bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Fruit Pomaces on Nutritional, Pro-Health Value and Quality of Extruded Gluten-Free Snacks
Authors: Gumul Dorota , Berski Wiktor , Zięba Tomasz
Published: April 2023

The processing of fruit generates large amounts of different by-products, such as pomace. The extrusion process gives an opportunity for their utilization as a good source of pro-health components. Therefore, this research focused on the utilization of fruit pomaces (cherries, blackcurrants, and chokeberries) as a value-added component of extruded corn snacks. The effect of the level of pomace addition on the content of bioactive polyphenols and nutritional value in cornmeal-based extrudates, as well as antioxidant capacity, was investigated. Additionally, the influence of fruit pomace on the quality of extruded gluten-free snacks was also investigated. It was found that pomace can be a good pro-health addition to corn snacks due to the enrichment of bioactive compounds and dietary fiber in this product. Especially valuable proved to be chokeberry pomace added at a 20% level. Such additions to snacks caused an increase in the content of total phenolic compounds, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity, respectively, by about 10 times, 2 times, 5 times, 2 times, 10 times, and 5 times, as compared to control snacks. It was observed that the addition of chokeberry pomace did not worsen the physical properties (WBC, hardness, and expansion ratio) of the resulting snacks, which affect the quality of the obtained product. Therefore, such snacks could be recommended for commercial production in order to increase the availability of gluten-free products for people with celiac disease.
Generation of Typical Meteorological Sequences to Simulate Growth and Production of Biological Systems
Authors: Wane Ousmane , Zarzalejo Luis F. , Ferrera-Cobos Francisco , Navarro Ana A. , Rodríguez-López Alberto , Valenzuela Rita X.
Published: April 2023

Numerical simulation applied to agriculture or wastewater treatment (WWT) is a complementary tool to understand, a priori, the impact of meteorological parameters on productivity under limiting environmental conditions or even to guide investments towards other more relevant circular economic objectives. This work proposes a new methodology to calculate Typical Meteorological Sequences (TMS) that could be used as input data to simulate the growth and productivity of photosynthetic organisms in different biological systems, such as a High-Rate Algae Pond (HRAP) for WWT or in agriculture for crops. The TMS was established by applying Finkelstein-Schafer statistics and represents the most likely meteorological sequence in the long term for each meteorological season. In our case study, 18 locations in the Madrid (Spain) region are estimated depending on climate conditions represented by solar irradiance and temperature. The parameters selected for generating TMS were photosynthetically active radiation, solar day length, maximum, minimum, mean, and temperature range. The selection of potential sequences according to the growth period of the organism is performed by resampling the available meteorological data, which, in this case study, increases the number of candidate sequences by 700%.
Research on Variable Universe Fuzzy Multi-Parameter Self-Tuning PID Control of Bridge Crane
Authors: Li Hui , Hui Yanbo , Ma Jun , Wang Qiao , Zhou Ying , Wang Hongxiao
Published: April 2023

The bridge-type bridge crane is a common lifting equipment used in modern factories and workshops. During the crane’s operation, the positioning of the trolley and the swing of the load can significantly impact the bridge crane’s safety and reliability. In this paper, we propose a variable universe fuzzy multi-parameter self-tuning PID (VUFMS-PID) control strategy for controlling the trolley’s movement. Our control strategy uses scaling factor variation to dynamically adjust the number of fuzzy control rules based on the system error and error rate of change. This approach improves control accuracy and enhances the crane’s stability and safety. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed control strategy outperforms both the fuzzy PID and traditional PID control strategies. Specifically, it reduces the crane trolley’s positioning time and the maximum swing angle of the load. Our control strategy exhibits good adaptive ability and robustness, which further improves the stability and safety of the bridge-type bridge crane operation.
Hearing Health Awareness and the Need for Educational Outreach Amongst Teachers in Malawi
Authors: Kapalamula Grant , Gordie Kelly , Khomera Memory , Porterfield J. Zachary , Toman Julia , Vallario Jenna
Published: April 2023

Malawi, as a low-income country in southeastern Africa, severely lacks early identification, diagnosis and intervention measures for hearing loss. Due to its constrained resources, an educational awareness campaign targeted at professionals can be a cost-effective instrument in promoting good health care through awareness, prevention, and early identification of hearing loss. The aim of this study is to assess school teachers’ knowledge of hearing health, audiology services, identification, and management of hearing issues before and after an educational intervention. Methods: A Pre-Survey, followed by an educational intervention, and a Post-Survey were completed by teacher participants. A similar World Health Organization-derived survey was also administered to compare to our locally adapted survey. Trends related to efficacy, performance, and survey improvement were evaluated. Results: A total of 387 teachers participated. The average score on the Post-Survey was significantly improved compared to the Pre-Survey (71% to 97% correct responses) with the educational intervention. The only predictive variable related to performance was the location of the school within the capital of Lilongwe compared to rural sites outside of the capital. Our locally adapted survey compared favorably to the WHO survey. Conclusions: The results suggest that there is a statistically significant improvement in the implementation of an educational program to increase the knowledge and awareness of hearing health care among teachers. Some topics were more poorly understood than others, suggesting the need for targeted awareness interventions. Location within the capital city had some effect on performance but a high rate of correct responses was achievable across the participants independent of age, teaching experience, or gender. Our data support the idea that hearing health awareness interventions can be an effective and low-cost option to equip teachers to effectively serve as an advocate for improved identification, early diagnosis and appropriate referral of students with hearing loss.
Island Design Camps—Interactive Video Projections as Extended Realities
Authors: Bongers Bert
Published: April 2023

Over the course of seven years during ten events, the author explored real-time interactive audiovisual projections, using ad hoc and portable projections and audio systems. This was done in the specific location of Cockatoo Island in the waters of a part of Sydney Harbour, Australia. The island offers a unique combination of the remnants of a shipyard industrial precinct, other buildings, and increasingly restored natural environment. The project explored real-time audiovisual responses through projected overlays reminiscing the rich history and past events, interactively resonating with the current landscape and built environment. This included the maritime industrial history, as well as other historical layers such as convict barracks, school, and the significance of the location for Australia’s original inhabitants before colonisation by the British started in 1788. But most prominently, the recent use of the island for large scale art projects (such as the Outpost street art festival in 2011, and over a decade of use as part of the Sydney Biennale of Art, and the use of the island for film sets). This was a rich source of image material collected by the author and used to extend and reflect on current realities. By using the projections, overlaying and extending the present reality with historical data in the form of sounds and video, dialogues were facilitated and a conflation of past and present explored. The main activity were the VideoWalks, where the author, using a custom built portable audiovisual projection system and a bank of audiovisual material was able to re-place sound and video of previous events in the present context, in some instances whilst delivering a performative lecture on the way. The explorations are part of the author’s Traces project, exploring traces and remnants of past events and how these can inform design approaches. The project over the years also developed an element of recursion, by using footage of an earlier projection into the current, the footage of which was then used in the next event, and so on—up to five layers of extended reality.
Crack Detection in Bearing Plate of Prestressed Anchorage Using Electromechanical Impedance Technique: A Numerical Investigation
Authors: Le Ba-Tung , Nguyen Thanh-Truong , Truong Tran-De-Nhat , Nguyen Chi-Thien , Phan Thi Tuong Vy , Ho Duc-Duy , Huynh Thanh-Canh
Published: April 2023

The bearing plate is an important part of a tendon–anchorage subsystem; however, its function and safety can be compromised by factors such as fatigue and corrosion. This paper explores the feasibility of the electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique for fatigue crack detection in the bearing plate of a prestressed anchorage. Firstly, the theory of the EMI technique is presented. Next, a well-established prestressed anchorage in the literature is selected as the target structure. Thirdly, a 3D finite element model of the PZT transducer–target anchorage subsystem is simulated, consisting of a concrete segment, a steel anchor head, and a steel bearing plate instrumented with a PZT transducer. The prestress load is applied to the anchorage via the anchor head. The EMI response of the target structure is numerically obtained under different simulated fatigue cracks in the bearing plate using the linear impedance analysis in the frequency domain. Finally, the resulting EMI response was quantified using two damage metrics: root-mean-square deviation and correlation coefficient deviation. These metrics are then compared with a threshold to identify the presence of cracks in the bearing plate. The results show that the simulated cracks in the bearing plate are successfully detected by tracking the shifts in the damage metrics. The numerical investigation demonstrates the potential of the EMI technique as a non-destructive testing method for assessing the structural integrity of prestressed structures.
Seismic Damage “Semaphore” Based on the Fundamental Period Variation: A Probabilistic Seismic Demand Assessment of Steel Moment-Resisting Frames
Authors: Díaz Sergio A. , Pinzón Luis A. , Vargas-Alzate Yeudy F. , Mora-Ortiz René S.
Published: April 2023

During strong earthquakes, structural damage usually occurs, resulting in a degradation of the overall stiffness of the affected structures. This degradation produces a modification in the dynamic properties of the structures, for instance, in the fundamental period of vibration (T1). Hence, the variation of T1 could be used as an indicator of seismic structural damage. In this article, a seismic damage assessment in four generic typologies of steel buildings was carried focused on verifying the variation of T1. To do so, several seismic damage states were calculated using the maximum inter-story drift ratio, MIDR, and following the Risk-UE guidelines. Then, a series of probabilistic nonlinear static analyses was implemented using Monte Carlo simulations. The probabilistic approach allows one to vary the main mechanical properties of the buildings, thus analyzing in this research 4000 buildings (1000 building samples for each of the four generic typologies). The variation of T1 was estimated using the capacity spectrum, and it was related to the MIDR for each damage state. As a main result of this study, the expected variation of T1 for several damage states is provided. Finally, a proposal for a seismic damage preventive “semaphore” and fragility curves are presented. These results may be useful as parameters or criteria in the evaluation of on-site structural monitoring for steel buildings.
Role of Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 in Early Breast Carcinogenesis and Breast Cancer Aggressiveness
Authors: Clemenceau Alisson , Lacouture Aurélie , Bherer Juliette , Ouellette Geneviève , Michaud Annick , Audet-Walsh Étienne , Diorio Caroline , Durocher Francine
Published: April 2023

A human transcriptome array on ERα-positive breast cancer continuum of risk identified Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 (SFRP1) as decreased during breast cancer progression. In addition, SFRP1 was inversely associated with breast tissue age-related lobular involution, and differentially regulated in women with regard to their parity status and the presence of microcalcifications. The causal role of SFRP1 in breast carcinogenesis remains, nevertheless, not well understood. In this study, we characterized mammary epithelial cells from both nulliparous and multiparous mice in organoid culture ex vivo, in the presence of estradiol (E2) and/or hydroxyapatite microcalcifications (HA). Furthermore, we have modulated SFRP1 expression in breast cancer cell lines, including the MCF10A series, and investigated their tumoral properties. We observed that organoids obtained from multiparous mice were resistant to E2 treatment, while organoids obtained from nulliparous mice developed the luminal phenotype associated with a lower ratio between Sfrp1 and Esr1 expression. The decrease in SFRP1 expression in MCF10A and MCF10AT1 cell lines increased their tumorigenic properties in vitro. On the other hand, the overexpression of SFRP1 in MCF10DCIS, MCF10CA1a, and MCF7 reduced their aggressiveness. Our results support the hypothesis that a lack of SFRP1 could have a causal role in early breast carcinogenesis.
Quality of Life and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Proton Therapy for Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yahya Noorazrul , Manan Hanani Abdul
Published: April 2023

Background: Complex anatomy surrounding the oropharynx makes proton therapy (PT), especially intensity-modulated PT (IMPT), a potentially attractive option due to its ability to reduce the volume of irradiated healthy tissues. Dosimetric improvement may not translate to clinically relevant benefits. As outcome data are emerging, we aimed to evaluate the evidence of the quality of life (QOL) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following PT for oropharyngeal carcinoma (OC). Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed and Scopus electronic databases (date: 15 February 2023) to identify original studies on QOL and PROs following PT for OC. We employed a fluid strategy in the search strategy by tracking citations of the initially selected studies. Reports were extracted for information on demographics, main results, and clinical and dose factor correlates. Quality assessment was performed using the NIH’s Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in the preparation of this report. Results: Seven reports were selected, including one from a recently published paper captured from citation tracking. Five compared PT and photon-based therapy, although none were randomized controlled trials. Most endpoints with significant differences favored PT, including xerostomia, cough, need for nutritional supplements, dysgeusia, food taste, appetite, and general symptoms. However, some endpoints favored photon-based therapy (sexual symptoms) or showed no significant difference (e.g., fatigue, pain, sleep, mouth sores). The PROs and QOL improve following PT but do not appear to return to baseline. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that PT causes less QOL and PRO deterioration than photon-based therapy. Biases due to the non-randomized study design remain obstacles to a firm conclusion. Whether or not PT is cost-effective should be the subject of further investigation.
Molecular Cluster Complex of High-Valence Chromium Selenide Carbonyl as Effective Electrocatalyst for Water Oxidation
Authors: Abdullahi Ibrahim Munkaila , Nath Manashi
Published: April 2023

Developing simple, affordable, and environmentally friendly water oxidation electrocatalysts with high intrinsic activity and low overpotential continues to be an area of intense research. In this article, a trichromium diselenide carbonyl cluster complex (Et4N)2[Se2Cr3(CO)10], with a unique bonding structure comprising bridging Se groups, has been identified as a promising electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This carbonyl cluster exhibits a promising overpotential of 310 mV and a low Tafel slope of 82.0 mV dec−1 at 10 mAcm−2, with superior durability in an alkaline medium, for a prolonged period of continuous oxygen evolution. The mass activity and turnover frequency of 62.2 Ag−1 and 0.0174 s−1 was achieved, respectively at 0.390 V vs. RHE. The Cr-complex reported here shows distinctly different catalytic activity based on subtle changes in the ligand chemistry around the catalytically active Cr site. Such dependence further corroborates the critical influence of ligand coordination on the electron density distribution which further affects the electrochemical activation and catalytic efficiency of the active site. Specifically, even partial substitution with more electronegative substituents leads to the weakening of the catalytic efficiency. This report further demonstrates that metal carbonyl chalcogenides cluster-type materials which exhibit partially occupied sites and high valence in their metal sites can serve as catalytically active centers to catalyze OER exhibiting high intrinsic activity. The insight generated from this report can be directly extrapolated to 3-dimensional solids containing similar structural motifs, thereby aiding in optimal catalyst design.
In Situ Transition of a Nickel Metal–Organic Framework on TiO2 Photoanode towards Urea Photoelectrolysis
Authors: Ren Jie , Yang Pingping , Wang Liuliu , Chen Hongyu , Lu Xingyu , Yang Qing , Zou Li , Huang Cheng , Xie Jiale
Published: April 2023

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) urea splitting is of great significance for urea wastewater remediation and hydrogen production with low energy consumption simultaneously. Nickel hydroxides as electrocatalysts have been widely investigated for urea electrolysis. However, it is an open question how to synthesize highly catalytic Ni(OH)2 for the PEC urea splitting. Herein, we take advantage of the instability of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to perform an in situ synthesis of Ni(OH)2 catalysts on the surface of TiO2 nanorod arrays. This transformed Ni(OH)2 (T-Ni(OH)2) possesses a superior PEC catalytic activity for water/urea splitting in comparison to the Ni(OH)2 prepared by the impregnation method. The in situ transition of a Ni-MOF is accomplished through an electrochemical treatment under AM1.5G illumination in a KOH-and-urea mixed electrolyte. The specific transition mechanism of Ni-MOFs is the substitution of ligands with OH− in a 1 M KOH electrolyte and the successive phase transition. The T-Ni(OH)2@TiO2 photoanode delivers a high photocurrent density of 1.22 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE, which is 4.7 times that of Ni(OH)2@TiO2 prepared with the impregnation method. The onset potential of T-Ni(OH)2@TiO2 is negatively shifted by 118 mV in comparison to TiO2. Moreover, the decline of photocurrent during the continuous test can be recovered after the electrochemical and light treatments.
Altered Epigenetic Profiles in the Placenta of Preeclamptic and Intrauterine Growth Restriction Patients
Authors: Norton Carter , Clarke Derek , Holmstrom Joshua , Stirland Isaac , Reynolds Paul R. , Jenkins Tim G. , Arroyo Juan A.
Published: April 2023

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE) are placental pathologies known to complicate pregnancy and cause neonatal disorders. To date, there is a limited number of studies on the genetic similarity of these conditions. DNA methylation is a heritable epigenetic process that can regulate placental development. Our objective was to identify methylation patterns in placental DNA from normal, PE and IUGR-affected pregnancies. DNA was extracted, and bisulfite was converted, prior to being hybridized for the methylation array. Methylation data were SWAN normalized and differently methylated regions were identified using applications within the USEQ program. UCSC’s Genome browser and Stanford’s GREAT analysis were used to identify gene promoters. The commonality among affected genes was confirmed by Western blot. We observed nine significantly hypomethylated regions, two being significantly hypomethylated for both PE and IGUR. Western blot confirmed differential protein expression of commonly regulated genes. We conclude that despite the uniqueness of methylation profiles for PE and IUGR, the similarity of some methylation alterations in pathologies could explain the clinical similarities observed with these obstetric complications. These results also provide insight into the genetic similarity between PE and IUGR and suggest possible gene candidates plausibly involved in the onset of both conditions.
Membrane Curvature: The Inseparable Companion of Autophagy
Authors: Liu Lei , Tang Yu , Zhou Zijuan , Huang Yuan , Zhang Rui , Lyu Hao , Xiao Shuai , Guo Dong , Ali Declan William , Michalak Marek , Chen Xing-Zhen , Zhou Cefan , Tang Jingfeng
Published: April 2023

Autophagy is a highly conserved recycling process of eukaryotic cells that degrades protein aggregates or damaged organelles with the participation of autophagy-related proteins. Membrane bending is a key step in autophagosome membrane formation and nucleation. A variety of autophagy-related proteins (ATGs) are needed to sense and generate membrane curvature, which then complete the membrane remodeling process. The Atg1 complex, Atg2-Atg18 complex, Vps34 complex, Atg12-Atg5 conjugation system, Atg8-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugation system, and transmembrane protein Atg9 promote the production of autophagosomal membranes directly or indirectly through their specific structures to alter membrane curvature. There are three common mechanisms to explain the change in membrane curvature. For example, the BAR domain of Bif-1 senses and tethers Atg9 vesicles to change the membrane curvature of the isolation membrane (IM), and the Atg9 vesicles are reported as a source of the IM in the autophagy process. The amphiphilic helix of Bif-1 inserts directly into the phospholipid bilayer, causing membrane asymmetry, and thus changing the membrane curvature of the IM. Atg2 forms a pathway for lipid transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the IM, and this pathway also contributes to the formation of the IM. In this review, we introduce the phenomena and causes of membrane curvature changes in the process of macroautophagy, and the mechanisms of ATGs in membrane curvature and autophagosome membrane formation.
Astroglial Connexin 43 Regulates Synaptic Vesicle Release at Hippocampal Synapses
Authors: Cheung Giselle , Chever Oana , Rollenhagen Astrid , Quenech’du Nicole , Ezan Pascal , Lübke Joachim H. R. , Rouach Nathalie
Published: April 2023

Connexin 43, an astroglial gap junction protein, is enriched in perisynaptic astroglial processes and plays major roles in synaptic transmission. We have previously found that astroglial Cx43 controls synaptic glutamate levels and allows for activity-dependent glutamine release to sustain physiological synaptic transmissions and cognitiogns. However, whether Cx43 is important for the release of synaptic vesicles, which is a critical component of synaptic efficacy, remains unanswered. Here, using transgenic mice with a glial conditional knockout of Cx43 (Cx43−/−), we investigate whether and how astrocytes regulate the release of synaptic vesicles from hippocampal synapses. We report that CA1 pyramidal neurons and their synapses develop normally in the absence of astroglial Cx43. However, a significant impairment in synaptic vesicle distribution and release dynamics were observed. In particular, the FM1-43 assays performed using two-photon live imaging and combined with multi-electrode array stimulation in acute hippocampal slices, revealed a slower rate of synaptic vesicle release in Cx43−/− mice. Furthermore, paired-pulse recordings showed that synaptic vesicle release probability was also reduced and is dependent on glutamine supply via Cx43 hemichannel (HC). Taken together, we have uncovered a role for Cx43 in regulating presynaptic functions by controlling the rate and probability of synaptic vesicle release. Our findings further highlight the significance of astroglial Cx43 in synaptic transmission and efficacy.
Hungarian Linguistic, Cross-Cultural and Age Adaptation of Transition Specific Questionnaires in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Dohos Dóra , Váradi Alex , Farkas Nelli , Erős Adrienn , Müller Katalin Eszter , Karoliny Anna , Gombos Eszter , Nemes Éva , Vass Noémi , Tárnok András , Hegyi Péter , Sarlós Patrícia
Published: April 2023

Objective: In the TRANS–IBD clinical trial, the outcomes are measured with selected validated questionnaires. Cross-cultural and age adaptations of the Self-Efficacy Scale for adolescents and young adults (IBD–SES), the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ), and the Self-Management and Transition Readiness Questionnaire (STARx) were performed. Methods: Linguistic and cultural adaptation was carried out with the usage of reliability coefficients (Cronbach’s α coefficients, Spearman’s rank correlation), and with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA], Comparative Fit Index [CFI], and Tucker-Lewis Index [TLI]). Results: 112 adolescents participated in the study (45.5% male, mean age 17 ± 1.98 years). CFA was acceptable in the IBD–SES and the TRAQ. Internal consistency was acceptable in IBD–SES and good in TRAQ (0.729; 0.865, respectively). Test–retest reliability was good in IBD–SES, but below the acceptable threshold in TRAQ (ρ = 0.819; ρ = 0.034). In STARx tools, RMSEA showed poor fit values, CFI and TLI were below acceptable fit values, and internal consistency was not satisfied (0.415; 0.693, respectively), while test–retest reliabilities were acceptable (ρ = 0.787; ρ = 0.788, respectively). Conclusions: Cross-cultural, age-specific adaptation was successfully completed with IBD–SES and TRAQ. Those are comparable to the original validated versions. The adaption of the STARx tools was not successful.
Perceptions of Climate Change Risk on Agriculture Livelihood in Savanna Region, Northern Togo
Authors: Kissi Abravi Essenam , Abbey Georges Abbevi , Villamor Grace B.
Published: April 2023

The agriculture sector in the Savanna region of Togo is especially vulnerable to weather fluctuations, which have an impact on crop production levels. However, farmers’ decisions to implement adaptation strategies are directly related to their perceptions of climate change risk. The current study employed a participatory workshop and household survey of 425 farmers to examine the drivers of specific climate change risks of interest (risk of loss of livelihood for farmers) and measure farmers’ level of climate change risk perception. A climate change risk perception score (CCRPS), descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and K-means cluster analysis were used to analyze the data collected. The findings revealed that the most important changes in climate conditions affecting agricultural production in the study area were mainly the increased duration of dry spells, erratic rainfall, and an increase in extreme rainfall events. These climatic variations cause more floods and droughts, which, when coupled with socio-ecological vulnerability drivers, increase the impact of these events on agricultural livelihood, expose more farmers and their farmland, and contribute to the risk of farmers’ livelihood loss in the study area. Based on farmers’ appraisals of the occurrence of hazards, their exposure, and their vulnerability, farmers’ perceptions of climate risk have been classified into three categories: high, moderate, and low. This finding sheds some light on farmers’ climate change risk perception, which may influence their adaptation decision. These findings can be used to increase the uptake of adaptation strategies and thus the resilience of Savanna region agriculture to climate change.
A Review of Vertical Graphene and Its Biomedical Applications
Authors: Anghel Elena , Adiaconita Bianca , Demetrescu Ioana , Avram Andrei
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the synthesis methods and properties of vertically aligned graphene nanosheets (VG) and their applications. VG is obtained using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method, and different VG types with other properties can be obtained by changing the process parameters. VG is part of the graphene family; properties such as excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, chemical stability, and a large, specific surface area make it suitable for biomedical applications. Examples of biomedical applications in which VG is used are biosensors, electrochemical sensors, modified surfaces for bone growth, regeneration, and for antimicrobial effects. First, VG’s properties are reviewed in this review article, and then the most recent progress in its applications and related sciences and technologies are discussed.
Dislocation Mechanisms and Local Strength with a View towards Sleeper Screw Failures
Authors: Lin Kang , Zhou Lichu , Juul Jensen Dorte , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: April 2023

Dislocation structures can be directly related to the fatigue properties of metals, such as fatigue strength, including the fatigue limit and saturation stress. We present an indirect dislocation-structure-based method to evaluate the local stresses for an in-depth analysis of sleeper screw failures, as there is little knowledge about the load and local stresses related to these failures. The sleeper screw, fastening baseplates of rails to sleepers, is a small but critical component in the railway. High loads from passing trains are transferred to the screws, leading to cyclic straining. In the present study, three stress-level tension fatigue experiments are designed in the constant stress mode at a stress ratio R = 0 and a testing frequency of 10 Hz. The microstructures in the failed specimens are characterized and compared with those close to the fracture surface of screws that failed in the field. The dislocation structure similarities and differences are analyzed, and the potential of the proposed methodology is discussed.
Spectroscopic Properties of Pb2+-Doped BaF2 Crystals
Authors: Buse Gabriel , Stef Marius , Nicoara Irina
Published: April 2023

Various concentrations of PbF2-doped BaF2 crystals were grown by the Bridgman method using a shaped graphite heater. The room temperature optical absorption spectra showed two UV absorption bands (labeled A and D), characteristic of the Pb2+ ions. The structure of the bands was analyzed using the Gaussian multi-peak fitting. The distribution of the Pb2+ ions along the crystals and the effective segregation coefficient were studied using the optical absorption method. The obtained effective segregation coefficient was >1. The Pb2+ ions were not uniformly distributed along the samples. High intensity emission bands were observed in the near UV domain and the visible region.
Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound Imaging of Bowel Wall in Hirschsprung’s Disease—Correlation and Agreement Analyses of Histoanatomy
Authors: Hawez Tebin , Graneli Christina , Erlöv Tobias , Gottberg Emilia , Munoz Mitev Rodrigo , Hagelsteen Kristine , Evertsson Maria , Jansson Tomas , Cinthio Magnus , Stenström Pernilla
Published: April 2023

Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is characterized by aganglionosis in the bowel wall, requiring resection. Ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) imaging of the bowel wall has been suggested to be an instantaneous method of deciding resection length. The aim of this study was to validate UHFUS imaging of the bowel wall in children with HD by exploring the correlation and systematic differences between UHFUS and histopathology. Resected fresh bowel specimens of children 0–1 years old, operated on for rectosigmoid aganglionosis at a national HD center 2018–2021, were examined ex vivo with UHFUS center frequency 50 MHz. Aganglionosis and ganglionosis were confirmed by histopathological staining and immunohistochemistry. Histoanatomical layers of bowel wall in histopathological and UHFUS images, respectively, were outlined using MATLAB programs. Both histopathological and UHFUS images were available for 19 aganglionic and 18 ganglionic specimens. The thickness of muscularis interna correlated positively between histopathology and UHFUS in both aganglionosis (R = 0.651, p = 0.003) and ganglionosis (R = 0.534, p = 0.023). The muscularis interna was systematically thicker in histopathology than in UHFUS images in both aganglionosis (0.499 vs. 0.309 mm; p < 0.001) and ganglionosis (0.644 versus 0.556 mm; p = 0.003). Significant correlations and systematic differences between histopathological and UHFUS images support the hypothesis that UHFUS reproduces the histoanatomy of the bowel wall in HD accurately.
Identification of the Prognostic Biomarkers CBX6 and CBX7 in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Li Xinxin , Li Lili , Xiong Xi , Kuang Qihui , Peng Min , Zhu Kai , Luo Pengcheng
Published: April 2023

Background: Chromobox (CBX) proteins are essential components of polycomb group proteins and perform essential functions in bladder cancer (BLCA). However, research on CBX proteins is still limited, and the function of CBXs in BLCA has not been well illustrated. Methods and Results: We analyzed the expression of CBX family members in BLCA patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. By Cox regression analysis and survival analysis, CBX6 and CBX7 were identified as potential prognostic factors. Subsequently, we identified genes associated with CBX6/7 and performed enrichment analysis, and they were enriched in urothelial carcinoma and transitional carcinoma. Mutation rates of TP53 and TTN correlate with expression of CBX6/7. In addition, differential analysis indicated that the roles played by CBX6 and CBX7 may be related to immune checkpoints. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to screen out immune cells that play a role in the prognosis of bladder cancer patients. Multiplex immunohistochemistry staining confirmed a negative correlation between CBX6 and M1 macrophages, as well as a consistent alteration in CBX6 and regulatory T cells (Tregs), a positive correlation between CBX7 and resting mast cells, and a negative correlation between CBX7 and M0 macrophages. Conclusions: CBX6 and CBX7 expression levels may assist in predicting the prognosis of BLCA patients. CBX6 may contribute to a poor prognosis in patients by inhibiting M1 polarization and promoting Treg recruitment in the tumor microenvironment, while CBX7 may contribute to a better prognosis in patients by increasing resting mast cell numbers and decreasing macrophage M0 content.
Multi-UAV Collaborative Absolute Vision Positioning and Navigation: A Survey and Discussion
Authors: Tong Pengfei , Yang Xuerong , Yang Yajun , Liu Wei , Wu Peiyi
Published: April 2023

The employment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has greatly facilitated the lives of humans. Due to the mass manufacturing of consumer unmanned aerial vehicles and the support of related scientific research, it can now be used in lighting shows, jungle search-and-rescues, topographical mapping, disaster monitoring, and sports event broadcasting, among many other disciplines. Some applications have stricter requirements for the autonomous positioning capability of UAV clusters, requiring its positioning precision to be within the cognitive range of a human or machine. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is currently the only method that can be applied directly and consistently to UAV positioning. Even with dependable GNSS, large-scale clustering of drones might fail, resulting in drone cluster bombardment. As a type of passive sensor, the visual sensor has a compact size, a low cost, a wealth of information, strong positional autonomy and reliability, and high positioning accuracy. This automated navigation technology is ideal for drone swarms. The application of vision sensors in the collaborative task of multiple UAVs can effectively avoid navigation interruption or precision deficiency caused by factors such as field-of-view obstruction or flight height limitation of a single UAV sensor and achieve large-area group positioning and navigation in complex environments. This paper examines collaborative visual positioning among multiple UAVs (UAV autonomous positioning and navigation, distributed collaborative measurement fusion under cluster dynamic topology, and group navigation based on active behavior control and distributed fusion of multi-source dynamic sensing information). Current research constraints are compared and appraised, and the most pressing issues to be addressed in the future are anticipated and researched. Through analysis and discussion, it has been concluded that the integrated employment of the aforementioned methodologies aids in enhancing the cooperative positioning and navigation capabilities of multiple UAVs during GNSS denial.
Heterogeneous Diffusion of Government Microblogs and Public Agenda Networks during Public Policy Communication in China
Authors: Cai Meng , Gong Xue , Liu Jiaqi
Published: April 2023

During public policy information diffusion, policy interpretation on government microblogs and public attention interact, but there are certain differences. We construct a research framework for the heterogeneous diffusion of public policy information on government microblogs. An empirical study is conducted based on the Network Agenda Setting (NAS) model. First, a combination of topic mining and content analysis is used to identify the issues discussed by government microblogs and citizens. Then, we use the importance of nodes in Degree Structure (DS) and Flow Structure (FS) entropy to measure their attention to different issues. Finally, the Quadratic Assignment Procedure (QAP) correlation and regression analysis explore the degree of heterogeneity and causal relationship between government microblog agenda networks (GMANs) and public agenda networks (PANs). We find that GMANs influence PANs and the degree of heterogeneity between them is relatively low at the beginning of policy implementation. However, as government microblogs reveal positive effects of policy implementation, they fail to influence PANs effectively, and there is a greater degree of heterogeneity between them. Moreover, PANs do not significantly affect GMANs. The dynamic leading relationship between GMANs and PANs in public policy diffusion is clarified, helping to shape the image of digital government in public opinion.
Multi-Objective Structural Optimization of a Composite Wind Turbine Blade Considering Natural Frequencies of Vibration and Global Stability
Authors: Couto Lucas de Landa , Moreira Nícolas Estanislau , Saito Josué Yoshikazu de Oliveira , Hallak Patricia Habib , Lemonge Afonso Celso de Castro
Published: April 2023

Aspects concerning resonance and global stability of a wind turbine blade must be carefully considered in its optimal design. In this paper, a composite wind turbine blade with an external geometry based on the NREL 5 MW model was subjected to multi-objective structural optimization considering these aspects. Four multi-objective structural optimization problems are formulated considering the blade mass, the maximum blade tip displacement, the natural frequencies of vibration, and the critical load factor as objective functions. The design variables are the number of plies, material, and fiber orientation. The design constraints are the materials’ margin of safety, the blade’s allowable tip displacement, and the minimum load factor. The blade model is submitted to the loads determined by the actuator lines theory and discretized in a finite element parameterized model using the Femap software according to geometric design variables. Among many multi-objective evolutionary algorithms available in the literature concerning evolutionary computation, the NSGA-II is the adopted evolutionary algorithm to solve the multi-objective optimization problems. Pareto fronts are obtained and performance indicators are used to evaluate the distribution of the non-dominated solutions. Multi-criteria decision-making is used to extract the solutions from the Pareto fronts according to the decision-maker’s preferences. The values of the objective functions, design variables, and constraints are presented for each extracted solution. The proposed study is expected to contribute to the multi-objective optimization and the structural design of wind turbine blades.
Effect of KLT-40S Fuel Assembly Design on Burnup Characteristics
Authors: Zhou Zedong , Xie Jinsen , Deng Nianbiao , Chen Pengyu , Wu Zhiqiang , Yu Tao
Published: April 2023

The KLT-40S is a small modular reactor developed by Russia based on the KLT-40 reactor with two fuel assembly designs: a four-ring and a five-ring. Few studies have been published on fuel assembly and power-flattening designs for the KLT-40S. In this paper, the effects of different fuel assembly designs on burnup and power flattening are investigated. This paper compares the effects of the two fuel assembly designs of the KLT-40S on its burnup characteristics, analyzes the effects of fuel rod diameter on burnup characteristics, and conducts a computational study on the ideal power-flattening design. The results show that the five-ring fuel assembly design has better burnup characteristics than the four-ring fuel assembly design. At a fuel rod diameter of 0.62 cm, the optimal burnup lattice is obtained. The 15.84% + 19.75% power-flattening design (uranium enrichment in the innermost and outermost rings + uranium enrichment in inner rings) reduces the local power peaking factor of the five-ring fuel assembly below 1.11 throughout the lifetime. Therefore, the KLT-40S five-ring fuel assembly has better burnup characteristics, and its optimal burnup lattice is at the 0.62 cm fuel rod diameter. The use of power-flattening designs can effectively reduce the local power peaking factor.
Electric Vehicle Battery Supply Chain and Critical Materials: A Brief Survey of State of the Art
Authors: Barman Pranjal , Dutta Lachit , Azzopardi Brian
Published: April 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been garnering wide attention over conventional fossil fuel-based vehicles due to the serious concerns of environmental pollution and crude oil depletion. In this article, we have conducted a systematic literature survey to explore the battery raw material supply chain, material processing, and the economy behind the commodity price appreciation. We present significant areas of concern, including resource reserves, supply, demand, geographical distribution, battery reuse, and recycling industries. Furthermore, details of the battery supply chain and its associated steps are illustrated. The authors believe the presented study will be an information cornerstone in boosting manufacturing and understanding the key components and materials required to facilitate EV battery production. Further, this study discusses the major industries, and their policies and global market share in each material category.
Understanding & Screening of DCW through Application of Data Analysis of Experiments and ML/AI
Authors: Thomas Tony , Sharma Pushpa , Gupta Dharmendra Kumar
Published: April 2023

An oil recovery technique, different composition waterflooding (DCW), dependent on the varying injected water composition has been the subject of various research work in the past decades. Research work has been carried out at the lab, well and field scale whereby the introduction of different injection water composition vis-a-vis the connate water is seen to bring about improvements in the oil recovery (improvements in both macroscopic and microscopic recoveries) based on the chemical reactions, while being sustainable from ease of implementation and reduced carbon footprint points of view. Although extensive research has been conducted, the main chemical mechanisms behind the oil recovery are not yet concluded upon. This research work performs a data analysis of the various experiments, identifies gaps in existing experimentation and proposes a comprehensive experimentation measurement reporting at the system, rock, brine and oil levels that leads to enhanced understanding of the underlying recovery mechanisms and their associated parameters. Secondly, a sustainable approach of implementing Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence Tools (AIT) is proposed and implemented which aids in improving the screening of the value added from this DCW recovery. Two primary interaction mechanisms are identified as part of this research, gaps in current experimentation are identified with recommendations on what other parameters need to be measured and finally the accuracy of application of ML/AI tools is demonstrated. This work also provides for efficient and fast screening before application of more resource and cost intensive modeling of the subsurface earth system. Improved understanding, knowledge and screening enables making better decisions in implementation of DCW, which is a sustainable recovery option given the current state of affairs with zero carbon and net zero initiatives being on the rise.
Phenolic Biotransformations in Wheatgrass Juice after Primary and Secondary Fermentation
Authors: Kaur Baljinder , Kumar Balvir , Sirhindi Geetika , Guleria Nidhi , Kaur Jashandeep
Published: April 2023

Fermented wheatgrass juice was prepared using a two-stage fermentation process by employing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and recombinant Pediococcus acidilactici BD16 (alaD+). During fermentation, a reddish-brown hue appeared in wheatgrass juice due to production of different types of red pigments. The fermented wheatgrass juice has considerably higher content of anthocyanins, total phenols and beta-carotenes as compared to unfermented wheatgrass juice. It has low ethanol content, which might be ascribed to the presence of certain phytolignans in wheatgrass juice. Several yeast-mediated phenolic transformations (such as bioconversion of coumaric acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid and quinic acid into respective derivatives; glycosylation and prenylation of flavonoids; glycosylation of lignans; sulphonation of phenols; synthesis of carotenoids, diarylnonanoids, flavanones, stilbenes, steroids, quinolones, di- and tri-terpenoids and tannin) were identified in fermented wheatgrass juice using an untargeted liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS)-matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-time-of-flight (TOF)/time-of-flight (TOF) technique. The recombinant P. acidilactici BD16 (alaD+) also supported flavonoid and lignin glycosylation; benzoic acid, hydroxycoumaric acid and quinic acid derivatization; and synthesis of anthraquinones, sterols and triterpenes with therapeutic benefits. The information presented in this manuscript may be utilized to elucidate the importance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and P. acidilactici BD16 (alaD+) mediated phenolic biotransformations in developing functional food supplements such as fermented wheatgrass juice.