bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elaeagnus umbellata Fruit Extract Protects Skin from Ultraviolet-Mediated Photoaging in Hairless Mice
Authors: Park Seok-Man , Jung Cheol-Jong , Lee Dae-Geon , Yu Yeong-Eun , Ku Tae-Hun , Hong Mu-Seok , Lim Tae-Kyung , Paeng Kwong-Il , Cho Hyun-Ki , Cho Il-Je , Ku Sae-Kwang
Published: February 2024

Photoaging refers to the accumulation of skin damage which includes wrinkle formation, loss of elasticity, and epidermal thickening due to repeated ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The present study investigated the protective effects of Elaeagnus umbellata fruit extract (Elaea) on UV-mediated photoaged skin of SKH1 hairless mice and compared the effects of Elaea with ascorbic acid. Although there was no difference in body weight between groups during experimental period, oral administration of 50–200 mg/kg Elaea once daily for 15 weeks significantly prevented an increase in skin weight, epithelial thickening of epidermis, and apoptosis caused by UV irradiation. Skin replica and histopathological analyses revealed that Elaea dose-dependently decreased wrinkle and microfold formation. In addition, Elaea administration restored UV-mediated reduction in type I collagen and hyaluronan through the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression. Moreover, Elaea suppressed UV-dependent increases in superoxide anion production, fatty acid oxidation, and protein nitration by up-regulating antioxidant system. Furthermore, Elaea alleviated infiltration of inflammatory cells in UV-irradiated skin. The preventive effects of 100 mg/kg Elaea administration against UV-induced photoaging were similar to those by 100 mg/kg ascorbic acid. Collectively, the present study suggests that the E. umbellata fruit is a promising edible candidate to prevent skin photoaging.
A Combinational Therapy for Preventing and Delaying the Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Focus on Probiotic and Vitamin Co-Supplementation
Authors: Sultana Omme Fatema , Hia Raksa Andalib , Reddy P. Hemachandra
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a complex etiology, and effective interventions to prevent or delay its onset remain a global health challenge. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential role of probiotic and vitamin supplementation as complementary strategies for Alzheimer’s disease prevention. This review paper explores the current scientific literature on the use of probiotics and vitamins, particularly vitamin A, D, E, K, and B-complex vitamins, in the context of Alzheimer’s disease prevention and management. We delve into the mechanisms through which probiotics may modulate gut–brain interactions and neuroinflammation while vitamins play crucial roles in neuronal health and cognitive function. The paper also examines the collective impact of this combinational therapy on reducing the risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis. By providing a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence and potential mechanisms, this review aims to shed light on the promise of probiotic and vitamin co-supplementation as a multifaceted approach to combat Alzheimer’s disease, offering insights into possible avenues for future research and clinical application.
Gadolinium-Based Magnetic Resonance Theranostic Agent with Gallic Acid as an Anti-Neuroinflammatory and Antioxidant Agent
Authors: Sung Bokyung , Hwang Dongwook , Baek Ahrum , Yang Byeongwoo , Lee Sangyun , Park Jangwoo , Kim Eunji , Kim Minsup , Lee Eunshil , Chang Yongmin
Published: February 2024

Studies in the field have actively pursued the incorporation of diverse biological functionalities into gadolinium-based contrast agents, aiming at the amalgamation of MRI imaging and therapeutic capabilities. In this research, we present the development of Gd-Ga, an anti-neuroinflammatory MR contrast agent strategically designed to target inflammatory mediators for comprehensive imaging diagnosis and targeted lesion treatment. Gd-Ga is a gadolinium complex composed of 1,4,7-tris(carboxymethylaza)cyclododecane-10-azaacetylamide (DO3A) conjugated with gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid). Upon intravenous administration in LPS-induced mouse models, Gd-Ga demonstrated a remarkable three-fold increase in signal-to-noise (SNR) variation compared to Gd-DOTA, particularly evident in both the cortex and hippocampus 30 min post-MR monitoring. In-depth investigations, both in vitro and in vivo, into the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of Gd-Ga revealed significantly reduced protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators compared to the LPS group. The alignment between in silico predictions and phantom studies indicates that Gd-Ga acts as an anti-neuroinflammatory agent by directly binding to MD2. Additionally, the robust antioxidant activity of Gd-Ga was confirmed by its effective scavenging of NO and ROS. Our collective findings emphasize the immense potential of this theranostic complex, where a polyphenol serves as an anti-inflammatory drug, presenting an exceptionally efficient platform for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroinflammation.
Hydrocarbon Generation and Accumulation in the Eastern Kuqa Depression, Northwestern China: Insights from Basin and Petroleum System Modeling
Authors: Jia Kun , Yuan Wenfang , Liu Jianliang , Yang Xianzhang , Zhang Liang , Liu Yin , Zhou Lu , Liu Keyu
Published: February 2024

The eastern Kuqa Depression in the northern Tarim Basin, NW China, is rich in oil and gas. However, recent exploration has been hindered by a lack of knowledge on the evolution of the petroleum system. To address this, we conducted hydrocarbon generation and accumulation modeling using both the 2Dmove and PetroMod2017 software for a complex tectonic extrusion section in the Kuqa Depression. The results show that the source rocks in the northern slope zone became mature quite early at around 170 Ma, but the thermal maturity evolution stagnated subsequently because of tectonic extrusion and uplift. The source rocks in the central anticline zone, the southern slope zone, and the deep sag zone were of overall low maturity during the Jurassic to Paleogene but rapidly became mature to highly mature with the deposition of the Neogene Jidike and Kangcun formations. The main hydrocarbon generation periods are in the late Neogene and Quaternary, and the main hydrocarbon generation stratum is the lower Jurassic Yangxia formation. The amount of cumulative hydrocarbon generation gradually increases for carbonaceous mudstone, mudstone, and coal source rocks. Sourced from source rocks mainly in the northern slope zone, oil and gas migrated to anticlinal traps along sandstone transport layers and faults. Recent discoveries, such as the Tudong-2 gas field in the central anticline zone, underscore the richness of this region in petroleum resources. Some gas fields were also predicted in lithologic traps in the southern slope zone and the deep sag zone, as well as in fault-related traps in the northern part of the northern slope zone.
Performance Assessment and Optimization of the Ultra-High Speed Air Compressor in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
Authors: Shi Ting , Peng Xueyuan
Published: February 2024

Air compressors in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles play a crucial role in ensuring the stability of the cathode air system. However, they currently face challenges related to low efficiency and poor stability. To address these issues, the experimental setup for the pneumatic performance of air compressors is established. The effects of operational parameters on energy consumption, efficiency, and mass flow rate of the air compressor are revealed based on a Morris global sensitivity analysis. Considering a higher flow rate, larger efficiency, and lower energy consumption simultaneously, the optimal operating combination of the air compressor is determined based on grey relational multi-objective optimization. The optimal combination of operational parameters consisted of a speed of 80,000 rpm, a pressure ratio of 1.8, and an inlet temperature of 18.3 °C. Compared to the average values, the isentropic efficiency achieved a 48.23% increase, and the mass flow rate rose by 78.88% under the optimal operational combination. These findings hold significant value in guiding the efficient and stable operation of air compressors. The comprehensive methodology employed in this study is applicable further to investigate air compressors for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Model Test Study on Rock Rolling Characteristics
Authors: Hu Ning , Sun Gangchen , Liu Feng , Yang Bai , Li Hailing
Published: February 2024

In order to study the influence of falling rock shapes on their rolling characteristics and to determine the optimization of falling rock protection design, a series of research experiments were conducted. Model experiments were designed to explore the rolling characteristics of rockfalls with different shapes. Based on the experimental results, it was found that the slenderness ratio, center of gravity, and rotational inertia of the rockfalls can affect their rolling characteristics, leading to swaying and changing the rolling axis during the rolling process, thereby affecting their rolling speed. Building upon these findings, an analysis of the formation mechanism of rolling resistance was conducted. It was determined that the primary cause of energy loss was the rolling resistance arm formed with the rolling surface during rockfall motion. A shape parameter was proposed to quantify the rolling resistance. These parameters were incorporated into a kinematic formula that considered the influence of rockfall shape, slope, and slope roughness on the rolling speed. Combined with the offset and initial position of the rockfall, the formula could be used to calculate the rolling speed and impact energy in the rolling region at any position in the region. The calculation formula was validated using model experimental data, and the results showed that the error between the experimental and calculated values was small. The error was corrected based on the experimental data. After on-site testing and verification, it could provide reference for the management of rockfall disasters.
Ensemble Learning-Based Coronary Artery Disease Detection Using Computer Tomography Images
Authors: Sait Abdul Rahaman Wahab , Awad Ali Mohammad Alorsan Bani
Published: February 2024

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most prevalent form of cardiovascular disease that may result in myocardial infarction. Annually, it leads to millions of fatalities and causes billions of dollars in global economic losses. Limited resources and complexities in interpreting results pose challenges to healthcare centers in implementing deep learning (DL)-based CAD detection models. Ensemble learning (EL) allows developers to build an effective CAD detection model by integrating the outcomes of multiple medical imaging models. In this study, the authors build an EL-based CAD detection model to identify CAD from coronary computer tomography angiography (CCTA) images. They employ a feature engineering technique, including MobileNet V3, CatBoost, and LightGBM models. A random forest (RF) classifier is used to ensemble the outcomes of the CatBoost and LightGBM models. The authors generalize the model using two benchmark datasets. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 99.7% and 99.6% with limited computational resources. The generalization results highlight the importance of the proposed model’s efficiency in identifying CAD from the CCTA images. Healthcare centers and cardiologists can benefit from the proposed model to identify CAD in the initial stages. The proposed feature engineering can be extended using a liquid neural network model to reduce computational resources.
Hydrophobic and Photocatalytic Treatment for the Conservation of Painted Lecce stone in Outdoor Conditions: A New Cleaning Approach
Authors: Bergamonti Laura , Potenza Marianna , Scigliuzzo Federica , Meli Sandro , Casoli Antonella , Lottici Pier Paolo , Graiff Claudia
Published: February 2024

Self-cleaning and hydrophobic treatments based on TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles are widely applied for the preservation of cultural heritage materials, to improve their resilience in polluted environments. Excellent results have been obtained on stone materials, but experiments on painted stone surfaces, such as wall paintings and polychrome plasters used in historic buildings, are still limited. In this work, we present a study on the use of water dispersions of TiO2 nanoparticles obtained via sol-gel and organically modified silica (OrMoSil) for cleaning and protective purposes on Lecce stone, a carbonate stone, widely used for its excellent workability but easily attacked by atmospheric agents and pollutants. First, we evaluated the harmlessness of the treatment on Lecce stone through colorimetric tests, water absorption by capillarity and permeability to water vapor. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 nanoparticles was assessed by photo-degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue dyes. The dispersion was then applied on painted samples prepared according to ancient recipes to confirm the effectiveness of the cleaning. The proposed TiO2/OrMoSil-based coating can act as a self-cleaning and protective treatment on lithic surfaces to prevent degradation phenomena and preserve the original appearance of the monument.
Comparing In Silico Fungi Toxicity Prediction with In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assay for Indoor Airborne Fungi
Authors: Ahn Sung-Yoon , Kim Mira , Jeong Hye-Won , Yoon Wonsuck , Bang Iel-Soo , Lee Sang-Woong
Published: February 2024

Technological advancements have shifted human living and working environments from outdoor to indoor. Although indoor spaces offer protection from unfavorable weather conditions, they also present new health challenges. Stale, humid, and warm indoor air creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, leading to health issues such as asthma and bacterial infections. Although proper ventilation is crucial, a comprehensive inspection of local indoor air quality is necessary to prevent widespread diseases. In vitro experiments involving bacteria and fungi collected from indoor air yield accurate results but are time- and cost-intensive. In silico methods offer faster results and provide valuable insights for guiding further in vitro experiments. In this study, we conduct an in vitro cytotoxicity assay on 32 fungi species and compare its results with a memory-efficient in silico modeling method using parameter-efficient fine-tuning (PEFT) and ProtBERT. This study suggests a potential methodology for predicting the toxicity of indoor airborne fungi when their identities are known.
A Comparative Study on the Estimation of Wind Speed and Wind Power Density Using Statistical Distribution Approaches and Artificial Neural Network-Based Hybrid Techniques in Çanakkale, Türkiye
Authors: Koroglu Tahsin , Ekici Elanur
Published: February 2024

In recent years, wind energy has become remarkably popular among renewable energy sources due to its low installation costs and easy maintenance. Having high energy potential is of great importance in the selection of regions where wind energy investments will be made. In this study, the wind power potential in Çanakkale Province, located in the northwest of Türkiye, is examined, and the wind speed is estimated using hourly and daily data over a one-year period. The data, including 12 different meteorological parameters, were taken from the Turkish State Meteorological Service. The two-parameter Weibull and Rayleigh distributions, which are the most widely preferred models in wind energy studies, are employed to estimate the wind power potential using hourly wind speed data. The graphical method is implemented to calculate the shape (k) and scale (c) parameters of the Weibull distribution function. Daily average wind speed estimation is performed with artificial neural network–genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) and ANN–particle swarm optimization (ANN-PSO) hybrid approaches. The proposed hybrid ANN-GA and ANN-PSO algorithms provide correlation coefficient values of 0.94839 and 0.94042, respectively, indicating that the predicted and measured wind speed values are notably close. Statistical error indices reveal that the ANN-GA model outperforms the ANN-PSO model.
Mobile Network Operators’ Assessment Based on Drive-Test Campaign in Urban Area for iPerf Scenario
Authors: Zmysłowski Dariusz , Kelner Jan M.
Published: February 2024

The development of new telecommunication services requires the implementation of advanced technologies and the next generations of networks. Currently, the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a widely used standard. On the other hand, more and more mobile network operators (MNOs) are implementing the fifth-generation (5G) New Radio standard in their networks. It allows for increasing throughput, spectral, and energy efficiency and maximizing coverage, while reducing latency. The effectiveness of the introduced changes is measured by assessing the quality of service (QoS) in mobile networks. The paper presents the result evaluation of the QoS measurement campaign carried out using the drive test method in an urban area for four MNOs. We analyze the data transmission scenario, which is the basis of most modern telecommunications services. The result comparison provides an assessment of the 5G service implementation advancement by MNOs. In this analysis, we consider many QoS metrics (e.g., session time, throughput, and round-trip time) and parameters defining the radio signal quality (i.e., reference signal received power, signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio). Our work also included searching for relationships between these parameters, using a correlation analysis. It allows for the selection of uncorrelated parameters to assess the quality of network, i.e., MNO evaluation, in terms of the provided QoS.
Dynamic Measures of Balance during Obstacle-Crossing in Self-Selected Gait in Individuals with Mild-to-Moderate Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Harro Cathy , Alderink Gordon , Hickox Lauren , Zeitler David W. , Avery Michele , Daman Courtney , Laker Dori
Published: February 2024

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have postural instability and gait dysfunction that lead to falls and disability with disease progression. Increased fall risk is particularly seen during challenging gait tasks such as obstacle-crossing. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were differences in dynamic postural control during self-paced walking and obstacle-crossing between persons with mild-to-moderate PD and healthy controls. Participants included nine individuals with PD and nine age- and gender-matched controls (CON). This study examined margin of stability metrics using instrumented 3D motion analysis during the two-step sequence of the obstacle-crossing task. Dynamic balance variables and spatiotemporal (ST) parameters at distinct gait events related to the leading (step one) and trailing leg (step two) were compared for the PD and CON groups using a mixed-model ANOVA. No differences were found between groups for ST gait parameters during obstacle-crossing, except for a significantly reduced step length (p = 0.005) for the trailing limb for the PD group. The PD group demonstrated significantly larger mean values for mediolateral center of pressure–center of mass (COP–COM) distance at first double support (p = 0.004) and center of pressure–extrapolated center of mass (COP–XCOM) distance at second double support (p = 0.016) for the second step. Our results suggest that the margin of stability may be useful in discerning postural control adaptations during obstacle negotiation in persons with PD.
Calibrated Hydraulic Resistance Adjuncts for Carbon Dioxide Angiography Optimization
Authors: Corazza Ivan , Rossi Pier Luca , Zannoli Romano
Published: February 2024

Background: Despite the growing interest in CO2 angiography, some mechanical aspects related to CO2 injection still need to be deepened, and some improvements are still possible. This work explores the possibility of optimizing gas injection into small-sized arteries. Since the image quality depends on how the gas fills the vessel and is strongly dependent on injection flow, the possibility of controlling the flow is mandatory to obtain good results. To better control the flow, we propose to adjunct small tubes with known hydraulic resistances in parallel to the injection catheter, allowing the generation of the desired injection flow by modulating the injection pressure. Methods: Using a mechanical mock of the cardiovascular system, we measured pressures and flows of interest and acquired the optical images of the vessel during gas injections. We performed a simulation with four different calibrated adjunct resistances in various injection pressure conditions, with and without saline flushing. Results: Our tests demonstrated that the optimized injection of the gas maintains the same procedure durations and reduces the gas volume and the local pressure increase, avoiding the local gas “explosion” in the injection site. Conclusions: Our proposal appears effective and paves the way for research into optimizing clinical CO2 angiography procedures.
Legibility of Sans-Serif Typeface on Different Paper Grades Made from Invasive Alien Plant Species
Authors: Možina Klementina , Kovačević Dorotea , Možina Klemen
Published: February 2024

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) may cause threats to native biodiversity in ecosystems. Researchers have been investigating all the possible ways that they can be used effectively for other purposes. Since IAPS are capable of forming cellulose fibre nets, in this research, papers were made from three different types of IAPS (Japanese knotweed, giant goldenrod, and black locust). This research examined these IAPS papers and their effectiveness when used as printing substrates. In comparison to commercial office paper, the differences in basic, surface, optical, and microscopic properties were measured. As a widely used technology, inkjet printing was applied. We tested a commonly used sans-serif typeface (which has been established as being more legible than other typefaces in previous research) in three different type sizes (i.e., 8, 10, and 12 pt). According to the results, paper made from IAPS could offer some usable properties and acceptable legibility, especially when printing typefaces with specific attributes, such as moderate counter size, higher x-height, and minimal differences in the letter stroke width, are used. An appropriate typographic tonal density should be achieved in combination with an adequate letter size, e.g., 10 pt type size when a sans-serif typeface is used.
Characterization and Crystallinity of Two Bioactive Sealers: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Abu-Zeid Sawsan T. , Saif Ragab E. , Mostafa Hisham A. , Edrees Hadeel Y.
Published: February 2024

Since the crystallinity of hydroxyapatite created by bioactive sealers could affect their solubility percentage, this study aimed to analyze the degree of crystallinity and mineral maturity of hydroxyapatite crystals formed by bioactive (Cerafil and Endosequence) root canal sealers. Set discs of each sealer were submerged, either in deionized water or phosphate buffer solution (PBS). After 30 days, the crystallinity indices, crystal size, and mineral maturity were determined. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Student’s t tests with significance set at p < 0.05. After immersion in PBS, Endosequence had the most significant value of mineral maturity (1030/1110Raman) and PO4/amide IFTIR ratio. However, the CO3/PO4 ratio was reduced by both solutions, particularly by PBS. There was no significant difference between both bioactive sealers. Compared to Endosequence, Cerafil had the highest crystallinity indices for CIXRD, CIFTIR, and CIRaman. AH-26 had a significantly greater crystal size (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the crystal size of the Cerafil and Endosequence bioactive sealers (p > 0.05). Overall, Cerafil and Endosequence successfully formed hydroxyapatite crystals when exposed to PBS, with high CIs obtained by Cerafil. The crystallinity and mineral maturity of Cerafil and Endosequence were comparable. On the other hand, AH-26 failed to produce hydroxyapatite.
Special Issue “Superhydrophobic and Icephobic Coatings as Passive Ice Protection Systems for Aeronautical Applications”
Authors: Piscitelli Filomena
Published: February 2024

The formation of ice can be very dangerous to flight safety, especially in cold climates, since ice accumulated on the surfaces of the aircraft can alter the aerodynamics, increase the weight, and reduce lift, leading to catastrophic stall situations in some cases [...]
The Effects of Vermicompost and Steel Slag Amendments on the Physicochemical Properties and Bacterial Community Structure of Acidic Soil Containing Copper Sulfide Mines
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Xue Jinchun , He Min , Qi Hui , Wang Shuting
Published: February 2024

Acidification and heavy metal stress pose challenging threats to the terrestrial environment. This investigation endeavors to scrutinize the combined effects of vermicompost and steel slag, either singularly or in concert with Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), on the remediation of acidic soil resulting from sulfide copper mining. The findings illuminate substantial ameliorations in soil attributes. The application of these amendments precipitates an elevation in soil pH of 1.39–3.08, an augmentation in organic matter of 4.05–8.65, a concomitant reduction in total Cu content of 43.2–44.7%, and a marked mitigation in Cu bioavailability of 64.2–80.3%. The pronounced reduction in soil Cu bioavailability within the steel slag treatment group (L2) is noteworthy. Characterization analyses of vermicompost and steel slag further elucidate their propensity for sequestering Cu2+ ions in the soil matrix. Concerning botanical analysis, the vermicompost treatment group (L1) significantly enhances soil fertility, culminating in the accumulation of 208.35 mg kg−1 of Cu in L. perenne stems and 1412.05 mg kg−1 in the roots. Additionally, the introduction of vermicompost and steel slag enriches soil OTU (Operational Taxonomic Units) quantity, thereby augmenting soil bacterial community diversity. Particularly noteworthy is the substantial augmentation observed in OTU quantities for the vermicompost treatment group (L1) and the combined vermicompost with steel slag treatment group (L3), exhibiting increments of 126.04% and 119.53% in comparison to the control (CK). In summation, the application of vermicompost and steel slag efficaciously diminishes the bioavailability of Cu in the soil, augments Cu accumulation in L. perenne, induces shifts in the soil microbial community structure, and amplifies soil bacterial diversity. Crucially, the concomitant application of vermicompost and steel slag emerges as a holistic and promising strategy for the remediation of sulfide copper mining acidic soil.
Analysis of Using Machine Learning Techniques for Estimating Solar Panel Performance in Edge Sensor Devices
Authors: Dobrilovic Dalibor , Pekez Jasmina , Ognjenovic Visnja , Desnica Eleonora
Published: February 2024

The importance of the usage of renewable energy sources in powering wireless sensor nodes in IoT and sensor networks grows together with the increasing number of utilized sensor nodes. Considering the other types of renewable energy sources, solar power differs as the most suitable one and emerges as the major source for powering sensor nodes. Thus, the consideration of using sensor nodes and collected sensor data for estimating solar panel performances and therefore solar power potential can improve the efforts in this direction. This paper presents the methodology for implementing edge intelligence on wireless sensor nodes for solar panel output voltage estimation and forecasting. The methodology covers the usage of the Python Scikit-learn package and micromlgen library for the implementation of edge intelligence on Arduino clone-based sensor nodes, particularly the development boards based on the ESP8266 chips. Scikit-learn is used for analyzing the efficiency of various regressors on collected solar data. The micromlgen library is then used for implementing those regressors on Arduino and clone nodes. The prediction of solar panel voltage generation is based on a single-sensor reading—UV or BH1750 light sensor. The Random Forest and Decision Tree regressors are implemented on the ESP8266-based development board—Wemos D1 R2. The estimation accuracy of the RF model is an MSE of approximately 0.10, MAE of 0.07 for UV and 0.04 for BH1750, and an R2 of approximately 0.93 for both UV and BH1750 light sensors. The Decision Tree model has a lower accuracy with an MSE between 0.13 and 0.14, MAE of 0.07 for UV and 0.04 for BH1750, and R2 of 0.90 and 0.89 for the UV and BH1750 sensors, respectively. The methodology and its efficiency are presented and discussed in this paper.
Quantitative Characterization of Passivation Process of Steel Reinforcement in Concrete towards Durability against Anticorrosion Based on Electrochemical Methods
Authors: Lv Dongye , Liu Hanbing , Miao Qiang , Wang Wensheng , Tan Guojin , Shi Chengwei , Li Hanjun
Published: February 2024

The passivation behavior of steel reinforcements in concrete is significantly influenced by the environment, concrete pore solution, and the passive film formed on the steel surface. The present study used electrochemical methods to successfully characterize the passivation process of steel reinforcements in concrete. The passivation behavior of commonly used HRB400 steel reinforcement material in concrete was studied using various electrochemical parameters quantitatively. As the soaking test time increased, the OCP gradually increased and stabilized after 5 days, indicating that the steel electrode transitioned from an active state to a passive state in the simulated liquid environment of concrete. The steel reinforcement developed a protective passive film that reduced its tendency to corrode. According to EIS, after soaking for one day, the steel electrode showed significant early passivation, indicated by an increase in its arc diameter. The WE arc gradually increased in the first 5 days of immersion, suggesting dynamic passive film formation and development. Beyond 5 days, the passive film stabilized with minimal further changes in its impedance spectrum, indicating carbon steel electrode passivation. The working electrode’s impedance increased significantly on the fifth day, and gradually increased slightly after 10 days, indicating comprehensive coverage by the oxide film. Attributed to the growth and development of the oxide film, the electrode resistance reached a relatively stable state after the fifth day. The shift in corrosion potential offers an indication of the level of passivation of the steel reinforcements. The decrease in the anode Tafel slope and increase in the corrosion potential indicate the formation and stabilization of an oxide film on the steel surface, which is beneficial for its long-term durability in concrete structures. By analyzing the OCP, EIS, and dynamic potential polarization curve method data, it is possible to gain insights into the passivation behavior of steel reinforcements in concrete structures. This study aims to provide a basis for optimizing the corrosion protection of steel reinforcements in concrete structures. The significance of this study lies in a deep understanding of the passivation behavior of steel bars in concrete, providing a theoretical basis for improving the durability and lifespan of steel bars in concrete structures.
Geodynamic Mechanism of the Evolution of the South China Sea Basin: Simulation Based on the Finite Difference Method
Authors: Liu Chen , Li Jianghai
Published: February 2024

The South China Sea is in the convergence zone of the Pacific plate, the Indo-Australian plate, and the Eurasian plate. Its formation and tectonic evolution were influenced by continental margin spreading and plate interaction between the three plates and their microcontinents. It has a complex geodynamic background. To understand how continents break up to form ocean basins, the South China Sea Basin is taken as an example to study the dynamic mechanism of its formation and evolution and the driving force of seafloor spreading, so as to understand the relationship between oceanic–continental lithosphere plates. The South China Sea basin’s opening mechanism and its principal factors of control remain controversial. To explore the influence of different extension rates, we summarized the different genesis mechanisms of the South China Sea, and combined with the tectonic section of the basin, the numerical simulation was obtained based on the finite difference method. The results obtained from numerical simulations show that the rapid extension rate was one of the important factors in the asymmetric expansion of the model, with other factors such as the thickness and rheological properties of the lithosphere held constant. The lithospheric mantle continued thinning in the stress concentration area, with the crust being pulled apart before the lithospheric mantle, eventually forming an ocean basin corresponding to the east sub-basin. However, when the extension rate was low, the model expanded almost symmetrically, and the lithosphere thinning occurred at a slow rate. The simulation results confirm that, compared with the southwest sub-basin of the South China Sea, the spreading rate of the east sub-basin was even higher. We believe that the subduction of the proto-South China Sea played a crucial role in the opening of the South China Sea, providing a more reasonable mechanism. The opposite movement of the Indo-Australian plate and Kalimantan may have inhibited the formation of the southwest sub-basin of the South China Sea, resulting in a later spreading of the southwest sub-basin than the east sub-basin, as well as a lower rate of spreading than the east sub-basin.
A Tolerance Specification Automatic Design Method for Screening Geometric Tolerance Types
Authors: Liu Guanghao , Huang Meifa , Su Wenbo
Published: February 2024

At present, the automatic generation of tolerance types based on rule-based reasoning has an obvious characteristic: for the same assembly feature, tolerance items are recommended that satisfy all feature characteristics, with a large number of recommendations. For this reason, automatically selecting tolerance types and reducing designer autonomy remains a challenging task, especially for complex mechanical products designed using heterogeneous CAD systems. This article proposes a tolerance specification design method for the automatic selection of assembly tolerance types. Based on the construction of a hierarchical representation model of assembly tolerance information with tolerance-zone degrees of freedom (DOFs), a semantic model of geometric tolerance information with tolerance-zone DOFs and a meta-ontology model of assembly tolerance information representation are constructed. Descriptive logic is used to express the attribute relationships between different classes in the assembly tolerance information meta-ontology model, and screening inference rules are constructed based on the mechanism for selecting assembly tolerance types based on tolerance-zone DOFs. On this basis, a process for selecting assembly geometric tolerance types based on the ontology of tolerance-zone DOFs is formed. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of this method were verified through examples.
Effect of Ambient Temperature on Impedance-Based Physiological Activity Evaluation of Zelkova Tree
Authors: Lim Jounghoon , Kim Jinkee , Kim Jong Pal
Published: February 2024

A system has been developed to remotely, continuously, and quantitatively measure the physiological activity of trees. The developed tree physiological activity monitoring (TPAM) system is equipped with electrical impedance, temperature, and light intensity measurement functions. In the two-contact impedance measurement method used in the previous plant impedance measurement, errors due to the polarization impedance of the electrodes could not be avoided. The developed TPAM system adopted a four-contact measurement method that could avoid polarization impedance errors, and, with it, the long-term monitoring of zelkova trees was performed. The monitoring of seasonal changes was conducted from July to November, and an impedance change pattern that repeated on a daily basis was observed in the short term, and an overall increase in the impedance was observed in the long term. Impedance changes related to daily temperature changes were observed even after all the tree leaves had fallen, meaning that this effect should be excluded when using impedance to evaluate tree vitality. For this reason, the influence of temperature fluctuations was excluded by using only the impedance values at the same daily temperature of 25 degrees from July to November. The analysis results at 25 degrees showed that the tree impedance value increased linearly by 8.7 Ω per day. The results of this series of long-term monitoring and analysis revealed that the ambient temperature must be taken into account in the evaluation of tree physiological activity based on electrical impedance.
Reference Values of Regional Oxygen Saturation (rSO2) Determined by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) for 18 Selected Regions of Interest (ROIs) in Young and Elderly Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Lubkowska Anna , Radecka Aleksandra , Pluta Waldemar , Wieleba Krzysztof
Published: February 2024

Regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) reflects the perfusion and metabolism of the assessed tissue. The study aimed to determine the reference values of rSO2 for selected body areas, considering gender, age and body composition. We studied 70 healthy volunteers divided into two age groups (18–30 and >60 years). The rSO2 was measured using NIRS in eighteen selected regions of interest (ROIs). Body composition analysis was carried out using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Significant differences in rSO2 values were found between almost all analyzed ROIs (p < 0.05) with a simultaneous lack of asymmetry between contralateral side of the body. The average rSO2 values from the ROIs analyzed ranged from 40.34 ± 17.65% (Achilles tendon) to 69.94 ± 6.93% (tibialis anterior muscle). Age and the values of adiposity indices and the fat mass content are factors that may significantly reduce the rSO2 value. In most ROIs, higher rSO2 values were recorded for the younger group (p < 0.0001). The rSO2 values at rest are area-specific in young and elderly healthy subjects. The changes in rSO2, both in clinical assessment and research, should be interpreted taking into account the body area being assessed and individual factors such as age and body fat content.
Estimating Flood Inundation in Urban Areas Using a Scenario Generation Method and Inundation Graphs
Authors: Shin Jaehyun , Rhee Dong Sop
Published: February 2024

As the frequency and intensity of natural and social disasters increase due to climate change, damage caused by disasters affects urban areas and facilities. Of those disasters, inundation occurs in urban areas due to rising water surface elevation because of concentrated rainfall from storm surges or urban drainage system failures. For this research, a scenario generation method for estimating flood inundation was developed to analyze the flood effects on urban areas to prepare for disasters and minimize damage. A scenario generation method using various distribution functions and return periods was developed and applied to create input values for the flow model for inundation analysis. By simulating multiple scenarios using a two-dimensional flow model and storing its results into a graph-form database called an inundation graph, it is possible to assess the probability and potential impact of different flood events quickly, which could be later used for disaster response and prevention. The flood risk and flood vulnerability of each section of the urban area could be evaluated based on the input data from the scenarios and the results of the flood analysis.
Synchronization and Application of a Novel Hyperchaotic System Based on Adaptive Observers
Authors: Ozpolat Erman , Gulten Arif
Published: February 2024

This paper explores the synchronization and implementation of a novel hyperchaotic system using an adaptive observer. Hyperchaotic systems, known for possessing a greater number of positive Lyapunov exponents compared to chaotic systems, present unique challenges and opportunities in control and synchronization. In this study, we introduce a novel hyperchaotic system, thoroughly examining its dynamic properties and conducting a comprehensive phase space analysis. The proposed hyperchaotic system undergoes validation through circuit simulation to confirm its behavior. Introducing an adaptive observer synchronization technique, we successfully synchronize the dynamics of the novel hyperchaotic system with an identical counterpart. Importantly, we extend the application of this synchronization method to the domain of secure communication, showcasing its practical usage. Simulation outcomes validate the effectiveness of our methodology, demonstrating favorable results in the realm of adaptive observer-based synchronization. This research contributes significantly to the understanding and application of hyperchaotic systems, offering insights into both the theoretical aspects and practical implementation. Our findings suggest potential advancements in the field of chaotic systems, particularly in their applications within secure communication systems. By presenting motivations, methods, results, conclusions and the significance of our work in a more appealing manner, we aim to engage readers and highlight the innovative contributions of this study.
Effects of Common Surface Modifications on the Mechanical Properties of Miniscrews: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yilanci Hilal , Gezer Pınar
Published: February 2024

Aim: The objective of this systematic review was to offer quantitative evidence regarding the influence of surface properties on the mechanical stability of miniscrews. Materials and Methods: The comprehensive search strategy involved querying databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. PRISMA guidelines were followed to determine relevant studies according to specific eligibility criteria. The final search was conducted on 30 August 2023. In this systematic review, in vivo studies published in the English language were included. Results: A total of 364 articles were viewed, and 17 of them were considered for evaluation. Two of the articles are about human studies, while the rest are about animal studies. The number of miniscrew samples ranged between 18 and 144 (totaling 1097 with a mean of 64.52). Among the surface modifications in the articles, the sandblasting with large grit and acid etching (SLA) method was most frequently applied, followed by acid etching in second place. The control groups’ (machined surface) maximum removal torque (MRT) values varied from 2.05 to 50.50 Ncm, while maximum insertion torque (MIT) values varied from 7.23 to 19.25 Ncm. Conclusions: The development of novel applications to improve the surface properties and survival rates of miniscrews is ongoing. In future studies, emerging surface modifications should be evaluated clinically, taking into account their cost and associated harm to the environment.
A Remote Access Server with Chatbot User Interface for Coffee Grinder Burr Wear Level Assessment Based on Imaging Granule Analysis and Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Chen Chih-Yung , Lin Shang-Feng , Tseng Yuan-Wei , Dong Zhe-Wei , Cai Cheng-Han
Published: February 2024

Coffee chains are very popular around the world. Because overly worn coffee grinder burrs can downgrade the taste of coffee, coffee experts and professional cuppers in an anonymous coffee chain have developed a manual method to classify coffee grinder burr wear so that worn burrs can be replaced in time to maintain the good taste of coffee. In this paper, a remote access server system that can mimic the ability of those recognized coffee experts and professional cuppers to classify coffee grinder burr wear has been developed. Users only need to first upload a photo of coffee granules ground by a grinder to the system through a chatbot interface; then, they can receive the burr wear classification result from the remote server in a minute. The system first uses image processing to obtain the coffee granules’ size distribution. Based on the size distributions, unified length data inputs are then obtained to train and test the deep learning model so that it can classify the burr wear level into initial wear, normal wear, and severe wear with more than 96% accuracy. As only a mobile phone is needed to use this service, the proposed system is very suitable for both coffee chains and coffee lovers.
Analyzing Wintertime Extreme Winds over Türkiye and Their Relationships with Synoptic Patterns Using Cluster Analysis
Authors: Başar Görgün Umut Gül , Menteş Şükran Sibel
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the patterns of extreme winds and the correlation between synoptic patterns in Türkiye throughout the winter season, using the cluster analysis technique. We utilized the k-means algorithm to detect the surface patterns of extreme winds. Additionally, we deployed the Self-Organizing Map (SOM) technique to identify clusters of geopotential height at the 500 hPa level, average temperature at the 850 hPa level, and mean sea level pressure. We adopted the dataset from the New European Wind Atlas (NEWA) project for analyzing surface-level weather conditions and the ERA5 datasets for studying upper-level weather conditions. The k-means algorithm identifies six distinct clusters when applied to the ground-level data in Türkiye. These clusters are predominantly located around the Taurus Mountain ranges, which stretch in an east-west and northeastern direction along the Black Sea coast. The formation of these clusters is controlled by the characteristics of the land and its physical features. The higher-level clusters, consisting of nine SOM nodes, are unaffected by terrain and weather systems, which are characteristic of the macro-Mediterranean climate. These clusters are detected in the Eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea, and inner Aegean areas, emphasizing the impact of topography on surface patterns.