bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular dynamics studies of the solubility behavior of carbon dioxide (CO2), difluoromethane (R‐32), 1‐chloro‐3,3,3‐trifluoropropene (R‐1233zd(E)) and 2,3,3,3‐tetrafluoro‐1‐propene (R‐1234yf) in pentaerythritol tetra(2‐ethylhexanoate) (PEB8), pentaerythritol tetrabutyrate (PEC4) and pentaerythritol tetraoctanoate (PEC8)
Authors: Bode Jan , Raabe Gabriele
Published: July 2023

To reduce the climate impact of thermal engines such as heat pumps or refrigeration machines, refrigerants with a low global warming potential need to be paired with fitting lubricants. As the contamination of those liquid components influences the efficiency and lifetime of these machines, knowledge about their solubility behavior is of great interest. Molecular simulations offer mighty tools to investigate these solubilities while giving structural insight into the systems. Here the solubility behavior of CO2, R‐32, R‐1233zd(E), and R‐1234yf in PEB8, PEC4, and PEC8 is compared through the solvation free energy ∆GSolv obtained by molecular dynamics simulations. To derive ∆GSolv at low computational cost, an iterative method is used to find an optimal number and distribution of intermediate states. The resulting distributions are investigated with regard to different parameters of the employed softcore‐potential. ∆GSolv values for the different refrigerant‐lubricant pairings at different temperatures are provided, followed by a structural analysis.
Macrophage autophagy contributes to immune liver injury in trichloroethylene sensitized mice: Critical role of TNF‐α mediating mTOR pathway
Authors: Ding Baiwang , Zhou Sifan , Wang Zhoujian , Liu Wei , Gao Lei , Ding Yani , Huang Hua , Zhu Qixing , Zhang Jiaxiang
Published: July 2023

Trichloroethylene (TCE) induces occupational medicamentosa‐like dermatitis due to TCE (OMDT) with immune liver injury, and TNF‐α plays an important role in macrophage polarization and liver injury. However, TNF‐α regulating macrophage polarization in liver injury induced by TCE is still unknown. Thus, on the basis of our previous research, we established the TCE‐sensitized BALB/c mouse model with R7050, a specific inhibitor of TNFR1. Then, we observed significant decreases in autophagy related protein and gene levels in M1 macrophage in TCE positive group, and R7050 can relieve M1 macrophage autophagy. We also found the phosphorylated form of mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) was activated and the expression of p‐mTOR protein increased induce by TCE. In vitro, we found TNFR1 and CD11c were increased in RAW264.7 cell line with TNF‐α. And then we use Zafirlukast (Zaf), an TNFR1 antagonist, CD11c and TNFR1 reduced significantly, we also found p‐mTOR expression increased after TNF‐α treatment, but decreased in TNF‐α + Zaf group. Further, we used Rapamycin (RAP), a mTOR‐specific inhibitor, to establish a TCE‐sensitized mice model and found the expression levels of p62 and p‐mTOR proteins increased and LC3B decreased in the TCE positive group, while RAP treatment reversed the trends of all of these proteins. Rapamycin prevented the TNF‐α‐induced p‐mTOR increase and dramatically downregulated IL‐1β expression in the RAW264.7 cell line with TNF‐α treatment. The results uncover a novel role for TNF‐α/TNFR1, which promotes M1 polarization of macrophage and suppresses macrophage autophagy via the mTOR pathway.
Optimal chromatic bound for (P2+P3,P2+P3¯ ${P}_{2}+{P}_{3},\bar{{P}_{2}+{P}_{3}}$)‐free graphs
Authors: Char Arnab , Karthick Thiyagarajan
Published: July 2023

For a graph , let () denote its chromatic (clique) number. A is the graph obtained by taking the disjoint union of a two‐vertex path and a three‐vertex path . A is the complement graph of a . In this paper, we study the class of ()‐free graphs and show that every such graph with satisfies . Moreover, the bound is tight. Indeed, for any and , there is a ()‐free graph with and .
Representation matters: A case study of ethnic matching aimed at building an environment of success for Black males
Authors: Fletcher Edward C.
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine instructional and cultural supports that school stakeholders used to meet the needs of high school Black males participating in an academy of engineering. Based on interviews, three themes emerged: (a) representation matters—culturally responsive caring adults and role models; (b) teaching navigational life skills; and (c) targeted culturally responsive supports (or lack thereof). These factors promoted a culture conducive for engaging Black males and cultivated their success.
Synergistic effect of electrolyzed water generated by sodium chloride combined with dimethyl dicarbonate for inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes on lettuce
Authors: Shi Honghui , Li Chunliu , Lu Haixia , Zhu Junli , Tian Shiyi
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Electrolyzed water (EW) is recognized as an effective way to control and reduce pathogens in vegetables. However, the disinfection efficacy of EW alone is limited. In this work, the bactericidal activity and biofilm removal capability of EW, generated by adding NaCl to a portable EW generator, were investigated with special reference to Listeria monocytogenes. Furthermore, the impact of EW in combination with dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) in reducing the microbial load and improving the overall quality of lettuce during refrigerated storage was evaluated.

RESULTS

EW with 0.3% NaCl (SEW) had the highest bactericidal activity against L. monocytogenes. The pathogen treated with SEW exhibited lower superoxide dismutase activity and more leakage of proteins and nucleic acids than in the case of EW. Furthermore, the use of SEW resulted in changes in the cell permeability and morphology of L. monocytogenes. A decrease in adhesion and collapse of the biofilm architecture were also observed, indicating that SEW was more effective for inactivating L. monocytogenes cells compared to EW. For untreated lettuce, the populations of the total plate count and inoculated L. monocytogenes decreased by 2.47 and 2.35 log CFU g−1, respectively, after the combined SEW/DMDC treatment for 3 min. The use of SEW alone or combined with DMDC did not negatively impact the lettuce color values, titratable acid, ascorbic acid and soluble solids compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

SEW in combination with DMDC can be used as a novel and potentially effective disinfection strategy for ensuring the safety of vegetable consumption. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nigella sativa oil mitigates xerostomia and preserves salivary function in radiotherapy‐treated mice
Authors: Luff Marie , Evans Lauran , Hiyari Sarah , Kwan Kera , Cameron Brian , Miller Amanda , St. John Maie , Alhiyari Yazeed
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to assess if Nigella sativa oil (NSO), a health supplement containing thymoquinone as a major component, can act as a protective agent in salivary gland stem cells following radiotherapy (RT) damage.

Methods

Forty, 10‐week‐old, male C3H/HeJ mice were randomized to four experimental groups: sham RT + H2O gavage (control) (N = 4); 15 Gy RT + H2O gavage (N = 12); sham RT + NSO gavage (N = 12); and 15 Gy RT + NSO gavage (N = 12). Weight changes, saliva production, and salivary gland histopathologic staining were recorded for each group over the course of the experiment.

Results

All mice in the sham RT + H2O gavage and sham RT + NSO gavage groups demonstrated 100% 60‐day survival. RT + H2O compared to RT + NSO gavaged mice were significantly underweight by an average of 6.4 g (p < .001). Salivary output showed significant decline in RT + H2O gavaged mice at days 3 and 16, whereas salivary output in RT + NSO during these same time periods was comparable to the control. At day 60, all mice that survived recovered salivary function regardless of their treatment arm. Salivary specimens from the RT + NSO gavage group demonstrated early signs of recovery of Kr 5+ salivary gland stem cells in both submandibular and sublingual glands at day 16 with complete recovery by day 60, marked by strong histopathologic staining, whereas the RT + H2O gavage group did not recover as effectively.

Conclusion

NSO may help preserve salivary function in mice treated with RT and may mitigate xerostomia by accelerating the recovery of salivary gland stem cells.

Level of evidence

Not applicable.
Conjugated quantitative structure‐property relationship models: Prediction of kinetic characteristics linked by the Arrhenius equation
Authors: Zankov Dmitry , Madzhidov Timur , Baskin Igor , Varnek Alexandre
Published: July 2023

Conjugated QSPR models for reactions integrate fundamental chemical laws expressed by mathematical equations with machine learning algorithms. Herein we present a methodology for building conjugated QSPR models integrated with the Arrhenius equation. Conjugated QSPR models were used to predict kinetic characteristics of cycloaddition reactions related by the Arrhenius equation: rate constant, pre‐exponential factor, and activation energy. They were benchmarked against single‐task (individual and equation‐based models) and multi‐task models. In individual models, all characteristics were modeled separately, while in multi‐task models,andwere treated cooperatively. An equation‐based model assessedusing the Arrhenius equation andandvalues predicted by individual models. It has been demonstrated that the conjugated QSPR models can accurately predict the reaction rate constants at extreme temperatures, at which reaction rate constants hardly can be measured experimentally. Also, in the case of small training sets conjugated models are more robust than related single‐task approaches.
Rigidity results for the p‐Laplace type equations on compact Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Wang Yu‐Zhao , Wei Pei‐Can , Zhang Huiting
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we obtain two rigidity results for
‐Laplace type equation and
‐Laplace equation with exponential nonlinearity on
‐dimensional compact Riemannian manifolds by using of nonlinear flow and the carré du champ methods, respectively, where rigidity means that the PDE has only constant solution when a parameter is in a certain range. Moreover, an interpolation inequality is derived as an application.
Finite‐time and fixed‐time adaptive consensus of multi‐agent systems with general linear dynamics
Authors: Cui Qiuyan , Liu Kaien , Ji Zhijian , Zhao Meilin
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the adaptive consensus problem of general linear multi‐agent systems. Finite‐time consensus and fixed‐time consensus are both discussed. In order to remove the dependence on global information about system topology, distributed adaptive mechanisms are introduced. Compared with the existing asymptotic consensus results, the system's convergence speed is improved by the proposed distributed finite‐time consensus protocol. Furthermore, a distributed fixed‐time consensus protocol is proposed to remove the dependence on system's initial state. Under the fixed‐time consensus protocol, it is proved that an upper bound of the system's convergence time can be estimated. Sufficient conditions are given to ensure that all agents can achieve consensus in finite time and fixed time, respectively. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed protocols is illustrated by a simulation example.
Tank color influence on the Tomato Clownfish Amphiprion frenatus metamorphosis
Authors: Santos Tania Maria Lopes , Sousa Elen Monique de Oliveira , Tsuzuki Monica Yumi , Barcellos Leonardo José Gil , Nuñer Alex Pires de Oliveira
Published: July 2023

Objective

The color of the environment positively influences the development of some fish species. Thus, we evaluated whether different aquarium colors affected the metamorphosis process of Tomato Clownfish Amphiprion frenatus.

Methods

Operationally, we distributed the Tomato Clownfish larvae into white, yellow, blue, or black aquaria and monitored the larval development until 61 days posthatch.

Result

We found that environmental color influenced the early development of Tomato Clownfish and their metamorphosis process. In the black aquarium treatment, 87.2% of the larvae in block I completed metamorphosis and reached the juvenile stage, and 59.3% of larvae in block II completed metamorphosis (blocks represented two successive spawns). These high percentiles of metamorphosed larvae were not observed in the other tank color treatments.

Conclusion

Thus, our results suggest that the metamorphosis of Tomato Clownfish could be accelerated if the larviculture occurs in darker-color conditions, especially black aquaria. This result has practical and economic implications since Tomato Clownfish specimens are commercialized at the juvenile stage.
Smoking, information, and education: The Royal College of Physicians and the new public health movement
Authors: James Jonathan
Published: July 2023

On March 7, 1962 the Royal College of Physicians published a report entitled Smoking and Health that made the causal link between smoking and lung cancer clear and explicit. Using a historical data set that contains information on smoking from 1958 to 1965, I find a decrease in smoking for those with more schooling after the report's publication. I do not find a difference in the effect for those with greater access to information (measured by TV ownership or newspaper readership). This suggests the education health gradient is more likely due to processing of information rather than access to information.
Analysis of sample size for friction test of short fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Guan Bo‐Wen , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Li Yuan‐Qing , Fu Shao‐Yun
Published: July 2023

According to the recommendations of literature and standards, the minimum sample size for the friction test of thermoplastics is usually 3–5. While this size is valid for the friction test of neat polymer resins with homogeneous structures, its applicability to short fiber reinforced polymer composites with inhomogeneous structures remains unclear because the uneven distribution of discontinuous fibers or fillers in the matrix leads to the performance of the composites being dispersed. In this work, as a typical example, 100 friction samples made of short carbon fiber reinforced polyetherimide (SCF/PEI) composite with a typical content of 10 vol% SCFs are prepared, and their friction coefficients are measured. The maximum likelihood estimation and goodness of fit methods are employed to assess the fitting degree between the overall friction coefficient results and five mathematical distributions. The results show that the overall friction coefficient data distribution is in good agreement with the Lognormal, Generalized extreme value (GEV), and Burr distributions, respectively. Based on the fitting result, the minimum sample size is analyzed by Monte Carlo Simulation. It shows that the minimum sample size strongly depends on the property dispersion parameter (COV: coefficient of variation). Based on this parameter, the minimum sample size is given. In a practical test, the performance dispersion degree of a composite cannot be known in advance, hence a sample size determination method is proposed to yield a reasonable performance description parameter by applying the results of this work, and this method is validated by the overall test data.

Highlights

Proposed a sample size determination method for practical friction tests.

The minimum sample size for the friction test is yielded statistically.

The minimum sample size strongly depends on a property dispersion parameter.
A new probe‐based electromagnetic non‐destructive testing method for carbon fiber‐reinforced polymers utilizing eddy current loss measurements
Authors: Yang Fan , Wu Dehui , Feng Hao
Published: July 2023

Eddy current testing (ECT) is a widely used technique for detecting defects in carbon fiber‐reinforced polymers (CFRPs) at high frequencies. However, designing high‐frequency systems can be challenging, and high noise levels can be problematic. To address these issues, non‐destructive testing (NDT) methods that can detect CFRP defects at lower frequencies must be explored. In this study, a novel NDT method for detecting defects in CFRP at low frequencies was proposed. This method is an alternative to pulsed eddy current thermography and can achieve similar detection and imaging results at low frequencies. Furthermore, the developed method has a simpler structure and is easier to implement. This method uses the eddy current loss to characterize the thermal power of the eddy current in CFRP. A new probe was used to detect the eddy current loss to inspect the CFRP. The effectiveness of the proposed method was experimentally verified using different types of CFRP samples based on the C‐scan technology. The scanned images demonstrate that the developed method can provide appropriate detection results up to a frequency of 750 kHz. Furthermore, rotation experiments were performed to detect the fiber direction; the proposed method successfully detected the fiber direction up to 750 kHz. Thus, the proposed method can improve the detection of defects and enhance the longevity of CFRP components. Future work will focus on enhancing the sensitivity of this method at even lower frequencies.
Temperature and soil nutrients drive seed traits variation in Pterocarpus erinaceus (African rosewood) in Ghana
Authors: Ansah Padmore B. , Addo‐Danso Shalom D. , Belford Ebenezer J. D. , Asomaning Joseph M. , Asare‐Ansah Abena B. , Fosu Naomi A. , Ankobiah Rosalinda A.
Published: July 2023

Among plant populations, variation in seed traits has important consequences on species recruitment and performance under different environmental conditions. Knowing such variations and understanding its environmental drivers could help with conservation efforts that protect against the loss of diversity. This information is however lacking in the extinction‐threatened Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir (African rosewood) in Ghana. Here, we assessed variation in seed set, seed morphological and chemical traits, germinability, and seedling growth of African rosewood from four distant provenances (Tumu, Wa, Carpenter, and Ejura) in Ghana. We sought to answer how local environmental conditions influence the expression of seed traits by examining the relationship between seed traits and maternal environmental factors (temperature, rainfall, soil nutrient, and vegetation index) using regression models and correlation analysis. Seed size, mass, and nutrient composition differed considerably among provenances. Seed size and mass increased as the seed source moved further away from the forest‐savanna transition toward the Guineo‐Sudanian savanna regions. Temperature mainly accounted for the variability observed in seed traits. Phenology curves of the seed source vegetation expressed a strong correlation with monthly rainfall. Overall, the occurrence of samara containing whole seeds was low (<50%) except for Tumu provenance. Seeds were rich in carbohydrate and crude protein content consistent with most leguminous plants while mean percentage germination ranged between 30 and 62% among provenances. Our results highlight the adaptive strategies of African rosewood to different environments through the expression of their seed traits and suggest the need for priority action to maintain its conservation.
Does deviant peer affiliation accelerate adolescents' cyberbullying perpetration? Roles of moral disengagement and self‐control
Authors: Wang Xingchao , Wang Shiyin , Zeng Xueqi
Published: July 2023

Cyberbullying perpetration has become an international public health concern among adolescents. Based on the general aggression model, the present study sought to examine whether deviant peer affiliation was significantly related to adolescents' cyberbullying perpetration, and whether moral disengagement mediated this association and self‐control moderated this mediation process. A total of 2286 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 13.46, SD = 0.93) completed a series of anonymous questionnaires regarding deviant peer affiliation, cyberbullying perpetration, moral disengagement, and self‐control. Results showed that adolescents who interacted with deviant peers were more likely to cyberbully others, which was mediated by moral disengagement. Self‐control moderated the association between deviant peer affiliation and moral disengagement and the relationship between moral disengagement and cyberbullying perpetration, but not the relationship between deviant peer affiliation and cyberbullying perpetration. Specifically, compared to high self‐control adolescents, low self‐control adolescents with high deviant peer affiliation were more likely to develop high moral disengagement and further engage in cyberbullying perpetration. The present study contributes to our understanding of the key mechanisms underlying the association between deviant peer affiliation and adolescents' cyberbullying perpetration.
Exploring the relationship between sleep apnea and vestibular symptoms following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Skop Karen M. , Bajor Laura , Sevigny Mitch , Swank Chad , Tallavajhula Sudha , Nakase‐Richardson Risa , Miles Shannon R.
Published: July 2023

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex health problem in military veterans and service members (V/SM) that often involves comorbid vestibular impairment. Sleep apnea is another comorbidity that may exacerbate, and/or be exacerbated by, vestibular dysfunction.

Objective

To examine the relationship between sleep apnea and vestibular symptoms in V/SM diagnosed with TBI of any severity.

Design

Multicenter cohort study; cross‐sectional sample.

Setting

In‐patient TBI rehabilitation units within five Veterans Affairs (VA) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers.

Participants

V/SM with a diagnosis of TBI (N = 630) enrolled in the VA TBI Model Systems study.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Methods

A multivariable regression model was used to evaluate the association between sleep apnea and vestibular symptom severity while controlling for relevant covariates, for example, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Main Outcome Measures

Lifetime history of sleep apnea was determined via best source reporting. Vestibular disturbances were measured with the 3‐item Vestibular subscale of the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI).

Results

One third (30.6%) of the sample had a self‐reported sleep apnea diagnosis. Initial analysis showed that participants who had sleep apnea had more severe vestibular symptoms (M = 3.84, SD = 2.86) than those without sleep apnea (M = 2.88, SD = 2.67, p < .001). However, when the data was analyzed via a multiple regression model, sleep apnea no longer reached the threshold of significance as a factor associated with vestibular symptoms. PTSD severity was shown to be significantly associated with vestibular symptoms within this sample (p < .001).

Conclusion

Analysis of these data revealed a relationship between sleep apnea and vestibular symptoms in V/SM with TBI. The significance of this relationship was affected when PTSD symptoms were factored into a multivariable regression model. However, given that the mechanisms and directionality of these relationships are not yet well understood, we assert that in terms of clinical relevance, providers should emphasize screening for each of the three studied comorbidities (sleep apnea, vestibular symptoms, and PTSD).
Role of Acids in Producing Ultrabright, Dual‐Emissive Carbon Dots and their Urea/Biuret Composites with Ultralong Afterglow
Authors: Yan Dong , Zhang Zhiying , Liu Yun , Guan Yan , Sun Dongming
Published: July 2023

Since 2015, m‐phenylenediamines (mPD) have become a popular carbon source for the synthesis of carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). However, their exact fluorescence mechanism is still obscure. To elucidate this, inorganic acids that are carbon‐free are chosen as additives for a comparative study. It is found that the green fluorescence quantum yield (nearly 80%), photostability, and reaction yield (over 90%) can be enhanced by introduction of most of inorganic acids with moderate amount. Besides, green‐blue dual emission is observed in acid‐assisted groups. UV‐vis absorption, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering results indicate that the green fluorescence center is composed of quinoid rings, whereas the blue fluorophore contains benzenoid rings. Moreover, room‐temperature afterglow with lifetime up to 1.25 s is observed exclusively in acid‐assisted CPDs composites with urea/biuret. The blue chromophore is proposed to be the origin of the triplet level that induces the long afterglow. This work provides an in‐depth understanding on the macromolecular structures of CPDs derived from phenylenediamines, and contributes a new line of thought to the origin of phosphorescence in N‐doped carbon dots.
Ultraviolet‐Light–Triggered Coalescence of Liquid Marbles for Multistep Microreactions
Authors: Lv Qianrui , Li Jiaqi , Wang Ruili , Zhang Lijing
Published: July 2023

Liquid marbles show promising potential for application in the microreaction field. The efficient and precise approach for the remote coalescence of liquid marbles is desirable. Herein, the ultraviolet‐light–induced wettability transition of TiO2 nanoparticles is exploited to develop an ingenious approach for efficient and controlled coalesce of contacting liquid marbles containing separate reagents. This approach is generic and provides ideas for the on‐demand initiation of multistep microreactions inside liquid marbles.
Oral morphine induces spinal 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) release using an opioid receptor‐independent mechanism
Authors: Nakamura Shingo , Komatsu Shuji , Yamada Toshihiko , Kitahara Hiromi , Yamamoto Tatsuo
Published: July 2023

Morphine induces spinal 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) release, but the role and mechanism of the spinal 5‐HT release induced by morphine are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to define the role and mechanism of spinal 5‐HT release induced by oral morphine. We also examined whether persistent pain affected the spinal 5‐HT release induced by oral morphine. Spinal 5‐HT release was measured using microdialysis of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Two opioids, morphine and oxycodone, were orally administered and 5‐HT release was measured in awake rats. Naloxone and β‐funaltrexamine (β‐FNA) were used to determine whether the effect of morphine on 5‐HT release was mediated by opioid receptor activation. To study persistent pain, a formalin test was used. At 45 min after oral morphine administration, the formalin test was started and spinal 5‐HT release was measured. Oral morphine, but not oral oxycodone, increased 5‐HT release at the spinal cord to approximately 4000% of the baseline value. This effect of morphine was not antagonized by either naloxone or β‐FNA at a dose that antagonized the antinociceptive effect of morphine. Formalin‐induced persistent pain itself had no effect on spinal 5‐HT release but enhanced the oral morphine‐induced spinal 5‐HT release. Oral morphine‐induced spinal 5‐HT release was not mediated by opioid receptor activation. Spinal 5‐HT induced by oral morphine did not play a major role in the antinociceptive effect of morphine in the hot plate test. Persistent pain increased oral morphine‐induced spinal 5‐HT release.
Tripartite Entanglement Extraction from the Black Hole Vacuum
Authors: Membrere Ireneo James , Gallock‐Yoshimura Kensuke , Henderson Laura J. , Mann Robert B.
Published: July 2023

The first investigation of tripartite entanglement harvesting in the vicinity of a black hole is carried out. Working in the context of a static Bañados–Teitelboim–Zanelli (BTZ) black hole spacetime the authors find that it is possible to harvest tripartite entanglement in regions where harvesting of bipartite entanglement is known to be impossible due to intense Hawking radiation. In these situations, it implies that the harvested entanglement is of the Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) type.
Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on CuO Immobilized Stainless‐Steel Electrode Prepared by the SILAR Method
Authors: Islam Md. Nurnobi , Ahmed Jahir , Faisal Mohd , Algethami Jari S , Aoki Kentaro , Nagao Yuki , Harraz Farid A. , Hasnat Mohammad A.
Published: July 2023

The development of cost‐effective and efficient catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has been a subject of intense research for sustainable and clean energy in recent decades. For this purpose, CuO‐modified stainless steel (CuO‐SS) electrode was fabricated to attain HER in acidic media. Here in, CuO film was fabricated on a stainless steel (SS) surface following successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. A 60‐cycle CuO modification resulted in enhanced HER activity compared to the bare SS or CuO electrode with an average 99 % Faradic efficiency. Based on the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), at an HER potential, the bare SS electrode exhibited charge transfer resistance of 24.7 Ω whereas CuO‐SS electrode exhibited 6.47 Ω only. The overpotential was calculated to be 154 mV at the CuO‐SS electrode regarding HER. The results have significant implications for the development of cost‐effective and efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.
Benzothiazole‐Hydrazone Chromophores: Synthesis, Solvatochromism, Computational and Antimycobacterial Activity Studies
Authors: Yadav C Kiran , Basavaraju Manjunatha , Mussuvir Pasha Kuntewale Mohiyouddin , Samuel Johnson , Nandeshwarappa Belakatte P
Published: July 2023

Coumarin and its heterocyclic derivatives have been receiving tremendous attention from synthetic and medicinal chemists owing to their remarkable application in material science as well as pharmacological applications. In the current study, a series of coumarin‐coupled benzothiazole hydrazone compounds were synthesized by a two‐step process, post which their structural features were investigated with the aid of various spectroscopic techniques. The novel synthesized chromophores displayed an electronic absorption band in a range of 358–428 nm and exhibited a positive solvatochromism character as well as a high molar absorption coefficient in the studied solvents. HOMO‐LUMO gap, quantum parameters, and various other pharmacokinetics and ADME‐T properties of these compounds were investigated through the computational approach. Biological activity assays revealed that all compounds displayed excellent antibacterial activity compared to the Amoxicillin and have also been studied for their antimycobacterial efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Furthermore, molecular docking studies was performed with enoyl‐acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA).
On the perception of graph layouts
Authors: Grabinger Lisa , Hauser Florian , Mottok Jürgen
Published: July 2023

In the field of software engineering, graph‐based models are used for a variety of applications. Usually, the layout of those graphs is determined at the discretion of the user. This article empirically investigates whether different layouts affect the comprehensibility or popularity of a graph and whether one can predict the perception of certain aspects in the graph using basic graphical laws from psychology (i.e., Gestalt principles). Data on three distinct layouts of one causal graph is collected from 29 subjects using eye tracking and a print questionnaire. The evaluation of the collected data suggests that the layout of a graph does matter and that the Gestalt principles are a valuable tool for assessing partial aspects of a layout.
Multivalued Memory via Freezing of Super‐Hard Magnetic Domains in a Quasi 2D‐Magnet
Authors: Mentré Olivier , Leclercq Bastien , Arevalo‐Lopez Angel M. , Pautrat Alain , Petit Sylvain , Minaud Claire , Daviero‐Minaud Sylvie , Hovhannisyan Razmik A. , Stolyarov Vasily S.
Published: July 2023

The design of high‐density non‐volatile memories is a long‐standing dream, limited by conventional storage “0” or “1” bits. An alternative paradigm exists in which regions within candidate materials can be magnetized to intermediate values between the saturation limits. In principle, this paves the way to multivalued bits, vastly increasing storage density. Single‐molecule magnets, are good examples offering transitions between intramolecular quantum levels, but require ultra‐low temperatures and limited relaxation time between magnetization states. It is showed here that the quasi 2D‐Ising compound BaFe2(PO4)2 overcomes these limitations. The combination of giant magneto‐crystalline anisotropy, strong ferromagnetic exchange, and strong intrinsic pinning creates remarkably narrow magnetic domain walls, collectively freezing under Tf ≈15 K. This results in a transition from a soft to a super‐hard magnet (coercive force > 14 T). Any magnetization can then be printed and robustly protected from external fields with an energy barrier >9T at 2 K.
Numerical study on wind pressure characteristics of Chinese yurt building under downburst wind
Authors: Xu Fan , Ji Baifeng , Xiong Qian , Liu Guangyi , Qiu Penghui , Xing Panpan , Liu Hui , Xu Shuaijun
Published: July 2023

Inner Mongolia is a high‐frequency thunderstorm region in China, and the downburst caused by the thunderstorm weather is a severe threat to buildings. In order to study the influence of downburst on the wind pressure characteristics of the yurt building, the wind field model of the yurt building under downburst is established based on the computational fluid dynamics method, and the effect of the wall treatment method and turbulence model on the numerical simulation of wind pressure of the yurt building under downburst is analyzed. The results demonstrate that the maximum positive pressure at the windward side of the yurt building occurs at 3/4 of the yurt building height under downburst, and the maximum negative pressure at the roof of the yurt building appears at the center of the roof. Compared with the experimental results, the Shear Stress Transport (SST) k‐ω model is suitable for simulating both sides of the yurt building, while the Reynolds Stress equation Model (RSM) is suitable for simulating the windward side, roof, and leeward of the yurt building. The enhanced wall treatment is appropriate for simulating the remaining sides of the yurt building while the standard wall function is appropriate for simulating both sides of the building.
Formulation, calibration, and validation of hybrid and coupled models for the design of upflow anaerobic filters in multiple separated stages for organic matter removal from sanitary landfill leachates
Authors: Maldonado‐Maldonado Julio , Márquez‐Romance Adriana , Guevara‐Pérez Edilberto
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the formulation, calibration, and validation of hybrid and coupled models for the design of upflow anaerobic filters in multiple separated stages were developed for organic matter removal from sanitary landfill leachates. Three novelties were presented, the type of reactor, design models, and kinetic coefficients. The upflow anaerobic filters were separated into two and three stages identified as UAF‐2SS (DI‐FAFS, in Spanish) and UAF‐3SS (TRI‐FAFS, in Spanish). The formulation, calibration, and validation of mathematical structures of hybrid models and five coupled models are proposed for each reactor. The hybrid models are based on the law of mass conservation, with the organic matter transformation component within the UAF‐2SS and UAF‐3SS reactors, being estimated from empirical equations that have been tested in aerobic culture reactors, adapted to the experimental factors, including among these, those under a non‐stationary—advective conditions based on Velz's Law, Phelps's Law, and Monod's equation. The coupled models combine the components of the molecular transport by biosorption and molecular diffusion processes, with adaptations of the Stack's equation and Fick's Law, as well as transformation of organic substrates by biomass, whose kinetic coefficients contribute to explain the fraction, in which, the processes of mobility and biochemical transformation of the organic matter are occurring in the biomass within the bioreactors.
Effect of anti‐fouling organotin compound (TBTCl) and the ameliorative role of spirulina on Lamellidens marginalis
Authors: Sharma Sthitaprajna Nath , Nayak Susri , Pradhan Smruti Prajna , Nayak Subhashree , Nayak Pratyusha , Patnaik Lipika
Published: July 2023

Organotin compounds (OTs) belong to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) group and are capable of persisting up to 40 years due to their chemical nature. Tributyltin (TBT) is an anti‐fouling agent and can easily leach out into water threatening the aquatic life. Molluscs are sensitive towards the presence of toxins in their surrounding environment and respond accordingly to overcome stress conditions. Lamellidens marginalis, a freshwater bivalve is popular for its food value and pink pearls. The present study focuses on the effect of Tributyltin chloride (TBTCl), a form of TBT, on Lamellidens marginalis under laboratory conditions. The 96 h median lethal concentration (LC50) was calculated to be 1 mg L−1. Bivalves were segregated into three sub‐groups that is, group I; control, group II; experimental (treated with 0.2 mg L−1 TBTCl that is, 1/5th of LC50 value), group III; experimental (treated with 0.2 mg L−1 TBTCl + 0.003% w/v spirulina). A static non‐renewal toxicity assay was performed for 96 h. Estimation of total protein, acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glycogen was carried out. An overall decrease in the total protein, ACP, ALP, glycogen, and ALT was observed in both the experimental groups (Groups II and III) in comparison to the control group whereas, the concentration of AST was found to increase in hepatopancreas. Integrated biomarker response index (IBR) value was calculated to be 12.60 for control and 10.56 and 11.29 for groups II and III, respectively in hepatopancreas. Similarly, in gill tissue the values were 3.69, 1.37, and 3.43, respectively. After treatment with nutritional supplement spirulina, a higher BRI (biomarker response index) value of 3.3 for group III was observed, suggesting the therapeutic role of spirulina in test organisms. BRI value derived for group II was 2.7 indicating more severity of TBTCl compared to group III in the absence of spirulina.
Bismuth‐Rich Intermetallic Rods with a Note of Zintl‐Phase
Authors: Herz Maria Annette , Finzel Kati , Schnelle Walter , Ruck Michael
Published: July 2023

Black needle‐shaped crystals of the bismuth‐rich mixed halogenide Bi21Rh4Cl6I7were obtained by slow cooling of a melt of Bi, RhI3and BiCl3. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed an orthorhombic structure that consists of infinite intermetallic rodsBi9Rh2]3+and discrete anionic groups [BiII2Cl2I5]3−and [BiIIICl4I2]3−. The rods consist of Rh‐centered [RhBi8] polyhedra that alternately share triangular and rectangular faces. Using traditional electron counting rules, the rod can be interpreted as a covalent polymer with Rh2dumbbells bonded to molecular Bi2and Bi5units. However, a quantum‐chemical bonding analysis shows that the bonds involving Rh atoms are largely diffuse, while two‐center bonds dominate in the bismuth units. The below 240 K observed semiconducting behavior of Bi21Rh4Cl6I7is consistent with a complete localization of the valence electrons. Above 240 K, the resistance along the needle axis is largely independent of temperature.
Sales Forecasting During the COVID-19 Pandemic for Stock Management
Authors: Yildirim Enver , Cam Veli , Balki Fatih , Sarp Salih
Published: July 2023

Stock management is very important for the companies to supply necessary demand for the products they sell, to pricing the products and to the aspect of storage cost. In stock management, the products to be sold to the customer are procured by ordering from the vendors. The orders given to the vendors are determined by estimating the sales quantities of the products. When estimating sales, if we order in large quantities, the storage and expiration dates of the products may exceed, or if we order less than demand, the customer cannot find the product in the store. With the Covid-19 pandemic entering our lives, there have been some changes in our habits. One of these changes is the change in shopping habits of people due to the isolation period. By managing this change in terms of stock management on the store side, it ensures that people can reach the products they demand in these difficult times and that companies do not create extra costs by making more stock than necessary. We made a sales forecast on 5-lt sunflower oil which is a basic food product using the data of a grocery chain with machine learning methods and developed models to use these forecasts in stock management. Our data is multivariate and contains both quantitative and qualitative features. In our study, we used the supervised learning method and the XGBoost, LGBMRegressor and Ridge models used in many machine learning projects. As a result of our studies, an improvement of approximately 25% has emerged with the features we added specifically for the pandemic.
Improved Vehicle Logo Detection and Recognition for Complex Traffic Environments Using Deep Learning Based Unwarping of Extracted Logo Regions in Varying Angles
Authors: Sultan Zamra , Farooq Muhammad Umar , Raza Rana Hammad
Published: July 2023

Intelligent Traffic Monitoring and Management System (TMMS) is a growing research area as cities infrastructure continues to evolve. Traffic situation is demanding innovative solutions for effective monitoring and management given the complex nature of the urban scenario. A major focus of this research domain is fine-grained vehicles classification that requires detection and recognition of distinct features of vehicles. Some of these features are semantic based while others are appearance based. One such appearance-based feature of a vehicle is its logo. Logo detection helps with identification of a vehicle’s make during fine-grained classification process. There are various deep learning methods which give good performance for such object detection tasks. However, it is challenging to exploit these methods due to smaller size of logo especially in a surveillance environment. This work firstly presents a deep learning-based approach for detection of vehicles’ logos in camera video feeds. Due to small size of logos, a unique pipeline using three different deep learning models is designed. Firstly, a modified Improved Warped Planar Object Detection Network (IWPOD-NET) selects a Region of Interest (ROI) and adjusts the orientation of vehicle logo. Then YOLO (You Only Look Once) v5 is used to detect the logo part in the selected ROI and finally, EfficientNet is used to further classify logo into different classes. This pipeline is tested on four surveillance environments namely toll control, law enforcement, dashcam, and parking lot access control. Comparative analysis shows accuracy improvement with this proposed approach in each testing case. A pose variance analysis is also performed to determine the orientation limits to which this approach can work. Secondly, a custom dataset, VL-10 (Vehicle Logos) is presented which provided further insights into the challenges w.r.t local environment settings. The whole approach improved the overall performance of the logo detection and recognition system.
Predicting Music Using Machine Learning
Authors: Asesh Aishwarya
Published: July 2023

The intricate temporally prolonged sequences seen in music make it a perfect environment for the study of prediction. Melody, harmony, and rhythm are three examples of the structural elements found in music. This research incorporates music excerpts prediction by understanding structural details using Markov chain and LSTM models. The novel approach compares to state-of-the-art algorithms by predicting how a musical excerpt would continue after being given as input. To compare the variations in prediction and learning, different learning models with different input feature representations were utilized. This algorithm envisions multitude of usage including next generation music recommendation system using intra-sequence matching, pitch-tone correction, amongst others by integrating with recent advances in deep learning, computer vision, and speech techniques.
Fürsprache als rhetorische Sprechsituation und die Geschichte der Rhetorik
Authors: Campe Rüdiger
Published: July 2023

Um die Beziehung der Rhetorik zum Recht geht es in diesem Abriss aus dem Gesichtspunkt der Fürsprache oder des advokatorischen Sprechens. An der so in den Blick kommenden Stelle hängen in der Tradition Europas Institution und Sprechform, Einzelheiten der sprachlichen Verfahren und übergreifende Zielsetzungen der Redekunst im Ansatz aneinander.
Rhetorik in China. Han Feizi (ca. 280–233 v. Chr.) über Schwierigkeiten politischer Berater
Authors: Emmerich Reinhard
Published: July 2023

Das vormoderne China kannte keine Disziplin der Rhetorik, ebenso wie im Gegensatz zur griechisch-römischen Antike eine systematische Ausbildung in Grammatik und Logik der gehobenen chinesischen Bildung fremd waren. Gleichwohl haben frühe chinesische Denker darüber nachgedacht, wie politische Ideen in einem Milieu autokratischer Herrscherhöfe erfolgversprechend zu lancieren seien. Zu den wichtigsten unter ihnen gehört Han Fei (ca. 280–233 v. Chr.), auch Han Feizi, „Meister Han Fei“, der in seinem Heimatstaat lange vergebens politischen Einfluss zu erlangen versuchte und als Gesandter an den aufstrebenden Staat Qin im dortigen Gefängnis den Tod fand. In den wahrscheinlich zu unterschiedlichen Zeiten seines Lebens verfassten und unterschiedlichen Gattungen zugehörigen, aber inhaltlich verwandten Schriften „Shui nan“ und „Nan yan“ hat sich Han Fei mit einiger Systematik zu Schwierigkeiten des politischen Beratens geäußert und dabei besonders psychologische Unwägbarkeiten hervorgehoben. Im Folgenden werden die beiden Texte, denen chinesische Kommentatoren viel Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt haben, übersetzt und interpretiert.
Inventio und ars topica zwischen Rhetorik, Naturwissenschaft und Poetik
Authors: Mengaldo Elisabetta
Published: July 2023

Der Aufsatz behandelt die Geschichte der Begriffe inventio/Erfindung und ars topica/Topik am Kreuzweg von klassisch-humanistischer Rhetorik, moderner Experimentalwissenschaft und Ästhetik. Zwischen dem späten Humanismus und dem letzten Drittel des 18. Jahrhunderts – so die leitende These – hat sich eine semantische Spaltung bei den Begriffen inventio/ars inveniendi einerseits und Topik/ars topica andererseits vollzogen, die zunehmend entgegengesetzte ‚Haltungen‘ beschreiben: Inventio(n) markiert das Neue und Unerwartete, das häufig ein Produkt des Zufalls ist, während Topik mit der alten Rhetorik und einem ‚extraktiven‘ Moment assoziiert wird, nämlich mit der Wiederauffindung bereits vorhandener Erkenntnisse bzw. Ideen. Diese komplexe Geschichte wird anhand von Textbeispielen aus Galilei, Francis Bacon, Erasmus und Locke bis zur Mitte des 18. Jahrhunderts (Baumgarten, die französische Enzyklopädie) umrissen. Der letzte Abschnitt ist Lichtenbergs privaten Notizbüchern – den sogenannten Sudelbüchern – gewidmet, die an der Kreuzung der „zwei Kulturen“ (C. P. Snow) entstanden sind und sich für die skizzierte Fragestellung als besonders ergiebig erweisen.
Rhetoriken: Drei Stück
Authors: Seibert Thomas-Michael
Published: July 2023

Die alte Gerichtsrede hat sich verändert. Neuzeitlich und in der Position des Gerichts oder der herrschenden Verwaltung praktiziert man Sachlichkeit (1). Weder die nach Rechtsgrundsätzen agierende Verwaltung noch gar das unparteiliche Gericht wollen und dürfen sich Gefühlsausbrüche leisten. Anders ist das bei allen juristischen Funktionsträgern, die in bezahltem Parteiauftrag handeln, vor allem bei Verteidigern. Dort existiert je nach Verfahren auch eine postmoderne Kampfrhetorik (2), die den Verteidiger als Angreifer erscheinen lässt. „Konfliktverteidigung” heißt die inzwischen eingeführte Vokabel. Neben der Rhetorik der Sachlichkeit und des Konflikts taucht am Ende eine weitere wenig beschriebene und nicht gelehrte informale Prozessrhetorik (3) auf, die herbeiführt, was weder Kampf noch Sachlichkeit leisten.