bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Spatial Criteria for the Urban Landscape Assessment of Mass Housing Heritage: The Case of the Central Zone of New Belgrade
Authors: Ćorović Dragana , Milinković Marija , Vasiljević Nevena , Tilinger Dezire , Mitrović Sandra , Vuksanović-Macura Zlata
Published: June 2024

This study addressed problems related to the protection, reconstruction, and revitalisation of modern heritage, particularly the regeneration of mass housing estates built after WWII and facing the contemporary perils of urban decay and deterioration. It presented interdisciplinary research investigating the possibility of extending and complementing the heritage assessment methodology and broadening the scope of the criteria by including mass housing landscape values. Starting with a close reading of the key theoretical positions embedded in the conceptualisation and construction of New Belgrade, we investigated a set of holistic and time-based criteria, followed by contemporary methodologies for landscape quality assessment. The investigation was based on an urban landscape approach to heritage assessment and focuses on the Central Zone of New Belgrade, declared a heritage site in 2021. The interaction of the theoretical underpinnings of modern architecture and urban planning with urban landscape discourse, coupled with historically and theoretically relevant knowledge and data, resulted in an investigation of landscape-based criteria for further mass housing assessment. Finally, we presented the findings of the landscape quality assessment of the transformations of the Central Zone. This perspective could be used to extend the possibilities of this approach in order to (1) tackle the “thickness” of temporality related to (urban) landscapes; (2) rethink and redefine the applied heritage assessment approach; (3) open the assessment procedure to a wider range of stakeholders, particularly nonexperts and the local community; and (4) re-actualise the position and role of experts in the sense of communicating knowledge in a completely new context.
The Role of Cultural Landscape in Shaping the Urban Spatial Context of Changzhou (1843–2021) from a Spatial Syntax Perspective
Authors: Bai Jie , Zhang Wenzheng , Lin Roland Chih-Hung , Zhang Chunyan , Xu Tao , Maharjan Padma Sundar
Published: June 2024

Changzhou is a city situated in the eastern region of China and serves as a pivotal juncture of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, the Grand Canal of China. The study employed spatial syntax foreground and background network analysis to examine the cultural landscape characteristics and determinants of the urban spatial context in Changzhou, influenced by the Grand Canal, with a focus on rivers, streets, and social networks. The findings revealed that: (1) Foreground network construction: serving as the fundamental framework of urban space, street and river networks exhibited distinct functionalities in terms of structural configuration, functional organization, and potential impact. (2) Background network construction: social networks identified through spatial structure recognition demonstrated sustainable characteristics, as their layout was not directly correlated to the foreground network but contributed to the identification of the identity and the traits of social networks. (3) Dual network adaptability to contemporary urban space: it was imperative to redefine the role of river networks to augment their potential impact in shaping scenic leisure systems. This study provides novel insights into preserving and acknowledging the urban spatial context while offering valuable references for safeguarding regional cultural landscapes.
Contractual Mechanisms in National Park Management: A Multi-Task Principal–Agent Model
Authors: Lin Mingxin , Wen Zuomin
Published: June 2024

In the management of national parks, the principal–agent relationship is key to efficient and effective management. Based on multi-task principal–agent theory, this study examines the dual functions of central government incentives and guidance and the objectives of local National Park Administration offices in environmental conservation and reasonable resource utilization. First, this study constructs a multi-task principal–agent model for central and local governments within the national park management system and identifies effective contractual mechanisms. Second, this study examines the relationship between the intensity of central government incentives and the ecological conservation atmosphere coefficient. Third, by integrating the three stages of national park management system advancement, this study explores the central government’s incentive strategies at different stages. The findings indicate that local governments receive limited ecological conservation support, underscoring the need for long-term central government incentives. The findings also confirm that the effective management of national parks by local governments can only be achieved by eliminating external uncertainties, reducing the variable costs of innovative advancements, and controlling risk aversion in local National Park Administration processes. In addition, this study includes empirical data for sensitivity analyses to understand the robustness of the model under different scenarios. This study offers valuable insights and practical suggestions for enhancing national park management.
Effect of Hydrogen Pressure on the Fretting Behavior of Rubber Materials
Authors: Theiler Géraldine , Cano Murillo Natalia , Hausberger Andreas
Published: June 2024

Safety and reliability are the major challenges to face for the development and acceptance of hydrogen technology. It is therefore crucial to deeply study material compatibility, in particular for tribological components that are directly in contact with hydrogen. Some of the most critical parts are sealing materials that need increased safety requirements. In this study, the fretting behavior of several elastomer materials were evaluated against 316L stainless steel in an air and hydrogen environment up to 10 MPa. Several grades of cross-linked hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene (HNBR), acrylonitrile butadiene (NBR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer rubbers (EPDM) were investigated. Furthermore, aging experiments were conducted for 7 days under static conditions in 100 MPa of hydrogen followed by rapid gas decompression. Fretting tests revealed that the wear of these compounds is significantly affected by the hydrogen environment compared to air, especially with NBR grades. After the aging experiment, the friction response of the HNBR grades is characterized by increased adhesion due to elastic deformation, leading to partial slip.
Finite Speed-Set Model Reference Adaptive System Based on Sensorless Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators for Wind Turbines
Authors: Hassan Mohammed A. , Adel Mahmoud M. , Farhan Ahmed , Saleh Amr A.
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes a novel finite speed-set model reference adaptive system (FSS-MRAS) based on the current predictive control (CPC) of a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) in wind energy turbine systems (WETSs). The mathematical models of wind energy systems (WESs) coupled with a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) are presented in addition to the implementation of the CPC of PMSGs. The proposed FSS-MRAS is based on eliminating the tuning burden of the conventional MRAS by using a limited set of speeds of the PMSG rotor that are employed to predict the rotor speed of the generator. Consequently, the optimal speed of the rotor is the one resulting from the optimization of a proposed new cost function. Accordingly, the conventional MRAS controller is eliminated and the main disadvantage represented in the tuning burden of the constant-gain proportional-integral (PI) controller has been overcome. The proposed FSS-MRAS observer is validated using MATLAB/Simulink (R2023b) at different operating conditions. The results of the proposed FSS-MRAS have been compared with those of the conventional MRAS, which proved the high robustness and reliability of the proposed observer.
Global Existence of Small Data Solutions to Weakly Coupled Systems of Semi-Linear Fractional σ–Evolution Equations with Mass and Different Nonlinear Memory terms
Authors: Saiah Seyyid Ali , Kainane Mezadek Abdelatif , Kainane Mezadek Mohamed , Mohammed Djaouti Abdelhamid , Al-Quran Ashraf , Bany Awad Ali M. A.
Published: June 2024

We study in this paper the long-term existence of solutions to the system of weakly coupled equations with fractional evolution and various nonlinearities. Our objective is to determine the connection between the regularity assumptions on the initial data, the memory terms, and the permissible range of exponents in a specific equation. Using Lp−Lq estimates for solutions to the corresponding linear fractional σ–evolution equations with vanishing right-hand sides, and applying a fixed-point argument, the existence of small data solutions is established for some admissible range of powers (p1,p2,…,pk).
Stochastic Intermittent Control with Uncertainty
Authors: Ma Zhengqi , Jiang Hongyin , Li Chun , Zhang Defei , Liu Xiaoyou
Published: June 2024

In this article, we delve into the exponential stability of uncertainty systems characterized by stochastic differential equations driven by G-Brownian motion, where coefficient uncertainty exists. To stabilize the system when it is unstable, we consider incorporating a delayed stochastic term. By employing linear matrix inequalities (LMI) and Lyapunov–Krasovskii functions, we derive a sufficient condition for stabilization. Our findings demonstrate that an unstable system can be stabilized with a control interval within (θ*,1). Some numerical examples are provided at the end to validate the correctness of our theoretical results.
Integrating Risk-Averse and Constrained Reinforcement Learning for Robust Decision-Making in High-Stakes Scenarios
Authors: Ahmad Moiz , Ramzan Muhammad Babar , Omair Muhammad , Habib Muhammad Salman
Published: June 2024

This paper considers a risk-averse Markov decision process (MDP) with non-risk constraints as a dynamic optimization framework to ensure robustness against unfavorable outcomes in high-stakes sequential decision-making situations such as disaster response. In this regard, strong duality is proved while making no assumptions on the problem’s convexity. This is necessary for some real-world issues, e.g., in the case of deprivation costs in the context of disaster relief, where convexity cannot be ensured. Our theoretical results imply that the problem can be exactly solved in a dual domain where it becomes convex. Based on our duality results, an augmented Lagrangian-based constraint handling mechanism is also developed for risk-averse reinforcement learning algorithms. The mechanism is proved to be theoretically convergent. Finally, we have also empirically established the convergence of the mechanism using a multi-stage disaster response relief allocation problem while using a fixed negative reward scheme as a benchmark.
Effects of Positive Airway Pressure on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients with Concomitant Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Lee Kyusup , Jung Yu Jin , Cho Jung Sun , Jung Ji-Hoon , Kwon Woojin , Kwon Jongbum
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in cardiovascular disease (CVD), although positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment has not been demonstrated to improve the cardiovascular outcome. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of adherence to PAP therapy on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) performance in patients with concomitant OSA and CVD. Materials and Methods: This preliminary study involved symptomatic OSA patients requiring PAP treatment who had CVD. All subjects underwent polysomnography, echocardiography, and CPET at baseline. After 6 to 12 months of PAP treatment, CPET performance was re-assessed. The changes in CPET parameters before and after PAP treatment were compared between patients who were adherent to PAP and patients who were not adherent to PAP. Results: A total of 16 OSA patients with an apnea–hypopnea index of 32.0 ± 23.4 were enrolled. Patients were classified into the adherent (n = 9) and non-adherent (n = 7) groups with regard to PAP adherence. After 6 to 12 months of PAP treatment, the PAP-adherent group showed a greater increase in peak VO2 than the PAP-non-adherent group, but the difference between the two groups was not significant (p = 0.581). The decrease in ventilatory equivalent for the carbon dioxide slope (VE/VCO2) was significantly greater in the PAP-adherent group compared to the PAP-non-adherent group (p = 0.030). Conclusions: Adherence to PAP therapy for OSA is associated with an improvement in the VE/VCO2 slope, as an index of the ventilatory response to exercise, in patients with CVD. Screening for sleep apnea in CVD patients may be warranted, and strategies to optimize adherence to PAP in these patients are beneficial. Further evidence is needed to elucidate whether CPET could be routinely used to monitor treatment responses of OSA to PAP therapy in patients with CVD.
Planctomycetes of the Genus Singulisphaera Possess Chitinolytic Capabilities
Authors: Ivanova Anastasia A. , Naumoff Daniil G. , Kulichevskaya Irina S. , Rakitin Andrey L. , Mardanov Andrey V. , Ravin Nikolai V. , Dedysh Svetlana N.
Published: June 2024

Planctomycetes of the genus Singulisphaera are common inhabitants of soils and peatlands. Although described members of this genus are characterized as possessing hydrolytic capabilities, the ability to degrade chitin has not yet been reported for these bacteria. In this study, a novel Singulisphaera representative, strain Ch08, was isolated from a chitinolytic enrichment culture obtained from a boreal fen in Northern European Russia. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of this isolate displayed 98.2% similarity to that of Singulisphaera acidiphila MOB10T. Substrate utilization tests confirmed that strain Ch08 is capable of growth on amorphous chitin. The complete genome of strain Ch08 determined in this study was 10.85 Mb in size and encoded two predicted chitinases, which were only distantly related to each other and affiliated with the glycoside hydrolase family GH18. One of these chitinases had a close homologue in the genome of S. acidiphila MOB10T. The experimental verification of S. acidiphila MOB10T growth on amorphous chitin was also positive. Transcriptome analysis performed with glucose- and chitin-growth cells of strain Ch08 showed upregulation of the predicted chitinase shared by strain Ch08 and S. acidiphila MOB10T. The gene encoding this protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the endochitinase activity of the recombinant enzyme was confirmed. The ability to utilize chitin, a major constituent of fungal cell walls and arthropod exoskeletons, appears to be one of the previously unrecognized ecological functions of Singulisphaera-like planctomycetes.
Immunoinformatics and Reverse Vaccinology Approach for the Identification of Potential Vaccine Candidates against Vandammella animalimors
Authors: Hasan Ahmad , Alonazi Wadi B. , Ibrahim Muhammad , Bin Li
Published: June 2024

Vandammella animalimorsus is a Gram-negative and non-motile bacterium typically transmitted to humans through direct contact with the saliva of infected animals, primarily through biting, scratches, or licks on fractured skin. The absence of a confirmed post-exposure treatment of V. animalimorsus bacterium highlights the imperative for developing an effective vaccine. We intended to determine potential vaccine candidates and paradigm a chimeric vaccine against V. animalimorsus by accessible public data analysis of the strain by utilizing reverse vaccinology. By subtractive genomics, five outer membranes were prioritized as potential vaccine candidates out of 2590 proteins. Based on the instability index and transmembrane helices, a multidrug transporter protein with locus ID A0A2A2AHJ4 was designated as a potential candidate for vaccine construct. Sixteen immunodominant epitopes were retrieved by utilizing the Immune Epitope Database. The epitope encodes the strong binding affinity, nonallergenic properties, non-toxicity, high antigenicity scores, and high solubility revealing the more appropriate vaccine construct. By utilizing appropriate linkers and adjuvants alongside a suitable adjuvant molecule, the epitopes were integrated into a chimeric vaccine to enhance immunogenicity, successfully eliciting both adaptive and innate immune responses. Moreover, the promising physicochemical features, the binding confirmation of the vaccine to the major innate immune receptor TLR-4, and molecular dynamics simulations of the designed vaccine have revealed the promising potential of the selected candidate. The integration of computational methods and omics data has demonstrated significant advantages in discovering novel vaccine targets and mitigating vaccine failure rates during clinical trials in recent years.
N-Terminal Sequences of Signal Peptides Assuming Critical Roles in Expression of Heterologous Proteins in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Zhang Meijuan , Zhen Jie , Teng Jia , Zhao Xingya , Fu Xiaoping , Song Hui , Zhang Yeni , Zheng Hongchen , Bai Wenqin
Published: June 2024

The N-terminal sequences of proteins and their corresponding encoding sequences may play crucial roles in the heterologous expression. In this study, the secretory expression of alkaline pectin lyase APL in B. subtilis was investigated to explore the effects of the N-terminal 5–7 amino acid sequences of different signal peptides on the protein expression and secretion. It was identified for the first time that the first five amino acid sequences of the N-terminal of the signal peptide (SP-LipA) from Bacillus subtilis lipase A play an important role in promoting the expression of APL. Furthermore, it was revealed that SP-LipA resulted in higher secretory expression compared to other signal peptides in this study primarily due to its encoding of N-terminal amino acids with relatively higher transcription levels and its efficient secretion capacity. Based on this foundation, the recombinant strain constructed in this work achieved a new record for the highest extracellular yields of APL in B. subtilis, reaching 12,295 U/mL, which was 1.9-times higher than that expressed in the recombinant Escherichia coli strain previously reported. The novel theories uncovered in this study are expected to play significant roles in enhancing the expression of foreign proteins both inside and outside of cells.
A Review of the Genetic Mechanism of Megacrystalline Uraninite in the Kangdian Region, China
Authors: Yin Minghui , Xu Zhengqi , Zhang Chengjiang , Chen Youliang , Song Hao , Yao Jian
Published: June 2024

Naturally occurring granular uranium particles are typically fine and are often found as accessory minerals. However, reports of megacrystalline uraninite are rare. The discovery of megacrystalline uraninite is a significant achievement in uranium prospecting and mineralogy in the Kangdian region and China. Our team’s research and review of previous studies have led to a systematic summary of the formation age, genetic types, relationship with migmatization, and metallogenic dynamic background of megacrystalline uraninite in the Kangdian region. The key findings are as follows: (1) the formation age of megacrystalline uraninite is Neoproterozoic (790–770 Ma); (2) migmatization preceded uranium mineralization; (3) the formation of megacrystalline uraninite is linked to high-temperature, low-pressure metamorphism caused by partial melting; (4) and the formation of megacrystalline uraninite may be associated with the Rodinia rifting event. This review aims to enhance our understanding of uranium mineralization during the Neoproterozoic in China and worldwide.
Studying the Thermodynamic Phase Stability of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskites Using Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Juan , Wang Xinzhong , Feng Shun , Miao Zongcheng
Published: June 2024

As an important photovoltaic material, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have attracted much attention in the field of solar cells, but their instability is one of the main challenges limiting their commercial application. However, the search for stable perovskites among the thousands of perovskite materials still faces great challenges. In this work, the energy above the convex hull values of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites was predicted based on four different machine learning algorithms, namely random forest regression (RFR), support vector machine regression (SVR), XGBoost regression, and LightGBM regression, to study the thermodynamic phase stability of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites. The results show that the LightGBM algorithm has a low prediction error and can effectively capture the key features related to the thermodynamic phase stability of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites. Meanwhile, the Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) method was used to analyze the prediction results based on the LightGBM algorithm. The third ionization energy of the B element is the most critical feature related to the thermodynamic phase stability, and the second key feature is the electron affinity of ions at the X site, which are significantly negatively correlated with the predicted values of energy above the convex hull (Ehull). In the screening of organic–inorganic perovskites with high stability, the third ionization energy of the B element and the electron affinity of ions at the X site is a worthy priority. The results of this study can help us to understand the correlation between the thermodynamic phase stability of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites and the key features, which can assist with the rapid discovery of highly stable perovskite materials.
A Comparison of Phenolic, Flavonoid, and Amino Acid Compositions and In Vitro Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Activities in Thai Plant Protein Extracts
Authors: Polyiam Pontapan , Thukhammee Wipawee
Published: June 2024

The leaves of mulberry, Azolla spp., sunflower sprouts, cashew nut, and mung bean are considered rich sources of plant protein with high levels of branched-chain amino acids. Furthermore, they contain beneficial phytochemicals such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Additionally, there are reports suggesting that an adequate consumption of amino acids can reduce nerve cell damage, delay the onset of memory impairment, and improve sleep quality. In this study, protein isolates were prepared from the leaves of mulberry, Azolla spp., sunflower sprouts, cashew nut, and mung bean. The amino acid profile, dietary fiber content, phenolic content, and flavonoid content were evaluated. Pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anticholinesterase, monoamine oxidase, and γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) activities, were also assessed. This study found that concentrated protein from mung beans has a higher quantity of essential amino acids (52,161 mg/100 g protein) compared to concentrated protein from sunflower sprouts (47,386 mg/100 g protein), Azolla spp. (42,097 mg/100 g protein), cashew nut (26,710 mg/100 g protein), and mulberry leaves (8931 mg/100 g protein). The dietary fiber content ranged from 0.90% to 3.24%, while the phenolic content and flavonoid content ranged from 0.25 to 2.29 mg/g and 0.01 to 2.01 mg/g of sample, respectively. Sunflower sprout protein isolates exhibited the highest levels of dietary fiber (3.24%), phenolic content (2.292 ± 0.082 mg of GAE/g), and flavonoids (2.014 mg quercetin/g of sample). The biological efficacy evaluation found that concentrated protein extract from sunflower sprouts has the highest antioxidant activity; the percentages of inhibition of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical were 20.503 ± 0.288% and 18.496 ± 0.105%, respectively. Five plant-based proteins exhibited a potent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition, and GABA-T ranging from 3.42% to 24.62%, 6.14% to 20.16%, and 2.03% to 21.99%, respectively. These findings suggest that these plant protein extracts can be used as natural resources for developing food supplements with neuroprotective activity.
Ca-Doping Cobalt-Free Double Perovskite Oxide as a Cathode Material for Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Xue Liangmei , Li Songbo , An Shengli , Guo Qiming , Li Mengxin , Li Ning
Published: June 2024

Mixed oxygen ion and electron-conducting materials are viable cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells due to their excellent oxygen transport kinetics and mixed electrical conductivity, which ensure highly efficient operation at low and medium temperatures. However, iron-based double perovskite oxides usually exhibit poor electrocatalytic activity due to low electron and oxygen ion conductivity. In this paper, Ca is doped in PrBaFe2O5+δ A-site to improve the electrochemical performance of PrBaFe2O5+δ. Results show that replacing Pr with Ca does not change the crystal structure, and the Ca doping effectively increases the adsorbed oxygen content and accelerates the migration and diffusion rate of O2− to the electrolyte|cathode interface. The polarization resistance of the symmetric cell PC0.15BF|CGO|PC0.15BF is 0.033 Ω·cm2 at 800 °C, which is about 56% lower than that of PBF, confirming the enhancement of the mixed conduction of oxygen ions and electrons. In addition, the anode-supported single cell has a peak power density of 512 mW·cm−2 at 800 °C.
Optical Frequency Transfer on the Order of 10−19 Fractional Frequency Instability over a 64 m Free-Space Link
Authors: Wang Guoyong , Lu Zhangjian , Liang Xinwen , He Keliang , He Yuling , Ji Xin
Published: June 2024

High-precision time–frequency is widely used in time measurement, satellite navigation, scientific research, and other fields. With the rapid development of optical clock technology, the fractional frequency instability and uncertainty of optical clock have reached 10−18 orders of magnitude, which is expected to contribute to generating the International Atomic Time and may even be used to redefine the “second” in the future. Therefore, the long-distance transfer of time–frequency signals between optical atomic clocks is of great significance. Free-space optical frequency transfer technology is one of the important technologies for solving the space-based optical clock comparison because of its high transfer precision and easy networking characteristics. In order to solve the long-distance space-based optical clock comparison, this paper investigates a free-space active phase noise compensation method using an Acousto-Optic Modulator (AOM), based on the traditional optical fiber phase noise compensation scheme. This new method is more flexible and scalable than the optical fiber time–frequency transfer technology. The optical frequency transfer over a 64 m free-space link is demonstrated. The fractional frequency transfer instability during free running is 9.50 × 10−16 at 1 s, and 4.44 × 10−16 at 2000 s, and the fractional frequency instability after compensation is 7.10 × 10−17 at 1 s, 3.07 × 10−19 at 2000 s, which is about 1–3 orders of magnitude better than that in free running, and provides a feasible scheme for space-based optical clock comparison.
Assessing the Dissipation of Pesticides of Different Polarities in Soil Samples
Authors: Rodríguez-Palma Carlos Eduardo , Campíns-Falcó Pilar , Herráez-Hernández Rosa
Published: June 2024

A methodology has been developed to assess the presence and dissipation of herbicides of a wide range of polarities in soil using in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled online to capillary liquid chromatography (capLC). The compounds investigated were tritosulfuron (TRT), triflusulfuron-methyl (TRF), aclonifen (ACL), and bifenox (BF), with log octanol-water partition coefficients (log Kow) ranging from 0.62 to 4.48. The method provided suitable linearity at concentration levels of 0.5–4.0 µg/g for TRT and TRF, and 0.2–1.0 µg/g for ACL and BF, and intra- and interday precision (expressed as relative standard deviation) ≤4% and ≤8%, respectively. The mean recoveries ranged from 90% to 101%, and the limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) were in the intervals of 0.05–0.1 µg/g and 0.1–0.4 µg/g, respectively. The accuracy of the method was also satisfactory. The proposed approach was successfully applied to assess the degradation of the tested herbicides in different types of soil (agricultural, urban and forest) after being exposed to different laboratory and outdoor conditions. The results obtained showed a greater persistence of the most apolar compounds ACL and BF, with percentages of degraded herbicide ≤31% regardless of the soil characteristics. In contrast, a significant degradation of highly polar herbicides TRT and TRF was observed in soils with the lowest organic matter, even after a few days of exposure. For example, the percentages of remaining TRT and TRF in this kind of soil after 20 days were ≤65%; the half-life time of TRF was only 24.8 days. These results indicate that the proposed approach can be considered as an effective tool for a better understanding of soil pollution.
Can Pilot Free Trade Zones Promote Sustainable Growth in Urban Innovation?
Authors: Liu Chunxue , Feng Gaizhen
Published: June 2024

China’s pilot free trade zones play an important role in promoting deep-level reform and high-standard opening up. Based on the panel data of 284 prefecture-level cities in China from 2009 to 2021, the article explores the impact of pilot free trade zones on urban innovation using the multi-period difference-in-differences model, mediation effect model, and spatial difference-in-differences model, treating the pilot free trade zone as a quasi-natural experiment. The study shows the following: the establishment of pilot free trade zones boosts sustained growth in urban innovation, and the results still hold after a series of robustness tests; the enabling effect of pilot free trade zones on urban innovation is most significant in eastern regions and large-scale cities; and the role of pilot free trade zones in promoting innovation varies by stage. The mediation impact study revealed that pilot free trade zones can influence urban innovation via talent concentration, foreign direct investment, market scale, and financial support. The pilot free trade zones enhance the innovation performance of its geographically adjacent cities with economic ties and the innovation level of the region. The analysis offers a policy basis for the sustainable growth of urban innovation.
A Review of the Electrical Conductivity Test Methods for Conductive Fabrics
Authors: Xie Zeyue , Ventura Heura , Ardanuy Monica
Published: June 2024

With the substantial growth of the smart textiles market, electrical properties are becoming a basic requirement for most of the advanced textiles used in the development of wearable solutions and other textile-based smart applications. Depending on the textile substrate, the test method to determine the electrical properties can be different. Unlike smart fibers and yarns, the characterization of the electrical properties of fabrics cannot be tested between two connection points because the result would not represent the behavior of the entire fabric, so the electrical properties must be related to an area. The parameters used to characterize the electrical properties of the fabrics include resistance, resistivity, and conductivity. Although all of them can be used to indicate electrical performance, there are significant differences between them and different methods available for their determination, whose suitability will depend on the function and the textile substrate. This paper revises the main parameters used to characterize the electrical properties of conductive fabrics and summarizes the most common methods used to test them. It also discusses the suitability of each method according to several intervening factors, such as the type of conductive fabric (intrinsically or extrinsically conductive), its conductivity range, other fabric parameters, or the final intended application. For intrinsically conductive woven fabrics, all the methods are suitable, but depending on the requirements of conductivity accuracy, the contact resistance from the measuring system should be determined. For intrinsically conductive knitted fabrics, two-point probe, Van der Pauw, and eddy current methods are the most suitable. And for intrinsically conductive nonwoven fabrics, two-point probe and four-point probe methods are the most appropriate. In the case of extrinsically conductive fabrics, the applied method should depend on the substrate and the properties of the conductive layer.
Reduction of Glyoxalase 1 Expression Links Fetal Methylmercury Exposure to Autism Spectrum Disorder Pathogenesis
Authors: Leung Joseph Wai-Hin , Loan Allison , Xu Yilin , Yang Guang , Wang Jing , Chan Hing Man
Published: June 2024

Glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) is an essential enzyme to detoxify methylglyoxal (MGO), a cytotoxic byproduct of glycolysis. Accumulating studies have shown an important role of Glo1 in regulating cortical development and neurogenesis, potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when impaired. We have previously shown that prenatal exposure to non-apoptotic low-dose methylmercury (MeHg), an environmental pollutant, induces premature cortical neurogenesis and ASD-like behaviors in a rodent model. In this study, we aimed to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms that mediate prenatal MeHg-induced premature neuronal differentiation and abnormal neurodevelopment. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we found that prenatal MeHg exposure at a non-apoptotic dose significantly reduced Glo1 gene expression in embryonic cultured radial glia precursors (RGPs). In cultured RGPs, the knockdown of Glo1 expression increased neuronal production at the expense of the cultured RGPs population, while overexpression of Glo1 restored MeHg-induced neuronal differentiation back to normal levels. Furthermore, we found that co-treatment with both MeHg and multiple MGO scavengers or a CREB inhibitor (iCREB) mitigated MeHg-induced premature neuronal differentiation, reinforcing the role of Glo1 and CREB in mediating MeHg-induced neuronal differentiation. Our findings demonstrate a direct link between MeHg exposure and expression of an ASD risk gene Glo1 in cortical development, supporting the important role of gene–environment interaction in contributing to the etiology of neural developmental disorders, such as ASD.
Potential Early Effect Biomarkers for Ambient Air Pollution Related Mental Disorders
Authors: Bai Lijun , Wang Kai , Liu Dandan , Wu Shaowei
Published: June 2024

Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risks to health, with 99% of the world’s population living where the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines were not met. In addition to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the brain is another potential target of air pollution. Population- and experiment-based studies have shown that air pollution may affect mental health through direct or indirect biological pathways. The evidence for mental hazards associated with air pollution has been well documented. However, previous reviews mainly focused on epidemiological associations of air pollution with some specific mental disorders or possible biological mechanisms. A systematic review is absent for early effect biomarkers for characterizing mental health hazards associated with ambient air pollution, which can be used for early warning of related mental disorders and identifying susceptible populations at high risk. This review summarizes possible biomarkers involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic changes linking air pollution and mental disorders, as well as genetic susceptibility biomarkers. These biomarkers may provide a better understanding of air pollution’s adverse effects on mental disorders and provide future research direction in this arena.
Non-Minimally Coupled Electromagnetic Fields and Observable Implications for Primordial Black Holes
Authors: Jana Susmita , Shankaranarayanan S.
Published: June 2024

General relativity (GR) postulates have been verified with high precision, yet our understanding of how gravity interacts with matter fields remains incomplete. Various modifications to GR have been proposed in both classical and quantum realms to address these interactions within the strong gravity regime. One such approach is non-minimal coupling (NMC), where the space-time curvature (scalar and tensor) interacts with matter fields, resulting in matter fields not following the geodesics. To probe the astrophysical implications of NMC, in this work, we investigate non-minimally coupled electromagnetic (EM) fields in the presence of black holes. Specifically, we show that primordial black holes (PBHs) provide a possible tool to constrain the NMC parameter. PBHs represent an intriguing cosmological black hole class that does not conform to the no-hair theorem. We model the PBH as a Sultana–Dyer black hole and compare it with Schwarzschild. We examine observables such as the radius of the photon sphere, critical impact parameter, and total deflection angles for non-minimally coupled photons for Schwarzschild and Sultana–Dyer black holes. Both the black hole space-times lead to similar constraints on the NMC parameter. For a PBH of mass M=10−5 M⊙, the photon sphere will not be formed for one mode. Hence, the photons forming the photon sphere will be highly polarized, potentially leading to observable implications.
The de Sitter Swampland Conjectures in the Context of Chaplygin-Inspired Inflation
Authors: Bertolami Orfeu , Potting Robertus , Sá Paulo M.
Published: June 2024

In this work, we discuss the de Sitter swampland conjectures in the context of the generalized Chaplygin-inspired inflationary model. We demonstrate that these conjectures can be satisfied, but only in the region of the parameter space far away from the General Relativity limit. The cosmic microwave background data had already been found to restrict the allowed inflationary potentials of this model. Our results impose a further limitation on the possible potentials.
A Comparative Performance Assessment of the Integrated Upflow and Surface Flow-Based Constructed Wetlands Dosed with Landfill Leachate: Electrode Coupling and Input Load Variation
Authors: Saeed Tanveer
Published: June 2024

This study reports organic, nutrient, and coliform removal performances of two integrated wetlands designed to treat landfill leachate. Each integrated system included two components: a normal or electrode-integrated upflow-based wetland and a surface flow wetland (with internal baffle walls). The components were fully or partially filled with stone dust media and planted with Canna indica. Two hydraulic loading rates, i.e., 15 L and 60 L (per day), were applied. The integrated wetlands achieved a mean biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and coliform removal efficiency ranges of 89–94%, 95–97%, 85–91%, 91–98%, and 70–88%, respectively, within the applied loading ranges. The electrode-dependent system achieved better pollutant removal performances due to the influence of electrochemical-based bioreactions that fostered microbial decomposition. Nitrogen accumulation percentage (with respect to observed removal) in plant tissues ranged between 0.6 and 25%; phosphorus accumulation percentage was negligible, i.e., ≤0.009%. The chemical composition of the stone dust media supported nutrient adsorption. Stable nutrient removal performance was observed with both systems despite variable loading ranges due to pollutant removal in the upflow-based wetlands followed by controlled flow direction (induced by baffle walls) in the surface flow wetlands that triggered chemical and biological removals. Mean power density production ranged between 235 and 946 mW/m3 with the electrode-based integrated wetland system. In summary, this study demonstrates the application of integrated wetland systems to treat landfill leachate and the associated factors to achieve stable removal under variable loading ranges.
Study of the anti-inflammatory properties of preventive toothpaste
Authors: Gromova S. N. , Kolevatich E. P. , Elikov A. V. , Medvedeva M. S. , Kreneva B. A. , Sychugova А. А.
Published: June 2024

Relevance. An essential component of the treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases is regular individual oral hygiene. Educating patients on effective hygiene practices using toothpaste with anti-inflammatory properties can significantly reduce gingivitis symptoms. Our study evaluated the impact of toothpaste containing octadecafluorodecahydronaphthalene on periodontal tissues among international students who experienced a change in residence.

Material and methods. Over 10 days, we observed a group of 26 international students studying at Kirov State Medical University, who used toothpaste containing perfluorodecalin and identical toothbrushes twice daily. The study included index assessments (OHI-S, PMA), as well as microbiological and biochemical analyses. Descriptive and analytical statistical methods were employed.

Results. Positive clinical dynamics were observed, with reductions in OHI-S and PMA indices. There was a decrease in the total microbial count and specific types of periodontopathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, clinical improvement in periodontal tissue condition (gingival mucosa) was noted, attributed to the effects of perfluorinated compounds on periodontal microcirculation. The product's anti-plaque and anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed through clinical, microbiological, and biochemical methods.

Conclusion. Daily use of toothpaste with octadecafluorodecahydronaphthalene (perfluorodecalin) had a beneficial effect on the condition of periodontal tissues, reducing inflammation by altering the microbiota structure within the biofilm and decreasing the number of periodontopathogenic microorganisms.
Lymphovascular invasion in colorectal cancers: can we predict it preoperatively?
Authors: Zarbaliyev Elbrus , Turhan Nihan , Çelik Sebahattin , Çağlıkülekçi Mehmet
Published: June 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate preoperative predictors of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), which is a poor prognostic factor usually detected postoperatively in patients with colorectal cancer.Methods: Results for all patients operated on for colorectal cancer between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. Potential preoperative factors and postoperative pathology results were recorded. The patients were categorized as those with LVI and those without LVI. Potential factors that may be associated with LVI were compared between the 2 groups.Results: The study included 335 patients. The incidence of LVI was 3.11 times higher in patients with ascending colon tumors (odds ratio [OR], 3.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34–7.23; P=0.008) and 4.28 times higher in those with metastatic tumors (OR, 4.28; 95% CI, 2.18–8.39; P<0.001). Diabetes mellitus was inversely related to LVI in colorectal cancer patients; specifically, LVI was 56% less common in colorectal cancer patients with diabetes mellitus, irrespective of its duration (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25–0.76; P<0.001).ConclusionThe presence of preoperative LVI in colorectal cancer patients is difficult to predict. In particular, the effect of the effect of factors such as chronic disease accompanied by microvascular pathologies on LVI is still unclear. Advances in the neoadjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer patients, who are becoming more widespread every day, will encourage the investigation of different methods of preoperatively predicting LVI as a poor prognostic factor in these patients.
ظَــاهِــرةُ "وَضْــعِ الحَـدِيـث" فِي الـكُــوْفَــةِ
Authors: Alhaj Ahmad Alyas , Kaya Murat
Published: June 2024

–– . .
.Bu araştırma, tarihi süreç içerisinde uydurma hadis olgusunun genelde Irak’ta, özelde ise Kûfe’de ortaya çıkışının ve yaygınlık kazanmasının nedenlerinin tespitini, hadis alimlerinin hadis uydurma tehlikesine karşı geliştirdikleri metotları ve aldıkları tedbirlerini ve ulemanın Allah Resûlü’nü (s.a.v) isnâd edilen yalanlara karşı koymadaki gayretlerini ele almaktadır. Hadis uydurmacılığının özellikle Irak’ın Kûfe şehrinde yaygınlık kazanmasının nedenlerinin tespiti çalışmanın ana temasını oluşturmaktadır.
Araştırmada tümevarım, tarihsel ve analitik yöntemler takip edilmiştir. Çalışmada hadis ıstılahları eserlerinde râvi biyografilerilerine dair kitaplarda geçen alimlerin sözlerine ve bazı hadis şerhlerine müracaat edilmiştir. Muhaddislerin hadis metin tenkidinde benimsedikleri ilmî yöntemler esas alınarak araştırma, yönlendirme, sınıflandırma, anlama ve tenkit edip analiz etme gibi ilkeler ölçeğinde ilgili konu hakkında belirli sonuçlara ulaşılmaya çalışılmıştır.
Análise de descontaminação da água de osmose reversa em laboratórios de análises clínicas
Authors: Kessler Ana Caroline Borges , Kessler Ana Caroline Borges , Arrigo Jucicléia da Silva
Published: June 2024

A osmose reversa é um processo de separação que permite a remoção de sais dissolvidos, contaminantes biológicos e moléculas inorgânicas presentes na água, amplamente utilizado na indústria alimentícia, farmacêutica e laboratorial para resolver as dificuldades enfrentadas com água de baixa qualidade. Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar a funcionalidade da técnica de osmose reversa em laboratórios de análises clínicas, seus principais contaminantes e descontaminação contra o Biofouling - um fenômeno que ocorre quando microrganismos se proliferam no sistema. Para isso foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica qualitativa utilizando artigos publicados nos últimos dez anos em plataformas confiáveis de pesquisa acadêmica, como Pubmed, Scielo, Capes e Lilacs. As pesquisas realizadas evidenciaram que as membranas utilizadas no processo têm grande importância para a prevenção das incrustações de Biofouling indesejadas, com a aplicação de alta pressão sobre a água, a membrana permite a passagem da água, mas é impermeável aos microrganismos contaminantes. Foi identificado que as principais bactérias que formam o biofilme nas membranas de osmose reversa são Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas e Bacillus. Além disso, os tratamentos mais utilizados para eliminar os contaminantes foram os biocidas, como exemplo a Isotiazolinonas, semi-acetais e Bronopol.