bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graph theory analysis of a human body metabolic network: A systematic and organ‐specific study
Authors: Ruan Jingxuan , Wu Yaping , Wang Haiyan , Huang Zhenxing , Liu Ziwei , Yang Xinlang , Yang Yongfeng , Zheng Hairong , Liang Dong , Wang Meiyun , Hu Zhanli
Published: December 2024

Purposes

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is widely used to detect focal lesions or diseases and to study metabolic abnormalities between organs. However, analyzing organ correlations alone does not fully capture the characteristics of the metabolic network. Our work proposes a graph‐based analysis method for quantifying the topological properties of the network, both globally and at the nodal level, to detect systemic or single‐organ metabolic abnormalities caused by diseases such as lung cancer.

Methods

We used whole‐body 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) standardized uptake value (SUV) images from 32 lung cancer patients and 20 healthy controls to construct two‐organ glucose metabolism correlation networks at the population level. We calculated five global measures and three nodal centralities for these networks to explore the small‐world, rich‐club and modular organization in the metabolic network. Additionally, we analyzed the preference for connections significantly affected by lung cancer by dividing organs according to system level and spatial location.

Results

In lung cancer patients, functional segregation in metabolic networks increased (increased , , and , t < 0), whereas functional integration decreased (increased , t < 0, and decreased , t > 0), indicating more localized and dispersed metabolic activities. At the nodal level, certain organs, such as the pancreas, liver, heart, and right kidney, were no longer hubs in lung cancer patients (decreased nodal centralities, t > 0), whereas the left adrenal gland, left kidney, and left lung showed significantly increased centralities (increased nodal centralities, t < 0). This change suggests compensatory effects between organs. Connections between the nervous and urinary systems, as well as between the upper and middle organs, were more strongly affected by lung cancer (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the utility of graph theory in analyzing PET imaging data to uncover metabolic network abnormalities. We identified significant topological changes and shifts in nodal roles in lung cancer patients, indicating a shift toward localized and segregated metabolic activities. These findings emphasize the need to consider systemic interactions and specific organ connections affected by disease. The impact on connections between the nervous and urinary systems and between the upper and middle regions underscores the modular nature of organ interactions, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Three‐dimensional dosimetry using multiple‐energy delivery and a single‐layer detector for quality assurance in proton pencil beam scanning
Authors: Righetto Roberto , Fogazzi Elena , Tommasino Francesco , Farace Paolo
Published: December 2024

Background

In Proton Therapy, the presence of implants along the beam path is known to potentially affect the dose distribution. The way such implants are managed in the planning process can vary in the different treatment planning systems (TPSs) and different centers. A specific validation procedure should be accomplished to verify the accuracy of TPS computation in these conditions and accept the applied process before treating patients.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to present a quality assurance (QA) tool in pencil beam scanning proton therapy by a method based on multiple‐energy delivery and a single‐layer two‐dimensional detector and to apply it for verifying three‐dimensional dose computation and correcting CT calibration in the presence of implants.

Methods

Multiple‐energy delivery with a single‐layer detector (MESL) acquisitions were performed for 80 energy layers (70‐150MeV), composed of equally weighted pencil beam spots. MESL measures were acquired using a two‐dimensional MatriXX‐IBA detector. A transformation of the energy modulation to spatial modulation was obtained by using the power‐law relationship of initial energy and range. The setup design involved a reference configuration, allowing to compensate for potential offsets, and the same configuration with an additional phantom to be measured. Both setups were imaged by a CT scanner, and the dose was computed by the TPS. The comparison of TPS‐computed and MESL‐measured data of the phantom was performed by producing a 2D map of range‐error. For testing the procedure, plastic slabs and rods made of tissue equivalent materials (TEMs), with known water equivalent path length (WEPL), were used. Range error mapping was then applied to verify dose computation with a titanium cylinder and a titanium implant. Numerical procedures were obtained by modifying at the TPS the segmented volume, or the value in the CT calibration curve for the titanium objects. The optimal values were then determined by identifying the one that minimizes residual range error.

Results

The results of the consistency test on the plastic slabs and the TEM rods showed differences between measured and expected WEPL below 1%, confirming the reliability of the method and the energy‐spatial transformation. In the titanium cylinder, the optimal volume and the point in the calibration curve (relative to the titanium saturated value), to be used for TPS simulation is about the real size of the cylinder and the tabulated stopping power value. However, the optimal value to be assigned to the CT calibration curve might depend on the type and shape of the object, as they were different for the cylinder and the implant with screws.

Conclusions

The availability of a QA tool, like the one presented, paves the way for systematic studies of all the parameters that impact computation accuracy, and the methods to improve the accuracy of TPS computation.
Integration of Design of Experiments, Analysis of Variance and Response Surface Methodology in Assessing Heterogeneous Catalysts Processes: A Minireview
Authors: Aristizábal‐Alzate Carlos Esteban , Castillejos‐López Eva , Dongil Ana Belén , Romero‐Sáez Manuel
Published: December 2024

This work reviews the application of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Design of Experiments (DOE), and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in heterogeneous catalysis, based on an analysis of recent scientific literature. Heterogeneous catalysis plays a key role in various industries, guiding chemical reactions, optimizing the performance of different processes and/or prioritizing products, and ANOVA, DOE and RSM are valuable tools to understand the intricate relationships between catalyst properties, process variables and reaction responses. This understanding facilitates improvements in catalysts performance and selectivity, thereby optimizing processes. Drawing insights from recent studies, this minireview highlights the different applications of ANOVA‐based experimental designs and RSM optimization techniques in catalytic process evaluation. Therefore, this review provides valuable insights into these current statistical methodologies applied to heterogeneous catalysis research, informing the relevance and future directions of the research in the field.
Additive Manufacturing of Fiber‐Reinforced Composites—A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Rithika K. , Sudha J.
Published: December 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) has garnered considerable interest in recent years for fabricating fiber‐reinforced composites due to its versatility, cost‐effectiveness, and ability to produce complex geometries. The review begins by elucidating the diverse types of fibers utilized, including carbon, glass, and aramid, along with various matrix materials such as thermoplastics and thermosets. It then delves into the crucial parameters affecting the mechanical and morphological properties of these composites, including fiber orientation, printing parameters, and so forth. Challenges such as interlayer adhesion, void formation, and anisotropy are identified, alongside strategies proposed in the literature to mitigate these issues, including modification of printing parameters, fiber treatment, and hybridization with other manufacturing techniques. Notable findings in the highlight how optimized fiber alignment enhances mechanical performance, improved layer deposition minimizes voids, and hybrid manufacturing methods strengthen interlayer adhesion. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the current state of the art, challenges, and future directions in the field of fiber‐reinforced composites manufactured via AM, offering a roadmap for researchers and practitioners to advance this promising technology. This article emphasizes the advancements in AM for fiber‐reinforced composites and identified gaps that require further research, particularly in achieving consistent structural integrity and minimizing anisotropy.
Innovative Nanofibrous Dini's Surface as a Three‐Dimensional Highly Porous Scaffold Providing Enhanced Cellular Infiltration
Authors: Hejazi Fatemeh
Published: December 2024

Increasing demand for the tissue engineering‐based treatments, emerge the necessity of introducing feasible and facile techniques for providing efficient three‐dimensional scaffolds from the potent natural and synthetic polymers, especially for the regeneration of thick tissues as bone, cartilage, and so forth. In the present study, an innovative method for the fabrication of nanofibrous structure in 3D shape and highly porous state is introduced. This method, which is on the basis of electrospinning technique provides highly porous nanofibrous structure with inspiration from geometric model named Dini's surface. For this aim, instead of applying conventional collector, a novel technique was considered for collecting the PCL/Gelatin nanofibers and consequent forming the 3D structure. Morphological and mechanical properties, porosity, degradation, and water uptake capacity together with cell behavior on the fabricated scaffolds were evaluated. In vitro evaluation revealed the progressive cell proliferation and three dimensional cell growth in the fabricated scaffold. Furthermore, despite the limited cell infiltration into the conventional electrospun nanofibrous mats, in vivo experiment demonstrated that the introduced method resulted in the scaffold, which provides facilitated cell infiltration, early tissue invasion, neo‐tissue formation, and new blood vessels generation within the first few days of subcutaneous implantation. Results indicate that the introduced method is a promising technique for the development of nanofibrous‐based three‐dimensional scaffold which provides enhanced cellular infiltration and neo‐tissue formation, and early blood vessel formation.
Critical Parameters for the Properties of Poly (l‐Lactic Acid) Mixed‐Braided Stent: Monofilaments Diameter and Friction Coefficient
Authors: Cheng Jie , Jiang Zhijie , Hu Xue , Liu Muqing , Lu Mingxi , Ni Zhonghua , Zhao Gutian
Published: December 2024

Balancing the ideal radial supporting performance with flexibility in polymer stents has always been a significant challenge, and a potential solution to which is provided by the mixed‐braided stents. However, the principles of mechanics and design advantages are yet ambiguous. This study aims to establish a correlation between radial supporting performance and structural morphologies of mixed‐braided stents in the compression process. First, this study establishes a computational framework, which takes into account the different material properties of thick and thin monofilaments as well as actual friction coefficients. Second, this study simulates the crimping process of different mixed‐braided stents to find out the relationship between radial supporting performance and structural morphologies. Finally, by changing the friction coefficient in the simulation model, the influence of friction coefficient on the crimping process of the stents is explored. The result provides a reference for the structural design of mixed‐braided stents: significant differences in diameter and friction coefficient can lead to the instability of the stent. Specifically, as the friction coefficient increases from 0.12 to 0.20, the radial stiffness increases from 0.32 to 0.69 N/mm2, which is an increase of 115%. However, the stability of the stent decreases simultaneously. Meanwhile, the COF and stability of the stent have declined.
A novel method and equipment for manufacturing high‐performance fiber‐reinforced polymer composite based on chaotic mixing and stretching force field
Authors: Tan Lingcao , Guo Wenshuai , Gao Qi , Li Jiqian , He Yue , Huang Jiarong , Xu Wenhua , Xiao Shuping , Yu Huiwen , Xu Baiping
Published: December 2024

Fiberglass‐reinforced composites are extensively utilized in a diverse range of fields. Nonetheless, relying on the high shear forces generated during twin screw extruder processing to enhance the dispersion and distribution of glass fibers (GFs) can result in GF breakage and the degradation of the molecular chains of polyamide (PA). Consequently, this leads to a diminished performance of the composite material. In this study, high‐performance PA6/GF composites were effectively fabricated through the utilization of a dual‐speed non‐twin screw extruder operating within a chaotic field. Furthermore, optimization was achieved by substituting the kneading block (KB) with a perturbation ring element (PRE). In this paper, a comparative analysis was conducted between the flow fields and experimental results obtained from varying thread arrangements. The result indicates that, in comparison to KB with discontinuous structures and sudden geometric shapes, PRE elements possessing open structure in both the transverse and longitudinal directions effectively mitigated the shear effect and residence time during processing. This led to the significant enhancement of the residual length of the GF, molecular weight of PA6, heat distortion resistance and thermal stability of the composites. Additionally, enhanced performance was observed in PA6/GF composites prepared using the PRE configuration. Specifically, PA6/GF composites prepared by PRE S3 configuration showed outstanding impact strength of 13.3 kJ/m2 and a tensile strength of 151.6 MPa, representing respective increases of 15.7% and 6.9% compared with those prepared using the twin screw extruder (TSE). This work introduced an innovative device and molding technique for the production of high‐performance fiber‐reinforced polymer composites.

Highlights

High‐performance PA/GF was successfully manufactured by non‐twin screw extruder.

The modified non‐twin screw leaded to better dispersion and distribution of GF.

The damage of fiberglass and the degradation of PA were significantly reduced.

The mechanical properties were significantly improved without using additives.

The heat distortion resistance and thermal stability of PA/GF were improved.
Novel hybrid polymer composites for optimized thermal performance in electric vehicle battery cases
Authors: Cebe Emrullah , Irez Alaeddin Burak
Published: December 2024

Electric vehicles are essential for ensuring the sustainability of transportation and have the advantage of emitting no environmentally harmful gases due to their non‐reliance on fossil fuels, such as internal combustion engines. However, battery performance remains a significant barrier to wider use of electric cars, as the joule effect increases temperature, negatively impacting battery efficiency. The objective of this study is to create polymer‐based hybrid composite materials that enhance the thermal conductivity and impact strength of the battery module. Polyamide 6 (PA6) was chosen as the matrix material because of its extensive usage and ease of fabrication. Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) and graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) were used to enhance thermal conductivity. Furthermore, a Styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene (SEBS) elastomer supplement has been included to enhance protection against probable ground impact damage. After production, samples underwent mechanical and thermal testing. The addition of GnPs led to an 8.9% enhancement in the elastic modulus and a 4.97% improvement in the tensile strength value. The results demonstrate that the thermal conductivity had a significant rise of 194.3% when 30% h‐BN was incorporated based on weight. Subsequently, fracture surfaces were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to analyze the mechanisms that caused the damage. Afterwards, the thermal conductivity of the compositions was determined utilizing analytical methods and by creating a representative volume element (RVE). In the end, the compositions were evaluated based on several qualities, resulting in the selection of the most suitable composition by using the response surface method (RSM) and python‐based optimization code.

Highlights

Incorporating 30% h‐BN into the neat matrix increased the thermal conductivity by 194.3%.

Optimization studies showed that 30% h‐BN reinforcement led to the most preferred results.

GnP addition improved mechanical properties.

GnP and h‐BN reinforcements improve the composites' glass transition temperature.
Repackaging and Repurposing Digital Objects: A Conceptual Model to Understand the Malleability of Politics in Digital Environments
Authors: Halupka Max , Brown Jeremiah Thomas
Published: December 2024

With the transition to digital environments, there are new dynamics and practices which need to be understood. In contrast to analogue objects, digital objects and online engagements exist in semi‐fixed digital environments which are subject to change, despite time. This makes digital objects different from analogue objects, as they are more malleable, and subject to having their meaning changed, especially with respect to politics. This paper presents repackaged and repurposed intention as two new practices which leverage the malleability of digital objects in relation to the scene in which they occur. Together, repackaged and repurposed intention provide a scaffold for understanding the way politics, playing out in digital spaces, no longer relies on author intentionality to define the meaning or purpose of their engagements. Our paper explores the potential to shift the meaning of digital objects through two illustrative cases and, in doing so, highlights how the potential to change the meaning of digital objects has important political implications.
Shifting Migration Determinants for Family Households With Children From a Life‐Course Perspective
Authors: Kato Haruka
Published: December 2024

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, many urban planners focused on urban exodus. However, a research gap exists as to whether the spread of the infection affected changes in the migration destination determinants of family households. This study aims to clarify the shifting determinants of the migration destinations of family households with children who migrated from the urban centre of the Japanese metropolitan areas because of the spread of the infection during the pandemic. This study adopted a life‐course perspective of the shift in migration destination determinants from the pre‐pandemic to the pandemic periods. The participants were recruited through a web‐based questionnaire survey. As a result, this study concluded that family households with children who mentioned the spread of COVID‐19 infection as a migration motive exhibited significant shifts in their migration destination determinants, emphasising the importance of social interaction‐related factors. The social interaction factors are the favorability of communities, community ties, returning to their hometown, and proximity to relatives. Conversely, the influence of work, living environment, and housing factors on family migration did not change much from the pre‐pandemic to the pandemic periods. This means that the pandemic did not affect migration motives related to work, the living environment, and housing. Therefore, the unique contribution of this study lies in its revelation of the temporal precedence of shifts in the prioritisation of social interaction determinants from pre‐pandemic to pandemic periods. Our findings suggest that they might migrated from urban centres to other cities that offer opportunities for social interaction.
Racial Segregation in a Multiracial Society: Black Exclusion and Spatial Integration in US Municipalities, 1990–2020
Authors: Parisi Domenico , Lichter Daniel T. , Ambinakudige Shrinidhi , Scott Christian Kelly
Published: December 2024

America's municipalities, as political actors, have become the cultural arena for changes in Black social integration and inclusion. Growing racial diversity presumably offers new opportunities for residential inclusion, resulting in less segregation, in an increasingly pluralistic and multiethnic society. This study examines patterns of Black segregation from Whites and non‐Blacks across America's increasingly multiracial municipalities over the last four decades. Our results reveal high, yet steep decline in Black segregation from Whites since 1990, as measured by the index of dissimilarity (D), decreasing from 77 to 64. However, Black–White segregation remains exceptionally high compared to other racial groups. Black segregation from Hispanics has also declined since 1990, but segregation from Asians has changed very little. In metro municipalities, fringe suburbs pose serious challenges for Black integration, suggesting new bastions of segregation. Nonmetro municipalities, particularly county seats, still show higher levels of segregation, reflecting enduring social structures that impede racial mixing. Fixed‐effects models that control for unobserved municipal‐period effects indicate that observed changes in the predictors cannot fully ‘explain’ the differentials in Black segregation or the large downward trend since 1990. Racial inequalities—in income, housing and labour market opportunities—nevertheless continue to reinforce persistent Black municipal segregation from Whites and other non‐Black populations. It remains to be seen whether Black segregation will continue to decline indefinitely in a multiethnic society or evolve in new and unexpected ways as racial diversity penetrates the American landscape.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation of topiramate in populations with renal and hepatic impairment and considerations for drug–drug interactions
Authors: Chen Shuqing , Shen Chaozhuang , Tian Yuchen , Peng Yuhe , Hu Jing , Xie Haitang , Yin Ping
Published: December 2024

Topiramate (TPM) is a broad‐spectrum antiepileptic drug (AED) commonly prescribed for approved and off‐label uses. Routine monitoring is suggested for clinical usage of TPM in special population due to its broad side effect profile. Therefore, it is crucial to further explore its pharmacokinetic characteristics. Physio‐chemical properties of TPM were initially determined from online database and further optimized while establishing the PBPK model for healthy adults using the PK‐Sim software. The model was then extrapolated to patients with renal impairment and patients who were hepatically impaired. A drug–drug interaction (DDI) model was also built to simulate plasma TPM concentrations while concomitantly used with carbamazepine (CBZ). The goodness‐of‐fit method and average fold error (AFE) method were used to compare the differences between predicted and observed values to assess the accuracy of the PBPK model. Almost all of the predicted concentration fell within twofold error range of corresponding observed concentrations. The AFE ratio of predicted to observed values of Cmax and AUC0‐inf was all within 0.5 and 2. It is recommended that the doses be reduced to 70%, 50%, and 40% of the healthy adult dose for the chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3, stage 4, and stage 5 patients, respectively, and reduced to ~70%, and 35% for the Child–Pugh‐B, and Child–Pugh C scored patient with hepatic impairment, respectively. If TPM is co‐administered with CBZ, increasing TPM doses to 150%–175% of the monotherapy dose is recommended according to model simulation.
Mapping oil palm plantations and their implications on forest and great ape habitat loss in Central Africa
Authors: Ozigis Mohammed S. , Wich Serge , Descals Adrià , Szantoi Zoltan , Meijaard Erik
Published: December 2024

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation in Central Africa (CA) has become important because of the increased global demand for vegetable oils. The region is highly suitable for the cultivation of oil palm and this increases pressure on forest biodiversity in the region. Accurate maps are therefore needed to understand trends in oil palm expansion for landscape‐level planning, conservation management of endangered species, such as great apes, biodiversity appraisal and supply of ecosystem services. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of a U‐Net Deep Learning Model and product fusion for mapping the extent of oil palm plantations for six countries within CA, including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of Congo. Sentinel‐1 and Sentinel‐2 data for the year 2021 were classified using a U‐Net model. Overall classification accuracy for the final oil palm layer was 96.4 ± 1.1%. Producer Accuracy (PA) and User Accuracy (UA) for the industrial and smallholder oil palm classes were 91.6 ± 1.7% and 95.0 ± 1.3%, 67.7 ± 2.8% and 70.0 ± 2.8%. Post classification assessment of the transition from tropical moist forest (TMF) cover to oil palm within the six CA countries suggests that over 1000 Square Kilometer (km2) of forest within great ape ranges had so far been converted to oil palm between 2000 and 2021. Results from this study indicate a more extensive cover of smallholder oil palm than previously reported for the region. Our results also indicate that expansion of other agricultural activities may be an important driver of deforestation as nearly 170 000 km2 of forest loss was recorded within the IUCN ranges of the African great apes between 2000 and 2021. Output from this study represents the first oil palm map for the CA, with specific emphasis on the impact of its expansion on great ape ranges. This presents a dependable baseline through which future actions can be formulated in addressing conservation needs for the African Great Apes within the region.
Nickel (II) and Copper (II) Schiff Base Derivatives: Design, Characterization, Biological Activity
Authors: El‐Lateef Hany M. Abd , Khalaf Mai M. , Gouda Mohamed , Almarri Mohammed N. , Abdelhamid Antar A. , Al‐Ghamdi Saleh , Amer Amer A. , Abdou Aly
Published: December 2024

This work presents the designing and characterization of two novel metal complexes derived from a Schiff base, N,N’‐ethane‐1,2‐diylbis[1‐(2‐chloroquinolin‐3‐yl)methanimine] (EBCQ), coordinated with Ni (II) (NiEBCQ), and Cu (II) (CuEBCQ). Structures of the metal complex derivatives were proposed utilizing a variety of analytical methods having elemental analysis, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, magnetic properties, conductivity measurement, and thermal analysis. The obtained data revealed octahedral geometries for both NiEBCQ and CuEBCQ complexes, denoted as [Ni(EBCQ)(H2O)2(Cl)2] and [Cu(EBCQ)(H2O)2(Cl)2], respectively. Density functional theory computations were employed for confirming the molecular structures and exploring quantum chemical parameters of both EBCQ and its metal complex derivatives. The anti‐inflammatory results reveal that the EBCQ ligand and its metal complexes, NiEBCQ, and CuEBCQ, exhibit varying degrees of inhibition, with CuEBCQ showing the highest potency. CuEBCQ achieved 89.80% inhibition at 300 µM, with an IC50 value of 86.38 µM, indicating its superior anti‐inflammatory activity compared to NiEBCQ (IC50 of 92.33 µM) and the ligand EBCQ (IC50 of 169.07 µM). In the antioxidant assays, the CuEBCQ complex again showed the most pronounced activity, achieving an IC50 of 74.16 µM, outperforming both NiEBCQ (IC50 of 89.06 µM) and the EBCQ ligand (IC50 of 101.58 µM). The antibacterial tests confirmed the metal complexes' superiority, particularly CuEBCQ, which displayed excellent inhibition against Bacillus cereus compared to the ligand. Molecular docking studies targeting specific proteins (5IKT for human cyclo‐oxygenase‐2, and 5IJT for human peroxiredoxin 2) were performed to assess the binding affinities and interactions of EBCQ and its metal complex derivatives. The results propose promising potential for the application of EBCQ and its metal complexes as novel therapeutic agents with diverse biological activities. Finally, antibacterial effectiveness of the ligand and its complexes were monitored opposed to several Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.
A Sustainable Nanoporous Adsorbent for Reducing Amoxicillin in Pharmaceutical Wastewater: Magnetic Tea Waste Hydrochar
Authors: Shahavi Mohammad Hassan , Akbari Mohammad , Ayrilmis Nadir , Dorieh Ali
Published: December 2024

In this research, a sustainable approach to augmenting nanoporous and high‐capacity adsorbents widely employed in amoxicillin (AMX) removal from pharmaceutical wastewater was introduced in this study. Iron oxide particles were incorporated into tea factory waste material under microwave hydrothermal carbonization, aiming to produce a green and enhanced magnetic adsorbent material. The chemical structure, morphology, and surface charge of the magnetic tea waste hydrochar (MTWHC) were characterized. The results show that the synthesized nanoporous magnetic tea waste hydrochar has an average pore diameter of 1.90 nm. The value of the SBET was measured at about 30.22 cm2/g for the MTWHC. Furthermore, the adsorbent showed a remarkable maximum removal efficiency of 93.8%, highlighting its significant potential for implementation in wastewater treatment. The Freundlich isotherm was a good fit to the experimental data, indicating that the multilayer adsorption mechanism is responsible for its compatibility and an adsorption capacity of 3.2047 mg/g was measured using this method. This approach not only introduces an environmentally friendly modification to a widely used material but also highlights the potential of magnetic tea waste hydrochar as an innovative additive in composite matrices. This research is an important contribution to the ongoing development of advanced, sustainable composites with a lower environmental impact.
A Constant Filgotinib Delivery Adhesive Platform Based on Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Hydrogel for Accelerating Wound Healing via Restoring Macrophage Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Authors: Xie Jian , Huang Yiqian , Hu Xiaofeng , Wu Xiaowei , Luo Xi , Wei Pengfei , Jing Wei , Zhao Bo , Su Jiansheng
Published: December 2024

Skin wound healing is often hindered by disrupted mitochondrial homeostasis and imbalanced macrophage glucose metabolism, posing a critical challenge to improve patient outcomes. Developing new wound healing dressings capable of effectively regulating macrophage immune‐metabolic functions remains a pressing issue. Herein, a highly adhesive polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel loaded with the Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor Filgotinib (Fil@GEL) is prepared to modulate macrophage metabolic reprogramming and restore normal mitochondrial function. Fil@GEL exhibits superior shear adhesion strength compared to commercially available tissue binder products, providing adequate adhesion for skin wound closure. Additionally, Fil@GEL exhibits the capacity to inhibit M1‐type macrophage polarization by suppressing the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway, and induces a metabolic shift in macrophages from aerobic glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, which results in decreased lactate production, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and the restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis. The Fil@GEL hydrogel significantly accelerates skin wound healing compared to the control group, reduces intra‐wound inflammation, and promotes collagen regeneration. In summary, this highly adhesive hydrogel demonstrates exceptional performance as a drug carrier, exerting immunometabolic modulation through firm wound adhesion and sustained filgotinib release, underscoring its substantial potential as an effective wound dressing.
Rational Design of Atomically Immobilized Fe‐N4 Sites via Acid‐Amine Chemistry: Leveraging Metal Ionic Assistance for Precise Morphology Control
Authors: Sathyaseelan Arunprasath , Elumalai Vijayakumar , Perumalsamy Muthukumar , Nardekar Swapnil Shital , Raaju Sundhar Arul Saravanan , Karthikeyan S. C. , Yoo Dong Jin , Kim Sang‐Jae
Published: December 2024

Tailoring atomically dispersed single‐atom catalyst (Fe‐SAC) holding well‐defined coordination structure (Fe‐N4) along with precise control over morphology is a critical challenge. Herein, we propose a novel acid‐amine coupling reaction between metal‐chelated ionic liquid ([1‐(3‐aminopropyl) 3‐methylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate(III)] [APIM]+[FeCl4]−) and carboxylic groups of carbon allotropes (C = GO, CNT, CNF, and vX‐72) to precisely immobilize Fe‐Nx sites. Out of designed single‐atom catalyst (IL‐Fe‐SAC‐C), Fe‐N4 on graphene (IL‐Fe‐SAC‐Gr) delivered superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity by holding higher halfwave potential of 0.882 V versus RHE in 1.0 M KOH akin to Pt/C (0.878 V vs. RHE) and surpassing recently reported M–N–C catalysts with superior ethanol tolerance. Thanks to higher graphitization degree, enhanced surface characteristics, and richness in high‐density Fe‐N4 sites of IL‐Fe‐SAC‐Gr confirmed by XPS, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and HAADF analysis. The IL‐Fe‐SAC‐Gr catalyst‐coated cathode on testing in flexible direct ethanol fuel cells (f‐DEFC) delivered higher peak power density of 18 mW cm−2 by outperforming Pt/C‐based cathode by 3.5 times as a result of excellent ethanol tolerance. Further, the developed f‐DEFC successfully powered the Internet of Things (IoT)‐based health monitoring system. This method demonstrates novel strategy to tailor high‐performance single‐atom (Fe‐SAC‐C) sites on desired morphologies to meet specific application requirements with feasibility and versatility.
Storage Availability Prediction in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Swarms Using Agent‐Based Simulation
Authors: Tang Hui , Wang Lizhi , Sun Yaning , Wang Xiaohong , Ma Tielin
Published: December 2024

In practice, when an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm is not executing a mission, its UAVs will be stored as inventory. To ensure that the UAV swarm can be quickly deployed when needed, it is necessary to assess and predict its storage state. Due to the flexible configuration of UAV swarms and the complex factors that affect them during storage, existing storage state indicators and prediction methods cannot meet the requirements of UAV swarm storage. In order to address these issues, a UAV swarm storage availability prediction method based on agent‐based simulation (ABS) is proposed. Considering the degradation of health status, maintenance, support, and other factors during the storage period of UAVs, a UAV swarm storage state measurement metric that covers the storage cycle is proposed. Based on this metric, a UAV swarm storage availability model is established. Then, considering the dynamic adaptability and internal complex interactions of UAV swarms, the ABS is used to realize the modeling and prediction of UAV swarm storage availability. Finally, a UAV swarm rescue case is used to illustrate its scientific validity and accuracy. Therefore, this study offers a scientific and efficient method for measuring the availability of UAV swarms, providing valuable insights for rapid response and decision‐making during the transition from storage to deployment. It also presents a viable approach for availability modeling and prediction in complex, emergent swarm systems.
Sensemaking as a goal of science education, abduction as a process of scientific sensemaking
Authors: Oh Phil Seok , Ha Heesoo
Published: December 2024

Current science education reform efforts have identified sensemaking as an important goal of science education, and science education researchers have studied what constitutes the sensemaking process in the science classroom. Because the studies of sensemaking are loosely linked to those of scientific reasoning, however, they have provided little practical insight into how students can make scientific sense, rather than any sense, of natural phenomena. Therefore, in this position paper, we discuss the close relationship between sensemaking and abduction. Sensemaking refers to a prolonged process of resolving a gap or inconsistency in current knowledge and understanding by constructing an explanation of a phenomenon. Abduction is a form of scientific reasoning to generate explanatory hypotheses about the evidence embedded in a phenomenon based on available resources. Abduction can play a crucial role in sensemaking by providing a mechanism for generating a plausible explanation of a target phenomenon and should be adapted for science teaching and learning for students' sensemaking through engagement in science practices. In particular, to develop scientific sensemaking in students, the teacher should help students identify critical evidence, provide students with critical resources, and encourage students to use the method of multiple working hypotheses, so that the students can construct scientifically sound and valid explanations of natural phenomena. It is suggested that further research explore and collect exemplary cases of science teachers effectively supporting students to achieve scientific sensemaking through abduction.
Detection and Classification of Surface Cracks Using Deep Learning Based Autoencoders in Eddy Current Testing
Authors: Fatima Barrarat , Bachir Helifa , Samir Bensaid , Karim Rayane , IbnKhaldoun Lefkaier
Published: December 2024

Industrial equipment subjected to rigorous conditions of high speed and pressure leads to the development of cracks on metal surfaces. These cracks reduce the service life and threaten the safety of parts, and the deeper the crack, the greater the resulting damage. Crack detection and crack depth evaluation continue to take center stage in quantitative non‐destructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E 4.0). The accuracy of the rotating uniform eddy current (RUEC) probe in achieving fast and efficient detection of surface cracks is corroborated by a comparison with previous experimental results. Next, accurate crack depth classification is achieved by building deep learning model based on a sparse autoencoder (SAE) and a multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) model. These classifiers are combined with eddy current testing (ECT) data, including the normal magnetic component Bz. As a result, evaluation metrics such as accuracy increased by up to 100% with both precision and recall scores of 1 for the deep sparse autoencoder classifier compared to MLP performance. The originality of our approach is evident in the application of deep SAE, which achieves high classification accuracy. Furthermore, the integration of our high‐resolution NDT&E RUEC probe with advanced machine learning models for depth classification is both novel and impactful. This unique combination offers a comprehensive framework for crack analysis, from precise detection to detailed characterization. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Urban farming system and food security in sub‐Saharan Africa: Analysis of the current status and challenges
Authors: Kiribou Razak , Bedadi Bobe , Dimobe Kangbéni , Ndemere Julius , Neya Tiga , Ouedraogo Valentin , Dejene Sintayehu W.
Published: December 2024

By 2022, 42.39% of the sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) population was living in urban areas. This urbanization correlates with increasing poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, environmental pollution, and the prevalence of informal settlements. These challenges worsened urban food insecurity during the COVID‐19 pandemic in SSA cities. This review analyzed the role of urban farming system as a pivotal means to enhance urban food security, incorporating socioeconomic integration and environmental sustainability. The analysis is grounded in a systematic review using specific keywords, evaluating 46 articles and institutional reports related to the subject. The results revealed that 3.62% of SSA countries have implemented national urban governance and policies with minimal focus on urban farming. Rapid urbanization, urban population growth, and climate change are key factors contributing to cities' vulnerabilities to food insecurity in SSA. Predominantly characterized by horticultural practice, urban farming enhances the food supply system, nutritious security, jobs and income generation, reduces transportation costs, promotes the consumption of fresh food, and mitigates food loss in cities. Despite its importance, urban farming in SSA encounters several challenges: (i) urbanization governance and policy, (ii) knowledge and technology in urban farming, (iii) access to land and water, (iv) financing and capacity building for urban farming, and (v) environmental pollution. SSA countries need a coordinated mix of urbanization policies and technological advancements to integrate innovative urban farming methods, bolstering cities’ resilience to food insecurity. Implementing these measures could advance the achievement of sustainable development goals 2 and 11 in SSA cities.
Quantum Navier–Stokes equations for electrons in graphene
Authors: Barletti Luigi , Demeio Lucio , Nicoletti Sara
Published: December 2024

The Chapman–Enskog method, in combination with the quantum maximum entropy principle (QMEP), is applied to the Wigner equation in order to obtain quantum Navier–Stokes equations for electrons in graphene in the isothermal case. The derivation is based on the quantum version of the maximum entropy principle and follows the lines of Ringhofer–Degond–Méhats' theory (J. Stat. Phys. 112, 2003 and Z. Angew. Math. Mech. 90, 2010). The model obtained in this way is then semiclassically expanded up to .
Connecting the Temporal Evolution of the Turbulence Interface to the Entrainment and Detrainment in a Turbulent Plane Jet
Authors: Xie Yuanliang , Nagata Koji , Zhou Yi
Published: December 2024

Direct numerical simulation is performed to investigate the connection between the evolution of the turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI) and the entrainment and detrainment process in a temporally evolving turbulent plane jet with Taylor Reynolds number of about $$Re_\lambda \approx 72$$

R

e
λ

≈
72

. For an accurate calculation of the surface area of the turbulent interface, a novel algorithm is used. On average, the stretching term and the curvature/propagation term counterbalance each other, maintaining a constant surface area of the TNTI. We show that regardless of the entrainment or detrainment process, the stretching term always contributes to the production of surface area. The curvature/propagation term contributes to the destruction of surface area in the entrainment process. In contrast, the curvature/propagation term is related to the production of surface area in the detrainment process.
Interfacial Morphology of a Bubble Moving in Confined Channel Filled with Viscoelastic Fluid
Authors: Zhang Yidi , Cao Xubo , Li Zhenzhen
Published: December 2024

Bubble motion in confined channels find applications ranging from carbon oxide sequestration to cardio-vascular embolism, and is ubiquitous in nature and industry. The confinement of bubbles in the channel causes the formation of a thin liquid film between gas and solid wall, whose flow field has been studied theoretically and especially for Newtonian fluids. Steadily moving bubbles in Newtonian fluids exhibits saddle shape. However, since a large amount of industrial and biological fluids are complex fluids, the motion of morphology of moving bubbles can be affected by non-Newtonian effect such as viscoelasticity. The purpose of this work is to explore the thickness distribution of liquid film between gas and solid wall during the motion of bubbles in a confined channel filled with viscoelastic fluid. In this study, bubbles are formed with flow focusing method of droplet microfluidics, bubbles move steadily through a long channel, and the film thickness is measured by an experimental method based on light interference. The relative optical interference intensity (ROII) method was used to obtain the thickness distribution of liquid film by analyzing the fringes. The thickness distribution of the liquid film within the bubble’s reference frame exhibits a different pattern compared to that in Newtonian fluids, and the symmetry of the spherical bubble is violated. This study provides experimental data for theoretical and computational research on bubble dynamics in confined channels.
Effect of Fractal Orifice on Characteristics of Turbulent/Non-turbulent Interface in Synthetic Jet Flow
Authors: Xu Congyi , Wang Jinjun
Published: December 2024

Synthetic jets with circular and fractal orifices are experimentally investigated using time-resolved stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. The synthetic jet with circular orifice exhibit more rapid centreline velocity decay and half-width growth, indicating superior entrainment over the continuous jet. The synthetic jets with fractal orifices show intermediate entrainment performance between the round synthetic jet and continuous jet. The analysis on turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI) properties reveals that the fractal orifice reduces the mean value and fluctuation of the radial position of the TNTI, as well as the tortuosity of the TNTI. This reduction in TNTI properties leads to a decrease in the area where nibbling occur. Consequently, synthetic jets with fractal orifices exhibit inferior entrainment performance compared to those with circular orifices.
Enhancement of Passive Scalar Mixing in a Shear-Free Turbulent Front
Authors: Watanabe Tomoaki
Published: December 2024

A localized turbulent region expands spatially by entraining surrounding non-turbulent fluid, demarcated by the turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI) layer. Small-scale vortex tubes and shear layers within this TNTI layer play a pivotal role in the process of entrainment. Shear layers in turbulence are known to be unstable against perturbations with wavelengths approximately 30 times the Kolmogorov scale. This study conducts numerical experiments aimed at investigating the potential for enhancing passive scalar mixing through the excitation of small-scale shear instability. Direct numerical simulations (DNS) are conducted for a turbulent front with a passive scalar transfer evolving in the absence of mean shear, where solenoidal velocity perturbations of constant wavelength are introduced outside the turbulent region. These perturbations are found to enhance the entrainment rate significantly when their wavelength coincides with the unstable mode of shear layers. Despite the increased entrainment rate facilitated by the excitation of small-scale shear instability, passive scalar statistics dominated by large-scale scalar distributions, such as mean scalar and root-mean-squared scalar fluctuations, remain largely unaffected. However, this enhanced entrainment rate results in the amplification of the scalar dissipation rate, which provides a measure of scalar mixing at small scales. These findings indicate that exciting small-scale shear instability can effectively enhance entrainment and small-scale scalar mixing in intermittent turbulent flows.