bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane-induced tau amyloid fibrils
Authors: El Mammeri Nadia , Gampp Olivia , Duan Pu , Hong Mei
Published: April 2023

The intrinsically disordered protein tau aggregates into β-sheet amyloid fibrils that spread in human brains afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Tau interaction with lipid membranes might play a role in the formation and spreading of these pathological aggregates. Here we investigate the conformation and assembly of membrane-induced tau aggregates using solid-state NMR and transmission electron microscopy. A tau construct that encompasses the microtubule-binding repeats and a proline-rich domain is reconstituted into cholesterol-containing phospholipid membranes. 2D 13C-13C correlation spectra indicate that tau converted from a random coil to a β-sheet conformation over weeks. Small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) cause different equilibrium conformations from large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) and multilamellar vesicles (MLVs). Importantly, SUV-bound tau developed long fibrils that exhibit the characteristic β-sheet chemical shifts of Tyr310 in heparin-fibrillized tau. In comparison, LUVs and MLVs do not induce fibrils but cause different β-sheet aggregates. Lipid-protein correlation spectra indicate that these tau aggregates reside at the membrane-water interface, without inserting into the middle of the lipid bilayer. Removal of cholesterol from the SUVs abolished the fibrils, indicating that both membrane curvature and cholesterol are required for tau fibril formation. These results have implications for how lipid membranes might nucleate tau aggregates.
Metabolic cooperation between conspecific genotypic groups contributes to bacterial fitness
Authors: Lin Lin , Du Rubing , Wu Qun , Xu Yan
Published: April 2023

Microbial interactions are important for the survival of species and the stability of the microbial ecosystem. Although bacteria have diverse conspecific genotypes in the natural microbial ecosystem, little is known about whether wild-type strains within species would interact with each other and how the intraspecific interaction influences the growth of the species. In this work, using Lactobacillus acetotolerans, a dominant species with diverse conspecific genotypes in natural food fermentation ecosystems as a case, we studied the interactions between different genotypic groups of this species. In interspecific and intraspecific pairwise cocultures, the growth of L. acetotolerans decreased, but the increase of the phylogenetic similarity would reduce this negative effect, indicating a potential intraspecific interaction of this species. Meanwhile, the strain classification method affected the analysis of intraspecific interactions, which can be efficiently demonstrated using 99.5% average nucleotide identity (ANI) as the strain-level classification method. Using this ANI classification method, we revealed the population fitness significantly increased in cocultures of different genotypic groups. Facilitation involving 11 amino acids was identified between different ANI genotypic groups, which was beneficial for increasing population fitness. This work revealed that wild-type conspecific strains could interact with each other via cooperative metabolic changes and benefit each other to increase fitness. It shed new light on the survival and stability of species in natural microbial ecosystems.
Light-activated PEG deshielding core–shell nanoparticles for enhanced chemo-photodynamic combination therapy
Authors: Zhang Jinbo , Zhang Lingpu , Guo Jianmei , Yu Bingzheng , Yu Yingjie , Liu Chaoyong
Published: April 2023

To improve the penetration of drugs at the tumor site, light-triggered charge reversal nanoparticles with core-shell structure was developed, which greatly improves the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents.
Structural, vibrational, photoelectrochemical, and optical properties of two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite BA2PbI4 crystals
Authors: Du Aochen , Shen Debing , Zhao Wenxiao , Liu Yongzhen , Qin Xinzhi , Lin Zexi , Ye Yun , Chen Enguo , Xu Sheng , Guo Tailiang
Published: April 2023

A two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite BA2PbI4 was systematically studied, including its crystal structure, microstructure, electronic structure, phonon dispersion, vibrational characteristics, etc.
Insights into the electronic modulation of bimetallic Pt–Sn cluster for the selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene
Authors: Gong Nengfeng , He Huizi , Wan Hongliu , Hou Huaming , Zhou Ziyu , Yang Yibo , Qin Gaolei , Yin Anping , Cai Yuhang , Sun Xiaodong , Li Yongwang , Cao Zhi
Published: April 2023

The intrinsic principle of the electronic property of Pt catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene was systemically elucidated.
A Z-scheme ZnIn2S4/ZnS heterojunction catalyst: insight into enhanced photocatalytic performance and mechanism
Authors: Liu Shuaishuai , Mao Yuchen , Su Zhiyuan , Fang Fan , Li Kun , Wu Yuhan , Liu Puyu , Li Peng , Chang Kun
Published: April 2023

The reasonable design of a highly efficient photocatalyst to improve its hydrogen production performance has attracted extensive attention.
Efficient emission of Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) complexes with nopinane-annelated 4,5-diazafluorene and 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one ligands: how slight structural modification alters fluorescence mechanism
Authors: Kokina Tatyana E. , Shekhovtsov Nikita A. , Vasilyev Eugene S. , Glinskaya Ludmila A. , Mikheylis Aleksandr V. , Plyusnin Victor F. , Tkachev Alexey V. , Bushuev Mark B.
Published: April 2023

A slight structural modification while going from a 4,5-diazafluorene ligand to a 4,5-diazafluorene-9-one ligand leads to a significant change in the emission properties of their Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) complexes.
A mononuclear cobalt(iii) carboxylate complex with a fully O-based coordination sphere: CoIII–O bond homolysis and controlled radical polymerisation from [Co(acac)2(O2CPh)]
Authors: Michelas Maxime , Daran Jean-Claude , Sournia-Saquet Alix , Fliedel Christophe , Poli Rinaldo
Published: April 2023

Complex [CoIII(acac)2(O2CPh)], readily prepared from [CoII(acac)2] and benzoyl peroxide, thermally generates benzoate radicals and initiates an organometallic-mediated radical polymerisation of vinyl acetate.
Efficient solar energy conversion via bionic sunlight-driven ion transport boosted by synergistic photo-electric/thermal effects
Authors: Wang Jin , Wang Di , Song Zeyuan , Jiang Na , Li Shangzhen , Zhang Yufei , Huang Bo , Zhou Huijiao , Cui Zheng , Wang Lei
Published: April 2023

High-efficient light-responsive ion transport in heterogenous 2D Ti3C2Tx-g-C3N4/chitosan nanochannels based on a photo-electric/thermal synergic mechanism promote the possibility of practical ionic/solar/electricity energy conversion applications.
Evaluation of sorbents and matrix effects for treating heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as co-contaminants in stormwater
Authors: Parker Bethany A. , Kanalos Casey A. , Radniecki Tyler S. , Massey Simonich Staci L. , Field Jennifer A.
Published: April 2023

Proposed workflow for down-selection of sorbents in synthetic and real stormwaters for optimized heavy metal and PFAS removal.
A three-in-one microfluidic droplet digital PCR platform for absolute quantitative analysis of DNA
Authors: Ren Yulin , Ji Jingcheng , Zhang Haoqing , Cao Lei , Hu Jie , Xu Feng , Li Zedong
Published: April 2023

An integrated three-in-one ddPCR platform consisting of an easy-to-use chip and a matching control instrument with high user-friendliness and practicability was proposed for nucleic acid detection.
Sn2+doping-induced large extra vibrational energy of an excited state for efficient blue emission in Cs2SnCl6:Bi
Authors: Fang Shaofan , Huang Jinbo , Li Huixia , Nie Jingheng , Liu Zexiang , Fang Feier , Zhong Haizhe
Published: April 2023

Sn2+and Bi3+co-doped Cs2SnCl6was achieved by using SnCl2as the precursor. Sn2+increases the extra vibrational energy of the excited state through more localized excitons, and thus greatly improves the radiative transition efficiency.
Novel hexameric tin carboxylate clusters as efficient negative-tone EUV photoresists: high resolution with well-defined patterns under low energy doses
Authors: Wu Jia-Rong , Lin Ting-An , Wu Yan-Ru , Chen Po-Hsiung , Gau Tsi-Sheng , Lin Burn-Jeng , Chiu Po-Wen , Liu Rai-Shung
Published: April 2023

Synthesis of two novel tin carboxylate clusters (RSn)6(R′CO2)8O4Cl2 is described, and their structures have been characterized by X-ray diffraction.
Understanding silicon monoxide gas evolution from mixed silicon and silica powders
Authors: O’Connor Kevin M. , Rubletz Abbie , Trach Jonathan , Butler Cole , Veinot Jonathan G. C.
Published: April 2023

The effects of silicon monoxide evolution on mixtures of silicon and silica are examined from a materials perspective.
Visual demonstration and prediction of the Hofmeister series based on a poly(ionic liquid) photonic array
Authors: Li Wenyun , Gao Ning , Zhang Wanlin , Feng Kai , Zhou Kang , Zhao Hongwei , He Guokang , Liu Weigang , Li Guangtao
Published: April 2023

Based on the synergetic integration of poly(ionic liquid)s and photonic structures, a photonic microsphere platform was developed for visually demonstrating and predicting ion effect of the Hofmeister Series in a robust and accurate fashion.
Photopolymerization shrinkage: strategies for reduction, measurement methods and future insights
Authors: Topa-Skwarczyńska Monika , Ortyl Joanna
Published: April 2023

Herein, a review of the literature on polymerization shrinkage occurring in dental composites was presented.
Ligand regulation strategy of COF-based photocatalyst for ROS-mediated RAFT polymerization
Authors: Lu Zhen , Yang Hongjie , Zhao Rui , Zhao Yulai , Xiao Longqiang , Hou Linxi
Published: April 2023

ROS-RAFT polymerization was conducted in aqueous system under open-to-air condition by using two imine COFs as photocatalysts. This work opens a novel pathway for RAFT polymerization application and expand the category of RAFT photocatalyst.
Smart healable polyurethanes: sustainable problem solvers based on constitutional dynamic chemistry
Authors: Sun FuYao , Liu LongFei , Xu JianHua , Fu JiaJun
Published: April 2023

This review article summarizes the recent progress of self-healing/healable polyurethanes and their composites and mainly focuses on multiple construction methods.
Engineering a Co/Co2P Mott–Schottky heterostructure encased in a hollow N-doped carbon polyhedron as an advanced nanoreactor towards high-efficiency electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Li Jing , Feng Xiaoxuan , Zhong Weida , Zhou Mingjun , Qian Min , Xu Jianping , Pang Huang , Xu Lin , Yang Jun , Tang Yawen
Published: April 2023

Through a feasible self-sacrificial template method, a nanoreactor composed of Co/Co2P heterostructured nanoparticlesin situconfined in N-doped carbon hollow rhombic dodecahedrons (Co/Co2P@N-CHRDs) was designed as an excellent OER electrocatalyst.
Efficient degassing and ppm-level oxygen monitoring flow chemistry system
Authors: Baronas Paulius , Elholm Jacob Lynge , Moth-Poulsen Kasper
Published: April 2023

A method for in-line continuous flow degassing to remove up to 99.9% of oxygen from solvents is presented.
Brain Gain – Discovering Neurosciences: A digital education outreach project for higher education students
Authors: Laranjo Mariana , Amaral Sara , Caetano Carolina , Santos Sílvio , Campos Rita , Peça João , Seabra Catarina M.
Published: April 2023

Brain Gain is fighting the ‘brain drain’ by democratizing information on research and careers in neuroscience through a series of open-access and digital education outreach events targeting higher education students, including online talks, pitch challenges, a podcast and a mentorship program. So far, we have reached over 1000 students and our initiatives have been rated as excellent by participants and scientists. Brain Gain initiatives are proving to be effective in inspiring higher education students, providing different resources on career paths, in the neuroscience field, and strengthening the relationship with scientists and universities.
The Relationship Between Acoustic and Kinematic Vowel Space Areas With and Without Normalization for Speakers With and Without Dysarthria
Authors: Kuo Christina , Berry Jeffrey
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

Few studies have reported on the vowel space area (VSA) in both acoustic and kinematic domains. This study examined acoustic and kinematic VSAs for speakers with and without dysarthria and evaluated effects of normalization on acoustic and kinematic VSAs and the relationship between these measures.

Method:

Vowel data from 12 speakers with and without dysarthria, presenting with a range of speech abilities, were examined. The speakers included four speakers with Parkinson's disease (PD), four speakers with brain injury (BI), and four neurotypical (NT) speakers. Speech acoustic and kinematic data were acquired simultaneously using electromagnetic articulography during a passage reading task. Raw and normalized VSAs calculated from corner vowels /i/, /æ/, /ɑ/, and /u/ were evaluated. Normalization was achieved through
z
score transformations to the acoustic and kinematic data. The effect of normalization on variability within and across groups was evaluated. Regression analysis was used across speakers to assess the association between acoustic and kinematic VSAs for both raw and normalized data.

Results:

When evaluating the speakers as three different groups (i.e., PD, BI, and NT), normalization reduced the standard deviations within each group and changed the relative differences in average magnitude between groups. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between normalized, but not raw, acoustic and kinematic VSAs, after the exclusion of an outlier speaker.

Conclusions:

Normalization reduces the variability across speakers, within groups, and changes average magnitudes affecting speaker group comparisons. Normalization also influences the correlation between acoustic and kinematic measures. Further investigation of the impact of normalization techniques upon acoustic and kinematic measures is warranted.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22669747
On the role of interplanetary shocks in accelerating MeV electrons
Authors: Talebpour Sheshvan N. , Dresing N. , Vainio R. , Afanasiev A. , Morosan D. E.
Published: April 2023

Context. One of the sources of solar energetic particle (SEP) events is shocks that are driven by fast coronal mass ejections (CMEs). They can accelerate SEPs up to relativistic energies and are attributed to the largest SEP events. New studies suggest that CME-driven shocks can potentially accelerate electrons to MeV energies in the vicinity of the Sun.

Aims. We focus on relativistic electrons associated with strong interplanetary shocks between 2007 and 2019 to determine whether the shocks can keep accelerating such electrons up to a distance of 1 AU.

Methods. We analyze observations by the High Energy Telescope (HET) aboard the STEREO spacecraft of potential electron energetic storm particle (ESP) events characterized by intensity time series that peak at the time of, or close to, the associated CME-driven shock crossing. We present a new filtering method to assess the statistical significance of particle intensity increases and apply it to MeV electron observations in the vicinity of IP shocks. We employ a STEREO in situ shock list, which contains a total of 587 shocks occurring at the two STEREO spacecraft. From this list, we identify 27 candidate events through visual inspection.

Results. Our method identifies nine clear cases where a significant increase of MeV electrons was found in association with a shock. Typically, the highest statistical significance was observed in the highest of the three HET energy channels (2.8–4.0 MeV). All nine cases are associated with shocks driven by IP CMEs that showed large transit speeds in excess of 900 km s−1. In several cases, multiple shocks were observed within one day of the shock related to the electron increase.

Conclusions. Although electron ESP events at MeV energies are found to be rare at 1 AU, our filtering method is not designed to identify a potential IP shock contribution from distances closer to the Sun. Observations from the Parker Solar Probe or Solar Orbiter taken during closer approaches to the Sun would likely provide clarity on the IP shock acceleration of electrons.
A multi-port scattering matrix formalism for the acoustic prediction in duct networks
Authors: Calmettes Cyril , Perrey-Debain Emmanuel , Lefrançois Emmanuel , Caillet Julien
Published: April 2023

Duct acoustic network modeling is commonly carried out using the transfer matrix formalism which is limited to the low frequency range. The aim of this work is to extend it to higher frequencies by taking into account the multi-mode acoustic propagation. The first step is to compute, via Finite Element Method (FEM), the multi-port multi-modal scattering matrix of each element. The second step is to transform it into a scattering matrix for the acoustic power, relying on assumptions which are often used for the study of medium-to-high frequency broadband noise. The method is applied to typical elements such as expansion chamber mufflers and air conditioning veins. In all cases, the power-flow model is compared to the FEM solution in terms of Transmission Losses. It is concluded that this simplified model is a reliable tool for the analysis of complex networks encountered in Heat and Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) duct networks.
Bonamia-free flat oyster (Ostrea edulis L.) seed for restoration projects: non-destructive screening of broodstock, hatchery production and test for Bonamia-tolerance
Authors: Kamermans Pauline , Blanco Ainhoa , van Dalen Pim , Engelsma Marc , Bakker Nienke , Jacobs Pascalle , Dubbeldam Marco , Sambade Inés M. , Vera Manuel , Martinez Paulino
Published: April 2023

Native (flat) oyster (Ostrea edulis) beds, once a major component of the North Sea, largely disappeared from the region in the late 19th century. Flat oyster restoration is taking place at a number of locations in the North Sea. When flat oyster beds are restored in areas where O. edulis is functionally extinct it is advised to treat these as disease-free areas. Adult oysters were collected in the Dutch Delta area which is infected with the pathogenic parasite Bonamia ostreae. The aim of this research was to obtain Bonamia-free seed from parents collected in a Bonamia-infected area. In addition, the oysters were analysed to identify candidate genomic regions related to bonamiosis tolerance and exposed to Bonamia in the field to assess survival compared to a naïve control group. With the aid of a non-destructive screening method, Bonamia-free broodstock were selected. These oysters produced Bonamia-free larvae and seed. For comparison, broodstock oysters were collected in the Dutch Wadden Sea, an area free of Bonamia. These oysters also produced Bonamia-free larvae and seed. To study if the Delta area oysters had developed a degree of resistance to the disease, while the naïve Wadden Sea oysters had not, seed of both groups was challenged in Lake Grevelingen where Bonamia occurs. Survival of the pre-selected Bonamia-free oysters was significantly higher than the naïve group. Samples of seed were analysed for association of candidate genetic markers related to bonamiosis tolerance. A higher percentage of individuals with tolerance-associated marker genotypes was found in the screened group compared to the naïve one. However, mortality of the naïve group could not be related to Bonamia presence. Further challenge tests are needed before firm conclusions regarding the genetic markers can be made. The results show that hatchery production of Bonamia-free and potentially Bonamia-tolerant flat oysters is possible.
Update on the indication of a mass-dependent anisotropy above 1018.7 eV in the hybrid data of the Pierre Auger Observatory
Authors: Mayotte Eric , Fitoussi Thomas
Published: April 2023

We test for an anisotropy in the mass of arriving cosmic-ray primaries associated with the galactic plane. The sensitivity to primary mass is obtained through the depth of shower maximum, X max, extracted from hybrid events measured over a 14-year period at the Pierre Auger Observatory. The sky is split into distinct on-and off-plane regions using the galactic latitude of each arriving cosmic ray to form two distributions of X max, which are compared using an Anderson-Darling 2-samples test. A scan over roughly half of the data is used to select a lower threshold energy of 1018.7 eV and a galactic latitude splitting at |b| = 30°, which are set as a prescription for the remaining data. With these thresholds, the distribution of X max from the on-plane region is found to have a 9.1±1.6−2.2+2.1g/cm2 shallower mean and a 5.9±2.1−2.5+3.5g/cm2 narrower width than that of the off-plane region and is observed in all telescope sites independently. These di↵erences indicate that the mean mass of primary particles arriving from the on-plane region is greater than that of those from the off-plane region. Monte Carlo studies yield a 5.9 ×10−6 random chance probability for the result in the independent data, lowering to a 6.0 × 10−7 post-penalization random chance probability when the scanned data is included. Accounting for systematic uncertainties leads to an indication for anisotropy in mass composition above 1018.7 eV with a 3.3 σ-significance. Furthermore, the result has been newly tested using additional FD data recovered from the selection process. This test independently disfavors the on-and off-plane regions being uniform in composition at the 2.2 σ-level, which is in good agreement with the expected sensitivity of the dataset used for this test.
Ultra High Energy Cosmic Ray Source Models: Successes, Challenges and General Predictions
Authors: Globus Noémie , Blandford Roger
Published: April 2023

Understanding the acceleration of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays is one of the great challenges of contemporary astrophysics. In this short review, we summarize the general observational constraints on their composition, spectrum and isotropy which indicate that nuclei heavier than single protons dominate their spectra above ˜ 5 EeV, that they are strongly suppressed above energies ˜ 50 EeV, and that the only significant departure from isotropy is a dipole. Constraints based upon photopion and photodisintegration losses allow their ranges and luminosity density to be estimated. Three general classes of source model are discussed - magnetospheric models (including neutron stars and black holes), jet models (including Gamma Ray Bursts, Active Galactic Nuclei and Tidal Disruption Events) and Diffusive Shock Acceleration models (involving large accretion shocks around rich clusters of galaxies). The value of constructing larger and more capable arrays to measure individual masses at the highest energies and probably identifying their sources is emphasized.
Testing hadronic and photo-hadronic interactions as responsible for UHECR and neutrino fluxes from Starburst Galaxies
Authors: Condorelli Antonio , Boncioli Denise , Peretti Enrico , Petrera Sergio
Published: April 2023

We test the hypothesis that starburst galaxies are the sources of ultra-high energy cosmic rays and high-energy neutrinos. The computation of interactions of ultra-high energy cosmic rays in the starburst environment as well as in the propagation to the Earth is made using a modified version of the Monte Carlo code SimProp, where hadronic processes are implemented for the first time. Taking into account a star-formationrate distribution of sources, the fluxes of ultra-high energy cosmic rays and high-energy neutrinos are computed and compared with observations, and the explored parameter space for the source characteristics is discussed. We find that, depending on the density of the gas in the source environment, spallation reactions could hide the outcome in neutrinos from photo-hadronic interactions in the source environment and in extra-galactic space. We confirm that source-propagation models constitute a promising way to improve the discrimination power of models considering only ultra-high energy cosmic rays, on the way to unveiling the source class responsible for ultra-high energy cosmic rays and high-energy neutrinos.
MultI-messenger probe of Cosmic Ray Origins: MICRO project
Authors: Condorelli Antonio
Published: April 2023

We present the milestones achieved by the MICRO (MultI-messenger probe of Cosmic Ray Origins) project. This multi-institute project consists of a study of bursting astrophysical sources as candidate sources for ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). We aim at identifying source classes that correlate best with existing observational data (arrival direction distribution, energy spectrum and primary mass composition) and to constrain the origin of UHECRs on the basis of the largest datasets acquired to this day. The study of the secondary fluxes of neutrinos and gamma rays will provide a powerful test of the most suitable astrophysical scenarios. For these achievements, a public software enabling a joint fit of both composition and flux data as a function of energy and direction is being developed. In addition, a modelling of transient sources is foreseen, including the treatment of hadronic interactions within the sources, which represents a novelty for UHECR simulation codes. This contribution will highlight the first results of the project and detail upcoming software releases, which will benefit the astroparticle community at large.
Hadronic Interactions Studies at the LHC
Authors: Pierog Tanguy , Perlin Matias , Werner Klaus
Published: April 2023

The deficit of muons in the simulation of extensive air showers is a long-standing problem and the origin of large uncertainties in the reconstruction of the mass of the high-energy primary cosmic rays. Hadronic interaction models re-tuned after early LHC data have a more consistent description of the muon content among them but still disagree with the data. Furthermore, some inconsistencies are also visible in the electromagnetic component. Ten years after the first LHC-tuned model release, much more detailed data are available both from LHC, SPS and hybrid air shower measurements, allowing for the understanding of some deficiencies in the model which could lead to a change in both Xmax and the muon production by air showers. A better treatment of the core-corona approach according to LHC data has important consequences on the muon production while an update of diffraction and nuclear fragmentation is changing the Xmax distribution. An updated version of EPOS LHC will be presented addressing the main issues of this model.
Citizen Science with ESA Science Data - The Hubble Asteroid Hunter project
Authors: Kruk Sandor , Merín Bruno
Published: April 2023

The vast amount of data in astronomy archives presents an opportunity for new discoveries. Deep learning combined with crowdsourcing provides an efficient way to explore this data using the intuition of the human brain and the processing power of machines.
Error estimates for a finite volume scheme for advection–diffusion equations with rough coefficients
Authors: Navarro-Fernández Víctor , Schlichting André
Published: April 2023

We study the implicit upwind finite volume scheme for numerically approximating the advection–diffusion equation with a vector field in the low regularity DiPerna–Lions setting. That is, we are concerned with advecting velocity fields that are spatially Sobolev regular and data that are merely integrable. We prove that on unstructured regular meshes the rate of convergence of approximate solutions generated by the upwind scheme towards the unique solution of the continuous model is at least one. The numerical error is estimated in terms of logarithmic Kantorovich–Rubinstein distances and provides a bound on the rate of weak convergence.
3D printing and self-healing concrete: a good match?
Authors: Šavija Branko
Published: April 2023

Self-healing concrete has shown excellent potential in improving the durability of (reinforced) concrete structures and reducing the need for their repair and maintenance. This has been further substantiated by several successful full-scale demonstrator projects. Nevertheless, industrial uptake of the technology is lagging behind, mainly due to the higher initial cost compared to traditional concrete. In addition, it is well known that some self-healing mechanisms can have detrimental effects on properties of concrete, such as e.g., the compressive strength, making some engineers sceptical about practical applicability. With these two issues in mind, one might wonder: shouldn’t we simply apply self-healing concrete only where it is needed? This has been done in the past in so-called hybrid structures, in which self-healing concrete was used in the cover zone as a stay-in-place mold, while traditional concrete was used as infill. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques offer additional possibilities in selective placement and optimization of self-healing concrete composites. Additive manufacturing provides unprecedented freedom in design and optimization of structures at virtually no additional cost. This could allow customizing the placement of self-healing agents based on structural design and loading considerations of a given structure. In this talk, recent developments and potential applications of different additive manufacturing techniques for design and fabrication of self-healing concrete will be discussed.
New self-healing system for cracks repairing
Authors: Panza Uguzzoni Andrés Miguel , Anglani Giovanni , Antonaci Paola , Tulliani Jean-Marc
Published: April 2023

Macrocapsules with an expanding mineral powder were set-up for sealing cracks into cementbased materials. The expanding mineral powder was composed of a commercial fast setting cement mortar, sodium polyacrylate and a commercial product used to produce sparkling water (based on sodium acid carbonate, malic acid and tartaric acid). An optimal proportioning of these components was determined as 10:1:1, respectively. These compounds were first mixed with polyethylene glycol and cast into cylindrical moulds. Then, the mix was heated at 230°C in an oven and the cylinders were demoulded thereafter. The obtained products could be delicately handled and were coated with an epoxy resin to produce waterproofed macrocapsules, while some uncoated cylinders were mixed with water and kept in closed containers for 14 days. Brazilian tests were performed on these hydrated cylinders to determine their indirect tensile strength. Finally, the coated macrocapsules were incorporated into mortar prisms, that were pre-cracked in three-point bending test after 14 days. The prisms were kept under water for 8 days and showed a sealing efficiency of 98.7% with a water flow of 3.8 g/min, which decreased to 3.5 g/min after 18 days of water curing. The same samples were stored 10 more days under water to reach an overall healing time of 28 days, after which they were subjected again to a three-point bending test to assess the recovery of the mechanical properties in flexion. The average recovered flexural strength was (10.6 ±4.5)%.
Effects of Curing Conditions on the Self-Healing of Geopolymer Paste
Authors: Ozen Meral Yildirim , Firdous Rafia , Lehmann Christian , Stephan Dietmar
Published: April 2023

Geopolymers are inorganic polymers produced by the reaction of aluminosilicates and alkaline solutions and show good mechanical and thermal features with a huge potential for use in the construction industry. Furthermore, geopolymers with self-healing properties can considerably decrease repair or maintenance costs and support economic and environmental sustainability. This study aimed to observe the self-healing capability of sodium silicate-containing agents in geopolymer pastes. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and epoxy resin were used to encapsulate sodium silicate. The prepared healing agent was introduced into fly ash and metakaolin-based geopolymer samples. After curing for 28 days under room conditions, the samples were subjected to compressive loading to introduce cracks. The cracked samples were stored under three conditions: at 60°C under 100% relative humidity (RH), at room temperature under 100% RH, and at room temperature in water. After various durations, optical images were captured using a light microscope to determine the closure of the cracks. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to identify healing products. Additionally, the change in compressive strength was used as an indicator of self-healing. The results showed that the sodium silicate agents could heal the cracks with narrow widths (<15μm) under all conditions and supported strength recovery. XRD and FT-IR results indicated that the main healing materials were aluminosilicate phases.
Autonomous healing by vascular networks: tracking of cracks interaction by Ultrasounds and Acoustic Emission
Authors: Vangansbeke Eva , Shields Yasmina , De Belie Nele , Van Tittelboom Kim , Tsangouri Eleni
Published: April 2023

The tracking of healing on concrete slabs where dense crack patterns are formed under bending is reported using Acoustic Emission (AE) and Ultrasound Pulse Velocity (UPV). Additively manufactured polymeric networks are designed to distribute a polyurethane agent through capillary actions and under pressure to the open cracks, formed in the slabs. It is shown that the crack pattern is controlled by the geometry of the vascular networks that are positioned near the steel reinforcement. The activation of both conventional linear and interlinked web-shaped networks is monitored by AE, however in both cases the load at which the initial cracks form is lower in series with embedded networks compared to the reference series, an indication of an overall weakening effect. The area where the healing agent circulates is larger (300x400 mm2) than past tests on beams, but only local healing is evident by UPV mapping. An indirect proof of cracks filling with stiffened agent is provided by the AE pencil-lead breaking test, as the amplitude recovery after healing can be linked to crack closure. This preliminary work evaluates the design of 3D printed vascular networks, but also explores the potential of AE and UPV as inspection tools in healing studies.
Self-healing evaluation through ultrasonic measurements and 3D numerical simulations
Authors: Okude Nobuhiro , Lefever Gerlinde , Shiotani Tomoki
Published: April 2023

Self-healing cementitious materials have gained attention as a resolution to costly and labourintensive manual repairs. Up to now, the regain in mechanical properties after healing is mostly evaluated through destructive tests, which are neither applicable for in-situ measurements, nor allow to monitor the healing evolution. Thus, a non-intrusive measuring technique is in demand, which could be found in the application of ultrasonic measurements (elastic waves in the ultrasonic frequency range). In this study, a method for evaluating mechanical recovery after healing is investigated by means of elastic waves. It comprises an assessment of the healing ability of mortars by experiments and numerical analysis. Experimental results show the decrease in wave velocities and amplitudes due to the presence of cracks, while upon healing both values are partially restored. To isolate the healing layer from the intact mortar around it, 3D numerical simulations are performed. A comparison between experimental and numerical results enables the determination of elastic moduli of the healing products filled in cracks. Further, a method to evaluate the stiffness and the filling ratio of healed layers at the crack is proposed, based on characteristics of elastic waves (wave velocity and amplitude).
In-depth defect inspection of precast double walls using non-destructive techniques
Authors: Craeye Bart , Vos Maxim
Published: April 2023

Precast double walls are frequently used for building applications and consist of a pair of precast reinforced concrete shells connected by a lattice girder creating an inner cavity. Once placed at its final position this cavity is filled with freshly cast and compacted concrete. Aside from benefits such as increased ease in installation, reduced cost and shorter construction time also some pitfalls are recognized. Due to the restrained space and the presence of the truss girder undesired defects (e.g. voids, honeycombing, etc.) might occur without being noticed, as the outer wall elements also act as formwork. This actually might reduce the load capacity and jeopardize the structural integrity of the concrete structure. Therefore, different non-destructive tests are being used in order to assess the filling degree of the cavity in the double walls and to localize defects, with varying success ratio (i.e. the detectability). Different techniques were applied on a test wall with intentionally embedded defects (polystyrene blocks) with varying diameter: rebound hammer, ultrasonic pulse velocity via direct transmission, ultrasonic shear-wave tomography, ground penetrating radar and active infrared thermography. The success and the limits of these techniques for in depth defect localization are being discussed in this paper. The effect of the selected detection method and the surface-on-depth ratio of the defect itself has an effect on its detectability.
Floating breakwater pontoon pilot cast with carbon textile reinforcement-based ultra high durability concrete: Materials development and testing, and implementation in the North Atlantic (Irelands west coast)
Authors: Schroefl Christof , Reichardt Michaela , Mechtcherine Viktor , Deegan Peter
Published: April 2023

A floating unit with three pontoons made of epoxy-coated carbon textile reinforced, ultra-high durability concrete (ECF UHDC), mineral impregnated carbon fibre-reinforced UHDC (MCF UHDC) and, as references, steel-reinforced concretes has been designed and installed in the Northern Atlantic. While marine structures with steel reinforcement require large cover depths, which cause problems in size, cost, environmental friendliness and short service life, carbon textile reinforced concrete (TRC) cannot suffer from chloride-induced corrosion of a metal reinforcement. In the EU H2020 project “ReSHEALience” (rethinking coastal defence and green-energy service infrastructures through enhanced-durability highperformance cement-based materials), TRCs have been modified with functional admixtures from consortium partners. A mineral self-healing promoter and alumina nano-fibers have, among others, been implemented to boost high-performance concretes towards UHDCs. Resulting composite variants have been applied in a full-scale floating unit that has been launched in the harbor of Galway at the Irish West Coast in June 2020. Such a floating body is a representation of breakwaters installed to reduce wave impacts to the coast. Besides, TRC-based UHDC can be applied as strengthening and repair layer on concrete structures to enhance their service life in general.
Can the Development of Digital Finance Improve the Financial Asset Allocation Efficiency of Middle Class Households?
Authors: Shen Lei , Yang Hui Ting
Published: April 2023

With the development of economy, the middle class families have become the backbone of the society, and efficient family financial asset allocation is undoubtedly of great significance for their realization of wealth creation, preservation and transmission. Based on the CHFS database, this paper empirically examines the impact of digital finance development on the efficiency of financial asset allocation of middle class households and the transmission path. It is found that the development of digital finance can significantly improve the financial asset allocation efficiency of middle class families mainly through promoting social interaction, improving financial literacy and increasing risk appetite.
The Social and Cultural Exchange and the Conversions of Different Religions along the Trade Routes When then Trading Groups Intermingled
Authors: Bin  , Song
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the impact of trade on religious and cultural beliefs, examining several trade routes such as the Silk Road and Indian Ocean trade. It analyzes the spread of Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity and their effects on different societies and cultures. Additionally, the paper examines the negative impacts of intercultural exchange, including religious conflicts and tensions, and incorporates case studies and examples. The paper draws from historical texts, religious scriptures, and academic sources to provide a comprehensive exploration of social and cultural exchange along trade routes throughout history, shedding light on the implications for understanding the impact of trade and intercultural exchange on religion and culture.
Reciprocity Among Different Groups in Society
Authors: Chen Jiaxuan , Yang Yezhen , Zhu Miaoxi , Ma Jiade
Published: April 2023

Reciprocity is a behavior which makes human society more harmonious. It is also a common concept in behavioral economics. There are many factors can influence trust and reciprocity between people. In this study, we utilized some previous experiments’ results done by predecessors to expect the relationship between gender and reciprocity in certain age group-university students (Teenagers). Combining with game theory, particularly the investment game, our research will exhibit the likelihood of being trusted and trustworthiness level between men and women when they make decision. The overview of this essay comprises four sections: The introduction of reciprocity, the literature review of two articles about age and gender respectively, the experiment design and the conclusion. Our methodology mainly based on the improvement of double blind trials and the hypothesis is: The trust between the same gender is easier to achieve compared to different gender. Furthermore, the final part of this essay will analyze the improvement and suggest some recommendations.
An analysis of the emergency material support ability under the vision of the modernization of urban governance in Shanghai
Authors: Cao Haijun
Published: April 2023

At present, Shanghai is accelerating its construction into a global city of excellence. The sudden COVID-19 is a test of the emergency material support capacity of urban governance. Based on the reality of megacities and focusing on the modernization of urban governance, we will continue to improve the emergency material reserve system, enhance the production and marketing capacity of emergency materials, optimize the structure of reserve varieties, improve the allocation and distribution of reserves, improve the city’s emergency security capacity, effectively maintain the safety of urban operation, and ensure the safety and health of the people.
The Impact of Social Infrastructure Planning on the Mobility of Inclusive Theoretical Model of Aging in the Context of Urban Renewal
Authors: Sha Ruimin
Published: April 2023

The world’s population is aging quickly, yet the social environment and most local infrastructure are not designed to assist the elderly. This is due to the possibility that older persons may exhibit distinct characteristics in their everyday travel behavior, related to age and physical capacity. In order to support older individuals, social infrastructure needs to be defined in a consistent and quantifiable manner. More research is needed to understand the connection between infrastructure and community health, well-being, and liveability. A global goal in population aging planning is to ensure an enabling and supportive environment. This essay examines the aging population in cities and how the structure of the urban environment interacts with the surrounding social milieu. By analyzing the mobility of the senior population in social infrastructure planning, through inclusive design and inclusive theory models, we aim to create infrastructure more in line with the needs and spontaneity of older inhabitants. Using a unique analytical framework, the technique of liquidity, and social infrastructure, this research examines the shifting dynamics of communities and the value of place for older persons living in places undergoing socio-economic redevelopment. The paper argues that social infrastructure must be seen as a key element of urban regeneration planning, ensuring that new spaces foster social connections across generations and support a sense of local identity, belonging, and inclusion among older residents despite significant physical transformation. This article offers fresh suggestions for government organizations and planners to address the issues of aging.
Factors that influence the health of mathematicians, physicists, and chemists: Data obtained from China
Authors: Yu Zhuqi , Chen Sipu , Bai Jing
Published: April 2023

Given the practical implications of looking into the health of scholars, it is of great priority to figure out the factors that are generally agreed to be the contributors to sustained health, to which end, this paper sets out to collect the mainstream insight into all possible influencing factors. Three research scheme are proposed in this paper under which basic personal information are collected first from 520 scholars in mathematics, physics, and chemistry for an analysis of their longevity performance via a comparison with common values under the demographic perspective to derive the raw longevity information of the scholars. Also, the ways they manage to maintain health are ascertained, on the basis of which the reasons for their sustained health are provided.
Analysis of Internet Black Market in New Types of Cyber-related Crime – Taking Personal Information Transaction as an Example
Authors: Chen Guangxuan , Huang Anan , Hu Bo , Chen Guangxiao
Published: April 2023

With the rapid development of information technology such as cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence and mobile internet, while bringing people many conveniences such as information interaction and online shopping, it has also gradually become a hotbed of new crimes. Traditional crimes are increasingly migrating to the Internet, and new types of cyber crimes are increasingly prominent. At the same time, the illegal crime chain that provides financial supply, technology, promotion, settlement and other assistance for cyber crime has been developing and extending, forming a tangled and complex illegal industrial chain. This paper reveals the current situation of the Internet black market in the new types of cyber-related crimes, explores the characteristics of the Internet black market, analyzes the industrial chain from the perspective of information flow, technology flow and capital flow, takes the information leakage industrial chain as an example, expounds the operation mode of the Internet black market in detail and judges its development trend, and then puts forward the comprehensive governance suggestions, providing reference for relevant departments.
A Comparison of Machine Learning Models for Survival Prediction of Patients with Glioma Using Radiomic Features from MRI Scans
Authors: Manjunath Madhumitha , Saravanakumar Shayana , Kiran Shreya , Chatterjee Jhinuk
Published: April 2023

Background Glioma is a primary, malignant, highly aggressive brain tumor, with patients having an average life expectancy of 14 to 16 months after diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of these patients can be used to extract and analyze quantifiable features with potential clinical significance. We hypothesize that there is a correlation between radiomic features extracted from MRI scans and survival. Along with clinical data, the radiomic features could be used in survival prediction of patients, providing beneficial information for clinicians to design personalized treatment plans.

Methods In our study, we have utilized 3D Slicer for tumor segmentation and feature extraction and performed survival prediction of patients with glioma using four different machine learning models.

Results and Conclusion Among the models compared, we have achieved a maximum prediction accuracy of 64.4% using the k-nearest neighbors model, which was trained and tested on a combination of clinical data and radiomic features extracted from MRI images provided in the BraTS 2020 dataset.