bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytokine production by bovine adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction cells upon Neospora caninum stimulation
Authors: Oliveira Bárbara M. , Sidónio Beatriz , Correia Alexandra , Pinto Ana , Azevedo Maria M. , Sampaio Paula , Ferreira Paula G. , Vilanova Manuel , Teixeira Luzia
Published: April 2024

In bovines few studies addressed the contribution of adipose tissue to the host immune response to infection. Here we evaluated the in vitro response of bovine adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells to the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum, using live and freeze-killed tachyzoites. Live N. caninum induced the production of IL-6, IL-1β and IL-10 by SVF cells isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), while in mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) SVF cell cultures only IL-1β and IL-10 production was increased, showing slight distinct responses between adipose tissue depots. Whereas a clear IL-8 increase was detected in peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL) culture supernatants in response to live N. caninum, no such increase was observed in SAT or MAT SVF cell cultures. Nevertheless, in response to LPS, increased IL-8 levels were detected in all cell cultures. IL-10 levels were always increased in response to stimulation (live, freeze-killed N. caninum and LPS). Overall, our results show that bovine adipose tissue SVF cells produce cytokines in response to N. caninum and can therefore be putative contributors to the host immune response against this parasite.
Mechanism of antagonist ligand binding to REV-ERBα
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Homaidur , Hegazy Lamees
Published: April 2024

REV-ERBα, a therapeutically promising nuclear hormone receptor, plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes such as the circadian clock, inflammation, and metabolism. However, the availability of chemical probes to investigate the pharmacology of this receptor is limited, with SR8278 being the only identified synthetic antagonist. Moreover, no X-ray crystal structures are currently available that demonstrate the binding of REV-ERBα to antagonist ligands. This lack of structural information impedes the development of targeted therapeutics. To address this issue, we employed Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations to investigate the binding pathway of SR8278 to REV-ERBα. For comparison, we also used GaMD to observe the ligand binding process of STL1267, for which an X-ray structure is available. GaMD simulations successfully captured the binding of both ligands to the receptor’s orthosteric site and predicted the ligand binding pathway and important amino acid residues involved in the antagonist SR8278 binding. This study highlights the effectiveness of GaMD in investigating protein–ligand interactions, particularly in the context of drug recognition for nuclear hormone receptors.
Expression and processing of mature human frataxin after gene therapy in mice
Authors: Rojsajjakul Teerapat , Selvan Nithya , De Bishnu , Rosenberg Jonathan B. , Kaminsky Stephen M. , Sondhi Dolan , Janki Peter , Crystal Ronald G. , Mesaros Clementina , Khanna Richie , Blair Ian A.
Published: April 2024

Friedreich’s ataxia is a degenerative and progressive multisystem disorder caused by mutations in the highly conserved frataxin (FXN) gene that results in FXN protein deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction. While gene therapy approaches are promising, consistent induction of therapeutic FXN protein expression that is sub-toxic has proven challenging, and numerous therapeutic approaches are being tested in animal models. FXN (hFXN in humans, mFXN in mice) is proteolytically modified in mitochondria to produce mature FXN. However, unlike endogenous hFXN, endogenous mFXN is further processed into N-terminally truncated, extra-mitochondrial mFXN forms of unknown function. This study assessed mature exogenous hFXN expression levels in the heart and liver of C57Bl/6 mice 7–10 months after intravenous administration of a recombinant adeno-associated virus encoding hFXN (AAVrh.10hFXN) and examined the potential for hFXN truncation in mice. AAVrh.10hFXN induced dose-dependent expression of hFXN in the heart and liver. Interestingly, hFXN was processed into truncated forms, but found at lower levels than mature hFXN. However, the truncations were at different positions than mFXN. AAVrh.10hFXN induced mature hFXN expression in mouse heart and liver at levels that approximated endogenous mFXN levels. These results suggest that AAVrh.10hFXN can likely induce expression of therapeutic levels of mature hFXN in mice.
Radiographic outcomes and non-union factor analysis in fragmentary segmental femoral shaft fractures (AO/OTA 32C3) treated with reamed antegrade nailing
Authors: Cho Won-Tae , Jang Jae Hoon , Park Seung Ryeol , Sohn Hoon-Sang
Published: April 2024

This study retrospectively assessed radiographic outcomes and risk factors associated with non-union in femoral shaft fragmentary segmental fractures (AO/OTA 32C3) treated with reamed antegrade intra-medullary nailing. Radiological outcomes, including union and alignment, were evaluated. The risk factors for non-union were investigated, including demographics and treatment-related characteristics, such as the number of interlocking screws, segmentation length, main third fragment length, distance of the main third fragment, width ratio and exposed nail length in one cortex from immediate post-operative radiographs. Multivariate logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. Among 2295 femoral shaft fracture patients from three level-1 trauma centers, 51 met the inclusion criteria. The radiological union was achieved in 37 patients (73%) with a mean union time of 10.7 ± 4.8 months. The acceptable axial alignment was observed in 30 patients (59%). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified only exposed nail length as a significant risk factor for non-union (odds ratio: 1.599, p = 0.003) and the cut-off value was 19.1 mm (sensitivity, 0.786; specificity, 0.811). The study revealed high rates of non-union (27%) and malalignment (41%). Therefore, patients who underwent intramedullary nailing with an exposed nail length greater than 19.1 mm or about twice the nail diameter should be cautioned of the potential non-union.
Acceptability of COVID-19 booster vaccine in malaysia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khoo Cheryl Minn Jee , Dea Eve Zhi Qing , Law Li Yeow , Wong Sharon Siew Tong , Ng Khuen Yen , Bakhtiar Athirah
Published: April 2024

Despite the high efficacy and safety demonstrated in clinical trials, COVID-19 booster vaccination rates in Malaysia remain below 50% among the general public. This study explores the factors influencing public acceptance of the COVID-19 booster vaccine among the Malaysian population. The questionnaire included variables on sociodemographics, knowledge, and the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs. Based on the Chi-squared test of contingencies, a t-test and multivariate logistic regression analysis on 411 collected responses, the findings revealed that older participants, individuals of Chinese ethnicity, and those with higher education levels and incomes were more willing to accept booster vaccinations. The analysis further identified perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and perceived barriers as significant predictors influencing booster vaccination acceptance rates. Healthcare policymakers may consider targeting interventions to diminish the obstacles associated with booster vaccinations. These intervention strategies include implementing health intervention programmes, such as public health awareness initiatives, to raise awareness of the risks and severity of COVID-19, ultimately encouraging higher uptake of booster vaccines.
Bioluminescence imaging of Cyp1a1-luciferase reporter mice demonstrates prolonged activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the lung
Authors: Veland Nicolas , Gleneadie Hannah J. , Brown Karen E. , Sardini Alessandro , Pombo Joaquim , Dimond Andrew , Burns Vanessa , Sarkisyan Karen , Schiering Chris , Webster Zoe , Merkenschlager Matthias , Fisher Amanda G.
Published: April 2024

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling integrates biological processes that sense and respond to environmental, dietary, and metabolic challenges to ensure tissue homeostasis. AHR is a transcription factor that is inactive in the cytosol but upon encounter with ligand translocates to the nucleus and drives the expression of AHR targets, including genes of the cytochrome P4501 family of enzymes such as Cyp1a1. To dynamically visualise AHR activity in vivo, we generated reporter mice in which firefly luciferase (Fluc) was non-disruptively targeted into the endogenous Cyp1a1 locus. Exposure of these animals to FICZ, 3-MC or to dietary I3C induced strong bioluminescence signal and Cyp1a1 expression in many organs including liver, lung and intestine. Longitudinal studies revealed that AHR activity was surprisingly long-lived in the lung, with sustained Cyp1a1 expression evident in discrete populations of cells including columnar epithelia around bronchioles. Our data link diet to lung physiology and also reveal the power of bespoke Cyp1a1-Fluc reporters to longitudinally monitor AHR activity in vivo.
State-dependent binding of cholesterol and an anionic lipid to the muscle-type Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Ananchenko Anna , Gao Rui Yan , Dehez François , Baenziger John E.
Published: April 2024

The ability of the Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) to undergo agonist-induced conformational transitions requires the presence of cholesterol and/or anionic lipids. Here we use recently solved structures along with multiscale molecular dynamics simulations to examine lipid binding to the nAChR in bilayers that have defined effects on nAChR function. We examine how phosphatidic acid and cholesterol, lipids that support conformational transitions, individually compete for binding with phosphatidylcholine, a lipid that does not. We also examine how the two lipids work synergistically to stabilize an agonist-responsive nAChR. We identify rapidly exchanging lipid binding sites, including both phospholipid sites with a high affinity for phosphatidic acid and promiscuous cholesterol binding sites in the grooves between adjacent transmembrane α-helices. A high affinity cholesterol site is confirmed in the inner leaflet framed by a key tryptophan residue on the MX α-helix. Our data provide insight into the dynamic nature of lipid-nAChR interactions and set the stage for a detailed understanding of the mechanisms by which lipids facilitate nAChR function at the neuromuscular junction.
China Southern Power Grid’s decarbonization likely to impact cropland and transboundary rivers
Authors: Jin Xiaoyu , Chowdhury A.F.M. Kamal , Liu Benxi , Cheng Chuntian , Galelli Stefano
Published: April 2024

Decarbonizing the electricity sector requires massive investments in generation and transmission infrastructures that may impact both water and land resources. Characterizing these effects is key to ensure a sustainable energy transition. Here, we identify and quantify the unintended consequences of decarbonizing the China Southern Power Grid, China’s second-largest grid. We show that reaching carbon neutrality by 2060 is feasible; yet, doing so requires converting 40,000 square kilometers of land to support solar and wind as well as tapping on rivers to build ~32 gigawatts of hydropower. The impact of wind and solar development would span across multiple sectors, since crop and grassland constitute 90% of the identified sites. The construction of new dams may carry major externalities and trickle down to nearby countries, as most dams are located in transboundary rivers. Curbing the international footprint of this decarbonization effort would require additional investments (~12 billion United States dollars) in carbon capture technologies.
Redox control of the partitioning of platinum and palladium into magmatic sulfide liquids
Authors: Wang Wanying , Li Yuan
Published: April 2024

The partitioning behavior of platinum group elements in magmas is critical for their use as tracers of planetary accretion and in understanding magmatic sulfide deposits. Here we use laboratory experiments to determine sulfide liquid–silicate melt partition coefficients for platinum and palladium at 1.5 GPa, 1400 °C, and oxygen fugacity 1.5–2 log units above the fayalite–magnetite–quartz buffer. We find that the partitioning coefficients of these elements are 2.3 × 105 to 1.1 × 106 and are independent of the platinum and palladium concentration in the system. Combined with previous data obtained at oxygen fugacity below the fayalite–magnetite–quartz buffer, this indicates redox-controlled partitioning behavior whereby at oxidizing conditions platinum- and palladium-enrichments are achieved through their dissolution in sulfide liquids, while at reducing conditions the entrapment of platinum- and palladium-rich clusters in sulfide liquids is more critical. This redox-controlled partitioning behavior should be considered when studying crust–mantle differentiation and the formation of magmatic sulfide deposits.
Revealing speckle obscured living human retinal cells with artificial intelligence assisted adaptive optics optical coherence tomography
Authors: Das Vineeta , Zhang Furu , Bower Andrew J. , Li Joanne , Liu Tao , Aguilera Nancy , Alvisio Bruno , Liu Zhuolin , Hammer Daniel X. , Tam Johnny
Published: April 2024

Background

In vivo imaging of the human retina using adaptive optics optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) has transformed medical imaging by enabling visualization of 3D retinal structures at cellular-scale resolution, including the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which are essential for maintaining visual function. However, because noise inherent to the imaging process (e.g., speckle) makes it difficult to visualize RPE cells from a single volume acquisition, a large number of 3D volumes are typically averaged to improve contrast, substantially increasing the acquisition duration and reducing the overall imaging throughput.

Methods

Here, we introduce parallel discriminator generative adversarial network (P-GAN), an artificial intelligence (AI) method designed to recover speckle-obscured cellular features from a single AO-OCT volume, circumventing the need for acquiring a large number of volumes for averaging. The combination of two parallel discriminators in P-GAN provides additional feedback to the generator to more faithfully recover both local and global cellular structures. Imaging data from 8 eyes of 7 participants were used in this study.

Results

We show that P-GAN not only improves RPE cell contrast by 3.5-fold, but also improves the end-to-end time required to visualize RPE cells by 99-fold, thereby enabling large-scale imaging of cells in the living human eye. RPE cell spacing measured across a large set of AI recovered images from 3 participants were in agreement with expected normative ranges.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the potential of AI assisted imaging in overcoming a key limitation of RPE imaging and making it more accessible in a routine clinical setting.
γ-TuRC asymmetry induces local protofilament mismatch at the RanGTP-stimulated microtubule minus end
Authors: Vermeulen Bram JA , Böhler Anna , Gao Qi , Neuner Annett , Župa Erik , Chu Zhenzhen , Würtz Martin , Jäkle Ursula , Gruss Oliver J , Pfeffer Stefan , Schiebel Elmar
Published: April 2024

The γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) is a structural template for de novo microtubule assembly from α/β-tubulin units. The isolated vertebrate γ-TuRC assumes an asymmetric, open structure deviating from microtubule geometry, suggesting that γ-TuRC closure may underlie regulation of microtubule nucleation. Here, we isolate native γ-TuRC-capped microtubules from Xenopus laevis egg extract nucleated through the RanGTP-induced pathway for spindle assembly and determine their cryo-EM structure. Intriguingly, the microtubule minus end-bound γ-TuRC is only partially closed and consequently, the emanating microtubule is locally misaligned with the γ-TuRC and asymmetric. In the partially closed conformation of the γ-TuRC, the actin-containing lumenal bridge is locally destabilised, suggesting lumenal bridge modulation in microtubule nucleation. The microtubule-binding protein CAMSAP2 specifically binds the minus end of γ-TuRC-capped microtubules, indicating that the asymmetric minus end structure may underlie recruitment of microtubule-modulating factors for γ-TuRC release. Collectively, we reveal a surprisingly asymmetric microtubule minus end protofilament organisation diverging from the regular microtubule structure, with direct implications for the kinetics and regulation of nucleation and subsequent modulation of microtubules during spindle assembly.
The Crk4-Cyc4 complex regulates G2/M transition in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Hawkins Lauren M , Wang Chengqi , Chaput Dale , Batra Mrinalini , Marsilia Clem , Awshah Danya , Suvorova Elena S
Published: April 2024

A versatile division of apicomplexan parasites and a dearth of conserved regulators have hindered the progress of apicomplexan cell cycle studies. While most apicomplexans divide in a multinuclear fashion, Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites divide in the traditional binary mode. We previously identified five Toxoplasma CDK-related kinases (Crk). Here, we investigated TgCrk4 and its cyclin partner TgCyc4. We demonstrated that TgCrk4 regulates conventional G2 phase processes, such as repression of chromosome rereplication and centrosome reduplication, and acts upstream of the spindle assembly checkpoint. The spatial TgCyc4 dynamics supported the TgCrk4–TgCyc4 complex role in the coordination of chromosome and centrosome cycles. We also identified a dominant TgCrk4–TgCyc4 complex interactor, TgiRD1 protein, related to DNA replication licensing factor CDT1 but played no role in licensing DNA replication in the G1 phase. Our results showed that TgiRD1 also plays a role in controlling chromosome and centrosome reduplication. Global phosphoproteome analyses identified TgCrk4 substrates, including TgORC4, TgCdc20, TgGCP2, and TgPP2ACA. Importantly, the phylogenetic and structural studies suggest the Crk4–Cyc4 complex is limited to a minor group of the binary dividing apicomplexans.
All-in-one hybrid atmospheric water harvesting for all-day water production by natural sunlight and radiative cooling
Authors: Xu Jiaxing , Huo Xiangyan , Yan Taisen , Wang Pengfei , Bai Zhaoyuan , Chao Jingwei , Yang Ronggui , Wang Ruzhu , Li Tingxian
Published: April 2024

A compact hybrid atmospheric water harvesting device for all-day water production by synergistically harvesting energy from natural sunlight and the cold universe.
Breaking barriers in cancer treatment: nanobiohybrids empowered by modified bacteria and vesicles
Authors: Ijaz Muhammad , Khurshid Mohsin , Gu Jingsi , Hasan Ikram , Roy Shubham , Ullah Zia , Liang Simin , Cheng Jing , Zhang Yinghe , Mi Chao , Guo Bing
Published: April 2024

The progress in nanobiohybrids empowered by modified bacteria and vesicles for cancer treatment is systematically updated.
Ultrafast light-driven metasurfaces with an ultra-broadband frequency agile channel for sensing
Authors: Yuan Yifang , Zhang Jing , Li Chenyu , Li Hong , Han Yiping , Lou Jing
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a novel compact biosensor is proposed with an ultrawide resonance frequency agile channel shifted from 0.82 to 1.85 THz, with a tuning functionality up to 55.7%, and sensitivity of 118 and 247 GHz/RIU at 0.82 and 1.85 THz.
3D printing of Rg3-loaded hydrogel scaffolds: anti-inflammatory and scar-formation related collagen inhibitory effects for scar-free wound healing
Authors: Wang Xusen , Wei Pengyu , Hu Cewen , Zeng Huajing , Fan Zengjie
Published: April 2024

The 3D printed hydrogel scaffold loaded with Rg3 shows the best healing results with few remaining defects.
Correction: Unravelling potential reaction intermediates during catalytic pyrolysis of polypropylene with microscopy and spectroscopy
Authors: Vollmer Ina , Jenks Michael J. F. , Rejman Sebastian , Meirer Florian , Gurinov Andrei , Baldus Marc , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: April 2024

Correction for ‘Unravelling potential reaction intermediates during catalytic pyrolysis of polypropylene with microscopy and spectroscopy’ by Ina Vollmer et al., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2024, 14, 894–902, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3cy01473h.
Reactive silver inks: a path to solar cells with 82% less silver
Authors: Martinez-Szewczyk Michael W. , DiGregorio Steven J. , Hildreth Owen , Bertoni Mariana I.
Published: April 2024

ITRPV silver consumption of standard low-temperature and high-temperature paste as compared to reactive silver ink. As little as 16.4 mg of silver is consumed when a busbarless cell is metallized with reactive silver ink.
Surface functionalization, particle size and pharmaceutical co-contaminant dependent impact of nanoplastics on marine crustacean – Artemia salina
Authors: Rajendran Durgalakshmi , Kamalakannan Mahalakshmi , Doss George Priya , Chandrasekaran Natarajan
Published: April 2024

Novelty: Combined toxicity of environmental pollutants (antidiabetic drug – Metformin Hydrochloride and Polystyrene Nanoplastics) on Artemia salina was investigated for the first time.
Millets as supergrains: a holistic approach for sustainable and healthy food product development
Authors: Anal Anil Kumar , Singh Ranjit , Rice Daniel , Pongtong Kingkan , Hazarika Udipta , Trivedi Dipika , Karki Sanjaya
Published: April 2024

The Global Report on Food Crises underscores the urgent need for sustainable food solutions as the world faces a 34% increase in acute food insecurity.
Biobased copoly(acetal-triazole)s with tunable degradable properties
Authors: Daniels Joseph C. , Saenz Guery , Scott Colleen N.
Published: April 2024

Enhanced degradation of acetal-containing polymers in environmental conditions.
Sustainable carbonaceous nanomaterial supported palladium as an efficient ligand-free heterogeneouscatalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling
Authors: Shetty Apoorva , Sunil Dhanya , Rujiralai Thitima , P. Maradur Sanjeev , N. Alodhayb Abdullah , Hegde Gurumurthy
Published: April 2024

Samanea saman pods derived carbon nanospheres (SS-CNSs), supported palladium a novel recyclable ligand-free efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the Suzuki coupling reaction.
On the mechanism of carboxylate elimination from carbohydrate monoester-derived radicals
Authors: Turner Julia A. , Zipse Hendrik , Taylor Mark S.
Published: April 2024

Computational analysis of the HAT-induced expulsion of carboxylic acids from monoacylated pyranosides implicates concerted elimination through a hydrogen-bonded transition state.
Structural flexibility of favipiravir and its structural analogues in solutions: experimental and computational insight
Authors: Gerasimova Tatiana P. , Zagidullin Almaz A. , Nikolaeva Anastasiia N. , Fayzullin Robert R. , Saitova Aliya M. , Miluykov Vasili A. , Grimme Stefan , Katsyuba Sergey A.
Published: April 2024

Keto-enol transformations of 6-R-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamides in solutions are accompanied by deprotonation of enol tautomers and the formation of corresponding anionic species. The key factors determining these processes have been identified.
Energy dissipation of a contact line moving on a nanotopographical defect
Authors: Franiatte Sylvain , Paredes Germercy , Ondarçuhu Thierry , Tordjeman Philippe
Published: April 2024

We measure by dynamic atomic force microscopy the dissipated energy when a contact line moves on an individual nanotopographical defect.
Halogen ion doping mediated exciton state modulation in MoS2 quantum dots for fluorescence tuning and optical anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Wu Feng-Yi , Cheng Yuan-Sheng , Wu Kong-Lin , Wu Rong , Yu Rui , Guan Ping-Li , Cheng Yu-Wen , Li Wen-Jiang , Yang Ji-Liang , Wei Xian-Wen
Published: April 2024

We reported halogen-doping-dependent luminescence MoS2 quantum dots and designed enhanced optical anti-counterfeiting ink.
Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System: Content and Criterion Validity Across Evidence-Based Voice Therapies for Muscle Tension Dysphonia
Authors: Van Stan Jarrad H. , Roy Nelson , Stemple Joseph , Gartner-Schmidt Jaqueline , Gillespie Amanda I. , Whyte John , Duffy Joseph , Turkstra Lyn
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

Systematically improving voice therapy outcomes is challenging as the clinician actions (i.e., active ingredients) responsible for improved patient functioning (i.e., targets) are relatively unknown. The theory-driven Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) and standard, voice-specific terminology based on the RTSS (RTSS-Voice) may help address this problem. This qualitative study evaluated if the RTSS and RTSS-Voice can describe four evidence-based voice therapies for muscle tension dysphonia without missing critical aspects (content validity) and identify commonalities and differences across them (criterion validity).

Method:

Qualitative interviews were completed between the clinicians (protocol experts) who developed and/or popularized the vocal function exercises, laryngeal reposturing, circumlaryngeal massage, and conversation training therapies as well as RTSS experts to produce RTSS specifications that met two consensus criteria: (a) The protocol expert agreed that the specification represented their treatment theory, and (b) the RTSS experts agreed that the specifications correctly adhered to both the RTSS framework and the RTSS-Voice's standard terminology.

Results:

The RTSS and RTSS-Voice comprehensively described voice therapy variations across and within the four diverse treatment programs, needing only the addition of one new target: overall auditory-perceptual severity.

Conclusions:

The RTSS and RTSS-Voice exhibited strong content validity. The standard RTSS-Voice terminology helped identify, for the first time, commonalities and differences in treatment ingredients, targets, and mechanisms of action across four treatments developed for the same patient population. In the long term, the RTSS and RTSS-Voice could provide the framework for an ever-growing collection of clinically meaningful and evidence-based therapy algorithms with potential to improve research, education, and clinical care.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25537624
Fabrication of Biodegradable Polymer Nanocomposites for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Sobti Rajeev , Singh M.P. , Correa Frederick Sidney , Brar Manvinder , Kumar D. Karuana
Published: April 2024

This research examines the production, characteristics, and possible uses of biodegradable polymer nanocomposites in the field of sustainable agriculture. By doing a thorough examination of the experimental data, significant discoveries have been clarified. The composition analysis showed differences in polymer type and nanofiller amount across various nanocomposites. The nanocomposites based on PLA had the greatest polymer content, followed by PHA, PBS, and PCL. Comparative mechanical testing revealed that PBS-based nanocomposites had greater tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation at break when compared to other polymers. An investigation of degradation rates showed that the nanocomposites had different levels of biodegradability. The nanocomposites based on PCL had the slowest degradation rates, while the ones based on PLA had the greatest degradation rates. In addition, the nutrient release data showed variations in the rates at which nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were released. The nanocomposites based on PBS demonstrated effective delivery of nutrients to plants. The results emphasize the promise of biodegradable polymer nanocomposites as adaptable materials for sustainable agricultural applications, such as mulching films, seed coatings, controlled-release fertilizers, and soil supplements. Potential areas for future study including enhancing production techniques, investigating innovative nanofillers, and assessing the performance of nanocomposites in real-world scenarios. Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites have the potential to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and support environmental stewardship in food production via multidisciplinary cooperation and innovation.
Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Power System Operation and Control
Authors: Jain Alok , Sridevi J. , Dabral Upendra , Malhotra Abhiraj , Kapila Ish
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the use of Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) to enhance the efficiency of power system operation and control. The simulated power system environment is represented as a multi-agent system, where intelligent agents are used to mimic generators and loads. The MARL framework utilizes Q-learning algorithms to allow agents to independently adjust their activities in accordance with changing operating circumstances. The resulting simulated data represents a wide-ranging power grid scenario, including buses with different generator capacity, load needs, and transmission line capacities. The findings indicate a significant improvement in the stability of the system via Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL), since the agents’ capacity to learn and adapt enables them to quickly alter the outputs of generators and meet the needs of the load, so ensuring that voltage and frequency levels remain within acceptable limits. The MARL framework significantly improves economic efficiency by enabling actors to optimize their behaviors in order to reduce the total costs of the system. The agility of the MARL-based control method is emphasized by the decrease in response time to dynamic disturbances, as agents demonstrate quick and efficient reactions to unforeseen occurrences. The favorable results highlight the potential of MARL as a decentralized decision-making model in power systems, providing advantages in terms of stability, economic efficiency, and the capacity to respond to disruptions. Although the research uses artificial data in a controlled setting, the observed enhancements indicate the flexibility and efficacy of the MARL framework. Future research should prioritize the integration of more practical situations and tackling computational obstacles to further confirm the suitability and expandability of Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) in actual power systems.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoparticle Enhanced Biodiesel using Azadirachta Indica (Neem) leaf extract
Authors: Devabalan Isaac , Nambiar Amrutha , Yadav Apurv
Published: April 2024

Diesel fuel demand is rising globally but its direct combustion possesses many adverse health and environmental impacts. Biodiesel production has emerged as a promising substitute for commercial diesel. Biodiesel is usually prepared from edible or non-edible vegetable oils. Using edible oils for biodiesel production raises many issues such as availability, food security and cost. While in case of non-edible oils, main issues arise in terms of land use change. Fortunately, waste vegetable oils (WVO) are excellent options to solve all these problems, except for trivial costs associated with their collection and recycling. Despite several scientific breakthroughs, the biofuel production process is a slow process and there are various side reactions which inhibit the transesterification reaction. In the recent decade, nanotechnology has vastly expanded. The unique characteristics of nanoparticles such as high chemical stability, adsorption capacity and catalytic activity makes it attractive for enhancing the biofuel production process. In the present work, silver and copper oxide nanoparticles (Ag-NP and CuO-NP) were prepared using a green synthesis method. Three samples of biodiesel were prepared from WVO, one using Ag-NP catalyst, one using CuO-NP catalyst and one without nanoparticles. Prepared biofuel showed a remarkable yield of 72.9% and 64.6%, for Ag-NP biodiesel and CuO-NP biodiesel respectively. Acid values of both the prepared samples of NP biodiesels were decreased by over 7% ensuring a better quality.
Retracted Article: The Role of Nanomaterials in Advancing Sustainable Healthcare Practices
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Yadav Rajat , Kumar Rahul , Raturi Anuj , Rao A.L.N. , Kumar Anil , Shirish Boob Nandini
Published: April 2024

This paper has been formally retracted from publication by the Publisher due to the fact that it has no scientific validity.

Request approved by the Publisher on October 15, 2024.
Life Cycle Analysis of Energy Storage Technologies: A Comparative Study
Authors: Nemova Darya Viktorovna , Rao Davu Srinivasa , Dubey Vijay Anand , Prasad Rajendra , Kumar Amit , Kundra Danish , Khan Rizwan
Published: April 2024

This study offers a thorough comparative analysis of the life cycle assessment of three significant energy storage technologies—Lithium-Ion Batteries, Flow Batteries, and Pumped Hydro—evaluating their environmental, economic, and social aspects in a complete manner. When considering the environmental effect, it is evident that Lithium-Ion Batteries surpass Flow Batteries and Pumped Hydro in terms of carbon footprint, water use, and land utilization. Flow Batteries and Pumped Hydro exhibit significant decreases, ranging from 40% to 60%, showcasing their potential as ecologically sound alternatives with heightened sustainability advantages. From an economic standpoint, it can be confidently said that Flow Batteries and Pumped Hydro surpass Lithium-Ion Batteries in terms of both capital and operational expenses, resulting in a decreased Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS). The examination of percentage change showcases significant decreases, ranging from 20% to 50%, underscoring the economic competitiveness of Flow Batteries and Pumped Hydro. Regarding societal consequences, Flow Batteries and Pumped Hydro exhibit a propensity for heightened job production, augmented community acceptability, and enhanced health and safety records in contrast to Lithium-Ion Batteries. The assessments of percentage change further underscore the societal benefits of Flow Batteries and Pumped Hydro, demonstrating a substantial increase of 40% to 100% in job creation, a notable rise of 6.25% to 12.5% in community acceptability, and a significant decrease of 50% to 75% in health and safety problems. These results jointly emphasize the comprehensive benefits of Flow Batteries and Pumped Hydro, indicating their potential as sustainable, cost-effective, and socially responsible energy storage options. Given the ongoing evolution of the energy landscape, the findings obtained from this research greatly enhance the ability of stakeholders and policymakers to make well-informed decisions in their efforts to design a more environmentally friendly and robust energy future. The study emphasizes the significance of taking into account not only the technological efficacy, but also the wider environmental, economic, and social circumstances when implementing energy storage technology.
Electrical system design of teaching building
Authors: Li Guoxin , Zhang Shuai , Song Jingyue , Zhang Wenjing
Published: April 2024

With the continuous improvement of our country’s education level, the electrical design of teaching buildings has been paid more and more attention. If the safety measures of building facilities are not perfect, once there is a safety problem, it will inevitably bring irreparable huge losses to the personal safety of students and teachers and the property safety of the school. At the same time, taking into account school expenses, economy, energy saving is also a part that cannot be ignored, which requires full consideration of safety, environmental protection and other factors in the process of electrical system design.This paper mainly studies the electrical design of the teaching building, on the basis of strict compliance with national standards and norms, taking into account safety, economy, energy saving and other design factors, independently designed the power supply and distribution system, lighting system, lightning protection system, to ensure the safe operation of building electrical facilities and energy saving operation.
Research on the development trend of green building in China from the perspective of patent
Authors: Zhu Dehai , Zhang Chengri , Cao Qian , Gao Yuqi
Published: April 2024

Based on Innojoy patent search engine, this paper analyzes the patent type, technical fields, innovation activity, life cycle and patent value of green building in China. The development trend of green building in China is summarized. Suggestions were put forward to promote the development of China’s green building industry. It is found that the overall development trend of China’s green building is good, and it is in the growth stage of the technology life cycle, and the development potential is huge. Green building gradually runs through the whole process of construction, and the application scope continues to expand. Technological innovation is the core driving force for the development of green building.
Analysis of place function and spatial distribution on HSR station area: A case study of Jinanxi Station
Authors: Wu Yongpeng , Liu Zhongmei
Published: April 2024

The HSR station area not only assumes the function of the city’s external communication, but also is an important public space, which plays an important role in the urban development. Based on the relevant theories, this paper analyzes and evaluates the status quo of the site functions in the Jinanxi Station area by combining the on-site survey and POI data. It is concluded that the site functions in the Jinanxi Station area are formed relatively slowly, with strong characteristics of circle structure and single residential function, showing unbalanced characteristics, but it will have huge space for future development. So in order to achieve an integrated development between station and city, it should avoid a single residential function, and achieve diversified functional development, require planning guidance and government guidance as well as further support and orderly promotion of policy funds.
Research on Rapid Parameterized Modeling of CityEngine in the Application of Smart Campus Platform
Authors: Liu Xinyu
Published: April 2024

Currently, government departments in various regions are vigorously promoting the construction of smart cities. As a part of smart cities, quickly obtaining or creating three-dimensional spatial models of campuses is an important part of the basic framework of smart campus construction. Existing modeling methods have problems such as low modeling efficiency and difficult maintenance in the later stage. This article proposes a CGA (Computer Generated Architecture) parameterized 3D modeling method based on CityEngine, exploring the parameterized modeling rules of important modeling entities such as roads and buildings in university campuses. By expanding and customizing the modeling rules, campus road and building modeling rule templates are created. The results showed that the proposed method and texture mapping rules were used to achieve fast and accurate 3D scene modeling of the campus, avoiding a lot of repetitive modeling work and improving the efficiency of modeling work.
Protection Capability Analysis of the Common A-grade Corrugated Beam Barrier for the Truck
Authors: Sai Zhiyi , Gong Shuai , Liu Hang , Yan Shuming
Published: April 2024

In order to understand the protective capability of the common A-grade corrugated beam barrier for the truck, the method of the computer simulation and the full-scale impact test with real vehicles were used to research it. The results show that the ultimate protection energy of the common A-grade corrugated beam barrier for the truck is 125kJ, which can satisfy the requirements of the old standard, but can not satisfy the requirements of the new standard. The research results can provide basic data for the rational application of the common Agrade corrugated beam barrier.
Seismic Deformation Response Analysis of Shallow Buried Section at the Entrance and Exit of River Crossing Tunnel
Authors: Lu Jian , Zhang Ting , You Nan , Zheng Wei , Gao Yingjie
Published: April 2024

Ensuring the safety of tunnel structures in unique underwater environments is of paramount importance. This study focuses on the entrance section of a river-crossing tunnel, characterized by shallow burial depths with significant variations. The tunnel structure faces challenges related to structural weakening, and its deformation response exhibits specific characteristics under seismic loads. Numerical simulation software was employed to model and calculate the deformation response of the shallowly buried entrance section under seismic load conditions, assessing the impact of changes in tunnel structural strength and burial depth. The results reveal the following key findings: (1) As the tunnel structure weakens, structures of varying strengths primarily experience vertical deformation under seismic loads, followed by horizontal deformation. Furthermore, as the tunnel structure’s strength decreases, it exhibits an increasing trend in deformation. Routine maintenance should prioritize locations where the tunnel structure weakens, implementing timely reinforcement measures to ensure adequate load-bearing capacity. (2) Considering the influence of tunnel structural burial depth, lateral deformation values rank in descending order from largest to smallest, including the tunnel bottom, middle carriageway, middle of the tunnel, and tunnel vault, while the overall lateral deformation of the tunnel is not significant, it decreases as the structural burial depth increases. (3) In relation to tunnel structural burial depth, vertical deformation values generally exceed horizontal deformation values. Sections with the highest to lowest deformation values are the tunnel bottom, middle lane of the tunnel, middle of the tunnel, and position of the tunnel vault. With increasing burial depth, the vertical deformation values decrease at a slower rate than horizontal deformation. The tunnel structure demonstrates a higher sensitivity of lateral deformation to changes in burial depth factors.
Study on the performance difference of porous asphalt mixture based on different modification processes
Authors: Li Yanjiang , Qiu Hua , Wu Yifei , Mu Ruiliang , Sun Mingzhi
Published: April 2024

In order to discuss the difference of porous asphalt mixture (PAC) under different modification processes, the high viscosity HVA modified SBS modified asphalt, dry and wet process to mix PAC mixture, and test the technical indexes and performance of Marshall stability, flow value, high temperature stability, low temperature performance and wear resistance. The test results indicate that:Except that the stability of the dry porous asphalt mixture is basically the same as that of the wet modification, the other properties are worse than that of the wet porous asphalt mixture. The dosage of the dry porous asphalt mixture should be increased by about 2% to reach the level of wet modification. For the dry modification process, increasing the mixing time can reduce the gap between it and the wet process performance. It is recommended to increase the stirring time and add 1% of the original HVA dosage to achieve the performance level using wet modification.
Highway Alignment Optimization Design Method Based on Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Wang Huijun , Xie Pinghong , Li Zhiguo , Gao Jianqiang
Published: April 2024

Highway alignment design is a nonlinear multi-objective optimization problem. Due to the uncertainty and complexity of the constraints, it is challenging to develop a suitable model for 3D road alignment design. To comprehensively consider the constraints and realize the intelligent design, this study puts forward a novel highway alignment model to optimize the horizontal and vertical alignment design, in which the length utility cost and structure construction cost are projected into the optimization space. Finally, the numerical solution is carried out by MOPSO on MATLAB platform. The results show that this method can effectively solve the problem of highway alignment design under the condition of realizing the highway design specifications, shortening the design cycle, and improving the design quality, which verifies the feasibility of the optimization algorithm for the horizontal and vertical alignment optimization design of highway.
Evaluation of Airspace Operation Safety Level based on PMS
Authors: Luo Dingfa
Published: April 2024

The point merge (PM) flight procedure is a new type of flight procedure of performance -based navigation (PBN). The capacity of the point merge procedure is evaluated through the parameters of the point merge flight procedure. Through the parameters of the point merge flight procedure and the parameters of the aircraft flying in the point merge flight procedure, the collision risk between two aircraft in the merge area and the overall collision risk of the aircraft in the point merge procedure are calculated. The evaluation methods and calculation formulas of these three parameters are summarized, and a reasonable method of airspace operation safety level evaluation based on point merge system (PMS) is sought. The inferred method of airspace operation safety level evaluation based on PMS is to compare the operation capacity with the calculated theoretical capacity, and compare the collision risk between two aircraft in the fusion area calculated according to track data and radar data and the overall collision risk of aircraft in PMS with the target safety level specified by China’s air transportation industry.
Research on the location of shared bicycle parking points based on improved NSGA-II algorithm
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Zhang Xinyu , Liu Yang , Xia Jinyue
Published: April 2024

Reasonable location selection of shared bicycle parking points is an effective way to solve the current problem of shared bicycles. Considering the constraints such as the amount of shared bicycles, the number of parking points, and the capacity of parking points, a dual-objective bicycle-sharing parking point location planning model considering the cost minimization of both bike-sharing enterprises and travelers is established, and the simulated binary crossover operator and polynomial mutation operator are introduced to improve the NSGA-II algorithm to obtain the Pareto non-inferior solution set that satisfies both bike-sharing enterprises and travelers. The effectiveness of the model and the superiority of the improved algorithm are verified by the case. The results show that the model and algorithm can provide a reference for bicycle sharing enterprises in the location of parking points.
Perishables Liner Bunkering Strategy and Route Optimization Considering Carbon Tax and Sulfur Emissions
Authors: Liu Cuilian , Zhao Weige
Published: April 2024

For the issue of perishable goods liner shipping route selection and bunkering strategy, this paper gives full consideration to the characteristics of perishable goods, in the context of the carbon tax and the setting of emission control zones, constructs a mixed-integer nonlinear planning model with the goal of minimizing the total weekly cost of liner service, designs a segmented linear approximation algorithm for model solution, and conducts an arithmetic analysis based on the actual liner voyage as an example, which provides a reference for the actual operation of shipping.