bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing a Bell Inequality with a Remote Quantum Processor
Authors: Brody Jed , Avram Robert
Published: February 2023

IBM Quantum offers free remote access to real quantum processors. One of the many experiments now accessible to all students is a test of Bell inequalities. This experiment introduces the rigorous mysteries that physicists have grappled with for a century. Using IBM Quantum to test Bell inequalities is not new. However, we are unaware of any single reference, appropriate for introductory students, that contains (1) the derivation of a Bell inequality, (2) the derivation of the corresponding quantum prediction, and (3) instructions for carrying out the experiment with IBM Quantum.
Engaging Students from Introductory Physics Courses in Socio-scientific Debates
Authors: Figueira Maykell Julio de Souza , Nardi Roberto
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we present a classroom strategy that allows high school teachers and university professors of introductory physics courses to use socio-scientific issues (SSIs) to engage students in constructive and meaningful debate. We present a rationale for why such activities should be used, a step-by-step method on how to apply them in a real classroom setting, and an illustrative case study conducted with sophomore students from a Brazilian public university in 2019. It is a consensus among educational researchers, science teachers, and policymakers that much can still be done to enhance the levels of scientific literacy of students of various age groups. Improving scientific literacy skills should be one of the primary goals of schools and universities in this century, since it helps make people aware of the achievements of scientific communities, it promotes scientifically based decisions about important daily matters, and it strengthens the fight against fake news, which is now a widespread rising trend in society.
The missing fundamental tone in everyday life and in experiments
Authors: Vogt Patrik , Kasper Lutz Frank
Published: February 2023

Learning about sounds in physics, it is usually addressed that although the overtone spectrum has an effect on the observed timbre, the perceived pitch is determined only by the fundamental. But why do we assign the frequency of its fundamental to a sound, and why do we do so if the fundamental is not even present in the frequency spectrum?
Isolating auditory-nerve contributions to electrocochleography by high-pass filtering: A better biomarker for cochlear nerve degeneration?
Authors: Vasilkov Viacheslav , Liberman M. Charles , Maison Stéphane F.
Published: February 2023

In search of biomarkers for cochlear neural degeneration (CND) in electrocochleography from humans with normal thresholds, we high-pass and low-pass filtered the responses to separate contributions of auditory-nerve action potentials (N1) from hair-cell summating potentials (SP). The new N1 measure is better correlated with performance on difficult word-recognition tasks used as a proxy for CND. Furthermore, the paradoxical correlation between larger SPs and worse word scores, observed with classic electrocochleographic analysis, disappears with the new metric. Classic SP is simultaneous with and opposite in phase to an early neural contribution, and filtering separates the sources to eliminate this interference.
Experimental investigation on the enhancement of plenum window noise reduction using solid scatterers
Authors: Li Xiao-Long , Lam Wai Kit , Tang S. K.
Published: February 2023

The sound transmission across plenum windows installed with rigid non-resonant cylindrical scatterer arrays was investigated in detail using scale-down model measurements carried out inside a fully anechoic chamber. The arrays have manifested to some extent the acoustical behaviors of virtual sonic crystals. The maximum cross section blockage ratio was 0.6. The effects of plenum window gap, array configuration, and scatterer diameter on the sound transmission characteristics were also examined. Results indicate that the window cavity longitudinal modes and the gap modes control the sound transmission characteristics at low frequencies. The upper bound of this frequency range increases with decreasing gap width. Within this frequency range, the scatterers have negligible effect on the sound transmission. At higher frequencies, the array configurations with scatterer(s) attached to the window walls result in stronger sound reduction. There are relatively higher sound transmission loss improvements around the frequencies where a full bandgap is observed. There are wide bandgaps in various lattice directions, and the present results suggest that they play a role in the broadband improvement of sound reduction.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Coastal Viral Community Structure and Potential Biogeochemical Roles Affected by an Ulva prolifera Green Tide
Authors: Han Meiaoxue , Sun Jianhua , Yang Qingwei , Liang Yantao , Jiang Yong , Gao Chen , Gu Chengxiang , Liu Qian , Chen Xuechao , Liu Gang , Shao Hongbing , Guo Cui , He Hui , Wang Hualong , Sung Yeong Yik , Mok Wen Jye , Wong Li Lian , Wang Zongling , McMinn Andrew , Wang Min
Published: February 2023

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the responses of viruses to the world’s largest macroalgal green tide. It revealed the spatiotemporal dynamics of the unique viral assemblages and auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) following the variation and degradation of
Ulva prolifera
. These findings demonstrate a tight coupling between viral assemblages, and prokaryotic and eukaryotic abundances were influenced by the green tide.
The Histone Variant H2A.Z C-Terminal Domain Has Locus-Specific Differential Effects on H2A.Z Occupancy and Nucleosome Localization
Authors: Neumann Hannah , Jeronimo Celia , Lucier Jean-François , Pasquier Emeline , Robert François , Wellinger Raymund J. , Gaudreau Luc
Published: February 2023

We provide evidence that the
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
C-terminal region of histone variant H2A.Z can mediate its special function in performing gene regulation by interacting with effector proteins and chaperones. These functional interactions allow H2A.Z not only to incorporate to very specific gene regulatory regions, but also to facilitate the gene expression process.
Supplemental Material: Catastrophic craton destruction via wholesale lithosphere delamination
Authors: Chen Hao , al. et
Published: February 2023

Brief review of basaltic samples from the North China craton used in calculations, data filter procedure, and detailed calculation processes. 
Differentiation of an upper crustal magma reservoir via crystal-melt separation recorded in the San Gabriel pluton, central Chile
Authors: Payacán I. , Gutiérrez F. , Bachmann O. , Parada M.Á.
Published: February 2023

Crystal-melt separation has been invoked as a mechanism that generates compositional variabilities in magma reservoirs hosted within the Earth’s crust. However, the way phase separation occurs within such reservoirs is still debated. The San Gabriel pluton of central Chile is a composite pluton (12.82 ± 0.19 Ma) with wide textural/compositional variation (52–67 wt% SiO2) and presents a great natural laboratory for studying processes that occur in upper crustal magma reservoirs. Geochemical and geochronological data supported by numerical models reveals that shallow magma differentiation via crystalmelt separation occurred in magma with intermediate composition and generated high-silica magmas and cumulate residues that were redistributed within the reservoir.

The pluton is composed of three units: (1) quartz-monzonites representing the main hosting unit, (2) a porphyritic monzogranite located at the lowest exposed levels, and (3) coarse-grained quartz-monzodiorites with cumulate textures at the middle level of the intrusive. Calculations of mass balance and thermodynamic modeling of major and trace elements indicate that <40 vol% of haplogranitic residual melt was extracted from the parental magma to generate quartz-monzonites, and 50–80 vol% was extracted to generate quartz-monzodiorites, which implies that both units represent crystal-rich residues. By contrast, the monzogranites are interpreted as a concentration of remobilized residual melts that followed 30–70 vol% fractionation from a mush with 0.4–0.55 of crystal fraction. The monzogranites represent the upper level of a pulse that stopped under a crystal-rich mush zone, probably leaving a mafic cumulate zone beneath the exposed pluton. This case study illustrates the role of the redistribution of residual silicic melts within shallow magma reservoirs.
Synthesis of 1,2,4,5-oxadiazaboroles by three-component condensations of hydroxylamines, nitriles, and diarylborinic acids
Authors: Ge Zhenlu , Lough Alan J. , Taylor Mark S.
Published: February 2023

A method for the synthesis of substituted 1,2,4,5-oxadiazaboroles is described, in which hydroxylamines, nitriles, and diarylborinic acids engage in a three-component condensation reaction. The protocol provides access to a substitution pattern that is not readily available through other methods—namely, 2,3-disubstitution, with a tetracoordinate boron center. Structures of representative members of this class of heterocycles were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
Intensive management increases flexibility in managing wood supply
Authors: Lieffers Victor J. , Pinno Bradley D. , Johnson Andrew , Hossain Kazi L. , Gooding Ted
Published: February 2023

We modelled the potential impact of intensification of plantation management and thinning, on timber supply of an ∼500 000 ha forest in Alberta, Canada over a 200-year planning horizon. Pre-commercial and commercial thinning were applied to a portion of the better sites, which allowed shortening of the time to merchantability and earlier harvest than unthinned stands; less than 25% of the forest was thinned over the course of the plan. The sustainable harvest rate, represented here as the annual allowable cut (AAC), increased by ∼14% above baseline, when thinning was applied. Similarly, there was a 20.7% increase in AAC projected with the relaxation of even flow rules if thinning was also applied. Finally, thinning offset the expected decline in AAC after a 20-year surge in cutting of mature pine, designed to slow an epidemic of mountain pine beetle. In terms of wood supply, the volume extracted at thinning was <2% of annual supply but volume from final harvest from thinned stands, at times, surpassed that of unthinned stands of the forest. Individual tree size from thinned stands was ∼twice that from unthinned areas in the second part of the planning period, offsetting the expected decline in piece size after the era of harvest of natural forests.
新加坡中华商务总会对清政府及革命党的态度（1906–1912）
Authors: 朱 庆
Published: February 2023

1905年末，革命党领袖孙中山和清政府钦差大臣张弼士相继抵达新加坡，同盟会新加坡分会和新加坡中华商务总会随即筹建成立，分别成为南洋地区最重要的革命机关和华商社团。前人研究多认为清廷倡设海外中华商会是出于打击革命党的政治目的，相关成果将海外中华商会定性为清政府的官方或半官方机构。本文钩沉商会议事簿、政府档案、报纸期刊、时人文集等史料，全面梳理商会对清政府和革命党的态度，探讨华商与政治的复杂面相。清政府与新加坡中华商务总会之间权势互助、互有期望，清政府希望商会帮助获得华侨经济挹注，商会期望华侨经济活动得到清政府保护。新加坡中华商务总会对革命活动不感兴趣，商会作为华商群体尤其是中上层华商利益的代表，倾向稳定的政治秩序和社会环境，从而维护其财产安全和经济利益。新加坡中华商务总会不是 “清政府的官方机构” ，更不是 “领事馆的外围机构” ，其对清政府的 “效忠”有明显的限度，不违背当地政府的法律、尽量避免与殖民当局产生冲突是商会向来秉持的理念。商会对清政府和革命党的态度并非华商政治信仰的外化，而是基于生存和发展需求的理性选择，不能以此来评判商会的进步与保守。商会宗旨在于维持商业发展，有限度地参政也是为宗旨服务，新加坡华商在殖民地特殊政治环境和近代历史大变局中言商言政彰显出华商的理性与无奈。
20世纪前期香港华商总会组织制度演进
Authors: 董 佳如
Published: February 2023

香港与新加坡同为英属殖民地，在南洋地区都占重要位置和具华人社会的领导、示范作用。两地华人为表团结以维护自身权益，均成立了标榜 “中华” 二字的商会 — 香港中华总商会与新加坡中华总商会，两个商会既有共同点又各具特色。就成立原因，两商会既得益于在地华人势力的发展，又与晚清政府的侨务政策密切相关。政治上，两商会均具有 “双重效忠” 的心理，它们既须顾及殖民政府的管治，受社团条例约束，同时又与中国政府关系密切，处于两面夹缝、相互协调的境遇之中。经济方面，均以维护在地华商利益为其宗旨，但华商社会本身却错综复杂。在日常会务推行、选举制度、会员资格等方面，两地总商会又各具特色。作为两地华人领袖社团，两商会不仅具有代表性，同时也是在地华人发展的缩影。
An assessment of different alkali-activated cements as stabilizers of sulfate-bearing soils
Authors: Mavroulidou M. , Gray C. , Pantoja-Muñoz L. , Gunn M. J.
Published: February 2023

The stabilization of sulfate-bearing soils with traditional calcium-based stabilizers is not recommended, as reactions between the calcium and sulfates in the presence of water could lead to soil heave. Alternative stabilization methods are therefore required, and this paper proposes innovative alkali-activated cements (AACs), whose use for soil stabilization and especially sulfate-bearing soils is little researched. To fill this knowledge gap, AAC systems with a ground granulated blast-furnace slag precursor and different alkaline activators, including commercial lime, wastepaper sludge ash (PSA), potassium hydroxide (KOH) and potassium carbonate (K
2
CO
3
), were used to treat an artificial sulfate-bearing clay. AAC-treated clay specimens cured for 7 and 28 days, respectively, were soaked in water for 45 days; their one-dimensional swelling, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), pH and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) were measured and compared to those of specimens not exposed to water. Material characterization (scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)) was performed to attest cementation and detect ettringite. In AAC systems, CaO/Ca(OH)
2
did not lead to specimen heave and damage, and developed the highest strengths. Potassium-based activators performed less well but combined PSA–K
2
CO
3
in time led to strength gain. Overall, AACs lead to greater strengths than lime only or lime and admixtures, and show promise as sulfate-bearing soil stabilizers.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Leading to Innovative Engineering Geology Practices collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/leading-to-innovative-engineering-geology-practices
Synthesis of Carbon Nitride Nanosheets with n→π* Electronic Transition for Boosting Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Song Bing , Zhang Min , Hou Shiying , Liang Huirong , Li Qiuye , Yang Jianjun
Published: February 2023

Awakening n→π* electronic transition in graphitized carbon nitride can extend the visible light absorption range of the original g-C3N4, which will contribute to improve the photocatalytic activity of carbon dioxide reduction. Here we report that the n→π* transition in g-C3N4 is activated by the cooperation of steam etching and alkali treatment. The CO and CH4 evolution yields of the NaOH/Vc‐CN sample are 4.3 and 16 times higher than those of original g-C3N4, respectively. The planar asymmetry structure of heptazine was fabricated due to the hydroxyl groups reacting with terminal N-H content produced by the construction of carbon vacancy and the Na+ ions insert into the interlayer. Therefore, n→π* electronic transition in g-C3N4 was awakened, extending the optical absorption range with light wavelengths longer than 470 nm. At the same time, the ability of CO2 chemisorption and activation was improved due to the NaOH modification. Therefore, the extended visible light absorption, the improved crystallinity and the increased active sites are beneficial to optimizing the utilization efficiency of photogenerated carriers and enhancing photocatalytic activity.
Electrochemical Detection of Metronidazole by the Fabricated Composites of Orthorhombic Iron Tungsten Oxide Decorated with Carbon Nanofiber Composites Electrode
Authors: Mariappan Kiruthika , Alagarsamy SaranVignesh , Chen Shen-Ming , Sakthinathan Subramanian
Published: February 2023

Metronidazole (MTD) is a common antibiotic used to treat various pathogens and protozoal infections in humans and domestic animals. Anyhow, this drug is prohibited in various countries owing to its extremely precarious properties. Hence, the low-limit detection of MTD in the environment is more important because it is very impactful and affects human health. Iron tungstate (Fe2WO6) has been produced by the hydrothermal method and the carbon nanofibers (CNF) prepared from the electrospinning technique. After that, CNF/Fe2WO6 composite decorated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was used for the electrochemical detection of MTD. Here, the different physicochemical characterization studies were used to confirm the CNF/Fe2WO6 composite. Moreover, Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry studies, and Differential pulse voltammetry have been used for the electrochemical studies of modified electrodes. The electrochemical results of GCE/CNF/Fe2WO6 electrodes exhibited an excellent electrochemical response at −0.5 V. The MTD detection limit has been calculated by the very low detection limit concentrations (0.013 μM). Further, the GCE/CNF/Fe2WO6 electrodes performed at high sensitivity (1.55 μA μM−1 cm−2) with a wide linear range (0.01–1792 μM). Besides, the GCE/CNF/Fe2WO6 have excellent repeatability, reproducibility, stability, and real sample analysis performance.
Noise Energy Adopted to Understand Nickel Electroplating Process
Authors: Liu Jiao , Li Guoxi , Zhu Benfeng , Du Xiaoqing , Yang Yumeng , Wei Guoying , Zhang Zhao
Published: February 2023

Electrochemical noise (EN) coupled with chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry techniques were adopted to investigate the influences of substrate, temperature (T), current density (D
K) and Ni2+ concentration (c
i) on nickel electroplating process. The results show that the noise energy (E
D) is weakly affected by c
i as far as the concentration range concerned, and is limitedly influenced by the substrate, D
K and T. The influence of D
K on E
D is achieved by its effect on the nucleation behavior of the initial deposit monolayer (the D
K-depended nucleation behavior). E
D mainly reflects the foreign work consumed in the procedure of formation of the initial deposit monolayer but not that in its subsequent growth process, and E

D
may be used as an index of EN to characterize the difficulty level of localized attacks (such as the formation of initial monolayer of crystallites and pits) for a defined area.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc, Iron, Copper, and Manganese Oxides Nanoparticles for Possible Application as Plant Fertilizers
Authors: Neto Michel E. , Britt David W. , Jackson Kyle A. , Almeida Junior João H. V. , Lima Rodrigo S. , Zaia Dimas A. M. , Inoue Tadeu T. , Batista Marcelo A.
Published: February 2023

This research evaluates the synthesis and characterization of nanometric-sized metallic particles with potential application as support materials for supplying nutrients to plants. Nanoscale Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu oxides particles were synthesized using microwave-assisted synthesis. Nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), specific surface area (SSA), and total chemical analysis. Synthesized NPs were all in oxide forms and characterized for confirmation of size, shape, surface structure, crystalline nature, and study of elemental proportion. The results indicate that synthesized NPs size was ranged between 20 and 50 nm and was all in their respective oxide forms as ZnO, Mn3O4, Fe3O4, and CuO.
Tuberculosis Epidemiology and Spatial Ecology at the Cattle-Wild Boar Interface in Northern Spain
Authors: Herrero-García Gloria , Acevedo Pelayo , Quirós Pablo , Prieto Miguel , Romero Beatriz , Amado Javier , Queipo Manuel Antonio , Gortázar Christian , Balseiro Ana
Published: February 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious chronic disease due to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) bacteria. Monitoring of wildlife, especially potential reservoirs, is important for detecting changes in disease occurrence and assessing the impact of interventions. Here, we examined whether wild boar (Sus scrofa) may contribute to the re-emergence of TB in Asturias (10,604 km2), northern Spain. Although this province was declared free of TB in cattle in November 2021, MTC bacteria remain prevalent in several “hotspots,” with the European badger (Meles meles) suggested as a TB potential wild reservoir. Drawing on data from the Spanish National Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Program and the Government of the Principality of Asturias covering the period 2014–2020, we analyzed the prevalence of TB in cattle and wild boar in this region. In hotspots (592 km2), we also investigated the ranging behavior and habitat use of five cows that belonged to farms with a history of TB and six trapped sympatric wild boar. During the observation period, TB prevalence was 0.14% among cattle overall and 0.13–0.41% in hotspots, which was much lower than the prevalence in wild boar, which was 3.15% overall and 5.23–5.96% in hotspots. Infected cattle and infected wild boar in hotspots shared the same strains of M. bovis, and GPS tracking showed spatiotemporal overlap between the species, mainly around pastures during sunrise (06:00–07:00 h) and sunset (19:00–20:00 h). Our results suggest that in addition to cattle and badgers, wild boar possibly help maintain TB in northern Spain, increasing the host richness that influences TB transmission risk in the area, which should be taken into account in monitoring and eradication efforts.
Prediction Model of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Wu Na , Li Junzheng , Xu Xiang , Yuan Zhiquan , Yang Lili , Chen Yanxiu , Xia Tingting , Hu Qin , Chen Zheng , Li Chengying , Xiang Ying , Zhang Zhihui , Zhong Li , Li Yafei
Published: February 2023

Objective. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common complications of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Possible risk factors related to new-onset AF (NOAF) in ACS patients have been reported in some studies, and several prediction models have been established. However, the predictive power of these models was modest and lacked independent validation. The aim of this study is to define risk factors of NOAF in patients with ACS during hospitalization and to develop a prediction model and nomogram for individual risk prediction. Methods. Retrospective cohort studies were conducted. A total of 1535 eligible ACS patients from one hospital were recruited for model development. External validation was performed using an external cohort of 1635 ACS patients from another hospital. The prediction model was created using multivariable logistic regression and validated in an external cohort. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the model were evaluated, and a nomogram was constructed. A subgroup analysis was performed for unstable angina (UA) patients. Results. During hospitalization, the incidence of NOAF was 8.21% and 6.12% in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Age, admission heart rate, left atrial diameter, right atrial diameter, heart failure, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, less statin use, and no percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were independent predictors of NOAF. The AUC was 0.891 (95% CI: 0.863–0.920) and 0.839 (95% CI: 0.796–0.883) for the training and validation cohort, respectively, and the model passed the calibration test (

P
>
0.05

). The clinical utility evaluation shows that the model has a clinical net benefit within a certain range of the threshold probability. Conclusion. A model with strong predictive power was constructed for predicting the risk of NOAF in patients with ACS during hospitalization. It might help with the identification of ACS patients at risk and early intervention of NOAF during hospitalization.
The Stability Analysis for a 2 × 2 Conservation Law with PI Controller and PDP Controller
Authors: Zhao Dong-Xia , Bao Fang-Xia
Published: February 2023

This article is concerned with the stability analysis of a

2
×
2

conservation law with PI and PDP boundary feedback control. In the PI controller case, the authors establish a sufficient and necessary stability condition for feedback parameters by Walton–Marshall criterion. Moreover, in PDP controller case, the characteristic equation is an exponential polynomial which includes two exponential arguments. Based on Ruan’s results on stability for quasi-polynomials and Schur–Cohn criterion on the roots inside the unit circle for a real coefficient polynomial, a complete characterization for system parameters and the feedback delay is presented. Also, the delay-independent and delay-dependent stability intervals are obtained in this article.
A Systematic Literature Review on Robust Swarm Intelligence Algorithms in Search-Based Software Engineering
Authors: Zeb Alam , Din Fakhrud , Fayaz Muhammad , Mehmood Gulzar , Zamli Kamal Z.
Published: February 2023

Swarm intelligence algorithms are metaheuristics inspired by the collective behavior of species such as birds, fish, bees, and ants. They are used in many optimization problems due to their simplicity, flexibility, and scalability. These algorithms get the desired convergence during the search by balancing the exploration and exploitation processes. These metaheuristics have applications in various domains such as global optimization, bioinformatics, power engineering, networking, machine learning, image processing, and environmental applications. This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) on applications of four swarm intelligence algorithms i.e., grey wolf optimization (GWO), whale optimization algorithms (WOA), Harris hawks optimizer (HHO), and moth-flame optimizer (MFO) in the field of software engineering. It presents an in-depth study of these metaheuristics’ adoption in the field of software engineering. This SLR is mainly comprised of three phases such as planning, conducting, and reporting. This study covers all related studies published from 2014 up to 2022. The study shows that applications of the selected metaheuristics have been utilized in various fields of software engineering especially software testing, software defect prediction, and software reliability. The study also points out some of the areas where applications of these swarm intelligence algorithms can be utilized. This study may act as a guideline for researchers in improving the current state-of-the-art on generally adopting these metaheuristics in software engineering.
Ductile–Brittle Transition Temperature of Epoxy Asphalt Concrete of Steel Bridge Deck Pavement Based on Impact Toughness
Authors: Zhang Shunxian , Nie Wen , Sha Aimin , Li Weixiong , Jiang Wei
Published: February 2023

To solve the common low-temperature cracking problem of epoxy asphalt concrete pavement on the steel bridge deck, based on the principle of fracture mechanics and energy method, this paper puts forward the impact toughness as the evaluation index of crack resistance of epoxy asphalt concrete and verifies the feasibility of this index through theoretical analysis and experiment. At the same time, based on the study of impact toughness, the ductile–brittle transition temperature of epoxy asphalt concrete was explored, and the working state of epoxy asphalt concrete at different temperatures was mastered. The results show that the impact toughness is closely related to the J integral, which can better evaluate the crack resistance of epoxy asphalt mixture. The Boltzmann function can accurately reflect the relationship between impact toughness and temperature and can determine the ductile–brittle transition temperature and transition interval of epoxy asphalt concrete. Impact toughness and ductile–brittle transition temperature can be used as the evaluation index of crack resistance of epoxy asphalt concrete, which provides a new design idea for the study of crack resistance of epoxy asphalt concrete and the scope of engineering application.
Experimental Investigations on the Performance of Thermosyphon Solar Flat Plate Collector using TiO2 Nanofluids
Authors: Suthahar S. T. Jaya , Saravanan S. , Karthikeyan B. , Jaisankar S. , Palanisamy R. , Bajaj Mohit , Pushkarna Mukesh , Alphonse Sadam
Published: February 2023

Titanium dioxide nanofluid is used in the thermosyphon solar flat plate collector at volume fractions of 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%, and 1% to test the collector’s effectiveness. The heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, friction factor, and pressure drop calculations were used to analyze the impact of adding nanoparticles to the working fluid. The effectiveness of the solar flat plate collector and the heat transfer coefficient are both greatly affected by the addition of titanium dioxide to the working fluid, with a tolerable rise in pressure drop. With concomitant variances of 15% and 13%, correlations were constructed for the Nusselt number and friction factor.
Study on Salmonella Isolates from Fresh Milk of Dairy Cows in Selected Districts of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Asefa Isayas , Legabo Ermias , Wolde Tsegaye , Fesseha Haben
Published: February 2023

Salmonella infections are most commonly found in animal-derived foods. From December 2021 to May 2022, the researchers conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of Salmonella isolated from raw milk collected in and around Areka town, Boloso Sore Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 151 direct udder milk samples were collected at random and examined using bacteriological methods. The overall prevalence of Salmonella was 9.3% (14/151). Breed, age, body condition, lactation stage, and parity were statistically significant risk factors (

p
<
0.05

). Salmonellosis was more common and statistically significant in dairy cows with poor body condition and late lactation stage, as well as the Holstein Friesian crossbreed, accounting for 17.6%, 19.1%, and 17.3%, respectively. The farm’s husbandry hygiene and management system, on the other hand, had no significant association with salmonellosis (

p
>
0.05

). Salmonellosis was generally considered to be moderately prevalent and was one of the diseases of dairy cows in the study area that could have an impact on dairy production and have serious health and financial repercussions. As a result, improvements in milk quality maintenance and assurance are encouraged, and the need for additional research in the study area was suggested along with other ideas.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Nazemi Azadeh , Shapiro Katherine , Nagpal Shavy , Rosenblum Nirit , Brucker Benjamin M.
Published: February 2023

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a hereditary tissue and collagen synthesis disorder that can predispose patients to gynecologic and obstetric complications. Female patients often suffer from bothersome pelvic floor disorders, but due to the medical complexity of EDS, special considerations are needed for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and associated incontinence. In this paper, we present three unique cases of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in EDS patients and delve deeper into the multidisciplinary approach involving urogynecology, rheumatology, physiatry, gastroenterology, and anesthesiology required to appropriately manage this condition.
Evaluation of Pb (II) Removal by Tea Pulp Modified with Magnetite Nanoparticle
Authors: Mozaffari Morteza , Khodabakhshi Abbas , Azizi Amin
Published: February 2023

Tea waste was used to successfully synthesize magnetic nanoparticles (TWMNPs). In this investigation, Pb (II) was eliminated by tea waste modified with magnetite nanoparticles (TWMNPs) was investigated. To prepare the TWMNPs, FeCl3.6H2O was dissolved in double distilled water (DDW) and 20 g of pulp tea was added slowly and stirred, after 30 min TWMNPs adsorbent were separated through an external magnetic field and washed three times with double distilled water (DDW) and ethanol then dried at 60°C. The FESEM test of TWMNPs shows the particle size in the range of 15–20 nm and spherical/cuboid-shaped crystal structure of Fe3O4 (magnetite). X-ray analysis showed that the main XRD diffraction peaks of TWMNPs are related to Fe3O4, HighScore plus X’Pert software was used to identify the phase in this sample. The specific surface area of the prepared magnetite nanoparticles was 25.2 m2.g−1. The pore volume, maximum pore radius, and VSM of TWMNPs were 14.4 cm3.g−1, 2.3 nm, and 3.37–2.41, respectively. The effects of various parameters, such as contact time, pH, concentration, and adsorbent dosage, were studied. The experimental isotherm data were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich models, and it was found that the removal process followed the Langmuir isotherm and the maximum adsorption capacity calculated by Langmuir fitting was 10.67 mg.g−1. In addition, the adsorption kinetics followed the first-order kinetic model and the value of rate constant was found to be 14.04 × 10−2 min−1. The results showed that increasing the pH level led to a rise in the response level and Pb (II) removal. Also, the trend in Pb (II) removal and response level had an increase with increasing the initial concentration of Pb (II). Increasing contact time from 5 to 20 minutes has a slight effect on Pb (II) removal. Considering the results, TWMNPs could lead to suitable results for the removal of Pb (II) from wastewater containing this metal. And the maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 10.67 mg.g−1.
Influence of the Volute Tongue Shape on Cavitation Performance in Aviation Fuel Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Zhao Siwei , Li Yiming , Zhang Ling , Wang Kai , Luo Guangzhao
Published: February 2023

During the operation of an aviation fuel centrifugal pump, the performance of the pump dropped sharply due to cavitation, which caused cavitation damage near the volute tongue, which seriously threatened the safe and stable operation of the aircraft. According to the characteristics that the cavitation in the volute tongue region occurs in large flow rate, the volute tongue shape of aviation fuel centrifugal pump was improved in this paper, and the influence of the volute tongue shape on the cavitation characteristics of aviation fuel centrifugal pump at 1.2 times of design flow rate was studied. The research shows that under 1.2 times of design flow rate, the critical cavitation number of the improved volute tongue shape is reduced by 7.4% compared with the original scheme. The improved volute tongue effectively suppresses the generation of cavitation in the volute tongue region. The vortex core distribution area is reduced compared to the original scheme. When the cavitation number is low, doubling the axial passing frequency on the pressure pulsation spectrum at the monitoring point of the volute tongue is obviously weakened.
The Relationship between Visual-Evoked Potential and Optic Coherence Tomography and Clinical Findings in Parkinson Patients
Authors: Tuncer Zeynep , Dereli Can Gamze , Dönmez Keklikoğlu Hava , Eren Fatma Ayşen , Yülek Fatma , Deniz Orhan
Published: February 2023

Background. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), dopamine deficiency is present not only in the nigrostriatal pathway but also in the retinal and visual pathways. Optic coherence tomography (OCT) can be used as morphological evidence of visual influence from early nonmotor symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of OCT and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) of eyes with the severity of clinical findings and ocular findings in PD. Methods. A group of 42 patients diagnosed with idiopathic PD and a control group of 29 people between the ages of 45–85 were included in our study. VEP was recorded in the patient and control groups. OCT measurement was made with the Optovue spectral-domain device. Foveal thickness and macular volume were measured in the foveal region and in the parafoveal and perifoveal regions in the temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior quadrants. RNFL (retinal nerve fiber layer) was measured in temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior quadrants. Ganglion cell complex (GCC) was evaluated in the superior and inferior quadrants. Using the UPDRS clinical scale, the relationship between measurements and the differences between the control group and the patient group were evaluated. Results. Among the OCT values in our study, foveal, parafoveal, perifoveal thickness, macular volume, RNFL, and GCC measurements were performed for the right and left eyes, and no difference was found between the patient group and the control group. There was no difference in VEP amplitude and latency values between the patient and control groups. The relationships between UPDRS and modified Hoehn Yahr staging and OCT and VEP measurements in the patient revealed no correlation. Conclusions. Studies on whether OCT measurements can functionally be a marker or which segments are more valuable for disease progression in patients with PD are needed. Visual dysfunction in PD cannot be attributed only to retinal pathology; however, the retina may provide monitoring of the status of dopaminergic neurodegeneration and axonal loss in PD.
Optimization of Filler Content and Size on Mechanical Performance of Graphene/Hemp/Epoxy-Based Hybrid Composites using Taguchi with ANN Technique
Authors: Natrayan L. , Bhaskar A. , Patil Pravin P. , Kaliappan S. , Dineshkumar M. , Esakkiraj E. S.
Published: February 2023

The usage of nanofillers in composite materials has grown over time due to various benefits, including superior properties, better adhesion, and high stiffness. To accomplish this, 150, 200, 250, and 300 gsm of hemp fiber mat with various thicknesses and weight proportions of graphene powder, including 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%, as well as 3, 6, 18, and 25 µm-sized particles, were used. High-speed mechanical stirring was used to evenly mix the nanofiller (nanographene) with the epoxy-based nanocomposites at various loadings. We looked at the bending and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) properties of hybrid nanomaterials. According to the study, adding 300 gsm of hemp epoxy composites filled with 6 wt% nanographene has significantly improved mechanical properties. The development of a forecasting model to determine the mechanical properties using artificial neural networks (ANN). The constructed model has a significant connection with the test findings. A correlation of 0.9724 for the Levenberg–Marquardt training procedure indicates a significant connection between the predicted and experimental artificial neural models. The observational and projected results for bending and ILSS have <3% and 4% errors, corresponding to the ANN prediction and Taguchi L16 matrix. The potential of ANN for forecasting the bending and ILSS of composite materials is expanded by the close relationship between ANN and experimental findings. The following parameters were used in the current study to determine the flexural strength: graphene content (40.79%), graphene size (34.19%), the number of hemp layers (12.57%), and hemp fiber thickness (11.65%). Similar to ILSS, graphene content accounts for 47.82% of the total, with graphene size (27.87%), hemp fiber thickness (11.80%), and the number of hemp layers (also 11.80%) all contributing (11.78%).
A Generic Risk Assessment Model for Animal Disease Entry through Wildlife: The Example of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever in The Netherlands
Authors: Counotte Michel J. , Petie Ronald , van Klink Ed G. M. , de Vos Clazien J.
Published: February 2023

Animal diseases can enter countries or regions through the movements of infected wildlife. A generic risk model would allow to quantify the risk of entry via this introduction route for different diseases and wildlife species, despite the vast variety in both, and help policy-makers to make informed decisions. Here, we propose such a generic risk assessment model and illustrate its application by assessing the risk of entry of African swine fever (ASF) through wild boar and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) through wild birds for the Netherlands between 2014–2021. We used disease outbreak data and abstracted movement patterns to populate a stochastic risk model. We found that the entry risk of HPAI fluctuated between the years, with a peak in 2021. In that year, we estimated the number of infected birds to reach the Dutch border by wild bird migration at 273 (95% uncertainty interval: 254–290). The probability that ASF outbreaks that occurred between 2014 and 2021 reached the Dutch border through wild boar movement was very low throughout the whole period; only the upper confidence bound indicated a small entry risk. On a yearly scale, the predicted entry risk for HPAI correlated well with the number of observed outbreaks. In conclusion, we present a generic and flexible framework to assess the entry risk of disease through wildlife. The model allows rapid and transparent estimation of the entry risk for diverse diseases and wildlife species. The modular structure of the model allows for adding nuance and complexity when required or when more data becomes available.
Predictive and Prognostic Implications of Circulating CX3CR1+ CD8+ T Cells in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Chemo-Immunotherapy
Authors: Abdelfatah Eihab , Long Mark D. , Kajihara Ryutaro , Oba Takaaki , Yamauchi Takayoshi , Chen Hongbin , Sarkar Joy , Attwood Kristopher , Matsuzaki Junko , Segal Brahm H. , Dy Grace K. , Ito Fumito
Published: February 2023

Lack of reliable predictive biomarkers is a major limitation of combination therapy with chemotherapy and anti–programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) therapy (chemo-immunotherapy). We previously observed that the increase of peripheral blood CD8+ T cells expressing CX3CR1, a marker of differentiation, correlates with response to anti–PD-1 therapy; however, the predictive and prognostic value of T-cell CX3CR1 expression during chemo-immunotherapy is unknown. Here, we evaluated the utility of circulating CX3CR1+CD8+ T cells as a predictive correlate of response to chemo-immunotherapy in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At least 10% increase of the CX3CR1+ subset in circulating CD8+ T cells from baseline (CX3CR1 score) was associated with response to chemo-immunotherapy as early as 4 weeks with 85.7% overall accuracy of predicting response at 6 weeks. Furthermore, at least 10% increase of the CX3CR1 score correlated with substantially better progression-free (P = 0.0051) and overall survival (P = 0.0138) on Kaplan–Meier analysis. Combined single-cell RNA/T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing of circulating T cells from longitudinally obtained blood samples and TCR sequencing of tumor tissue from the same patient who received a long-term benefit from the treatment demonstrated remarkable changes in genomic and transcriptomic signatures of T cells as well as evolution of TCR clonotypes in peripheral blood containing highly frequent tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte repertoires overexpressing CX3CR1 early after initiation of the treatment despite stable findings of the imaging study. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential utility of T-cell CX3CR1 expression as a dynamic blood-based biomarker during the early course of chemo-immunotherapy and a marker to identify frequent circulating tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte repertoires.

Significance:

Current approaches to combined chemotherapy and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy (chemo-immunotherapy) for patients with NSCLC are limited by the lack of reliable predictive biomarkers. This study shows the utility of T-cell differentiation marker, CX3CR1, as an early on-treatment predictor of response and changes in genomic/transcriptomic signatures of circulating tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte repertoires in patients with NSCLC undergoing chemo-immunotherapy.
Nihonjin: uma narrativa sobre a migração japonesa no Brasil
Authors: Silva Maurício , Couto Rita
Published: February 2023

Resenha do livro: NAKASATO, Oscar. Nihonjin. São Paulo, Benvirá, 2011
Brasileiros no Chile: o funcionamento do ‘mercado da saudade’ via redes sociais virtuais transnacionais
Authors: Escudero Camila
Published: February 2023

O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar as formas de utilização das redes sociais virtuais por brasileiros estabelecidos no Chile, no que se refere às articulações e interações desses emigrantes na movimentação de “negócios étnicos”, grosso modo, empreendimentos de renda financeira criados por e para migrantes no país de destino. Como recursos teórico-metodológicos, nos baseamos nos conceitos de transnacionalismo, redes migratórias e webdiáspora, e realizamos uma análise de conteúdo, de abordagem qualitativa, sobre um corpus constituído de cinco páginas de diferentes grupos voltados para brasileiros no Chile presentes no Facebook, que reúnem 81.998 membros. Entre os principais resultados, destacamos que, ao recorrer a elementos identitários do Brasil, evocam-se hábitos, costumes e tradições vivenciadas pelos membros do grupo no país de origem, que acabam por gerar participação e despertar sentimentos de pertencimento, nostalgia e memórias, reforçando a ideia de “mercado da saudade” alinhado à proposta de “economia criativa”.
Atravessados pela fronteira: a retórica da violência, desordem e ameaça no contexto do neoliberalismo e da regulação punitiva da mobilidade subalterna
Authors: Almeida Ricardo Gesteira Ramos de , Sá Natalia Coimbra de
Published: February 2023

Este artigo pretende analisar criticamente a relação entre as dinâmicas de cercamento de fronteiras, no contexto da globalização, e a constituição de um regime de mediação seletiva de fluxos (in)desejados pautado pela penalização e estigmatização da mobilidade subalterna. Nesse contexto, foi observado como as narrativas produzidas na área de comunicação dialogam com esse processo, podendo contribuir para a construção e fortalecimento de imaginários em que predominam estereótipos e preconceitos ou, alternativamente, abrir espaços para que as histórias de migrantes sejam conhecidas, bem como denúncias sejam feitas em casos de xenofobia e violação de direitos humanos. Para tanto, buscamos desenvolver uma abordagem teórico-analítica sobre um episódio concreto de violência contra jovens migrantes abrigados em um Centro de Acogida de Menores, na cidade espanhola de El Masnou, que se tornou conhecido do público a partir de publicações na imprensa local e foi analisado em uma edição do programa Invisibles Podcast, em 2021.
A polidez do “hóspede” como ethos do influenciador migrante
Authors: Ávila Otávio Cezarini
Published: February 2023

A premissa de que todo migrante transnacional é um indivíduo colocado em estado de provisoriedade se aproxima das discussões sobre a hospitalidade mediadas por um comportamento disciplinado que associa estes indivíduos a uma polidez típica dos visitantes. Esse hífen teórico que aproxima migração e hospitalidade avança para o ambiente online e as manifestações individuais (self migrante) que buscam visibilidade nesse regime de transparência, autenticidade e produtividade típico das plataformas digitais. O objetivo do artigo é trazer, por meio de uma pesquisa aprofundada sobre uma influenciadora diaspórica em especial (sem reduzir-se a ela), como é construído o ethos da polidez do “hóspede” nessa ambiência e, além disso, busca-se observar como esse comportamento por vezes é subvertido pela atuação política frente à condição estrangeira.
As políticas europeias de imigração: o caso de Espanha e Portugal
Authors: Costa Ana Paula
Published: February 2023

Este trabalho faz a contextualização da evolução da política de imigração na Espanha e em Portugal, numa perspectiva que considera o regime migratório da Europa do Sul, a dinâmica de mobilidade de imigrantes na região e o entendimento da União Europeia (UE) sobre a política de imigração. Apesar das particularidades nacionais, a imigração mostra muitas semelhanças nos dois países. O objetivo é analisar, portanto, como as políticas de imigração reagiram ao fluxo de imigrantes e compreender o contexto em que foram introduzidos os mecanismos de regularização por meio do trabalho subordinado.
Europa, mídia e a guerra na Ucrânia: “nossos refugiados são melhores que os outros”
Authors: Abdo Cláudio
Published: February 2023

Este artigo discute a cobertura midiática da guerra entre Rússia e Ucrânia e como um duplo padrão no jornalismo pode ser facilmente percebido. O trabalho utiliza a revisão narrativa como metodologia que proporciona a percepção, do ponto de vista do autor, de uma situação referente ao conflito na Europa e como os profissionais de comunicação tratam os refugiados ucranianos e que estão no continente europeu de forma diferente de outros países do Oriente Médio, Ásia e Norte da África. Publicações em jornais, portais de comunicação e vídeos referidos no texto mostram que a mídia utiliza um duplo padrão na cobertura da guerra na Ucrânia e que isso pode ter um impacto significativo na percepção que os cidadãos têm do conflito e, consequentemente, na formação da opinião pública sobre o assunto.