bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PM2.5 pollution in Texas: a geospatial analysis of health impact functions
Authors: Bryan Luke , Landrigan Philip
Published: December 2023

Background

Air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to human health in the world today and is responsible for an estimated 7–9 million deaths annually. One of the most damaging air pollutants is PM2.5 pollution, fine airborne particulate matter under 2.5 microns in diameter. Exposure to PM2.5 pollution can cause premature death, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, diabetes, asthma, low birthweight, and IQ loss. To avoid these adverse health effects, the WHO recommends that PM2.5 levels not exceed 5 μg/m3.

Methods

This study estimates the negative health impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Texas in 2016. Local exposure estimates were calculated at the census tract level using the EPA’s BenMAP-CE software. In BenMAP, a variety of exposure-response functions combine air pollution exposure data with population data and county-level disease and death data to estimate the number of health effects attributable to PM2.5 pollution for each census tract. The health effects investigated were mortality, low birthweight, stroke, new onset asthma, new onset Alzheimer’s, and non-fatal lung cancer.

Findings

This study found that approximately 26.7 million (98.9%) of the 27.0 million people living in Texas in 2016 resided in areas where PM2.5 concentrations were above the WHO recommendation of 5 μg/m3, and that 2.6 million people (9.8%) lived in areas where the average PM2.5 concentration exceeded 10 μg/m3. This study estimates that there were 8,405 (confidence interval [CI], 5,674–11,033) premature deaths due to PM2.5 pollution in Texas in 2016, comprising 4.3% of all deaths. Statewide increases in air-pollution-related morbidity and mortality were seen for stroke (2,209 – CI: [576, 3,776]), low birthweight (2,841 – CI: [1,696, 3,925]), non-fatal lung cancers (636 – CI: [219, 980]), new onset Alzheimer’s disease (24,575 – CI: [20,800, 27,540]), and new onset asthma (7,823 – CI: [7,557, 8,079]).

Conclusion

This study found that air pollution poses significant risks to the health of Texans, despite the fact that pollution levels across most of the state comply with the EPA standard for PM2.5 pollution of 12 μg/m3. Improving air quality in Texas could save thousands of lives from disease, disability, and premature death.
Crossbow, Murder Hole, Poison, and Grenade: The Deadly Arsenal of Bacteria
Authors: Cascales Eric
Published: December 2023

Like humans, bacteria live in communities where they can help each other and collaborate. However, when conditions become harsh, such as when there is a lack of food, bacteria turn aggressive—they kill each other to access limited resources. To do this, bacteria have developed some fascinating weapons, including a microscopic crossbow! This crossbow is made of an arrow wrapped in a spring. The arrow is capped with a spike, to which poison, sometimes in a grenade-like container, is attached. Once in contact with a competitor, the spring propels the arrow through a hole in the bacterium’s membrane—like a murder hole used in castle defense—toward the enemy. Bacteria have also developed strategies to protect themselves against these weapons: antidotes to poisons, shields to block arrows, or the ability to join together in protective groups. Mines, crossbows, murder holes, grenades, poisons, antidotes, and shields: these make up the military arsenal of bacteria!
Durable Testing and Analysis of a Cleaning Sieve Based on Vibration and Strain Signals
Authors: Ma Zheng , Zhang Zelin , Zhang Zhaohui , Song Zhiqiang , Liu Yanbin , Li Yaoming , Xu Lizhang
Published: December 2023

Cleaning is one of the most important steps in the harvesting process, and the prolonged and high-load operation of the vibrating sieve can decrease its reliability. To uncover the structural flaws of the cleaning sieve in the crawler combine harvester and establish a foundation for quality inspection, this paper proposes a method for durability testing and analysis using vibration and strain signals. Via the modal analysis of the cleaning sieve, the most susceptible areas for fault signals are identified. Subsequently, a specialized test rig exclusively designed for the examination of the durability of the cleaning sieve is constructed. After following 96 h of uninterrupted operation, the vibration plate of the cleaning sieve sustains damage, resulting in atypical noise. A signal analysis reveals that the primary vibration signal of the cleaning sieve primarily consists of a fundamental frequency of 5 Hz, corresponding to the driving speed, as well as a frequency doubling signal of 50 Hz. After the occurrence of damage, the peak amplitude of the received vibration signal increases by over 86.3%. Furthermore, the strain gauge sensor situated on the support plate of the rear sieve detects anomalous signals with frequencies exceeding 300 Hz, which are accompanied by a considerable rise in the power spectral density. This research has significant importance for enhancing the service life of the cleaning sieve and optimizing the overall machine efficiency.
Economic Evaluation of Nitrogen Fertilization Levels in Beef Cattle Production: Implications for Sustainable Tropical Pasture Management
Authors: Souza William Luiz de , Romanzini Eliéder Prates , Delevatti Lutti Maneck , Leite Rhaony Gonçalves , Bernardes Priscila Arrigucci , Cardoso Abmael da Silva , Reis Ricardo Andrade , Malheiros Euclides Braga
Published: December 2023

Understanding economic scenarios is crucial in all production chains. Tropical pastures are Brazil’s primary food source for beef cattle production, and current pasture management is not ideal due to land degradation. An economic evaluation assists farmers with improving pasture management using novel techniques, such as nitrogen (N) fertilization, which is straightforward and practical. The economic effects of different N fertilizer levels in beef cattle production were evaluated. This study was conducted over three years (2014/2015, 2015/2016, and 2016/2017) using four concentrations of urea fertilizer (0, 90, 180, and 270 kg N/ha). A principal component analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed using financial data. A financial pattern was observed, with increases in some variables, such as cost-effective operating and cost-total operating from those measuring costs and gross revenue, operating profit, and net income from those estimating revenues. Treatment with 180 kg N/ha fertilizer resulted in increased profitability, payback, internal rate of return, and net present value (at 6% and 12% tax) of 17.76%, 2.79 years, 35.79%, and USD 5926.03 and USD 1854.35, respectively. For this study, the main costs associated with profitability were supplementation, animal purchases, and sale prices. The best treatment to achieve excellent grazing pressure in tropical areas with oxisol is 180 kg/ha per year.
Comparison of Physiological, Anatomical, and Morphological Traits between Sugarcane Hybrids and Their Parents with Different Stalk Dry Weights in the Early Growth Stage under Hydroponic Conditions
Authors: Khonghintaisong Jidapa , Songsri Patcharin , Jongrungklang Nakorn
Published: December 2023

The high stalk weight sugarcane cultivar has a special mechanism to obtain greater growth, which was inherited from its parents. Thus far, comparisons of the high stalk weight sugarcane cultivar growth with its parents and cultivars with a low stalk weight have never been reported. The purpose of this research was to reveal the growth mechanism of the high stalk dry weight cultivar KK3 by comparing its physiological, anatomical, and morphological traits to those of a low stalk dry weight cultivar (UT12) and their four parental cultivars under hydroponic conditions. Their growth characteristics were evaluated at 15-day intervals from 30 to 90 days after planting. The root traits were measured at 2 months after planting (MAP), whereas the anatomical and physiological parameters were collected at 3 MAP. Biomass was recorded at 1, 2, and 3 MAP. KK3 had similar anatomical root traits to its female parent, whereas it had similar aboveground morphological traits to its male parent. The comparison between UT12 and its parents revealed that almost all its root anatomical traits were similar to the female parent, but it did not differ in leaf anatomy and root system size. Some physiological traits of KK3 were not different from those of its parents. In contrast, the net photosynthesis rate (PN), height, tiller number, stem dry weight, and stomatal density of UT12 were lower than those of its parent. For KK3, its small root stele and vessel size and high root length, surface area, and volume supported water uptake. The increase in stomatal density and decreased stomatal pore length may be appropriate characteristics for reducing water loss in this drought-resistant cultivar. Furthermore, KK3 exhibited a high water use efficiency (WUE) to promote biomass accumulation and growth despite its low transpiration and photosynthesis rates. This basic knowledge will be useful for selecting the parents based on their characteristics to create new sugarcane cultivars with a high stalk dry weight for drought stress during the early-growth-stage breeding programs and predicting their performance.
Effects of Chronic Heat Stress on Kidney Damage, Apoptosis, Inflammation, and Heat Shock Proteins of Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)
Authors: Jing Zhaoxin , Chen Qianyu , Yan Chaozhan , Zhang Chaoyang , Xu Zihan , Huang Xiaoli , Wu Jiayun , Li Yunkun , Yang Shiyong
Published: December 2023

Chronic heat stress caused by global warming can have serious implications for fish survival. The kidney plays a central role in many homeostatic functions, including water and electrolyte regulation. However, there is limited knowledge about the effect of heat stress on fish kidneys. In this study, water temperatures were increased from 20 °C to 24 °C and 28 °C in 8 days at a warming rate of 1 °C/d, and then maintained for 12 days. We investigated the effects of mild heat stress (24 °C) and high heat stress (28 °C) on Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) kidneys using histological observation, flow cytometry detection, and RT-qPCR. Our histological observations revealed that heat stress caused significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in the kidney, especially at 28 °C. The flow cytometry assay demonstrated a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells after heat stress at 28 °C compared to a control group at 20 °C (p = 0.033). The level of plasma creatinine was significantly increased in the 28 °C group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). In addition, the mRNA expression levels of heat shock protein GRP75 increased (p = 0.009). The results indicate that heat stress at 28 °C caused damage to the kidneys of A. baerii and triggered the protective response of heat shock proteins. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of the coping strategies of the kidney of A. baerii for chronic heat stress.
Ceft-to-Ceft Study: Real-Life Experience with Ceftaroline and Ceftobiprole in Treatment of the Principal Infectious Syndromes in a Spanish Multicenter Hospital Cohort
Authors: Arnés García Daniel , Pitto-Robles Inés , Calderón Parra Jorge , Calvo Salvador Marina , Herrero Rodríguez Carmen , Gisbert Laura , Hidalgo-Tenorio Carmen
Published: December 2023

Background: To compare the real-life effectiveness and safety of ceftaroline fosamil (ceftaroline-F) and ceftobiprole medocaril (ceftobiprole-M) for infections in hospitalized patients. Methods: This comparative, observational, retrospective, and multicenter Spanish study included patients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) and hospitalized patients treated for at least 48 h with ceftaroline-F or ceftobiprole-M between their first incorporation in the clinical protocol of each hospital and 31 July 2022. Results: Ceftaroline-F was administered to 227 patients and ceftobiprole-M to 212. In comparison to the latter, ceftaroline-F-treated participants were younger (63.02 vs. 66.40 years, OR 1.1; 95%CI: 1.001–1.05) and had higher rates of septic shock (OR 0.27; 95%CI: 0.09–0.81) and higher frequencies of targeted (57.7 vs. 29.7%; OR: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.18–0.69) and combined (89.0 vs. 45.8%, OR: 0.13; 95%CI: 0.06–0.28) therapies that were second line or more (82.4% vs. 64.6%%; OR 0.35; 95%CI: 0.18–0.69), and higher rates of infections due to Gram-positive cocci (92.7 vs. 64.7%, p = 0.001), bacteremia (51.9 vs. 21.7%, p = 0.001), infective endocarditis (24.2 vs. 2.4%, p = 0.0001), and mechanical ventilation-associated pneumonia (8.8 vs. 2.4%, p = 0.0001). Ceftobiprole-M was more frequently administered against polymicrobial infections (38.1 vs. 14.0%, p = 0.001), those produced by Gram-negative bacilli (19.7 vs. 6.0%, p = 0.0001), nosocomial pneumonia (33 vs. 10.6%, p = 0.0001), and skin and soft-tissue infections (25.4 vs. 10.1%, p = 0.0001). Patients treated with ceftaroline-F had a longer hospital stay (36 (IQR: 19–60) vs. 19.50 (IQR: 12–30.75, p = 0.0001) days), with no difference in infection-related mortality at 14 (13.2 vs. 8.0%, p = 0.078) or 28 (4.8 vs. 3.3%, p = 0.415) days or in dropout rate for adverse effects (2.2 vs. 0.9%; p = 1). Conclusions: The fifth-generation cephalosporins, ceftaroline-F and ceftobiprole-M, are safe and effective in real life, with no difference between them in health outcomes.
The Influence of Vertical Seismic Acceleration on the Triggering of Landslides Constrained by Bedding Faults under an Inertial Frame Reference: The Case of the Daguangbao (DGB) Landslide
Authors: Xiang Guoping , Jiang Tao , Yang Qingwen , Cui Shenghua , Zhu Ling , He Yuhang , Li Huajin
Published: December 2023

The Daguangbao (DGB) landslide was the largest landslide that was triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake with a magnitude of Ms8.0. The sliding surface of this landslide was constrained on a bedding fault 400 m below the ground surface. Seismic records show that the landslide suffered not only from strong horizontal but also vertical ground shaking that was almost equal to the horizontal component. In this study, to reveal the landslide triggering mechanism of the DGB landslide, this study ignores the steep dipping tension fracture section and the leading edge-locking section of the trailing edge of the DGB landslide, and the geological model of the large optical package landslide is generalized into a block model with the bottom controlled slip soft zone as the interface. Based on the improved Newmark method that considers vertical ground motion, the three-way seismic acceleration data and the shear strength parameter of the sliding surface being taken as a variable are used to calculate the cumulative permanent displacement of the slider. Then, by considering the cumulative permanent displacement ratio of vertical seismic acceleration or not and the cumulative permanent displacement ratio value considering the inertial force as the index, the response characteristics of the cumulative permanent displacement of the block-to-vertical ground motion and inertial forces were analyzed. The results show that both the horizontal inertial force and the vertical acceleration significantly increased the permanent displacement. The permanent displacement is 4.9 cm when considering the vertical acceleration, whereas it is only 2.0 cm without taking this into account. The contribution of vertical acceleration is significantly enlarged (87.8–90.7%) by the decreasing of the internal friction angle of the slide surface, while it is less influenced (5–27.4%) by the cohesion. Compared with the lower shear strength parameter of the sliding surface, the contributions of vertical acceleration and inertial force to the permanent displacement are more obvious when the shear strength parameter of the sliding surface is higher. When ϕ > 18°, the D/D* is greater than 1, and the maximum D/D* reaches 7. The fast accumulation event of permanent displacement is triggered in the concentration stage of the seismic energy release. In the DGB landslide area, 50% of the energy is released within 30–50 s, as indicated by the acceleration peaks recorded at the nearest seismic station, Qingping station. It is assumed that the DGB landslide may be triggered at 30–50 s due to half of the seismic energy being released during that time span.
Influence of Cargo Luggage on the Vertical Drop Crashworthiness of Aircraft Mid-Fuselage Section
Authors: Zhu Shuhua , Liu Kai , Xi Xulong , Liu Xiaochuan , Zhou Yukun , Liu Yaoyuan , Tong Mingbo
Published: December 2023

The evaluation of structural crashworthiness is important for the development of civil aircraft. In this study, cargo luggage was considered in the vertical drop simulation of an aircraft mid-fuselage section. First, quasi-static compression tests on three types of luggage made of different materials were conducted. Then, a finite element model (FEM) of the cargo luggage was developed with a crushable foam material in LS-PrePost4.5 software. The finite element analysis results of the luggage made of different materials were consistent with the corresponding compression experiments. Secondly, the FEM of the mid-fuselage section was established without cargo luggage. The simulated displacement and acceleration of the fuselage section were consistent with the test results. Finally, the influences of cargo luggage on the fuselage vertical drop response were studied with the FEM considering both the fuselage structure and cargo luggage. Compared with the responses of the fuselage without cargo luggage, the cargo luggage could reduce the deformation of the cargo bay and maintain the integrity of the passenger living space in the cabin at the vertical velocity of 6 m/s, even though the initial kinetic energy was higher.
An Overview of the Current Situation of European Poplar Cultures with a Main Focus on Hungary
Authors: Komán Szabolcs , Németh Róbert , Báder Mátyás
Published: December 2023

Among fast-growing wood species, poplars (Populus spp.) can be grown well. Thanks to their valuable wood, they also play an important role in the world. In Europe, regarding poplar forest areas, Hungary is ranked second, where the territorial proportion of poplars has not changed in the past ten years, and currently, two-thirds of them are constituted by two species. The proportion of grey poplar (P. × canescens) is 42%, while the proportion of ’Pannonia’ hybrid (P. × euramericana cv. Pannonia) is 22%. With regard to gross wood production, they are second after black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and their standing tree volume is significant for up to 30 years of age. The average age of hybrid poplars is 21 years, while that of the natives is 26 years. Its wood is used by the packaging industry (pallets and boxes) and the furniture industry (700,000 m3), the plywood industry (200,000 m3), and the fiber industry (300,000 m3), but it is also an important source for energetic purposes (150,000 m3).
Exact Solution of the Raman Response Function of Chalcogenide Fiber and Its Influence on the Mid-Infrared Supercontinuum
Authors: Wu Zhijian , Ding Yang , Peng Xuefeng
Published: December 2023

We fabricated a core-cladding Ge–Sb–Se glass fiber with a Ge12.5Sb15Se72.5 core and Ge15Sb10Se75 cladding, achieved a supercontinuum spectrum spanning from 2 μm to 9 μm by pumping the Ge–Sb–Se fiber with a core diameter of 11 μm using a femtosecond laser pump at 3.8 μm, and numerically simulated the supercontinuum generation using the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation. In particular, we investigate the effect of the different Raman response functions that were calculated using the traditional single Lorentzian model and a multiple vibrational mode model on the evolution of the supercontinuum by comparing the supercontinua obtained from simulation and experimental results. We demonstrate that the Raman response function generated by the multiple vibrational mode model captures the actual response behavior of the material, and the supercontinuum generated using this model has more accuracy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported study on supercontinuum generation in Ge–Sb–Se fiber utilizing a Raman response function calculated using the multiple vibrational mode model. This significant advancement enables more accurate simulation of supercontinuum generation in fibers with a multi-peaked structured Raman gain spectrum and holds great potential for optimizing the performance of various mid-infrared supercontinuum sources.
Enhanced Degradation of Decabromodiphenyl Ether via Synergetic Assisted Mechanochemical Process with Lithium Cobalt Oxide and Iron
Authors: Lou Xiaoyi , Sui Yifan , Zhang Qichao , Fang Changling , Tang Yunyu , Zhang Xuan , Yang Guangxin , Shi Yongfu , Huang Dongmei , Guan Jie , Guo Yaoguang
Published: December 2023

The removal of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE 209), as a typical persistent organic pollutant (POP), is of worldwide concern. Mechanochemical (MC) processes are promising methods to degrade environmental pollutants, most of which use a single grinding reagent. The performance of MC processes with co-milling agents still needs to be further verified. In this study, an efficient MC treatment with combined utilization of lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and iron (Fe) as co-milling reagents for BDE 209 degradation was investigated. The synchronous action of LiCoO2 and Fe with a LiCoO2/Fe/Br molar ratio of 1.5:1.67:1 and a ball-to-powder ratio of 100:1 led to almost thorough-paced abatement and debromination of BDE 209 within 180 min using a ball milling rotation speed of 600 rpm. The reduction in particle sizes and the destruction of crystal structure in mixture powders with the increase in milling time induced the enhanced degradation of BDE 209, as characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization showed that the valence state of Co was converted from Co(III) to Co(II), and Fe(0) was changed to Fe(III) when treated with an MC process. This indicated that the reductive debromination of BDE 209 by Fe and the following oxidative degradation of debrominated products by LiCoO2 were integrated in a concerted way. It proved the removal of BDE 209 via an MC treatment. The full breakage of C-Br and C-O bonds in BDE 209 was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) spectra, and a possible abatement pathway was also proposed based on the identified intermediate products using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). These obtained results indicated that a combination of LiCoO2 and Fe as co-milling reagents is promising in the MC treatment of toxic halogenated pollutants like BDE 209.
Climate and Wolbachia Impacts on Anoplolepis gracilipes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Lin Yu-Jen , Yeh Ching-Hong , Wu Chen-Zhe , Wu Li-Hsin
Published: December 2023

The yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes (Smith, 1857)) is a prominent invasive species exhibiting variable population dynamics. Through collecting long-term climate data and validating field surveys with MaxEnt SDM projections, our results indicated that winter temperature and precipitation accumulation strongly influence the population dynamics. An aggression analysis showed that A. gracilipes nests with higher aggression levels (over 2.5 scores) experienced a higher mean maximum temperature (31.84 ± 0.43 °C) and lower prevalence of wAgra (84.8 ± 4.70%) in A. gracilipes from June to October. The nest manipulation and aggression experiments confirmed that temperature increases aggression (1.3 to 2.8 scores) among A. gracilipes workers due to the reduced prevalence of wAgra. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a notable reduction in the prevalence of Wolbachia (100 to 66%) within a colony of A. gracilipes while maintaining stable nests for further experiments.
The Pre-Interictal Network State in Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies
Authors: Pitetzis Dimitrios , Frantzidis Christos , Psoma Elizabeth , Ketseridou Smaranda Nafsika , Deretzi Georgia , Kalogera-Fountzila Anna , Bamidis Panagiotis D. , Spilioti Martha
Published: December 2023

Generalized spike wave discharges (GSWDs) are the typical electroencephalographic findings of Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies (IGEs). These discharges are either interictal or ictal and recent evidence suggests differences in their pathogenesis. The aim of this study is to investigate, through functional connectivity analysis, the pre-interictal network state in IGEs, which precedes the formation of the interictal GSWDs. A high-density electroencephalogram (HD-EEG) was recorded in twenty-one patients with IGEs, and cortical connectivity was analyzed based on lagged coherence and individual anatomy. Graph theory analysis was used to estimate network features, assessed using the characteristic path length and clustering coefficient. The functional connectivity analysis identified two distinct networks during the pre-interictal state. These networks exhibited reversed connectivity attributes, reflecting synchronized activity at 3–4 Hz (delta2), and desynchronized activity at 8–10.5 Hz (alpha1). The delta2 network exhibited a statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease in characteristic path length and an increase in the mean clustering coefficient. In contrast, the alpha1 network showed opposite trends in these features. The nodes influencing this state were primarily localized in the default mode network (DMN), dorsal attention network (DAN), visual network (VIS), and thalami. In conclusion, the coupling of two networks defined the pre-interictal state in IGEs. This state might be considered as a favorable condition for the generation of interictal GSWDs.
Haptic Nudging Using a Wearable Device to Promote Upper Limb Activity during Stroke Rehabilitation: Exploring Diurnal Variation, Repetition, and Duration of Effect
Authors: Signal Nada , Olsen Sharon , Rashid Usman , McLaren Ruth , Vandal Alain , King Marcus , Taylor Denise
Published: December 2023

Haptic nudging via wearable devices promotes physical activity and may increase upper limb movement in stroke rehabilitation. This study investigated the optimal approach to haptic nudging by examining diurnal variation, duration of effect, and repeated nudging. The study analysed data from a multiple-period randomised crossover study. A 12 h inpatient rehabilitation day was divided into 72 intervals in which participants with stroke (n = 20) randomly received either a ‘nudge’ or ‘no nudge’. Upper limb movement was observed, classified, and analysed using longitudinal mixed models. The odds of affected upper limb movement following a nudge compared with no nudge were significantly higher during active periods such as breakfast, lunch, and morning and afternoon activities (odds ratios (ORs) 2.01–4.63, 95% CIs [1.27–2.67, 3.17–8.01]), but not dinner (OR 1.36, 95% CI [0.86, 2.16]). The effect of nudging was no longer statistically significant at 50–60 s post-nudge. Consecutive delays in nudging significantly decreased the odds of moving when a nudge was eventually delivered. Contrary to expectations, people with stroke appear more responsive to haptic nudging during active periods rather than periods of inactivity. By understanding the optimal timing and frequency of haptic nudging, the design of wearable devices can be optimised to maximise their therapeutic benefits.
Seismic Behaviors of Prefabricated Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls Assembled with a Cast-in-Place Vertical Joint
Authors: Yang Junna , Yang Yabin , Deng Lianchao , Sun Baoshan , Gu Zhongjia , Zeng Lingxin , Zhao Shunbo
Published: December 2023

The seismic performance of prefabricated reinforced concrete shear walls is a key point in the safety of the whole assembly structure under earthquake actions. In this study, six specimens of reinforced concrete shear walls were assembled with a cast-in-place vertical joint with a straight, L, or convex shape. The specimens were tested using a low cyclic loading test under an axial compression ratio of 0.2 or 0.3. The stress process, failure pattern, and hysteretic curve of each specimen were measured. Combined with a numerical analysis using the finite element method, the variations in the bearing capacity, stiffness degradation, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity of the tested specimens were analyzed. Results showed that all specimens failed in a shear pattern without an obvious failure phenomenon along the vertical joint. The hysteresis curves exhibited an obvious pinch phenomenon and good deformation ability. The seismic behavior decreased in sequence for the shear walls assembled with a cast-in-place vertical joint with a straight, L, or convex shape, while a higher axial compression ratio improved the bearing capacity of the shear walls. The shear wall with an L-shaped vertical joint had similar seismic behavior to that with a straight vertical joint, but the shear wall with a convex vertical joint exhibited a decrease of 8.5% and 10.9% in bearing capacity, 18.2% and 1.2% in ductility, and 13.1% and 20.6% in energy dissipation, respectively, under an axial compression ratio of 0.2 and 0.3. The bearing mechanisms of shear walls with different vertical joints are explained with the numerical analysis of the stress vector maps of concrete and the stress cloud maps of reinforcements at different stress levels.
Analysis of Geometric Characteristics of Cracks and Delamination in Aerated Concrete Products Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Razveeva Irina , Kozhakin Alexey , Beskopylny Alexey N. , Stel’makh Sergey A. , Shcherban’ Evgenii M. , Artamonov Sergey , Pembek Anton , Dingrodiya Himanshu
Published: December 2023

Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are becoming a strategic vector for the development of companies in the construction sector. The introduction of “smart solutions” at all stages of the life cycle of building materials, products and structures is observed everywhere. Among the variety of applications of AI methods, a special place is occupied by the development of the theory and technology of creating artificial systems that process information from images obtained during construction monitoring of the structural state of objects. This paper discusses the process of developing an innovative method for analyzing the presence of cracks that arose after applying a load and delamination as a result of the technological process, followed by estimating the length of cracks and delamination using convolutional neural networks (CNN) when assessing the condition of aerated concrete products. The application of four models of convolutional neural networks in solving a problem in the field of construction flaw detection using computer vision is shown; the models are based on the U-Net and LinkNet architecture. These solutions are able to detect changes in the structure of the material, which may indicate the presence of a defect. The developed intelligent models make it possible to segment cracks and delamination and calculate their lengths using the author’s SCALE technique. It was found that the best segmentation quality was shown by a model based on the LinkNet architecture with static augmentation: precision = 0.73, recall = 0.80, F1 = 0.73 and IoU = 0.84. The use of the considered algorithms for segmentation and analysis of cracks and delamination in aerated concrete products using various convolutional neural network architectures makes it possible to improve the quality management process in the production of building materials, products and structures.
The Impact of High-Alkali Biofuel Fly Ash on the Sustainability Parameters of Concrete
Authors: Nagrockienė Džigita , Pundienė Ina , Kanapeckienė Loreta , Jarmolajeva Ela
Published: December 2023

The results of this research show that high-alkali biofuel fly ash (BFA) had a significant influence on the mechanical characteristics, microstructure, porosity, freezing–thawing cycle resistance, and ASR resistance of cementitious materials. Different amounts of BFA (varying from 0 to 30%) were used as a substitute for cement in concrete mixes. The impact of substituting cement with BFA on the cement hydration products was analysed. Slump behaviour, mechanical properties, water absorption, porosity, freeze–thaw cycles, and ASR resistance were studied. The analysis of the mechanical and physical characteristics of the developed sustainable concrete revealed that a better structure, higher compressive and flexural strength and density values, and better freeze–thaw and ASR resistance as well as lower water absorption values were achieved when as much as fifteen percent of cement was substituted with high-alkali BFA. The calculations indicate that the substitution of cement with different quantities of high-alkalinity BFA (from 0% to 30% BFA) increased the SiO2/CaO ratio from 0.32 to 0.51 and the Na2O + K2O/CaO ratio from 0.02 to 0.067 in the composition. An evident higher quantity of the hydration products, reflected in the reduction of porosity by up to 27%, the improvement in compressive strength by up to 19.3%, and the calculated freeze–thaw resistance value of up to 51.50%, was observed when the Na2O + K2O/CaO ratio did not exceed 0.044. The ASR resistance of the concrete improved with the increase in the Na2O + K2O/CaO ratio. This study shows that BFA with high alkalinity is beneficial in the development of sustainable building materials.
Occurrence of Hepatozoon in Some Reptiles from Brazilian Biomes with Molecular and Morphological Characterization of Hepatozoon caimani
Authors: Clemente Gabriella R. C. , Gutierrez-Liberato Germán A. , Anjos Carolina C. , Simões Pedro I. , Mudrek Jessica R. , Fecchio Alan , Lima José H. A. , Oliveira Patricia M. A. , Pinho João B. , Mathias Bruno S. , Guimarães Lilian O. , Kirchgatter Karin
Published: December 2023

Amphibians and reptiles represent a considerable proportion of the vertebrate fauna in Brazil. Different blood parasitic infections have been reported in these groups, such as Haemogregarina, Hepatozoon, Trypanosoma and microfilariae. However, insufficient research on interactions between these parasites and their hosts has been carried out in some regions of the country. Samples were collected from populations of wild herpetofauna in different microhabitats throughout Brazil, totaling 111 samples of reptiles from the states of Mato Grosso and Pernambuco. We used an integrative approach, with classical microscopy, morphometry and molecular analysis, in order to identify hemoparasites present in the analyzed fauna. Genomic DNA was extracted for the PCR protocol based on the 18S ribosomal RNA gene for Hepatozoon spp. A total of 53 positives were obtained with molecular screening (47.7%), all confirmed as Hepatozoon spp. using DNA sequencing. Among positive samples, 23 slides were examined, confirming the presence of Hepatozoon spp. in 91.3% of the smears. The phylogenetic analysis performed with sequences from 43 samples resulted in a tree containing several distinct clades. Sequences were generally grouped according to the taxonomic order of the host. Co-infections with microfilariae and Trypanosoma spp. were also found in microscopy analyses. This study describes the presence of Hepatozoon caimani in a new host species (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) that can be a paratenic host in the natural environment. The existence of parasitic co-infections in alligator species underscores the significance of recognizing the impact of infections by various parasitic taxa on the host populations.
A Novel Relocalization Method-Based Dynamic Steel Billet Flaw Detection and Marking System
Authors: Zhou Hongxing , Chen Juan , Hu Qinghan , Zhao Xue , Li Zhiqing
Published: December 2023

In the current steel production process, occasional flaws within the billet are somewhat inevitable. Overlooking these flaws can compromise the quality of the resulting steel products. To address and mark these flaws for further handling, Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) in conjunction with machine vision is commonly utilized. This method identifies flaws on the billet’s surface and subsequently marks them via a device, eliminating the need for manual intervention. However, certain processes, such as magnetic particle cleaning, require substantial spacing between the vision system and the marking device. This extended distance can lead to shifts in the billet position, thereby potentially affecting the precision of flaw marking. In response to this challenge, we developed a detection-marking system consisting of 2D cameras, a manipulator, and an integrated 3D camera to accurately pinpoint the flaw’s location. Importantly, this system can be integrated into active production lines without causing disruptions. Experimental assessments on dynamic billets substantiated the system’s efficacy and feasibility.
RLARA: A TSV-Aware Reinforcement Learning Assisted Fault-Tolerant Routing Algorithm for 3D Network-on-Chip
Authors: Jiao Jiajia , Shen Ruirui , Chen Lujian , Liu Jin , Han Dezhi
Published: December 2023

A three-dimensional Network-on-Chip (3D NoC) equips modern multicore processors with good scalability, a small area, and high performance using vertical through-silicon vias (TSV). However, the failure rate of TSV, which is higher than that of horizontal links, causes unpredictable topology variations and requires adaptive routing algorithms to select the available paths dynamically. Most works have aimed at the congestion control for TSV partially 3D NoCs to bypass the TSV reliability issue, while others have focused on the fault tolerance in TSV fully connected 3D NoCs and ignored the performance degradation. In order to adequately improve reliability and performance in TSV fully connected 3D NoC architectures, we propose a TSV-aware Reinforcement Learning Assisted Routing Algorithm (RLARA) for fault-tolerant 3D NoCs. The proposed method can take advantage of both the high throughput of fully connected TSVs and the cost-effective fault tolerance of partially connected TSVs using periodically updated TSV-aware Q table of reinforcement learning. RLARA makes the distributed routing decision with the lowest TSV utilization to avoid the overheating of the TSVs and mitigate the reliability problem. Furthermore, the K-means clustering algorithm is further adopted to compress the routing table of RLARA by exploiting the routing information similarity. To alleviate the inherent deadlock issue of adaptive routing algorithms, the link Q-value from reinforcement learning is combined with the router status based in buffer utilization to predict the congestion and enable RLARA to perform best even under a high traffic load. The experimental results of the ablation study on simulator Garnet 2.0 verify the effectiveness of our proposed RLARA under different fault models, which can perform better than the latest 3D NoC routing algorithms, with up to a 9.04% lower average delay and 8.58% higher successful delivered rate.
Phase-Noise Characterization in Stable Optical Frequency Transfer over Free Space and Fiber Link Testbeds
Authors: Barcik Peter , Hrabina Jan , Cizek Martin , Kolka Zdenek , Skryja Petr , Pravdova Lenka , Cip Ondrej , Hudcova Lucie , Havlis Ondrej , Vojtech Josef
Published: December 2023

Time and frequency metrology depends on stable oscillators in both radio-frequency and optical domains. With the increased complexity of the highly precise oscillators also came the demand for delivering the oscillators’ harmonic signals between delocalized sites for comparison, aggregation, or other purposes. Besides the traditional optical fiber networks, free-space optical links present an alternative tool for disseminating stable sources’ output. We present a pilot experiment of phase-coherent optical frequency transfer using a free-space optical link testbed. The experiment performed on a 30 m long link demonstrates the phase-noise parameters in a free-space optical channel under atmospheric turbulence conditions, and it studies the impact of active MEMS mirror stabilization of the received optical wave positioning on the resulting transfer’s performance. Our results indicate that a well-configured MEMS mirror beam stabilization significantly enhances fractional frequency stability, achieving the−14th-order level for integration times over 30 s.
Structural Characteristics and Multiple Bioactivities of Volvariella volvacea Polysaccharide Extracts: The Role of Extractive Solvents
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhao Changyu , Li Ping , Wang Lei , Li Songnan
Published: December 2023

The chemical structures and functional properties of plant-based polysaccharides are critically influenced by extractive solvents, but their roles are not clear. In this study, the structural characteristics and multiple bioactivities of Volvariella volvacea polysaccharides (VVPs) subjected to water (VVP-W), alkalis (sodium hydroxide, VVP-A), and acids (citric acid, VVP-C) as extractive solvents are investigated systematically. Of the above three polysaccharides, VVP-W exhibited the highest molecular weights, apparent viscosity, and viscoelastic properties. Functional analyses revealed that VVP-C had an excellent water-holding capacity, foaming properties, and emulsifying capacity, while VVP-A exhibited a promising oil-holding capacity. Moreover, VVP-C displayed strong inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which could be attributed to its content of total phenolics, proteins, and molecular weights. These findings have important implications for selecting the appropriate extraction techniques to obtain functional polysaccharides with targeted bioactive properties as food additives.
Phytochemical Investigation of Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) Fruits from Different Sicilian Accessions
Authors: Mazzara Eugenia , Caprodossi Arianna , Mustafa Ahmed M. , Maggi Filippo , Caprioli Giovanni
Published: December 2023

Sumac, Rhus coriaria L., is employed as a natural preservative in the food sector, due to its rich content of antioxidant compounds, including hydrolysable tannins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. In this work, the phytochemical characterization of sumac fruits from five Sicilian accessions was performed to evaluate their potential as a food preservative for nutraceutical exploitation. Spectrophotometric tests and HPLC-MS/MS analyses were conducted to assess and compare the antioxidant power of the water extracts produced with the five sumac accessions. Principal component analysis was also carried out to better visualize the obtained results. Flavonoids and phenolic acids, namely isoquercitrin (20,342.82 mg/kg dry extract) and gallic acid (197,489.19 mg/kg dry extract), were more abundant in fruits from the population of San Biagio Platani, while the one from Giarratana was characterized by a higher content of anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3-glucoside (20,889.81 mg/kg dry extract). These two populations can be recognized as the most suitable settings for the implementation of sumac cultivation and the development of sumac-based products, especially for food and nutraceutical purposes.
Perceived Benefits of Magdalena Energy Healing Sessions: An Exploratory Study of Clients’ Perspectives
Authors: Brueggemann Alvina D. , Ekwonye Angela U.
Published: December 2023

Background: Energy healing techniques are associated with many physical and mental benefits. A qualitative study was conducted to understand clients’ experiences of a new energy healing modality called Magdalena Energy Healing. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted after clients experienced 60 min Magdalena energy healing session(s). Twenty-five adults participated in the study. All participants received Magdalena energy healing from a certified, trained practitioner. Thematic analysis was conducted to determine clients’ perceived benefits of the Magdalena energy healing session(s). Results: Four themes emerged from the data: Physical, Mental, Social, and Spiritual Benefits. Physical health benefits included relief from a variety of medical symptoms, improved sleep quality, and physical body awareness. Mental Health benefits included relaxation and peace, decision-making clarity, relief of mental health symptoms, and an increased ability to cope with life. Social Benefits included improved attitudes in relationships. Spiritual Benefits included optimism, gratitude, self-acceptance, and increased spiritual connection. Conclusions: Participants’ perceptions are that Magdalena energy healing sessions offer peace, symptom relief, and gratitude. Magdalena energy healing can address priorities of The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Sessions can be seamlessly integrated into traditional medical care as a useful complementary/integrative healing option to improve physical, mental, and/or spiritual wellbeing across a variety of diseases.
Changes in the Impacts of COVID-19 over Time on Families with Older Adults Living on Remote Islands in Japan: A Study in Family Ethnographic Research
Authors: Hohashi Naohiro , Watanabe Mikio , Taniguchi Minami , Araki Shiho
Published: December 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected not only individuals but also families. The purpose of this study was to clarify the temporal changes in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on entire families with older adults susceptible to infection living on small islands in Japan over the duration of the pandemic. Family ethnographic research was conducted from 2021 to 2023, using the Concentric Sphere Family Environment Theory as the theoretical framework. Formal interviews were conducted with 20 families. In addition, data from informal interviews, participant observation and other sources were compiled into field notes. All data on the impact on the entire family were extracted and content analysis was conducted. Six categories (family internal environmental system, family system unit, micro system, macro system, supra system, and family chrono-environment system) and a total of 85 subcategories were extracted. The results show that COVID-19 exerted not only negative but also positive impacts on the entire family, and their temporal changes are clarified. The impact on families is believed to have been influenced by the family external environment, such as increases and decreases of infection cases or events that occurred outside the family. The knowledge acquired from these studies will help healthcare professionals in providing appropriate family support.
Evaluating Non-Stationarity in Precipitation Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves for the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas, USA
Authors: Ghimire Binita , Kharel Gehendra , Gebremichael Esayas , Cheng Linyin
Published: December 2023

Extreme precipitation has become more frequent and intense with time and space. Infrastructure design tools such as Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves still rely on historical precipitation and stationary assumptions, risking current and future urban infrastructure. This study developed IDF curves by incorporating non-stationarity trends in precipitation annual maximum series (AMS) for Dallas–Fort Worth, the fourth-largest metropolitan region in the United States. A Pro-NEVA tool was used to develop non-stationary IDF curves, taking historical precipitation AMS for seven stations that showed a non-stationary trend with time as a covariate. Four statistical indices—the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE)—were used as the model goodness of fit evaluation. The lower AIC, BIC, and RMSE values and higher NSE values for non-stationary models indicated a better performance compared to the stationary models. Compared to the traditional stationary assumption, the non-stationary IDF curves showed an increase (up to 75%) in the 24 h precipitation intensity for the 100-year return period. Using the climate change adaptive non-stationary IDF tool for the DFW metroplex and similar urban regions could enable decision makers to make climate-informed choices about infrastructure investments, emergency preparedness measures, and long-term urban development and water resource management planning.