bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Quantitative Approach to the Spatial Configuration of Urban Streets Based on Local Wind Environment
Authors: Ji Huimin , Li Yifan , Li Juan , Ding Wowo
Published: November 2023

The urban street is an important part of the urban form and serves as the primary medium for public activities within cities. The morphological characteristics of urban street space not only influence people’s spatial experience but also have an impact on the quality of the physical environment, such as the wind environment. Numerous scholars have studied the wind environment of streets with different morphological characteristics using abstract and simplified street models, uncovering certain relationships between specific morphological features and airflow patterns. However, due to the significant disparity between simplified models and reality, researchers have attempted to develop models applicable to the complex characteristics of urban street space, with the aim of exploring the relationship between street spatial features and airflow characteristics. This study explores a method to quantify the complex spatial characteristics of urban streets, using a series of parameters to describe the streets, such as average width, proportion of secondary interfaces, and proportion of opening length. Streets with different spatial characteristics in the centre of Nanjing are selected and quantified. A comparison is conducted between the parameters representing street spatial morphology and the simulation results of the wind environment in the area, aiming to assess the effectiveness of these parameter values. The results demonstrate that complex urban spaces can still be effectively represented through parameterization and confirm the validity of our quantitative representation of complex street spatial characteristics. The results could serve as a reference for urban design and urban construction.
Heterogeneity and Spatial Governance of Synergy between Human Activities and Ecological Conservation in the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau, China
Authors: Wu Lingzhi , Zhang Lei , Li Jiaming , Ma Renfeng
Published: November 2023

The Qinghai–Xizang Plateau is one of the important units of the major project of ecosystem protection and restoration in China’s “three zones and four belts”(2021–2035), and balancing its ecological security with rational regional development is the basis for ensuring China’s ecological stability. In this paper, the coupling mechanism between regional development intensity and ecological security is explained, and a measurement system of the relationship is designed, from which the coordination degree and type division of the coupling between regional development intensity and ecological security on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau from 2011 to 2020 is measured. The results show the following: (1) During the study period, the regional development intensity of the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau has been increasing, with Xining and Lhasa as the “core” that drives the development and expansion of the surrounding areas. The ecological security index has been also on the rise, showing a pattern of “belt-shaped depressions in the central and western parts of the Plateau, and vertical clusters in the eastern part of the Plateau”. The depression moves toward the southern part of Xinjiang. (2) The degree of coupling and coordination between development intensity and ecological safety in each city (prefecture) on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau has increased by different degrees, but many cities (prefectures) still show a lag in development intensity or ecological security. (3) The evolution of the pattern of coupling and coordination between regional development intensity and ecological security on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau varies significantly, forming a pattern of “high in the east and low in the west, with multiple clusters side by side”. To some extent, this paper reveals the correlation between the spatial and temporal distributions of regional development intensity and ecological security on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau, which can provide a basis for the regulation of human activities in the construction of ecological security barriers at the city (prefecture) level on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau.
Short- and Mid-Term Spatiotemporal Diversity Patterns of Post-Fire Insect-Pollinated Plant Communities in the Mediterranean
Authors: Nakas Georgios , Kougioumoutzis Konstantinos , Petanidou Theodora
Published: November 2023

In the Mediterranean, one of the most fire-prone regions in the world, wildfires are considered a key factor in vegetation distribution, structure, and function. Severe or frequent fires can lead to homogenized plant communities and habitat fragmentation with significant consequences for the ecosystem and plant-dependent animals such as pollinators. Herein, we present the results of a 10-year post-fire study (2013–2022) conducted on Chios Island, Greece. We explored the effects of a large-scale fire on beta diversity patterns of the flowering insect-pollinated plant communities and its turnover and nestedness components in both burned and unburned sites. In addition, we investigated whether the recorded differences in the burned and unburned plant communities were a result of species gains or losses in the post-fire years. Burned communities display higher post-fire beta diversity compared to the unburned ones, due to higher species turnover across all years of reference. Species turnover was highest overall in the burned sites during the second post-fire year and decreased a decade later. In conclusion, Mediterranean flowering insect-pollinated plant communities are rather fire-resilient, implying positive impacts on pollinator diversity and plant-pollinator interactions during regeneration after a wildfire.
An Ecoregional Conservation Assessment for Forests and Woodlands of the Mogollon Highlands Ecoregion, Northcentral Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico, USA
Authors: DellaSala Dominick A. , Kuchy Andréa L. , Koopman Marni , Menke Kurt , Fleischner Thomas L. , Floyd M. Lisa
Published: November 2023

The Mogollon Highlands, Arizona/New Mexico, USA, spans a large biogeographical region of 11 biotic communities, 63 land cover types, and 7 ecoregions. This 11.3 M ha region has high levels of beta diversity across topo-edaphic gradients that span deserts to mountain tops. The main stressors affecting the region’s forests and woodlands include climate change, livestock grazing, and frequent mechanical removals of large amounts of forest biomass for fire concerns. We present an ecoregion conservation assessment for robust conservation area design that factors in appropriate wildfire response to protect communities from increasing threats of climate-induced wildfires spreading into urban areas. We focused mainly on maintaining connectivity for endangered focal species (grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) and Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi)) along with protecting mature and old-growth (MOG) forests, Piñon (Pinus spp.)–Juniper (Juniperus spp.) Woodlands, and riparian areas. Over half the region is managed by federal agencies where new protected areas can be integrated with tribal co-management and prescribed burning, defensible space, and home hardening to protect communities from the growing threat of climate-induced wildfires. However, just 9% of the study area is currently protected, and even with the inclusion of proposed protected areas, only 24% would be protected, which is below 30 × 30 targets. The potential grizzly bear habitat, wolf habitat connectivity, and MOG forests (1.6 M ha (14.2%) of the study area; 18% protected) are concentrated mainly in the central and eastern portions of the MHE. There were 824 fires (2 to 228,065 ha) from 1984–2021, with 24% overlapping the wildland–urban interface. Regional temperatures have increased by 1.5 °C, with a 16% reduction in precipitation and stream flow since 1970 that under worst-case emission scenarios may increase temperatures another 3 to 8 °C by the century’s end. The unique biodiversity of the MHE can be better maintained in a rapidly changing climate via at least a three-fold increase in protected areas, co-management of focal species with tribes, and strategic use of fuel treatments nearest communities.
A Conceptual Framework for Logistics Management and Project Planning in the Clinical Trials Industry
Authors: Sadoon Emad , Venkatadri Uday , Ghasemi Alireza
Published: November 2023

Background: Logistics management in the clinical trials industry is a very challenging undertaking because it involves multiple stakeholders, complex processes, diverse software applications, intensive white-collar jobs, and onerous quality standards. Current business practices are inefficient and difficult to automate technologies. Methods: This paper reviews the theories and concepts of clinical trials logistics management. The inefficiencies in current logistics management industry are then addressed by building a conceptual framework based on contemporary software tools and architectures, such as web portals, software agents, business process management system, project cards, and resource cards, all interacting with specialized software applications such as accounting, inventory, and label design software. The framework supports data analysis at multiple levels of decision making. To this end, a project planning tool for facilitating and optimizing the operational planning in this industry is designed and presented. Results: The planning tool also contributes to the literature by contrasting several different resource scenarios such as the shared pool, dedicated resources for each project, and the creation of several work groups with dedicated resources. These are Pareto trade-offs. Conclusions: A framework employing a business process management is proposed for clinical trials logistics management. Different managerial scenarios with shared, dedicated, and work group resources are investigated using a case study.
Design and Analysis of an Adaptive Obstacle-Overcoming Tracked Robot with Passive Swing Arms
Authors: Li Ruiming , Zhang Xianhong , Hu Shaoheng , Wu Jianxu , Feng Yu , Yao Yan-an
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a novel adaptive tracked robot equipped with passive swing arms for overcoming obstacles. First, the paper introduces the overall composition of the robot and focuses on the adaptive mechanism of the passive swing arms. Second, analyzing the single-step obstacle-overcoming process of the robot reveals the relationship between the obstacle height and the geometric parameters of the passive swing arms, establishing a kinematic model. Then, a dynamic model of the robot’s obstacle-overcoming process is established by simplifying the robot into a crank–slider linkage, and the time range for the robot to overcome obstacles is analyzed. Finally, through virtual simulation and a physical prototype, the feasibility and maneuverability of the robot’s design are verified. These findings demonstrate the potential of the robot in various applications, such as search and rescue missions and homeland security.
Explainable Artificial Intelligence Using Expressive Boolean Formulas
Authors: Rosenberg Gili , Brubaker John Kyle , Schuetz Martin J. A. , Salton Grant , Zhu Zhihuai , Zhu Elton Yechao , Kadıoğlu Serdar , Borujeni Sima E. , Katzgraber Helmut G.
Published: November 2023

We propose and implement an interpretable machine learning classification model for Explainable AI (XAI) based on expressive Boolean formulas. Potential applications include credit scoring and diagnosis of medical conditions. The Boolean formula defines a rule with tunable complexity (or interpretability) according to which input data are classified. Such a formula can include any operator that can be applied to one or more Boolean variables, thus providing higher expressivity compared to more rigid rule- and tree-based approaches. The classifier is trained using native local optimization techniques, efficiently searching the space of feasible formulas. Shallow rules can be determined by fast Integer Linear Programming (ILP) or Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) solvers, potentially powered by special-purpose hardware or quantum devices. We combine the expressivity and efficiency of the native local optimizer with the fast operation of these devices by executing non-local moves that optimize over the subtrees of the full Boolean formula. We provide extensive numerical benchmarking results featuring several baselines on well-known public datasets. Based on the results, we find that the native local rule classifier is generally competitive with the other classifiers. The addition of non-local moves achieves similar results with fewer iterations. Therefore, using specialized or quantum hardware could lead to a significant speedup through the rapid proposal of non-local moves.
A Novel Simulation-Based Optimization Method for Autonomous Vehicle Path Tracking with Urban Driving Application
Authors: Chen Yanzhan , Yu Fan
Published: November 2023

Autonomous driving technology heavily depends on accurate and smooth path tracking. Facing complex urban driving scenarios, developing a suite of high-performance and robust parameters for controllers becomes imperative. This paper proposes a stochastic simulation-based optimization model for optimizing the Proportional–Integral–Differential (PID) controller parameters, with tracking accuracy and smoothness as bi-objectives, and solves it using a domination-measure-based efficient global optimization (DMEGO) algorithm. In this model, the tracking accuracy and smoothness are indexed by the normalized dynamic time warping (NDTW) and the mean absolute lateral acceleration (MALA), respectively. In addition, we execute the PID controller in a realistic simulation environment using a CARLA simulator, which consider various city scenes, diverse routes, different vehicle types, road slopes, etc., to provide a comprehensive and reliable evaluation for the designed PID controller. In the DMEGO method, each solution undergoes evaluation using a fixed number of costly simulations. Then, utilizing the solutions and their estimated bi-objective values, two surrogate models for the bi-objectives are constructed using the Gaussian process (GP) model. The preliminary nondominated solutions can be obtained by optimizing the two surrogate models. Finally, a novel performance metric known as the domination measure is employed to evaluate the quality of each solution. This metric is then integrated with the crowding distance to selectively retain a candidate solution exhibiting superior performance and good diversity for the next iteration. In our numerical experiments, we first test the DMEGO algorithm against three other counterparts using a stochastic FON benchmark. The proposed approach is then employed to optimize the PID parameters considering the complexity and uncertainty of urban traffic. The numerical results demonstrate that the nondominated solutions obtained by DMEGO exhibit excellent performance in terms of tracking accuracy and smoothness under limited simulation budgets. Overall, the proposed approach may be a viable tool for solving multi-objective simulation-based optimization problem under uncertainties.
Continuous-Time Subspace Identification with Prior Information Using Generalized Orthonormal Basis Functions
Authors: Yu Miao , Wang Youyi , Wang Wanli , Wei Yongtao
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a continuous-time subspace identification method utilizing prior information and generalized orthonormal basis functions. A generalized orthonormal basis is constructed by a rational inner function, and the transformed noises have ergodic properties. The lifting approach and the Hambo system transform are used to establish the equivalent nature of continuous and transformed discrete-time stochastic systems. The constrained least squares method is adopted to investigate the incorporation of prior knowledge in order to further increase the subspace identification algorithm’s accuracy. The input–output algebraic equation derives an optimal multistep forward predictor, and prior knowledge is expressed as equality constraints. In order to solve an optimization problem with equality constraints characterizing the prior knowledge, the proposed method reduces the computational burden. The effectiveness of the proposed method is provided by numerical simulations.
New Stability Results for Periodic Solutions of Generalized Van der Pol Oscillator via Second Bogolyubov’s Theorem
Authors: Meftah Safia , Yazid Fares , Lejdel Ali Tefaha , Bouhali Keltoum , Moumen Abdelkader , Alraqad Tariq , Saber Hicham
Published: November 2023

A certain class of nonlinear differential equations representing a generalized Van der Pol oscillator is proposed in which we study the behavior of the existing solution. After using the appropriate variables, the first Levinson’s change converts the equations into a system with two equations, and the second converts these systems into a Lipschitzian system. Our main result is obtained by applying the Second Bogolubov’s Theorem. We established some integrals, which are used to compute the average function of this system and arrive at a new general condition for the existence of an asymptotically stable unique periodic solution. One of the well-known results regarding asymptotic stability appears, owing to the Second Bogolubov’s Theorem, and the advantage of this method is that it can be applied not only in the periodic dynamical systems, but also in non-almost periodic dynamical systems.
A Coupled Simulated Annealing and Particle Swarm Optimization Reliability-Based Design Optimization Strategy under Hybrid Uncertainties
Authors: Yang Shiyuan , Wang Hongtao , Xu Yihe , Guo Yongqiang , Pan Lidong , Zhang Jiaming , Guo Xinkai , Meng Debiao , Wang Jiapeng
Published: November 2023

As engineering systems become increasingly complex, reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) has been extensively studied in recent years and has made great progress. In order to achieve better optimization results, the mathematical model used needs to consider a large number of uncertain factors. Especially when considering mixed uncertainty factors, the contradiction between the large computational cost and the efficiency of the optimization algorithm becomes increasingly fierce. How to quickly find the optimal most probable point (MPP) will be an important research direction of RBDO. To solve this problem, this paper constructs a new RBDO method framework by combining an improved particle swarm algorithm (PSO) with excellent global optimization capabilities and a decoupling strategy using a simulated annealing algorithm (SA). This study improves the efficiency of the RBDO solution by quickly solving MPP points and decoupling optimization strategies. At the same time, the accuracy of RBDO results is ensured by enhancing global optimization capabilities. Finally, this article illustrates the superiority and feasibility of this method through three calculation examples.
Quality of Life in Patients with Venous Leg Ulcers Treated by Means of Local Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or Local Ozone Therapy—A Single Center Study
Authors: Pasek Jarosław , Szajkowski Sebastian , Cieślar Grzegorz
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: Venous leg ulcers pose a significant medical problem worldwide. The complexity of the problem determines the need for further interdisciplinary activities that will improve the quality of life for treated patients. This study compared the quality of life of patients with venous leg ulcers who received local hyperbaric oxygen therapy or local ozone therapy procedures as part of comprehensive treatment. Materials and Methods: The study included 129 patients (62 men and 57 women) with venous leg ulcers. Group I underwent local hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and Group II underwent local ozone therapy (OZONE). In both groups, the patients’ quality of life was assessed before the start of the treatment cycle, as well as 10 weeks and 6 months after the completion of the treatment, by means of the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and the Polish shortened version of the SF-36 scale. Results: After completing the respective therapeutic cycle, both groups showed statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement in quality of life, according to the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and the SF-36 scale. Differences were noted between the 1st examination (before treatment) and the 2nd examination (10 weeks after treatment), as well as the 3rd examination (6 months after treatment). In the EQ-5D-5L assessment of anxiety and depression, self-care, and activities of daily living 6 months after the end of treatment, better results were found in the group of patients treated with local hyperbaric oxygen therapy (p < 0.001). In this group, 6 months after the end of the treatment, a statistically significantly higher result on the EQ-VAS scale was also obtained (73.09 ± 19.8 points vs. 68.03 ± 17.37 points, p = 0.043). However, in the SF-36 assessment performed 6 months after the end of treatment, better results—a statistically significantly lower value of the quality of life index—were recorded in the group of patients treated with local ozone therapy (103.13 ± 15.76 points vs. 109.89 ± 15.42 points, p < 0.015). Conclusions: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and local ozone therapy procedures have a beneficial effect on improving the quality of life of patients with venous leg ulcers.
An Exploratory Retrospective Data Analysis Comparing the Outcomes of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension in Vienna, Austria, from the Year 2012 to 2022
Authors: Schmidl Doreen , Hommer Nikolaus , Hommer Anton
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the short-term outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) with argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) in patients with glaucoma in a real-world setting. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted as a retrospective case–control study. The main outcome was the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) three months after laser surgery. In addition, the number of substances used for lowering of IOP and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Results: Charts from 25 patients were included in the present study, of which 12 had received ALT and 13 SLT. In both groups, IOP significantly decreased from baseline values 6 weeks and 3 months after laser treatment (p < 0.01 vs. baseline at each timepoint for both groups). While after 6 weeks, no difference between groups was found, after 3 months, the decrease in IOP was significantly more pronounced in the SLT group (−26 ± 21% in the ALT group vs. −41 ± 14% in the SLT group, p = 0.018 between groups, ANOVA). Three months after laser treatment, the number of IOP-lowering substances used by each patient had decreased with no difference between groups (ALT: from 2.7 ± 0.8 to 2.3 ± 0.9 substances; SLT: from 1.8 ± 1.2 to 1.3 ± 1.1 substances, p = 0.386). Only a few AEs were observed. Two patients in the ALT and one patient in the SLT group required trabeculectomy within 1 year after laser treatment due to IOP decompensation. Conclusions: In the present study, SLT was at least as effective as ALT with fewer AEs and a similar reduction in concomitant IOP-lowering medication.
Understanding Mold Wear Mechanisms and Optimizing Performance through Nico Coating: An In-Depth Analysis
Authors: Jiang Xionghua , Kong Fengyu
Published: November 2023

This research investigates the wear mechanism of molds and examines the worn areas using high power microscopes and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). In addition, EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) and XRF (X-ray fluorescence) techniques are used to compare the worn areas with the normal areas. The results indicate that the wear mechanism of the molds is similar to adhesive wear. To address the issue of die wear, the application of Nico coating to the copper substrate surface is investigated. Two sample preparation methods, namely DC power supply and dual pulse power supply, are employed. SEM analysis shows that the sample group prepared using the dual pulse power supply has a relatively dense surface coating. The samples with a 60:40 weight ratio of Nico exhibit the highest average hardness and thickness, with minimal dispersion as indicated by the low standard deviation. The samples also show minimal roughness. Repeat tests under the same conditions confirm that the coating surface remains dense and uniform with a hardness of 467.628 hv, a thickness of 43.0665 μm and a roughness of 4.331 nm. The nanoindenter test results show that the coating has improved wear resistance (−28.7 nm) compared to the original mold (−142.4 nm), an increase of 80%.
Distribution of Rare Elements in Distillation Processing of Polymetallic Matte
Authors: Volodin Valeriy , Nitsenko Alina , Linnik Xeniya , Trebukhov Sergey
Published: November 2023

The results of studies on the distribution of rare elements among the products of distillation processing of polymetallic mattes are present in this article. Schemes of the developed technological equipment for the implementation of the extraction processes of rare elements via the vacuum distillation of mattes are presented. Technological tests were performed with a matte of lead, copper, and antimony plants at 1100–1250 °C and a pressure of up to 700 Pa. It was established that As, Cd, Bi, In, and Ge, by more than 90% in total, are extracted into condensate and dust in the distillation process of volatile components from mattes of lead production. At the same time, antimony is distributed between the distillate residue and condensate. Antimony by 90.47%, arsenic by 78.83% and cadmium by 98.72% are distributed into sulfide condensate and dust in the distillation of copper production matte. From the matte of the antimony plant, Sb and Bi (90.76% and 89.78%, respectively) are transferred into the condensate and cyclone dust. Arsenic is distributed between the liquid and vapor phases. Based on calculations, Se and Te will be mainly concentrated in the distillation residue. High-grade copper mattes obtained in processing mattes from lead and copper plants can be further used to obtain metallic copper by converting. The condensate and dust can be processed separately or with the dust of the mainline production for rare metal extraction. Antimony matte processing condensate containing more than 70% Sb can be directed to the process of crude antimony refining.
Development of a High-Frequency Test System to Study the Wear of Ultrasonic Welding Tools
Authors: Li Junqi , Rienks Michael , Balle Frank
Published: November 2023

In current automotive lithium-ion battery manufacturing, Ultrasonic Metal Welding (USMW) is one of the major joining techniques due to its advantages in welding multiple thin sheets of highly conductive materials. The sonotrode, serving as the welding tool, transmits high-frequency oscillation to the joining parts. Due to the high frequency of thermal-mechanical loading, the knurl pattern on the sonotrode wears with an increasing number of welds, which significantly influences the welding process, resulting in poor joint quality. In this study, a high-frequency test system was developed to investigate the wear mechanisms of the sonotrode. Based on the comparable relative motion to the welding process, the thermal-mechanical loadings on the contact area were analyzed. As the oscillation amplitude of the sonotrode increased, the estimated frictional force between the sonotrode and the copper counter body remained constant, while an increase in the sliding distance was observed in the contact area. Temperature development showed a strong correlation with mechanical loading. A first approach of continuous testing was performed but was limited due to the failure of the copper counter body under ultrasonic stimulation.
Microstructural Investigation and Impact Strength of Sinter-Hardened PM Steels: Influence of Ni Content and Tempering Temperature
Authors: Suman Alessio , Fortini Annalisa , Vezzani Ottavia , Merlin Mattia
Published: November 2023

This study analyzed the influence of tempering treatment temperature on the microstructural and mechanical behavior of two different powder metallurgy steels containing 0 wt. % Ni and 4 wt. % Ni. The evolution of the microstructure and the macro- and microhardness of the microstructural constituents resulting from tempering treatments conducted on the sinter-hardened materials at temperatures ranging from 160 °C to 300 °C were investigated. The role of the tempering conditions in the impact behavior was assessed using Charpy tests on V-notched and unnotched samples, tempered at 180 °C, 220 °C and 280 °C. The observed macrohardness reduction with increasing tempering temperature was related to martensite transformations. At high tempering temperatures, the remarkable loss in impact energy values was attributed to microfracture modes. The contribution of Ni-rich austenite areas in enhancing impact strength was detected.
Pt and Al Recovery from a Spent Pt/Al2O3 Catalyst via an Integrated Soda Roasting–Alkaline Leaching–Carbonization Process
Authors: Dong Haigang , Zhang Chunxi , Zhao Jiachun , Wu Yuedong , Dong Zhonglin , Li Qian
Published: November 2023

An integrated soda roasting–alkaline leaching–carbonization process was developed to recover platinum (Pt) and aluminum (Al) from a spent Pt/Al2O3 catalyst. A product with the main component of NaAlO2 was obtained under the optimal roasting conditions of the mass ratio of Na2CO3 to spent catalyst 1, roasting time 2 h and roasting temperature 900 °C. The Al in the roasted residue was effectively leached in a dilute NaOH solution, while Pt was enriched in the leached residue with a Pt content that reached 29.4%, and the calculated concentration factor of Pt yielded 79.4. After carbonization was performed for the leached solution, 99.0% of the Al was recovered as the pseudo-boehmite product, which could be used as the feed for preparing the Al2O3 carrier. Pt and Al2O3 in the spent catalyst were selectively separated and enriched using the above process, which thus has good application prospects.
Correlation of Elemental Transfer, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity on Lactuca sativa L. Grown in Soil with Functionalized CNT and HMs
Authors: Soran Maria-Loredana , Lung Ildiko , Stegarescu Adina , Culicov Otilia , Opriș Ocsana , Nekhoroshkov Pavel , Podar Dorina
Published: November 2023

While heavy metals (HM) have been considered in recent decades to be the most common and problematic pollutants, the expansion of the list of pollutants due to the active use of carbon nanotubes (CNT) raises new questions about the benefit and harm of HM released to nature individually or fixed on CNT walls. A pot experiment was conducted to compare the effect of two classes of potential pollutants—metal salts of Pb, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Ni; and functionalized CNTs with COOH, MnO2, Fe3O4, and MnO2-Fe3O4—applied in soil, on the elemental transfer, the bioactive compounds accumulation, and the antioxidant activity in lettuce. While CNTs mainly increased the elemental transfer from soil to leaves, HM salts strongly obstructed it. In the presence of CNTs, the antioxidant activity in lettuce leaves correlated with the transfer of elements from soil to root and from root to leaves. The excess of HMs in soil induced a greater variation of the polyphenols quantity and antioxidant activity than the excess of CNTs. It might be assumed that lettuce perceived HMs as a more aggressive stressor than CNTs and more strongly activated the defense mechanism, showing the reduction of the element transfer and enhancing of total polyphenol production and antioxidant activity.
Numerical Analysis of Stress Force on Vessel Walls in Atherosclerotic Plaque Removal through Coronary Rotational Atherectomy
Authors: Zhu Zhaoju , Chen Liujing , Yu Weijie , Gao Chuhang , He Bingwei
Published: November 2023

Coronary rotational atherectomy is an effective technique for treating cardiovascular disease by removing calcified tissue using small rotary grinding tools. However, it is difficult to analyze the stress force on vessel walls using experiments directly. Using computational fluid dynamics is a better way to study the stress force characteristics of the burr grinding procedure from a fluid dynamics perspective. For this purpose, physical and simulation models of atherosclerotic plaque removal were constructed in this study. The simulation results show that smaller ratios between the burr and arterial diameter (B/A = 0.5) result in a more stable flow field domain. Additionally, the pressure and stress force generated by the 4.5 mm diameter grinding tool reach 92.77 kPa and 10.36 kPa, surpassing those of the 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm grinding tools. The study has demonstrated the use of computational fluid dynamics to investigate wall shear stress characteristics in medical procedures, providing valuable guidance for optimizing the procedure and minimizing complications.
Electrically Doped PNPN Tunnel Field-Effect Transistor Using Dual-Material Polarity Gate with Improved DC and Analog/RF Performance
Authors: Shan Chan , Liu Ying , Wang Yuan , Cai Rongsheng , Su Lehui
Published: November 2023

A new structure for PNPN tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) has been designed and simulated in this work. The proposed structure incorporates the polarity bias concept and the gate work function engineering to improve the DC and analog/RF figures of merit. The proposed device consists of a control gate (CG) and a polarity gate (PG), where the PG uses a dual-material gate (DMG) structure and is biased at −0.7 V to induce a P+ region in the source. The PNPN structure introduces a local minimum on the conduction band edge curve at the tunneling junction, which dramatically reduces the tunneling width. Furthermore, we show that incorporating the DMG architecture further enhances the drive current and improves the subthreshold slope (SS) characteristics by introducing an additional electric field peak. The numerical simulation reveals that the electrically doped PNPN TFET using DMG improves the DC and analog/RF performances in comparison to a conventional single-material gate (SMG) device.
Arsenic Removal via the Biomineralization of Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria Pseudarthrobacter sp. Fe7
Authors: Fan Xia , Zhang Hanxiao , Peng Qian , Zheng Yongliang , Shi Kaixiang , Xia Xian
Published: November 2023

Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic metalloid, and its widespread contamination of water is a serious threat to human health. This study explored As removal using Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria. The strain Fe7 isolated from iron mine soil was classified as the genus Pseudarthrobacter based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities and phylogenetic analyses. The strain Fe7 was identified as a strain of Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic bacteria that can oxidize Fe(II) and produce iron mineral precipitates. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy patterns showed that the iron mineral precipitates with poor crystallinity consisted of Fe(III) and numerous biological impurities. In the co-cultivation of the strain Fe7 with arsenite (As(III)), 100% of the total Fe and 99.9% of the total As were removed after 72 h. During the co-cultivation of the strain Fe7 with arsenate (As(V)), 98.4% of the total Fe and 96.9% of the total As were removed after 72 h. Additionally, the iron precipitates produced by the strain Fe7 removed 100% of the total As after 3 h in both the As(III) and As(V) pollution systems. Furthermore, enzyme activity experiments revealed that the strain Fe7 oxidized Fe(II) by producing extracellular enzymes. When 2% (v/v) extracellular enzyme liquid of the strain Fe7 was added to the As(III) or As(V) pollution system, the total As removal rates were 98.6% and 99.4%, respectively, after 2 h, which increased to 100% when 5% (v/v) and 10% (v/v) extracellular enzyme liquid of the strain Fe7 were, respectively, added to the As(III) and As(V) pollution systems. Therefore, iron biomineralized using a co-culture of the strain Fe7 and As, iron precipitates produced by the strain Fe7, and the extracellular enzymes of the strain Fe7 could remove As(III) and As(V) efficiently. This study provides new insights and strategies for the efficient remediation of arsenic pollution in aquatic environments.
The SIX5 Protein in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae Acts as an Avirulence Effector toward Shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum Group)
Authors: Sakane Kosei , Kunimoto Masaaki , Furumoto Kazuki , Shigyo Masayoshi , Sasaki Kazunori , Ito Shin-ichi
Published: November 2023

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae (Foc) causes basal rot disease in Allium species, including onions (Allium cepa L.) and shallots (A. cepa L. Aggregatum group). Among Allium species, shallots can be crossbred with onions and are relatively more resistant to Foc than onions. Thus, shallots are considered a potential disease-resistant resource for onions. However, the mechanisms underlying the molecular interactions between shallots and Foc remain unclear. This study demonstrated that SIX5, an effector derived from Foc (FocSIX5), acts as an avirulence effector in shallots. We achieved this by generating a FocSIX5 gene knockout mutant in Foc, for which experiments which revealed that it caused more severe wilt symptoms in Foc-resistant shallots than the wild-type Foc and FocSIX5 gene complementation mutants. Moreover, we demonstrated that a single amino acid substitution (R67K) in FocSIX5 was insufficient to overcome shallot resistance to Foc.
Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) Approaches for the Detection of Genetic Variants Associated with Antibiotic Resistance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mosquera-Rendón Jeanneth , Moreno-Herrera Claudia Ximena , Robledo Jaime , Hurtado-Páez Uriel
Published: November 2023

Antibiotic resistance is a significant threat to public health worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have emerged as a powerful tool to identify genetic variants associated with this antibiotic resistance. By analyzing large datasets of bacterial genomes, GWAS can provide valuable insights into the resistance mechanisms and facilitate the discovery of new drug targets. The present study aimed to undertake a systematic review of different GWAS approaches used for detecting genetic variants associated with antibiotic resistance. We comprehensively searched the PubMed and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies published from 2013 to February 2023. A total of 40 studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies explored a wide range of bacterial species, antibiotics, and study designs. Notably, most of the studies were centered around human pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Staphylococcus aureus. The review seeks to explore the several GWAS approaches utilized to investigate the genetic mechanisms associated with antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, it examines the contributions of GWAS approaches in identifying resistance-associated genetic variants through binary and continuous phenotypes. Overall, GWAS holds great potential to enhance our understanding of bacterial resistance and improve strategies to combat infectious diseases.
Updates on Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection 2.0
Authors: Chemin Isabelle , Pujol Flor Helene
Published: November 2023

Hepatitis B is a “silent epidemic” that is fifty to a hundred (50–100) times more infectious than HIV and is a potentially life-threatening liver infection [...]
Evolution Mechanism of Microscopic Pore System in Coal-Bearing Marine–Continental Transitional Shale with Increasing Maturation
Authors: Zhang Jizhen , Lin Wei , Li Mingtao , Wang Jianguo , Xiao Xiao , Li Yu , Zhang Xiaochan
Published: November 2023

The formation and evolution mechanisms of complex types and scales of marine–continental transitional shale pores are still indefinite, restricting the accurate evaluation of shale reservoir and the effective evaluation of coal-bearing marine–continental transitional shale gas resource quantity. Considering the Shanxi shale in Ordos basin of China as the research object, combining the FE-SEM images and petrophysical analysis, high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry, and CO2 and N2 adsorption–desorption experiments, the structure characteristics and differential evolution mechanisms of multiscale and multitype of coal-bearing shale pores were discussed. The results show that coal-bearing marine–continental transitional shales are rich in clay minerals and organic matters (OMs). Pores developed within organic matters, clay, and brittle minerals of coal-bearing shale have decreasing porosity values. OM pores are directly related to micro- and mesopores, with high specific surface areas, while the porosity of inorganic pores increases with the increasing pore diameter. The porosity of all pores shows a positive relationship with permeability, which changes periodically with the increase in maturity. Coal-bearing shale pores are mainly plate- and ink bottle-shaped, with multimodal pore size distributions. Controlled by both diagenesis and hydrocarbon generation, the evolution of coal-bearing shale pores could be mainly divided into four stages. Furthermore, the pore evolution model of coal-bearing marine–continental transitional shale was preliminarily constructed. This study would enhance the understanding of reservoir evolution of the coal-bearing shale and provide useful information for the assessment and evaluation of reservoir capacity.
Characterization of Metabolite Landscape Distinguishes Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps sinensis and other Cordyceps by UHPLC-Q Exactive HF-X Untargeted Metabolomics
Authors: Tang Chuyu , Li Xiuzhang , Wang Tao , Wang Jie , Xiao Mengjun , He Min , Chang Xiyun , Fan Yuejun , Li Yuling
Published: November 2023

Cordyceps represent a valuable class of medicinal fungi with potential utilization. The overexploitation and resource scarcity of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) have led to the emergence of Cordyceps such as Cordyceps militaris (CM) and Cordyceps cicadae (CC) as substitutes. The medicinal value of CS is often considered superior to other Cordyceps, potentially owing to differences in active ingredients. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the composition and abundance of the primary and secondary metabolites of CS and its substitutes by untargeted metabolomics. A total of 4671 metabolites from 18 superclasses were detected. CS and its substitutes were rich in amino acids, lipids, organic acids, and their derivatives. We statistically analyzed the metabolites and found a total of 285 differential metabolites (3′-Adenylic acid, O-Adipoylcarnitine, L-Dopachrome, etc.) between CS and CC, CS and CM, and CM and CC, which are potential biomarkers. L-glutamate and glycerophospholipids were differential metabolites. A KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the tyrosine metabolic pathway and tryptophan metabolism pathway are the most differentially expressed pathways among the three Cordyceps. In contrast, CS was enriched in a higher abundance of most lipid metabolites when compared to CM and CC, which may be an indispensable foundation for the pharmacological functions of CS. In conclusion, systematic, untargeted metabolomics analyses for CS and other Cordyceps have delivered a precious resource for insights into metabolite landscapes and predicted potential components of disease therapeutics.
Research Progress on the Effects of Support and Support Modification on the FTO Reaction Performance of Fe-Based Catalysts
Authors: Wen Yuan , Zhou Chenliang , Yu Linfei , Zhang Qiang , He Wenxiu , Liu Quansheng
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the non-petroleum production of light olefins has been the research focus of Fischer–Tropsch olefin synthesis (FTO). Iron-based catalysts have attracted much attention because of their low price, high catalytic activity, and wide temperature range. In this paper, traditional modification, hydrophobic modification, and amphiphobic modification of the catalyst are summarized and analyzed. It was found that traditional modification (changing the pore size and surface pH of the catalyst) will reduce the dispersion of Fe, change the active center of the catalyst, and improve the selectivity of light olefins (for example, SiO2: 32%). However, compared with functional methods, these traditional methods lead to poor stability and high carbon dioxide selectivity (for example, SiO2: 34%). Hydrophobic modification can inhibit the adsorption and retention of water molecules on the catalyst and reduce the local water pressure near the iron species in the nuclear layer, thus inhibiting the further formation of CO2 (for example, SiO2: 5%) of the WGSR. Amphiphobic modification can not only inhibit the WGSR, but also reduce the steric hindrance of the catalyst, increase the diffusion rate of olefins, and inhibit the reabsorption of olefins. Follow-up research should focus on these issues.
Insights into the Current and Possible Future Use of Opioid Antagonists in Relation to Opioid-Induced Constipation and Dysbiosis
Authors: Essmat Nariman , Karádi Dávid Árpád , Zádor Ferenc , Király Kornél , Fürst Susanna , Al-Khrasani Mahmoud
Published: November 2023

Opioid receptor agonists, particularly those that activate µ-opioid receptors (MORs), are essential analgesic agents for acute or chronic mild to severe pain treatment. However, their use has raised concerns including, among others, intestinal dysbiosis. In addition, growing data on constipation-evoked intestinal dysbiosis have been reported. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) creates an obstacle to continuing treatment with opioid analgesics. When non-opioid therapies fail to overcome the OIC, opioid antagonists with peripheral, fast first-pass metabolism, and gastrointestinal localized effects remain the drug of choice for OIC, which are discussed here. At first glance, their use seems to only be restricted to constipation, however, recent data on OIC-related dysbiosis and its contribution to the appearance of several opioid side effects has garnered a great of attention from researchers. Peripheral MORs have also been considered as a future target for opioid analgesics with limited central side effects. The properties of MOR antagonists counteracting OIC, and with limited influence on central and possibly peripheral MOR-mediated antinociception, will be highlighted. A new concept is also proposed for developing gut-selective MOR antagonists to treat or restore OIC while keeping peripheral antinociception unaffected. The impact of opioid antagonists on OIC in relation to changes in the gut microbiome is included.
Effect of the Nature of the Electrolyte on the Behavior of Supercapacitors Based on Transparent ZnMn2O4 Thin Films
Authors: Peinado-Pérez Juan José , López-Escalante Maria Cruz , Martín Francisco
Published: November 2023

Transparent ZnMn2O4 thin films on indium tin oxide (ITO) were prepared through spray pyrolysis and implemented as electrodes in symmetric supercapacitors (SSCs). A specific capacitance value of 752 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and a 70% retention over 3000 galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) cycles were reached with a 1.0 M Na2SO4 electrolyte in a three-electrode electrochemical cell. Analysis of the cycled electrodes with 1.0 M Na2SO4 revealed a local loss of electrode material; this loss increases when electrodes are used in SCCs. To avoid this drawback, solid polyvinylpyrrolidone-LiClO4 (PVP-LiClO4) and quasi-solid polyvinylpyrrolidone-ionic liquid (PVP-ionic liquid) electrolytes were tested in SSCs as substitutes for aqueous Na2SO4. An improvement in capacitance retention without a loss of electrode material was observed for the PVP-ionic liquid and PVP-LiClO4 electrolytes. With these non-aqueous electrolytes, the tetragonal structure of the ZnMn2O4 spinel was maintained throughout the cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles, although changes occurred in the stoichiometry from ZnMn2O4 to Mn-rich Zn1−xMn3−xO4. In the case of the electrolyte 1.0 M Na2SO4, the loss of Zn2+ led to the formation of MnO2 via Zn1-xM3-xO4. The location of the three SCCs in the Ragone plot shows supercapacitor behavior. The electrochemical results prove that the pseudocapacitance is the major contributor to the electrode capacitance, and the SCCs can therefore be considered as pseudocapacitors.