bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon materials for electrically conductive concrete
Authors: Savytskyi Mykola , Sukhyy Kostyantyn , Savytskyi Oleksandr , Babenko Maryna , Shevchenko Tetyana
Published: June 2024

In recent decades, the direction of building materials science related to the creation of Smart Concretes has been rapidly developing. Smart Concretes, in addition to the functions of a structural material, also perform other functions that are related to their new properties. Among the large number of Smart Concretes, it is necessary to highlight Electrically Conductive Smart Concrete. This type of concrete is obtained by adding conductive fillers to the concrete mixture. Among them, carbon materials are the most promising in terms of their properties. Despite the large number of conducted studies of conductive fillers and conductive concrete, there is still no generalization and systematization of them. In addition, there are no standards for testing the conductive properties of both fillers and concretes. Therefore, the authors aimed to systematize data on Electrically Conductive Smart Concrete, as well as electrically conductive carbon fillers. A method for testing the electrical conductivity of Carbon Nanomaterials (CNMs) as fillers for Electrically Conductive Concrete is proposed. Approbation of the proposed method was carried out by determining the electrotechnical indicators of carbon fillers, such as coke breeze and carbon black.
Challenges, Countermeasures and Suggestions for Implementing the Concept of Green Development in Contemporary Times
Authors: Feng Sha , Du Minghao , Li Xiaolin
Published: June 2024

The theoretical innovation of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context has put forth a novel concept of green development, signifying a new phase of adapting Marxism to the Chinese contest and needs of the times. Currently, there is a pressing need for in-depth research and understanding of the inherent essence and connotations of green development. Capitalizing on a macroscopic and forward-thinking strategy is essential to explore the new trends, characteristics, and tendencies of green development in the new era. Identifying the objective existence of practical issues in the field of green development, conducting a thorough analysis of the root causes, and proposing corresponding measures are imperative for more effective implementation of the green development concept. This effort aims to contribute to realizing the dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in Contemporary Times.
How to promote GBTs innovation through multi-agent collaboration: An evolutionary game system simulation approach
Authors: Ma Yingying , Wang Qin , Chen Yingdie , Ma Minglu , La Ruifang , Yao Wenyan , Shang Sinan , Cui Ziyi
Published: June 2024

Facing the serious pollution and carbon emission problem, China actively develops and applies GBTs (green building technologies) to realize the dual-carbon target, while the innovation of GBTs is deeply influenced by multiple subjects and factors. This study constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model of GACEs-ARIs, analyzes the inner mechanism of the collaborative innovation process of GBTs through simulation. It is found that: (1) GA is the most crucial subject in the process of collaborative innovation, which plays the role of coordinating the decision-making of the rest of subjects; (2) The trust degree and the benefit distribution coefficient are the influencing factors that play an important role in determining the start and continuation of collaborative innovation; (3) To actively promote the collaborative innovation of GBTs, GA should play a good role as an intermediary to ensure that the trust between the two sides is at a high level, and negotiate a reasonable distribution ratio, actively mobilizing the cooperation of CEs and ARIs by incentives and penalties.
Research on Traceability Method of Emission Compounds from Vehicle Seat Based on GC-IMS
Authors: Yao Qian , Wang Yanmeng , Li Chuanjie , Hu Junyan , Li Lixuan , Wang Chong , Wu Jinna
Published: June 2024

The odor in a car can have a negative impact on human health, mood, and mentality. Therefore, it is imperative to find an appropriate method to trace the odor and identify the substances that cause it. Three odor testing methods were utilized to evaluate seat-related materials. Subjective evaluation still holds an advantage in odor typing, and many odor types of vehicles and seats are inevitably correlated. By combining subjective and objective methods, 11 types of odor substances can be identified using GC-MSODP. Based on these substances, the relationship with the odor type can be determined in a single step. As a purely objective testing method, GC-IMS can identify 16 types of odor substances by leveraging its principle advantages, which can replace the olfactory identification of the ODP process, reduce harm to personnel, and also facilitate large-scale testing. Degree analysis and other procedures can be employed to effectively control product consistency. However, to achieve better odor traceability and consistency control, it is necessary to develop accurate quantitative methods for GC-IMS.
Effect of biochar addition on CO2 emission from salt-affected soils under drying-rewetting conditions
Authors: Luo Pingping , Chen Kun
Published: June 2024

Under the conditions of global climate change, soils have undergone more complex and frequent cycles of wetting and drying, which has had a significant impact on soil respiration. In order to explore the response of CO2 emissions from salt-affected soils to biochar (BC) at different pyrolysis temperatures under drying-rewetting conditions, an indoor microcosmic culture experiment was conducted to add maize straw BC at different pyrolysis temperatures (300°C and 600°C) to salt-affected soils to study the influence of BC at different pyrolysis temperatures on the characteristics of CO2 emissions under drying-rewetting conditions. The results indicated that the addition of BC significantly altered the CO2 emission rate from the soil, subsequently influencing the mineralization of soil organic carbon. BC produced at varying pyrolysis temperatures exhibited distinct effects on the CO2 emission rates. Specifically, BC pyrolyzed at high temperatures inhibited the mineralization of soil organic carbon, whereas BC produced at low temperatures facilitated this mineralization process. This finding will provide a theoretical and scientific foundation for assessing the carbon sequestration potential of coastal wetlands and for the development of carbon sequestration technologies.
Syndrome de Goldenhar : étiologie, symptômes et croissance
Authors: Talvat Ophélie , Byloff Friedrich K
Published: June 2024

Le syndrome de Goldenhar est une maladie rare qui affecte la croissance de la moitié de la face. Les principaux symptômes sont la microsomie hémifaciale, les dermoïdes du limbe et les microties mais on retrouve aussi de manière plus occasionnelle des atteintes systémiques cardiaques ou encore rénales. Son étiologie est mal connue mais serait majoritairement sporadique. C’est l’hémorragie de l’artère stapédienne à la cinquième semaine qui serait responsable des malformations. Il en résulterait un défaut de croissance asymétrique d’importance variable en fonction des cas. Le déficit de croissance doit être dépisté au plus tôt et être quantifié afin de proposer un plan de traitement adapté. La prise en charge est bien souvent chirurgicale et précoce pour permettre à l’enfant de s’accepter, même si une seconde chirurgie en fin de croissance est nécessaire dans la majorité des cas. Un cas clinique présentant une atteinte sévère, traité avec plusieurs chirurgies, et un cas frustre, traité avec une prise en charge principalement fonctionnelle, sont détaillés.
The Potential of Virtual Production Based on the Special Effects of Films
Authors: Wan Xinran
Published: June 2024

Since the large use of virtual shooting technology in the movie Avatar in 2009 and the use of LED review stage in The Mandalorian in 2019, the film and television industry has paid more and more attention to virtual production in film special effects, and great changes have taken in the mode of production. This paper analyzes the development and challenges of virtual production, as well as its differences from traditional production process and its impact on film production based on the special effects production of various films since Avatar. The research finds that although virtual production is faced with some technical challenges, it has a subversive change to the traditional production mode and process. And it also has a significant optimization of the production cost and efficiency of the film. Virtual production has a huge development prospect. And in the future, virtual production will gradually be applied to other fields. This will inject new inspiration into the development of more industries.
A M&A Case Study of Dell and EMC
Authors: Wu Zekai
Published: June 2024

Today, globalization and technology are developing rapidly. Global competition in the technology industry is intensifying. Corporate mergers and acquisitions have become an important strategy for companies to acquire new technologies, enhance competitiveness and achieve rapid growth. Dell's acquisition of EMC marks one of the major strategic realignments in the industry. This article explores the motivations, challenges and impact of this merger on Dell, EMC and the entire technology industry through an in-depth analysis of the financial data, market performance, strategic changes and results before and after Dell's merger with EMC. The study found that Dell's main purpose of acquiring EMC was to achieve IT transformation, expand the scope of products and services, enhance market competitiveness and achieve business diversification. Although it encountered challenges in cultural integration, technology integration and financial management during the merger and acquisition process, Dell successfully enhanced its leadership position in the cloud computing and data storage market after acquiring EMC and achieved financial growth through effective response strategies. This merger successfully expanded Dell's market share, accelerated its business transformation process, and enhanced the company's competitiveness in the cloud computing and data storage markets.
A Study of Possible Improvements towards the Production Management of Heroic Films
Authors: Ye Xianglei
Published: June 2024

This paper mainly focuses on three basic aspects of the production of the management of heroic films which are the current occasion, specific performances, and the overall expectations. The three basic aspects follow the thread of chronological order and present the transparency in production process. A range of issues in the production of heroic films are exposed to the public by looking at the response of audiences. Increasing negative ones have been shown on social media and rating websites, indicating that potential risk for the heroic film's producers is being obstinate. The paper will demonstrate the three stages of issues throughout the process of producing heroic films with methods of literary expression, comparison, and case-study. To closely analyze different masterpieces, comparison and case-study are chosen to assist the process by examining factors that may affect the overall performances. Innovation which reflects the changeable needs of the audiences in the markets is the most effective strategy considered to be noticed. Overall, the issues are identified as hinders in the way of achieving success while they may be solved by improving no matter the quality of scripts or the publicity of the projects.
How Large-Scale Sports Events Can Promote Urban Economic Development: Taking the Hangzhou Asian Games as an Example
Authors: Jiang Yiru
Published: June 2024

This study aims to explore the role of large-scale sports events in promoting urban economic development, taking the Hangzhou Asian Games as an example. The research motivation stems from interest in the potential impact of sporting events on urban economies. This article adopts the method of literature review and collects primary and secondary materials to conduct an in-depth analysis of previous cases of holding large-scale sports events and their post-match utilization. Large-scale sports events can not only drive growth in various fields such as tourism, catering, and retail, but also enhance a city's image and popularity. At the same time, organizers also need to pay attention to balancing the input-output ratio, formulate scientific and reasonable plans and do management work, and solve their post-game venue utilization problems to improve their venue utilization, give full play to the long-term economic benefits of the stadium after the game, create post-game income, and promote the long-term sustainable development of the urban economy.
Secret to Decision: Analysis of the Influencing Factors of the Company’s Top Decisions
Authors: Zhang Hongjing
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of decision-making by the top management of the company. Taking Apple as an example, this paper deeply analyzes the process of how to make the right decision in the face of crisis and its positive impact on the company, which further proves the positive impact of successful decision-making on the enterprise. The connotation of the concept of comprehensive high-level decision-making is expounded from many aspects. These elements are interrelated and influence each other, which together constitute a comprehensive system of high-level decision-making. Firstly, the paper expounds the importance of high-level decision-making in modern enterprise management, and through the case analysis of Apple’s high-level decision-making process, it proves that successful decision-making plays a key role in the company’s transformation, innovation and sustainable development. At the same time, the paper comprehensively analyzes the factors that affect the high-level decision-making and the methods and steps for the high-level leaders to make decisions. Finally, the paper summarizes the importance and practical significance of how the company’s top management makes decisions. Senior leaders need to have clear decision-making ideas, scientific decision-making methods and good decision-making environment in order to formulate reasonable development strategies and cope with market changes. Through effective decision-making, enterprises can enhance their competitiveness, achieve sustainable development and create long-term value. Therefore, senior leaders should attach importance to the decision-making process and constantly improve their decision-making ability and level.
The Impact of Parents' Reading Beliefs on Children's Reading Interests: Possible Influential Factors and Suggestions for Promoting Early Reading Development
Authors: Zhang Chenwei
Published: June 2024

The development of children's early reading is one of the key topics of research today. The cultivation of young children's reading interests is of great significance in the development of early reading. Parents' reading beliefs play an irreplaceable role in the development of young children's reading interests. Scholars have examined the links between parents' reading beliefs and young children's interest in reading, but fewer studies have further examined and analyzed the links in a systematic way. Therefore, based on the results of various studies conducted by many scholars, this study analyzes the different effects of parents' reading beliefs on young children's interests by examining different families' socioeconomic status (SES), home literacy environment (HLE), and the parents' education level. In response to the results of the study, educational institutions and social organizations can guide parents to establish good reading beliefs in a variety of ways. These organizations can strengthen their assistance to families with low SES and stimulate young children's interest in reading through a variety of ways, thus promoting early reading development.
The Impact of Parenting style on the Psychological Resilience of Adolescents
Authors: Feng Jiayi , Qu Zhiyuan , Wang Siyu , Zhang Jiayi
Published: June 2024

The mental health of adolescents is a hot topic of discussion in today's society. Researchers have found that family environment and atmosphere have an impact on the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development of adolescents. At present, the research on the impact of parental upbringing on adolescent psychological resilience is not clear and further exploration is needed. The research topic of this article is the impact of parental upbringing on the psychological resilience of adolescents. The research method is as follows. Firstly, this study collected questionnaire survey data on adolescent psychological resilience and parental parenting styles. Secondly, this study conducted reliability and validity analysis, descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis on the data to understand the correlation between adolescent psychological resilience and parental parenting styles. Research has found that emotional warmth and family support factors in parenting style are positively correlated with psychological resilience. Refusal and emotional control factors are negatively correlated with adolescent psychological resilience. Therefore, parents should try to adopt positive parenting methods to avoid excessive control, punishment, and rejection, and thus more effectively cultivate the psychological resilience of adolescents.
A Review on Psychological Resilience of Special Children and Ordinary Children
Authors: Zheng Yuge
Published: June 2024

Children's physical and mental health is a hot topic for parents and teachers. Children's psychological resilience has an important impact on the development of individual physical and mental health. Children with better psychological resilience have higher life adaptability. Nowadays, psychological resilience has attracted the attention of the research field, and its related research reports have gradually increased. By consulting and sorting out the existing domestic and foreign literature, this study summarizes the research status of resilience of ordinary children and special children, and further discusses the relationship between resilience and problem behavior of ordinary children and special children. The results show that psychological resilience is related to many factors, positively correlated with mental health development, and negatively correlated with problem behavior. Based on the existing research level and research conclusions, this paper puts forward the shortcomings of the existing research, and provides targeted suggestions and reference for the follow-up research.
Early Attachment and Socioemotional Development of Adolescence and Adulthood: The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation and Self-Esteem
Authors: Dong Lizhang
Published: June 2024

Investigating the pathways by which the quality of early attachment influences socioemotional outcomes is worthy for better comprehension and intervention of the legacy of early attachment. This article focuses on the mediating role of emotion regulation and self-esteem in correlation between early attachment and socioemotional development in adolescence and adulthood, by reviewing and analysing current empirical studies (mostly are longitudinal). The findings imply that: 1) Early attachment and subsequent socioemotional outcomes are significantly mediated by both emotion regulation and self esteem. 2) Early attachment has an impact on the abilities, particular strategies, and physiological foundations of emotion regulation; these factors will predict later development. 3) Global and domain specific self-esteem, which can affect both the overall degree and specific domains of socioemotional adaptation, are linked to early attachment. 4) Distinct attachment figures (father- or mother-child connection) and various forms of instability in early attachment may have unique influences on subsequent development. Moreover, future research on detailed examination of these mechanisms is proposed, as well as the intervention approaches focusing on improving emotion regulation and self-esteem for those who are insecurely attached early years.
Quasi-experimental design for external control arm studies alongside single arm trials for regulatory purposes
Authors: Bian John , Qian Chao-Nan
Published: June 2024

To accelerate new drug, biologic, and medical device development and to improve efficiency of delivery of the latest breakthroughs of innovative, life-saving treatments to millions of patients, single-arm trial (SAT) applications of rare diseases or conditions supplemented by their external control arm (ECA) evidence for regulatory approvals have been surging since 2016. However, there have been increasing concerns over potential biases threatening the internal validity of these applications from regulatory authorities, payers, and research community. There are two main sources of potential biases. The first source is heterogeneity between two arms at the level of patients, and the second one at the level of systems (e.g., two entirely different sets of hospitals from which patients in a SAT and patients in an ECA are drawn separately). The currently commonly used study design is a post-intervention measurement only design that though mitigating the first source of bias, is utterly unable to control for the second one. This perspective article will propose a quasi-experimental design as an alternative that may mitigate the second source of bias, aiming to improve the internal validity of SAT and ECA studies. We will start summarizing the two main sources of biases that may impede the causal inference of these studies. Two approved therapies supported by SAT and ECA studies will be used as an example to illustrate these biases in detail. We will then introduce the intuition of the quasi-experimental design, underlying assumptions and data requirements, and empirical strategies for estimating interventional effects. We will conclude this article by discussing caveats of applying this alternative design for SAT and ECA studies.
Congenital Myopathy-1B due to RYR 1 Gene Mutation in Three Libyan Families
Authors: Etarhuni Samira , Kara Majdi , Alghazir Nadia
Published: June 2024

Introduction We report a series of patients in three different Libyan families diagnosed with congenital myopathy to study the wide clinical variability between these families, and the genetic heterogeneity.

Description of Cases We describe six patients, one patient presented with severe neonatal-onset RYR1-associated myopathy while the other five patients came mainly due to delay in motor development; genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of CMY-1B disease due to RYR1 mutation in all patients. Clinical features of congenital widely varied between the families ranging from profound hypotonia during the neonatal period in one family to a motor delay and abnormal gait during childhood in other two families. Whereas the clinical picture is quite similar in the patients of same family, the patient who presented with severe neonatal presentation of RYR1-associated myopathy also had gastrostomy feeding, respiratory involvement, clubfeet, cleft palate, and undescended testes. The five patients who presented due to delay in motor development all were ambulatory without the need of support, except the youngest one aged 4 years still walking with support. The genetic study in the form of whole-exon sequencing as well as next-generation sequencing showed homozygosity of a gene mutation in five patients and a compound heterozygosity in one patient which presented with neonatal severe hypotonia.

Conclusion CMY-1B disease is a rare autosomal dominant and recessive genetic disorder that has variable clinical presentations. The early diagnosis is very important for genetic counseling as well as avoiding malignant hyperthermia. We also report rare and unusual presentations that may further delay the diagnosis.
Enhanced efficiency of correlated photon pairs generation in silicon nitride with a low-loss 3D edge coupler
Authors: Zhu Xiaotian , Wang Changyue , Little Brent E. , Ou Z. Y. , Chu Sai T. , Cui Liang , Li Xiaoying
Published: June 2024

We demonstrate the generation of correlated photon pairs by using a hybrid integrated quantum photonic platform, where the dual-layer platform consists of a high-index doped silica glass (HDSG) layer to accommodate low-loss linear components and an SiN-based layer to accommodate the photon source. Leveraging the low-loss fiber coupling to the HDSG waveguide and the high nonlinearity of the SiN waveguide, we experimentally realize integrated source of photon pairs with high heralding efficiency. The directly measured photon pair rate is up to 87 KHz (corresponding to 1.74 × 10−3 pairs per pulse) when the coincidence-to-accidental ratio is greater than 10. The raw heralding efficiency can reach 18%. If the filtering loss is excluded, the heralding efficiency can further reach 29%.
Light-induced antimicrobial activities of porphyrin derivatives as photosensitizers
Authors: Yu Shengman , Shi Jingwei , Sun Tingting , Xie Zhigang , Sun Liyuan
Published: June 2024

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy has considerable promise in the fight against bacterial infections. The superior photophysical characteristics of porphyrins have made them effective photosensitizers in the field of phototherapy. Herein, the light-induced antimicrobial effects of three porphyrins with different substituents have been compared. 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl) porphyrin (THPP) shows superior photosensitizing activity and antimicrobial ability under irradiation with green light. THPP can also inhibit and destroy mature Staphylococcus aureus biofilms under irradiation. This work provides a reference for the rational design of photosensitizers for application in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
One Health Initiative of Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice (OHRP): Implementation on Enhancing Poultry Health and Production, Food Safety and Quality of Chicken Meat in Hong Kong SAR
Authors: Xin Chen , Win Tu Tu Zaw , Nekouei Omid , Paudel Surya , Yau Denis , Ting Lam Chun , Pfeiffer Dirk U. , Conan Anne
Published: June 2024

In 2019, the Centre for One Health Applied Research and Policy Advice (OHRP) launched an interdisciplinary research program so far consisting of two independently funded projects that aimed to improve poultry health and production in Hong Kong SAR. The program focuses on applied field research and advanced health management practices through two independent projects fully funded by the Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund of the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department: The Poultry Health Assurance Project (PHAP) and the Poultry Health and Production Management Project (PHPM). Specifically, this work established collaborations between academic partners, the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the Chicken Breeders Association, and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of City University of Hong Kong (CityU VDL), with the overarching objective of providing veterinary services to 29 chicken farms in Hong Kong SAR.

In this OHRP-launched program, there are two projects (Project I and Project II): the first one, named Poultry Health Assurance Project (PHAP), was conducted from 2019 to 2022, and the second one, named Poultry Health and Production Management Project from 2022 to 2024. Numerous innovative and sustainable studies and activities, such as implementing intelligent farming practices, have already been conducted. For instance, a mobile application called “Broiler Record APP” has been developed to facilitate data collection data and monitor farm production. Environmental data sensors have been installed in poultry farms to efficiently track and maintain stable temperature and humidity. Moreover, OHRP has introduced free-to-use newsletters and continuing education seminars called the Poultry News-Technology Promotion Information Plan, which aims to introduce farmers to the latest technology, address the need for ongoing education for farm staff, and offer training courses for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the poultry industry. In addition, value chain mapping activities are also conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the poultry value chain in collaboration between researchers from OHRP, City University of Hong Kong (CityU), and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), United Kingdom. With the ambition of establishing a “Hong Kong Chicken Quality” brand through the prudent use of antibiotics, both projects also encompass veterinary clinical activities conducted by HK-registered veterinarians, such as veterinarian prescriptions and veterinary care.

Information

© 2024 Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice (OHRP), City University of Hong Kong, All Rights Reserved. Open Access. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Developing the Songtsam Laigu Lodge
Authors: Whitfield Richard , Lin Li-Chun , Noordzy Gert , Chirumiko Liberty
Published: June 2024

Building construction accounts for a large part of the cost of developing any new hotel, but it is only part of the process that must be worked through to establish and launch the property. As explained in the case, the method of construction adopted has a big impact on the time, cost, and quality of the finished hotel and greatly affects the other steps involved (e.g. the initial building design work and how the room fit outs and other pre-opening works are done). As the Songtsam Laigu Lodge mixed traditional
in situ
and more modern prefabricated construction methods, it very effectively illustrates the trade-offs involved.

Information

© The Authors 2024
Developing the Huma Island Resort and Spa
Authors: Whitfield Richard , Lin Li-Chun , Noordzy Gert , Chirumiko Liberty
Published: June 2024

Building construction accounts for a large part of the cost for developing any new tropical island resort, but it is only part of the process that must be worked through to establish and launch the property. As explained in the case, the method of construction adopted has a big impact on the time, cost, and quality of the finished property and greatly affects the other steps involved (e.g. the initial building design work and how the room fit outs and other pre-opening work is done). Because Huma Island Resort and Spa mixed traditional
in situ
and more modern prefabricated construction methods, it very effectively illustrates the trade-offs involved.

Information

© The Authors 2024
Exploring the relationship between pavement mean texture depth and mean profile depth: from theoretical derivation to field results
Authors: Ran Maoping , Xiao Shenqing , Li Mingliang , Jiang Ruiqie , Zhou Xinglin , Tan Yiqiu
Published: June 2024

Pavement mean texture depth (MTD) and mean profile depth (MPD) are common evaluation indicators for characterizing the pavement surface. Clarifying the relationship between the two contributes to coordinate various measurement methods and evaluation criterions. The calculation methods of MTD and MPD were first introduced to trace the similarity between the indicators. Subsequently, the tortuosity area of surface texture was observed using x-ray Computer Tomography (CT). To further determine the model parameter, over 3000 sets of field data in Research Institute of Highway Ministry of Transport (RIOH) track were measured. Meanwhile, the field results of another track and existing recommended model were also used to validate the model. The results show that the shift relationship between MTD and MPD is theoretically unified into a linear model with a slope of 1 and an intercept related to the surface tortuosity. These tortuous areas, the main difference source between the two indicators, would lead to a greater equivalent texture depth under the coarser gradation or lower the compactness of the asphalt mixture. Even for the different track roads, the determined model (MTD = MPD + 0.03) has a lower mean relative estimation error, indicating good applicability. This study provides theoretical explanation and empirical references for the automated laser-based texture detection.
Thickness measurement of thin films using atomic force microscopy based scratching
Authors: Vasić Borislav , Aškrabić Sonja
Published: June 2024

Thin-film thickness measurements using atomic force microscopy (AFM) comprise two steps: 1. AFM scratching in order to produce an exposed film edge, and 2. subsequent AFM measurement of the corresponding step height across the exposed edge. Although the technique is known, many open questions have limited its wider applications. In order to clarify the open questions, here we first demonstrate how to determine the normal force applied during the scratching in contact mode needed to completely remove films from substrates. In order to determine film thickness from processed AFM images, we discuss two procedures based on the histogram method and polynomial step-function fitting. Mechanisms of the scratching process are elucidated by the analysis of lateral forces and their enhancement during the film peeling. Phase maps of scratched domains recorded in amplitude modulation AFM (tapping) mode display a clear contrast compared to pristine films. Therefore, we suggest their utilization as simple indicators of spatial domains with completely removed films. As an example, here the measurements were done on polymer films fabricated by layer-by-layer deposition of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes composed of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate), while the applicability of the presented method on other materials is discussed in detail.
Highly sensitive flexible dielectric-response-based taste sensor for generic liquid identification
Authors: Sun Aixin , Wang Jianyu , Hu Xuan , Wang Jianhui , Wan Zhijiang , Wang Yan , Zhu Renping , Wang Li
Published: June 2024

Artificial taste sensors mimicking human tongue enables a non-destructive, rapid, and objective method for taste assessment, and the integration of multiple sensing units to fully emulate human gustatory system remains challenge. Here, we present a dielectric-response-based taste (DRT) sensor with a facile structure for generic liquid identification. The representative tastants of the five basic tastes have been identified with a wide range (10 μM–100 mM), a low limit of the detection (5 μM), and long-term stability (>30 d). Moreover, mixtures of tastants can be distinguished by combining the potential and conductance measurement modes of the DRT sensor. An accuracy of 98.98% has been achieved on recognizing the types of six different beverages by the proposed sensor with the assistance of machine learning. The DRT sensor based on the idea of direct acquiring dielectric responses shows excellent performances in transcending human gustatory senses, providing an efficient, stable and low-cost method for applications in food industry, pharmaceutics, and environment monitoring.
Nanoarchitectonics of MXene-based sixteenth-mode flexible SIW antenna for conformal wireless applications
Authors: Sindhu Battina , Siraj Sohel , Sahatiya Parikshit , Nandi Sourav
Published: June 2024

A miniaturized sixteenth-mode nanomaterial-based flexible substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) antenna is demonstrated at an operating frequency of 3.5 GHz. The antenna is designed based on the one-sixteenth mode of a circular SIW cavity. The SIW in this instance is manufactured exclusively with flexible non-textile materials, which makes it unique and novel from the other reported works. The substrate of the proposed antenna is manufactured using PDMS by masking and laser cutting process. The patch on the substrate is made of a 2D nanomaterial MXene, whereas the ground at the bottom is created using copper tape. Vias connecting the patch and ground were filled with silver paste and dried at 80 °C in an oven. With a compact design and flexibility, the proposed flexible SIW antenna offers a unidirectional radiation pattern with a reasonable gain of −3.39 dBi at a 3.5 GHz resonant frequency. Additionally, the antenna is demonstrated for its flexible performance by straining it to the maximum extent without any structural damage. Consequently, the presented flexible SIW antenna can be well suited for conformal wireless applications.
Deployment and development of community wealth building in Canadian mid-sized cities
Authors: Jamal Audrey , Scholten Jordan
Published: June 2024

In the early 2000s, community wealth building (CWB) emerged as a renewed approach to local economic development. By design, CWB aims to democratize economies by harnessing the power of local assets and keeping wealth circulating in communities. Grounded in the principles of local ownership, and leveraging the purchasing power of anchor institutions, CWB seeks to combat wealth extraction to build a more sustainable and equitable economy. Where cities around the world, from Preston to Cleveland, are experimenting with this model, less is known about CWB in the Canadian context. As such, this research aims to better understand the barriers and facilitators to implementing CWB approaches in four Canadian mid-sized cities. This research is framed through an inclusive economy lens that advocates for the inclusion of local actors, community groups, and non-profits in building their economies. This approach resonates with the mid-sized city scholarship that supports the involvement of non-traditional actors in city-building. This research represents the first exploration of CWB in four Ontario mid-sized cities and offers insights into the strategies that local leaders are using to address challenges and build their economies. Findings from this research highlight the importance of community involvement, the value of local champions, and the importance of cross-sector collaborations. Despite the range of CWB initiatives happening across these Canadian mid-sized cities, this research finds that CWB projects remain on the margins of mainstream economic development policy and practice and advances the importance of more awareness of CWB.
A new important nodes identification method in multi-layer heterogeneous combat network with meta-path centrality
Authors: Sun Lijian , Zhou Yun , Zhu Cheng , Zhang Weiming
Published: June 2024

Identifying important nodes is of great significance to improving the stability and security of heterogeneous combat networks. Due to the heterogeneity of nodes and the diversity of connections, heterogeneous combat networks usually are multi-layered. In order to model the combat network more accurately and identify important nodes, this paper proposes a new important nodes identification method in multi-layer heterogeneous combat network (MHCN). This method takes into account not only the topological information between nodes, but also the meta-paths formed by node interactions and the closeness of their associations. Furthermore, it considers the uncertainty of the command and control (C2) structure within MHCN. Specifically, first, tensor representation of MHCN is proposed to represent the intra-layer network and inter-layer network between nodes. Then, meta-path and its calculation method are proposed to capture interaction information between nodes. Next, intra-layer degree centrality, meta-path centrality, combined importance of node and C2 structure entropy are proposed to identify important nodes in MHCN, which can use the interaction characteristics of intra-layer and inter-layer to measure node importance in MHCNs with different C2 structures. Finally, experiments are carried out on real combat network case to verify the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method. The results provide useful insights for operational guidance and the design of C2 structure.
A Yee-like finite-element scheme for Maxwell’s equations on unstructured grids
Authors: Radu Bogdan , Egger Herbert
Published: June 2024

A novel finite element scheme is studied for solving the time-dependent Maxwell’s equations on unstructured grids efficiently. Similar to the traditional Yee scheme, the method has one degree of freedom for most edges and a sparse inverse mass matrix. This allows for an efficient realization by explicit time-stepping without solving linear systems. The method is constructed by algebraic reduction of another underlying finite element scheme, which involves two degrees of freedom for every edge. Mass-lumping and additional modifications are used in the construction of this method to allow for the mentioned algebraic reduction in the presence of source terms and lossy media later on. A full error analysis of the underlying method is developed, which by construction also carries over to the reduced scheme and allows to prove convergence rates for the latter. The efficiency and accuracy of both methods are illustrated by numerical tests. The proposed schemes and their analysis can be extended to structured grids and in special cases the reduced method turns out to be algebraically equivalent to the Yee scheme. The analysis of this paper highlights possible difficulties in extensions of the Yee scheme to nonorthogonal or unstructured grids, discontinuous material parameters and nonsmooth source terms, and also offers potential remedies.
The use of veno-veno-arterial ECMO as a successful strategy in acute mitral regurgitation secondary to papillary muscle rupture causing cardiogenic shock and profound hypoxemia: a case report
Authors: Al-Sarraf Nael , Maher Adel , Muddaiah Nanda Kishore , Agzamov Yuldash , Jabbour Nawar
Published: June 2024

Acute mitral regurgitation (MR) secondary to papillary muscle rupture is a rare mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction occurring in 0.05–0.26% of all cases of myocardial infarction. The only treatment is emergency mitral valve surgery with high operative mortality reaching up to 39%. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) as a stabilization strategy and a bridge to recovery may potentially improve the outcome of such cases. Here, we report a case of acute MR presenting with cardiogenic shock and severe hypoxia that required insertion of veno-veno-arterial ECMO initially and followed by emergency mitral valve replacement. This strategy proved useful with full recovery of the patient.
Factors Associated With the Discontinuation of Two Short-Course Tuberculosis Preventive Therapies in Programmatic Settings in the United States
Authors: Asare-Baah Michael , Salmon-Trejo LaTweika A T , Venkatappa Thara , Garfein Richard S , Aiona Kaylynn , Haas Michelle , Séraphin Marie Nancy
Published: June 2024

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate timing and risk factors for discontinuation of short-course tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT) comparing directly observed 3-month isoniazid/rifapentine (3HP) vs self-administered 4-month rifampin (4R).

Methods

This was a subanalysis of a 6-month health department cohort (2016–2017) of 993 latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) patients initiating 3HP (20%) or 4R (80%). Time at risk of TPT discontinuation was compared across regimens. Risk factors were assessed using mixed-effects Cox models.

Results

Short-course TPT discontinuation was higher with 4R (31% vs 14%; P < .0001), though discontinuation timing was similar. Latino ethnicity (hazard ratio [HR], 1.80; 95% CI, 1.20–2.90) and adverse events (HR, 4.30; 95% CI, 2.60–7.30) increased 3HP discontinuation risk. Social–behavioral factors such as substance misuse (HR, 12.00; 95% CI, 2.20–69.00) and congregate living (HR, 21.00; 95% CI, 1.20–360.00) increased 4R discontinuation risk.

Conclusions

TPT discontinuation differed by regimen, with distinct risk factors. Addressing social determinants of health within TPT programs is critical to enhance completion rates and reduce TB disease risk in marginalized populations.
Uncovering the worldwide footprint of an ancient relictual lineage of harvestmen: new genus and species of Buemarinoidae from Australia (Opiliones: Laniatores: Triaenonychoidea)
Authors: Porto Willians , Monod Lionel , Pérez-González Abel
Published: June 2024

Phocyx gen. nov. and Phocyx australis sp. nov. have been newly described from New South Wales, Australia. This represents the first record of the family Buemarinoidae in Australia, thereby remarkably extending the known distribution of this ancient and relictual group of Opiliones. Our descriptions include images of genital morphology, a critical element in group diagnosis. Additionally, we present a discourse on the conserved external morphology within Triaenonychoidea and underscore the significance of genital morphology in the taxonomy of this superfamily. Very low species diversity and relict taxa surviving in scattered isolated refugia (tropical environments of the Southern Hemisphere and hypogean habitats of the Northern Hemisphere) are a clear signature that extinction probably played a major role in shaping the current distribution ranges of Buemarinoidae. That is also reflected in buemarinoid systematics by the prevalence of monotypic genera, a product of the large-scale extinction process affecting this old harvestman lineage.
LL37/FPR2 regulates neutrophil mPTP promoting the development of neutrophil extracellular traps in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Lou Xueying , Chen Hongliang , Chen Songwei , Ji Haixia , He Tianzhen , Chen Hui , Zhu Rongrong , Le Yingying , Sang Aimin , Yu Ying
Published: June 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by chronic, low‐grade inflammation. This state may be related to the heightened production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) induced by high glucose (HG). Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (LL37) is an endogenous ligand of G protein‐coupled chemoattractant receptor formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), expressed on neutrophils and facilitating the formation and stabilization of the structure of NETs. In this study, we detected neutrophils cultured under different conditions, the retinal tissue of diabetic mice, and fibrovascular epiretinal membranes (FVM) samples of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) to explore the regulating effect of LL37/FPR2 on neutrophil in the development of NETs during the process of DR. Specifically, HG or NG with LL37 upregulates the expression of FPR2 in neutrophils, induces the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), promotes the increase of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial ROS, and then leads to the rise of NET production, which is mainly manifested by the release of DNA reticular structure and the increased expression of NETs‐related markers. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was activated in neutrophils, and the phosphorylation level was enhanced by FPR2 agonists in vitro. In vivo, increased expression of NETs markers was detected in the retina of diabetic mice and in FVM, vitreous fluid, and serum of PDR patients. Transgenic FPR2 deletion led to decreased NETs in the retina of diabetic mice. Furthermore, in vitro, inhibition of the LL37/FPR2/mPTP axis and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway decreased NET production induced by high glucose. These results suggested that FPR2 plays an essential role in regulating the production of NETs induced by HG, thus may be considered as one of the potential therapeutic targets.