bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fermented Tea as a Food with Functional Value—Its Microbiological Profile, Antioxidant Potential and Phytochemical Composition
Authors: Jakubczyk Karolina , Łopusiewicz Łukasz , Kika Joanna , Janda-Milczarek Katarzyna , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina
Published: December 2023

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink produced by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, known as SCOBY. Its base has traditionally been black tea, which has been recognized for its health-promoting properties, particularly its antioxidant activity based on its high content of pol-yphenolic compounds. A number of previous studies have demonstrated the equally favourable biochemical and phytochemical composition of green tea. The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the basic biochemical composition, microbiological composition and antioxidant properties of black and green tea-based Kombucha. The green tea-based Kombucha showed a quantitatively more abundant microbial composition (Lactic Acid Bacteria, Acetobacter sp., Yeast), a higher reducing potential (FRAP—4326.58 Fe(II)µM/L) and a higher content of total polyphenols (23.84 mg GAE/100 mL, reducing sugars (3212.00 mg/100 mL) as well as free amino acids (849.00 mg GLY/mL). Kombucha made from black tea, on the other hand, showed a higher anti-oxidant potential (1.17 Trolox (mM) TEAC), neutralising the DPPH radical at 94.33% and ABTS at 97.74%. It also had a higher level of acetic acid (0.08 g/100 mL). Green tea kombucha had a higher scavenging capacity of 90.6% for superoxide radical (O2−) and 69.28% for hydroxyl radical (·OH) than black tea kombucha. In the present study, both kombucha drinks tested were shown to be source of potent antioxidants. In addition, green tea, as a kombucha base, has proven to be as beneficial a raw material that will provide full nutritional and health-promoting values as traditional kombucha.
Consumer Perception of Food Fraud in Serbia and Montenegro
Authors: Djekic Ilija , Smigic Nada
Published: December 2023

The main objective of this study was to investigate how food fraud is perceived among consumers in Serbia and Montenegro. A total of 1264 consumers from the two countries participated in an online survey during the second half of 2022, using Google forms®. In the Serbian population, older or highly educated respondents are aware of different types of fraudulent activities such as substitution, mislabeling, concealment, and counterfeiting. Dilution is mostly recognized by women, the younger population, and students. Consumers believe that trust is the most important factor when purchasing food. The highest level of agreement regarding food fraud is that such activities may pose serious health risks to consumers, and that food inspection services are the most responsible actors in the food chain continuum. When it comes to purchasing food, open green markets are most trustworthy, followed by hypermarkets. Concerning the types of food, fish is most susceptible to fraud, followed by olive oil. This study builds upon existing knowledge of food consumers about food fraud in Europe.
Comparative Analysis of Luisia (Aeridinae, Orchidaceae) Plastomes Shed Light on Plastomes Evolution and Barcodes Investigation
Authors: Ma Liang , Zhou Cheng-Yuan , Chen Jin-Liao , Liu Ding-Kun , Lan Siren , Liu Zhong-Jian
Published: December 2023

Luisia, a genus of the subtribe Aeridinae of Orchidaceae, comprises ca. 40 species. Members of Luisia exhibit unique morphological characteristics and represent a valuable ornamental orchid genus. However, due to the scarcity of distinct morphological characters, species identification within this genus is ambiguous and controversial. In the present study, next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods were used to assemble the plastomes of five Luisia species and compare them with one publicly available Luisia plastid genome data. The plastomes of Luisia possessed a quadripartite structure, with sizes ranging from 146,243 bp to 147,430 bp. The plastomes of six Luisia species contained a total of 120 genes, comprising 74 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes and eight rRNA genes. Notably, all ndh genes were pseudogenized or lost. An analysis of codon usage bias showed that leucine (Leu) exhibited the highest frequency, while cysteine (Cys) exhibited the lowest frequency. A total of 57 to 64 SSRs and 42 to 49 long repeats were identified. Five regions and five coding sequences were identified for DNA barcodes, based on the nucleotide diversity (Pi) analysis. The species of Luisia constituted a monophyletic group and were sister to Paraphalaenopsis with strong support. Our study deepens the understanding of species identification, plastome evolution and the phylogenetic positions of Luisia.
Multiomics Reveals the Key Microorganisms and Metabolites in the Resistance to Root Rot Disease of Paris polyphylla
Authors: Ye Ting , Su Hailan , Zheng Guohua , Meng Hongyan , Wang Wenhua , Guo Ying
Published: December 2023

Root rot of Paris polyphylla has received widespread attention due to its threat to yield and leads to serious economic losses. However, the relationship among the rhizosphere microbial community, metabolites and root rot disease remained largely unexplored. Herein, we used integrated 16S rRNA, ITS, RNA sequencing and UPLC-MS/MS to systematically investigate the differences between healthy and diseased P. polyphylla. We found that root rot reduced the microbial diversity in the diseased P. polyphylla compared with the healthy control. The relative abundance of the bacterial phylum Actinobacteria increased in the diseased rhizome of P. polyphylla. For the fungal community, root rot disease contributed to an increased relative abundance of Ascomycota and decreased Glomeromycota at the phylum level. The transcriptomic results showed that the differently expressed genes were significantly enriched in the “Biosynthesis of various alkaloids”, “flavonoid biosynthesis” and “isoflavonoid biosynthesis” and “Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” was dramatically enriched in healthy P. polyphylla compared with that in diseased P. polyphylla. Likewise, the metabolomic results showed that the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and metabolic pathways was found to be significantly enriched by differential metabolites. Taken together, the study of combining metabolomics with microbiomes can help us enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of plant resistance to root rot disease, thereby discovering specific metabolites and microorganisms that can resist pathogen infection in P. polyphylla.
Intrarectal Administration of Adelmidrol plus Hyaluronic Acid Gel Ameliorates Experimental Colitis in Mice and Inhibits Pro-Inflammatory Response in Ex Vivo Cultured Biopsies Derived from Ulcerative Colitis-Affected Patients
Authors: Palenca Irene , Seguella Luisa , Zilli Aurora , Basili Franzin Silvia , Del Re Alessandro , Pepi Federico , Troiani Anna , Pesce Marcella , Rurgo Sara , De Palma Fatima Domenica Elisa , Luglio Gaetano , Tropeano Francesca Paola , Sarnelli Giovanni , Esposito Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Improving clinical outcomes and delaying disease recrudescence in Ulcerative Colitis (UC) patients is crucial for clinicians. In addition to traditional and new pharmacological therapies that utilize biological drugs, the development of medical devices that can ameliorate UC and facilitate the remission phase should not be overlooked. Drug-based therapy requires time to be personalized and to evaluate the benefit/risk ratio. However, the increasing number of diagnosed UC cases worldwide necessitates the exploration of new strategies to enhance clinical outcomes. By incorporating medical devices alongside pharmacological treatments, clinicians can provide additional support to UC patients, potentially improving their condition and slowing down the recurrence of symptoms. Chemically identified as an azelaic acid derivative and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) analog, adelmidrol is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of an intrarectal administration of 2% adelmidrol (Ade) and 0.1% hyaluronic acid (HA) gel formulation in both the acute and resolution phase of a mouse model of colitis induced via DNBS enema. We also investigated its activity in cultured human colon biopsies isolated from UC patients in the remission phase at follow-up when exposed in vitro to a cytomix challenge. Simultaneously, with its capacity to effectively alleviate chronic painful inflammatory cystitis when administered intravesically to urological patients such as Vessilen, the intrarectal administration of Ade/HA gel has shown remarkable potential in improving the course of colitis. This treatment approach has demonstrated a reduction in the histological damage score and an increase in the expression of ZO-1 and occludin tight junctions in both in vivo studies and human specimens. By acting independently on endogenous PEA levels and without any noticeable systemic absorption, the effectiveness of Ade/HA gel is reliant on a local antioxidant mechanism that functions as a “barrier effect” in the inflamed gut. Building on the findings of this preliminary study, we are confident that the Ade/HA gel medical device holds promise as a valuable adjunct in supporting traditional anti-UC therapies.
The Effect of an Innovative Combination of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction and Cynara cardunculus L. Extract on Weight Gain Reduction and Fat Browning in Obese Mice
Authors: Nucera Saverio , Scarano Federica , Macrì Roberta , Mollace Rocco , Gliozzi Micaela , Carresi Cristina , Ruga Stefano , Serra Maria , Tavernese Annamaria , Caminiti Rosamaria , Coppoletta Annarita , Cardamone Antonio , Montalcini Tiziana , Pujia Arturo , Palma Ernesto , Muscoli Carolina , Barillà Francesco , Musolino Vincenzo , Mollace Vincenzo
Published: December 2023

Obesity is one of the world’s most serious public health issues, with a high risk of developing a wide range of diseases. As a result, focusing on adipose tissue dysfunction may help to prevent the metabolic disturbances commonly associated with obesity. Nutraceutical supplementation may be a crucial strategy for improving WAT inflammation and obesity and accelerating the browning process. The aim of this study was to perform a preclinical “proof of concept” study on Bergacyn®, an innovative formulation originating from a combination of bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) and Cynara cardunculus (CyC), for the treatment of adipose tissue dysfunction. In particular, Bergacyn® supplementation in WD/SW-fed mice at doses of 50 mg/kg given orally for 12 weeks, was able to reduce body weight and total fat mass in the WD/SW mice, in association with an improvement in plasma biochemical parameters, including glycemia, total cholesterol, and LDL levels. In addition, a significant reduction in serum ALT levels was highlighted. The decreased WAT levels corresponded to an increased weight of BAT tissue, which was associated with a downregulation of PPARγ as compared to the vehicle group. Bergacyn® was able to restore PPARγ levels and prevent NF-kB overexpression in the WAT of mice fed a WD/SW diet, suggesting an improved oxidative metabolism and inflammatory status. These results were associated with a significant potentiation of the total antioxidant status in WD/SW mice. Finally, our data show, for the first time, that Bergacyn® supplementation may be a valuable approach to counteract adipose tissue dysfunction and obesity-associated effects on cardiometabolic risk.
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a Model for the Study of Developmental and Cardiovascular Toxicity of Electronic Cigarettes
Authors: Hussen Eman , Aakel Nada , Shaito Abdullah A. , Al-Asmakh Maha , Abou-Saleh Haissam , Zakaria Zain Z.
Published: December 2023

The increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as an alternative to conventional tobacco products has raised concerns regarding their potential adverse effects. The cardiovascular system undergoes intricate processes forming the heart and blood vessels during fetal development. However, the precise impact of e-cigarette smoke and aerosols on these delicate developmental processes remains elusive. Previous studies have revealed changes in gene expression patterns, disruptions in cellular signaling pathways, and increased oxidative stress resulting from e-cigarette exposure. These findings indicate the potential for e-cigarettes to cause developmental and cardiovascular harm. This comprehensive review article discusses various aspects of electronic cigarette use, emphasizing the relevance of cardiovascular studies in Zebrafish for understanding the risks to human health. It also highlights novel experimental approaches and technologies while addressing their inherent challenges and limitations.
Inhibitory Effects of Sesquiterpenoids Isolated from Artemisia scoparia on Adipogenic Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Lee Jung Im , Oh Jung Hwan , Karadeniz Fatih , Kong Chang-Suk , Seo Youngwan
Published: December 2023

Obesity and related complications are significant health issues in modern society, largely attributed to a sedentary lifestyle and a carbohydrate-rich diet. Since anti-obesity drugs often come with severe side effects, preventative measures are being sought globally, including dietary changes and functional foods that can counteract weight gain. In this context, plant-based metabolites are extensively studied for their advantageous biological effects against obesity. Several plants within the Artemisia genus have been reported to possess anti-adipogenic properties, preventing adipocytes from maturing and accumulating lipids. The present study investigated the anti-adipogenic potential of two sesquiterpenoids, reynosin and santamarine, isolated from A. scoparia in adipose-induced 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with these isolated compounds displayed fewer adipogenic characteristics compared to untreated mature adipocytes. The results indicated that cells treated with reynosin and santamarine accumulated 55.0% and 52.5% fewer intracellular lipids compared to untreated control adipocytes, respectively. Additionally, the mRNA expression of the key adipogenic marker, transcription factor PPARγ, was suppressed by 87.2% and 91.7% following 60 μM reynosin and santamarine treatment, respectively, in differentiated adipocytes. Protein expression was also suppressed in a similar manner, at 92.7% and 82.5% by 60 μM reynosin and santamarine treatment, respectively. Likewise, SERBP1c and C/EBPα were also downregulated at both gene and protein levels in adipocytes treated with samples during differentiation. Further analysis suggested that the anti-adipogenic effect of the compounds might be a result of AMPK activation and the subsequent suppression of MAPK phosphorylation. Overall, the present study suggested that sesquiterpenoids, reynosin, and santamarine were two potential bioactive compounds with anti-adipogenic properties. Further research is needed to explore other bioactive agents within A. scoparia and elucidate the in vivo action mechanisms of reynosin and santamarine.
Topographic Measurements and Statistical Analysis in Static Load Testing of Railway Bridge Piers
Authors: Pepe Massimiliano , Costantino Domenica , Alfio Vincenzo Saverio
Published: December 2023

The aim of the paper is to identify a suitable method for assessing the deformation of structures (buildings, bridges, walls, etc.) by means of topographic measurements of significant targets positioned on the infrastructure under consideration. In particular, the paper describes an approach to testing a bridge in a mixed structure (concrete and steel). The methodological approach developed can be schematised into the following main phases: (i) surveying using total stations (TSs) in order to obtain the spatial coordinates of the targets by means of the three-dimensional intersection technique (planimetric and altimetric measurements); (ii) least-squares compensation for the measurements performed; (iii) displacement analysis; and (iv) statistical evaluation of the reliability of the results. This method was evaluated on a case study of a newly built double-track railway bridge, located near the metropolitan area of the city of Bari, Italy, during various loading and unloading activities. The results obtained, evaluated by means of certain statistical tests, made it possible to verify the structural suitability of the bridge.
Phenological Mapping of Invasive Insects: Decision Support for Surveillance and Management
Authors: Barker Brittany S. , Coop Leonard
Published: December 2023

Readily accessible and easily understood forecasts of the phenology of invasive insects have the potential to support and improve strategic and tactical decisions for insect surveillance and management. However, most phenological modeling tools developed to date are site-based, meaning that they use data from a weather station to produce forecasts for that single site. Spatial forecasts of phenology, or phenological maps, are more useful for decision-making at area-wide scales, such as counties, states, or entire nations. In this review, we provide a brief history on the development of phenological mapping technologies with a focus on degree-day models and their use as decision support tools for invasive insect species. We compare three different types of phenological maps and provide examples using outputs of web-based platforms that are presently available for real-time mapping of invasive insects for the contiguous United States. Next, we summarize sources of climate data available for real-time mapping, applications of phenological maps, strategies for balancing model complexity and simplicity, data sources and methods for validating spatial phenology models, and potential sources of model error and uncertainty. Lastly, we make suggestions for future research that may improve the quality and utility of phenological maps for invasive insects.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Access Sites: Same Goals, Distinct Aspects, Various Merits and Demerits
Authors: Katsaros Odysseas , Apostolos Anastasios , Ktenopoulos Nikolaos , Koliastasis Leonidas , Kachrimanidis Ioannis , Drakopoulou Maria , Korovesis Theofanis , Karanasos Antonios , Tsalamandris Sotirios , Latsios George , Synetos Andreas , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Toutouzas Konstantinos
Published: December 2023

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been established as a safe and efficacious treatment for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). Despite being initially developed and indicated for high-surgical-risk patients, it is now offered to low-risk populations based on the results of large randomized controlled trials. The most common access sites in the vast majority of patients undergoing TAVI are the common femoral arteries; however, 10–20% of the patients treated with TAVI require an alternative access route, mainly due to peripheral atherosclerotic disease or complex anatomy. Hence, to achieve successful delivery and implantation of the valve, several arterial approaches have been studied, including transcarotid (TCr), axillary/subclavian (A/Sc), transapical (TAp), transaortic (TAo), suprasternal-brachiocephalic (S-B), and transcaval (TCv). This review aims to concisely summarize the most recent literature data and current guidelines as well as evaluate the various access routes for TAVI, focusing on the indications, the various special patient groups, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, as well as their adverse events.
Non-Linear Analysis in Post-Buckling Regime of a Tilt Rotor Composite Wing Structure Using Detailed Model and Robust Loading Approach
Authors: Chiariello Antonio , Vitale Pasquale , Belardo Marika , Di Caprio Francesco , Linari Mauro , Pezzella Claudio , Beretta Jacopo , Di Palma Luigi
Published: December 2023

The design and development of a wing for a completely brand-new aircraft represents, in aeronautics, one of the highest challenges from an engineering point of view. The present work describes a novel methodology devoted to execute numeric simulation in a non-linear post-buckling regime to verify the composite wing compliance under the design load conditions. The procedure was developed as part of a wing design and research activity and was motivated by the need to have more realistic results, without standard conservatisms like the no-buckling up to ultimate load, to be of use for achieving further weight savings. To carry this out, it was obviously necessary to ensure that the structural integrity was also guaranteed in the post-buckling regime, above the limit load, and therefore in a highly non-linear regime. The present work illustrates a numerical approach based on non-linear finite element analysis which uses the inertia relief option in order to have a more realistic representation of the structural response of the wing in its real context. All that represents a novelty since, at present, the commercial FE codes allow us to use the inertia relief option exclusively for linear analysis. Obviously, the approach can be applied to any other structural component with similar needs. The obtained results show that the differences between linear and non-linear regime are not negligible and, above all, that it is possible to design a wing (or other structural components) considering, at the same time, the large deformation due to the post-buckling regime, the material non-linearities due to the failures and any other non-linearities in order to achieve the challenging weight requirement of the new aircraft generation.
Preliminary Feasibility Study of a Magnetic Levitation Rotor Sail for Coastal Area Operations
Authors: Lee Kwangseok , Kim Yun Ho , Park Junghyung , Choi Bonggi , Kang Hee Jin
Published: December 2023

The continuous strengthening of environmental regulations is expected to have a significant impact on the vessel operations of shipping companies. Each country must reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships operating in domestic coastal areas to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). For new vessels, we are assessing potential emission reductions through various technologies, recognizing that transitioning to alternative fuels is inevitable to achieve our ultimate goal of zero emissions. However, the introduction of alternative fuels for ships involves numerous challenges, including the overall replacement of propulsion systems, etc. Additionally, to ensure that existing ships can comply with the gradually increasing environmental regulations, the immediate adoption of bridge technologies that can be applied is essential. Rotor sails are recognized as a technology that can be installed on both new ships and vessels in operation, offering carbon emission reductions through thrust assistance. Rotor sails have traditionally been mainly employed on ocean routes with consistent wind patterns. In this paper, we conducted a review of the feasibility of operating rotor sails in coastal areas where wind direction frequently changes and wind intensity is not constant. Particularly, a concept of a rotor sail with magnetic bearings for the rotor sail system, utilizing the principle of magnetic levitation, is suggested. The reduction in frictional forces during rotor sail operation contributes to increased maintainability and advantages in terms of noise and vibration. Specifically, in this study, a structural design for minimizing weight for optimal performance has been carried out.
Predictive Model for Northern Thailand Rainfall Using Niño Indexes and Sea Surface Height Anomalies in the South China Sea
Authors: Buathong Krittaporn , Moonchai Sompop , Saenton Schradh , Supapakorn Thidaporn , Rojsiraphisal Thaned
Published: December 2023

Northern Thailand rainfall (NTR) plays a crucial role in supplying surface water resources for downstream regions that millions of Thais rely on. The NTR has been reported to be adversely affected by the recent climate change making it impossible to accurately predict rainfall for better water management. In this work, we attempt to find an indicator that can be used to predict monthly NTR using an oceanic index based on sea surface height anomaly (SSHA) called the South China Sea Index (SCSI). First, we investigate the lead-lag relationships between NTR and several well-known indices. Relationships of NTR-Niño1+2 and NTR-Niño3 appear to be relatively strong. We then perform empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis on SSHA in the South China Sea and observe that the 2nd principal component (PC) time series and NTR strongly correlate. However, direct use of PC time series is computationally costly. Instead, we use SSHA information relating to the second EOF mode to create SCSI without performing EOF analysis. The correlation of SCSI-NTR is negatively strong. Lastly, we forecast NTR using SARIMAX models with Niño1+2, Niño3, and SCSI as inputs. The best model was SARIMAX (1, 0, 1)(0, 0, 2)12 using SCSI and Nino3 as inputs with AIC = 2368.705, RMSE = 51.167 mm per month and R2 = 0.732. Result raises capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in the area.
Displacement Values Calculation Method for Ship Multi-Support Shafting Based on Transfer Learning
Authors: Deng Yibin , Li Yuefan , Zhu Hanhua , Fan Shidong
Published: December 2023

Deviations between the design and actual shafting occur due to limitations in ship construction accuracy. Consequently, accurately obtaining the relationship between the actual shafting load and displacement relationship based on the design shafting becomes challenging, leading to inaccurate solutions for bearing displacement values and low alignment efficiency. In this research article, to address the issue of incomplete actual shafting data, a transfer learning-based method is proposed for accurate calculation of bearing displacement values. By combining simulated data from the design shafting with measured data generated during the adjustment process of the actual shafting, higher accuracy can be achieved in calculating bearing displacement values. This research utilizes a certain shafting as an example to carry out the application of the bearing displacement value calculation method. The results show that even under the action of shafting deviation, the actual shafting load and displacement relationship model can become more and more accurate with the shafting adjustment process, and the accuracy of bearing displacement values calculation becomes higher and higher. This method contributes to obtaining precise shafting adjustment schemes, thereby enhancing alignment quality and efficiency of ship shafting.
The Language of Deception: Applying Findings on Opinion Spam to Legal and Forensic Discourses
Authors: Jakupov Alibek , Longhi Julien , Zeddini Besma
Published: December 2023

Digital forensic investigations are becoming increasingly crucial in criminal investigations and civil litigations, especially in cases of corporate espionage and intellectual property theft as more communication occurs online via e-mail and social media. Deceptive opinion spam analysis is an emerging field of research that aims to detect and identify fraudulent reviews, comments, and other forms of deceptive online content. In this paper, we explore how the findings from this field may be relevant to forensic investigation, particularly the features that capture stylistic patterns and sentiments, which are psychologically relevant aspects of truthful and deceptive language. To assess these features’ utility, we demonstrate the potential of our proposed approach using the real-world dataset from the Enron Email Corpus. Our findings suggest that deceptive opinion spam analysis may be a valuable tool for forensic investigators and legal professionals looking to identify and analyze deceptive behavior in online communication. By incorporating these techniques into their investigative and legal strategies, professionals can improve the accuracy and reliability of their findings, leading to more effective and just outcomes.
Performance Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Sequestration in Cement Composites with a Granulation Technique
Authors: Lee Jeong-Bae , Kim Jun-Hyeong , Min Byeong-Gi , Woo Byeong-Hun
Published: December 2023

The cement industry emits a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). Therefore, the cement industry should recycle the emitted CO2. However, sequestration by carbonation in cement composites absorbs a very small amount of CO2. Therefore, a direct way of achieving this is to improve the absorption performance of CO2 in cement composites. In this study, to improve absorption, unlike in existing studies, a granulation technique was applied, and the material used was calcium hydroxide (CH). In addition, granulated CH was coated to prevent a reaction during the curing of cement paste. The coated CH granule (CCHG) was applied to 5% of the cement weight as an additive material, and the specimens were cured for 91 days to wait for the coating of CCHG to fully phase-change. The experiment of CO2 absorption showed an unexpected result, where the use of blast furnace slag (BFS) and fly ash (FA) had a negative effect on CO2 sequestration. This was because BFS and FA had a filler effect in the cement matrix, and the filler effect caused the blocking of the path of CO2. In addition, BFS and FA are well-known pozzolanic materials; the pozzolan reaction caused a reduction in the amount of CH because the pozzolan reaction consumed the CH to produce a calcium silicate hydrate. Therefore, the pozzolan reaction also had a negative effect on the CO2 sequestration performance combined with the filler effect. The CO2 sequestration efficiency was decreased between ordinary cement paste and BFS-applied specimens by 45.45%. In addition, compared to cases of ordinary cement paste and FA-applied specimens, the CO2 sequestration performance was decreased by 63.64%. Comprehensively, CO2 sequestration performance depends on the porosity and amount of CH.
Reprocessing Possibilities of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)–Hemp Fiber Composites Regarding the Material and Product Quality
Authors: Frącz Wiesław , Pacana Andrzej , Siwiec Dominika , Janowski Grzegorz , Bąk Łukasz
Published: December 2023

An important issue addressed in research on the assessment of the quality of polymer products is the quality of the polymer material itself and, in accordance with the idea of waste-free management, the impact of its repeated processing on its properties and the quality of the products. In this work, a biocomposite, based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with short hemp fibers, was obtained and repeatedly processed, which is a continuation of the research undertaken by the team in the field of this type of biocomposites. After subsequent stages of processing, the selected mechanical, processing and functional properties of the products were assessed. For this purpose, microscopic tests were carried out, mechanical properties were tested in static tensile and impact tests, viscosity curves were determined after subsequent processing cycles and changes in plastic pressure in the mold cavity were determined directly during processing. The results of the presented research confirm only a slight decrease in the mechanical properties of the produced type of biocomposite, even after it has been reprocessed five times, which gives extra weight to arguments for its commercialization as a substitute for petrochemical-based plastics. No significant changes were found in the used parameters and processing properties with the stages of processing, which allows for a predictable and stable manufacturing process using, for example, the injection molding process.
Water Splitting Reaction Mechanism on Transition Metal (Fe-Cu) Sulphide and Selenide Clusters—А DFT Study
Authors: Uzunova Ellie , Georgieva Ivelina , Zahariev Tsvetan
Published: December 2023

The tetracarbonyl complexes of transition metal chalcogenides M2X2(CO)4, where M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and X = S, Se, are examined by density functional theory (DFT). The M2X2 core is cyclic with either planar or non-planar geometry. As a sulfide, it is present in natural enzymes and has a selective redox capacity. The reduced forms of the selenide and sulfide complexes are relevant to the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and they provide different positions of hydride ligand binding: (i) at a chalcogenide site, (ii) at a particular cation site and (iii) in a midway position forming equal bonds to both cation sites. The full pathway of water decomposition to molecular hydrogen and oxygen is traced by transition state theory. The iron and cobalt complexes, cobalt selenide, in particular, provide lower energy barriers in HER as compared to the nickel and copper complexes. In the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), cobalt and iron selenide tetracarbonyls provide a low energy barrier via OOH* intermediate. All of the intermediate species possess favorable excitation transitions in the visible light spectrum, as evidenced by TD-DFT calculations and they allow photoactivation. In conclusion, cobalt and iron selenide tetracarbonyl complexes emerge as promising photocatalysts in water splitting.
Improved Insulating Properties of Polymer Dielectric by Constructing Interfacial Composite Coatings
Authors: Wang Jia-Xuan , Chen Yong-Gang , Chen Ji-Ming , Yin Zhi-Hui , Chen Chun-Song , Li Yi-Fei , Deng Ting , Guo Xiao-Bo , Zhu Ming-Xiao
Published: December 2023

Polymeric dielectrics exhibit remarkable dielectric characteristics and wide applicability, rendering them extensively employed within the domain of electrical insulation. Nevertheless, the electrical strength has always been a bottleneck, preventing its further utilization. Nanocomposite materials can effectively improve insulation strength, but uniform doping of nanofillers in engineering applications is a challenge. Consequently, a nanocomposite interfacial coating was meticulously designed to interpose between the electrode and the polymer, which can significantly improve DC breakdown performance. Subsequently, the effects of filler concentration and coating duration on DC breakdown performance, high field conductivity, and trap distribution characteristics were analyzed. The results indicate that the composite coating introduces deep traps between the electrode-polymer interface, which enhances the carrier confinement, resulting in reduced conductivity and enhanced DC breakdown strength. The incorporation of a composite coating at the interface between the electrode and polymer presents novel avenues for enhancing the dielectric insulation of polymers.
The Effect of Fe Content on the Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Friction-Stir-Welded Joints in Recycled Cast Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Gong Fujian , Feng Gang , Wang Yajun , Lan Sha , Zhang Jinsheng , Wang Chun , Zhao Jianhua , Yang Qing , Wang Zhibai
Published: December 2023

The presence of the impurity element Fe significantly influences the overall performance of recycled aluminum alloy. This study aims to elucidate the impact of Fe content on the microstructure and tensile properties of friction-stir-welded (FSW) joints in recycled cast A356 aluminum alloy. Three samples with varying Fe content were prepared for FSW joints. The quality of the weld zone was meticulously assessed through macrostructure and microstructure analyses. The tensile strengths of the joints were carefully evaluated and correlated with the microhardness and microstructure of the weld zone. The research findings reveal that, among the three fabricated joints, the one with an Fe content of 0.3 wt.% demonstrates the most favorable tensile performance. This particular joint exhibits the highest tensile strength of 153 MPa, commendable yield strength of 90 MPa, and a favorable elongation of 5.7%. The mechanisms responsible for grain refinement in the weld nugget zone involve plastic deformation and dynamic recrystallization. Significantly, the disruptive effects of friction-stir action on eutectic silicon phases and rich iron phases emerge as crucial factors contributing to the enhanced performance of the weld nugget zone in the welded joint.
Two-Speed Transmission Structure and Optimization Design for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Jeong Wonhyeong , Han Jaeoh , Kim Taesu , Lee Jongseok , Oh Sehoon
Published: December 2023

The trend in the global automotive industry is moving towards electric vehicles that do not emit exhaust gases and use eco-friendly fuel. Electric vehicles are more eco-friendly compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, as they emit less carbon dioxide and pollutants. Research and development are actively underway to produce new electric vehicle models in the rapidly growing electric car market. In this study, a 2-speed transmission for electric vehicles, applicable to 300 Nm-class electric cars, has been developed. The 2-speed transmission structure enables efficient energy use and utilizes a planetary gear set and wet multi-plate clutch, which are effective in the power transmission process. The 2-speed transmission developed through the research results of this paper has a compact structure optimized for electric vehicles. The design feasibility of the transmission was verified through performance tests of the prototype, contributing to fuel efficiency improvement and environmental enhancement.
Research on a Non-Intrusive Load Recognition Algorithm Based on High-Frequency Signal Decomposition with Improved VI Trajectory and Background Color Coding
Authors: Shi Jiachuan , Zhi Dingrui , Fu Rao
Published: December 2023

Against the backdrop of the current Chinese national carbon peak and carbon neutrality policies, higher requirements have been put forward for the construction and upgrading of smart grids. Non-intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) technology is a key technology for advanced measurement systems at the end of the power grid. This technology obtains detailed power information about the load without the need for traditional hardware deployment. The key step to solve this problem is load decomposition and identification. This study first utilized the Long Short-Term Memory Denoising Autoencoder (LSTM-DAE) to decompose the mixed current signal of a household busbar and obtain the current signals of the multiple independent loads that constituted the mixed current. Then, the obtained independent current signals were combined with the voltage signals to generate multicycle colored Voltage–Current (VI) trajectories, which were color-coded according to the background. These color-coded VI trajectories formed a feature library. When the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was used for load recognition, in light of the influence of the hyperparameters on the recognition results, the Bayesian Optimization Algorithm (BOA) was used for optimization, and the optimized CNN network was employed for VI trajectory recognition. Finally, the proposed method was validated using the PLAID dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed method exhibited better performance in load decomposition and identification than current methods.
Validation of Stock Price Prediction Models in the Conditions of Financial Crisis
Authors: Mihova Vesela , Georgiev Ivan , Raeva Elitsa , Georgiev Slavi , Pavlov Velizar
Published: December 2023

The distribution laws of various natural and anthropogenic processes in the world around us are stochastic in nature. The development of mathematics and, in particular, of stochastic modeling allows us to study regularities in such processes. In practice, stochastic modeling finds a huge number of applications in various fields, including finance and economics. In this work, some particular applications of stochastic processes in finance are examined in the conditions of financial crisis, aiming to provide a solid approach for stock price forecasting. More specifically, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models and modified ordinary differential equation (ODE) models, previously developed by some of the authors to predict the asset prices of four Bulgarian companies, are validated against a time period during the crisis. Estimated rates of return are calculated from the models for one period ahead. The errors are estimated and the models are compared. The return values predicted with each of the two approaches are used to derive optimal risk portfolios based on the Markowitz model, which is the second major aim of this study. The third aim is to compare the resulting portfolios in terms of distribution (i.e., weights of the stocks), risk, and rate of return.
Virtual Reality for Decreasing Procedural Pain during Botulinum Toxin Injection Related to Spasticity Treatment in Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: David Romain , Dumas Alexis , Ojardias Etienne , Duval Solène , Ounajim Amine , Perrochon Anaïck , Luque-Moreno Carlos , Moens Maarten , Goudman Lisa , Rigoard Philippe , Billot Maxime
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Botulinum toxin injections are commonly used for the treatment of spasticity. However, injection procedures are associated with pain and procedural anxiety. While pharmacological approaches are commonly used to reduce these, innovative technology might be considered as a potential non-pharmacological alternative. Given this context, immersive virtual reality (VR) has shown effectiveness in the management of procedural pain. Our retrospective pilot study aimed to assess the potential added value of virtual reality in the management of pain and anxiety during intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin. Materials and Methods: Seventeen adult patients receiving botulinum toxin injections were included. A numerical rating scale was used to assess pain and anxiety during the injection procedure. The patients reported the pain experienced during previous injections without VR before injection and the pain experienced in the current procedure with VR after the end of the procedure. The level of satisfaction of VR experience, whether or not they agreed to reuse VR for the subsequent toxin botulinum injection, and whether or not they would recommend VR to other patients were assessed. Results: The use of virtual reality led to a decrease of 1.8 pain-related points compared to the procedure without technology. No significant improvement in the level of anxiety was reported. Patients were very satisfied with their VR experiences (7.9 out of 10), and many would agree to reuse VR in their next injection procedure (88%) and to recommend the use of VR in other patients (100%). Conclusion: VR was useful for managing procedural pain related to botulinum toxin injection in adults, with a high level of satisfaction reported by the patients. VR should be considered as a valuable alternative to pharmacological approaches to manage procedural pain during botulinum toxin injection in adults.
Deciphering Microstructures and Phases of Gas-Atomised Novel Al-Fe-Si-Cr-Ni Alloys
Authors: Bhatt Bhaskaranand , Martucci Alessandra , Virgillito Enrico , Gobber Federico , Bondioli Federica , Manfredi Diego , Lombardi Mariangela , Fino Paolo
Published: December 2023

Rapid solidification techniques, such as gas atomisation, have been widely implemented in metallic alloys/composites to increase solid solubility, avoid or mitigate segregation phenomena, and favour metastable phase formation to enhance performance. Particularly, gas atomisation can enhance the solid solubility of low diffusion coefficient elements like Fe, Ni, Mn, Zr, and Cr in the α-Al matrix, yielding metastable phases. As a result, Al alloys exhibit excellent strength at high temperatures. In this study, the AISI 304L alloy was employed to introduce Fe, Ni, and Cr elements into the AlSi10Mg alloy through gas atomisation, resulting in the formation of two distinct hypereutectic AlFe-based alloys: AlFe9Si8Cr2Ni and AlFe18Si8Cr5Ni2. Gas-atomised alloy powders were separated into different size fractions by sieving and characterised using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Microstructural analyses revealed dendritic patterns with distinct phases, highlighting the influence of the alloying element content on the solidification processes. Furthermore, a synergic evaluation of the XRD and EDS analysis results allowed the identification of intermetallic phases and their distribution in the two systems.
MSdeCIpher: A Tool to Link Data from Complementary Ionization Techniques in High-Resolution GC-MS to Identify Molecular Ions
Authors: Stettin Daniel , Pohnert Georg
Published: December 2023

Electron ionization (EI) and molecular ion-generating techniques like chemical ionization (CI) are complementary ionization methods in gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS). However, manual curation effort and expert knowledge are required to correctly assign molecular ions to fragment spectra. MSdeCIpher is a software tool that enables the combination of two separate datasets from fragment-rich spectra, like EI-spectra, and soft ionization spectra containing molecular ion candidates. Using high-resolution GC-MS data, it identifies and assigns molecular ions based on retention time matching, user-defined adduct/neutral loss criteria, and sum formula matching. To our knowledge, no other freely available or vendor tool is currently capable of combining fragment-rich and soft ionization datasets in this manner. The tool’s performance was evaluated on three test datasets. When molecular ions are present, MSdeCIpher consistently ranks the correct molecular ion for each fragment spectrum in one of the top positions, with average ranks of 1.5, 1, and 1.2 in the three datasets, respectively. MSdeCIpher effectively reduces candidate molecular ions for each fragment spectrum and thus enables the usage of compound identification tools that require molecular masses as input. It paves the way towards rapid annotations in untargeted analysis with high-resolution GC-MS.
Degradation Measurement and Modelling under Ageing in a 16 nm FinFET FPGA
Authors: Sobas Justin , Marc François
Published: December 2023

Most of the latest generation of integrated circuits use FinFET transistors for their performance, but what about their reliability? Does the architectural evolution from planar MOSFET to FinFET transistor have any effect on the integrated circuit reliability? In this article, we present a test bench we have developed to age and measure the degradation of 5103 ring oscillators (ROs) implemented in nine FPGAs with 16nm FinFET under different temperature and voltage conditions (Vnom≤Vstress≤1.3Vnom and 25°C≤Tstress≤115°C) close to operational conditions in order to predict reliability regarding degradation mechanisms at the transistor scale (BTI, HCI and TDDB) as realistically as possible. By comparing our initial RO measurements and the data extracted from Vivado, we will show that the performance of the nine FPGAs is between 50% and 70% of the best performance expected by Vivado. After 8000 h of ageing, we will see that the relative degradations of the RO are a maximum of 1%, which is a first indicator proving the FPGAs’ good reliability. By comparing our results with similar studies on 28 nm MOSFET FPGAs, we will reveal that 16 nm FinFET FPGAs are more reliable. To be implemented in an FPGA, an RO uses logic resources (LUT) and routing resources. We will show that degradation in the two types of resources is different. For this reason, we will present a method for separating degradations in logical and routing resources based on RO degradation measures. Finally, we will model rising and falling edge propagation time degradations in an FPGA as a function of time, temperature, voltage, signal duty cycle and resources used in the FPGA.