bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Strain KVPO4F@C as Hyperstable Anode for Potassium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Zhaomeng , Wang Da , Zhang Yilong , Gong Zhiqing , Lv Xuehui , Qin Qi , Gong Yang
Published: May 2023

Potassium-ion batteries with carbon-based materials and alloy materials as anodes possess pronounced potassium storage and cycling abilities, yet they suffer from harsh synthetic processes, low initial Coulombic efficiency, and limited structure stability. Herein, we first put forward potassium vanadium fluorophosphate (KVPO4F) as a highly stable anode material for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). KVPO4F@C composite is successfully synthesized through hydrothermal method followed by a low-temperature roasting process. An amorphous carbon film is homogeneously wrapped on the surface of the KVPO4F particles to improve electronic conductivity. As the anode for PIBs, the KVPO4F@C presents a super-high discharge capacity of 242.32 mAh g−1 and a superior cycle stability over 120 cycles at 100 mA·g−1 with 93.1% capacity retention. Additionally, it maintains 92.9% of its initial capacity of 100 mA·g−1 at 1000 mA·g−1 after cycling 2100 times, which indicates an excellent long cycling performance. The in situ X-ray Diffraction and ex situ Transmission Electron Microscopy tests prove the minimal volume variation and stable structure of KVPO4F@C. The designed KVPO4F@C provides facilitative electronic conductivity and stable structure, successfully innovating an ultra-stable and high-performance anode material for potassium-ion batteries and other energy storage application fields.
The Biological Applications of Metals and Metal Complexes
Authors: Aureliano Manuel , Gumerova Nadiia I. , Rompel Annette
Published: May 2023

Over the course of biological evolution, approximately 25 to 30 elements have been recognized as essential for the proper functioning of biological systems since the emergence of life [...]
Laser Bioprinting with Cell Spheroids: Accurate and Gentle
Authors: Minaeva Ekaterina D. , Antoshin Artem A. , Kosheleva Nastasia V. , Koteneva Polina I. , Gonchukov Sergey A. , Tsypina Svetlana I. , Yusupov Vladimir I. , Timashev Peter S. , Minaev Nikita V.
Published: May 2023

Laser printing with cell spheroids can become a promising approach in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the use of standard laser bioprinters for this purpose is not optimal as they are optimized for transferring smaller objects, such as cells and microorganisms. The use of standard laser systems and protocols for the transfer of cell spheroids leads either to their destruction or to a significant deterioration in the quality of bioprinting. The possibilities of cell spheroids printing by laser-induced forward transfer in a gentle mode, which ensures good cell survival ~80% without damage and burns, were demonstrated. The proposed method showed a high spatial resolution of laser printing of cell spheroid geometric structures at the level of 62 ± 33 µm, which is significantly less than the size of the cell spheroid itself. The experiments were performed on a laboratory laser bioprinter with a sterile zone, which was supplemented with a new optical part based on the Pi-Shaper element, which allows for forming laser spots with different non-Gaussian intensity distributions. It is shown that laser spots with an intensity distribution profile of the “Two rings” type (close to Π-shaped) and a size comparable to a spheroid are optimal. To select the operating parameters of laser exposure, spheroid phantoms made of a photocurable resin and spheroids made from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells were used.
Cold Sulfur Springs—Neglected Niche for Autotrophic Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria
Authors: Nosalova Lea , Piknova Maria , Kolesarova Mariana , Pristas Peter
Published: May 2023

Since the beginning of unicellular life, dissimilation reactions of autotrophic sulfur bacteria have been a crucial part of the biogeochemical sulfur cycle on Earth. A wide range of sulfur oxidation states is reflected in the diversity of metabolic pathways used by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. This metabolically and phylogenetically diverse group of microorganisms inhabits a variety of environments, including extreme environments. Although they have been of interest to microbiologists for more than 150 years, meso- and psychrophilic chemolithoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing microbiota are less studied compared to the microbiota of hot springs. Several recent studies suggested that cold sulfur waters harbor unique, yet not described, bacterial taxa.
Biphenarenes, Versatile Synthetic Macrocycles for Supramolecular Chemistry
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Yang Wenzhi , Zhou Jiong
Published: May 2023

The development of supramolecular chemistry has always been accompanied by the innovation of macrocyclic hosts. The synthesis of novel macrocycles with unique structures and functions will bring new development opportunities for supramolecular chemistry. As a new generation of macrocyclic hosts, biphenarenes have customizable cavity sizes and diverse backbones, overcoming the limitation that the cavities of traditionally popular macrocyclic hosts are generally smaller than 10 Å. These features undoubtedly endow biphenarenes with distinguished host–guest properties, which have attracted more and more attention. In this review, the structural characteristics and molecular recognition properties of biphenarenes are summarized. In addition, the applications of biphenarenes in adsorption and separation, drug delivery, fluorescence sensing and other fields are introduced. Hopefully, this review will provide a reference for the study of macrocyclic arenes, especially biphenarenes.
Field-Induced Single-Ion Magnet Behavior in Nickel(II) Complexes with Functionalized 2,2′:6′-2″-Terpyridine Derivatives: Preparation and Magneto-Structural Study
Authors: Fortea-Pérez Francisco Ramón , Vallejo Julia , Mastropietro Teresa F. , De Munno Giovanni , Rabelo Renato , Cano Joan , Julve Miguel
Published: May 2023

Two mononuclear nickel(II) complexes of the formula [Ni(terpyCOOH)2](ClO4)2∙4H2O (1) and [Ni(terpyepy)2](ClO4)2 MeOH (2) [terpyCOOH = 4′-carboxyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine and terpyepy = 4′-[(2-pyridin-4-yl)ethynyl]-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine] have been prepared and their structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 are mononuclear compounds, where the nickel(II) ions are six-coordinate by the six nitrogen atoms from two tridentate terpy moieties. The mean values of the equatorial Ni-N bond distances [2.11(1) and 2.12(1) Å for Ni(1) at 1 and 2, respectively, are somewhat longer than the axial ones [2.008(6) and 2.003(6) Å (1)/2.000(1) and 1.999(1) Å (2)]. The values of the shortest intermolecular nickel–nickel separation are 9.422(1) (1) and 8.901(1) Å (2). Variable-temperature (1.9–200 K) direct current (dc) magnetic susceptibility measurements on polycrystalline samples of 1 and 2 reveal a Curie law behavior in the high-temperature range, which corresponds to magnetically isolated spin triplets, the downturn of the χMT product at lower temperatures being due to zero-field splitting effects (D). Values of D equal to −6.0 (1) and −4.7 cm−1 (2) were obtained through the joint analysis of the magnetic susceptibility data and the field dependence of the magnetization. These results from magnetometry were supported by theoretical calculations. Alternating current (ac) magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 and 2 in the temperature range 2.0–5.5 K show the occurrence of incipient out-phase signals under applied dc fields, a phenomenon that is characteristic of field-induced Single-Molecule Magnet (SMM) behavior, which herein concerns the 2 mononuclear nickel(II) complexes. This slow relaxation of the magnetization in 1 and 2 has its origin in the axial compression of the octahedral surrounding at their nickel(II) ions that leads to negative values of D. A combination of an Orbach and a direct mechanism accounts for the field-dependent relation phenomena in 1 and 2.
Analysis of Biochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Bioactive Molecules of Argemone mexicana
Authors: Jaiswal Jyotsna , Siddiqi Nikhat J. , Fatima Sabiha , Abudawood Manal , AlDaihan Sooad K. , Alharbi Mona G. , de Lourdes Pereira Maria , Sharma Preeti , Sharma Bechan
Published: May 2023

This study identified phytochemicals in Argemone mexicana (A. mexicana) extracts that are responsible for its medicinal properties, and the best solvent for their extraction. The extracts of the stem, leaves, flowers, and fruits of A. mexicana were prepared at low (corresponding to room temperature) and high temperatures (corresponding to the boiling points) in various solvents, viz., hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and H2O. The UV-visible absorption spectra of various phytoconstituents in the isolated extracts were determined through spectrophotometry. Qualitative tests for the screening of phytoconstituents in the extracts were performed to identify various phytochemicals. We identified the presence of terpenoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and carbohydrates in the plant extracts. The antioxidant and anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase (anti-HIV-1RT) potential, as well as the antibacterial activity of various A. mexicana extracts were determined. These extracts showed strong antioxidant activities. The extracts exhibited antimicrobial activities against Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus epidermis, Citrobacter, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Shigella flexineri. These extracts significantly inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity. The aqueous leaf extract prepared at a temperature equivalent to the boiling point, i.e., 100 °C, was identified to be the most active against pathogenic bacteria and HIV-1 RT.
cMolGPT: A Conditional Generative Pre-Trained Transformer for Target-Specific De Novo Molecular Generation
Authors: Wang Ye , Zhao Honggang , Sciabola Simone , Wang Wenlu
Published: May 2023

Deep generative models applied to the generation of novel compounds in small-molecule drug design have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. To design compounds that interact with specific target proteins, we propose a Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT)-inspired model for de novo target-specific molecular design. By implementing different keys and values for the multi-head attention conditional on a specified target, the proposed method can generate drug-like compounds both with and without a specific target. The results show that our approach (cMolGPT) is capable of generating SMILES strings that correspond to both drug-like and active compounds. Moreover, the compounds generated from the conditional model closely match the chemical space of real target-specific molecules and cover a significant portion of novel compounds. Thus, the proposed Conditional Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (cMolGPT) is a valuable tool for de novo molecule design and has the potential to accelerate the molecular optimization cycle time.
Optimum Contact Configurations for Quasi-One-Dimensional Phosphorene Nanodevices
Authors: Poljak Mirko , Matić Mislav
Published: May 2023

We employ atomistic quantum transport simulations based on non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) formalism of quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) phosphorene, or phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs), to explore routes towards minimizing contact resistance (RC) in devices based on such nanostructures. The impact of PNR width scaling from ~5.5 nm down to ~0.5 nm, different hybrid edge-and-top metal contact configurations, and various metal–channel interaction strengths on the transfer length and RC is studied in detail. We demonstrate that optimum metals and top-contact lengths exist and depend on PNR width, which is a consequence of resonant transport and broadening effects. We find that moderately interacting metals and nearly edge contacts are optimum only for wider PNRs and phosphorene, providing a minimum RC of ~280 Ωμm. Surprisingly, ultra-narrow PNRs benefit from weakly interacting metals combined with long top contacts that lead to an added RC of only ~2 Ωμm in the 0.49 nm wide quasi-1D phosphorene nanodevice.
The Potential of Two Entomopathogenic Fungi and Enhanced Diatomaceous Earth Mixed with Abamectin: A Comprehensive Study on Mortality, Progeny Production, Application Method, and Surface Application against Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Wakil Waqas , Kavallieratos Nickolas G. , Eleftheriadou Nikoleta , Riasat Tahira , Ghazanfar Muhammad Usman , Rasool Khawaja G. , Husain Mureed , Aldawood Abdulrahman S.
Published: May 2023

This study determined the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Bals. -Criv.) Vuill., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin, and diatomaceous earth mixed with abamectin (DEA) alone and in their combinations for the integrated management of larvae and adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) from three field populations of Pakistan (Multan, Rawalpindi, and Rahim Yar Khan) and one laboratory population (Faisalabad). Treatments were applied on three surfaces, namely, viz. steel, concrete, and jute bags, implementing two application methods, dusting and spraying. The combined treatments were more effective in comparison with single treatments for both larvae and adults. Overall, the highest mortality rates were recorded in the Faisalabad population, followed by the Rehaim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, and Multan populations. Progeny production was suspended 21 days after exposure to the combined treatment of DEA and both fungi in all populations except Rawalpindi. Larvae were found to be more susceptible than adults in all treatments and intervals. Dusting was more efficient than spraying for both larvae and adults and for all the populations studied. The present study provides a wholistic understanding of the impact of different factors on the success of the combined treatments using DEA and entomopathogenic fungi, supporting their use as surface treatments.
Development of a Novel Indirect ELISA for the Serological Diagnosis of African Swine Fever Using p11.5 Protein as a Target Antigen
Authors: Watanabe Mizuki , Kitamura Tomoya , Nagata Koji , Ikezawa Mitsutaka , Kameyama Ken-ichiro , Masujin Kentaro , Kokuho Takehiro
Published: May 2023

African swine fever is a hemorrhagic viral disease with a mortality rate of nearly 100% in pigs. Hence, it is classified as a notifiable disease by the World Organization for Animal Health. Because no field-available vaccine exists, African swine fever virus (ASFV) control and eradication solely depend on good farm biosecurity management and rapid and accurate diagnosis. In this study, we developed a new indirect serological enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant p11.5 protein from ASFV as a solid-phase target antigen. The cutoffs were determined by receiver operating curve analysis performed with serum samples obtained from naïve and infected pigs. Based on the results of a commercially available serological ELISA, the relative sensitivity and specificity of our assay were 93.4% and 94.4% (N = 166; area under the curve = 0.991; 95% confidence interval = 0.982–0.999), respectively. Furthermore, to compare the performance of the serological ELISAs, we conducted the assays on a panel of sera collected from pigs and boars experimentally infected with different ASFV isolates. The results indicated the greater sensitivity of the newly developed assay and its ability to detect anti-ASFV antibodies earlier after virus inoculation.
Leishmania and Leishmaniasis Research: The Past 50 Years and the Future
Authors: Chang Kwang Poo
Published: May 2023

Leishmaniasis is a widespread disease among impoverished populations with an annual incidence of up to 1 million according to the WHO [...]
Evaluation of the Anticancer Activity of Calcium Ions Introduced into Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells MCF-7/WT and MCF-7/DOX by Electroporation
Authors: Bieżuńska-Kusiak Katarzyna , Kulbacka Julita , Choromańska Anna , Rembiałkowska Nina , Michel Olga , Saczko Jolanta
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer ranks among the top three most common malignant neoplasms in Poland. The use of calcium ion-assisted electroporation is an alternative approach to the classic treatment of this disease. The studies conducted in recent years confirm the effectiveness of electroporation with calcium ions. Electroporation is a method that uses short electrical pulses to create transitional pores in the cell membrane to allow the penetration of certain drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effects of electroporation alone and calcium ion-assisted electroporation on human mammary adenocarcinoma cells that are sensitive (MCF-7/WT) and resistant to doxorubicin (MCF-7/DOX). The cell viability was assessed using independent tests: MTT and SRB. The type of cell death after the applied therapy was determined by TUNEL and flow cytometry (FACS) methods. The expression of Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 proteins of T-type voltage-gated calcium channels was assessed by immunocytochemistry, and changes in the morphology of CaEP-treated cells were visualized using a holotomographic microscope. The obtained results confirmed the effectiveness of the investigated therapeutic method. The results of the work constitute a good basis for planning research at the in vivo level and in the future to develop a more effective and safer method of breast cancer treatment for patients.
Immunomodulatory Effect and Biological Significance of β-Glucans
Authors: Zhong Xuemei , Wang Guoqing , Li Fu , Fang Sixian , Zhou Siai , Ishiwata Akihiro , Tonevitsky Alexander G. , Shkurnikov Maxim , Cai Hui , Ding Feiqing
Published: May 2023

β-glucan, one of the homopolysaccharides composed of D-glucose, exists widely in cereals and microorganisms and possesses various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. More recently, there has been mounting proof that β-glucan functions as a physiologically active “biological response modulator (BRM)”, promoting dendritic cell maturation, cytokine secretion, and regulating adaptive immune responses—all of which are directly connected with β-glucan-regulated glucan receptors. This review focuses on the sources, structures, immune regulation, and receptor recognition mechanisms of β-glucan.
Potential of Halophytes as Sustainable Fodder Production by Using Saline Resources: A Review of Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Authors: Hasnain Maria , Abideen Zainul , Ali Faraz , Hasanuzzaman Mirza , El-Keblawy Ali
Published: May 2023

Good quality water and arable land are required for both domestic and agricultural uses. Increasing population leads to urbanization and industrialization increasing the need to share these resources and creating threats to the food supply. Higher meat consumption requires mitigation strategies to protect food and mitigate economic crises, especially in developing nations. The production of food crops for energy purposes and lower yield due to climate change increase food prices as well as have a negative impact on the economy. Thus, an alternative food source is required featuring high forage components to reduce grazing periods and to prevent rangeland degradation. Halophytes can tolerate high salinity and can be easily grown for fodder in coastal areas where fodder is a problem. Varied climate conditions offer opportunities to grow suitable halophytes for specific purposes. One important feature is their use as fodder. To reduce food shortages, saline areas could be used to grow nutritive and productive halophytic forage. Wild plants have undesirable metabolites produced in harsh conditions which may be harmful for ruminant health. Halophytes have moderate amounts of these metabolites which are nontoxic. Halophytes can be grown without intruding on agricultural lands and freshwater resources and could promote livestock production which may improve the socio-economic conditions of poor farmers in a sustainable and ecofriendly manner.
Spatial Heterogeneity Effects on Meta-Community Stability of Annual Plants from a Coastal Dune Ecosystem
Authors: Bar (Kutiel) Pua , Katz Ofir , Dorman Michael
Published: May 2023

Spatial heterogeneity affects plant community composition and diversity. It is particularly noticeable in annual plant communities, which vary in space and time over short distances and periods, forming meta-communities at the regional scale. This study was conducted at the coastal dune ecosystem in Nizzanim nature reserve, Israel. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the spatial heterogeneity, which is expressed in differences in the fixation levels of the dunes and patches outside and beneath the dominant Artemisia monosperma shrubs, on the characteristics of the annual plant meta-community and its temporal stability, considering the mechanisms that may affect it. Thirteen dunes were studied: three mobile, seven semi-fixed, and three fixed dunes. Data on the annual plants were collected during the spring seasons of 2006, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2016. For each dune, 72 quadrats of 40×40 cm were sampled yearly, with 24 quadrats per slope aspect (windward, leeward, and crest), 12 under the shrub, and 12 in the open. The results indicate that the transition from mobile dunes through semi-fixed to fixed dunes is characterized by an increase in annual plant cover, species richness, species diversity, changes in plant communities, and stability driven by the asynchrony of species population fluctuations. Asynchrony affected the stability of the meta-community of this ecosystem in patches beneath the shrubs but not in the open patches.
Comparative Study of the Nutritional and Chemical Composition of New Oil Rape, Safflower and Mustard Seed Varieties Developed and Grown in Serbia
Authors: Stojanović Zorica S. , Uletilović Dajana D. , Kravić Snežana Ž. , Kevrešan Žarko S. , Grahovac Nada L. , Lončarević Ivana S. , Đurović Ana D. , Marjanović Jeromela Ana M.
Published: May 2023

Oilseed crops are widely cultivated and are related to nutrition and human health as valuable nutraceutical sources with valuable biological properties. The growing demand for oil plants used in human and animal nutrition or for the processing industry has contributed to the diversification and development of a new variety of oil crops. Increased oil crop diversity, besides ensuring reduced sensitivity to pests and climate conditions, has also led to improved nutritional values. In order to enable oil crop cultivation to become commercially sustainable, a comprehensive characterization of newly created varieties of oilseeds, including their nutritional and chemical composition, is required. In this study, two varieties of safflower and white and black mustard were investigated as alternative oil species for nutritional parameters, mainly protein, fat, carbohydrate, moisture, ash, polyphenols, flavonoids, chlorophylls contents, acids and mineral composition, and compared with those of two different genotypes of rapeseeds as a traditional oil crop plant. The proximate analysis found that the highest oil content was found in the oil rape NS Svetlana genotype (33.23%), while the lowest was in black mustard (25.37%). The protein content varies from around 26% in safflower samples to 34.63%, determined in white mustard. High content of unsaturated fatty acids and low content of saturated fatty acid was observed in the analyzed samples. In mineral analysis, the dominant elements were phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, in descending order. The observed oil crops are also good sources of microelements, including iron, copper, manganese and zinc, accompanied by high antioxidant activity due to the presence of significant amounts of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds.
Effect of Ply Orientation on the Mechanical Performance of Carbon Fibre Honeycomb Cores
Authors: Kondratiev Andrii , Píštěk Václav , Gajdachuk Vitaliy , Kharchenko Maksym , Nabokina Tetyana , Kučera Pavel , Kučera Ondřej
Published: May 2023

Carbon fibres used as a honeycomb core material (subject to a proper in-depth analysis of their reinforcement patterns) allows solving the thermo-dimensional stability problem of the units for space systems. Based on the results of numerical simulations with the support of finite element analysis, the paper provides an evaluation of the accuracy of analytical dependencies for the determination of the moduli of elasticity of a carbon fibre honeycomb core in tension/compression and shear. It is shown that a carbon fibre honeycomb reinforcement pattern has a significant impact on the mechanical performance of the carbon fibre honeycomb core. For example, for honeycombs measuring 10 mm in height, the maximum shear modulus values corresponding to the reinforcement pattern of ±45° exceed the minimum values for a reinforcement pattern of 0° and 90° by more than 5 times in the XOZ plane and 4 times for the shear modulus in the YOZ plane. The maximum modulus of the elasticity of the honeycomb core in the transverse tension, corresponding to a reinforcement pattern of ±75°, exceeds the minimum modulus for the reinforcement pattern of ±15° more than 3 times. We observe a decrease in the values of the mechanical performance of the carbon fibre honeycomb core depending on its height. With a honeycomb reinforcement pattern of ±45°, the decrease in the shear modulus is 10% in the XOZ plane and 15% in the YOZ plane. The reduction in the modulus of elasticity in the transverse tension for the reinforcement pattern does not exceed 5%. It is shown that in order to ensure high-level moduli of elasticity with respect to tension/compression and shear at the same time, it is necessary to focus on a reinforcement pattern of ±64°. The paper covers the development of the experimental prototype technology that produces carbon fibre honeycomb cores and structures for aerospace applications. It is shown by experiments that the use of a larger number of thin layers of unidirectional carbon fibres provides more than a 2-time reduction in honeycomb density while maintaining high values of strength and stiffness. Our findings can permit a significant expansion of the area of application relative to this class of honeycomb cores in aerospace engineering.
Recycling of Chrome-Containing Waste from a Mining and Processing Plant to Produce Industrial Products
Authors: Tastanov Yerbulat , Serzhanova Nuriya , Ultarakova Almagul , Sadykov Nurzhan , Yerzhanova Zhadyra , Tastanova Aisha
Published: May 2023

Prolonged development of ore deposits, ore beneficiation and metallurgical smelting of concentrates result in the accumulation of wastes, forming large-scale dumps and sludge ponds negatively affecting the environment and human health. The creation and introduction of industrial waste treatment technologies will make it possible to dispose of them with the production of valuable commercial products and improve the environmental situation. In a research article on chemical beneficiation with the subsequent gravitational beneficiation of chrome-containing slurry tailings of Donskoy Ore-Mining and Beneficiation Plant (DOMBP), which processes chrome ore of the Kempirsay deposit in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Aktobe region, having considerable stocks of such waste is presented. The chromium-containing slurry tailings were heat-treated at 1100 °C, sintered with ammonium sulfate, water and sulfuric acid in a defined ratio at 300 °C, and then the resulting sinter was leached with water at 90 °C. The cake was washed to separate the liquid part from the solid part. The solid precipitate is the chromium-containing cake, which is upgraded by gravity concentration to a grade concentrate for ferroalloy production. When the solution is evaporated, magnesium sulfate with ammonium sulfate forms the Tutton’s salt ammoshenite. High-throughput chromium oxide extraction of 93.9% was achieved as a result of the research, and three products were obtained: (1) standard chromium concentrate with 49.48% Cr2O3 content, (2) ammoshenite used as a nitrogen–magnesium fertilizer and (3) forsterite, which is concentrated in gravity concentration tailings and can be used in the production of refractory minerals.
Impact of Temperature on Neutron Irradiation Failure-in-Time of Silicon and Silicon Carbide Power MOSFETs
Authors: Principato Fabio , Cazzaniga Carlo , Kastriotou Maria , Frost Christopher , Abbene Leonardo , Pintacuda Francesco
Published: May 2023

Accelerated neutron tests on silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFETs at different temperatures and drain bias voltages were performed at the ChipIr facility (Didcot, UK). A super-junction silicon MOSFET and planar SiC MOSFETs with different technologies made by STMicroelectronics were used. Different test methods were employed to investigate the effects of temperature on neutron susceptibility in power MOSFETs. The destructive tests showed that all investigated devices failed via a single-event burnout (SEB) mechanism. Non-destructive tests conducted by using the power MOSFET as a neutron detector allowed measuring the temperature trend of the deposited charge due to neutron interactions. The results of the destructive tests, in the −50 °C–180 °C temperature range, revealed the lack of a common trend concerning the FIT temperature dependence among the investigated SiC power MOSFETs. Moreover, for some test vehicles, the FIT-temperature curves were dependent on the bias condition. The temperature dependence of the FIT values, observed in some SiC devices, is weaker with respect to that measured in the Si MOSFET. The results of the non-destructive tests showed a good correlation between the temperature trends of the deposited charge with those of FIT data, for both Si and SiC devices.
MV-CDN: Multi-Visual Collaborative Deep Network for Change Detection of Double-Temporal Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Li Jinlong , Yuan Xiaochen , Li Jinfeng , Huang Guoheng , Feng Li , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2023

Since individual neural networks have limited deep expressiveness and effectiveness, many learning frameworks face difficulties in the availability and balance of sample selection. As a result, in change detection, it is difficult to upgrade the hit rate of a high-performance model on both positive and negative pixels. Therefore, supposing that the sacrificed components coincide perfectly with the important evaluation objectives, such as positives, it would lose more than gain. To address this issue, in this paper, we propose a multi-visual collaborative deep network (MV-CDN) served by three collaborative network members that consists of three subdivision approaches, the CDN with one collaborator (CDN-C), CDN with two collaborators (CDN-2C), and CDN with three collaborators (CDN-3C). The purpose of the collaborator is to re-evaluate the feature elements in the network transmission, and thus to translate the group-thinking into a more robust field of vision. We use three sets of public double-temporal hyperspectral images taken by the AVIRIS and HYPERION sensors to show the feasibility of the proposed schema. The comparison results have confirmed that our proposed schema outperforms the existing state-of-the-art algorithms on the three tested datasets, which demonstrates the broad adaptability and progressiveness of the proposal.
Improved Spectrum Coexistence in 2.4 GHz ISM Band Using Optimized Chaotic Frequency Hopping for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Signals
Authors: Eltholth Ashraf A.
Published: May 2023

Efficiently managing coexistence is crucial for achieving high-quality wireless communication in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band where multiple wireless communication systems operate. Coexistence problems between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals are especially significant due to their shared frequency band, which often leads to interference and a reduced performance for both systems. Therefore, effective coexistence management strategies are essential for ensuring the optimal performance of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals in the ISM band. In this paper, the authors conducted a study to investigate coexistence management in the ISM band by evaluating four frequency hopping techniques: random, chaotic, adaptive, and an optimized chaotic technique proposed by the authors. The optimized chaotic technique aimed to minimize interference and ensure zero self-interference among hopping BLE nodes by optimizing the update coefficient. Simulations were conducted in an environment with existing Wi-Fi signal interference and interfering Bluetooth nodes. The authors compared several performance metrics, including the total interference rate, total successful connection rate, and trial execution time for channel selection processing time. The results indicated that the proposed optimized chaotic frequency hopping technique achieved a better balance between reducing interference with Wi-Fi signals, achieving a high success rate for connecting BLE nodes, and requiring minimal trial execution time. This makes it a suitable technique for managing interference in wireless communication systems. While the proposed technique had a higher interference than the adaptive technique for small numbers of BLE nodes, for larger numbers of nodes it had a much lower interference than the adaptive technique. The proposed optimized chaotic frequency hopping technique provides a promising solution for effectively managing coexistence in the ISM band, particularly between Wi-Fi and BLE signals. It has the potential to improve the performance and quality of wireless communication systems.
Triplet-Excited Dissolved Organic Matter Efficiently Promoted Atmospheric Sulfate Production: Kinetics and Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Nian , Zhou Die , Liu Huaying , Tu Yina , Ma Yanqiong , Li Yingjie
Published: May 2023

Photochemical generation is an important pathway for atmospheric sulfate formation. However, the roles of atmospheric co-existing photosensitive dissolved organic matter (DOM) in sulfate formation are still unclear. The experimental results in this work provide evidence that atmospheric photosensitizers produce active intermediates to oxidize S(IV) into S(VI) under illumination. Quenching experiments of eight photosensitive model compounds (PS) demonstrate that their triplet-excited states (3PS*) dominate sulfate formation for the photosensitizing pathway with a contribution of over 90%, and 1O2 plays an important role in sulfate formation. The results using humic acid (HA) and water-soluble organic carbon in vehicle exhaust particles (WSOC) as representatives of atmospheric photosensitizers further verify that triplet-excited DOM (3DOM*) is the main reactive species for sulfate formation, which is consistent with the results of PS. Our findings provide new insights into the photochemical formation pathways of atmospheric sulfate.
Barrier to Methyl Internal Rotation and Equilibrium Structure of 2-Methylthiophene Determined by Microwave Spectroscopy
Authors: Koziol Kenneth J. , El Hadki Hamza , Lüchow Arne , Vogt Natalja , Demaison Jean , Nguyen Ha Vinh Lam
Published: May 2023

The microwave spectrum of 2-methylthiophene was recorded in a frequency range from 2 to 26.5 GHz using a molecular-jet Fourier transform microwave spectrometer with a Fabry–Pérot type resonator chamber and coaxial arrangement of the resonator and the molecular beam. Measuring and assigning spectra of the 34S and 13C isotopologues allowed the determination of the semiexperimental equilibrium structure (reSE). Comparing the structure to that of thiophene revealed a decrease in the ∠(S−C2−C3) angle from 111.595(6)° to 111.37(1)° by addition of the methyl group to the C(2) position, as well as an increase in the S−C2 bond length from 1.7102(1) Å to 1.7219(2) Å. A–E splittings from internal rotation of the methyl group were observed, and the V3 potential in the vibrational ground state was determined to be 197.7324(18) cm−1. The V3 value and the rotational constants A, B, C were calculated with a large number of different methods and basis sets for benchmarking purposes by comparing them to the fitted parameters. The V3 value was also compared to those of other thiophene and furan derivatives to gain a better understanding of the steric and electrostatic effects in these classes of compounds.
Ecological Transition without Change: A Paradox, a Misinterpretation, or a Renounce?
Authors: Pizzo Barbara
Published: May 2023

This paper highlights weaknesses and contradictions that emerge with the implementation of the “ecological transition” goal, ostensibly supported at all policy levels, looking at (1) how trans-national, European “Green Deal” post-crisis measures are translated at the urban scale; (2) which are the main obstacles to fulfill a substantial change, and (3) which is the actual role of planning. The paper provides examples from long-lasting research in Rome, Italy, framing them critically by combining planning theory and practice and political ecology perspectives, to show that: (1) the implementation of the “ecological transition” goal at the urban scale through direct and indirect interventions makes it impossible to unequivocally assess policy results; (2) to be actually realized, “ecological transition” asks to redefine priorities among the ever existing conflicting interests in the urban space, and to revise previous planning and policy choices, while a strong resistance emerges in overcoming the “business as usual” way of operating; (3) planning regulation is ambiguous since it is used in opposite ways (both as the source of the “certainty of the right”, and as the “flexible tool” for negotiations), with the only undeniable purpose to preserve the established, dominant interests, even when evidently conflicting with the declared public goals.
Spatial Differentiation and Driving Force Detection of Rural Settlements in the Yangtze River Delta Region
Authors: You Ting , Yan Shuiyu
Published: May 2023

As an economically developed region, the Yangtze River Delta region has undergone earth-shaking changes in its rural settlements due to rapid urbanization. For the optimization and adjustment of rural settlements, it is crucial to disclose their distinguishing spatial features and impelling factors. Taking 307 county-level administrative regions in the Yangtze River Delta region as the research object, this study comprehensively uses the landscape index, nearest neighbor index, Moran index, and spatial hot spot detection system to analyze the spatial differentiation characteristics of rural residential location-scale morphology and reveals its driving factors using the optimal parameters-based geographical detector model. According to the findings, rural settlements in the Yangtze River Delta region exhibit an average nearest neighbor index of 0.7417, a Moran’s I of 1.2993 for the number of patches (NP), and a maximum patch density (PD) of 17.25 villages per square kilometer. It has significant characteristics of large-scale village cluster distribution, and the morphology of rural settlements in the southern and northern regions shows apparent differences. The natural environment and social economies, such as elevation, slope, precipitation, and population density, mainly drive the location-scale morphological spatial distribution of rural settlements. At the same time, the interaction between the natural environment, social economy, and location condition factors has a synergistic enhancement effect on the spatial distribution of location-scale morphology of rural settlements.
A Spatial Decision Support System for Modeling Urban Resilience to Natural Hazards
Authors: Rezaei Hamid , Macioszek Elżbieta , Derakhshesh Parisa , Houshyar Hassan , Ghabouli Elias , Bakhshi Lomer Amir Reza , Ghanbari Ronak , Esmailzadeh Abdulsalam
Published: May 2023

A major component of urban management is studying and evaluating urban resilience in order to minimize the effects of natural hazards. This is because of the increasing number of natural hazards occurring worldwide. A spatial decision support system is presented for modeling urban resilience and selecting resilient zones in response to natural hazards. This system is implemented based on 22 criteria, grouped into three categories: demographics, infrastructure, and environmental. The criteria are then standardized using minimum and maximum methods, and their importance is determined by the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The resilience maps in various scenarios are prepared using the ordered weighted average (OWA) method. Flow accumulation (distance from fault), vulnerable population density (vulnerable population density), and distance from road network (material type) were regarded as the most important criteria for flood resilience (earthquake resilience) from environmental, demographic, and infrastructure criteria, respectively. There are different areas that are considered to have very low resilience depending on the risk attitude. According a pessimistic scenario, 1% of Tehran’s area has very low resilience, while according to an optimistic scenario, 38% has very low resilience. This system can be used by urban planners and policymakers for the purpose of improving resilience to natural hazards in low-resilience areas.
Investigation of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cement Mortar Incorporating Waste Cotton Fibres
Authors: Tang Waiching , Monaghan Ryan , Sajjad Umer
Published: May 2023

There is a lack of effective disposal methods for the increasing amount of textile waste that is being generated worldwide. This is creating environmental concerns and burdening waste management facilities. In this study, we propose that cotton fibres that have been recycled from textile waste could be used as fibre reinforcement in cement mortar. Seven mix designs were prepared, which were based on the quantity (0.4%, 0.8%, 1.6% and 2.0% by the weight of the cement) and length (20 mm, 30 mm and 40 mm) of the cotton fibres. The physical properties, including workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, density and water absorption, were investigated. The workability of the cement mortar was reduced with the addition of the cotton fibres. The flexural strength of the cement mortar with the added cotton fibres was improved by up to 9%, compared to the flexural strength of the control samples. The compressive strengths of the samples generally decreased with the increase in the fibre content and length. However, the C0.8 mix showed a comparable compressive strength to the control mix at all curing ages, with a slight decrease of 2.5% on day 56 of curing. The results were further clarified using SEM images. The improvement in the flexural properties showed that the cotton fibres could be implemented as fibre reinforcement in cementitious composites.
Authenticity and Quality of Industrial Heritage as the Drivers of Tourists’ Loyalty and Environmentally Responsible Behavior
Authors: Wei Chen , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2023

In the post-industrial epoch, numerous industrial wastelands are found worldwide. Industrial heritage—a testament to urban progress and an emblem of urban civilization—is at risk during urban development and the transformation of aging cities. Consequently, the preservation and enhancement of urban heritage resources are crucial. Concerning the tourism development of industrial heritage, various challenges arise. This study, using Nanjing Quarry Park as a case study, employs the S-O-R theory to organize the literature related to authentic experience, experience quality, tourist satisfaction, environmentally responsible behavior, and destination loyalty. Additionally, questionnaire surveys and field research are conducted. The data gathered from the survey on tourists’ authentic experiences are analyzed, forming a research model for responsible environmental behavior in industrial heritage attractions. The findings indicate that authentic experience and experience quality positively impact tourist satisfaction, environmentally responsible behavior, and destination loyalty. The system modeling and evaluation of the experience quality dimension for industrial heritage tourism sites fill a gap in the development of industrial heritage tourism. This study contributes to the utilization of industrial heritage sites for tourism development, which can bring about economic growth and cultural revitalization. Tourist satisfaction mediates the relationship between experience quality, environmentally responsible behavior, and destination loyalty. In conclusion, this research offers valuable theoretical backing and a practical foundation for the development of industrial heritage tourism.
Research on Safety Evaluation of Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant Based on Improved Best-Worst Method and Fuzzy Comprehensive Method
Authors: Wu Junnan , Liu Xin , Pan Dianqi , Zhang Yichen , Zhang Jiquan , Ke Kai
Published: May 2023

With the rapid development of urbanization and industrialization, water resources are in increasingly short supply, and the construction of sewage treatment plants can ensure the sustainable development of water resources. To eliminate the potential safety hazards of municipal sewage treatment plants and prevent safety accidents from the source, this paper takes a municipal sewage treatment plant in Changchun as the research object, puts forward the evaluation method of the “improved Best-Worst Method (BWM)—fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method”, and carries out safety evaluation research on the research object. Firstly, combined with the technological process of sewage treatment plants, the evaluation index system is constructed from four factors: human factors, material factors, environmental factors, and management factors. Secondly, the improved BWM is used to calculate the weights. Finally, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used for safety evaluation, and the evaluation of safety status is obtained: the safety level.
State Feedback Controller Design for a Class of Generalized Proportional Fractional Order Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Alsharif Ali Omar M. , Jmal Assaad , Naifar Omar , Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif , Rhaima Mohamed , Mchiri Lassaad
Published: May 2023

The state feedback controller design for a class of Generalized Proportional Fractional Order (GPFO) Nonlinear Systems is presented in this paper. The design is based on the combination of the One-Sided Lipschitz (OSL) system class with GPFO modeling. The main contribution of this study is that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work presents the first state feedback control design for GPFO systems. The suggested state feedback controller is intended to ensure the system’s generalized Mittag Leffler (GML) stability and to deliver optimal performance. The findings of this paper show that the proposed strategy is effective in stabilizing Generalized Proportional Fractional Order Nonlinear Systems. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the usefulness of the stated theoretical conclusions.