-19 pandemic using National Health Interview Survey data (2019–22) on children aged 2–17 years (n = 27,378; age subgroups 2–5, 6–11, and 12–17) to assess overall mental distress and 19 specific outcomes related to developmental, communicative, cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains. Raw and adjusted (for socio-demographics) linear regressions estimated the change in prevalence for each outcome between 2019 (baseline year) and three succeeding years (2020–2022). Summary scores for mental distress rose between 2019 and 2020 (1.01 to 1.18 points, range of 0–15), declined slightly in 2021 (1.09), and climbed sharply again in 2022 (1.25). The declines primarily affected adolescents (1.11 at baseline, 1.24 in 2020, 1.30 in 2021, and 1.49 in 2022). Specific outcomes belonging to all domains of mental health showed similar increases in prevalence. US children suffered significant erosion of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic that continued into 2022. Expansion of mental health programs aimed at school-going children will likely be needed to respond effectively to the ongoing crisis.
Analysis of Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Electric Vehicle Charging Based on Multisource Data
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Peng Zhenghong , Liu Lingbo , Wu Hao
Published: January 2024

Amid the global shift towards sustainable development, this study addresses the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market and its infrastructure challenges, particularly the lag in public charging facility development. Focusing on Wuhan, it utilizes big data to analyze EV charging behavior’s spatiotemporal aspects and the urban environment’s influence on charging efficiency. Employing a random forest regression and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR), the research elucidates the nonlinear interaction between urban infrastructure and charging station usage. Key findings include (1) a direct correlation between EV charging patterns and urban temporal factors, with notable price elasticity; (2) the predominant influence of commuting distance, supplemented by the availability of fast-charging options; and (3) a strategic proposal for increasing slow-charging facilities at key urban locations to balance operational costs and user demand. The study combines spatial analysis and charging behavior to recommend enhancements in public EV charging infrastructure layouts.
Hybrid Quantum Technologies for Quantum Support Vector Machines
Authors: Orazi Filippo , Gasperini Simone , Lodi Stefano , Sartori Claudio
Published: January 2024

Quantum computing has rapidly gained prominence for its unprecedented computational efficiency in solving specific problems when compared to classical computing counterparts. This surge in attention is particularly pronounced in the realm of quantum machine learning (QML) following a classical trend. Here we start with a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in Quantum Support Vector Machines (QSVMs). Subsequently, we analyze the limitations inherent in both annealing and gate-based techniques. To address these identified weaknesses, we propose a novel hybrid methodology that integrates aspects of both techniques, thereby mitigating several individual drawbacks while keeping the advantages. We provide a detailed presentation of the two components of our hybrid models, accompanied by the presentation of experimental results that corroborate the efficacy of the proposed architecture. These results pave the way for a more integrated paradigm in quantum machine learning and quantum computing at large, transcending traditional compartmentalization.
Inflammatory Markers and Sleep Architecture in Sleep Bruxism—A Case-Control Study
Authors: Fulek Michal , Wieckiewicz Mieszko , Szymanska-Chabowska Anna , Gac Pawel , Poreba Rafal , Markiewicz-Gorka Iwona , Wojakowska Anna , Mazur Grzegorz , Martynowicz Helena
Published: January 2024

Background: Sleep bruxism (SB) is a common sleep-related movement behavior with a multifaceted etiology and a deficiently understood pathophysiology. A recent hypothesis suggests a link between SB and systemic inflammation. The scope of the study was to determine whether bruxers have altered sleep structure and different levels of inflammatory parameters compared to nonbruxers. Methods: A total of 83 adults underwent full-night polysomnography. The polysomnograms were evaluated using the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines. Then, the blood samples were obtained from the participants by venipuncture and the analyses were performed. The study group was divided based on bruxism episode index (BEI) into two groups: BEI ≤ 4 and BEI > 4. Results: In comparison with nonbruxers, the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) was significantly higher in severe bruxers (7.5 ± 11.08 vs. 3.33 ± 5.75, p < 0.005), as well as the arousal parameters (7.77 ± 4.68 vs. 4.03 ± 2.97, p < 0.001), and the mean oxygen desaturation (3.49 ± 0.69 vs. 3.01 ± 0.67, p < 0.05). Moreover, the differences in sleep architecture and deprivation of the deep sleep phase were observed, the non-REM sleep stage 3 was significantly shorter in severe bruxers (p < 0.03). Differences were also noted in non-REM sleep stage 1 and REM sleep phase. In the investigated group, there were no statistical differences in inflammatory cytokines levels between bruxers and nonbruxers. Conclusions: Sleep bruxism is associated with sleep structure alterations and may be associated with deep sleep phase deprivation. The inflammatory markers are not linearly correlated with the severity of sleep bruxism expressed as BEI.
Acidity Is an Excellent Marker of Infection in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Judl Tobiáš , Popelka Stanislav , Tomšík Elena , Hrubý Martin , Daniel Matěj , Fojt Jaroslav , Melicherčík Pavel , Landor Ivan , Jahoda David
Published: January 2024

Background: The diagnosis of joint replacement infection is a difficult clinical challenge that often occurs when the implant cannot be salvaged. We hypothesize that the pH value of synovial fluid could be an important indicator of the inflammatory status of the joint. However, in the literature, there is a lack of data on the pH changes in hip and knee joint replacements and their relation to infection and implant failure. In this study, we aimed to measure the pH levels of synovial fluid in patients with hip and knee joint replacements. We also investigated the potential of pH measurement as a diagnostic tool for joint replacement infection. In this study, we recorded the pH values to be 7.55 and 7.46 in patients where Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified as the cause of the prosthetic joint infection. We attribute this to the different environments created by this specific bacterium. In other cases where the pH was higher, chronic mitigated infections were diagnosed, caused by strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiase, and coagulase negative staphylococcus. Materials and methods: In our cohort of 155 patients with implanted hip (THA; n = 85) or knee (TKA; n = 70) joint replacements, we conducted a prospective study with a pH measurement. Out of the whole cohort, 44 patients had confirmed joint replacement infection (28.4%) (44/155). In 111 patients, infection was ruled out (71.6%) (111/155). Joint replacement infection was classified according to the criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) from 2018. Based on the measured values, we determined the cut-off level for the probability of ongoing inflammation. We also determined the sensitivity and specificity of the measurement. Results: The group of patients with infection (n = 44) had a significantly lower synovial fluid pH (pH = 6.98 ± 0.48) than the group of patients with no infection (n = 111, pH = 7.82 ± 0.29, p < 0.001). The corresponding median pH values were 7.08 for the patients with infection and 7.83 for the patients with no infection. When we determined the cut-off level of pH 7.4, the sensitivity level of infected replacements was 88.6%, and the specificity level of the measurement was 95.5%. The predictive value of a positive test was 88.6%, and the predictive value of a negative test was 95.5%. Conclusions: Our results confirm that it is appropriate to include a pH measurement in the diagnostic spectrum of hip and knee replacements. This diagnostic approach has the potential to provide continuous in vivo feedback, facilitated by specialized biosensors. The advantage of this method is the future incorporation of a pH-detecting sensor into intelligent knee and hip replacements that will assess pH levels over time. By integrating these biosensors into intelligent implants, the early detection of joint replacement infections could be achieved, enhancing proactive intervention strategies.
Comparison of Quality of Recovery between Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerves Block through Perichondrial Approach versus Oblique Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Suzuka Takanori , Tanaka Nobuhiro , Kadoya Yuma , Ida Mitsuru , Iwata Masato , Ozu Naoki , Kawaguchi Masahiko
Published: January 2024

Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through a perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) provides a wide analgesic range. Herein, we examined the quality of recovery (QoR) of M-TAPA for total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) compared with oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block (OSTAPB) and measured plasma levobupivacaine concentrations (PClevo). Forty female patients undergoing TLH were randomized to each group. Nerve blocks were performed bilaterally with 25 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine administered per side. The primary outcome was changes in QoR-15 scores on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 from the preoperative baseline. The main secondary outcomes were PClevo at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 120 min after performing nerve block. Group differences (M-TAPA—OSTAPB) in mean changes from baseline in QoR-15 scores on POD 1 and 2 were −11.3 (95% confidence interval (CI), −24.9 to 2.4, p = 0.104; standard deviation (SD), 22.8) and −7.0 (95% CI, −20.5 to 6.6, p = 0.307; SD, 18.7), respectively. Changes in PClevo were similar in both groups. The post hoc analysis using Bayesian statistics revealed that posterior probabilities of M-TAPA being clinically more effective than OSTAPB were up to 22.4 and 24.4% for POD 1 and 2, respectively. In conclusion, M-TAPA may not be superior to OSTAPB for TLH.
Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Rate of ZnAg3 as a Novel Bioabsorbable Material for Osteosynthesis
Authors: Roesner Maria , Zankovic Sergej , Kovacs Adalbert , Benner Moritz , Barkhoff Roland , Seidenstuecker Michael
Published: January 2024

Osteosynthesis in fracture treatment typically uses hardware that remains in the patient’s body, which brings a permanent risk of negative side effects such as foreign body reactions or chronic inflammation. Bioabsorbable materials, however, can degrade and slowly be replaced by autologous bone tissue. A suitable material is requested to offer great biocompatibility alongside excellent mechanical properties and a reasonable corrosion rate. Zinc–silver alloys provide these characteristics, which makes them a promising candidate for research. This study investigated the aptitude as a bioabsorbable implant of a novel zinc–silver alloy containing 3.3 wt% silver (ZnAg3). Here, the tensile strength as well as the corrosion rate in PBS solution (phosphate buffered solution) of ZnAg3 were assessed. Furthermore, shear tests, including fatigue and quasi-static testing, were conducted with ZnAg3 and magnesium pins (MAGNEZIX®, Syntellix AG, Hannover, Germany), which are already in clinical use. The detected corrosion rate of 0.10 mm/year for ZnAg3 was within the proposed range for bioabsorbable implants. With a tensile strength of 237.5 ± 2.12 MPa and a shear strength of 144.8 ± 13.2 N, ZnAg3 satisfied the mechanical requirements for bioabsorbable implants. The fatigue testing did not show any significant difference between ZnAg3 and magnesium pins, whereas both materials withstood the cyclic loading. Thus, the results support the assumption that ZnAg3 is qualified for further investigation.
Caricatures, Canards, and Guignols: Satirical Journalism in France from the French Revolution to Fifth Republic
Authors: Fraser Matthew
Published: January 2024

The special status of satire in France is examined historically from the French Revolution to the Fifth Republic. It is argued that satire in France functions with a normative reference to the secular, universalist Jacobin values (hostile to church, aristocracy, and monarchy) that underpinned the foundation of the French Republic. Since the French Revolution, French journalistic satire has, in different ways, perpetrated what can broadly be categorized as either lèse majesté or blasphemy. Given France’s turbulent history over the past two centuries, satire has frequently been used as an instrument to reaffirm the Republic’s values vis-à-vis authoritarian regimes with different characteristics. The symbolic connection between satire and the French Republic’s founding mythology has conferred upon the idiom a special status that endures today. The Fifth Republic, however, has presented a unique challenge to satire because of its authoritarian institutional character with personal power in the hands of the head-of-state. Three case studies are examined: the newspapers Le Canard Enchaîné and Charlie Hebdo and the satirical television program Les Guignols de l’Info. Today satire has found expression on online social networks in the form of memes, gifs, and videos. This marks a shift from satire produced by journalistic elites to more diffused and socially distributed satirical mockery.
Triple-Entry Accounting and System Integration
Authors: Petratos Pythagoras
Published: January 2024

Triple Entry Accounting (TEA) provides an opportunity for fundamental change in accounting. TEA is a foundational development of Blockchain technology, which is considered a pillar of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Nevertheless, in order to augment its impact, TEA should be integrated with other systems. This paper aims to examine the relationship of TEA with system integration (SI) and how it can affect integration. This study reviews the SI literature in the context of accounting, examines how the literature on TEA has evolved over the years, and finally contributes to the analysis of how TEA is related to integration. A key theme is the connection of accounting controls and system integration. The methodology of the four design principles of control in system integration is adopted. Transparency is the main perspective of these principles. It was found that TEA promotes transparency, reduces the risk of fraud, and facilitates system integration.
Coastal Dune Restoration: A Checklist Approach to Site Selection
Authors: Della Bella Andrea , Del Vecchio Silvia , Fantinato Edy , Buffa Gabriella
Published: January 2024

Coastal dune systems around the world have been severely degraded by human activities, especially in the last century. This has resulted in severe structural and functional damage to these dynamic yet fragile transitional ecosystems and a net loss of important ecosystem services, especially in the face of climate change threats. The implementation of measures for sustainable coastal management and the restoration of degraded ecosystems are urgently needed. In this context, we revised and used several indicators and indices on the geomorphology, biology, and ecology of the dune systems along the Venetian coast to define the current conservation status and assess the feasibility of dune restoration measures. The application of the indices provided important information about the sites and the measures needed to improve the functionality of the coastal dune systems. In addition, the indices provided useful insights for the implementation of management strategies aimed at ensuring the current and future provision of ecosystem services by coastal dune systems and promoting their sustainable use by translating scientific knowledge into management and restoration practices, which has been a bottleneck in ecosystem conservation and restoration so far.
The Effects and Mechanisms of the Rural Homestead System on the Imbalance of Rural Human–Land Relationships: Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration in China
Authors: Yi Yuan , Duan Kaifeng , He Fang , Si Yuxuan
Published: January 2024

The imbalance of rural human–land relationships has become a notable problem in China’s urbanization process. The dual urban–rural system is widely regarded as the crucial factor contributing to this problem in China. Although the significance of institutional forces has been substantially recognized, the rural homestead system seems to be generally under-evaluated in this issue. Most of the previous literature focuses on the dual household registration system, while the effects and the detailed mechanisms of the rural homestead system on human–land relationships lack depth in research. The objective of this research is to help fill this gap in the literature on the complex effects and the detailed mechanisms of the rural homestead system on rural human–land relationships. In view of this, this paper establishes a conceptual framework on the basis of land function theory and public domain of property rights theory and proposes two mechanism hypotheses: one is the land attachment mechanism of farmers’ rights and interests (LAM), the other is the land finance preference mechanism of local governments (LFPM). Then, this article examines them empirically using the panel model with the data of 41 cities from 2010 to 2021 in the Yangtze River Delta of China. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) LAM promotes the imbalance of rural human–land relationships due to the attachment of farmer’s social security rights and property expectant interests to the rural homesteads; (2) LFPM drives the imbalance of rural human–land relationships, owing to both the preference of land transfer revenue and the exclusion of rural migrants’ citizenship financial cost on local governments; (3) the moderating effects suggest that LFPM can strengthen the effect of LAM, and the spatial Durbin model results show that both LAM and LFPM have spatial spillover effects. It is hoped that the findings will provide a reference for deepening the rural homestead system reform.
Facilitating Water Permeation in Graphene Oxide Membranes via Incorporating Sulfonato Calix[n]arenes
Authors: Ji Yufan , Dong Shurui , Huang Yiping , Yue Changhai , Zhu Hao , Wu Dan , Zhao Jing
Published: January 2024

Graphene oxide (GO) with its atomic thickness and abundant functional groups holds great potential in molecular-scale membrane separation. However, constructing high-speed and highly selective water transport channels within GO membranes remains a key challenge. Herein, sulfonato calix[n]arenes (SCn) molecules with a cavity structure, hydrophilic entrance, and hydrophobic wall were incorporated into GO interlayer channels through a layer-by-layer assembly approach to facilitate water permeation in a water/ethanol separation process. The hydrophilic entrance enables preferential access of water molecules to the cavity over ethanol molecules, while the high hydrophobicity of the cavity wall confers low resistance for water diffusion. After incorporating SCn molecules, the membrane shows a remarkable increase in the water/ethanol separation factor from 732 to 1260, while the permeate flux also increases by about 50%. In addition, the strong electrostatic interactions between the building blocks endow the membrane with excellent swelling resistance even under a high water content. This work provides an effective strategy of constructing high-efficiency water transport channels in membrane.
Spectral Characterization of Battery Components from Li-Ion Battery Recycling Processes
Authors: Richter Julia , Lorenz Sandra , Kaas Alexandra , Fuchs Margret , Röder Christian , Peuker Urs A. , Heitmann Johannes , Gloaguen Richard
Published: January 2024

Considering the increasing demand for Li-ion batteries, there is a need for sophisticated recycling strategies with both high recovery rates and low costs. Applying optical sensors for automating component detection is a very promising approach because of the non-contact, real-time process monitoring and the potential for complete digitization of mechanical sorting processes. In this work, mm-scale particles from shredded end-of-life Li-ion batteries are investigated by five different reflectance sensors, and a range from the visible to long-wave infrared is covered to determine the ideal detection window for major component identification as relevant input signals to sorting technologies. Based on the characterization, a spectral library including Al, Cu, separator foil, inlay foil, and plastic splinters was created, and the visible to near-infrared range (400–1000 nm) was identified as the most suitable spectral range to reliably discriminate between Al, Cu, and other battery components in the recycling material stream of interest. The evaluation of the different sensor types outlines that only imaging sensors meet the requirements of recycling stream monitoring and can deliver sufficient signal quality for subsequent mechanical sorting controls. Requirements for the setup parameters were discussed leading to the setup recommendation of a fast snapshot camera with a sufficiently high spectral resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.
Creep-Fatigue Life Evaluation for Grade 91 Steels with Various Origins and Service Histories
Authors: Shigeyama Haruhisa , Takahashi Yukio , Siefert John , Parker Jonathan
Published: January 2024

Grade 91 steel is widely used in the boilers and piping of thermal power plants. There has been significant research interest in understanding the variations in creep characteristics among different heats of this steel for effective plant management. In recent years, thermal power plants have been subjected to frequent load changes and startup/shutdown to adjust power supply and demand and stabilize frequencies. These operational shifts have raised concerns regarding the potential for creep-fatigue damage in high-temperature components. Therefore, this research focuses on creep-fatigue properties of Grade 91 steel and their predictability. Tensile, creep, strain-controlled fatigue, and strain-controlled creep-fatigue tests were performed on six Grade 91 steels with different heats and/or histories, and the characteristics in each test were compared. As a result, the variations in creep-fatigue life among the materials were found to be correlated with the difference in creep characteristics and stress level during stress relaxation. Furthermore, the study involved a comparative assessment of the predictive performance of creep-fatigue life using five different approaches: time fraction, classical ductility exhaustion, modified ductility exhaustion, energy-based, and hybrid approaches. Among these approaches, the hybrid approach, based on inelastic strain energy density at fracture formulated as a function of inelastic strain rate, exhibited the most accurate predictive performance.
Evolution of Microstructure and Crystallographic Texture in Deformed and Annealed BCC Metals and Alloys: A Review
Authors: Tandon Vipin , Park Ki-Seong , Khatirkar Rajesh , Gupta Aman , Choi Shi-Hoon
Published: January 2024

Dislocation slips, twinning, shear banding (SBs), strain localization, and martensite formation are a few deformation modes that are activated in BCC metals and alloys. Strain, strain rate, and deformation temperature are other parameters that determine the activation of deformation modes in BCC alloys. This review focuses on several BCC alloys, such as beta-titanium (β-Ti), tantalum (Ta), and ferritic stainless steels (FSSs), all of which exhibit differences in deformation behavior. These alloys often undergo thermo-mechanical processing (TMP) to enhance their mechanical properties. TMP leads to the evolution of deformation-induced products, such as SBs, strain-induced martensite (SIM), strain localizations, and mechanical/deformation twins (DTs) during plastic deformation, while also influencing crystallographic texture. The deformation modes in β-Ti depend upon the stability of the β-phase (i.e., β-stabilizers); low-stability alloys show the formation of SIM along with slips and twins, whereas in highly stable β-Ti alloys, only slip+twin modes are observed as the primary deformation mechanisms. In the case of Ta, slip activity predominantly occurs on {110} planes, but it can also occur on planes with the highest resolved shear stress. The breakdown of Schmid’s law or non-Schmid behavior for Ta and Ta-W alloys has been discussed in detail. The cold rolling (CR) of FSSs results in the formation of ridges, which is an undesirable phenomenon leading to very low formability. The microstructures of the rolled sheets consist of elongated ferrite grains with in-grain SBs, which are preferentially formed in the γ-fiber-oriented grains. The formation of finer grains after recrystallization improves both the mechanical properties and ridging resistance in FSS. Therefore, this review comprehensively reports on the impact of TMP on the microstructural and crystallographic texture evolution during the plastic deformation and annealing treatment of β-Ti, Ta alloys, and FSSs in BCC materials, using results obtained from electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.
Purification of Copper Concentrate from Arsenic under Autoclave Conditions
Authors: Karimov Kirill , Dizer Oleg , Tretiak Maksim , Rogozhnikov Denis
Published: January 2024

This study presents the results of a two-stage autoclave processing of a copper–arsenic concentrate. Copper concentrate is an important raw material to produce copper and other metals. However, in some cases, the concentrate may contain increased amounts of arsenic, which makes further processing difficult. Therefore, the development of modern hydrometallurgical methods for processing copper concentrate with a high arsenic content is an urgent task, which could lead to the optimization of the raw material processing process and the improvement of the quality of the concentrate. It has been established that the optimal conditions for the sequential two-stage autoclave processing of copper–arsenic concentrate are: t = 220–225 °C, τoxidation = 20 min, τtot = 90 min, Po2 = 0.4 MPa, and L:S = 10:1, [H2SO4]initial = 40 g/dm3; in this case, 85% of zinc, 44% of iron, and 78% of arsenic, respectively, are extracted into the solution during both stages and the loss of copper was about 0.01%. This is explained by the fact that at the first stage (oxidation) of the autoclave processing of the copper–arsenic concentrate, copper, together with iron, leaches into the solution, and at the second stage (reduction), copper precipitates out of the solution in the form of chalcocite. Copper in the residue after autoclave leaching is in the form of Cu2S, iron is in the form of pyrite (FeS2), and lead is in the form of anglesite (PbSO4), respectively. The obtained micrographs and EDX mappings clearly show no iron arsenates. This confirms that at the oxidative stage of the developed process, arsenic, removed by 78%, remains in the solution. The remaining arsenic is associated with tennantite, indicating the effectiveness of the treatment process in removing arsenic from the copper–arsenic concentrate. A second important observation is the presence of pronounced areas of copper sulfides in the microphotos without iron and arsenic impurities. This confirms that copper is deposited as chalcocite during the reduction phase of the process, which is the desired result.
Clinical Efficacy and Metabolomics Modifications Induced by Polyphenol Compound Supplementation in the Treatment of Residual Dizziness following Semont Maneuver in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) of the Posterior Semicircular Canal (PSC): Preliminary Results
Authors: Casani Augusto Pietro , Albera Roberto , Piras Cristina , Albera Andrea , Noto Antonio , Ducci Nicola , Atzori Luigi , Lucisano Sergio , Mussap Michele , Fanos Vassilios
Published: January 2024

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) represents the most frequent cause of peripheral vertigo. In most cases, it is successfully treated using the canalith repositioning procedure, but it is often followed by continuous lightheadedness in the absence of vertigo or nystagmus (residual dizziness, RD). Our aim is to describe the clinical effectiveness and the urine metabolomics profile of treating these patients with polyphenol compound supplementation. We enrolled 30 patients reporting RD after BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal (PSC) successfully treated using the Semont maneuver. Supplementation with a polyphenol compound was administered for 60 days, and patients were evaluated after 30 and 60 days of treatment using self-administered questionnaires (Visual Analog Scales for Dizziness and Nausea, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, DHI) and urine metabolomics analysis performed using 1H-NMR spectroscopy and multivariate followed by univariate analysis. Most patients reported excellent or good efficacy in the treatment of RD with a significant decrease in VAS and DHI values. The metabolomics analysis identified six significant metabolites related to the treatment, namely 1-methylnicotinamide, anserine, hippurate, lysine, methyl succinate and urea, indicating the inflammatory activities and antioxidant properties of the polyphenol compound. These preliminary data suggest that supplementation with a polyphenol compound could induce some metabolic changes that can help in recovery from RD. However, future steps will require confirmation with a more significant cohort of patients and an extension of the metabolomics evaluation to other problems concerning the different clinical aspects of BPPV, such as the high rate of relapse.
Metabolomics Reveals Lysinibacillus capsici TT41-Induced Metabolic Shifts Enhancing Drought Stress Tolerance in Kimchi Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis)
Authors: Kim Tae Jin , Hwang Ye Ji , Park Young Jin , Lee Jong Sung , Kim Jae Kwang , Lee Mi-Hwa
Published: January 2024

Climate change has increased variable weather patterns that affect plants. To address these issues, we developed a microbial biocontrol agent against drought stress in kimchi cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis). We selected three bacterial strains (Leifsonia sp. CS9, Bacillus toyonensis TSJ7, and Lysinibacillus capsici TT41) because they showed a survival rate of up to 50% and good growth rate when treated with 30% PEG 6000. The three strains were treated with kimchi cabbage to confirm their enhanced drought stress resistance under non-watering conditions. Among the three strains, the TT41 treated group showed a significant increase in various plant parameters compared with the negative control on the 7th day. We performed extensive profiling of primary and secondary metabolites from kimchi cabbage and the TT41 strain. Multivariate and pathway analyses revealed that only the TT41 group clustered with the well-watered group and showed almost the same metabolome on the 7th day. When treated with TT41, lactic acid was identified as an indicator metabolite that significantly improved drought stress tolerance. Furthermore, lactic acid treatment effectively induced drought stress tolerance in kimchi cabbage, similar to that achieved with the TT41 strain.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Recent Advances in Microwave Components and Devices
Authors: Wang Jingchen , Lai Wencheng
Published: January 2024

Microwave components and devices are essential elements of many key communication, sensing, and monitoring systems [...]
Hybrid Impedimetric Biosensors for Express Protein Markers Detection
Authors: Sitkov Nikita , Ryabko Andrey , Moshnikov Vyacheslav , Aleshin Andrey , Kaplun Dmitry , Zimina Tatiana
Published: January 2024

Impedimetric biosensors represent a powerful and promising tool for studying and monitoring biological processes associated with proteins and can contribute to the development of new approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The basic principles, analytical methods, and applications of hybrid impedimetric biosensors for express protein detection in biological fluids are described. The advantages of this type of biosensors, such as simplicity and speed of operation, sensitivity and selectivity of analysis, cost-effectiveness, and an ability to be integrated into hybrid microfluidic systems, are demonstrated. Current challenges and development prospects in this area are analyzed. They include (a) the selection of materials for electrodes and formation of nanostructures on their surface; (b) the development of efficient methods for biorecognition elements’ deposition on the electrodes’ surface, providing the specificity and sensitivity of biosensing; (c) the reducing of nonspecific binding and interference, which could affect specificity; (d) adapting biosensors to real samples and conditions of operation; (e) expanding the range of detected proteins; and, finally, (f) the development of biosensor integration into large microanalytical system technologies. This review could be useful for researchers working in the field of impedimetric biosensors for protein detection, as well as for those interested in the application of this type of biosensor in biomedical diagnostics.
Assessment of Sorption of Anthocyanins from Red Cabbage onto Bentonites from Patagonia (Argentina)
Authors: Rodríguez-Ameijide Vanina , Maggio Andrea , Pozo Manuel , Gómez M. , Naranjo Pablo , Roca-Jalil M.
Published: January 2024

In the northern Patagonian region of Argentina, some of the largest bentonite deposits exist. Four bentonite samples (B1, B2, B3, and B4) from two deposits were thoroughly characterised and evaluated as potential adsorbents of anthocyanins extracted from red cabbage. Anthocyanins (ACys) are natural colourants obtained from fruits and plants and have shown excellent antioxidant properties that have promising applications in health. The adsorption of ACys onto bentonites enhances their stability relative to that observed in aqueous solutions. Material characterisation showed that three of the samples are soFdium bentonites (Na-bentonites: B2, B3, and B4), while the fourth exhibits a large quantity of magnesium and calcium in its interlayer, classifying it as a Mg-Ca-Na-bentonite (B1). Na-bentonites demonstrated higher ACy adsorption capacities, occurring through cation exchange, while Mg-Ca-Na-bentonite adsorption occurs by another type of interaction and a cooperative adsorption mechanism, resulting in the lowest ACy adsorption. The highest adsorption capacity was noted for B3, characterised by the highest smectite content, cation exchange capacity, and proportion of monovalent cations in its interlayer. Under the conditions studied, sodium smectites proved to be capable of retaining red cabbage ACys, thereby introducing a novel avenue for potential applications of regional materials with potential implications for health-related uses.
A Simplified Method for Calculating Surface Area of Mammalian Erythrocytes
Authors: Udroiu Ion
Published: January 2024

Knowledge of the geometric quantities of the erythrocyte is useful in several physiological studies, both for zoologists and veterinarians. While the diameter and volume (MCV) are easily obtained from observations of blood smears and complete blood count, respectively, the thickness and surface area are instead much more difficult to measure. The precise description of the erythrocyte geometry is given by the equation of the oval of Cassini, but the formulas deriving from it are very complex, comprising elliptic integrals. In this article, three solids are proposed as models approximating the erythrocyte: sphere, cylinder and a spheroid with concave caps. The volumes and surface areas obtained with these models are compared to those effectively measured. The spheroid with concave caps gives the best approximation and can be used as a simple model to determine the erythrocyte surface area. With this model, a simple method that allows one to estimate the surface area by knowing only the diameter and MCV is proposed.
Sustainable Zeolite–Silver Nanocomposites via Green Methods for Water Contaminant Mitigation and Modeling Approaches
Authors: Ruíz-Baltazar Álvaro de Jesús , Reyes-López Simón Yobanny , Méndez-Lozano Néstor , Medellín-Castillo Nahum Andrés , Pérez Ramiro
Published: January 2024

This study explores cutting-edge and sustainable green methodologies and technologies for the synthesis of functional nanomaterials, with a specific focus on the removal of water contaminants and the application of kinetic adsorption models. Our research adopts a conscientious approach to environmental stewardship by synergistically employing eco-friendly silver nanoparticles, synthesized using Justicia spicigera extract as a biogenic reducing agent, in conjunction with Mexican zeolite to enhance contaminant remediation, particularly targeting Cu2+ ions. Structural analysis, utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), yields crucial insights into nanocomposite structure and morphology. Rigorous linear and non-linear kinetic models, encompassing pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Freundlich, and Langmuir, are employed to elucidate the kinetics and equilibrium behaviors of adsorption. The results underscore the remarkable efficiency of the Zeolite–Ag composite in Cu2+ ion removal, surpassing traditional materials and achieving an impressive adsorption rate of 98% for Cu. Furthermore, the Zeolite–Ag composite exhibits maximum adsorption times of 480 min. In the computational analysis, an initial mechanism for Cu2+ adsorption on zeolites is identified. The process involves rapid adsorption onto the surface of the Zeolite–Ag NP composite, followed by a gradual diffusion of ions into the cavities within the zeolite structure. Upon reaching equilibrium, a substantial reduction in copper ion concentration in the solution signifies successful removal. This research represents a noteworthy stride in sustainable contaminant removal, aligning with eco-friendly practices and supporting the potential integration of this technology into environmental applications. Consequently, it presents a promising solution for eco-conscious contaminant remediation, emphasizing the utilization of green methodologies and sustainable technologies in the development of functional nanomaterials.
Optimization of the Consolidation Parameters for Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of Gr-Bi2Te2.55Se0.45 Nanocomposites
Authors: El-Makaty Farah , Hamouda Abdel Magid , Abutaha Anas , Youssef Khaled
Published: January 2024

Hot pressing represents a promising consolidation technique for ball-milled bismuth telluride alloys, yet deep investigations are needed to understand its effect on the thermoelectric properties. This paper studies the effect of hot-pressing parameters (temperature and pressure) on the thermoelectric properties of the n-type Gr-Bi2Te2.55Se0.45 nanocomposite. Ultra-high pressure, up to 1.5 GPa, is considered for the first time for consolidating Bi2(Te,Se)3 alloys. Results from this study show that increasing the temperature leads to changes in chemical composition and causes noticeable grain growth. On the contrary, increasing pressure mainly causes improvements in densification. Overall, increments in these two parameters improve the ZT values, with the temperature parameter having a higher influence. The highest ZT of 0.69 at 160 °C was obtained for the sample hot-pressed at 350 °C and 1 GPa for 5 min, which is indeed an excellent and competitive value when compared with results reported for this n-type Bi2Te2.55Se0.45 composition.