bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of fancy rope-skipping on motor coordination and selective attention in children aged 7–9 years: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Deng Libo , Wu Hua , Ruan Hui , Xu Dan , Pang Shibo , Shi Min
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Recent studies have emphasized the intricate connection between exercise and cognition, focusing on specific cognitive processes and their correlations with specific motor skills. However, research on the impact of the qualitative aspects of movement on both short- and long-term cognitive performance is limited. In this quasi-experimental study, we investigate the impact of a 10-week fancy rope-skipping intervention on motor coordination and selective attention of 7–9-year-old children.

Methods

A total of 60 primary school students from Changbin School in Haikou participated and completed the study from October to December 2022. The 60 participants were divided into a fancy rope-skipping group and a control group. Children's motor coordination was assessed using the Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder (KTK), while selective attention was evaluated using the d2 Test of Attention. Children were assessed at baseline and after the 10-week intervention.

Results

Compared with the control group, the scores for the total KTK and for the hopping for height, jumping sideways, and moving sideways sub-items were significantly higher in the rope-skipping group after the intervention, with a significant interaction effect between time and intervention. Attention concentration improved in the rope-skipping group and had a significant interaction effect between time and intervention compared with the control group; the effects of the intervention on other aspects of selective attention were unclear.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that a 10-week fancy rope-skipping intervention may potentially enhance motor coordination and selective attention accuracy in children aged 7–9 years.
The effect of future self-continuity on intertemporal decision making: a mediated moderating model
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Liangxiangwan , Qu Weiguo , Fan Wei
Published: August 2024

Intertemporal decision making refers to the behavior of making decisions after weighing the costs and benefits of two or more outcomes at different time points. This study explores the moderating effect of self-concept clarity on the influence of future self-continuity on intertemporal decision-making and the mediating effect of future outcome consideration, aiming to establish a mediated moderating model. In Study 1, we recruited 370 participants via questionnaire to explore the relationship between future self-continuity and intertemporal decision-making, as well as the moderating effect of self-concept clarity. The results showed that: (1) Future self-continuity significantly negatively predicted the time discount rate of intertemporal decision-making. (2) Self-concept clarity significantly negatively moderated the relationship between future self-continuity and the time discount rate of intertemporal decision-making. In Study 2, we recruited 234 participants using an experimental method and divided them into high and low future self-continuity groups to explore the mediating effect of future outcome consideration and the moderating role of self-concept clarity in the influence of future self-continuity on intertemporal decision-making. The results indicated that: (1) Self-concept clarity significantly negatively moderated the impact of future self-continuity on future outcome consideration. (2) Future outcome consideration mediated the moderating effect of self-concept clarity on the influence of future self-continuity on intertemporal decision-making. The findings indicated that future self-continuity negatively impacted the time discount rate in intertemporal decision-making. Furthermore, self-concept clarity could indirectly regulate the effect of future self-continuity on intertemporal decision-making through future outcome consideration. These two studies contribute to a better understanding of intertemporal decision-making behavior in different states, help reduce cognitive bias through rational analysis of current states, achieve maximum life benefits, and enrich empirical research in the fields of future self-continuity and intertemporal decision-making.
Prevalence of online sexual harassment and online bullying: a nationwide survey among high school students in Denmark
Authors: Nielsen Maj Britt Dahl , Pisinger Veronica , Kusier Amalie Oxholm , Tolstrup Janne
Published: August 2024

Background

Using data from a nationwide survey among high school students in Denmark, the aim of the current study is to measure the prevalence of online bullying and online sexual harassment and assess gender and age differences in exposure.

Methods

We used data from the Danish National Youth Study 2019, which is a nationwide web survey among high school students, including general, commercial, preparatory and technical high schools. Data were collected from January to April 2019 through a self-administered questionnaire in the classroom. A total of 29,086 students participated (response rate: 66%). The survey included questions about online sexual harassment (victimization and perpetration) and online bullying.

Results

Approximately 11% of students reported receiving sexually offensive inquiries online, and about 10% received a sexual image/video of others without the subjects’ consent. Additionally, 4% experienced that other people shared a sexual image/video of them without their consent within the last 12 months. The most common type of online bullying was feeling ignored by others online (25%), followed by someone spreading rumors or writing nasty things about them (13%), and receiving threats/unpleasant messages (12%). Gender results were mixed.
Enhancing healthcare accessibility through telehealth for justice impacted individuals
Authors: Williams Karmen S. , Singh Marianna J. , Elumn Johanna E. , Threats Megan , Sha Yongjie , McCall Terika , Wang Karen , Massey Bria , Peng Mary L. , Wiley Kevin
Published: August 2024

Telehealth is a great tool that makes accessing healthcare easier for those incarcerated and can help with reentry into the the community. Justice impacted individuals face many hardships including adverse health outcomes which can be mitigated through access to telehealth services and providers. During the federally recognized COVID-19 pandemic the need for accessible healthcare was exacerbated and telehealth use surged. While access to telehealth should be considered a necessity, there are many challenges and barriers for justice impacted individuals to be able to utilize this service. This perspective examines aspects of accessibility, pandemic, policy, digital tools, and ethical and social considerations of telehealth in correctional facilities. Carceral facilities should continue to innovate and invest in telehealth to revolutionize healthcare delivery, and improve health outcomes for justice impacted individuals.
Dairy farmers’ considerations for antimicrobial treatment of clinical mastitis in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada
Authors: de Jong Ellen , van der Velden Inge , Smid Anne-Marieke C. , Ida Jennifer A. , Reyher Kristen K. , Kelton David F. , Barkema Herman W.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Clinical mastitis (CM) treatment decision-making is a multifaceted process that remains relatively understudied, despite CM being one of the most prevalent diseases on dairy farms worldwide, contributing greatly to the use of antimicrobials in the dairy industry. This study aimed to gain insights into decision-making mechanisms employed by dairy farmers in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, when dealing with CM.

Methods

Interviews were held with 15 dairy farmers in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to develop both the decision-pathway and overarching themes influencing the CM decisions by farmers in this region.

Results and discussion

The analysis generated a decision-making process that begins with identification and classification of CM, guided by visual characteristics of milk and the udder, available milk production and quality data, presence of systemic signs, and additional diagnostics. Subsequently, CM cases are assessed based on the likelihood of cure, value of the cow, and herd goals to decide whether antimicrobial treatment is desired. Next, a treatment choice is made by evaluating severity and urgency of the case, availability of drugs and timing of the case. Finally, definition of treatment success and progression over time following the treatment decision guides the termination of treatment. Three overarching themes were generated that shape the decision-making process: ‘Personal attributes’, including personal approach and experiential knowledge; ‘Inter-actor dynamics’, such as shared decision-making and dynamics among producers, veterinarians, and milkers; and ‘Moving beyond protocols’, which highlights the dynamic nature of mastitis decision-making. These insights have the potential to inform the development of effective interventions to improve CM antimicrobial use that align with the reality of farming operations within Western Canada, and potentially beyond.
Test Scheme Design and Numerical Simulation of Composite Thrust Reverser Cascade
Authors: Wu Dingzhou , Chen Xiuhua , Qiu Hongyan
Published: August 2024

The thrust reverser system stands as the critical component in contemporary large civil aviation, significantly impacting operational efficiency. Owing to their significant weight-reduction benefits, composite materials have emerged as a prominent trend in structural design in recent years. The aim of this research is to optimize the design of the thrust reverser cascade by replacing metal materials with composite materials and to propose a method for conducting mechanical tests on the cascade without a wind tunnel using a new loading scheme and a device that is simpler, more convenient, and less expensive. Focusing on a composite thrust reverser cascade with an inclined blade and beam, the structural and operational load characteristics of the cascade were analyzed and a finite element model incorporating progressive damage analysis was established. The progressive damage analyses of both the global and sub-model elucidated that initial structural degradation manifests near the mounting holes, with the matrix compression failure mode. In addition, a static test method was devised employing levers and hooks. Comparative analyses between test and numerical results demonstrate congruence. The research in this paper provides guidance for the design and testing of the composite thrust reverser cascade.
Number of Blades’ Influence on the Performance of Rotor with Equal Solidity in Open and Shrouded Configurations: Experimental Analysis
Authors: Dayhoum Abdallah , Ramirez-Serrano Alejandro , Martinuzzi Robert J.
Published: August 2024

This study explores the implications of the number of blades on the performance of both open and shrouded rotors. By conducting a thorough experimental analysis at a fixed solidity ratio, this research seeks to enhance our understanding of rotor dynamics and efficiency. Two-, three-, four-, and five-bladed rotors were designed and manufactured to have the same solidity ratio. This leads to smaller chord distribution values for higher blade numbers. The experimental analysis aims to quantify the effects of the number of blades and provides a comparative analysis of performance differences between the two rotor configurations (shrouded and open). For the open rotor, results indicate that increasing the number of blades has a minimal impact on overall performance. This is due to the decrease in the tip loss factor being counterbalanced by a decline in efficiency caused by the two-dimensional airfoil performance, which results from a smaller chord and a lower Reynolds number. In contrast, the shrouded rotor exhibits a noticeable performance decay with an increased blade count. Since tip loss is inherently absent in shrouded designs, the decline is primarily attributed to the two-dimensional airfoil performance. This decay occurs while maintaining a constant solidity ratio, highlighting the significant effect of blade count on shrouded rotor efficiency, thereby contributing to the optimization of rotor design in various engineering applications.
The Function of Macronutrients in Helping Soybeans to Overcome the Negative Effects of Drought Stress
Authors: Staniak Mariola , Szpunar-Krok Ewa , Wilczewski Edward , Kocira Anna , Podleśny Janusz
Published: August 2024

Nutrient deficiencies are a major cause of yield loss under abiotic stress conditions, so proper nutrient management can reduce the negative effects of stress to some extent. Nutrients can alleviate stress by activating resistance genes, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, creating osmoprotectants in cells, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity, increasing cell membrane stability, synthesizing proteins associated with stress tolerance, and increasing chlorophyll content in leaves. The current review highlights changes in soybean metabolic activity caused by drought stress and changes in vital functions caused by the deficiency of primary (N, K, P) and secondary macronutrients (Ca, Mg, S). The role of macronutrients in reducing the adverse effects of water deficit stress is highlighted. Under stressed conditions, appropriate nutrient management options can be implemented to minimize the effects of drought and ensure good yields. Balanced nutrient fertilization helps activate various plant mechanisms to mitigate the effects of abiotic stresses and improve soybean drought resistance/tolerance. Nutrient management is therefore a viable technique for reducing environmental stress and increasing crop productivity.
High Concentrate Supplementation during Late Pregnancy and Lambing Reduced Mortality of Triplet-Bearing Maternal Ewes
Authors: Haslin Emmanuelle , Blumer Sarah E. , Gordon Darren , Kearney Gavin A. , Kenyon Paul R. , Kubeil Lyndon J. , Refshauge Gordon , Trompf Jason P. , Thompson Andrew N.
Published: August 2024

Low survival of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs represents lost production and a welfare issue. The effects of feed-on-offer (FOO; low: 1205 vs. high: 1980 kg DM/ha) and concentrate supplementation (low: 50 vs. high: 300+ g/ewe/day) levels during late pregnancy and lambing on the survival of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs were investigated on 10 commercial farms using 1772 triplet-bearing Maternal ewes. Ewe and lamb survival were estimated at marking, and ewe body condition score (BCS) was recorded in late pregnancy and at marking. Although FOO treatment had no effect on triplet-bearing ewe mortality, receiving higher supplementation decreased mortality by 40% and increased BCS at marking by 0.14 compared with a lower supplementation (p < 0.05). Supplementation, FOO treatments, weather conditions during lambing and shelter availability had no effect on triplet-lamb survival. These findings suggest no additional benefit to triplet-bearing ewe survival when FOO levels exceed 1200 kg DM/ha during late pregnancy and lambing, but increased supplementation can reduce ewe mortality. Further research is required to determine the response to the supplementation level at lower FOO levels on triplet-bearing Merino ewes and their lambs and establish whether supplementation of triplet-bearing ewes during late pregnancy and lambing with higher levels of concentrates would be cost-effective.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of Cull Heifers from Different Genetic Groups Fed Diets with Different Sources of Nonprotein Nitrogen in Confinement
Authors: Paranhos da Silva Manoel Gustavo , Ítavo Luís Carlos Vinhas , Ítavo Camila Celeste Brandão Ferreira , Bonin Gomes Marina de Nadai , Arcanjo Angelo Herbet Moreira , Moura Jessika Rodrigues de Figueiredo , Lopes Brenda Farias da Costa Leite , Nonato Lucimara Modesto , Gomes Rodrigo da Costa
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic groups and diets with different sources of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) on the carcass and meat characteristics of beef heifers. The meat from 40 heifers (20 ½ Angus ½ Nellore (A × N) and 20 ½ Charolais ½ Nellore (L × N)), finished in feedlots, was used. The heifers were fed diets containing different sources of NPN—(1) a diet with livestock urea and protected urea (LPU) and (2) a diet with extruded urea (EU)—in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Carcass, composition and meat quality evaluations were carried out. There were no significant interactions between diet and genetic group for most of the variables evaluated (p > 0.05). The A × N heifers had higher hot carcass weights (305.73 vs. 279.80 kg), loin eye areas (80.87 vs. 75.45 cm2), subcutaneous fat thicknesses (8.69 vs. 6.35 mm) and lower shear forces (6.98 vs. 7.7 kg) compared to the C × N heifers (p < 0.05). The meat from the A × N heifers had higher proportions of saturated fatty acids (49.41 vs. 47.95%), with no effects on the proportions of monounsaturated (47.57%) and polyunsaturated (4.01%) fatty acids. The A × N heifers had better carcass and meat characteristics, while the C × N heifers had meat and fat with better fatty acid profiles.
Near-Infrared Forearm Vascular Width Calculation Using Radius Estimation of Tangent Circle
Authors: Ji Qianru , Liu Haoting , Tian Zhen , Wang Song , Li Qing , Yi Dewei
Published: August 2024

In response to the analysis of the functional status of forearm blood vessels, this paper fully considers the orientation of the vascular skeleton and the geometric characteristics of blood vessels and proposes a blood vessel width calculation algorithm based on the radius estimation of the tangent circle (RETC) in forearm near-infrared images. First, the initial infrared image obtained by the infrared camera is preprocessed by image cropping, contrast stretching, denoising, enhancement, and initial segmentation. Second, the Zhang–Suen refinement algorithm is used to extract the vascular skeleton. Third, the Canny edge detection method is used to perform vascular edge detection. Finally, a RETC algorithm is developed to calculate the vessel width. This paper evaluates the accuracy of the proposed RETC algorithm, and experimental results show that the mean absolute error between the vessel width obtained by our algorithm and the reference vessel width is as low as 0.36, with a variance of only 0.10, which can be significantly reduced compared to traditional calculation measurements.
Physical Deconditioning in Lung Cancer Patients Who Underwent Lung Resection Surgery in Spain: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Heredia-Ciuró Alejandro , Quero-Valenzuela Florencio , Martín-Núñez Javier , Calvache-Mateo Andrés , Valenza-Peña Geraldine , López-López Laura , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: August 2024

Background. Lung resection represents the main curative treatment modality for lung cancer. These patients present with physical deterioration that has been studied previously using objective variables; however, no previous studies have evaluated the self-perceived physical fitness of these patients. For these reasons, to increase the current knowledge on lung cancer patients’ impairment, the aim of this study was to characterize the self-perceived physical deconditioning of lung cancer patients undergoing lung resection in the short and medium term after surgery. Methods. A longitudinal, observational, prospective cohort study was performed in the Thoracic Surgery Service of the Hospital Virgen de las Nieves (Granada). Symptoms (pain, fatigue, cough and dyspnea) and physical fitness (upper and lower limbs) were assessed before surgery, at discharge and at one month after discharge. Results. Among the total of 88 patients that we included in our study, significant differences were found at discharge in symptoms (p < 0.05) and physical fitness (p < 0.05). One month after surgery, higher levels of pain (p = 0,002) and dyspnea (p = 0.007) were observed, as well as poorer results in the upper (p = 0.023) and lower limbs’ physical fitness, with regard to the initial values. Conclusions. Patients undergoing lung resection present an increase in symptoms and physical fitness deterioration at discharge, which is maintained one month after surgery.
Predictive Signatures for Responses to Checkpoint Blockade in Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Second-Line Therapy Do Not Predict Responses in First-Line Patients
Authors: Thompson Jeffrey C. , Tilsed Caitlin , Davis Christiana , Gupta Aasha , Melidosian Bihui , Sun Chifei , Kallen Michael E. , Timmers Cynthia , Langer Corey J. , Albelda Steven M.
Published: August 2024

Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is currently approved for the treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) in combination with chemotherapy, relatively few patients have demonstrated durable clinical benefit (DCB) to these therapies. Biomarkers predicting responses are needed. Biopsies from 35 SCLC patients treated with ICB were subjected to transcriptomic analysis; gene signatures were assessed for associations with responses. Twenty-one patients were treated with ICB in the first-line setting in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy; fourteen patients were treated in the second-line setting with ICB alone. DCB after ICB in SCLC in the second-line setting (3 of 14 patients) was associated with statistically higher transcriptomic levels of genes associated with inflammation (p = 0.003), antigen presentation machinery (p = 0.03), interferon responses (p < 0.05), and increased CD8 T cells (p = 0.02). In contrast, these gene signatures were not significantly different in the first-line setting. Our data suggest that responses to ICB in SCLC in the second-line setting can be predicted by the baseline inflammatory state of the tumor; however, this strong association with inflammation was not seen in the first-line setting. We postulate that chemotherapy alters the immune milieu allowing a response to ICB. Other biomarkers will be needed to predict responses in first-line therapy patients.
Peripheral Blood TCRβ Repertoire, IL15, IL2 and Soluble Ligands for NKG2D Activating Receptor Predict Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Lung Cancer
Authors: Sesma Andrea , Pardo Julian , Isla Dolores , M. Gálvez Eva , Gascón-Ruiz Marta , Martínez-Lostao Luis , Moratiel Alba , Paño-Pardo J. Ramón , Quílez Elisa , Torres-Ramón Irene , Yubero Alfonso , Zapata-García María , Domingo María Pilar , Esteban Patricia , Sanz Pamplona Rebeca , Lastra Rodrigo , Ramírez-Labrada Ariel
Published: August 2024

The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has changed the therapeutic paradigm of lung cancer (LC), becoming the standard of treatment for previously untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without actionable mutations. It has allowed the achievement of durable responses and resulted in significant survival benefits. However, not all patients respond; hence, molecular biomarkers are needed to help us predict which patients will respond. With this objective, a prospective observational study was designed, including a cohort of 55 patients with NSCLC who received ICIs. We studied whether biomarkers such as TCRβ and specific cytokines involved in the regulation of T cell activity were related to the immunotherapy response. In the survival analysis, it was found that patients with higher TCRβ clonality, lower TCRβ evenness, higher TCRβ Shannon diversity and lower TCRβ convergence had higher overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). However, no statistically significant association was observed. Regarding cytokines, those patients with higher levels of IL-2 and IL-15 presented statistically significantly shorter OS and PFS, respectively. In fact, in the multivariable analysis, the high IL-15 level increased the risk of death by three times. Although the sample size was small and more studies are needed to confirm our results, our study reveals promising markers of responses to ICIs.
A Study on the Visual and Tactile Perception of Oriented Strand Board Combined with Consumer-Preference Analysis
Authors: Miao Yanfeng , Gao Xuefei , Miao Tianming , Xu Wei
Published: August 2024

This study on oriented strand board (OSB) wood doors with veneer as the door leaf aimed to investigate consumers’ preference for visual–tactile elements of OSB. First, we utilized the questionnaire and interview methods to extract specific elements as experimental variables for this study. Then, through subjective evaluation experiments and eye-movement experiments, as well as correlation analyses of the experimental results, we explored the relationship between the slice size, gloss, and color of oriented strand boards and consumers’ visual preferences and summarized the eye-movement indexes that can represent consumers’ aesthetic evaluation of the visual elements of oriented strand boards. Unidirectional haptic experiments analyzed the relationships between the slice size, gloss, and roughness of the oriented strand boards and consumers’ haptic preferences. The results showed that, visually, chip size and surface gloss had little effect on people’s subjective aesthetic evaluations of oriented strand-board wood doors. At the same time, the quantitative mean pupil diameter could represent consumers’ aesthetic evaluations of oriented strand boards. Regarding haptics, the size of the wood chips on the surface of the oriented strand-board specimens did not significantly correlate with participants’ haptic preferences. All participants’ tactile preferences for the unpainted specimens were positively correlated with the fineness of sanding. The visual and tactile effects presented on the surface of an object are essential factors that influence the perception of a material. Oriented strand board (OSB) has excellent advantages in providing a healthy and environmentally friendly living environment, so exploring the visual and tactile perception of OSB from the consumer’s point of view plays a vital role in promoting the use of OSB. The visual–tactile experimental results and the conclusions drawn from the analysis in this study can enable OSB to provide more opinions and potential information from consumers for the design of OSB wooden doors under the premise of conforming to the actual production and meeting the quality standards so that the designed and produced OSB wooden doors can satisfy the users’ preferences based on safety and stability.
Surface Coating with Foliar Fertilizers
Authors: Carreón Yojana J. P. , Pereyra Zarate Angel A. , Pérez Sánchez Alondra E. , Díaz-Hernández Orlando , González-Gutiérrez Jorge
Published: August 2024

Foliar fertilization, an effective agricultural practice, involves the application of nutrients directly through droplets on plant leaves. The mechanisms of mass transport and deposition that arise from the drying of a drop determine the distribution of mass on a surface. Understanding these processes is crucial for optimizing foliar fertilization, ensuring even nutrient distribution, and improving crop yields and quality. This study experimentally investigates deposit formation from the evaporation of fertilizer droplets in various configurations: sessile, vertical, and pendant. We explored the effects of initial droplet volume, vapor pressure, and sorbitol presence on the final deposit morphology. The results reveal distinctive morphological patterns. Sessile drops exhibit two types of deposits—central crystal accumulation with fibrous structures or entirely fibrous structures. In contrast, vertical drops display two zones—fibrous structures at the bottom and small aggregates at the top. On the other hand, pendant drops predominantly feature intertwined crystals with peripheral fibrous structures. We found that high vapor pressures (RH = 60%) inhibit deposit formation within 72 h. Furthermore, the study measures relative evaporation time, showing that sessile droplets exhibit the longest evaporation times, followed by vertical and pendant droplets. Texture analysis, based on GLCM entropy, reveals that deposits generated under low vapor pressure (RH = 20%) show no significant differences in their entropy values, regardless of the droplet configuration and its initial volume. However, at intermediate vapor pressure (RH = 40%), entropy values vary significantly with droplet volume and configuration, being higher in sessile drops and lower in vertical ones. Additionally, we investigated the impact of sorbitol on the coating of sessile fertilizer droplets. We find that configurational entropy decreases exponentially with sorbitol concentration, inducing a morphological transition from fibrous structures to dispersed small aggregates. These findings highlight the complexity of pattern formation in fertilizer deposits and their potential implications for optimizing surface coating processes.
Study on the Attack of Concrete by External Sulfate under Electric Fields
Authors: Liu Huanqin , Shi Nuoqi , Han Kaizhao , Fu Xu , Fang Yuexin
Published: August 2024

The research on and application of electric fields to promote the rapid infiltration of ions into cement concrete have been widely explored. Still, there are few studies on the migration of sulfate ions using electric fields. In this paper, a new test method is designed using the principle of electric fields, that is, to accelerate the attack of sulfate into concrete under the action of the electric field, to test the resistance of concrete to sulfate attack. By testing different water–cement ratios, different pulse frequencies, different ages, and different soaking environments, the influence of the electric field on the sulfate resistance of concrete was analyzed. The results show that the compressive strength of concrete in a sulfate attack environment is smaller than that of conventional attack and water immersion environment when the water–cement ratio is 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 under the action of the electric field and increases with the increase of water in the water–cement ratio. Compared with a 14 day test, the compressive strength of concrete in a sulfate attack environment decreased by 1.9%, 8.6%, and 2.9%, respectively, at 28 days, which was faster than that of conventional attack and water immersion. The compressive strength of the concrete in the sulfate attack environment during the full immersion test and the semi-immersion test is smaller than that of the conventional attack and water immersion, and the semi-immersion test method is more obvious than the full immersion test method. The microscopic morphology of the test group, the water group, and the solution group were compared. From the microscopic morphology comparison, it can be seen that the electric field accelerates the diffusion of sulfate ions into the cement concrete and accelerates the reaction of sulfate ions with the relevant components in the cement concrete. Given the demand for concrete to resist sulfate attack under the action of the electric field, developing new and efficient protective materials is an important research direction. At present, the market lacks protective materials specifically for such an attack environment. This paper provides the theoretical basis and technical support for improving the effectiveness of concrete surface protection technology and engineering practices.
Evaluation of the Dynamics of Psychological Panic Factor, Glucose Risk and Estrogen Effects on Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Aamer Zahraa , Jawad Shireen , Batiha Belal , Ali Ali Hasan , Ghanim Firas , Lupaş Alina Alb
Published: August 2024

Contracting cancer typically induces a state of terror among the individuals who are affected. Exploring how glucose excess, estrogen excess, and anxiety work together to affect the speed at which breast cancer cells multiply and the immune system’s response model is necessary to conceive of ways to stop the spread of cancer. This paper proposes a mathematical model to investigate the impact of psychological panic, glucose excess, and estrogen excess on the interaction of cancer and immunity. The proposed model is precisely described. The focus of the model’s dynamic analysis is to identify the potential equilibrium locations. According to the analysis, it is possible to establish four equilibrium positions. The stability analysis reveals that all equilibrium points consistently exhibit stability under the defined conditions. The transcritical bifurcation occurs when the glucose excess is taken as a bifurcation point. Numerical simulations are employed to validate the theoretical study, which shows that psychological panic, glucose excess, and estrogen excess could be significant contributors to the spread of tumors and weakness of immune function.
Effect of Ca, Ba, Be, Mg, and Sr Substitution on Electronic and Optical Properties of XNb2Bi2O9 for Energy Conversion Application Using Generalized Gradient Approximation–Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof
Authors: Kainat Fatima , Jabeen Nawishta , Yaqoob Ali , Hassan Najam Ul , Hussain Ahmad , Khalifa Mohamed E.
Published: August 2024

Bismuth layered structure ferroelectrics (BLSFs), also known as Aurivillius phase materials, are ideal for energy-efficient applications, particularly for solar cells. This work reports the first comprehensive detailed theoretical study on the fascinating structural, electronic, and optical properties of XNb2Bi2O9 (X = Ca, Ba, Be, Mg, Sr). The Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof approach and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) are implemented to thoroughly investigate the structural, bandgap, optical, and electronic properties of the compounds. The optical conductivity, band topologies, dielectric function, bandgap values, absorption coefficient, reflectivity, extinction coefficient, refractive index, and partial and total densities of states are thoroughly investigated from a photovoltaics standpoint. The material exhibits distinct behaviors, including significant optical anisotropy and an elevated absorption coefficient > 105 cm−1 in the region of visible; ultraviolet energy is observed, the elevated transparency lies in the visible and infrared regions for the imaginary portion of the dielectric function, and peaks in the optical spectra caused by inter-band transitions are detected. According to the data reported, it becomes obvious that XNb2Bi2O9 (X = Ca, Ba, Be, Mg, and Sr) is a suitable candidate for implementation in solar energy conversion applications.
Preparation, Thermal Behavior, and Conformational Stability of HMX/Cyclopentanone Cocrystallization
Authors: Tao Yuting , Jin Shaohua , Wang Tongbin , She Chongchong , Chen Kun , Wang Junfeng , Li Lijie
Published: August 2024

The cocrystallization of 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazolidine (HMX) with cyclopentanone was achieved via a controlled cooling method, followed by comprehensive characterization that confirmed the α-configuration of HMX within the cocrystal. The enthalpy of dissolution of HMX in cyclopentanone was assessed across a range of temperatures using a C-80 Calvert microcalorimeter, revealing an endothermic dissolution process. Subsequently, the molar enthalpy of dissolution was determined, and kinetic equations describing the dissolution rate were derived for temperatures of 303.15, 308.15, 313.15, 318.15, and 323.15 K as follows: dα⁄dt = 10−2.46(1 − α)0.35, dα⁄dt = 10−2.19(1 − α)0.79, dα⁄dt = 10−1.76(1 − α)1.32, dα⁄dt = 10−1.86(1 − α)0.46, and dα⁄dt = 10−2.02(1 − α)0.70, respectively. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations investigated the intermolecular interactions of the HMX/cyclopentanone cocrystallization process, demonstrating a transformation of HMX from β- to α-conformation within the cyclopentanone environment. Theoretical calculations performed at the ωB97XD/6-311G(d,p) level affirmed that α-HMX exhibited stronger binding affinity toward cyclopentanone compared to β-HMX, corroborating experimental findings. A comprehensive understanding of the dissolution behavior of HMX in cyclopentanone holds significant implications for crystal growth methodologies and cocrystallization processes. Such insights are pivotal for optimizing HMX dissolution processes and offer valuable perspectives for developing and designing advanced energetic materials.
Determining the Failure Rate of Direct Restorations—Chart Review versus Electronic Health Record Reports
Authors: Patel Priyal , Kapadia Utsavi , Vyas Janhvi , Mhay Sahil , Nalliah Romesh P.
Published: August 2024

Amalgam and composite restorations are used to treat minor dental issues. University of Michigan, School of Dentistry Electronic Health Record (EHR) reports show a 2.31% failure rate for amalgam and 1.14% for composite. Our study aims to determine the true failure rates through manual EHR chart reviews. Patient data from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry were utilized—216 amalgam restorations from 2020 to 2022 and 350 composite restorations in 2021 were searched. We defined failure and retreatment as replacing a restoration with the same material and failure and alternate treatment as replacing restoration with an alternative treatment within one year. The failure rate refers to a combination of replacement with the same and alternative treatment material within one year. For Amalgam: 1.85% failed and were retreated; 7.87% failed and were received an alternate treatment. Composite: 9.71% failed and retreated; 2.86% failed and received alternate treatment. In total anterior composite: 10.5% retreated, 2.6% failed; posterior composite: 9.1% retreated, 3.0% failed. Our study revealed higher restoration failure rates than the reports extracted in the EHR. This highlights the need to foster a culture of precise documentation to align EHR reports with hand-search findings.
Enhancing Cyber-Physical Resiliency of Microgrid Control under Denial-of-Service Attack with Digital Twins
Authors: Abdelrahman Mahmoud S. , Kharchouf Ibtissam , Hussein Hossam M. , Esoofally Mustafa , Mohammed Osama A.
Published: August 2024

Microgrids (MGs) are the new paradigm of decentralized networks of renewable energy sources, loads, and storage devices that can operate independently or in coordination with the primary grid, incorporating significant flexibility and supply reliability. To increase reliability, traditional individual MGs can be replaced by networked microgrids (NMGs), which are more dependable. However, when it comes to operation and control, they also pose challenges for cyber security and communication reliability. Denial of service (DoS) is a common danger to DC microgrids with advanced controllers that rely on active information exchanges and has been recorded as the most frequent cause of cyber incidents. It can disrupt data transmission, leading to ineffective control and system instability. This paper proposes digital twin (DT) technology as an integrated solution, with new, advanced analytics technology using machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide simulation capabilities to predict and estimate future states. By twinning the cyber-physical dynamics of NMGs using data-driven models, DoS attacks targeting cyber-layer agents will be detected and mitigated. A long short-term memory (LSTM) model data-driven digital twin approach for DoS attack detection and mitigation is implemented, tested, and evaluated.
Particle Swarm Optimisation Algorithm-Based Renewable Energy Source Management for Industrial Applications: An Oil Refinery Case Study
Authors: Mathebula Nelisiwe O. , Thango Bonginkosi A. , Okojie Daniel E.
Published: August 2024

Motivated by South Africa’s need for the transition to a net-zero economy, this study investigates the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) into oil refineries, considering the unique challenges and opportunities therein. The research focuses on optimising RES allocation using particle swarm optimisation (PSO), a data-driven approach that adapts to real-time operational conditions. Traditional energy management systems often struggle with the inherent variability of RESs, leading to suboptimal energy distribution and increased emissions. Therefore, this study proposes a PSO-based renewable energy allocation strategy specifically designed for oil refineries. It considers factors like the levelised cost of energy, geographical location, and available technology. The methodology involves formulating the optimisation problem, developing a PSO model, and implementing it in a simulated oil refinery environment. The results demonstrate significant convergence of the PSO algorithm, leading to an optimal configuration for integrating RESs and achieving cost reductions and sustainability goals. The optimisation result of ZAR 4,457,527.00 achieved through iterations is much better than the result of ZAR 4,829,638.88 acquired using linear programming as the baseline model. The mean cost, indicating consistent performance, has remained at its original value of ZAR 4,457,527.00, highlighting the convergence. The key findings include the average distance measurement decreasing from 4.2 to 3.4, indicating particle convergence; the swarm diameter decreasing from 4.7 to 3.8, showing swarm concentration on promising solutions; the average velocity decreasing from 7.8 to 4.25, demonstrating refined particle movement; and the optimum cost function achieved at ZAR 4,457,527 with zero standard deviation, highlighting stability and optimal solution identification. This research offers a valuable solution for oil refineries seeking to integrate RESs effectively, contributing to South Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
Study on the Influencing Factors of Oil Bearing and Mobility of Shale Reservoirs in the Fourth Member of the Shahejie Formation in the Liaohe Western Depression
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xu Shizhen , Jin Ke , Zhang Xuejuan , Liu Yinglin , Chen Chang , Liu Ruhao , Li Ming , Li Jinpeng
Published: August 2024

Oil content and the movability of shale oil are important indicators for the evaluation of continental shale oil. In recent years, the sandwiched shale oil in the fourth member of the Shahejie Formation in the Liaohe Western Depression area of the Bohai Bay Basin has shown great exploration potential, while the understanding of shale oil content and the movability of shale oil is weak. In this study, through a combination of core observations and experiments, we clarified the shale lithofacies types in the fourth member of the Shahejie Formation in the Liaohe Western Depression and explored the influencing factors of the characteristics in the oil-bearing and movability of shales in different lithofacies. The results of the study show that the organic matter content of the shale is high (TOC = 2.2–4.3%), but the maturity of thermal evolution is low (Ro = 0.38–0.55%), and the mineral component is dominated by clay minerals (30.3–72.7%), with quartz, feldspar, and other feldspar minerals developing secondarily. According to the content of organic matter, the mineral component, and the sedimentary structure, five types of lithofacies can be classified: organic-rich laminated clay-bearing felsic shale lithofacies (LS1), organic-rich laminated clay felsic mixed shale lithofacies (LS2), organic-rich layered clay felsic mixed shale lithofacies (LS3), organic-containing massive felsic-bearing clay shale lithofacies (LS4), and organic-containing massive clay felsic mixed shale lithofacies (LS5). The oil content of shale is mainly affected by the organic matter. The rate of increase in oil content of shale is fastest when the organic matter content is between 2 and 4%. The movability of shale oil is mainly controlled by the sedimentary structure, mineral component, and microscopic pore structure; the more the shale laminae is developed, the lower the clay content is, and the more the pore space is developed, the better the movability of shale oil is. Combined with the results of the shale oil content and mobility analysis in the study area, LS2 and LS3 are the dominant lithofacies in the fourth member of the Shahejie Formation in the study area, followed by LS1 >LS5 >LS4, so shale oil exploration should focus on the development of LS2 and LS3.
Double-Ligand [Fe/PNP/PP3] and Their Hybrids [Fe/SiO2@PNP/PP3] as Catalysts for H2-Production from HCOOH
Authors: Theodorakopoulos Marinos , Solakidou Maria , Deligiannakis Yiannis , Louloudi Maria
Published: August 2024

Two types of iron-based catalysts, [Fe/SiO2@iProPNP/PP3] and [Fe/SiO2@tBuPNP/PP3], for the dehydrogenation of formic acid (FADH), were synthesized. These catalysts were developed using a double-ligand approach combining a PNP ligand and a PP3 ligand, demonstrating functionality without the need for additional cocatalysts or additives. Furthermore, hybrid catalysts [Fe/SiO2@iProPNP/PP3] and [Fe/SiO2@tBuPNP/PP3] were created by covalently grafting PNP ligands onto SiO2 particles. The hybrid [Fe/SiO2@iProPNP/PP3] exhibited enhanced recyclability, with turnover numbers (TONs) exceeding 74,000. In situ ATR-FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopies were used to monitor the structure and dynamics of the catalysts under catalytic conditions, revealing the formation of active catalysts through the involvement of all components: [Fe (metal)/PNP (first ligand)/PP3 (second ligand)/FA (substrate)], which are crucial to FADH catalysis. An Arrhenius study revealed that the hybrid [Fe/SiO2@iProPNP/PP3] had a lower activation energy (Ea = 42.5 kJ/mol) compared to its homogeneous counterpart (Ea = 48.2 kJ/mol), indicating superior catalytic performance. Conversely, [Fe/SiO2@tBuPNP/PP3] showed an increased activation energy (Ea = 48.3 kJ/mol) compared to its homogeneous form (Ea = 46.4 kJ/mol). This study discusses the differing roles of tBuPNP and iProPNP in catalyst configuration, highlighting the potential of double-ligand catalysts to enhance the performance and recyclability of PNP ligands in FADH, offering significant implications for the development of efficient and reusable catalytic systems.
Homogeneous Selection Mediated by Nitrate Nitrogen Regulates Fungal Dynamics in Subalpine Forest Soils Subjected to Simulated Restoration
Authors: Liao Haijun , Li Dehui , Li Chaonan
Published: August 2024

Subalpine forests provide crucial ecosystem services and are increasingly threatened by human alterations like bare-cut slopes from highway construction. External soil spray seeding (ESSS) is often employed to restore these slopes, but the cement it introduces can negatively affect soil fungi, which are vital for the ecological sustainability of restored slopes. Despite previous extensive discussions about ESSS-restored slopes, fungal dynamics and their underlying ecological mechanisms during ESSS-based restorations still remain elusive. Here, we conducted a 196-day simulation experiment using natural soils from a subalpine forest ecosystem. By using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing, we revealed soil fungal dynamics and their ecological mechanisms during simulated ESSS-based restorations. Results showed a decline in fungal α-diversity and significant shifts in community structures from the initial day to day 46, followed by relative stabilities. These dynamics were mainly characterized by ectomycorrhizal, plant pathogenic, and saprotrophic fungi, with ectomycorrhizal fungi being depleted, while saprotrophic and pathogenic fungi showed enrichment over time. Shifts in nitrate nitrogen (NO3−−N) content primarily regulated these dynamics via mediating homogeneous selections. High NO3−−N levels at later stages (days 46 to 196, especially day 46) might exclude those poorly adapted fungal species, resulting in great diversity loss and community shifts. Despite reduced homogeneous selections and NO3−−N levels after day 46, fungal communities did not show a recovery but continued to undergo changes compared to their initial states, suggesting the less resilient of fungi during ESSS-based restorations. This study highlights the need to manage soil NO3−−N levels for fungal communities during ESSS-based restorations. It provides novel insights for maintaining the ecological sustainability of ESSS-restored slopes and seeking new restoration strategies for cut slopes caused by infrastructure in subalpine forests.