bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychophysics of user acceptance of social cyber-physical systems
Authors: Dimitrova Maya , Chehlarova Neda , Madzharov Anastas , Krastev Aleksandar , Chavdarov Ivan
Published: October 2024

A mini-review of the literature, supporting the view on the psychophysical origins of some user acceptance effects of cyber-physical systems (CPSs), is presented and discussed in this paper. Psychophysics implies the existence of a lawful functional dependence between some aspect/dimension of the stimulation from the environment, entering the senses of the human, and the psychological effect that is being produced by this stimulation, as reflected in the subjective responses. Several psychophysical models are discussed in this mini-review, aiming to support the view that the observed effects of reactance to a robot or the uncanny valley phenomenon are essentially the same subjective effects of different intensity. Justification is provided that human responses to technologically and socially ambiguous stimuli obey some regularity, which can be considered a lawful dependence in a psychophysical sense. The main conclusion is based on the evidence that psychophysics can provide useful and helpful, as well as parsimonious, design recommendations for scenarios with CPSs for social applications.
Extreme hypernatremia after a laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ding Fei , Nie Xin , Chen Yuemei , Wang Minjin , He Yong
Published: October 2024

Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) primarily arises from an X-linked recessive inheritance caused by mutations in the AVPR2 gene, which is responsible for approximately 90% of cases. This condition has an incidence rate of 4–8 per million male live births, with females being much less frequently affected. Symptoms typically manifest shortly after birth, predominantly in males. The key clinical features of NDI include excessive urination (polyuria), compensatory excessive thirst (polydipsia), cognitive impairment, consistently low urine specific gravity, dehydration, and imbalances in electrolyte levels. This case study highlights an unusual occurrence of NDI in a 50-year-old Chinese woman attributed to a mutation in the AVPR2 gene. For more than a year, she had been suffering from excessive urination and severe thirst. The patient, who had undergone surgery for cervical cancer, developed polyuria and hypernatremia postoperatively. Initial laboratory analyses revealed normal blood sodium and chloride levels but reduced urine osmolality and specific gravity. Imaging assessments revealed no irregularities. To validate the diagnosis of NDI, she participated in a water deprivation and vasopressin test. Subsequent genetic tests revealed a thymine (T) to adenine (A) mutation, leading to a missense mutation in the AVPR2 gene. As part of her treatment, she was placed on a low-sodium diet and prescribed oral hydrochlorothiazide and indomethacin for 1 month, resulting in a marked improvement in her symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of NDI diagnosed postoperatively in an older female patient with AVPR2 heterozygosity. This case highlights an unusual instance of an X-linked recessive clinical presentation of NDI in an elderly female patient. This study also underscores the importance of conducting water deprivation, vasopressin tests, and genetic testing in establishing the underlying cause for individuals diagnosed with NDI.
Complications of tunneled and non-tunneled peripherally inserted central catheter placement in chemotherapy-treated cancer patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hong Jiana , Mao Xiaodan
Published: October 2024

Background

Tunneled peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) have potential to reduce complications compared to non-tunneled PICC in previous studies. Which is better is debatable. Thus, the aim to compare the effect of tunneled and non-tunneled PICC for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library database, and CNKI were searched from inception to March 15, 2024. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) was calculated to assess the complications of tunneled and non-tunneled PICC for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy using random- or fixed-effects models.

Results

A total of 12 articles were retrieved. Meta-analysis showed that tunneled PICC significantly decreased the risk of wound oozing (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.20–0.41), infection risk (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20–0.85), thrombosis risk (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.15–0.44), phlebitis risk (OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.13–0.40), and catheter dislodgement risk (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.22–0.50) compared to non-tunneled PICC.

Conclusions

The subcutaneous tunneling technology has advantages over normal technique in decreasing PICC-related complications for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42024522862).
Strengthening Resilience: Social Responsibility and Citizen Participation in Local Governance
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández María Isabel
Published: October 2024

The concept of resilience has gained significant prominence across various disciplines, particularly in the context of regional development. Specifically, the Social Responsibility of Local Public Administrations (SRLPA) may play a significant role in fostering resilient territories. This study proposes a second-order model utilizing Structural Equation Modeling—Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to investigate the complex relationships between the SRLPA and citizen participation in municipal affairs. The proposed model comprises six dimensions for the SRLPA: good governance values, efficiency, transparency, economic issues, environmental concerns, and socio-labor matters. One of the primary contributions of this study is the development and operationalization of a scale designed to measure the construct of the SRLPA. Additionally, empirical analysis shows that the relationship between the SRLPA and citizen participation is indirect. Instead, SRLPA exerts its influence through two mediating variables: citizen connection with the municipality and the perceived bond with the local government. The findings suggest that to positively impact citizen participation, the SRLPA must strengthen relationships with citizens, thereby enhancing their engagement in municipal affairs.
Effect of Crop Protection Intensity and Nitrogen Fertilisation on the Quality Parameters of Spelt Wheat Grain cv. ‘Rokosz’ Grown in South-Eastern Poland
Authors: Bernat Edyta , Chojnacka Sylwia , Wesołowska-Trojanowska Marta , Gawęda Dorota , Kwiecińska-Poppe Ewa , Haliniarz Małgorzata
Published: October 2024

Spelt wheat is one of the oldest wheats cultivated by humans. It is characterised by high nutritional values and is sought after by consumers. Additionally, it does not have high habitat and fertilisation requirements and is resistant to diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of nitrogen fertilisation and the intensification of fungicide protection on the grain quality characteristics of spelt cv. ‘Rokosz’ grown under south-eastern Polish conditions. The present research showed that the intensification of fungicide crop protection and increasing the nitrogen dose from 70 to 130 kg ha−1 had a positive effect on the quality features of spelt grains. The highest protein, gluten and starch contents were found after four fungicide treatments. These parameters increased their values under the influence of fungicides. After the application of 130 kg ha−1, spelt wheat grain had the most favourable chemical composition, containing the most protein, gluten, soluble dietary fibre, insoluble dietary fibre and fat. It also had a positive effect on the Zeleny sedimentation index and the amino acid content of the grain. Due to the favourable response of the spelt cv. ‘Rokosz’ to intensified fungicide protection and nitrogen fertilisation, it should be recommended for cultivation in integrated technology.
Differences in the Appearance Quality of Soft Japonica Rice with Different Grain Shapes in the Yangtze River Delta and Their Relationship with Grain-Filling
Authors: Cao Jiale , Chen Xi , Ma Zhongtao , Yu Jianghui , Wang Ruizhi , Zhu Ying , Xu Fangfu , Hu Qun , Liu Guodong , Li Guangyan , Wei Haiyan
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the differences in appearance quality among different soft japonica rice varieties based on grain shape, with a particular focus on the broad-ovate soft japonica rice varieties Nanjing 9108 and Nanjing 5718, as well as the slender soft japonica rice varieties Shangshida 19 and Jiahe 218, all sourced from the Yangtze River Delta. The results showed that the slender soft japonica rice varieties exhibited significantly superior appearance quality compared to the broad-ovate varieties. In the case of superior grains, the chalky grain rate of the broad-ovate soft japonica rice was 4307.79 percent higher than that of the slender varieties, and the degree of chalkiness was 8275.00 percent higher. For inferior grains, the chalky grain rate of the broad-ovate soft japonica rice was 238.34 percent higher than the slender varieties, and the degree of chalkiness was 339.96 percent higher. In contrast to the slender soft japonica rice, the broad-ovate varieties had a lower percentage of high-weight grains and a higher percentage of low-weight grains. Compared to the broad-ovate soft japonica rice, the slender varieties exhibited a faster grain-filling rate and shorter effective grain-filling days. Correlation analysis revealed that chalkiness had a significant negative correlation with grain length and aspect ratio. Simultaneously, chalkiness also showed a positive correlation with the number of effective grain-filling days while demonstrating a negative correlation with both the maximum and average grain-filling rates. The slender soft japonica rice exhibited a lower likelihood of developing chalkiness and higher grain-filling efficiency and developed a favorable grain weight distribution. These distinctive attributes significantly contribute to the superior appearance quality of the slender japonica soft rice.
Effects of Intercropping of Sisal and Three Different Leguminous Plants on Soil Bacterial Diversity
Authors: Liang Yanqiong , Tan Shibei , He Chunping , Li Rui , Lu Ying , Chen Helong , Huang Xing , Wu Weihuai , Yi Kexian
Published: October 2024

Intercropping is widely utilised in agricultural production to enhance land use efficiency because of its benefits, such as heightened crop productivity and optimised resource utilisation. We investigated the effects of Pinto peanut/sisal (HST), Stylo/sisal (strT) and Grona styracifolia/sisal (JqT) intercropping systems on soil bacterial communities compared with sisal continuous cropping (CK) by using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology. The intercropping system significantly increased the total nitrogen (TN), soil pH and soil moisture levels and decreased the levels of available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK). Minimal variations were observed in Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity indices between the monoculture and intercropping systems as well as among different intercropping systems. The most abundant phyla observed within the four groups were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes. At the phylum level, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes were 37.37–54.35%, 10.54–21.21%, 3.46–20.43% and 2.15–5.67%, respectively. Compared with ZCK, StrT, JqT and HST treatments led to higher abundance of Cyanobacteria (from 3.46% to 20.43%, 11.37% and 16.58%, respectively) and Bacteroidetes (from 2.15% to 5.67%, 5.21% and 5.10%, respectively). The results of the linear discriminant analysis of effect sizes demonstrated notable variations in the relative abundance of bacterial taxa among various intercropping systems. The dominant categories of the genus in strT and JqT groups were Blastocatellia and Blastocatellaceae-Subgroup4, while Firmicutes was the dominant category of the genus in the HST group. The structure of bacterial communities did not vary between intercropping and monoculture systems. The findings indicated that the impact of the intercropping system on the bacterial community structure was not contingent on the specific intercropping patterns employed.
Long-Term Manuring and Fertilization Influence on Soil Properties and Wheat Productivity in Semi-Arid Regions
Authors: Kumari Manju , Prakash Dhram , Sheoran Sunita , Yadav Parmod Kumar , Ankit  , Yadav Harendra Kumar , Apurva  , Gupta Rajeev Kumar , El-Hendawy Salah , Mattar Mohamed A.
Published: October 2024

Information on the long-term effects of the addition of organics and fertilizers to wheat under the pearl millet–wheat cropping system with semi-arid conditions in north-western India is still lacking. The present research was conducted in an ongoing field experiment initiated during Rabi 1995 at the Research Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh at Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. After 25 years, the impacts of nutrient management practices on soil fertility and wheat productivity were evaluated. The experiment comprised a total of eight treatment combinations viz. half and full doses of recommended fertilizers (N and P), organic manures (FYM: farmyard manure, POM: poultry manure, and PRM: press mud) alone and in combination with NP fertilizers. The conjoint application of organic manure and chemical fertilizers resulted in a positive influx of nutrients via increasing total organic carbon (TOC), available N, P, K, and S, which ranged from 0.46 to 1.42%, 122.70 to 194.70, 15.66 to 74.92, 340.5 to 761.2, and 15.26 to 54.63 kg ha−1 in surface soil (0–15 cm), respectively. Carbon fractions and crop yield were significantly improved by adopting integrated nutrient management (INM). The TOC showed a positive and significant correlation with C fractions (r > 0.92) and with soil-available N, P, K, and S (r > 0.77) content. The data also revealed a strong relationship between TOC and soil-available (0–15 cm) nutrients i.e., available N (R2= 0.769), available P (R2 = 0.881), available K (R2 = 0.758), and available S (R2 = 0.914), respectively. Thus, practices that increased TOC were also beneficial in enhancing the availability of the nutrients in the soil. A positive and highly significant correlation was also found among wheat yield, nutrient (NPKS) content, and uptake. A polynomial relationship between grain yield and grain N (R2 = 0.962), P (R2 = 0.946), and K (R2 = 0.967) content, and between straw yield and straw N (R2 = 0.830), P (R2 = 0.541) and K (R2 = 0.976) content was obtained. Integrated use of PRM7.5 followed by FYM15 and POM5 coupled with NP fertilizers proved best, which could be beneficial for obtaining nutritious and highest wheat yield (grain: 6.01 t ha−1 and straw: 7.70 t ha−1) coupled with improved fertility within a sustained manner under the pearl millet–wheat sequence in prevailing semi-arid conditions of the North Indian state of Haryana.
Emotional Contagion in Animals: Connections and Applications
Authors: Gallup Andrew C.
Published: October 2024

The automatic spreading of emotions, i [...]
Inter- and Intra-Annual Variations in Oak Tree Ring δ13C Values across Different Elevations and Their Climatic Responses in Qinling Mountains
Authors: Li Chao , Fan Rong , Jiang Weilong , Zhang Hang , Li Xin , Chen Feiyu , Zhang Huan
Published: October 2024

The Qinling Mountains, serving as a natural geographical and climatic boundary in China, require comprehensive climatic records to elucidate the trends in climate changes across the country. While stable isotopes in tree rings are widely employed to indicate historical environmental changes, investigations into tree ring isotopes in the Qinling Mountains, particularly within the widespread broad-leaf oaks, remain limited. In this study, we investigated both intra- and inter-annual variations in the δ13C values of tree rings and their correlations with climatic signals over the past two decades for Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata, a dominant species among oak trees on the main peak of the Qinling Mountains. Our results reveal that responses to climate differ among altitudes and individual trees, with trees at higher altitudes exhibiting higher sensitivity to extreme climate, which is low temperatures and rainfall fluctuations during the growth period in intra-annual δ13C variations. Furthermore, the positive correlations are observed between temperature during growing season and both tree growth and the inter-annual δ13C variations. However, the climate signal appears to be hampered by oak-specific factors, such as intense competition among individuals and the age of trees. Therefore, we suggest a more rigorous selection of sampling and propose further investigations into isotopic fractionation processes in oaks for future studies.
Future Perspective: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in the Generation of New Peptide Drugs
Authors: Nissan Nour , Allen Mitchell C. , Sabatino David , Biggar Kyle K.
Published: October 2024

The expansive field of drug discovery is continually seeking innovative approaches to identify and develop novel peptide-based therapeutics. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), there has been a transformative shift in the generation of new peptide drugs. AI offers a range of computational tools and algorithms that enables researchers to accelerate the therapeutic peptide pipeline. This review explores the current landscape of AI applications in peptide drug discovery, highlighting its potential, challenges, and ethical considerations. Additionally, it presents case studies and future prospectives that demonstrate the impact of AI on the generation of new peptide drugs.
Study on Fractal Damage of Concrete Cracks Based on U-Net
Authors: Xie Ming , Wang Zhangdong , Yin Li’e , Xu Fangbo , Wu Xiangdong , Xu Mengqi
Published: October 2024

The damage degree of a reinforced concrete structure is closely related to the generation and expansion of cracks. However, the traditional damage assessment methods of reinforced concrete structures have defects, including low efficiency of crack detection, low accuracy of crack extraction, and dependence on the experience of inspectors to evaluate the damage of structures. Because of the above problems, this paper proposes a damage assessment method for concrete members combining the U-Net convolutional neural network and crack fractal features. Firstly, the collected test crack images are input into U-Net for segmenting and extracting the output cracks. The damage to the concrete structure is then classified into four empirical levels according to the damage index (DI). Subsequently, a linear regression equation is constructed between the fractal dimension (D) of the cracks and the damage index (DI) of the reinforced concrete members. The damage assessment is then performed by predicting the damage index using linear regression. The method was subsequently employed to predict the damage level of a reinforced concrete shear wall–beam combination specimen, which was then compared with the actual damage level. The results demonstrate that the damage assessment method for concrete members proposed in this study is capable of effectively identifying the damage degree of the concrete members, indicating that the method is both robust and generalizable.
The Spatial Form of the Traditional Residences of Shanxi Merchants: A Case Study of Pingyao Ancient City, China
Authors: Long Yang , Zakaria Safial Aqbar
Published: October 2024

The Shanxi merchants were one of the top ten merchant groups in Chinese history. From the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republic of China, they contributed significantly to the prosperity of China’s financial industry while also developing traditional residences adapted to the local living environment. Nevertheless, current research lacks a thorough investigation into how Shanxi merchant culture influenced the spatial forms of these residences. This study aimed to analyze the spatial forms of three types of Shanxi merchant residences in Pingyao Ancient City through a case study approach, exploring the factors influencing their spatial forms and their relationship with local culture. The focus is on how the shop residence, workshop residence, and courtyard residence types reflect the interplay between commercial activities and the sociocultural background through their spatial arrangements. The findings indicate a high degree of integration between commercial and residential functions, highlighting the profound impact of Shanxi merchant culture on social hierarchy and family structure. This research provides new insights into the spatial forms of Shanxi merchant residences, offering implications for the adaptive reuse of residences in modern urban planning and architectural design, as well as providing a theoretical basis and reference for the preservation and regeneration of architectural heritage.
High-Frequency Percussive Ventilation: A Promising Rescue Strategy in Severe Lung Disease of Extremely Low Gestational Age Neonates
Authors: Louie Kevin , Ericksen Kristina , Parton Lance A.
Published: October 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate high-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) as a rescue strategy for extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) with severe lung disease. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 16 ELGANs with severe lung disease who were placed on HFPV following a lack of improvement on other modes of conventional and high-frequency ventilation. Results: The gestational age of these 16 infants was 25 (24, 26) weeks and their birth weight was 640 (535, 773) grams [median (IQR)], with the survivors being more immature compared to those who died [24 (23, 26) and 26 (25, 28) weeks, respectively; (p = 0.04)]; and with an overall mortality of 31% (N = 5). Of those who died, 60% were SGA (p = 0.02). Following placement on HFPV, the survivors had a statistically significant decrease in their respiratory severity scores (RSSs) [11 (9, 14) to 6 (5, 13), p = 0.03] compared to those who did not survive [15 (11, 16) to 11 (6.8, 14.5), p = 0.32] due to an improvement in their oxygenation [FiO2: 0.95 (0.85, 1) to 0.6 (0.4, 0.9), p = 0.01; compared to 1 (1, 1) to 1 (0.7, 1); survivors and non-survivors, respectively; p = 0.32]. Chest X-rays also showed significantly improved aeration due to decreased areas of atelectasis in those who survived. Conclusions: HFPV may be an appropriate rescue mode of high-frequency ventilation in the ELGAN population with severe lung disease, particularly for patients with impaired oxygenation and ventilation difficulties due to shifting atelectasis and mucous plugging.
Correction: Müller et al. Henneguya correai n. sp. (Cnidaria, Myxozoa) Parasitizing the Fins of the Amazonian Fish Semaprochilodus insignis. Diversity 2023, 15, 702
Authors: Müller Maria I. , Figueredo Rayline T. A. , Atkinson Stephen D. , Bartholomew Jerri L. , Adriano Edson A.
Published: October 2024

In the published publication [...]
Prevalence and Diversity of Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Irish Peatlands
Authors: Pulavarty Anusha , Klappauf Tilman , Singh Ankit , Molero Molina Patricia , Godjo Anique , Molleman Bastiaan , McMillan Douglas , Kakouli-Duarte Thomais
Published: October 2024

The prevalence of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) in the Irish peatlands was investigated in five different peatland habitats—raised bog, cutover scrub/woodlands, fens and peat grasslands, which were further sub-categorised into fourteen different sub-habitats. Within the raised bog habitat were healthy bog hummock (HBH), healthy bog lawn (HBL), degraded bog hummock (DBH) and degraded bog lawn (DBL) and the fen habitats were fen peat (FP) and rich fen peat (R-FP). Cutover scrub or woodland habitat included cutover scrub rewetted (C-RW), cutover scrub non-rewetted (C-NRW), woodlands rewetted (W-RW) and woodlands non-rewetted (W-NRW). Grassland included wasted peat (WP), rough grazing (RG-I) and improved fen peat grassland (IFPG-RW and IFPG-NRW). Soil samples from peatlands were all collected between July and December 2023 when the temperature ranged from 12 to 20 °C. One half of each sample was used for molecular nematode analysis and the other half for morphological identification of nematodes. For the morphological identification, a specific nematode extraction protocol was optimised for peatland soils, and the extracted nematodes were fixed onto slides to be studied under a high-power light microscope. Subsequently, the other part of the soil was processed to isolate total DNA, from which the 18S rRNA gene was sequenced for the identification of nematode taxa. The extracted DNA was also used for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting analysis to determine banding patterns that could classify different bog habitats based on PPN random primers. Compared to that in the climax habitats (HBH, HBL, DBH, DBL, FP, R-FP), PPN prevalence was recorded as being higher in grasslands (WP, RG-I, IFPG-RW and IFPG-NRW) and scrub/woodland ecosystems (C-RW, C-NRW, W-RW, W-NRW). The results indicate that nematode populations are different across the various bog habitats. Emerging and current quarantine PPN belonging to the families Pratylenchidae, Meloidogynidae, Anguinidae and Heteroderidae were noted to be above the threshold limits mentioned under EPPO guidelines, in grassland and wooded peatland habitats. Future actions for PPN management may need to be considered, along with the likelihood that these PPN might impact future paludiculture and other crops and trees growing in nearby agricultural lands.
EOS: Impact Evaluation of Electric Vehicle Adoption on Peak Load Shaving Using Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: Howell William J. , Dong Ziqian , Rojas-Cessa Roberto
Published: October 2024

The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by the general population creates an opportunity to deploy the energy storage capability of EVs for performing peak energy shaving in their households and ultimately in their neighborhood grid during surging demand. However, the impact of the adoption rate in a neighborhood might be counterbalanced by the energy demand of EVs during off-peak hours. Therefore, achieving optimal peak energy shaving is a product of a sensitive balancing process that depends on the EV adoption rate. In this paper, we propose EOS, an agent-based simulation model, to represent independent household energy usage and estimate the real-time neighborhood energy consumption and peak shaving energy amount of a neighborhood. This study uses Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) and the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) data to model realistic real-time household energy use. We evaluate the impact of the EV adoption rates of a neighborhood on performing energy peak shaving during sudden energy surges. Our findings reveal these trade-offs and, specifically, a reduction of up to 30% of the peak neighborhood energy usage for the optimal neighborhood EV adoption rate in a 1089 household neighborhood.
Effect of Tungsten Doping on the Properties of Titanium Dioxide Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kao Ming-Cheng , Weng Jun-Hong , Chiang Chih-Hung , Chen Kai-Huang , Lin Der-Yuh , Kang Tsung-Kuei
Published: October 2024

Tungsten-doped TiO2 thin films were prepared by sol–gel method on fluorine-doped tin oxide-coated substrates as working electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells. The influences of different W doping (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 at%) on the microstructure, optical, and photovoltaic properties of the W-TiO2 thin-film DSSCs were studied by the measurement of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). An optimal DSSCs performance was observed with a 6 at% W-doped TiO2 thin film, resulting in a Voc of 0.68 V, a Jsc of 20.2 mA/cm2, an FF of 68.6%, and an efficiency (η) of 9.42%. The efficiency of DSSCs with 6 at% W-doped TiO2 photoanode improved by 75%. This is because the 6 at% W-doped TiO2 thin film increases the specific surface area and electron transfer rate.
Multiphysics Field Coupled to a Numerical Simulation Study on Heavy Oil Reservoir Development via Electromagnetic Heating in a SAGD-like Process
Authors: Yu Jifei , Liu Wenchao , Yang Yang , Sun Mingkai , Cao Yanfeng , Meng Zicheng
Published: October 2024

Conventional thermal recovery methods for heavy oil suffer from significant issues such as high water consumption, excessive greenhouse gas emissions, and substantial heat losses. In contrast, electromagnetic heating, as a waterless method for heavy oil recovery, offers numerous advantages, including high thermal energy utilization, reduced carbon emissions, and volumetric heating of the reservoir, making it a focus of recent research in heavy oil thermal recovery technologies. This paper presents a numerical simulation study of electromagnetic heating for heavy oil recovery, using a heavy oil block in the Bohai Bay oilfield in China as a case study. Firstly, a multiphysics field coupled to a mathematical model was established, considering the impact of the temperature on the heavy oil viscosity, the threshold pressure gradient of non-Darcy flow, and the dielectric properties of the reservoir, along with heat dissipation from overlying and undercover sandstone and gravitational effects on fluid flow. Secondly, a numerical simulation method for the coupled multiphysics fields was developed, and the convergence and stability of the numerical simulation method were tested. Finally, a sensitivity analysis based on the numerical simulation results identified the factors affecting heavy oil production. It was found that electromagnetic heating significantly enhances heavy oil production, and the threshold pressure gradient greatly influences the prediction of heavy oil production. Moreover, heat dissipation from the overlying and undercover sandstone severely reduces cumulative oil production. When the production well is located below the electromagnetic heating antenna, larger well spacing results in higher cumulative heavy oil production. Higher heavy oil production is achieved when the antenna is positioned at the center of the reservoir for the studied cases. Power has a big effect on increasing heavy oil production, but its influence diminishes as power increases. There exists an optimal range of electromagnetic frequencies for maximum cumulative production, and higher water saturation leads to poorer electromagnetic heating efficiency. This study provides a theoretical foundation and technical support for the numerical simulation technology and development plan optimization of heavy oil reservoirs subjected to electromagnetic heating.
Genome-Wide Identification of the Maize Chitinase Gene Family and Analysis of Its Response to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Wang Tonghan , Wang Changjin , Liu Yang , Zou Kunliang , Guan Minghui , Wu Yutong , Yue Shutong , Hu Ying , Yu Haibing , Zhang Kaijing , Wu Degong , Du Junli
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Chitinases, enzymes belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family, play a crucial role in plant growth and stress response by hydrolyzing chitin, a natural polymer found in fungal cell walls. This study aimed to identify and analyze the maize chitinase gene family, assessing their response to various biotic and abiotic stresses to understand their potential role in plant defense mechanisms and stress tolerance. Methods: We employed bioinformatics tools to identify 43 chitinase genes in the maize B73_V5 genome. These genes were characterized for their chromosomal positions, gene and protein structures, phylogenetic relationships, functional enrichment, and collinearity. Based on previous RNA-seq data, the analysis assessed the expression patterns of these genes at different developmental stages and under multiple stress conditions. Results: The identified chitinase genes were unevenly distributed across maize chromosomes with a history of tandem duplications contributing to their divergence. The ZmChi protein family was predominantly hydrophilic and localized mainly in chloroplasts. Expression analysis revealed that certain chitinase genes were highly expressed at specific developmental stages and in response to various stresses, with ZmChi31 showing significant responsiveness to 11 different abiotic and biotic stresses. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the role of chitinase genes in maize stress response, establishing a theoretical framework for exploring the molecular basis of maize stress tolerance. The identification of stress-responsive chitinase genes, particularly ZmChi31, offers potential candidates for further study in enhancing maize resistance to environmental challenges.
Exploring Natural Language Processing through an Exemplar Using YouTube
Authors: Chung Joohyun , Song Sangmin , Son Heesook
Published: October 2024

There has been a growing emphasis on data across various health-related fields, not just in nursing research, due to the increasing volume of unstructured data in electronic health records (EHRs). Natural Language Processing (NLP) provides a solution by transforming this unstructured data into structured formats, thereby facilitating valuable insights. This methodology paper explores the application of NLP in nursing, using an exemplar case study that analyzes YouTube data to investigate social phenomena among adults living alone. The methodology involves five steps: accessing data through YouTube’s API, data cleaning, preprocessing (tokenization, sentence segmentation, linguistic normalization), sentiment analysis using Python, and topic modeling. This study serves as a comprehensive guide for integrating NLP into nursing research, supplemented with digital content demonstrating each step. For successful implementation, nursing researchers must grasp the fundamental concepts and processes of NLP. The potential of NLP in nursing is significant, particularly in utilizing unstructured textual data from nursing documentation and social media. Its benefits include streamlining nursing documentation, enhancing patient communication, and improving data analysis.
Disconnected Flows, Eroded Landscapes: A Case Study of Human Impact on a Judean Desert Water System
Authors: Shtober-Zisu Nurit , Zissu Boaz
Published: October 2024

The Bir el-Umdan cistern, a prominent archaeological site in the Judean Desert, is one of the largest and best preserved water systems in the region. Hewn in chalk, the cistern area measures 114 m2 and has a ~700 m3 volume. Two massive columns, each with a base diameter of 2.5 m, support the ceiling within the cistern’s interior. This impressive structure is estimated to date back to the Hellenistic to Late Antiquity periods based on its architectural characteristics. Historical records indicate that the cistern was documented on 19th-century maps but disappeared from the 1935 and 1943 British Mandate maps. Its reappearance on the 1967 Survey of Israel map includes an upstream road disconnecting the cistern from its natural drainage basin. Despite its renovation in the 2010s, the cistern’s water supply remains limited due to its reduced catchment area, which now constitutes only 25% of its original size. Runoff coefficients calculated for the cistern’s drainage basin are relatively low (1.4% to 8.1%) compared to other desert regions. We analyzed the 21st-century runoff coefficient and recurrence interval over the original drainage basin (0.12 km2) to estimate the water volumes in antiquity. Our analysis suggests that using an 8.1% runoff coefficient, the estimated water volume is 806 m3, implying a cistern overflow every 6–7 years. A more conservative estimate using a 5% runoff coefficient yields a water volume of 500 m3 and a 15-year recurrence interval. Sediment analysis reveals that silt particles dominate the sediment accumulated in the cistern and its upstream sedimentation basins. The consistent grain size distribution throughout the system indicates rapid water flow during flood events. Reconstructing the sedimentation history is challenging due to potential maintenance and possible dredging and cleaning operations.
Investigating the Heterogeneity Effects of Urban Morphology on Building Energy Consumption from a Spatio-Temporal Perspective Using Old Residential Buildings on a University Campus
Authors: Ma Jinhui , Huang Haijing , Peng Mingxi , Zhou Yihuan
Published: October 2024

The significant increase in building energy consumption poses a major challenge to environmental sustainability. In this process, urban morphology plays a pivotal role in shaping building energy consumption. However, its impact may exhibit latent heterogeneity due to differences in temporal resolution and spatial scales. For urban energy planning and energy consumption modeling, it is crucial to pinpoint when and where urban morphology parameters matter, an overlooked aspect in prior research. This study quantitatively explores this heterogeneity, utilizing a detailed dataset from old residential buildings within a university campus. Spatial lag models were employed for cross-modeling across various temporal and spatial dimensions. The results show that annual and seasonal spatial regression models perform best within a 150 m buffer zone. However, not all significant indicators fall within this range, suggesting that blindly applying the same range to all indicators may lead to inaccurate conclusions. Moreover, significant urban morphology indicators vary in quantity, category, and directionality. The green space ratio exhibits correlations with energy consumption in annual, summer, and winter periods within buffer zones of 150 m, 50~100 m, and 100 m, respectively. It notably displays a negative correlation with annual energy consumption but a positive correlation with winter energy consumption. To address this heterogeneity, this study proposes a three-tiered framework—macro-level project decomposition, establishing a key indicator library, and energy consumption comparisons, facilitating more targeted urban energy model and energy management decisions.
Four-Dimensional Printing of Multi-Material Origami and Kirigami-Inspired Hydrogel Self-Folding Structures
Authors: Appavoo Divambal , Azim Nilab , Elshatoury Maged , Antony Dennis-Xavier , Rajaraman Swaminathan , Zhai Lei
Published: October 2024

Four-dimensional printing refers to a process through which a 3D printed object transforms from one structure into another through the influence of an external energy input. Self-folding structures have been extensively studied to advance 3D printing technology into 4D using stimuli-responsive polymers. Designing and applying self-folding structures requires an understanding of the material properties so that the structural designs can be tailored to the targeted applications. Poly(N-iso-propylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) was used as the thermo-responsive material in this study to 3D print hydrogel samples that can bend or fold with temperature changes. A double-layer printed structure, with PNIPAM as the self-folding layer and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the supporting layer, provided the mechanical robustness and overall flexibility to accommodate geometric changes. The mechanical properties of the multi-material 3D printing were tested to confirm the contribution of the PEG support to the double-layer system. The desired folding of the structures, as a response to temperature changes, was obtained by adding kirigami-inspired cuts to the design. An excellent shape-shifting capability was obtained by tuning the design. The experimental observations were supported by COMSOL Multiphysics® software simulations, predicting the control over the folding of the double-layer systems.
Isotopically Enriched Lithium Fluoride Crystals for Detection of Neutrons with the Fluorescent Track Technique
Authors: Sankowska Małgorzata , Bilski Paweł , Kłosowski Mariusz , Kilian Anna , Gieszczyk Wojciech , Marczewska Barbara
Published: October 2024

In this work, the properties of LiF crystals grown using Li of different isotopic compositions are described from the standpoint of their application as fluorescent nuclear track detectors used in measurements in the neutron radiation fields. The crystals were grown using two techniques: the Czochralski method and the micro-pulling-down method. Three isotopic compositions of Li were studied: natural, highly enriched in 6Li, and highly enriched in 7Li. It was found that 6LiF detectors are about six times more sensitive to thermal (low energy) neutrons than natural LiF, which significantly decreases the lower detection limit. 7LiF detectors are insensitive to thermal neutrons, which makes it easier to detect tracks due to other radiation modalities, such as energetic ions or nuclei recoiled in collisions with high-energy neutrons. Besides the response to neutron radiation, no other significant differences in the crystal properties were identified, irrespective of the isotopic composition and crystal growth method employed.
Improving the Performance of Mortar under Carbonization Curing by Adjusting the Composition of Ternary Binders
Authors: Wu Fufei , Yang Bumeng , Luo Pengfei , Dong Shuangkuai , Wang Hongying , Zhang Qiuyue , Huang Zonghui , Jiang Jun , Cai Yang , Yang Shan , Xu Fajun
Published: October 2024

As the most widely used building material, cement has attracted the attention of scholars because of its large carbon emission. To alleviate the problems of carbon emission and limited resource use caused by cement production, this study focuses on the performance of mortar after carbonization curing by regulating the composition of ternary binders. Testing involved mechanical parameters, carbon shrinkage, water absorption, hydration product, microstructure, adsorption of carbon dioxide, calcium carbonate content, and carbonization degree of mortar, as well as comparisons with the effect of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud. We carried out several studies which demonstrated that carbonization curing and adjusting the content of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud were beneficial to improve the mechanical properties, peak load displacement, slope, elastic energy, plastic energy, carbon shrinkage, carbon dioxide adsorption, calcium carbonate content, and carbonization degree of mortar, while the addition of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud increased the water absorption of mortar, and the greater the dosage, the greater the water absorption. Meanwhile, adding 25%–50% calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud still had negative effects on the mechanical properties of mortar. But carbonation curing and the addition of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud could promote the hydration reaction and consume calcium hydroxide formed by hydration to form calcium carbonate. When the dosage was 50%, the carbon dioxide adsorption capacity, calcium carbonate content, and carbonization degree of calcium carbide slag mortar were higher than those of sintered red mud mortar, which increased by 29.56%, 102.73%, and 28.84%, respectively. By comparison, calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud still showed superior carbon sequestration capacity, which was higher than fly ash and Bayer red mud. From the experiment, we came to realize that adjusting the composition of cementitious materials could realize the carbon sequestration of cement-based materials and promote the road toward low-carbon sustainable development of cement.
The Effect of Inorganic Filler Content on the Properties of BPA-Free Bulk-Fill Dental Resin Composites
Authors: Deng Huilin , Liu Fang , He Jingwei
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to enhance the performance of dental resin composites (DRCs) by increasing the content of inorganic fillers while addressing potential health risks associated with Bisphenol A (BPA). To achieve this, the BPA-based resin monomer Bis-GMA was replaced with BPA-free Bis-EFMA. The study then explored the impact of varying inorganic filler contents on the physiochemical properties of Bis-EFMA-based bulk-fill dental resin composites (BF-DRCs). Four distinct Bis-EFMA-based BF-DRCs were formulated, each with different inorganic filler contents ranging from 70 wt% to 76 wt%. The study tested the depth of cure (DOC), double-bond conversion (DC), water sorption (WS), solubility (SL), and cytotoxicity of the system. It notably investigated the effects of increasing filler content on mechanical properties through flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), Vickers microhardness (VHN), and wear resistance, as well as the impact on polymerization shrinkage, including volumetric shrinkage (VS) and shrinkage stress (SS). To assess the commercial application potential of Bis-EFMA-based BF-DRC, the research used the commercially available BF-DRC Filtek Bulk-Fill Posterior (FBF) as a control. The results indicated that a higher filler content did not affect the DOC of Bis-EFMA-based BF-DRCs. Inorganic fillers at higher concentrations significantly enhanced overall mechanical properties while significantly reducing volumetric shrinkage (VS; p < 0.05). When the concentration of inorganic fillers in the resin system reached 76 wt%, most of the performance of the Bis-EFMA-based BF-DRC surpassed that of the commercial control FBF, except for FS, FM, and SS. These findings highlight the potential of Bis-EFMA-based BF-DRC as a long-term restorative material for dental applications.
Preliminary Study on Multi-Scale Modeling of Asphalt Materials: Evaluation of Material Behavior through an RVE-Based Approach
Authors: Ibrahim Hassanin Mohamed Ahmed , Giraldo-Londoño Oliver , Deng Baolin , Chen Zhen , Rath Punyaslok , Buttlar William G.
Published: October 2024

This study employs a microstructure-based finite element modeling approach to understand the mechanical behavior of asphalt mixtures across different length scales. Specifically, this work aims to develop a multi-scale modeling approach employing representative volume elements (RVEs) of optimal size; this is a key issue in asphalt modeling for high-fidelity fracture modeling of heterogeneous asphalt mixtures. To determine the optimal RVE size, a convergence analysis of homogenized elastic properties is conducted using two types of RVEs, one made with polydisperse spherical inclusions, and another made with polydisperse truncated cylindrical inclusions, each aligned with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official’s maximum density gradation curve for a 12.5 mm Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size (NMAS). The minimum RVE lengths for this NMAS were found to be in the range of 32–34 mm. After the optimal RVE size for each inclusion shape is obtained, computational models of heterogeneous Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test samples are then generated. These models include the components of viscoelastic mastic, linear elastic aggregates, and cohesive zone modeling to simulate the rate-dependent failure evolution from micro- to macro-cracking. Examination of load-displacement responses at multiple loading rates shows that both heterogeneous models replicate experimentally measured data satisfactorily. Through micro- and macro-level analyses, this study enhances our understanding of the composition-performance relationships in asphalt pavement materials. The procedure proposed in this study allows us to identify the optimal RVE sizes that preserve computational efficiency without significantly compromising their ability to capture the asphalt material behavior under specific operational conditions.