bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Behavior of Banyan (B)/Banana (Ba) Fibers Reinforced Hybrid Composites Influenced by Chemical Treatment on Tensile, Bending and Water Absorption Behavior: An Experimental and FEA Investigation
Authors: G Prabhakar C. , Reddy M Sreenivas , Rajendrachari Shashanka , Mahale Rayappa Shrinivas , Mahesh V. , Pandith Anup
Published: January 2024

Natural fiber-based composites are highly prioritized in present industries due to their properties and benefits over synthetic fibers. Due to their biodegradable nature, banyan and banana fibers were used for the present work. This paper deals with an experimental and FEA investigation of the tensile and bending behavior of banyan (B) and banana (Ba)-reinforced composites with different volume fractions, such as 25B/25Ba, 30B/20Ba, and 35B/15Ba, with a 50% weight fraction of epoxy resin and different fiber orientations. The hybrid composites treated with a 5% NaOH solution have better results as compared to untreated hybrid composites, with a volume fraction of 30% banyan fibers and 20% banana fiber (30B/20Ba), giving greater tensile and flexural properties for both treated and untreated fiber composites when compared to other volume fraction composites at 0/0/0/0 orientation. The maximum tensile and bending strength was found in the 30B/20Ba volume fractions to be 63.37 MPa and 67.07 MPa, respectively. For treated fiber composites, water absorption increases with an increase in the duration of immersion in composites up to 144 h.
The Role of Biofeedback in Patellofemoral Pain Conservative Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ferlito Rosario , De Salvo Sara , Managò Giovanni , Ilardo Martina , Sapienza Marco , Caldaci Alessia , Vescio Andrea , Pavone Vito , Testa Gianluca
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness and the outcomes of the association between different types of biofeedback techniques and therapeutic exercises in the conservative treatment of patellar femoral pain (PFP). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines have been used and followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Between April and June 2023, the following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, ScienceDirect, BIOMED Central, Cochrane Library, and PEDro. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. Following the search, 414 records were found, and after using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 RCTs were retrieved to include in this systematic review, assessing 513 patients. The association between biofeedback and therapeutic exercise may be beneficial for pain, function (AKPS), extensor muscle strength, reduction of the dynamic knee valgus and vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) (EMG) optimization. All these results were valued in the short term. Regarding the intervention type, it was possible to correlate the EMG biofeedback with the benefits of the knee extensor strength and the EMG activity of VM and VL. Conversely, using mirror, verbal, and somesthetic (hands and band) feedback seems to be linked to the reduction of the knee dynamic valgus.
A Comprehensive Review of Machine Learning for Water Quality Prediction over the Past Five Years
Authors: Yan Xiaohui , Zhang Tianqi , Du Wenying , Meng Qingjia , Xu Xinghan , Zhao Xiang
Published: January 2024

Water quality prediction, a well-established field with broad implications across various sectors, is thoroughly examined in this comprehensive review. Through an exhaustive analysis of over 170 studies conducted in the last five years, we focus on the application of machine learning for predicting water quality. The review begins by presenting the latest methodologies for acquiring water quality data. Categorizing machine learning-based predictions for water quality into two primary segments—indicator prediction and water quality index prediction—further distinguishes between single-indicator and multi-indicator predictions. A meticulous examination of each method’s technical details follows. This article explores current cutting-edge research trends in machine learning algorithms, providing a technical perspective on their application in water quality prediction. It investigates the utilization of algorithms in predicting water quality and concludes by highlighting significant challenges and future research directions. Emphasis is placed on key areas such as hydrodynamic water quality coupling, effective data processing and acquisition, and mitigating model uncertainty. The paper provides a detailed perspective on the present state of application and the principal characteristics of emerging technologies in water quality prediction.
Numerical Investigation of the Impacts of Large Particles on the Turbulent Flow and Surface Wear in Series-Connected Bends
Authors: Zhang Yuan-Hang , Wang Xiao-Jie , Zhang Xu-Zhen , Saad Maoukouf , Zhao Rui-Jie
Published: January 2024

The deep sea harbors abundant mineral, oil, and gas resources, making it highly valuable for commercial development, including the extraction of minerals. Due to the relatively large particle size of these minerals, how they interact with fluids is significantly different from that of small particles. However, there has been limited simulation research on the impacts of large particles (the diameter of particles is at the level of centimeters) on the flow and wear characteristics in bends, because the simulation of the particles at such a size is difficult. Additionally, in the field of deep-sea mining, multiple bends are simultaneously connected in series, and the wear in such bends has garnered increasing attention. Based on an improved CFD-DEM model, this article solved the issue that traditional unresolved CFD-DEM methods cannot accurately simulate large particles in a hydraulic conveying pipe and bend. After validating the accuracy of this model against classical experiments, the paper comprehensively analyzes the modulation effect of large particles on turbulence, and the effects of different particle diameters, particle transport concentrations, and transport velocities on the wear of bends connected serially. Finally, the bends connected serially in various configurations are simulated to study the wear on the bent interior surfaces. Results indicate a pronounced modulation effect of large particles on turbulence at higher transport concentrations; the wear rate in the combined bends does not exhibit a linear correlation with the collision frequency of particles on the wall surface. Furthermore, different configurations of serially connected bends exhibit significant differences in the wear morphology of the second bend.
Changes in Beaufort High and Their Impact on Sea Ice Motion in the Western Arctic during the Winters of 2001–2020s
Authors: Chang Xiaomin , Yan Tongliang , Zuo Guangyu , Ji Qing , Xue Ming
Published: January 2024

Sea ice affects the Earth’s energy balance and ocean circulation and is crucial to the global climate system. However, research on the decadal variations in the mean sea-level pressure patterns in recent winters (2001–2020) and the characteristics of sea ice motion (SIM) in the Western Arctic region is very limited. In this study, we utilized the Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis method to investigate the potential impacts of Arctic Oscillation (AO) and Arctic Dipole (AD) on the Beaufort High (BH) during the period 2001–2020 and discuss the changes in SIM intensity in the Western Arctic. The results indicate that the negative phases of AO and AD are connected with (tend to bring about) a higher BH, strengthening anticyclonic circulation in the Arctic region. Conversely, the positive phases of AO and AD led to the collapse of the BH, resulting in a reversal of sea ice movement. Additionally, during the period 2001–2020, the BH consistently explained 67% of the sea ice motion (had the highest explanatory degree for sea ice advection within the region (weighted average 61.71%)). Meanwhile, the sea ice advection has become more sensitive to change in various atmospheric circulations. This study contributes to an in-depth understanding of the response of sea ice motion to atmospheric circulation in the Western Arctic in recent years, offering more explanations for the anomalous movement of sea ice in the Western Arctic.
Irreversible Thermodynamics of Seawater Evaporation
Authors: Feistel Rainer , Hellmuth Olaf
Published: January 2024

Under typical marine conditions of about 80% relative humidity, evaporation of water from the ocean is an irreversible process accompanied by entropy production. In this article, equations are derived for the latent heat of irreversible evaporation and the related nonequilibrium entropy balance at the sea surface. To achieve this, linear irreversible thermodynamics is considered in a conceptual ocean evaporation model. The equilibrium thermodynamic standard TEOS-10, the International Thermodynamic Equation of Seawater—2010, is applied to irreversible evaporation under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium. The relevance of local equilibrium conditions for irreversible thermodynamics is briefly explained. New equations are derived for the mass flux of evaporation and for the associated nonequilibrium enthalpies and entropies. The estimated entropy production rate of ocean evaporation amounts to 0.004 W m−2 K−1 as compared with the average terrestrial global entropy production of about 1 W m−2 K−1.
Biological Control Activities of Rhizosphere Fungus Trichoderma virens T1-02 in Suppressing Flower Blight of Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum Lind.)
Authors: Athinuwat Dusit , Ruangwong On-Uma , Harishchandra Dulanjalee L. , Pitija Kitsada , Sunpapao Anurag
Published: January 2024

Flower blight caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora is an emerging disease of flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum Lind.) that negatively impacts flower production. The use of rhizosphere fungi as biocontrol agents is an alternative way to control this disease instead of using synthetic fungicides. This research aimed to screen the potential of rhizosphere fungi, Trichoderma spp., with diverse antifungal abilities to control N. clavispora and to reduce flower blight in flamingo flowers. A total of ten isolates were tested against N. clavispora by dual culture assay, and T1-02 was found to be the most effective isolate against N. clavispora, with inhibition of 78.21%. Morphology and molecular phylogeny of multiple DNA sequences of the genes, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α), and RNA polymerase 2 (rpb2) identified isolate T1-02 as Trichoderma virens. Sealed plate method revealed T. virens T1-02 produced volatile antifungal compounds (VOCs) against N. clavispora, with inhibition of 51.28%. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was applied to trap volatiles, and GC/MS profiling showed VOCs emitted from T. virens T1-02 contained a sesquiterpene antifungal compound—germacrene D. The pre-colonized plate method showed that T. virens T1-02 aggressively colonized in tested plates with inhibition of 100% against N. clavispora, and microscopy revealed direct parasitism onto fungal hyphae. Furthermore, the application of T. virens T1-02 spore suspension reduced the disease severity index (DSI) of flower blight in flamingo flowers. Based on the results from this study, T. virens T1-02 displays multiple antagonistic mechanisms and has the potential ability to control flower blight of flamingo flowers caused by N. clavispora.
Why Are There So Few Basidiomycota and Basal Fungi as Endophytes? A Review
Authors: Rungjindamai Nattawut , Jones E. B. Gareth
Published: January 2024

A review of selected studies on fungal endophytes confirms the paucity of Basidiomycota and basal fungi, with almost 90% attributed to Ascomycota. Reasons for the low number of Basidiomycota and basal fungi, including the Chytridiomycota, Mucoromycota, and Mortierellomycota, are advanced, including isolation procedure and media, incubation period and the slow growth of basidiomycetes, the identification of non-sporulating isolates, endophyte competition, and fungus–host interactions. We compare the detection of endophytes through culture-dependent methods and culture-independent methods, the role of fungi on senescence of the host plant, and next-generation studies.
Parasitism of Hirsutella rhossiliensis on Different Nematodes and Its Endophytism Promoting Plant Growth and Resistance against Root-Knot Nematodes
Authors: Sun Xin , Liao Jiaqian , Lu Junru , Lin Runmao , Zou Manling , Xie Bingyan , Cheng Xinyue
Published: January 2024

The endoparasitic fungus Hirsutella rhossiliensis is an important biocontrol agent of cyst nematodes in nature. To determine the potential parasitism of the fungus on a non-natural host, the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) living in pine trees and the endophytic ability of the fungus on plants, in this paper, we first constructed and utilized a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged H. rhossiliensis HR02 transformant to observe the fungal infection process on B. xylophilus and its colonization on Arabidopsis roots. Then, we compared the fungal parasitism on three species of nematodes with different lifestyles, and we found that the fungal parasitism is correlated with nematode species and stages. The parasitic effect of H. rhossiliensis on adults of B. xylophilus is similar to that on second-stage juveniles (J2) of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita after 24 h of inoculation, although the virulence of the fungus to second-stage juveniles of M. incognita is stronger than that to those of B. xylophilus and Caenorhabditis elegans. Moreover, the endophytism of H. rhossiliensis was confirmed. By applying an appropriate concentration of H. rhossiliensis conidial suspension (5 × 106 spores/mL) in rhizosphere soil, it was found that the endophytic fungus can promote A. thaliana growth and reproduction, as well as improve host resistance against M. incognita. Our results provide a deeper understanding of the fungus H. rhossiliensis as a promising biocontrol agent against plant-parasitic nematodes.
Bioprospection of Tenellins Produced by the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria neobassiana
Authors: Toshe Rita , Charria-Girón Esteban , Khonsanit Artit , Luangsa-ard Janet Jennifer , Khalid Syeda Javariya , Schrey Hedda , Ebada Sherif S. , Stadler Marc
Published: January 2024

Fungi are known as prolific producers of bioactive secondary metabolites with applications across various fields, including infectious diseases, as well as in biological control. However, some of the well-known species are still underexplored. Our current study evaluated the production of secondary metabolites by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria neobassiana from Thailand. The fermentation of this fungus in a liquid medium, followed by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification, resulted in the isolation of a new tenellin congener, namely pretenellin C (1), together with five known derivatives (2–6). Their chemical structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in combination with high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). We evaluated the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities from all isolated compounds, as well as their inhibitory properties on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus. Generally, tenellins displayed varying antibiofilm and cytotoxic effects, allowing us to propose preliminary structure-activity relationships (SARs). Among the tested compounds, prototenellin D (2) exhibited the most prominent antibiofilm activity, while its 2-pyridone congener, tenellin (4), demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity against all tested cell lines. Given the fact that the biological activities of the tenellins have so far been neglected in the past, our study could provide a good starting point to establish more concise structure-activity relationships in the near future.
Kidney Biopsy and Immuno-Rheumatological Diseases: A Retrospective and Observational Study
Authors: Gigante Antonietta , Cianci Rosario , Villa Annalisa , Pellicano Chiara , Giannakakis Konstantinos , Rosato Edoardo , Spinelli Francesca Romana , Basile Umberto , Racco Cosimo , Di Virgilio Elena Maria , Cerbelli Bruna , Conti Fabrizio
Published: January 2024

Renal involvement is a common occurrence in patients with immuno-rheumatological diseases (IRDs). Several instances of glomerulonephritis (GN) occur in the setting of IRD and complicate the clinical course of an underlying condition. The aim of this study was to observe the spectrum of nephropathies according to age, kidney function, history of IRD at the time of biopsy, and histopathological kidney diagnosis. We evaluated data relating to 699 consecutive kidney native biopsies (female 52.1%) with a median age of 48 years (IQR 34–62) performed in adult patients collected over 15 years. The study population was divided into three groups: patients with kidney histological findings correlated to underlying IRD (Group 1), patients with kidney histological findings not correlated to underlying IRD (Group 2), and patients with kidney histological findings compatible with “de novo” IRD (absent in personal medical history) (Group 3). Kidney involvement related to IRD was found in 25.2% of patients. Group 1 was mostly represented by lupus nephritis (76.6%), with a younger age than Group 3 (p < 0.001) and by a higher percentage of females than other groups (p < 0.001). Group 3 was the most represented by microscopic polyangiitis (50.8%) when compared with the other two groups (p < 0.001). Acute nephritic syndrome (p < 0.001), acute kidney injury (AKI), and abnormal urinalysis (p < 0.001) were more represented in Group 3 than the other groups. In conclusion, IRDs are characterized by different clinical presentations and heterogeneous histological findings. Kidney biopsy remains fundamental to achieving the correct diagnosis and starting targeted therapy.
DeepBiomarker2: Prediction of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder Risk in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Patients Using Electronic Medical Records and Multiple Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Miranda Oshin , Fan Peihao , Qi Xiguang , Wang Haohan , Brannock M. Daniel , Kosten Thomas R. , Ryan Neal David , Kirisci Levent , Wang Lirong
Published: January 2024

Prediction of high-risk events amongst patients with mental disorders is critical for personalized interventions. We developed DeepBiomarker2 by leveraging deep learning and natural language processing to analyze lab tests, medication use, diagnosis, social determinants of health (SDoH) parameters, and psychotherapy for outcome prediction. To increase the model’s interpretability, we further refined our contribution analysis to identify key features by scaling with a factor from a reference feature. We applied DeepBiomarker2 to analyze the EMR data of 38,807 patients from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to determine their risk of developing alcohol and substance use disorder (ASUD). DeepBiomarker2 predicted whether a PTSD patient would have a diagnosis of ASUD within the following 3 months with an average c-statistic (receiver operating characteristic AUC) of 0.93 and average F1 score, precision, and recall of 0.880, 0.895, and 0.866 in the test sets, respectively. Our study found that the medications clindamycin, enalapril, penicillin, valacyclovir, Xarelto/rivaroxaban, moxifloxacin, and atropine and the SDoH parameters access to psychotherapy, living in zip codes with a high normalized vegetative index, Gini index, and low-income segregation may have potential to reduce the risk of ASUDs in PTSD. In conclusion, the integration of SDoH information, coupled with the refined feature contribution analysis, empowers DeepBiomarker2 to accurately predict ASUD risk. Moreover, the model can further identify potential indicators of increased risk along with medications with beneficial effects.
Geriatric Importance of Histopathological Parameters Evaluated in Thyroidectomy Specimens: A Single Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Kahraman Çetin Nesibe , Taşan Sinan Can
Published: January 2024

Nowadays, the aging human population exerts a notable influence on the treatment of thyroid diseases. The most appropriate approach for the treatment of benign and malignant thyroid diseases in older adults has not yet been determined. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of thyroidectomies in geriatric patients considering age, sex and histopathological parameters and to determine the importance of thyroidectomy as a treatment option in the geriatric population. A total of 910 cases from all age groups were included, for which thyroidectomies were examined and reported. In accordance with the College of American Pathologists Cancer Protocol for thyroid reporting, considering geriatric patients, the rate of Thyroid Follicular Nodular Disease was significantly higher among the tumor types in the benign tumor group (p = 0.033), while Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma rate was higher in the malignant tumor group. The diagnosis rate of malignant tumors was higher in males, reflecting a more advanced pT stage (p < 0.001), larger tumor size (p < 0.001) and increased lymph node involvement rate (p = 0.039). Given that increasing age is associated with a heightened incidence of thyroid disease, the safety of surgery for geriatric patients is an important issue. Thyroidectomy should be considered in the treatment of these patients, especially in males, as the rate of malignant diagnosis and worse histopathological parameters are seen with increasing age.
Statistical Analysis of Minsky’s Financial Instability Hypothesis for the 1945–2023 Era
Authors: Phan Linh N. , Beruvides Mario G. , Tercero-Gómez Víctor G.
Published: January 2024

Following the 2008 financial crisis, Hyman Minsky’s Financial Instability Hypothesis (FIH) emerged as a prominent financial theory to explain the occurrence of business cycles in the U.S. economy. There have been many theoretical, but few empirical studies dedicated to FIH. The current literature also lacks the statistical support to confirm the necessary conditions leading to financial instability and whether FIH concepts remains applicable in the post 1980s periods. This article presents a statistical methodology to analyze the financial debt ratios related to FIH for the 1945–2023 periods through the use of nonparametric statistical analyses of ordered alternatives and a binomial test for meta-analysis. The results indicated that the conditions leading to financial instability such as debt ratios did increase prior to the onset of a recession as prescribed by FIH during the 1945–1980s era. Furthermore, such conditions also repeated prior to some recessions occurred in the 2001–2023 periods. This study provides statistical support for Minsky’s FIH theory.
Prompt Mapping Tree Positions with Handheld Mobile Scanners Based on SLAM Technology
Authors: Chudá Juliána , Výbošťok Jozef , Tomaštík Julián , Chudý František , Tunák Daniel , Skladan Michal , Tuček Ján , Mokroš Martin
Published: January 2024

In this study, we evaluated the performance of GeoSLAM ZEB Horizon and Stonex X120GO SLAM handheld mobile laser scanners (HMLS) to address two primary objectives. First, we aimed to assess and compare the accuracy of positioning achieved using HMLS instruments. Second, we sought to investigate the influencing factors and their impact on estimation accuracies. The factors influencing the accuracy of positioning in HMLS Simultaneous Localization and Mapping-aided solutions were defined, considering the scanner type, distance from the trajectory, forest structure, tree species, and Diameter at Breast Height. The same type of trajectory was tested in five different stand structures. The evaluation of GeoSLAM HMLS point clouds yielded an average positional RMSE of 17.91 cm, while the data extracted from the Stonex HMLS resulted in an average positional RMSE of 17.33 cm. These results underscore the significant potential of HMLS technology in addressing the critical need for precise positioning data in various applications, from forestry management to environmental monitoring, wildlife habitat assessment, and climate change studies. By harnessing the power of handheld mobile laser scanners, our research aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of geospatial data capture in challenging.
Global Drought-Wetness Conditions Monitoring Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Jiping , Ma Libang , Wang Xufeng , Xie Binbin , Zhou Junju , Zhang Haoyan
Published: January 2024

Drought is a common hydrometeorological phenomenon and a pervasive global hazard. To monitor global drought-wetness conditions comprehensively and promptly, this research proposed a spatial distance drought index (SDDI) which was constructed by four drought variables based on multisource remote sensing (RS) data, including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land surface temperature (LST), soil moisture (SM), and precipitation (P), using the spatial distance model (SDM). The results showed that the consistent area of SDDI with the 1-month and 3-month standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index (SPEI1 and SPEI3), and the self-calibrating Palmer drought severity index (scPSDI) accounted for 85.5%, 87.3%, and 85.1% of the global land surface area, respectively, indicating that the index can be used to monitor global drought-wetness conditions. Over the past two decades (2001–2020), a discernible spatial distribution pattern has emerged in global drought-wetness conditions. This pattern was characterized by the extreme drought mainly distributed deep within the continent, surrounded by expanding moderate drought, mild drought, and no drought areas. On the annual scale, the global drought-wetness conditions exhibited an upward trend, while on the seasonal and monthly scales, it fluctuated steadily within a certain cycle. Through this research, we found that the sensitive areas of drought-wetness conditions were mainly found on the east coast of Australia, the Indus Basin of the Indian Peninsula, the Victoria and Katanga Plateau areas of Africa, the Mississippi River Basin of North America, the eastern part of the Brazilian Plateau and the Pampas Plateau of South America.
Regional Ecological Security Assessment Based on the Pressure–State–Response Framework: The Demonstration Zone of Yangtze River Delta as an Example
Authors: Ren Enhui , Lin Wenpeng , Li Bo , Jiang Yue , Zhang Yuxun , Yu Yan
Published: January 2024

Ecological security is related to human well-being, is closely linked to a region’s sustainable development, and is an essential cornerstone of any national security system. The Demonstration Zone of Green and Integrated Ecological Development (DZGIED) of the Yangtze River Delta is a critical point in implementing the integrated development strategy of the Yangtze River Delta. This paper used the Pressure–State–Response (PSR) framework to evaluate the regional ecological security (RES) in the DZGIED based on multi-source remote sensing and GIS data. And the analysis was conducted from the overall and administrative division perspective. The results show that (1) from 2000 to 2020, the ecological security of the DZGIED shows a slight decline overall. The RES decreased from 0.60 to 0.53. The RES level is kept above the critical security level and needs further improvement. (2) Significant differences in the RES across townships, with more pronounced changes in extreme values. The ecological security status of more than 80% of the townships shows solid positive spatial correlations. The ecological security of the DZGIED is more critical to the central area. (3) Human disturbance is the most important factor causing the decline in ecological security and the impact of environmental safety on the central area is more enormous. (4) The ecological security state of the DZGIED shows an improving trend, but it is still necessary to promote the construction of various demonstration projects. This paper aims to ensure the sustainable development of the DZGIED in the future and to provide guidance for policy formulation on ecological safety in the DZGIED from the perspective of administrative divisions. It also provides a reference for small-scale regional ecological safety evaluation studies such as townships.
Optimizing Land Use for Carbon Neutrality: Integrating Photovoltaic Development in Lingbao, Henan Province
Authors: Xie Xiaohuan , Deng Haifeng , Li Shengyuan , Gou Zhonghua
Published: January 2024

This study aims to examine the impact of land use variations on carbon emissions by incorporating the development of photovoltaics as a scenario. To meet this end, we investigate the carbon emissions fluctuations resulting from different development scenarios: natural development, low-carbon strategies, and widespread adoption of photovoltaic technology. We identify important influencing factors related to these changes and utilize multi-objective optimization and the PLUS model to simulate land use patterns in Lingbao City projected for 2035, with a focus on achieving carbon neutrality. Through multiple scenarios, we analyze differences in carbon emissions, economic benefits, ecological impacts, and land use allocations. Our findings demonstrate that the photovoltaic scenario leads to a substantial 3500-ton reduction in carbon emissions and boosts overall benefits by RMB 85 million compared to the low-carbon scenario. This highlights the significant role of photovoltaic systems inefficient land utilization, meeting carbon emission targets, and generating economic gains. This research explores the relationship between land use alterations and carbon emissions, aiming to achieve ambitious carbon reduction objectives by integrating photovoltaic applications across diverse land types. It provides fresh perspectives for examining urban land utilization and strategies to reduce carbon emissions.
Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of Urban Green Spaces in Response to Rapid Urbanization and Urban Expansion in Tunis between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Ben Messaoud Khouloud , Wang Yunda , Jiang Peiyi , Ma Zidi , Hou Kaiqi , Dai Fei
Published: January 2024

Over the past two decades, the rate of urbanization has increased significantly worldwide, with more than half of the population already living in cities; this trend continues in numerous countries and regions. Tunisia is a North African country with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. In Greater Tunis, its capital city, urbanization has accelerated since 1960. Rapid urbanization has increased the demand for grey infrastructure and led to changes in land-use patterns and the destruction of the environment. This study aims to understand and depict the relationship between urban expansion and the green infrastructure in the Greater Tunis area. This study uses land-use data, administrative boundaries vector data, and Google satellite imagery datasets to calculate and analyze the changes in the land use transfer matrix and landscape pattern index of built-up land and green spaces in the Tunisian capital for three periods: 2000, 2010, and 2020. We found that the expansion of built-up areas in Tunis has increased from 8.8% in 2000 to 12.1% in 2020, and changes in green spaces have decreased from 23% in 2000 to 20.9% in 2020. Without planning guidelines, the layout of green spaces has become more fragmented and disorganized. For this reason, we provide programs and suggestions for building a complete ecological network of green spaces in order to provide references and lessons for related studies and cities facing the same problems.
Objective Non-Invasive Bio-Parametric Evaluation of Regenerated Skin: A Comparison of Two Acellular Dermal Substitutes
Authors: Rampazzo Silvia , Ferrari Marco , Sotgiu Maria Alessandra , Piu Gabriella , Solinas Maria Giuliana , Usai Noemi , Bulla Antonio , Serra Pietro Luciano , Grieco Federica , Montella Andrea , Mazzarello Vittorio , Rubino Corrado
Published: January 2024

Several dermal substitutes are available on the market, but there is no precise indication that helps surgeons choose the proper one. Few studies have tried to compare different xenogeneic bioengineered products, but no objective bio-parametric comparison has been made yet. Fifteen patients who underwent skin reconstruction with Integra® or Pelnac® were retrospectively evaluated. After at least 12 months of follow-up, an objective and quantitative assessment of several skin biophysical properties, such as color, texture, elasticity, hydration, glossiness and trans-epidermal water loss, were measured with non-invasive skin measurement devices. The grafted skin showed a reduction of the superficial hydration level and a tendency to lower values of trans-epidermal water loss with both dermal substitutes. Melanic and hemoglobin pigmentation were higher in comparison to the donor site in both groups, while a melanic pigmentation increase versus the surrounding skin was seen just with Integra®. Finally, the skin was found to be more elastic when reconstructed with Integra®. The skin barrier appeared to be intact in both groups. Hence, these substitutes are valuable means of skin regeneration. Integra® seems to be more advantageous for reconstructing areas that need more skin flexibility.
Radioreparative Effect of Diode Laser on Leukopoiesis Recovery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Průcha Jaroslav , Šinkorová Zuzana , Carrillo Anna , Burda Tomáš , Čuprová Julie
Published: January 2024

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of laser therapy on leukopoiesis recovery after irradiation with ionizing radiation. A dose of ionizing radiation was used that induced the hematological form of radiation sickness, reducing the number of blood cells. Subsequently, mice were treated with non-ionizing laser radiation. Based on the examination of the peripheral blood, the study found that laser therapy significantly impacted the number of eosinophils and basophils two weeks after irradiation. Laser therapy also led to the faster reparation of the lymphocyte lineage of white blood cells (WBCs). The research showed that the examined therapeutic laser had a long-term radioreparative effect on gamma-irradiated mice, improving the absolute counts of different lines of WBCs. The results of this study could have implications for the treatment of radiation sickness in humans.
Thorough Wide-Temperature-Range Analysis of Pt/SiC and Cr/SiC Schottky Contact Non-Uniformity
Authors: Pascu Razvan , Pristavu Gheorghe , Oneata Dan-Theodor , Brezeanu Gheorghe , Romanitan Cosmin , Djourelov Nikolay , Enache Andrei , Draghici Florin , Ivan Andrei Mario , Ceuca Emilian
Published: January 2024

This paper evaluates the non-uniformity degree of platinum and chromium Schottky contacts on silicon carbide. The forward characteristics of experimental samples were acquired in a wide, 60–500 K, temperature range. Microstructural and conventional electrical characterizations were performed, revealing the presence of inhomogeneities on the contact surface. The main parameters were extracted using inhomogeneity models of varying complexity levels. Their relevance is discussed with respect to the models’ applicable, limited, temperature ranges. Finally, complete forward curve fitting was achieved using p-diode modeling, evincing that each type of contact behaves as four parallel-connected ideal diodes. Since these parallel diodes have varying influences on the overall device current with temperature and bias, operable domains can be identified where the samples behave suitably.
Surface Defect Mitigation of Additively Manufactured Parts Using Surfactant-Mediated Electroless Nickel Coatings
Authors: Jolly Anju , Vitry Véronique , Azar Golnaz Taghavi Pourian , Guaraldo Thais Tasso , Cobley Andrew J.
Published: January 2024

The emergence of defects during the early production phases of ferrous-alloy additively manufactured (AM) parts poses a serious threat to their versatility and adversely impacts their overall mechanical performance in industries ranging from aerospace engineering to medicine. Lack of fusion and gas entrapment during the manufacturing stages leads to increased surface roughness and porosities in the finished part. In this study, the efficacy of employing electroless nickel–boron (Ni-B) deposition to fill and level simulated AM defects was evaluated. The approach to levelling was inspired by the electrochemical deposition techniques used to fill vias in the electronics industry that (to some extent) resemble the size and shape of AM-type defects. This work investigated the use of surfactants to attenuate surface roughness in electroless nickel coatings, thereby achieving the preferential inhibition of the coating thickness on the surface and promoting the filling of the simulated defects. A cationic surfactant molecule, CTAB (cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide), and a nonpolar surfactant, PEG (polyethylene glycol), at different concentrations were tested using a Ni-B electrolyte for the levelling study. It was found that the use of electroless Ni-B to fill simulated defects on ferrous alloys was strongly influenced by the concentration and nature of the surfactant. The highest levelling percentages were obtained for the heavy-molecular-weight PEG-mediated coatings at 1.2 g/L. The results suggest that electroless Ni-B deposition could be a novel and facile approach to filling defects in ferrous-based AM parts.
Analysis of the Strength Properties of Epoxy–Glass Composites Modified with the Addition of Rubber Recyclate Using Kolmogorov–Sinai Metric Entropy
Authors: Żuk Daria , Abramczyk Norbert , Hajdukiewicz Grzegorz
Published: January 2024

This paper presents the results of investigations of the mechanical properties of epoxy–glass composites with the addition of rubber recyclate. For the purposes of the study, seven variants of materials were designed and manufactured, which differed in terms of the percentage of recyclate content (3, 5 and 7%) and the way the recyclate was distributed in the composite (one, two and three layers with a constant share of 5%). Tests of comparative mechanical properties were carried out using a static tensile test. As a result of the conducted tests, the following values were obtained for all variants of materials: tensile strength (Rm), Young’s modulus (E) and percentage relative strain ε. In addition, for a deeper analysis of the results obtained, statistical calculations of Kolgomorov–Sinai EK-S metric entropy were performed on the experimental data sets, which were then analyzed. The results of the analysis indicate that the application of metric entropy calculations EK-S can be helpful in identifying changes in the internal structure of the composite material that occur during its loading, and which do not manifest themselves in any other tangible way. The data obtained as a result of the research can be used to optimize production processes and to determine the further direction of development of epoxy–glass composites with the addition of rubber recyclate, while saving time and resources.
Facile-Solution-Processed Silicon Nanofibers Formed on Recycled Cotton Nonwovens as Multifunctional Porous Sustainable Materials
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Jamshaid Hafsa , Mishra Rajesh Kumar , Ali Mumtaz , Chandan Vijay , Kolar Viktor , Nazari Shabnam , TM Akshat , Jirku Petr , Muller Miroslav , Ivanova Tatiana Alexiou
Published: January 2024

Limited efficiency, lower durability, moisture absorbance, and pest/fungal/bacterial interaction/growth are the major issues relating to porous nonwovens used for acoustic and thermal insulation in buildings. This research investigated porous nonwoven textiles composed of recycled cotton waste (CW) fibers, with a specific emphasis on the above-mentioned problems using the treatment of silicon coating and formation of nanofibers via facile-solution processing. The findings revealed that the use of an economic and eco-friendly superhydrophobic (contact angle higher than 150°) modification of porous nonwovens with silicon nanofibers significantly enhanced their intrinsic characteristics. Notable improvements in their compactness/density and a substantial change in micro porosity were observed after a nanofiber network was formed on the nonwoven material. This optimized sample exhibited a superior performance in terms of stiffness, surpassing the untreated samples by 25–60%. Additionally, an significant enhancement in tear strength was observed, surpassing the untreated samples with an impressive margin of 70–90%. Moreover, the nanofibrous network of silicon fibers on cotton waste (CW) showed significant augmentation in heat resistance ranging from 7% to 24% and remarkable sound absorption capabilities. In terms of sound absorption, the samples exhibited a performance comparable to the commercial standard material and outperformed the untreated samples by 20% to 35%. Enhancing the micro-roughness of fabric via silicon nanofibers induced an efficient resistance to water absorption and led to the development of inherent self-cleaning characteristics. The antibacterial capabilities observed in the optimized sample were due to its superhydrophobic nature. These characteristics suggest that the proposed nano fiber-treated nonwoven fabric is ideal for multifunctional applications, having features like enhanced moisture resistance, pest resistance, thermal insulation, and sound absorption which are essential for wall covers in housing.
The Design of PAN-Based Janus Membrane with Adjustable Asymmetric Wettability in Wastewater Purification
Authors: Wang Yuehui , Huang Jun , Zhang Ye , Zhang Shiwen , Li Lili , Pang Xuan
Published: January 2024

In this paper, an environmentally friendly polyacrylonitrile-based (PAN-based) composite membrane with a Janus structure for wastewater treatment was successfully fabricated. To achieve the optimum adsorption of PAN-based Janus composite membrane, the asymmetric wettability was regulated through electrospinning, resulting in TiO2 modifying PAN as the hydrophilic substrate layer, and PCL gaining a different thickness as the hydrophobic layer. The prepared Janus composite membrane (PAN/TiO2-PCL20) showed excellent oil/water separation performance for diverse surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions. For n-hexane-in-water emulsion, the permeate flux and separation efficiency reached 1344 L m−2 h−1 and 99.52%, respectively. Even after 20 cycles of separation, it still had outstanding reusability and the separation efficiency remained above 99.15%. Meanwhile, the PAN/TiO2-PCL20 also exhibited an excellent photocatalytic activity, and the removal rate for RhB reached 93.2%. In addition, the research revealed that PAN/TiO2-PCL20 possessed good mechanical property and unidirectional water transfer capability. All results indicated that PAN/TiO2-PCL20 with photocatalysis and oil/water separation performance could be used for practical complex wastewater purification.
Optimizing Waste Heat Conversion: Integrating Phase-Change Material Heatsinks and Wind Speed Dynamics to Enhance Flexible Thermoelectric Generator Efficiency
Authors: Egypt Phanathagorn , Sakdanuphab Rachsak , Sakulkalavek Aparporn , Klongratog Bhanupol , Somdock Nuttakrit
Published: January 2024

Flexible thermoelectric generators (FTEGs) have garnered significant attention for their potential in harnessing waste heat energy from various sources. To optimize their efficiency, FTEGs require efficient and adaptable heatsinks. In this study, we propose a cost-effective solution by integrating phase-change materials into FTEG heatsinks. We developed and tested three flexible phase-change material thicknesses (4 mm, 7 mm, and 10 mm), focusing on preventing leaks during operation. Additionally, we investigated the impact of wind speed on the output performance of FTEGs with a flexible phase-change material heatsink. The results indicate that the appropriate flexible phase-change material thickness, when integrated with considerations for wind speed, demonstrates remarkable heat-absorbing capabilities at phase-change temperatures. This integration enables substantial temperature differentials across the FTEG modules. Specifically, the FTEG equipped with a 10 mm thick flexible phase-change material heatsink achieved a power density more than four times higher when the wind speed was at 1 m/s compared to no wind speed. This outcome suggests that integrating phase-change material heatsinks with relatively low wind speeds can significantly enhance flexible thermoelectric generator efficiency. Finally, we present a practical application wherein the FTEG, integrated with the flexible phase-change material heatsink, efficiently converts waste heat from a circular hot pipe into electricity, serving as a viable power source for smartphone devices. This work opens exciting possibilities for the future integration of flexible thermoelectric modules with flexible phase-change material heatsinks, offering a promising avenue for converting thermal waste heat into usable electricity.
Durability of Resin Bonding to Dental 3Y-TZP Zirconia Using Different Adhesive Systems
Authors: Yazigi Christine , Alawi Shila , Wille Sebastian , Lehmann Frank , Kern Matthias
Published: January 2024

This laboratory study was conducted to evaluate and compare the resin bond strength of different adhesive resin systems in different combinations and the durability of their bonds with zirconia ceramic. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty-eight specimens were milled from 3Y-TZP zirconia ceramic. The bonding surfaces of all disks were wet polished, steam cleaned, airborne-particle abraded and ultrasonically cleaned in 99% isopropanol. The specimens were randomly divided into four main groups according to the applied resin system; two conventional and two self-adhesive systems were used. Each group was further subdivided into two subgroups; the first was conditioned with the specified primer for conventional luting resins or not conditioned for the self-adhesive systems, whereas the second subgroup of each was conditioned with the same phosphate monomer-containing primer (Alloy Primer). The zirconia specimens were adhesively bonded, using the allocated luting resin, to plexiglass tubes filled with self-curing composite resin (Clearfil FII). Half of the specimens of each subgroup were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 3 days, whereas the other half were subjected to artificial aging, 150 days of storage and additional thermal cycling. Thereafter, all specimens were subjected to TBS testing using a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was conducted using two-way ANOVA followed by separate one-way ANOVAs. The Games–Howell post-hoc test was applied for pairwise comparisons. Results: All specimens survived storage with thermal cycling. The mean TBS values ranged from a minimum of 43.4 ± 5.0 MPa to a maximum of 66.4 ± 3.5 after 3 days and from a minimum of 13.6 ± 2.5 MPa to a maximum of 50.1 ± 9.4 MPa after 150 days. Conclusions: Artificial aging had a significantly negative effect on all test groups. The chosen adhesive-resin system had a significant effect on the resulting TBS values. The highest TBS values were achieved for the self-adhesive luting resin G-Cem One but were statistically comparable to the results obtained for the dual-cure luting resin G-Cem LinkForce.