bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humus Forms and Organic Matter Decomposition in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Semeraro Sarah , Fazzari Maud , Kipf Pascal , Rasmann Sergio , Le Bayon Renée-Claire
Published: August 2023

Humus forms and organic matter decomposition are influenced by climate, plants and soil decomposers. Yet, whether different humus forms could be experimentally linked to litter decomposition has still to be fully assessed. To assess the link between humus systems and organic matter decomposition, we worked in two regions of the Swiss Alps (Valais and Ticino) along elevational gradients by following a north/south exposure design. We quantified humus forms macrorests proportion types by the Ponge small-volume method and measured the decomposition of green tea and rooibos tea within the Parasystems and Terrosystems. We found that Parasystems and Terrosystems differed in tea decomposition rates, with a slower decomposition in Parasystems than in Terrosystems. We also observed that elevation, and hence, vegetation type (i.e., forest in the subalpine versus grassland in the alpine), drove humus form distribution, with Parasystems found in the alpine and subalpine in Ticino, while in Valais Parasystems were only found in the alpine and Terrosystems in the subalpine levels. Further analyses are however needed to identify other variables that best correlate with variation in decomposition processes within humus systems, such as soil decomposer community composition.
How Could Consumers’ Online Review Help Improve Product Design Strategy?
Authors: Miao Wei , Lin Kai-Chieh , Wu Chih-Fu , Sun Jie , Sun Weibo , Wei Wei , Gu Chao
Published: August 2023

This study aims to explore the utilization of user-generated content for product improvement and decision-making processes. In the era of big data, the channels through which enterprises obtain user feedback information are transitioning from traditional methods to online platforms. The original data for this study were obtained from customer reviews of cordless hairdryers on JD.com. The specific process is as follows: First, we used the Python Requests package to crawl 20,157 initial comments. Subsequently, the initial data were cleaned, resulting in 1405 valid comments. Next, the cleaned and valid comments were segmented into Chinese words using the HanLP package. Finally, the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) method was applied for topic modeling. The visualization of the topic clustering was generated using pyLDAvis, and three optimal topics were identified. These topics were named “User Experience”, “Product Evaluation”, and “Product Features”, respectively. Through data analysis and expert consultation, this study developed product design improvement strategies based on online reviews and verified the validity of the developed cordless hairdryer design index system through a questionnaire survey, providing practical references and innovative theoretical foundations for future product design assessments.
The Dark Threads That Weave the Web of Shame: A Network Science-Inspired Analysis of Body Shaming on Reddit
Authors: Corradini Enrico
Published: August 2023

Deep within online forums, we often stumble across body shaming. Words like “fat” and “ugly” are tossed around, hurting those they target. But can we peel back the layers of these online communities? In this study, social network analysis is used to shine a light on body shaming on Reddit, a well-known online platform. This paper presents a comprehensive social network analysis of body shaming on Reddit, one of the largest online platforms. The research delves into the intricacies of body shaming by identifying key actors, communities, and patterns of behavior and communication related to body shaming. The results show how behavior and communication differ across Reddit’s various subgroups, and how user activity and the length of comments can vary. Through the application of topic modeling, the main subjects discussed in each subgroup were identified. This enables an understanding of what drives discussions about body shaming. The findings provide valuable insights into the spread and normalization of harmful behaviors and attitudes related to body shaming, which can inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing this harmful behavior and promoting more positive and inclusive attitudes towards body image and weight.
An Optimized Small-Scale Rearing System to Support Embryonic Microinjection Protocols for Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera
Authors: Chu Fu-Chyun , Wu Pei-Shan , Pinzi Sofia , Grubbs Nathaniel , Cohen Allen Carson , Lorenzen Marcé D.
Published: August 2023

Western corn rootworm (WCR), a major pest of corn, has been reared in laboratories since the 1960s. While established rearing methods are appropriate for maintaining WCR colonies, they are not optimal for performing germline transformation or CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. Here we report the development of an optimized rearing system for use in WCR functional genomics research, specifically the development of a system that facilitates the collection of preblastoderm embryos for microinjection as well as gathering large larvae and pupae for downstream phenotypic screening. Further, transgenic-based experiments require stable and well-defined survival rates and the ability to manipulate insects at every life stage. In our system, the WCR life cycle (egg to adult) takes approximately 42 days, with most individuals eclosing between 41 and 45 days post oviposition. Over the course of one year, our overall survival rate was 67%. We used this data to establish a quality control system for more accurately monitoring colony health. Herein, we also offer detailed descriptions for setting up single-pair crosses and conducting phenotypic screens to identify transgenic progeny. This study provides a model for the development of new rearing systems and the establishment of highly controlled processes for specialized purposes.
A Narrative Review Discussing the Obstetric Repercussions Due to Alterations of Personalized Bacterial Sites Developed within the Vagina, Cervix, and Endometrium
Authors: Doroftei Bogdan , Ilie Ovidiu-Dumitru , Armeanu Theodora , Stoian Irina-Liviana , Anton Nicoleta , Babici Ramona-Geanina , Ilea Ciprian
Published: August 2023

Background: The reproductive tract microbiota that evolved as an integrative component has been studied intensively in the last decade. As a result, novel research, clinical opportunities, and perspectives have been derived following the close investigation of this microecological environment. This has paved the way for an update to and improvement of the management strategies and therapeutic approaches. However, obscurities, contradictions, and controversies arise regarding the ascension route from the vagina to the endometrium via the cervix, with finality in adverse obstetric outcomes. Methods: Starting from these considerations, we aimed to gather all existing data and information from four major academic databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) published in the last 13 years (2010–2023) using a controlled vocabulary and dedicated terminology to enhance the coverage, identification, and sorting of potentially eligible studies. Results: Despite the high number of returned entries (n = 804), only a slight percentage (2.73%) of all manuscripts were deemed eligible following two rounds of evaluation. Cumulatively, a low level of Lactobacillus spp. and of other core microbiota members is mandatory, with a possible eubiosis-to-dysbiosis transition leading to an impairment of metabolic and endocrine network homeostasis. This transposes into a change in the pro-inflammatory landscape and activation of signaling pathways due to activity exerted by the bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs)/endotoxins that further reflect a high risk of miscarriage in various stages. While the presence of some pathogenic entities may be suggestive of an adverse obstetric predisposition, there are still pros and cons of the role of specific strains, as only the vagina and cervix have been targeted as opposed to the endometrium, which recently started to be viewed as the key player in the vagina–cervix–endometrium route. Consequently, based on an individual’s profile, diet, and regime, antibiotics and probiotics might be practical or not. Conclusions: Resident bacteria have a dual facet and are beneficial for women’s health, but, at the same time, relaying on the abundance, richness, and evenness that are definitory indexes standing as intermediaries of a miscarriage.
ETView SL versus Macintosh Direct Laryngoscope for Endotracheal Intubation Amid Simulated COVID-19 Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Evrin Togay , Dabkowski Miroslaw , Pruc Michal , Hernik Jacek , Wieczorek Wojciech , Chabowski Lukasz , Wieczorek Pawel , Chmielewski Jaroslaw , Feduniw Stepan , Szarpak Lukasz
Published: August 2023

Airway management procedures, such as endotracheal intubation (ETI), pose a significant risk of aerosol generation, requiring robust personal protective equipment (PPE) against aerosol-generating procedures (AGP). This study aimed to assess the impact of PPE-AGP on intubation success rates, time to intubation, and glottic visualization using ETView and a standard Macintosh laryngoscope (MAC). A total of 52 physicians participated in this prospective, observational, randomized crossover study conducted in a medical simulation setting. Participants included COVID-19 patients with cardiac arrest scenarios with and without PPE-AGP who were intubated with ETView and MAC. During intubation without PPE-AGP, ETView showed a similar first-pass success rate (FPS) but had a shorter intubation time and better glottal hydration compared to MAC. In scenario B (with PPE-AGP), ETView outperformed MAC in FPS, initiation time, and glottic visualization. The use of PPE-AGP had little impact on ETView’s performance. However, it negatively affected the Macintosh laryngoscope, reducing FPS and glottic visibility. Participants found intubation with ETView easier in both scenarios. In conclusion, as compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope, ETView demonstrated higher performance under the circumstances of the simulation, especially when PPE-AGP was used.
Advanced Localization Technique for Non-Palpable Breast Cancer: Radiofrequency alone VS Combined Technique with Ultrasound
Authors: Parisi Simona , Gambardella Claudio , Conzo Giovanni , Ruggiero Roberto , Tolone Salvatore , Lucido Francesco , Iovino Francesco , Fisone Francesca , Brusciano Luigi , Parmeggiani Domenico , Docimo Ludovico
Published: August 2023

Breast conservative surgery is the primary therapeutic choice for non-aggressive early breast cancers, and a minimally-invasive approach is strongly recommended. The breast localization represents a modern challenge for surgery. Wire-guided localization is still the gold standard technique, but new wireless systems have been proposed, such as radiofrequency identification with LOCalizerTM (Hologic, Santa Carla, CA, USA), which reports encouraging results. The current study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of the combined use of LOCalizerTM and ultrasound compared with the results obtained using LOCalizerTM alone for the detection of non-palpable breast cancer. Ninety-six patients who were candidates for breast localization were enrolled. Group A received a combined localization with LOCalizerTM and US, while group B underwent only LOCalizerTM identification. Oncological radicality was reached in 100% of the patients in Group A and in 89.2% of the patients in Group B, with p = 0.006. The mean specimens’ volume was 13.2 ± 0.6 cm3 for Group A and 16.1 ± 1.4 cm3 for Group B, while mean specimen weights were 21.8 ± 2.2 and 24.4 ± 1.8 g, respectively (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively). LOCalizerTM with ultrasound, in the current series, has resulted in the preferred option for the localization of non-palpable breast cancer, allowing limited resection (in weight and volume), guaranteeing excellent oncological outcomes, and great satisfaction for patients and physicians.
Safety and Efficacy of Metabolic Surgery in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa Region: An Analysis of Primary Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy Outcomes
Authors: Fares Sami , Barajas-Gamboa Juan S. , Díaz del Gobbo Gabriel , Klingler Michael , Pantoja Juan Pablo , Abril Carlos , Raza Javed , Guerron Alfredo D. , Corcelles Ricard , Allemang Matthew , Rodriguez John , Kroh Matthew
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic medical condition that results in significant health implications and reduced life expectancy. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated that in 2021, 51.8% of all deaths of people under 60 years old in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region were related to diabetes. Bariatric surgery has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment for T2D in different populations worldwide, though few specific data exist on outcomes of procedures in the MENA region. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and postoperative outcomes between patients with and without T2D undergoing primary bariatric surgery at a tertiary referral academic medical center in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: All patients who underwent primary metabolic surgery between September 2015 and July 2020 were retrospectively reviewed from a prospective database. Group 1 included patients with T2D, and Group 2 included patients without T2D. Patients undergoing revisional or correctional operations were excluded. The procedure performed was based on surgeon discretion in discussion with a multidisciplinary team and the patient. Demographics as well as perioperative and postoperative results were examined. Results: Our study included 542 patients, 160 (29.5%) with T2D and 382 (70.5%) with non-T2D. Mean age was 44.5 years (range 16–70) in the T2D group and 33.3 years (range 15–63) in the non-T2D group; median BMI was 41.8 ± 7.3 and 43.2 ± 7.2, respectively. The T2D group was 37.5% male and 62.5% female, and the non-T2D group was 38.7% male and 61.3% female. There were no significant differences in comorbidities. In the T2D group, 45.6% of patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 54.4% sleeve gastrectomy. In the non-TD2 group, 42.7% of patients received Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 57.3% sleeve gastrectomy. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative ED visits (21.8% vs. 24.3%, p = 0.21), minor complications within 30 days (4.3% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.67), readmission rates (5.6% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.77), re-operation rates (3.7% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.11), median hospital stay (2.0 days vs. 3.0, p = 0.05), or complications after 30 days (6.2% vs. 11.2%, p = 0.07). There were no deaths either group. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients from the MENA region, bariatric surgery in T2D patients is safe and effective, with perioperative outcomes comparable to those of non-T2D patients. To the best of our knowledge, our postoperative findings, which are the first report in the MENA region, are consistent with studies published in North America and Europe.
Medication Review with Follow-Up for End-Stage Renal Disease: Drug-Related Problems and Negative Outcomes Associated with Medication—A Systematic Review
Authors: Pereira-Céspedes Alfonso , Jiménez-Morales Alberto , Palomares-Bayo Magdalena , Martínez-Martínez Fernando , Calleja-Hernández Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2023

Background: This article reviews the available scientific literature on drug-related problems and negative outcomes associated with medications identified by medication review with follow-up for end-stage renal disease and discussed with the physicians. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of the scientific literature retrieved from the following databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library: The Cochrane Central Register and Control Trials (CENTRAL) and Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe (LILACS), Medicina en Español (MEDES), and the SciELO bibliographic database (a collection of scientific journals). The following terms were used as descriptors and searched in free text: “end-stage renal disease”, “medication review”, “drug-related problems”, and “negative outcomes associated with medication”. The following limits were applied: “humans” and “adults (more than 18 years)”. Results: A total of 59 references were recovered and, after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 16 articles were selected. Of these selected articles, 15 provided information on drug-related problems and only 1 on negative outcomes associated with medications. Conclusions: It can be concluded that drug-related problems and negative outcomes associated with medications affect patients with end-stage renal disease, mainly those receiving renal replacement therapy. More evidence is needed, especially on negative outcomes associated with medication.
Co-Occurrence of G6PD Deficiency and SCT among Pregnant Women Exposed to Infectious Diseases
Authors: Helegbe Gideon Kofi , Wemakor Anthony , Ameade Evans Paul Kwame , Anabire Nsoh Godwin , Anaba Frank , Bautista Jose M. , Zorn Bruno Gonzalez
Published: August 2023

During pregnancy, women have an increased relative risk of exposure to infectious diseases. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of the co-occurrence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) and sickle cell trait (SCT) and the impact on anemia outcomes among pregnant women exposed to frequent infectious diseases. Over a six-year period (March 2013 to October 2019), 8473 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANCs) at major referral hospitals in Northern Ghana were recruited and diagnosed for common infectious diseases (malaria, syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV), G6PDd, and SCT. The prevalence of all the infections and anemia did not differ between women with and without G6PDd (χ2 < 3.6, p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Regression analysis revealed a significantly higher proportion of SCT in pregnant women with G6PDd than those without G6PDd (AOR = 1.58; p < 0.011). The interaction between malaria and SCT was observed to be associated with anemia outcomes among the G6PDd women (F-statistic = 10.9, p < 0.001). Our findings show that anemia is a common condition among G6PDd women attending ANCs in northern Ghana, and its outcome is impacted by malaria and SCT. This warrants further studies to understand the impact of antimalarial treatment and the blood transfusion outcomes in G6PDd/SCT pregnant women.
Pilot Study: FSHR Expression in Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Appendix
Authors: Starzyński Dariusz , Rzeszotek Sylwia , Kolasa Agnieszka , Grabowska Marta , Wiszniewska Barbara , Kudrymska Aleksandra , Karpińska Katarzyna , Tołoczko-Grabarek Aleksandra , Janiec Agnieszka , Myszka Aleksandra , Rynio Paweł , Syrenicz Anhelli , Sowińska-Przepiera Elżbieta
Published: August 2023

Appendix neuroendocrine neoplasm (ANEN) treatment is based on tumor size and proliferation markers. Recently, the role of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) from the clinical perspective has also been increasingly discussed. The FSHR is expressed in the endothelial cells of both intratumoral and peritumoral blood vessels, where it contributes to neoangiogenesis and blood vessel remodeling. FSHR expression is associated with a range of tumor types, such as gastrointestinal tumors, and it is not detected in healthy tissues located more than 10 mm from the tumor site or in tumor lymphatics. In this study, we evaluated the expression of FSHR and CD31 in the blood vessels of ANENs in females and males with confirmed histopathology. We conducted a quantitative analysis of the immunohistochemical reactions and found a higher number of microvessels in the mucosa and submucosa of neuroendocrine tumors in the appendix. A higher level of FSHR expression was observed in women. Future research should consider whether an elevated number of blood vessels along with a strong pattern of FSHR expression may influence future treatment strategies.
Importance of Pattern Standard Deviation of Humphrey 10-2 Visual Field to Evaluate Central Visual Function in Patients with Early-Stage Glaucoma
Authors: Shin Hee Jong , Oh Si Eun , Park Chan Kee , Park Hae-Young Lopilly
Published: August 2023

To explore various parameters that can evaluate the central visual impairment in patients with early-stage glaucoma, we included patients into a study with central visual impairments with an MD value greater than −6.0 dB on the 24-2 VF test. A possible association between structural parameters acquired by OCT and functional parameters of VF and PERG was determined. A total of 70 eyes of patients with suspected glaucoma or NTG underwent VF, OCT, and PERG examinations. The patients were classified into two groups according to the MD of the 24-2 VF test. We used Pearson correlation analysis to evaluate the relationships between GCIPL thickness/RNFL thickness and visual functional parameters, such as PERG and perimetry. Linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the significant factors affecting the PSD of VF 10-2. In the low MD group, the P50 amplitude presented significant correlations (r = 0.346, p = 0.048) with GCIPL thickness. In the correlation analysis of the high MD group, it was found that only the PSD of 10-2 uniquely presented borderline significant correlations with GCIPL thickness (r = −0.327, p = 0.055), and no other functional parameter showed significant correlation. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that GCIPL thickness was significantly associated with a PSD of 10-2 VF (p < 0.001 and 0.013, respectively). Among various parameters, the P50 amplitude and 10-2 PSD demonstrated statistically borderline significant structure-function relationships with GCIPL thickness in early-stage glaucoma.
Polymeric Floating Photocatalysts Based on PE/TiO2 Composites for the Removal of Organic Pollutants in Water
Authors: Panchenko Valentina N. , Matsko Mikhail A. , Selishchev Dmitry S. , Kozlov Denis V.
Published: August 2023

Polymeric floating photocatalysts based on polyethylene (PE)/TiO2 compositions were synthesized by in situ ethylene polymerization in the presence of a titanium–magnesium catalyst synthesized by the sequential deposition of a magnesium–aluminum complex and TiCl4 on commercial TiO2 P25. The optical band gap of the synthesized PE/TiO2 composites was shown to be 3.1–3.3 eV, which allowed for their use as photocatalysts for the utilization of solar light. The photocatalytic activity of the PE/TiO2 composites was studied for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under irradiation with UV light (λmax = 384 nm). The composites containing 20–50 wt.% of PE were found to have an optimum combination between floatability and photocatalytic activity. The maximum photodegradation rate was observed at an MO concentration below 5 ppm. The polymeric PE/TiO2 floating photocatalysts could be used repeatedly, but the long-term exposure of the composites to UV radiation was accompanied by oxidation of the polymer.
Recent Advances in Curcumin-Based Combination Nanomedicines for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Afshari Amir R. , Sanati Mehdi , Kesharwani Prashant , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2023

Standard cancer chemotherapeutics often produce significant adverse effects and eventually lose their effectiveness due to the emergence of resistance mechanisms. As a result, patients with malignant tumors experience a poor quality of life and a short lifespan. Thus, combination medication regimens provide various advantages, including increased success rate, fewer side effects, and fewer occurrences of resistance. Curcumin (Cur), a potential phytochemical from turmeric, when coupled with traditional chemotherapeutics, has been established to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment in clinical and preclinical investigations. Cur not only exerts multiple mechanisms resulting in apoptotic cancer cell death but also reduces the resistance to standard chemotherapy drugs, mainly through downregulating the multi-drug resistance (MDR) cargoes. Recent reports showed the beneficial outcomes of Cur combination with many chemotherapeutics in various malignancies. Nevertheless, owing to the limited bioavailability, devising co-delivery strategies for Cur and conventional pharmaceuticals appears to be required for clinical settings. This review summarized various Cur combinations with standard treatments as cancer therapeutics.
Conceptualising a Hybrid Flying and Diving Craft
Authors: Joiner Keith F. , Swidan Ahmed A.
Published: August 2023

This paper introduces the conceptual design of a submersible seaplane that merges the maturity of the wing-in-ground (WIG or ekranoplan) crafts and seaplanes with covert hybrid underwater insertion, travel, and recovery. WIG crafts have a higher lift-to-drag ratio and thus improved endurance, while hybrid crafts have recently become feasible due to advances in materials, electric propulsion, and multi-medium computational fluid dynamics. The reconnaissance design can insert, loiter, and extract from underwater, surfaces if necessary; it can fly in or out of ground effect, keep watch on the sea surface while recharging, and travel underwater. This design minimizes Doppler and infrared signatures to evade the surface wave, backscatter radar systems, and cube satellite arrays typical in contested maritime areas. Five critical enabling technologies are overviewed, showing how they enable a conceptual design. This project was conducted in collaboration with two industrial partners, namely Ron Allum and Thales Australia. The conceptual design has been socialised and confirmed at technical conferences from each core discipline and partly confirmed by a recent Chinese design and testing of a similar hybrid uncrewed aerial vehicle (HUAV). Recommendations are made for improving the conceptual design before proof-of-concept prototype testing. Given the seminal nature of HUAV design and research and some of the unique innovations proposed, the lessons learned from this iteration will likely be significant to other designers and researchers.
A Coupled Tensor–DEM–FEM Model for the Whole Process of Internal Fine-Scale Damage to Surface Damage in Red-Bed Soft Rocks in the Coastal Area of South China
Authors: Xia Chang , Wu Yongtao , Cui Guangjun , Liao Jin , Liu Zhen , Zhou Cuiying
Published: August 2023

Calculation and characterization of the whole process of internal microscopic damage to surface damage in red-bed soft rock is a theoretical research difficulty and an urgent need for engineering safety protection. However, the current study cannot accurately and directly correlate internal and external damage. Therefore, in this paper, a coupled tensor–DEM–FEM model is proposed to deal with surface damage by indoor triaxial test digital image processing (DIC), internal damage by FJM acoustic emission study, and internal and external damage by moment tensor correlation. The study demonstrates that the whole process damage process of the red-bed soft rock peak front can be divided into six distinct phases, with early damage beginning with the elastic phase; the local strain divergence value begins to spiral out of control during the period of crack acceleration development; the overall acoustic emission intensity distribution is in the range of [−8.5, −6.3] in two dimensions and in the range of [−11, −9] in three dimensions; the R were between −40 and 40, which corresponded to the results of the indoor tests. A model has been developed that allows a direct reflection of the whole damage process. The method can be used to better understand the disaster mechanism and guide engineering practice.
Proposed Z-Source Electrical Propulsion System of a Fuel Cell/Supercapacitor-Powered Ship
Authors: Gan Shihong , Shi Weifeng , Xu Xiaoyan
Published: August 2023

The use of green energy to power ships in the marine industry has attracted increasing attention in recent years. This paper presents an inland river cruise ship supplied by a fuel cell (FC) as the main power source and a supercapacitor (SC) as the auxiliary power source. Its propulsion inverter adopts the proposed high-boost Z-source inverter, and the proposed high-voltage-boost Z-source inverter (HVB-ZSI) principle is studied. The advantages of this proposed HVB-ZSI in two cases are verified through simulation. In case 1, it can be seen that the capacitance voltage is only 250 V, and the maximum inductance’s inrush current at the start is less than 200 A. But the capacitance voltage of HVB-ZSI reaches 383 V, and the inrush current is 300 A. While considering different constraints of the propulsion system, four operating modes for the set of the FC and SC are proposed. The small-signal model of the propulsion system is derived, and the control strategy is studied. By controlling the shoot-through duty cycle and modulation factor, the FC power, output power, and state of charge (SOC) of the SC can be controlled. Finally, to verify the performance of the proposed propulsion system, a hybrid power ship prototype equipped with a 7.5 kw propulsion motor is constructed. Four modes of the entire system are simulated by MATLAB/SIMULINK, and its performance is analyzed with experimental results. These results show that the new Z-source propulsion system has a promising application in new energy ships, as it has higher reliability and lower complexity and cost compared to conventional propulsion systems.
The Plutonium Temperature Effect Program
Authors: Leclaire Nicolas , Jaiswal Vaibhav
Published: August 2023

Various theoretical studies have shown that highly diluted plutonium solutions could have a positive temperature effect, but up to now, no experimental program has confirmed this effect. The French Plutonium Temperature Effect Experimental Program (or PU+ in short) aims to effectively show that such a positive temperature effect exists for diluted plutonium solutions. The PU+ experiments were conducted in the “Apparatus B” facility at the CEA VALDUC research center in France. It involved several sub-critical approach-type experiments using plutonium nitrate solutions with concentrations of 14.3, 15, and 20 g/L at temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 °C. Fourteen (five at 20 g/L, four at 15 g/L, and five at 14.3 g/L) phase I experiments (consisting of independent sub-critical approaches) were performed between 2006 and 2007. The impact of the uncertainties on solution acidity and plutonium concentration made it difficult to demonstrate the positive temperature effect, requiring an additional phase II experiment (with a unique plutonium solution) from 22 to 28 °C that was performed in July 2007. This phase II experiment has shown the existence of a positive temperature effect of ~+5.17 pcm/°C (from 22 to 28 °C for a plutonium concentration of 14.3 g/L). It has recently been possible to confirm the results of this program with MORET 5 calculations by generating thermal scattering data S(α,β) at the correct experimental temperatures. This paper finally presents a fully documented experimental program highlighting the Plutonium Temperature Effect theoretically described in the literature. Its high level of precision and its “one-step” approach to criticality allowed it to show a significant positive temperature effect for a rather small variation of temperature (+6 °C). The order of magnitude of the effect was confirmed with Monte Carlo calculations using thermal scattering data for hydrogen in the solution produced by IRSN for the purpose of the comparison.
Tritium Desorption Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of Beryllium Irradiated at Low Temperature Up to High Neutron Dose in BR2 Reactor
Authors: Chakin Vladimir , Rolli Rolf , Gaisin Ramil , van Renterghem Wouter
Published: August 2023

The present study investigated the release of tritium from beryllium irradiated at 323 K to a neutron fluence of 4.67 × 1026 m−2 (E > 1 MeV), corresponding up to 22,000 appm helium and 2000 appm tritium productions. The TPD tests revealed a single tritium release peak during thermal desorption tests, irrespective of the heating mode employed. The tritium release peaks occurred at temperatures ranging from 1031–1136 K, depending on the heating mode, with a desorption energy of 1.6 eV. Additionally, the effective tritium diffusion coefficient was found to vary from 1.2 × 10−12 m2/s at 873 K to 1.8 × 10−10 m2/s at 1073 K. The evolution of beryllium microstructure was found to be dependent on the annealing temperature. No discernible differences were observed between the as-received state and after annealing at 473–773 K for 5 h, with a corresponding porosity range of 1–2%. The annealing at temperatures of 873–1373 K for 5 h resulted in the formation of large bubbles, with porosity increasing sharply above 873 K and reaching 30–60%.
In Vivo Microevolutionary Analysis of a Fatal Case of Rhinofacial and Disseminated Mycosis Due to Azole-Drug-Resistant Candida Species
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Guo Xi , Zhang Xinran , Chen Ping , Wang Wenhui , Hu Shan , Ma Teng , Zhou Xingchen , Li Dongming , Yang Ying
Published: August 2023

Ten Candida species strains were isolated from the first known fatal case of rhinofacial and rhino–orbital–cerebral candidiasis. Among them, five strains of Candida parapsilosis complex were isolated during the early stage of hospitalization, while five strains of Candida tropicalis were isolated in the later stages of the disease. Using whole-genome sequencing, we distinguished the five strains of C. parapsilosis complex as four Candida metapsilosis strains and one Candida parapsilosis strain. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed that the five strains of C. parapsilosis complex were susceptible to all antifungal drugs, while five C. tropicalis strains had high minimum inhibitory concentrations to azoles, whereas antifungal-drug resistance gene analysis revealed the causes of azole resistance in such strains. For the first time, we analyzed the microevolutionary characteristics of pathogenic fungi in human hosts and inferred the infection time and parallel evolution of C. tropicalis strains. Molecular clock analysis revealed that azole-resistant C. tropicalis infection occurred during the first round of therapy, followed by divergence via parallel evolution in vivo. The presence/absence variations indicated a potential decrease in the virulence of genomes in strains isolated following antifungal drug treatment, despite the absence of observed clinical improvement in the conditions of the patient. These results suggest that genomic analysis could serve as an auxiliary tool in guiding clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Geospatial Tool Development for the Management of Historical Hiking Trails—The Case of the Holy Site of Meteora
Authors: Potsiou Chryssy , Ioannidis Charalabos , Soile Sofia , Boutsi Argyro-Maria , Chliverou Regina , Apostolopoulos Konstantinos , Gkeli Maria , Bourexis Fotis
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a holistic guiding methodology for the development of a geospatial tool to be used for the documentation, planning, smart management and dissemination of a country’s network of historic hiking trails. To deal with the challenges and to ensure the sustainability of a historic site, geospatial documentation merging authoritative and crowdsourced data and a WebGIS-based spatial analysis is necessary. Geospatial data collection should include professional field surveys, professional and crowdsourced photographic documentation and video recording of the existing historic walking/hiking trails. A geodatabase, structured using relational model technology, including vector spatial entities (feature classes), mosaics (raster) and tabulated data (geodatabase tables), should be developed on a commercial or open platform; in this case, the ArcGIS Pro is used. Entities with embedded descriptive information and metadata for the technical, legal, historical, and administrative context may then be created. An object-oriented data model is needed to connect spatial and descriptive information. Spatial and descriptive queries or correlations between attribute fields of spatial entities must be enabled for specialized information retrieval by either experts or users. Next, a web GIS application to present the developed geodatabase in a visually appealing and informative way is created. It should integrate 2D maps with built-in tools and should support advanced functionalities, such as: (i) pop-ups that display brief information and images about specific spots along the trails; (ii) dynamic visualization of the vertical profile of each trail; (iii) multimedia information about landmarks, natural features and scenic viewpoints. Finally, the tool includes a feedback service and continuous efficiency monitoring and assessment, and enables adjustments, if and where needed. The tool is tested and used for 10 historical walking/hiking trails of the archaeological and Holy Site of Meteora, Central Greece. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The network, with a total length of 35 km, leads to six monasteries, still active since the 12th century, passing by gigantic rocks and beautiful natural landscapes. The site is famous globally and the greater area is continuously overcrowded with visitors. The tool is anticipated to be used for the documentation and management of the whole walking/hiking historic trail network of Greece in the future.
Influence of Irrigation on Vertical Migration of Soil Organic Carbon in Arid Area of Inland River
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Zhu Guofeng , Wan Qiaozhuo , Lu Siyu , Zhao Ling , Qiu Dongdong , Lin Xinrui
Published: August 2023

Soil organic carbon is very important to increase crop yield. Understanding the composition changes and migration characteristics of SOC under different irrigation conditions in arid oasis areas is of great significance for the sustainable development of agro-ecosystem and the estimation of carbon balance of farmland ecosystem in arid areas. In this paper, classical statistics and geostatistics were used to study the leaching characteristics and migration laws of soil organic carbon under different irrigation conditions in Minqin Oasis, and the leaching amount and loss process and mechanism of SOC under different irrigation conditions were quantified. The research results showed that: (1) Irrigation increased the average 0–100 cm SOC content. After irrigation, SOC content decreased first and then increased with the increase in soil depth, with the maximum value of 8.56 g/kg and the minimum value of 1.82 g/kg. Compared with that before irrigation, SOC content in 0–30 cm surface layer was in leaching state, SOC content in 30–70 cm surface layer was accumulated, and SOC content in 70–100 cm surface layer had no obvious change. (2) Water was an important factor affecting soil carbon. The greater the irrigation amount, the higher the carbon leaching rate and the greater the migration amount. The SOC content in 0–30 cm soil layer was most significantly affected by irrigation, and the migration amount of SOC gradually decreased with the increase in soil depth. The maximum leaching rate of SOC was 36.8%, the minimum leaching rate was 13.5%, and its average leaching rate was 23.4%. (3) Due to the influence of soil infiltration rate under water, SOC content in different irrigation periods showed that the greatest SOC occurred in the 0–70 cm layer, and SOC content in soil was basically the same as that in non-irrigated areas on the fifth day after irrigation. (4) Precipitation, plastic film mulching, soil physical and chemical properties and other environmental factors were important factors affecting the migration and change in SOC content.
Simulation and Zoning Research on the Ecosystem Service in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region Based on SSP–RCP Scenarios
Authors: Li Jinxiao , Zhang Guijun , Zhang Pengtao , Jing Siyu , Dong Jie
Published: August 2023

Understanding future trends and identifying characteristic differences in regional ecosystem services (ESs), in addition to ecological zoning, is vital for promoting the adjustment of ecological policy and the construction of sustainable ecosystems. Based on shared socioeconomic pathways and representative concentration pathways (SSP–RCP), the spatial distribution pattern of land use in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (BTH) in 2030 was simulated by using a patch-generating land use simulation model (PLUS) in this study. Water yield, carbon storage, habitat quality, and food product were simulated through the comprehensive evaluation model combining ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST). The comprehensive supply capacity of ESs was assessed. The ecological risk level was calculated by comparing the changes in the integrated supply capacity of ESs in 2020 and under each SSP–RCP scenario in 2030, and ecological zoning was established using a two-dimensional discriminant matrix. The results are as follows: (1) The degradation of grassland and cropland accompanied by an increase in construction land and forest to varying degrees will be the common characteristics of the three SSP–RCP scenarios in BTH. (2) Water yield and carbon storage services will exhibit an upward tendency only under SSP1-2.6, while habitat quality and food product services will exhibit a downward trend under three SSP–RCP scenarios. Obvious geographical heterogeneity exists in the comprehensive supply capacity of ESs. (3) Zones with low ecological risks will mainly be distributed in some counties of Zhangjiakou city, while zones with high ecological risks will account for a large proportion of the whole. There will be great ecological risks in the BTH overall. (4) The BTH was split into four types of ecological zones based on supply and risk. These zones comprise the ecological enhancement zone, ecological restoration zone, ecological sensitive zone, and ecological conservation zone. Corresponding control measures were also proposed. The findings of this study can be used to inform the formulation and improvement of environmental conservation policies.
Effect of Coating Shell on High-Frequency Polarization Loss of Core-Shell Filler Dielectric Composites: An Alternating-Field Polarization Phase-Field Simulation of BN@SiO2/PTFE Composite
Authors: He Wenhao , Qi Yu , Shen Jie , Chen Xian , Fan Ming , Zhou Jing , Chen Wen
Published: August 2023

Introducing a coating shell between the filler and matrix is an effective way to reduce the dielectric loss of the particle/matrix dielectric composites. It found that besides the improvement in interface compatibility, there may be some other effects of the coating shell, such as the elimination of the dielectric mismatch. However, the specific mechanism is still unclear due to the absence of an effective model for the quantitative analysis of the relationship between core–shell structure and dielectric loss, hindering the progress of the dielectric composite design. Here, a phase-field model for simulating high-frequency, alternating-field polarization is employed to study the relationship between high-frequency polarization loss and the coating shell in the silicon dioxide coating boron nitride polytetrafluoroethylene-based (BN@SiO2/PTFE) composite. The results show that the dielectric mismatch makes the high-frequency polarization loss spatially localized and periodically time-variant. The reduction of polarization loss depends on the polarization loss of SiO2. To reduce the high-frequency dielectric loss of the composite, the coating shell should not only eliminate the dielectric mismatch, but its dielectric loss must also be lower than that of the core filler. Furthermore, the model provided in this work has the potential to extend the quantitative calculation of non-intrinsic polarization loss and conduction loss.
The Influence of Alumina Airborne-Particle Abrasion with Various Sizes of Alumina Particles on the Phase Transformation and Fracture Resistance of Zirconia-Based Dental Ceramics
Authors: Łagodzińska Paulina , Dejak Beata , Krasowski Michał , Konieczny Bartłomiej
Published: August 2023

The surface of zirconia-based dental ceramic restorations require preparation prior to adhesive cementation. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of airborne-particle abrasion with different sizes of alumina particles (50 μm, 110 μm, or 250 μm) on the mechanical strength of zirconia-based ceramics’ frameworks and on the extent of phase transformations. A fracture resistance test was performed. The central surface of the frameworks was subjected to a load [N]. The identification and quantitative determination of the crystalline phase present in the zirconia specimens was assessed using X-ray diffraction. The Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance was used to establish significance (α = 0.05). The fracture resistance of zirconia-based frameworks significantly increases with an increase in the size of alumina particles used for air abrasion: 715.5 N for 250 μm alumina particles, 661.1 N for 110 μm, 608.7 N for 50 μm and the lowest for the untreated specimens (364.2 N). The X-ray diffraction analysis showed an increase in the monoclinic phase content after air abrasion: 50 μm alumina particles—26%, 110 μm—40%, 250 μm—56%, and no treatment—none. Air abrasion of the zirconia-based dental ceramics’ surface with alumina particles increases the fracture resistance of zirconia copings and the monoclinic phase volume. This increase is strongly related to the alumina particle size.
Impact of Diverse Parameters on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide–Copper Oxide Nanocomposites Derived from an Aqueous Extract of Garcinia mangostana L. Leaf
Authors: Chan Yu Bin , Aminuzzaman Mohammod , Tey Lai-Hock , Win Yip Foo , Watanabe Akira , Djearamame Sinouvassane , Akhtaruzzaman Md.
Published: August 2023

Compared to conventional metal oxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanocomposites have demonstrated significantly enhanced efficiency in various applications. In this study, we aimed to synthesize zinc oxide–copper oxide nanocomposites (ZnO-CuO NCs) using a green synthesis approach. The synthesis involved mixing 4 g of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O with different concentrations of mangosteen (G. mangostana) leaf extract (0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 g/mL) and 2 or 4 g of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O, followed by calcination at temperatures of 300, 400 and 500 °C. The synthesized ZnO-CuO NCs were characterized using various techniques, including a UV-Visible spectrometer (UV-Vis), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) with an Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyzer. Based on the results of this study, the optical, structural and morphological properties of ZnO-CuO NCs were found to be influenced by the concentration of the mangosteen leaf extract, the calcination temperature and the amount of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O used. Among the tested conditions, ZnO-CuO NCs derived from 0.05 g/mL of mangosteen leaf extract, 4 g of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and 2 g of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O, calcinated at 500 °C exhibited the following characteristics: the lowest energy bandgap (2.57 eV), well-defined Zn-O and Cu-O bands, the smallest particle size of 39.10 nm with highest surface area-to-volume ratio and crystalline size of 18.17 nm. In conclusion, we successfully synthesized ZnO-CuO NCs using a green synthesis approach with mangosteen leaf extract. The properties of the nanocomposites were significantly influenced by the concentration of the plant extract, the calcination temperature and the amount of precursor used. These findings provide valuable insights for researchers seeking innovative methods for the production and utilization of nanocomposite materials.