bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ZnO Hollow Quasi-Spheres Modified Screen-Printed Graphite Electrode for Determination of Carmoisine
Authors: Mohammadi Sayed Zia , Tajik Somayeh , Mousazadeh Farideh , Baghadam-Narouei Elaheh , Garkani Nejad Fariba
Published: July 2023

Food colorants are important in food selection because they improve the gastronomic appeal of foods by improving their aesthetic appeal. However, after prolonged use, many colorants turn toxic and cause medical problems. A synthetic azo-class dye called carmoisine gives meals a red color. Therefore, the carmoisine determination in food samples is of great importance from the human health control. The current work was developed to synthesis ZnO hollow quasi-spheres (ZnO HQSs) to prepare a new electrochemical carmoisine sensor that is sensitive. Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been used to analyze the properties of prepared ZnO HQSs. A screen-printed graphite electrode (SPGE) surface was modified with ZnO HQSs to prepare the ZnO HQSs-SPGE sensor. For carmoisine detection, the ZnO HQSs-SPGE demonstrated an appropriate response and notable electrocatalytic activities. The carmoisine electro-oxidation signal was significantly stronger on the ZnO HQSs-SPGE surface compared to the bare SPGE. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry (CHA), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) have been utilized to investigate the suggested protocol. The DPV results revealed an extensive linear association between variable carmoisine concentrations and peak current that ranged from 0.08 to 190.0 µM, with a limit of detection (LOD) as narrow as 0.02 µM. The ZnO HQSs-SPGE’s ability to detect carmoisine in real samples proved the sensor’s practical application.
REE Concentrations in Secondary Uranium Minerals from the Izera Metamorphic Complex (SW Poland)
Authors: Syczewski Marcin Daniel , Siuda Rafał , Parafiniuk Jan
Published: July 2023

The subject of this work was supergene uranium mineralization and the YREE concentrations within. YREE differentiation patterns were used to recreate the prevailing crystallization conditions of abandoned mine dumps in Kromnów, Kopaniec, and Radoniów, located in the Izera Metamorphic Complex, Sudetes Mts. The collected samples were investigated using PXRD, SEM-EDS, and EPMA. YREE concentrations were measured using LA-ICP-MS. The secondary uranium mineralization from these locations consists of phosphates (meta-autunite, meta-torbernite, metauranocircite-I, saleéite, bassetite, phosphuranylite), arsenates (zeunerite), silicates (uranophane, sklodowskite), and uranyl hydroxides (likely becquerelite). Moreover, in Radoniów, phosphuranylite was found; it had not been found in Poland previously. Uranyl mineral assemblages indicate the diversity of chemistry of their mother solutions and suggest their weakly acidic character. The YREE content in secondary uranium minerals also reflects the pore solutions’ chemistry variation. The negative Y anomaly is observed in all uranyl phases. Similar behavior of Sm is also noted, excluding metatorbernite and torbernite. Among the uranyl minerals studied, only metatorbernite from Kromnów showed a positive Nb anomaly, which was probably related to proximity to weathering in YREE-breeding phases. Nevertheless, the YREE and chemical results suggest that this mineralization originated from the oxidizing solutions generated during the weathering of primary hydrothermal mineralization. In order to better understand the weathering zones in these locations, more detailed studies on pore solution chemistry are needed.
Cross-Hole and Vadose-Zone Infiltration Tracer Test Analyses to Determine Aquifer Reactive Transport Parameters at a Former Uranium Mill Site (Grand Junction, Colorado)
Authors: Johnson Raymond H. , Kent Ronald D. , Tigar Aaron D. , Richardson C. Doc , Paradis Charles J. , Reimus Paul W.
Published: July 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management is responsible for the long-term care and maintenance of former uranium mill sites in the United States. Prior predictions of site flushing times (monitored natural attenuation) are not being met due to the presence of secondary contaminant sources associated with uranium-rich sediments in the vadose zone and organic-rich sediments near the water table below and near former mill tailings (tailings have been moved to a separate disposal site). Updated sitewide modeling for future releases of contaminants (including uranium) from these secondary sources to the groundwater need appropriate input parameters. To test field techniques, two cross-hole tracer tests and one infiltration tracer test were completed at a former uranium mill site in Grand Junction, Colorado. Reactive transport modeling was completed to derive physical and geochemical parameters. The observed data from saturated zone cross-hole tracer testing was adequately simulated using PHT-USG (reactive transport model) and PEST++ (calibration routine) with reasonable estimates of hydraulic conductivity, dispersion, effective porosity, cation exchange, calcite saturation index, and uranium sorption potential. The use of multiple layering in one cross-hole model was able to capture hydraulic conductivity variations with depth, which produced a double hump in the tracer concentrations. Estimated parameter values were very similar to prior estimates from column testing and single-well push–pull testing, except for a lower uranium sorption potential in one cross-hole test. This difference is likely due to the larger scale of the cross-hole testing including pathways with a lower uranium sorption potential. The infiltration testing released constituents from the vadose zone that can contribute to ongoing groundwater contamination. Modeling simulated the immediate release of these constituents to the water table similar to downward displacement of the existing residual porewater. Delayed drainage of the infiltration water was more difficult to simulate. However, the overall contaminant release concentrations from the vadose-zone secondary sources and ongoing groundwater contamination are adequately simulated for current site purposes. Additional details on vadose-zone processes may be needed if various remedial fluids are evaluated.
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Preventing Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease: The EVA Study
Authors: Cangemi Roberto , Miglionico Marzia , D’Amico Tania , Fasano Salvatore , Proietti Marco , Romiti Giulio Francesco , Corica Bernadette , Stefanini Lucia , Tanzilli Gaetano , Basili Stefania , Raparelli Valeria , Tarsitano Maria Grazia ,   EVA Collaborative Group
Published: July 2023

Background: Adherence to healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet (Med-diet), is recommended for the maintenance of cardiovascular health. The determinants for adherence to Med-diet and its importance in secondary cardiovascular disease prevention are still unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of sex- and psycho-socio-cultural (i.e., gender-related) factors on Med-diet adherence and its role in preventing major cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Methods: Med-diet adherence was evaluated among 503 consecutive adults with IHD. MACEs were collected during a long-term follow-up. Results: Male Bem Sex-Role Inventory score (i.e., male personality traits) and physical functional capacity were associated with higher adherence, while cohabitation with a smoker and physical inactivity with poorer adherence. During a median follow-up of 22 months, 48 participants experienced MACEs (17.5%, 8.1%, and 3.9% of patients with low, medium, and high adherence, respectively; p = 0.016). At multivariate Cox--regression analysis, a greater adherence remained inversely associated with MACEs (HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29–0.82; p = 0.006) after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion: The study suggests that gender-related factors have a role in maintaining a healthy dietary pattern. Improving Med-diet adherence may lower the risk of recurring cardiovascular events.
Nutrition and Healthy Ageing in Asia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhou Yan-Feng , Song Xing-Yue , Pan An , Koh Woon-Puay
Published: July 2023

Background: Nutrition plays a key role in modulating the likelihood of healthy ageing. In the present study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review to assess the impact of nutrition on healthy ageing in Asia. Methods: The systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (CRD42023408936) and conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched up to February 2023 without language restrictions. We included prospective cohort studies that evaluated the associations of intake of a single food or consumption of a single nutrient at midlife; adherence to various dietary patterns at midlife; and improved adherence to dietary patterns from mid- to late life with the likelihood of healthy ageing and its components. Results: Out of 16,373 records, we included 71 papers comprising 24 cohorts from Singapore, China, Japan, and Thailand. The healthy ageing components included cognitive function, physical function, and depression. The majority of studies supported the observation that the likelihood of healthy ageing and its components in late life was positively increased by a higher consumption of healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, legumes, tea, milk, and dairy, at midlife, and also by greater adherence to dietary patterns with high diversity scores or high total antioxidant capacities. Furthermore, improved adherence to healthy dietary patterns from mid- to late life also increased the likelihood of healthy ageing in late life. Conclusion: Consuming healthy foods and adhering to healthy dietary patterns at midlife can promote the likelihood of healthy ageing. Moreover, improving diet quality from mid- to late life can still be beneficial.
Nitrogen Balance at the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Protein in Minimally Active Male Vegans
Authors: Bartholomae Eric , Johnston Carol S.
Published: July 2023

Vegan diets have gained popularity in recent years for reasons including health benefits and concerns for animal welfare. Although these diets are considered to be nutritionally adequate, questions remain over whether the current protein recommendation (0.8 g/kg/d) is sufficient. Protein status is determined through a nitrogen balance analysis when the protein content of the diet is known. A negative balance indicates a catabolic state, and a positive nitrogen balance indicates an anabolic state. In healthy adults, nitrogen equilibrium is the expectation reflecting the net synthesis and breakdown of proteins. Currently, there are no known studies measuring nitrogen balance in strict vegan men fed the protein requirement. Eighteen minimally active vegan men received a 5-day eucaloric diet (protein content: 0.8 g/kg/d). On day five, 24 h urine was collected for nitrogen analysis. Both the mean absolute nitrogen balance (−1.38 ± 1.22 g/d) and the mean relative nitrogen balance (−18.60 ± 16.96 mg/kg/d) were significantly lower than zero (equilibrium) (p < 0.001). There were no correlations seen between nitrogen balance and age, years as vegan, or fat-free mass. Consuming 0.8 g/kg/d of protein is not adequate to produce nitrogen balance in men adhering to typical strict vegan diets for at least one year.
Fructose Metabolism and Metabolic Dysfunction in Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Softic Samir , Lanaspa Miguel A. , DeBosch Brian
Published: July 2023

There is a worldwide epidemic of obesity and its associated metabolic dysfunction [...]
Rates of Seroprotection against Vaccine-Preventable Infectious Diseases in HIV-Exposed and -Unexposed Malawian Infants
Authors: Baroncelli Silvia , Galluzzo Clementina Maria , Orlando Stefano , Pirillo Maria Franca , Luhanga Richard , Mphwere Robert , Kavalo Thom , Amici Roberta , Floridia Marco , Andreotti Mauro , Ciccacci Fausto , Scarcella Paola , Marazzi Maria Cristina , Giuliano Marina
Published: July 2023

Background: The evaluation of seroprotection rates against vaccine-preventable infectious diseases allows for the identification of risk populations. HIV-exposed infants, even if not infected with HIV, have higher morbidity and mortality in comparison to unexposed counterparts. The aim of this study was to compare the specific IgG levels against Haemophilus influenzae type-B (HiB), Hepatitis-B (HBV), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) in two groups of infants (HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed) living in Malawi. Methods: Blood samples from 62 infants, 49 HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU), and born to women living with HIV and 13 HIV-unexposed and uninfected (HUU), were collected at 6 months, and specific IgG levels were determined using ELISA tests. Results: The antibody levels against HiB, HBV, and Spn were similar in the two groups. At six months, all HUU infants and 81.6% of HEU infants showed seroprotective levels against HiB, while a percentage of protection varying from 80.6 to 84.6% was observed for HBV and Spn regardless of HIV exposure. Only 59.2% of HEU and 69.2% of HUU infants showed antibody protection against all three pathogens. Conclusions: These results indicate similar rates of seroprotection among HEU and HUU infants but also suggest that a consistent fraction of infants received incomplete vaccinations. Strategies to enforce participation in immunization programs in Malawi should be a health priority.
An Intriguing Purview on the Design of Macrocyclic Inhibitors for Unexplored Protein Kinases through Their Binding Site Comparison
Authors: Bhujbal Swapnil P. , Hah Jung-Mi
Published: July 2023

Kinases play an important role in regulating various intracellular signaling pathways that control cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and other cellular processes, and their deregulation causes more than 400 diseases. Consequently, macrocyclization can be considered a noteworthy approach to developing new therapeutic agents for human diseases. Macrocyclization has emerged as an effective drug discovery strategy over the past decade to improve target selectivity and potency of small molecules. Small compounds with linear structures upon macrocyclization can lead to changes in their physicochemical and biological properties by firmly reducing conformational flexibility. A number of distinct protein kinases exhibit similar binding sites. Comparison of protein binding sites provides crucial insights for drug discovery and development. Binding site similarities are helpful in understanding polypharmacology, identifying potential off-targets, and repurposing known drugs. In this review, we focused on comparing the binding sites of those kinases for which macrocyclic inhibitors are available/studied so far. Furthermore, we calculated the volume of the binding site pocket for each targeted kinase and then compared it with the binding site pocket of the kinase for which only acyclic inhibitors were designed to date. Our review and analysis of several explored kinases might be useful in targeting new protein kinases for macrocyclic drug discovery.
The Effect of Various Forms of Sulfur on Soil Organic Matter Fractions and Microorganisms in a Pot Experiment with Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Magnucka Elżbieta G. , Kulczycki Grzegorz , Oksińska Małgorzata P. , Kucińska Jolanta , Pawęska Katarzyna , Milo Łukasz , Pietr Stanisław J.
Published: July 2023

This article focuses on the agronomic evaluation of the supplementation of mineral NPKMg fertilizers with elemental sulfur, magnesium, potassium, or ammonium sulfates in pot experiments with ryegrass growing in a sandy Arenosol with very low sulfur content. A benefit evaluation was carried out on the basis of biomass production, crop nutritional status, and changes in the content of soil organic matter fractions. Furthermore, the total number of bacteria, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and fungi was estimated using the qPCR technique in soil samples after 60 days of ryegrass growth. The combined application of NPKMg and sulfur or sulfate fertilizers significantly increased the summary yield of three cuttings of fresh ryegrass biomass in the range of 32.3% to 82.7%. The application, especially in the form of sulfates, significantly decreased the content of free phenolic acids. Furthermore, compared to the control, i.e., soil with NPKMg applied alone, an increase in the content of glomalin-related proteins and a decrease in the amount of water-soluble organic carbon compounds were observed. Neither the number of DNA marker copy numbers of the total bacterial community nor the nitrogen-fixing bacteria were noticeably different. In turn, the total number of genetic markers for fungi was significantly higher in soils with potassium or ammonium sulfates compared to the control soil. The general results suggest that the application of sulfur fertilizers with NPKMg mineral fertilizer can benefit crops and support soil fertility due to the stabilization of aggregates and the decrease in water-soluble organic compounds.
Expression of CsSCL1 and Rooting Response in Chestnut Leaves Are Dependent on the Auxin Polar Transport and the Ontogenetic Origin of the Tissues
Authors: Varas Elena , Valladares Silvia , Vielba Jesús , Vidal Nieves , Sánchez Conchi
Published: July 2023

The mechanisms underlying the de novo regeneration of adventitious roots are still poorly understood, particularly in trees. We developed a system for studying adventitious rooting (AR) at physiological and molecular levels using leaves excised from chestnut microshoots of the same genotype but with two distinct ontogenetic origins that differ in rooting competence. Leaves were treated with auxin and N-1-naphthyl-phthalamic acid (NPA), an inhibitor of auxin polar transport (PAT). The physiological effects were investigated by recording rooting rates and the number and quality of the roots. Molecular responses were examined by localizing and monitoring the changes in the expression of CsSCL1, an auxin-inducible gene in juvenile and mature shoots during AR. The rooting response of leaves was ontogenetic-stage dependent and similar to that of the donor microshoots. Initiation of root primordia and root development were inhibited by application of NPA, although its effect depended on the timing of application. CsSCL1 was upregulated by auxin only in rooting-competent leaves during the novo root organogenesis, and the expression was reduced by NPA. The inhibitory effect on gene expression was detected during the reprograming of rooting competent cells towards root initials in response to auxin, indicating that PAT-mediated upregulation of CsSCL1 is required in the initial steps of AR in chestnut leaves. The localized expression of CsSCL1 in the quiescent center (QC) also suggests a role for this gene in the maintenance of meristematic competence and root radial patterning.
Upcycling of the Used Cigarette Butt Filters through Pyrolysis Process: Detailed Kinetic Mechanism with Bio-Char Characterization
Authors: Janković Bojan , Kojić Marija , Milošević Milena , Rosić Milena , Waisi Hadi , Božilović Bojana , Manić Nebojša , Dodevski Vladimir
Published: July 2023

Thermo-chemical conversion via the pyrolysis of cigarette butt (CB) filters was successfully valorized and upcycled in the pre-carbonization and carbonization stages. The pre-carbonization stage (devolatilization) of the precursor material (cellulose acetate filter, r-CAcF) was analyzed by micro-scale experiments under non-isothermal conditions using TG-DTG-DTA and DSC techniques. The results of a detailed kinetic study showed that the decomposition of r-CAcF takes place via complex mechanisms, including consecutive reaction steps and two single-step reactions. Consecutive stages include the α-transition referred to as a cellulose polymorphic transformation (cellulose I → II) through crystallization mechanism changes, where a more thermodynamically ordered system was obtained. It was found that the transformation rate of cellulose I → II (‘cellulose regeneration’) is strongly affected by the presence of alkali metals and the deacetylation process. Two single-step reactions showed significant overlapping behavior, which involves a nucleation-controlled scission mechanism (producing levoglucosan, gaseous products, and abundant radicals) and hydrolytic decomposition of cellulose by catalytic cleavage of glycosidic bonds with the presence of an acidic catalyst. A macro-scale experiment showed that the operating temperature and heating rate had the most notable effects on the total surface area of the manufactured carbon. A substantial degree of mesoporosity with a median pore radius of 3.1695 nm was identified. The presence of macroporosity on the carbon surface and acidic surface functional groups was observed.
The Thermal and Mechanical Behaviour of Wood-PLA Composites Processed by Additive Manufacturing for Building Insulation
Authors: Bahar Anis , Hamami Ameur El Amine , Benmahiddine Ferhat , Belhabib Sofiane , Belarbi Rafik , Guessasma Sofiane
Published: July 2023

This study was aimed at considering the potential of wood-based composites processed using additive manufacturing as insulators in the building sector. A polylactic acid blend with 30% wood particles was used as a feedstock material in fused filament technology. Its thermal and mechanical properties were determined for various processing conditions, including printing temperature and infill rate. The results showed a minor contraction in its tensile performance as a result of the printing process. The printing temperature had a negligible effect on its stiffness and a limited influence on the other engineering constants, such as the tensile strength and ultimate stress. The thermal properties of printed structures have been found to significantly depend on the infill rate. Although the tested 3D printed wood-PLA material exhibited good thermal properties, which were tuneable using the printing conditions, its performance was still 38% to 57% lower compared to insulators such as the glass wool of the synthetic foams used in the building sector.
Dynamically Adjusting Borophene-Based Plasmon-Induced Transparency in a Polymer-Separated Hybrid System for Broadband-Tunable Sensing
Authors: Xiao Kunpeng , Li Junming , Zhang Hui , Jiang Huan , Zhao Weiren
Published: July 2023

Borophene, an emerging two-dimensional (2D) material platform, is capable of supporting highly confined plasmonic modes in the visible and near-infrared wavebands. This provides a novel building block for light manipulation at the deep subwavelength scale, thus making it well-suited for designing ultracompact optical devices. Here, we theoretically explore a borophene-based plasmonic hybrid system comprising a continuous borophene monolayer (CBM) and sodium nanostrip gratings (SNGs), separated by a polymer spacer layer. In such a structure, a dynamically tunable plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) effect can be achieved by strongly coupling dark and bright plasmonic modes, while actively controlling borophene. Here, the bright mode is generated through the localized plasmon resonance of SNGs when directly excited by TM-polarized incident light. Meanwhile, the dark mode corresponds to a propagating borophene surface plasmon (BSP) mode in the CBM waveguide, which cannot be directly excited, but requires phase matching with the assistance of SNGs. The thickness of the polymer layer has a significant impact on the coupling strength of the two modes. Owing to the BSP mode, highly sensitive to variations in the ambient refractive index (RI), this borophene-based hybrid system exhibits a good RI-sensing performance (643.8 nm/RIU) associated with a wide range of dynamically adjustable wavebands (1420–2150 nm) by tuning the electron density of borophene. This work offers a novel concept for designing active plasmonic sensors dependent on electrically gating borophene, which has promising applications in next-generation point-of-care (PoC) biomedical diagnostic techniques.
Sedimentary Environment and Organic Matter Enrichment Model of Saline Lake Source Rock in the Linhe Depression, Hetao Basin, China
Authors: Fu Xiaoyan , Lu Jungang , Shi Yulei , Zhou Ranran , Chen Shijia , Yuan Man
Published: July 2023

The well-developed mudstone and gypsum mudstone in the Oligocene Linhe Formation (E3l) in the Hetao Basin are the main source rocks for gypsum. However, the sedimentary environment and organic matter (OM) enrichment factors of E3l are not clear, and this inhibits the prediction of hydrocarbon source rock distribution and resource calculation. Major and trace elements, total organic carbon (TOC), pyrolysis using the Rock-Eval II, and saturated hydrocarbon gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses were performed in this study. The results show that E3l was deposited in brackish water and saline–ultrasaline water, with weak oxidation reduction in an arid and hot environment. Terrestrial input inhibits OM enrichment, while the redox, paleosalinity, paleoclimate, and paleoproductivity play a catalytic role. The main controlling factors of the same lithologic source rocks are different: terrestrial input and paleoclimate have a greater impact on mudstone, and the redox and paleosalinity were more favorable to gypsum mudstone. Although the main controlling factors are different for different lithologies, their OM enrichment characteristics are still consistent. The E3l water body was deep, and the contribution of nutrients from terrigenous debris to OM enrichment was less. In addition, the water retention environment changed significantly during the E3l sedimentary period, resulting in fewer nutrients, which limited the improvement of surface water paleoproductivity. The arid climate increased water evaporation and salinity, which to some extent prevented consumption and decomposition. Weak oxidation-reduction fluctuations and the stratification of the water body were obvious, and this was not only conducive to the enrichment of OM but also to its preservation.
Enhancing the Robustness of Scale-Free Networks: The Simulation of Cascade Failures with Adjustable Initial Load Parameters
Authors: Feng Ouge , Zhang Honghai , Liu Hao , Zhong Gang
Published: July 2023

A reasonable definition of nodes load and capacity is essential for improving the robustness of scale-free networks against cascading failure, which has gained significant attention over recent years. This paper presents two methods for defining the load-capacity model: a degree-based method and a betweenness-based method. In these methods, the initial load and capacity of nodes were determined by considering the degrees and betweenness centrality of nodes and their neighbors. These values could be adjusted using both global and local parameters. This paper achieved load redistribution during cascading failures through targeted attacks on network nodes. In addition, this study applied load redistribution to cascading failure processes in networks by targeting network nodes. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, this paper examines the impact of adjusting two parameters on the minimum critical tolerance coefficient and network robustness. Computer-generated scale-free networks and a real network were used for evaluation purposes. The findings indicated that higher global parameters resulted in a lower average robustness index. Moreover, our degree-based method demonstrated a smaller minimum critical tolerance coefficient and average robustness index compared to existing load definition methods. Therefore, the proposed methods enhanced the robustness and integrity of scale-free networks against attacks.
Environmental Impact Assessment of the Dismantled Battery: Case Study of a Power Lead–Acid Battery Factory in China
Authors: Wang Zhiguo , Yang Jie , Qu Renxiu , Xiao Gongwei
Published: July 2023

With the increase in battery usage and the decommissioning of waste power batteries (WPBs), WPB treatment has become increasingly important. However, there is little knowledge of systems and norms regarding the performance of WPB dismantling treatments, although such facilities and factories are being built across the globe. In this paper, environmental performance is investigated quantitively using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology for a dismantled WPB manufacturing process in Tongliao city of Inner Mongolia Province, China. The functional unit was selected to be one metric ton of processed WPB, and the average data of 2021 were used. The results indicated that WPB dismantling treatments are generally sustainable in their environmental impacts, because the life cycle environmental effects can be neutralized by the substitution of virgin products with recycled counterparts. Of all the processes of dismantlement, Crude Lead Making, Refining, and Preliminary Desulfurization, were the top three contributors to the total environmental burden. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that increasing photovoltaic power, wind power, and natural gas usage may significantly reduce the burden on the environment. On the basis of our findings, some suggestions are put forward for a policy to promote environmental green growth of WPB treatment. Although this paper is aimed at the power lead–acid battery, the research method is also of significance for the power lithium-ion battery, and we will conduct relevant research on the disassembly process of the power lithium-ion battery in the future.
Mathematical Modeling and Computational Simulation Applied to the Study of Glycerol and/or Molasses Anaerobic Co-Digestion Processes
Authors: Ferreira Carolina Machado , Akisue Rafael Akira , Júnior Ruy de Sousa
Published: July 2023

An attractive application of crude glycerol is in the generation of biomethane by means of anaerobic co-digestion. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of neural networks and fuzzy logic to predict the production of biomethane from the anaerobic co-digestion of glycerol and/or sugarcane molasses. Firstly, a reactor model was implemented using Scilab (v. 6.1.1), considering the Monod two-substrate with an intermediate (M2SI) kinetic model proposed by Rakmak et al. (Rakmak, N.; Noynoo, L.; Jijai, S.; Siripatana, C. Lecture Notes in Applied Mathematics and Applied Science in Engineering. Melaka, Malaysia, p. 11–20, 2019), to generate a database for subsequent fitting and evaluation of neural and fuzzy models. The neural network package of Matlab was used. Fuzzy modeling was applied using the Takagi–Sugeno approach available in the ANFIS package of Matlab. The biomethane production data simulated using Scilab were considered in neural network modeling and validation, firstly employing a “generic” network applicable to all eight scenarios, providing a very good fit (R2 > 0.99). Excellent performance was also observed for specific artificial neural networks (one for each condition, again by using validation data generated by the M2SI model). The parameters of the M2SI model for the eight different conditions were also mapped using a neural network, as a function of the organic material composition, providing a fit with R2 > 0.99 when using 25 neurons. In the case of fuzzy logic, an RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) of 18.88 mL of methane was obtained with 216 rules, which was a value lower than 0.5% of the order of magnitude of the accumulated methane. It could be concluded from the results that fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks offer excellent ability to predict methane production, as well as to parameterize the M2SI kinetic model (using neural networks).
Study on the Combustion Mechanism of Diesel/Hydrogen Dual Fuel and the Influence of Pilot Injection and Main Injection
Authors: Xu Longlong , Dong Haochuan , Liu Shaohua , Shen Lizhong , Bi Yuhua
Published: July 2023

Hydrogen is a clean and renewable alternative fuel. In this paper, the combustion mechanism of diesel/hydrogen dual fuel is constructed and verified. The mechanism is combined with three-dimensional numerical simulation to study the effects of pilot injection and main injection on the combustion and emissions of a diesel/hydrogen dual fuel engine. The mechanism uses a 70% mole fraction of n-decane and 30% mole fraction of α-methylnaphthalene as diesel substitutes, and it combines n-decane, α-methylnaphthalene, NOX, PAH, soot and H2/C1-C3 sub-mechanisms to form a diesel/hydrogen dual fuel combustion mechanism. The mechanism was verified by chemical kinetics, including the ignition delay time, JSR (Jet Stirred Reactor) oxidation and laminar flame speed, and then, it was verified by computational fluid dynamics. The results show that the simulated values are in good agreement with the experimental values of cylinder pressure, heat release rate and emissions data. The mechanism can well predict the combustion and emissions of a diesel/hydrogen dual fuel engine. Compared with single injection, the peak heat release rate, peak cylinder pressure and MPIR (Maximum Pressure Rise Rate) increase with the increase in pilot mass percent from 5% to 20%, which makes the phase of CA10 and CA50 advance and reduces CO emissions, but NOX emissions increase. With the advance of pilot injection timing from 10° CA BTDC to 30° CA BTDC, the peak cylinder pressure increases, the peak heat release rate decreases, CA10 and CA50 advance, CO emissions decrease, NOX emissions increase and NOX emissions peak at 30° CA BTDC. When the pilot injection timing is further advanced from 30° CA BTDC to 50° CA BTDC, the peak cylinder pressure decreases, the peak heat release rate increases, CA10 and CA50 are delayed, CO and NOX emissions are reduced, and NOX emissions at 50° CA BTDC are lower than those at 10° CA BTDC. With the advance of main injection timing from 0° CA BTDC to 8° CA BTDC, CO emissions decrease, NOX emissions increase, the peak cylinder pressure increases, the peak heat release rate decreases slightly first and then increases, and the peak cylinder pressure and peak heat release rate corresponding to the overall phase shift forward. When the main injection timing is advanced to 6° CA BTDC, MPIR is 1.3 MPa/° CA, exceeding the MPIR limit of diesel engine 1.2 MPa/° CA.
Ernst Kantorowicz’s Synthronos: New Perspectives on Medieval Charisma
Authors: Puigarnau Alfons
Published: July 2023

In this text, the author analyzes the notion of charisma that appears implicitly in the medieval political theology of Ernst H. Kantorowicz. The text to be analyzed is Synthronos, a manuscript from 1951 on the iconography of the sharing-throne between gods and kings, which the author was unable to publish before he died. The notion of charisma is surveyed in St. Paul’s theology of grace and Max Weber’s sociology of dominion in order to find a third way to broaden the definition of charisma. Finally, a new perspective is proposed, based on literary and artistic representations, along with visual rhetoric, as driving forces of the ruler’s gifts.
HB-YOLO: An Improved YOLOv7 Algorithm for Dim-Object Tracking in Satellite Remote Sensing Videos
Authors: Yu Chaoran , Feng Zhejun , Wu Zengyan , Wei Runxi , Song Baoming , Cao Changqing
Published: July 2023

The You Only Look Once (YOLO) series has been widely adopted across various domains. With the increasing prevalence of continuous satellite observation, the resulting video streams can be subjected to intelligent analysis for various applications, such as traffic flow statistics, military operations, and other fields. Nevertheless, the signal-to-noise ratio of objects in satellite videos is considerably low, and their size is often smaller, ranging from tens to one percent, when compared to those taken by drones and other equipment. Consequently, the original YOLO algorithm’s performance is inadequate when detecting tiny objects in satellite videos. Hence, we propose an improved framework, named HB-YOLO. To enable the backbone to extract features, we replaced the universal convolution with an improved HorNet that enables higher-order spatial interactions. We replaced all Extended Efficient Layer Aggregation Networks (ELANs) with the BoTNet attention mechanism to make the features fully fused. In addition, anchors were re-adjusted, and image segmentation was integrated to achieve detection results, which are tracked using the BoT-SORT algorithm. The experimental results indicate that the original algorithm failed to learn using the satellite video dataset, whereas our proposed approach yielded improved recall and precision. Specifically, the F1-score and mean average precision increased to 0.58 and 0.53, respectively, and the object-tracking performance was enhanced by incorporating the image segmentation method.
Integrated OFDM Waveform Design for RadCom System-Based Signal-to-Clutter Noise Ratio Maximization
Authors: Mohammad Mohammad A. B. , Cui Guolong , Yu Xianxiang , Fakirah Maged , Elhag Nihad A. A.
Published: July 2023

Integrated Radar and Communication (RadCom) Systems have become more crucial ingredients in the next generation of networks due to numerous types of characteristics, including reducing the system size, minimizing power consumption, and mitigating spectrum scarcity. In this paper, we propose an integrated Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) waveform design strategy for RadCom system-based Signal-to-clutter Noise Ratio (SCNR) maximization. The multi-carrier OFDM waveform is exploited at the RadCom transceiver to perform the functions of the radar system and communication system concurrently. We aim to improve the radar detection performance by maximizing the SCNR and maintaining the Data Information Rate (DIR) thresholds for communication system metrics. The maximization problem is posed as a convex optimization model and solved analytically using KKT conditions to find an optimal integrated waveform design. The findings obtained via simulation verify that the proposed strategy is capable of solving the waveform design issue for RadCom systems with low complexity. In addition, the proposed strategy effectively improves radar target detection and power consumption for RadCom systems.
Temporal Variation in Tower-Based Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Its Environmental Response in a Chinese Cork Oak Plantation
Authors: Hu Meijun , Cheng Xiangfen , Zhang Jinsong , Huang Hui , Zhou Yu , Wang Xin , Pan Qingmei , Guan Chongfan
Published: July 2023

With the development of spectrum observation technology, solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF)—an effective substitute for photosynthesis—has been widely used to monitor crop stress, vegetation phenology and ecosystem productivity. The relationship between fluorescence and photosynthesis is complicated because they are sensitive to environmental changes. Understanding the response of SIF to environmental factors is of great significance for clarifying the variation dynamic and relationship between SIF and photosynthesis under different conditions. In this study, the canopy SIF and the environmental factors of a Quercus variabilis BI. plantation were observed simultaneously, and the response of SIF to environmental factors at a daily scale and at a half-hour scale was analyzed. The results showed that SIF had obvious seasonal and diurnal dynamics and was mainly driven by photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The influence of PAR, air temperature (Ta), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), soil moisture (SM) and wind speed (Ws) on SIF varied with the lapse of the growing season. After eliminating the covariant effect of PAR on the Ta and VPD during the whole growing season, the relationship between VPD and SIF was found to be negative, and the effect of Ta on SIF disappeared. This study enriched the ground observation dataset and provided support for understanding the variations in the relationship between SIF and photosynthesis under different conditions.
New Processes to Extract and Purify Phosvitin by Using Aqueous Salt Solutions, Precipitation and Ultrafiltration Techniques
Authors: Marcet Ismael , Ridella Florencia , Díaz Mario , Rendueles Manuel
Published: July 2023

Phosvitin is the most phosphorylated naturally occurring protein and it is concentrated in the granular fraction of egg yolk. It has interesting antioxidant and cation chelating properties that can be used to preserve food and cosmetics, but its industrial application is limited as its separation relies on the use of organic solvents and chromatographic techniques, which are expensive and difficult to assimilate in a continuous procedure. In this study, we propose a new phosvitin separation process using substances legally accepted for use in the food industry (NaCl and HCl), employing egg yolk granules as raw material. In this case, the NaCl concentration and the pH of the solution of granules were screened in order to obtain a phosvitin-rich supernatant after centrifugation. Additionally, two new processes were proposed to purify this phosvitin-rich solution. The first was the precipitation of impurities during the desalting stage at optimized pH values. The second was ultrafiltration under selected pH value conditions. A low nitrogen/phosphorous (N/P) atomic ratio is considered a quality parameter, with 3.6 ± 0.2 being the value of the phosvitin-rich supernatant. The two purification processes provided highly purified phosvitin with a similar N/P value of 2.5 ± 0.1. The high level of purification of the phosvitin was confirmed using electrophoresis and ion-exchange chromatography. In particular, the purified phosvitin obtained via ultrafiltration is already desalted and membrane technology is more easily scalable than that based on chromatography, thus facilitating the industrial separation and commercialization of the phosvitin.
Microgrids Resiliency Enhancement against Natural Catastrophes Based Multiple Cooperation of Water and Energy Hubs
Authors: Shojaeiyan Sattar , Dehghani Moslem , Siano Pierluigi
Published: July 2023

With the ever-growing frequency of natural catastrophe occurrences such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, etc., the idea of resilient microgrids (MGs) has attracted more attention than before. Providing the opportunity for a multi-carrier energy supply after a natural catastrophe can lessen power losses and improve power resiliency and reliability. Critical loads within the MG can be prioritized and restored in the shortest possible time based on the condition of the network after the damaging occurrence by considering the energy hub (EH) systems and the optimum design and allocation of these multi-carrier systems. To this end, this paper aims to address the resilience framework in MGs considering sets of water and EHs (WEHs) consisting of CHP (combined heat and power), a boiler, energy storage, and a desalination unit. This study focused on considering an effective resilient scheme to restore critical loads in a short period after a natural catastrophe when the MG experiences an unpredictable event. By applying the idea of WEHs, there would be a chance of restoring the system by using two sets of WEH systems in the appropriate islanded points to restore the system and critical loads of electricity, heat, and water. For this purpose, different scenarios were considered for assessing the resiliency of the system against a natural catastrophic event that causes serious damage to the network by analyzing the energy-not-supplied (ENS) factor. Moreover, the allocated WEHs can adequately supply the electrical, water, and thermal demand loads throughout the day after the natural catastrophe. To mitigate the unforeseen variations in the renewable sources, a battery is located in the WEH, which can attend to the optimal scheduling effectively. A scenario-based method is also introduced to improve the resiliency of MGs in an uncertain environment such as electrical, heat, and water stochastic demands. The appropriate efficiency of the offered model was considered on a modified IEEE test system.
Epistemological Weaving: Writing and Sense Making in Qualitative Research with Gloria Anzaldúa
Authors: Alvarez-Hernandez Luis R. , Flint Maureen
Published: July 2023

How is writing a part of creatively understanding ourselves, research questions, data, and theory? Writing is a critical form of connecting concepts, exploring data, and weaving knowledge in qualitative research. In other words, writing is integral to theorizing. However, writing is not an individualistic process. Writing is a relational and creative epistemological weaving of thoughts and embodiments constructed by researchers and their interactions with mentors and instructors, participants, and theoretical proponents. In this paper we discuss this creative process by paying attention to each co-constructor of knowledge and the ways in which the weaving of knowledge was constructed through our shared and different journeys as doctoral student and instructor. Grounded in Gloria Anzaldúa’s borderland and nepantla work, we will present our positionalities, interactions, and suggestions for fellow qualitative writers struggling to make sense of their writing and theorizing. Our hope is that doctoral students and veteran academics alike can benefit from this exploration.
Deep Reinforcement Q-Learning for Intelligent Traffic Control in Mass Transit
Authors: Khozam Shurok , Farhi Nadir
Published: July 2023

Traffic control in mass transit consists of the regulation of both vehicle dynamics and passenger flows. While most of the existing approaches focus on the optimization of vehicle dwell time, vehicle time headway, and passenger stocks, we propose in this article an approach which also includes the optimization of the passenger inflows to the platforms. We developed in this work a deep reinforcement Q-learning model for the traffic control in a mass transit line. We first propose a new mathematical traffic model for the train and passengers dynamics. The model combines a discrete-event description of the vehicle dynamics, with a macroscopic model for the passenger flows. We use this new model as the environment of the traffic in mass transit for the reinforcement learning optimization. For this aim, we defined, under the new traffic model, the state variables as well as the control ones, including in particular the number of running vehicles, the vehicle dwell times at stations, and the passenger inflow to platforms. Second, we present our new deep Q-network (DQN) model for the reinforcement learning (RL) with the state representation, action space, and reward function definitions. We also provide the neural network architecture as well as the main hyper-parameters. Finally, we give an evaluation of the model under multiple scenarios. We show in particular the efficiency of the control of the passenger inflows into the platforms.