bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Riluzole, a Derivative of Benzothiazole as a Potential Anti-Amoebic Agent against Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Velásquez-Torres Maritza , Trujillo-Ferrara José Guadalupe , Godínez-Victoria Marycarmen , Jarillo-Luna Rosa Adriana , Tsutsumi Víctor , Sánchez-Monroy Virginia , Posadas-Mondragón Araceli , Cuevas-Hernández Roberto Issac , Santiago-Cruz José Angel , Pacheco-Yépez Judith
Published: June 2023

Amoebiasis is produced by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica; this disease affects millions of people throughout the world who may suffer from amoebic colitis or amoebic liver abscess. Metronidazole is used to treat this protozoan, but it causes important adverse effects that limit its use. Studies have shown that riluzole has demonstrated activity against some parasites. Thus, the present study aimed, for the first time, to demonstrate the in vitro and in silico anti-amoebic activity of riluzole. In vitro, the results of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites treated with IC50 (319.5 μM) of riluzole for 5 h showed (i) a decrease of 48.1% in amoeba viability, (ii) ultrastructural changes such as a loss of plasma membrane continuity and alterations in the nuclei followed by lysis, (iii) apoptosis-like cell death, (iv) the triggering of the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, and (v) the downregulation of amoebic antioxidant enzyme gene expression. Interestingly, docking studies have indicated that riluzole presented a higher affinity than metronidazole for the antioxidant enzymes thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase, rubrerythrin, and peroxiredoxin of Entamoeba histolytica, which are considered as possible candidates of molecular targets. Our results suggest that riluzole could be an alternative treatment against Entamoeba histolytica. Future studies should be conducted to analyze the in vivo riluzole anti-amoebic effect on the resolution of amebic liver abscess in a susceptible model, as this will contribute to developing new therapeutic agents with anti-amoebic activity.
Amantadine in Treatment of Dysthymia—The Pilot Case Series Study
Authors: Krzystanek Marek , Martyniak Ewa , Pałasz Artur , Skałacka Katarzyna , Chwalba Artur , Wierzbiński Piotr
Published: June 2023

Dysthymia is a common chronic mood disorder in which isolated symptoms of depression persist for at least 2 years. Despite the many medications recommended for the treatment of dysthymia, no recommendations have yet been made for the treatment of patients who fail to achieve clinical improvement. This justifies attempts to identify second-line drugs for the treatment of dysthymia. In an open and naturalistic case study, five patients diagnosed with dysthymia in whom at least one antidepressant treatment was ineffective were treated with amantadine. In the age- and gender-matched external control group, patients were treated with sertraline at 100 mg/day. Depressive symptoms were assessed using HDRS-17. Two men and three women were treated with 100 mg amantadine for 3 months with 3–5 months follow-up. After 1 month of treatment with amantadine, a significant reduction in the intensity of depressive symptoms was achieved in all patients, and the clinical improvement increased over the next 2 months of treatment. No deterioration in well-being was observed in any patient after discontinuation of amantadine. The effect of amantadine treatment was comparable to that of sertraline treatment in patients with dysthymia who improved with this drug. The present study indicates that amantadine is an effective and well-tolerated drug in the treatment of dysthymia. Amantadine may be associated with a quick improvement in symptoms in the treatment of dysthymia. Treatment with this drug seems to be associated with good tolerability and persistency of the therapeutic effect after the discontinuation of the treatment.
Nanotechnology-Aided Advancement in Combating the Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Singh Arun Kumar , Malviya Rishabha , Prajapati Bhupendra , Singh Sudarshan , Yadav Deepika , Kumar Arvind
Published: June 2023

Modern medicine has been working to find a cure for cancer for almost a century, but thus far, they have not been very successful. Although cancer treatment has come a long way, more work has to be carried out to boost specificity and reduce systemic toxicity. The diagnostic industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, and early diagnosis is essential for improving prognostic outlook and patient quality of life. In recent years, nanotechnology’s use has expanded, demonstrating its efficacy in enhancing fields such as cancer treatment, radiation therapy, diagnostics, and imaging. Applications for nanomaterials are diverse, ranging from enhanced radiation adjuvants to more sensitive early detection instruments. Cancer, particularly when it has spread beyond the original site of cancer, is notoriously tough to combat. Many people die from metastatic cancer, which is why it remains a huge issue. Cancer cells go through a sequence of events known as the “metastatic cascade” throughout metastasis, which may be used to build anti-metastatic therapeutic techniques. Conventional treatments and diagnostics for metastasis have their drawbacks and hurdles that must be overcome. In this contribution, we explore in-depth the potential benefits that nanotechnology-aided methods might offer to the detection and treatment of metastatic illness, either alone or in conjunction with currently available conventional procedures. Anti-metastatic drugs, which can prevent or slow the spread of cancer throughout the body, can be more precisely targeted and developed with the help of nanotechnology. Furthermore, we talk about how nanotechnology is being applied to the treatment of patients with cancer metastases.
Relation of Statin Use with Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Jang Sarang , Choi Hyo Geun , Kwon Mi Jung , Kim Ji Hee , Kim Joo-Hee , Kim So Young
Published: June 2023

The present study evaluated the association of long-term statin use with the diagnosis and mortality of esophageal cancer in a Korean population. The Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort from 2002 to 2019 was enrolled. Esophageal cancer patients were matched with control participants for demographic variables. The statin prescription histories were collected and grouped into <180 days, 180 to 545 days, and >545 days of duration. Propensity score overlap weighting was applied to minimize the bias between the esophageal cancer and control groups. The odds ratios (ORs) of the duration of statin use for esophageal cancer were analyzed using propensity score overlap weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis. The esophageal cancer group was classified as dead and surviving patients, and the ORs of the duration of statin use for the mortality of esophageal cancer were analyzed in an identical manner. Secondary analyses were conducted according to comorbid factors. Patients with esophageal cancer did not show lower odds for the duration of statin prescription in the overall study population (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.03–1.65, p = 0.027 for 180 to 545 days and OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.08–1.55, p = 0.006 for >545 days). Subgroups of nonsmokers, past and current smokers, alcohol consumption ≥ 1 time a week, SBP < 140 mmHg and DBP < 90 mmHg, fasting blood glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL, total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL, CCI score = 0, and nondyslipidemia history demonstrated low odds for the duration of statin prescription. Both types of statins, hydrophilic and lipophilic statins, were not related to a lower rate of esophageal cancer. The mortality of esophageal cancer was not associated with the duration of statin prescription. A subgroup with total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL showed lower odds of statin prescription for mortality of esophageal cancer. The duration of statin prescription was not related to a lower rate or mortality of esophageal cancer in the adult Korean population.
Metformin Therapy Changes Gut Microbiota Alpha-Diversity in COVID-19 Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Antibiotic Treatment
Authors: Petakh Pavlo , Kamyshna Iryna , Oksenych Valentyn , Kainov Denis , Kamyshnyi Aleksandr
Published: June 2023

The gut microbiota play a crucial role in maintaining host health and have a significant impact on human health and disease. In this study, we investigated the alpha diversity of gut microbiota in COVID-19 patients and analyzed the impact of COVID-19 variants, antibiotic treatment, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and metformin therapy on gut microbiota composition and diversity. We used a culture-based method to analyze the gut microbiota and calculated alpha-diversity using the Shannon H′ and Simpson 1/D indices. We collected clinical data, such as the length of hospital stay (LoS), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. We found that patients with T2D had significantly lower alpha-diversity than those without T2D. Antibiotic use was associated with a reduction in alpha-diversity, while metformin therapy was associated with an increase. We did not find significant differences in alpha-diversity between the Delta and Omicron groups. The length of hospital stay, CRP levels, and NLR showed weak to moderate correlations with alpha diversity. Our findings suggest that maintaining a diverse gut microbiota may benefit COVID-19 patients with T2D. Interventions to preserve or restore gut microbiota diversity, such as avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, promoting metformin therapy, and incorporating probiotics, may improve patient outcomes.
E–Z Photoisomerization in Proton-Modulated Photoswitchable Merocyanine Based on Benzothiazolium and o-Hydroxynaphthalene Platform
Authors: Vasilev Aleksey A. , Baluschev Stanislav , Ilieva Sonia , Cheshmedzhieva Diana
Published: June 2023

The potential of E–Z photoisomerization in molecular organic light-to-thermal conversion and storage in an E–styryl merocyanine system was studied in a polar acidic medium. A photoswitchable styryl merocyanine dye (E)-2-(2-(2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)vinyl)-3,5-dimethylbenzo[d]thiazol-3-ium iodide was synthesized for the first time. The reversible E–Z photoisomerisation of the dye was investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy and DFT calculations. E–Z isomerization was induced through the use of visible light irradiation (λ = 450 nm). The obtained experimental and theoretical results confirm the applicability of the Z and E isomers for proton-triggered light harvesting.
A Polarized Structured Light Method for the 3D Measurement of High-Reflective Surfaces
Authors: Liang Jixin , Ye Yuping , Gu Feifei , Zhang Jiankai , Zhao Juan , Song Zhan
Published: June 2023

The reflection phenomenon exhibited by highly reflective surfaces considerably affects the quality of captured images, thereby rendering the task of structured light (SL) 3D reconstruction. In this paper, a polarized SL method is proposed to address the reconstruction issues on high-reflectance surfaces. The SL system we build in this paper involves a four-channel polarizing camera and a digital light processing (DLP) projector equipped with a polarizer in the lens. The built system enables the simultaneous acquisition of four groups of fringe images, each with different brightness differences. Then, a binary time-multiplexing SL method is adopted to obtain four distinct point clouds. Additionally, a fusion algorithm is proposed to merge the four point clouds into a single, precise, and complete point cloud. Several experiments have been conducted to demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of achieving excellent reconstruction outcomes on highly reflective surfaces.
Joint-Transceiver Equalization Technique over a 1.4 km Multi-Mode Fiber Using Optical MIMO Technique in IM/DD Systems
Authors: Singh Jasmeet , Ahrens Andreas
Published: June 2023

In optical fiber communication, recent advances in multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) systems using space-division multiplexing have helped achieve higher spectral efficiency and data rates. Propagating higher-order modulation formats over MIMO systems further strengthens the capacity of the transmission link. In the optical-MIMO system, the dispersion impairments originating from a 1.4 km long multi-mode fiber (MMF) are mitigated using the proposed joint-transceiver equalization technique. A numerical convex optimization algorithm is used to compute and optimize the pre- and post-equalization (PPE) coefficients jointly restricted by cost and power budgets. The potential of the proposed joint-PPE technique is tested on an MMF link, which is severely degraded by dispersion compared to a single-mode fiber channel. From the experimental results, the average optical received power gain necessary to reach 10−4 bit-error rate is improved by nearly 2.5 dB using the joint-PPE compared to the post-equalization only based on the minimum mean-squared error principle. When the efficiency of the conventional zero-forcing (ZF) principle-based PPE and the joint-PPE is compared, the joint-PPE scheme outperforms the ZF-PPE by approximately 1.5 dB. The enhancement in the transmission quality is observed with experimentally measured eye diagrams using the joint-PPE scheme. Under the analyzed scenarios, computer simulation also confirms the hypothesis, which establishes the effectiveness of the proposed joint-transceiver equalization over the conventional ZF-PPE scheme. Moreover, the simulated performance benefits of the joint-PPE are evaluated using the singular value decomposition (SVD) technique. Improvement of ≈3.86 dB in the average optical received power gain required to reach 10−4 bit-error rate is witnessed with the PAM-4 format. Overall, the joint-transceiver equalization technique is proven to be beneficial in optical MIMO systems.
Forest Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs/Synergies and System Function Optimization in Karst Desertification Control
Authors: Xiong Kangning , Deng Xuehua , Zhang Shihao , Zhang Yu , Kong Lingwei
Published: June 2023

Karst desertification control forests are essential for ecosystem multi functionality, but the trade-offs/synergies are unclear for forest ecosystem services. In order to clarify the trade-offs/synergies, this study was conducted on eight forest communities in a karst desertification control area and was based on vegetation surveys and structural and functional monitoring. It analyzes water holding capacity, species diversity, soil conservation, and carbon storage characteristics and their trade-off/synergies. The results indicate the following: (1) The Cladrastis platycarpa + Cotinus coggygria community (H1) had the highest water holding capacity and species diversity with values of 252.21 t·hm−2 and 2.56, respectively. Soil conservation was highest in the Zanthoxylum bungeanum + Glycine max community (H6), with an index value of 1.56. Carbon storage was the greatest in the Tectona grandis community (H8), at 103.93 t·hm−2. The results of these studies have shown that there are significant differences in different types of forest community ecosystem services. (2) Water holding capacity, species diversity, soil conservation, and carbon storage, all have synergistic relationships, suggesting a trend towards synergistic enhancement between the services. (3) The species diversity of the forest ecosystems was shown to be in a trade-off with carbon storage and soil conservation, which suggests that the services are in competition with each other. To further improve the service capacity of forest ecosystems, the trade-offs between the regulation of forest community structure and function and the improvement of services should be optimized.
Effects of High Intensity Ultrasound Stimulation on the Germination Performance of Caper Seeds
Authors: Foschi María Laura , Juan Mariano , Pascual Bernardo , Pascual-Seva Nuria
Published: June 2023

The caper bush has developed different mechanisms to survive in Mediterranean conditions, such as drought tolerance and seed dormancy. Many studies have been carried out to improve the germination of caper seeds, but ultrasound is one of the least studied methodologies in this species. This study aimed to analyze the effects of treatments with an ultrasonic probe processor on the imbibition and germination of caper seeds. After applying the ultrasound treatment using three output powers and three holding times, the seed coat’s disruption level was determined, and the imbibition, viability and germination tests were carried out. Ultrasonication fastens the initial imbibition, but after 48 h of soaking, seed moisture does not present differences compared to non-sonicated seeds. It produces the scarification of the testa but does not affect the tegmen, so moistening occurs through the hilar region, as in control seeds. There is a significant linear and negative correlation between the germination of the seeds and the temperature reached during the sonication treatment, so that temperatures above 40 °C practically annulled the germination. The combination of 20 W and 60 s provided the greatest germination percentage, being the only treatment that statistically improves germination in relation to the control seeds. When the output power and/or holding time were higher, the temperature increased, and the germination percentage statistically decreased.
Preparation of Linear Actuators Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogels Activated by AC Voltage
Authors: Dayyoub Tarek , Maksimkin Aleksey , Larionov Dmitry I. , Filippova Olga V. , Telyshev Dmitry V. , Gerasimenko Alexander Yu.
Published: June 2023

Currently, the preparation of actuators based on ionic electroactive polymers with a fast response is considered an urgent topic. In this article, a new approach to activate polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels by applying an AC voltage is proposed. The suggested approach involves an activation mechanism in which the PVA hydrogel-based actuators undergo extension/contraction (swelling/shrinking) cycles due to the local vibration of the ions. The vibration does not cause movement towards the electrodes but results in hydrogel heating, transforming the water molecules into a gaseous state and causing the actuator to swell. Two types of linear actuators based on PVA hydrogels were prepared, using two types of reinforcement for the elastomeric shell (spiral weave and fabric woven braided mesh). The extension/contraction of the actuators, activation time, and efficiency were studied, considering the PVA content, applied voltage, frequency, and load. It was found that the overall extension of the spiral weave-reinforced actuators under a load of ~20 kPa can reach more than 60%, with an activation time of ~3 s by applying an AC voltage of 200 V and a frequency of 500 Hz. Conversely, the overall contraction of the actuators reinforced by fabric woven braided mesh under the same conditions can reach more than 20%, with an activation time of ~3 s. Moreover, the activation force (swelling load) of the PVA hydrogels can reach up to 297 kPa. The developed actuators have broad applications in medicine, soft robotics, the aerospace industry, and artificial muscles.
Two-Stage Microporous Layers with Gradient Pore Size Structure for Improving the Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhao Chongxue , Zhang Haihang , Huang Zheng , Zhao Meng , Chen Haiming , Lin Guangyi
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we report the preparation of a gas diffusion layer (GDL) with different gradient pore size structures. The pore structure of microporous layers (MPL) was controlled by the amount of pore-making agent sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). We investigated the effects of the two-stage MPL and the different pore size structures in the two-stage MPL on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The conductivity and water contact angle tests showed that the GDL had outstanding conductivity and good hydrophobicity. The results of the pore size distribution test indicated that introducing a pore-making agent altered the pore size distribution of the GDL and increased the capillary pressure difference within the GDL. Specifically, there was an increase in pore size within the 7–20 μm and 20–50 μm ranges, which improved the stability of water and gas transmission within the fuel cell. The maximum power density of the GDL03 was increased by 37.1% at 40% humidity, 38.9% at 60% humidity, and 36.5% at 100% humidity when compared to the commercial GDL29BC in a hydrogen-air environment. The design of gradient MPL ensured that the pore size between carbon paper and MPL changed from an initially abrupt state to a smooth transition state, which significantly improved the water and gas management capabilities of PEMFC.
Valorization of Biomass-Derived Polymers to Functional Biochar Materials for Supercapacitor Applications via Pyrolysis: Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Yang Caiyun , Wu Hao , Cai Mengyu , Zhou Yuting , Guo Chunyu , Han Ying , Zhang Lu
Published: June 2023

Polymers from biomass waste including plant/forest waste, biological industrial process waste, municipal solid waste, algae, and livestock are potential sources for renewable and sustainable resources. Converting biomass-derived polymers to functional biochar materials via pyrolysis is a mature and promising approach as these products can be widely utilized in many areas such as carbon sequestration, power production, environmental remediation, and energy storage. With abundant sources, low cost, and special features, the biochar derived from biological polymeric substances exhibits great potential to be an alternative electrode material of high-performance supercapacitors. To extend this scope of application, synthesis of high-quality biochar will be a key issue. This work systematically reviews the char formation mechanisms and technologies from polymeric substances in biomass waste and introduces energy storage mechanisms of supercapacitors to provide overall insight into the biological polymer-based char material for electrochemical energy storage. Aiming to enhance the capacitance of biochar-derived supercapacitor, recent progress in biochar modification approaches including surface activation, doping, and recombination is also summarized. This review can provide guidance for valorizing biomass waste to functional biochar materials for supercapacitor to meet future needs.
Incorporation of Argan Shell Flour in a Biobased Polypropylene Matrix for the Development of High Environmentally Friendly Composites by Injection Molding
Authors: Jordà-Reolid María , Moreno Virginia , Martínez-Garcia Asunción , Covas José A. , Gomez-Caturla Jaume , Ivorra-Martinez Juan , Quiles-Carrillo Luis
Published: June 2023

In this study, a new composite material is developed using a semi bio-based polypropylene (bioPP) and micronized argan shell (MAS) byproducts. To improve the interaction between the filler and the polymer matrix, a compatibilizer, PP-g-MA, is used. The samples are prepared using a co-rotating twin extruder followed by an injection molding process. The addition of the MAS filler improves the mechanical properties of the bioPP, as evidenced by an increase in tensile strength from 18.2 MPa to 20.8 MPa. The reinforcement is also observed in the thermomechanical properties, with an increased storage modulus. The thermal characterization and X-ray diffraction indicate that the addition of the filler leads to the formation of α structure crystals in the polymer matrix. However, the addition of a lignocellulosic filler also leads to an increased affinity for water. As a result, the water uptake of the composites increases, although it remains relatively low even after 14 weeks. The water contact angle is also reduced. The color of the composites changes to a color similar to wood. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of using MAS byproducts to improve their mechanical properties. However, the increased affinity with water should be taken into account in potential applications.
A Biphasic Hydrogel with Self-Healing Properties and a Continuous Layer Structure for Potential Application in Osteochondral Defect Repair
Authors: Jiang Yue , Guo Shanzhu , Jiao Jingjing , Li Long
Published: June 2023

The treatment of osteochondral defects remains challenging due to the limited healing capacity of cartilage and the poor results of traditional methods. Inspired by the structure of natural articular cartilage, we have fabricated a biphasic osteochondral hydrogel scaffold using a Schiff base reaction and a free radical polymerization reaction. Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), oxidized sodium alginate (OSA), and polyacrylamide (PAM) formed a hydrogel (COP) as the cartilage layer, while hydroxyapatite (HAp) was incorporated into the COP hydrogel to obtain a hydrogel (COPH) as an subchondral bone layer. At the same time, hydroxyapatite (HAp) was incorporated into the COP hydrogel to obtain a hydrogel (COPH) as an osteochondral sublayer, combining the two to obtain an integrated scaffold for osteochondral tissue engineering. Interlayer interpenetration through the continuity of the hydrogel substrate and good self-healing properties due to the dynamic imine bonding of the hydrogel resulted in enhanced interlayer bond strength. In addition, in vitro experiments have shown that the hydrogel exhibits good biocompatibility. It shows great potential for osteochondral tissue engineering applications.
Research on Path Planning and Tracking Control of Autonomous Vehicles Based on Improved RRT* and PSO-LQR
Authors: Zhang Yong , Gao Feng , Zhao Fengkui
Published: June 2023

Path planning and tracking control are essential parts of autonomous vehicle research. Regarding path planning, the Rapid Exploration Random Tree Star (RRT*) algorithm has attracted much attention due to its completeness. However, the algorithm still suffers from slow convergence and high randomness. Regarding path tracking, the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) algorithm is widely used in various control applications due to its efficient stability and ease of implementation. However, the relatively empirical selection of its weight matrix can affect the control effect. This study suggests a path planning and tracking control framework for autonomous vehicles based on an upgraded RRT* and Particle Swarm Optimization Linear Quadratic Regulator (PSO-LQR) to address the abovementioned issues. Firstly, according to the driving characteristics of autonomous vehicles, a variable sampling area is used to limit the generation of random sampling points, significantly reducing the number of iterations. At the same time, an improved Artificial Potential Field (APF) method was introduced into the RRT* algorithm, which improved the convergence speed of the algorithm. Utilizing path pruning based on the maximum steering angle constraint of the vehicle and the cubic B-spline algorithm to achieve path optimization, a continuous curvature path that conforms to the precise tracking of the vehicle was obtained. In addition, optimizing the weight matrix of LQR using POS improved path-tracking accuracy. Finally, this article’s improved RRT* algorithm was simulated and compared with the RRT*, target bias RRT*, and P-RRT*. At the same time, on the Simulink–Carsim joint simulation platform, the PSO-LQR is used to track the planned path at different vehicle speeds. The results show that the improved RRT* algorithm optimizes the path search speed by 34.40% and the iteration number by 33.97%, respectively, and the generated paths are curvature continuous. The tracking accuracy of the PSO-LQR was improved by about 59% compared to LQR, and its stability was higher. The position error and heading error were controlled within 0.06 m and 0.05 rad, respectively, verifying the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed path planning and tracking control framework.
Operating and Thermal Efficiency Boundary Expansion of Argon Power Cycle Hydrogen Engine
Authors: Ding Weiqi , Deng Jun , Wang Chenxu , Deng Renjie , Yang Hao , Tang Yongjian , Ma Zhe , Li Liguang
Published: June 2023

The efficiency enhancement of argon power cycle engines through theoretical means has been substantiated. However, the escalation of in-cylinder temperatures engenders abnormal combustion phenomena, impeding the augmentation of compression ratios and practical efficiency. This study presents a comprehensive investigation employing experimental and simulation techniques, aiming to extend the boundaries of thermal efficiency and operational capabilities for hydrogen-powered argon cycle engines. The impact of hydrogen direct injection, intake boost, and port water injection is evaluated in conjunction with an argon power cycle hydrogen engine. The hydrogen direct injection, particularly at an engine speed of 1000 rpm, significantly increases the indicated mean effective pressure from 0.39 MPa to 0.72 Mpa, surpassing the performance of the port hydrogen injection. Manipulating the hydrogen direct injection timing results in the formation of a stratified mixture, effectively attenuating the combustion rate, and resolving the issue of excessively rapid hydrogen combustion within an Ar/O2 environment. The implementation of super lean combustion, combined with intake-boosting, achieves a maximum gross indicated thermal efficiency of 57.89%. Furthermore, the port water injection proves to be an effective measure against knock, broadening the operational range of intake-boosted conditions. Notably, the maximum gross indicated thermal efficiency recorded for the port water injection group under intake-boosted conditions reaches 59.35%.
Optimization Design of an Intermediate Fluid Thermoelectric Generator for Exhaust Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Wenjie , Li Shuqian , Xie Liyao , Ge Minghui , Zhao Yulong
Published: June 2023

The intermediate fluid thermoelectric generator (IFTEG) represents a novel approach to power generation, predicated upon the principles of gravity heat pipe technology. Its key advantages include high-power output and a compact module area. The generator’s performance, however, is influenced by the variable exhaust parameters typical of automobile operation, which presents a significant challenge in the design process. The present study establishes a mathematical model to optimize the design of the IFTEG. Our findings suggest that the optimal module area sees substantial growth with an increase in both the exhaust heat exchanger area and the exhaust flow rate. Interestingly, the optimal module area appears to demonstrate a low sensitivity to changes in exhaust temperature. To address the challenge of determining the optimal module area, this study introduces the concept of peak power deviation. This method posits that any deviation from the optimal module area results in an equivalent power deviation. For instance, with an exhaust heat exchanger area of 1.6 m2, the minimum peak power deviation is 27.5%, corresponding to a design module area of 0.124 m2. As such, the actual output power’s deviation from the maximum achievable output power will not exceed 27.5% for any given set of exhaust parameters. This study extends its findings to delineate the relationship between the optimal design module area and the exhaust heat exchanger area. These insights could serve as a useful guide for the design of future power generators.
Comparison and Analysis of Several Quantitative Identification Models of Pesticide Residues Based on Quick Detection Paperboard
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zheng Qifu , Chen Xiaobin , Guan Yingyi , Dai Jingbo , Zhang Min , Dong Yunyuan , Tang Haodong
Published: June 2023

Pesticide residues have long been a significant aspect of food safety, which has always been a major social concern. This study presents research and analysis on the identification of pesticide residue fast detection cards based on the enzyme inhibition approach. In this study, image recognition technology is used to extract the color information RGB eigenvalues from the detection results of the quick detection card, and four regression models are established to quantitatively predict the pesticide residue concentration indicated by the quick detection card using RGB eigenvalues. The four regression models are linear regression model, quadratic polynomial regression model, exponential regression model and RBF neural network model. Through study and comparison, it has been shown that the exponential regression model is superior at predicting the pesticide residue concentration indicated by the rapid detection card. The correlation value is 0.900, and the root mean square error is 0.106. There will be no negative prediction value when the expected concentration is near to 0. This gives a novel concept and data support for the development of image recognition equipment for pesticide residue fast detection cards based on the enzyme inhibition approach.
The Profane Land of the Happy: On the Messianic Promise in the Work of Giorgio Agamben
Authors: De Boer Ype
Published: June 2023

This paper provides an interpretation of the enigmatic concept of ‘happy life’ in the philosophy of Giorgio Agamben. It departs from a recognition of the ambivalence in Agamben’s use of sacred and profane terminology that informs this concept. In a decidedly Benjaminian frame, and with the help of esoteric religious images, happy life is described by Agamben as a messianic life and a blessed life, while he, at the same time, explicitly defines it as a perfectly profane life. Reading Agamben’s philosophy as aspiring to a radical transformation of our mode of being in the world, I argue that the consistency in his idiosyncratic attitude toward the sacred and profane can be shown, and new light can be shed on the nature of happy life. Beyond prevailing negative characterizations that describe what happy life is not to be, the interpretation developed in this paper argues that it positively entails an ethos of love and a practice of use. As such, the paper aims to contribute to recent attempts at analyzing the curative and promissory aspects of Agamben’s philosophy over and above its critical potential, and provide a basic outline of happy life that allows for comparative analysis with other contemporary authors on the notion of happiness.
First Experience with Zhuhai-1 Hyperspectral Data for Urban Dominant Tree Species Classification in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Qin Haiming , Wang Weimin , Yao Yang , Qian Yuguo , Xiong Xiangyun , Zhou Weiqi
Published: June 2023

An accurate spatial distribution map of the urban dominant tree species is crucial for evaluating the ecosystem service value of urban forests and formulating urban sustainable development strategies. Spaceborne hyperspectral remote sensing has been utilized to distinguish tree species, but these hyperspectral data have a low spatial resolution (pixel size ≥ 30 m), which limits their ability to differentiate tree species in urban areas characterized by fragmented patches and robust spatial heterogeneity. Zhuhai-1 is a new hyperspectral satellite sensor with a higher spatial resolution of 10 m. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Zhuhai-1 hyperspectral imagery for classifying the urban dominant tree species. We first extracted 32 reflectance bands and 18 vegetation indices from Zhuhai-1 hyperspectral data. We then used the random forest classifier to differentiate 28 dominant tree species in Shenzhen based on these hyperspectral features. Finally, we analyzed the effects of the classification paradigm, classifier, and species number on the classification accuracy. We found that combining the hyperspectral reflectance bands and vegetation indices could effectively distinguish the 28 dominant tree species in Shenzhen, obtaining an overall accuracy of 76.8%. Sensitivity analysis results indicated that the pixel-based classification paradigm was slightly superior to the object-based paradigm. The random forest classifier proved to be the optimal classifier for distinguishing tree species using Zhuhai-1 hyperspectral imagery. Moreover, reducing the species number could slowly improve the classification accuracy. These findings suggest that Zhuhai-1 hyperspectral data can identify the urban dominant tree species with accuracy and holds potential for application in other cities.
The Transport Path and Vertical Structure of Dust Storms in East Asia and the Impacts on Cities in Northern China
Authors: Bao Tana , Xi Guilin , Hao Yanling , Chang I-Shin , Wu Jing , Xue Zhichao , Jin Erdemtu , Zhang Wenxing , Bao Yuhai
Published: June 2023

Dust storm disasters have emerged as a significant environmental challenge in East Asia. However, relying on a single monitoring method to track dust storms presents limitations and can be variable. Therefore, it is necessary to use a combination of ground and remote sensing monitoring methods to explore the source and impact range of dust storms in order to fully characterize them. To achieve this, we examined the sources and impact ranges of dust storms in East Asia from 1980 to 2020 using both ground station data and remote sensing data. In addition, we focused on three specific dust storm events in the region. Our results indicate that the central source areas of dust storms are located in southern Mongolia and the Taklamakan Desert in China. Dust storms are mainly transported and spread in the northwestern region, while they are relatively rare in the southeastern region. The HYSPLIT model simulations reveal that the primary source directions of dust storms in East Asia are northwest, west, and north, the region involved includes Kazakhstan, southern Mongolia, and the Taklimakan Desert in China. The vertical structure of the dust storm layer depends on the source of the dust storm and the intensity of the dust storm event. Dust grain stratification probably occurs due to differences in dust storm sources, grain size, and regularity. These findings demonstrate that a combination of ground-based and remote sensing monitoring methods is an effective approach to fully characterize dust storms and can provide more comprehensive information for dust storm studies.
A Self-Supervised Learning Approach for Extracting China Physical Urban Boundaries Based on Multi-Source Data
Authors: Tao Yuan , Liu Wanzeng , Chen Jun , Gao Jingxiang , Li Ran , Ren Jiaxin , Zhu Xiuli
Published: June 2023

Physical urban boundaries (PUBs) are basic geographic information data for defining the spatial extent of urban landscapes with non-agricultural land and non-agricultural economic activities. Accurately mapping PUBs provides a spatiotemporal database for urban dynamic monitoring, territorial spatial planning, and ecological environment protection. However, traditional extraction methods often have problems, such as subjective parameter settings and inconsistent cartographic scales, making it difficult to identify PUBs objectively and accurately. To address these problems, we proposed a self-supervised learning approach for PUB extraction. First, we used nighttime light and OpenStreetMap road data to map the initial urban boundary for data preparation. Then, we designed a pretext task of self-supervised learning based on an unsupervised mutation detection algorithm to automatically mine supervised information in unlabeled data, which can avoid subjective human interference. Finally, a downstream task was designed as a supervised learning task in Google Earth Engine to classify urban and non-urban areas using impervious surface density and nighttime light data, which can solve the scale inconsistency problem. Based on the proposed method, we produced a 30 m resolution China PUB dataset containing six years (i.e., 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020). Our PUBs show good agreement with existing products and accurately describe the spatial extent of urban areas, effectively distinguishing urban and non-urban areas. Moreover, we found that the gap between the national per capita GDP and the urban per capita GDP is gradually decreasing, but regional coordinated development and intensive development still need to be strengthened.
Satellite Sensed Data-Dose Response Functions: A Totally New Approach for Estimating Materials’ Deterioration from Space
Authors: Kouremadas Georgios , Christodoulakis John , Varotsos Costas , Xue Yong
Published: June 2023

When construction materials are exposed to the atmospheric environment, they are subject to deterioration, which varies according to the time period of exposure and the location. A tool named Dose–Response Functions (DRFs) has been developed to estimate this deterioration. DRFs use specific air pollutants and climatic parameters as input data. Existing DRFs in the literature use only ground-based measurements as input data. This fact constitutes a limitation for the application of this tool because it is too expensive to establish and maintain such a large network of ground-based stations for pollution monitoring. In this study, we present the development of new DRFs using only satellite data as an input named Satellite Sensed Data Dose-Response Functions (SSD-DRFs). Due to the global coverage provided by satellites, this new tool for monitoring the corrosion/soiling of materials overcomes the previous limitation because it can be applied to any area of interest. To develop SSD-DRFs, we used measurements from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder) on board Aqua and OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) on Aura. According to the obtained results, SSD-DRFs were developed for the case of carbon steel, zinc, limestone and modern glass materials. SSD-DRFs are shown to produce more reliable corrosion/soiling estimates than “traditional” DRFs using ground-based data. Furthermore, research into the development of the SSD-DRFs revealed that the different corrosion mechanisms taking place on the surface of a material do not act additively with each other but rather synergistically.
The Needs of Youth in Transition after the Alternative Education Program in Taiwan
Authors: Chen May-Ling , Eng Po-man Holly , Lee Liza
Published: June 2023

In Taiwan, three alternative education programs are available to support school dropouts facing difficulties in mainstream education. While some programs offer residential services specifically for individuals from dysfunctional families, eligibility is limited to those under 15, as the primary objective is to facilitate compulsory education completion. Consequently, when reaching age 15, program leavers must decide between returning to dysfunctional families and pursuing independent living. To examine how these programs can address the needs of the leavers, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with six program leaders nationwide. The findings revealed that the leavers have diverse needs, necessitating relevant services for a successful transition into adulthood. However, due to the absence of applicable laws or government policies regarding the leavers, the programs can only offer services during the pre- or post-leaving stages through private funding and community resources. This raises concerns regarding such services’ stability and long-term sustainability, highlighting the importance of adequate funding. Collaboration between the government and program leaders is crucial in facilitating the leavers’ transition based on the experiences of current programs and their specific needs, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes.
I Can Do: Co-Designing a Service with and for People with Dementia to Engage with Volunteering
Authors: Niedderer Kristina , Tournier Isabelle , Orton Laura , Threlfall Steve
Published: June 2023

This article reports on the co-development of the concept of a skills exchange service for people with early to mid-stage dementia. The service was co-designed with people with dementia, carers and professionals from the health, care and volunteer sectors in Greater Manchester, UK. The idea for the service arose from the recognition that it is important to people with dementia to be able to continue contributing to the life of others and to be valued for it, but that there is little support for people to do so. The initial data collection with stakeholders into opportunities and barriers in Greater Manchester provided key insights as a starting point for the service concept development. For its development, seven co-design workshops were held: two with people with dementia and five with carers and health, care and volunteer professionals. The outcome was the development of the concept and criteria of the I Can Do Pathway to support people with a dementia diagnosis in identifying their interests and strengths and to connect them with relevant volunteer opportunities. The article explains the transformative co-design process and its results, followed by a reflection of the insights of designing a new service within an existing service system.
Numerical Study on the Behavior of an Existing Tunnel during Excavating Adjacent Deep Foundation Pit
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Xue Bingshuang , Wang Haibo , Zhang Xuemin , Zhang Yongxing
Published: June 2023

The excavation of a deep foundation pit adjacent to an existing tunnel may lead to the large deformation and induce damages in the tunnel structure. However, the influence on existing tunnel structure from nearby excavations has not been understood clearly, since it is affected by complex influencing factors of not only the geological and topographical conditions but also the construction method and positional relationship of the adjacent structures. This paper presents a numerical investigation into an existing underground rail transit line during the excavation of an adjacent deep foundation pit, in which the behavior of the existing tunnel structure from excavating the aforementioned foundation pit is clarified, and the effectiveness of the adopted three-dimensional model is confirmed by comparison between the numerically calculated and field-measured ground settlement of the monitoring point. The results demonstrate that the deformation of the existing tunnel structure is mostly induced by the excavation of the deep foundation pit. This study can provide a reference of deep excavations adjacent to existing infrastructures.