bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MESSENGER X‐Ray Observations of Electron Precipitation on the Dayside of Mercury
Authors: Lindsay S. T. , Bunce E. J. , Imber S. M. , Martindale A. , Nittler L. R. , Yeoman T. K.
Published: January 2022

The first maps of electron‐induced X‐ray emission from the dayside of Mercury's surface are presented, generated by the development of a solar X‐ray flux filter. This enables the isolation of the X‐ray fluorescence of calcium driven by probable electron precipitation. A catalog of such events has been generated and dayside maps of implied electron precipitation zones have been produced. We find that, similar to electron induced emission events on the nightside, these zones are strongly organized by latitude and magnetic local time. The majority of the dayside events appear in the southern hemisphere and there is a strong enhancement observed centered about local dawn (06:00 LT). There is apparent poleward continuation of emission in the north, but very few events were observed on the duskward hemisphere. These results carry implications for Mercury's magnetosphere by constraining zones of electron precipitation, for the exosphere as a potential source of exospheric species, and for surface science as an additional source of X‐ray fluorescence.
A Method to Mitigate the Effects of Strong Geomagnetic Storm on GNSS Precise Point Positioning
Authors: Luo Xiaomin , Du Junfeng , Lou Yidong , Gu Shengfeng , Yue Xinan , Liu Jingbin , Chen Biyan
Published: January 2022

Geomagnetic storm can affect the performance of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) precise positioning services. To mitigate the adverse effects of strong geomagnetic storms, we propose to establish the geometry‐free (GF) cycle slip threshold model based on ionospheric disturbance index rate of total electron content index to reduce the false detection rate of cycle slip in GNSS precise point positioning (PPP) during strong storm periods, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of GNSS PPP. The performance of our proposed model is validated by using 171 International GNSS Service (IGS) tracking stations data on 8 September 2017. The analysis indicates that compared with conventional PPP scheme, the proposed model can improve the positioning accuracy by approximately 14.0% (36.8%) and 23.1% (51.5%) in the horizonal and vertical components for global (high latitudes) stations. Furthermore, the availability of our proposed model is also validated by PPP experiments using 379 IGS tracking stations data during another strong storm occurred on 26 August 2018.
Management of validation of HPLC method for determination of acetylsalicylic acid impurities in a new pharmaceutical product
Authors: Kowalska Małgorzata , Woźniak Magdalena , Kijek Michał , Mitrosz Paulina , Szakiel Jerzy , Turek Paweł
Published: January 2022

The work mainly focused on a validation of the method for determining the content of salicylic acid and individual unknown impurities in new pharmaceutical product—tablets containing: 75, 100 or 150 mg of acetylsalicylic acid and glycine in the amount of 40 mg for each dosage. The separation of the components was carried out by means of HPLC, using a Waters Symmetry C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) as the stationary phase. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of 85% orthophosphoric acid, acetonitrile and purified water (2:400:600 V/V/V). Detection was carried out at a wavelength of 237 nm, with a constant flow rate of 1.0 ml min−1. In order to verify the method, linearity, precision (repeatability and reproducibility), accuracy, specificity, range, robustness, system precision, stability of the test and standard solution, limit of quantification and forced degradation were determined. Validation tests were performed in accordance with ICH (International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) guidelines. The method was validated successfully. It was confirmed that the method in a tested range of 0.005–0.40% salicylic acid with respect to acetylsalicylic acid content is linear, precise and accurate.
Inferring the stabilization effects of SARS-CoV-2 variants on the binding with ACE2 receptor
Authors: Miotto Mattia , Di Rienzo Lorenzo , Gosti Giorgio , Bo’ Leonardo , Parisi Giacomo , Piacentini Roberta , Boffi Alberto , Ruocco Giancarlo , Milanetti Edoardo
Published: January 2022

As the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic continues to spread, several variants of the virus, with mutations distributed all over the viral genome, are emerging. While most of the variants present mutations having little to no effects at the phenotypic level, some of these variants are spreading at a rate that suggests they may present a selective advantage. In particular, these rapidly spreading variants present specific mutations on the spike protein. These observations call for an urgent need to characterize the effects of these variants’ mutations on phenotype features like contagiousness and antigenicity. With this aim, we performed molecular dynamics simulations on a selected set of possible spike variants in order to assess the stabilizing effect of particular amino acid substitutions on the molecular complex. We specifically focused on the mutations that are both characteristic of the top three most worrying variants at the moment, i.e the English, South African, and Amazonian ones, and that occur at the molecular interface between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its human ACE2 receptor. We characterize these variants’ effect in terms of (i) residue mobility, (ii) compactness, studying the network of interactions at the interface, and (iii) variation of shape complementarity via expanding the molecular surfaces in the Zernike basis. Overall, our analyses highlighted greater stability of the three variant complexes with respect to both the wild type and two negative control systems, especially for the English and Amazonian variants. In addition, in the three variants, we investigate the effects a not-yet observed mutation in position 501 could provoke on complex stability. We found that a phenylalanine mutation behaves similarly to the English variant and may cooperate in further increasing the stability of the South African one, hinting at the need for careful surveillance for the emergence of these mutations in the population. Ultimately, we show that the proposed observables describe key features for the stability of the ACE2-spike complex and can help to monitor further possible spike variants.
Correction: High-resolution DNA size enrichment using a magnetic nano-platform and application in non-invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhao Shuting , Wan Hao , Liu Ying , Zhang Fei , Guo Xin , Zeng Wenqi , Zhang Haiyan , Zeng Linghua , Qu Jiale , Wu Ben-Qing , Wan Xinhong , Cantor Charles R. , Ge Dongliang
Published: January 2022

Correction for ‘High-resolution DNA size enrichment using a magnetic nano-platform and application in non-invasive prenatal testing’ by Bo Zhang et al., Analyst, 2020, 145, 5733–5739, DOI: 10.1039/D0AN00813C.
Mismatched fluorescent probes with an enhanced strand displacement reaction rate for intracellular long noncoding RNA imaging
Authors: Zhang Yan , Du Xue-ke , Su Xianwei , Zou Xiaoran , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: January 2022

We develop mismatched fluorescent probes to monitor the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in living cells.
Fe–N–C/Fe nanoparticle composite catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Liu Shiyang , Meyer Quentin , Li Yibing , Zhao Tingwen , Su Zhen , Ching Karin , Zhao Chuan
Published: January 2022

A facile method to produce Fe–N–C composite catalysts with both FeNx active sites and Fe NPs for the ORR in proton exchange membrane fuel cells is presented.
Correction: Threading of three rings on two stations: a convergent approach to [4]rotaxane
Authors: Zhou Yidan , Wu Jinyang , Liu Zejiang , Xu Weitao , Liu Menglong , Jia Along , Liu Yuchen , Xiao Xin , Li Xiaowei , Yuan Lihua
Published: January 2022

Correction for ‘Threading of three rings on two stations: a convergent approach to [4]rotaxane’ by Yidan Zhou et al., Chem. Commun., 2021, 57, 13506–13509, DOI: 10.1039/D1CC05501A.
Crystal polymorphism and crystalline-state photochromism of a rhodium dithionite complex with n-methoxypropyl moieties
Authors: Kajiwara Yuu , Nakai Hidetaka
Published: January 2022

The crystalline-state photochromism of 1MPro in the β-crystal was successfully disclosed by time-dependent X-ray diffraction experiments.
Single-conformation spectroscopy of cold, protonated DPG-containing peptides: switching β-turn types and formation of a sequential type II/II′ double β-turn
Authors: Lawler John T. , Harrilal Christopher P. , DeBlase Andrew F. , Sibert Edwin L. , McLuckey Scott A. , Zwier Timothy S.
Published: January 2022

Protonated DP and LP diastereomers of the pentapeptide YAPGA were examined with IR–UV spectroscopy for their ability to form β-turns.
Do molecular dynamics force fields accurately model Ramachandran distributions of amino acid residues in water?
Authors: Andrews Brian , Guerra Jose , Schweitzer-Stenner Reinhard , Urbanc Brigita
Published: January 2022

Assessment of four MD force fields and experiment-based Gaussian model with respect to conformational ensembles of 14 guest residues x in GxG peptides in water as measured by reducedχ2values of 5 J-coupling constants and amide I′ profiles.
Ligand-free Guerbet-type reactions in air catalyzed by in situ formed complexes of base metal salt cobaltous chloride
Authors: Nandi Pran Gobinda , Kumar Pradhuman , Kumar Akshai
Published: January 2022

Inexpensive, earth-abundant & environmentally benign CoCl2 efficiently catalyses the β-alkylation of alcohol in unprecedented yields (89%) & turnovers (8900). Mechanistic studies are indicative of in situ generated homogeneous molecular Co catalysts.
Design and tuning Cr3+-doped near-infrared phosphors for multifunctional applications via crystal field engineering
Authors: Yu Shuaishuai , Wei Zhiting , Wu Junxiao , Wang Tianli , Zhang Jia , Luo Xingliang , Li Yanyan , Wang Chuang , Zhao Lei
Published: January 2022

The full width at half maximum is increased by introducing Sc3+ regulating the crystal field environment around Cr3+ in SrGa12O19:Cr3+. Meanwhile, a promising application potential in night vision lighting and bioimaging has been demonstrated.
LaTiO2N nanopowders (NPs) with low surface defect density via nitridation of flame made NPs retaining simple perovskite structure
Authors: Abe Yoshiyuki , Laine Richard M.
Published: January 2022

LaTiO2N NP synthesized from flame made LaTiO3 NP exhibits less absorption background above the optical absorption edge than that synthesized from flame made La2Ti2O7 NP, suggesting a low surface defect density.
Recent advances in structures and applications of coordination polymers based on cyclohexanepolycarboxylate ligands
Authors: Ou Yong-Cong , Zhong Ri-Ming , Wu Jian-Zhong
Published: January 2022

The conformations of cylcohexanepolycarboxylates and auxiliary ligands would regulate the structure of coordination polymers which show interesting properties.
The reaction of rhenium nitrosyl with a sterically hindered NHC-carbene
Authors: Grieco G. , Blacque O.
Published: January 2022

The paper presents both the new complex [ReCl3(NO)2(OPPh3)] (3) and its reaction with the bulky NHC carbene IMes, that yields the oximate—Re complex [(OPPh3)Re(v)(NO)(ONIMes)Cl3] (4). The reactivity of the NO toward the IMes is explained.
MgMoO4 as an anode material for lithium ion batteries and its multi-electron reaction mechanism
Authors: Duan He , Zhou Zhiyong , Zhao Yanming , Dong Youzhong
Published: January 2022

The MgMoO4 electrode exhibits superior electrochemical performance based on the multi-electron reaction and the synergistic effect. The activation process plays a key role. In situ XRD, combined with ex situ XPS, revealed the reaction mechanism.
Dynamics and control of active sites in hierarchically nanostructured cobalt phosphide/chalcogenide-based electrocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Zhao Yonggui , Dongfang Nanchen , Triana Carlos A. , Huang Chong , Erni Rolf , Wan Wenchao , Li Jingguo , Stoian Dragos , Pan Long , Zhang Ping , Lan Jinggang , Iannuzzi Marcella , Patzke Greta R.
Published: January 2022

The structural reconstruction dynamics and the real HER/OER active species of cobalt phosphides/chalcogenides were revealed through operando XAS/Raman spectroscopy.
Porous metal electrodes enable efficient electrolysis of carbon capture solutions
Authors: Zhang Zishuai , Lees Eric W. , Habibzadeh Faezeh , Salvatore Danielle A. , Ren Shaoxuan , Simpson Grace L. , Wheeler Danika G. , Liu Alyssa , Berlinguette Curtis P.
Published: January 2022

Bicarbonate electrolysers convert carbon capture solutions into chemicals and fuels and bypass the need for energy-intensive CO2recovery. Porous metal electrodes are more effective than composite carbon electrodes for this type of electrolyser.
Selenium distribution and speciation in waters of pristine alpine lakes from central-western Pyrenees (France–Spain)
Authors: Bueno Maïté , Duval Bastien , Tessier Emmanuel , Romero-Rama Andrea , Kortazar Leire , Fernández Luís Ángel , de Diego Alberto , Amouroux David
Published: January 2022

The distribution and chemical speciation of micronutrient selenium is reported for the first time in twenty alpine lakes (Pyrenees, France–Spain).
Interfacial effects in CuO/Co3O4 heterostructures enhance benzene catalytic oxidation performance
Authors: Li Qun , Luo Ningjing , Xia Dong , Huang Peng , Liu Xiaobin , Odoom-Wubah Tareque , Huang Jiale , Chai Guoliang , Sun Daohua , Li Qingbiao
Published: January 2022

We report a facile synthesis method of CuO/Co3O4 heterostructural catalysts with remarkable benzene catalytic oxidation capability.
Toward precision oncology: SERS microfluidic systems for multiplex biomarker analysis in liquid biopsy
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Karthik Balaji , Li Junrong , Sina Abu Ibn , Wuethrich Alain , Trau Matt
Published: January 2022

Liquid biopsy-based diagnosis in precision oncology exhibits significant advantages over the traditional tissue biopsies by offering dynamic assessment of tumour heterogeneity, minimally invasive procedures for frequent sampling, and cost-effective tests.
Coating liposomes with ring-like PEG: the synthesis and stealth effect of cholesterol–PEG–cholesterol
Authors: Wang Yufang , Wang Jianzhu , Sun Mingshuang , Zhang Jiyan , Bi Yanping
Published: January 2022

Cholesterol–PEG–Cholesterol could be a new alternative for PEGylation of liposomes.
Enhanced photosensitive properties of a single-crystal formamidinium lead bromide iodine (FAPbBr2I) based photodetector
Authors: Gupta Ramashanker , Gupta Vinay , Datt Ram , Arya Sandeep , Pandey Animesh , Singh Anoop , Husale Sudhir , Srivastava Ritu , Pathak Sandeep
Published: January 2022

The growth of FA-based mixed halide perovskite single-crystal via the ITC method has been investigated and characterized to detect its photosensitive properties. The photophysical, responsivity and detectivity also has been investigated.
Construction of 4-spiroannulated tetrahydroisoquinoline skeletonsviaa sequential ring opening of aziridines and Pictet–Spengler reaction
Authors: Xing Siyang , Wang Chenyu , Gao Tingxuan , Wang Yuhan , Wang Hongzheng , Wang Hanfei , Wang Kui , Zhu Bolin
Published: January 2022

A stepwise cyclization involving sequential ring opening of aziridines and Pictet–Spengler reaction has been developed for the synthesis of 4-spiroannulated tetrahydroisoquinoline compounds (22 examples).
A metal-free strategy for the cross-dehydrogenative coupling of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with 2-methoxyethanol
Authors: Kudale Vishal Suresh , Zheng Sheng , Huang Sheng-Hua , Chang Yu-Lun , Wang Jeh-Jeng
Published: January 2022

We developed a metal-free method for synthesizing methylene-bridged bis-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and tetra-substituted pyridine compounds via cross-dehydrogenative coupling of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with 2-methoxyethanol.
Structure-affinity relationships of reversible proline analog inhibitors targeting proline dehydrogenase
Authors: Bogner Alexandra N. , Tanner John J.
Published: January 2022

PRODH plays a central role in the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells. Analysis of 18 proline analogs using kinetics and crystallography revealed an unexpected synergism between inhibitor ring size and hydrogen bonding to an active site water molecule.
Synthesis and structure design of I–III–VI quantum dots for white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Lu Hanxu , Hu Zhe , Zhou Wenjie , Wei Jinxin , Zhang Wanlu , Xie Fengxian , Guo Ruiqian
Published: January 2022

The synthesis and structural design of I–III–VI quantum dots are summarized and WLED applications are highlighted. The routes to improve the performance of WLED devices and the challenges of design optimization and practical application are discussed.
Correction: Simulation of dense non-Brownian suspensions with the lattice Boltzmann method: shear jammed and fragile states
Authors: Pradipto  , Hayakawa Hisao
Published: January 2022

Correction for ‘Simulation of dense non-Brownian suspensions with the lattice Boltzmann method: shear jammed and fragile states’ by Pradipto et al., Soft Matter, 2020, 16, 945–959, DOI: 10.1039/C9SM00850K.
Revealing temperature-dependent polymer aggregation in solution with small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Abdelsamie Maged , Chaney Thomas P. , Yan Hongping , Schneider Sebastian A. , Ayhan I. Alperen , Gomez Enrique D. , Reynolds John R. , Toney Michael F.
Published: January 2022

Small-angle X-ray scattering is used to probe the solution behavior of two similar electron donor polymers. Differences in aggregate crystallinity are observed upon cooling for the two polymers which is then correlated with the film morphology.
A robust and renewable solar steam generator for high concentration dye wastewater purification
Authors: Wang Xuan , Liu Kang , Wang Zubin , Heng Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2022

An optimized T-shaped Au/ceramic solar steam generator was fabricated, showing good robustness, pH and thermal stability. The blocked generator after long-term purification of high concentration dye wastewater can be regenerated by calcination.
Large-scale production of a low-cost molybdenum dioxide–phosphide seamless electrode for high-current-density hydrogen evolution
Authors: Jian Chuanyong , Cai Qian , Hong Wenting , Liu Wei
Published: January 2022

We report a large-scale method for the production of a molybdenum dioxide (MoO2)–phosphide (MoP) seamless electrode, which exhibits decent activity, showing low overpotentials of 293 mV in alkaline medium at a high current density of 1000 mA cm−2.
Tumor microenvironment responsive self-cascade catalysis for synergistic chemo/chemodynamic therapy by multifunctional biomimetic nanozymes
Authors: Zheng Nannan , Fu Yang , Liu Xijian , Zhang Ziwen , Wang Jinxia , Mei Qixiang , Wang Xingyan , Deng Guoying , Lu Jie , Hu Junqing
Published: January 2022

Multifunctional biomimetic nanozyme (SSMA/DOX) is fabricated, which enables tumor microenvironment responsive self-cascade catalysis to reach MRI guided enhanced chemo/chemodynamic therapy.
Spherical and rod shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles for cancer-targeted and photosensitizer delivery in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Borzęcka Wioleta , Pereira Patrícia M. R. , Fernandes Rosa , Trindade Tito , Torres Tomás , Tomé João P. C.
Published: January 2022

The difference in the photodynamic action efficiency of spherical vs. rod-shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles on bladder cancer cells.
Versatile polymer-based strategies for antibacterial drug delivery systems and antibacterial coatings
Authors: You Kexin , Gao Bin , Wang Meiyu , Wang Xiaoyu , Okoro Kingsley Chidiebere , Rakhimbekzoda Amirbek , Feng Yakai
Published: January 2022

The antibacterial strategies of drug delivery systems and antibacterial coatings.
One-step synthesized PbSe nanocrystal inks decorated 2D MoS2 heterostructure for high stability photodetectors with photoresponse extending to near-infrared region
Authors: Peng Mingfa , Tao Yi , Hong Xuekun , Liu Yushen , Wen Zhen , Sun Xuhui
Published: January 2022

Two-dimensional layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been widely employed as functional materials in promising electronics and optoelectronic devices due to their unique physical and outstanding electronic properties.
Breakdown path control by barrier effect for improving withstand characteristics of air‐insulated gaps under alternating voltages
Authors: Zheng Yuesheng , Zhang Peibin , Wang Yilong , He Tongtong
Published: January 2022

A polymer barrier inserted in the interelectrode gap can significantly improve the insulation performance of air‐insulated high‐voltage electrical equipment. With the development of power equipment towards integration and miniaturisation, multiple barriers can be used to further increase the insulation level. This paper investigated the withstand characteristics of the air‐insulated rod‐rod gap with multiple barriers by changing the barrier numbers, the barrier position and the barrier insertion direction. Four control modes were set up based on the assumed breakdown paths under alternating voltages. It was found that the control modes with barriers inserted from the opposite direction had a more significant improvement effect than that from the same direction. When the horizontal barrier position was closer to the electrode and the vertical barrier position was farther to the electrode axis, the breakdown voltage was higher. The vertical barrier position was a key factor affecting the probability of breakdown path type, and the breakdown voltages along different types of breakdown paths were almost the same when the barriers were at the same position. The increase of the breakdown voltage was mainly resulted from the change of electric field distribution in the insulated gap and the extension of the breakdown path length.
Pushing sub-arcsecond resolution imaging down to 30 MHz with the trans-European International LOFAR Telescope
Authors: Groeneveld C. , van Weeren R. J. , Miley G. K. , Morabito L. K. , de Gasperin F. , Callingham J. R. , Sweijen F. , Brüggen M. , Botteon A. , Offringa A. , Brunetti G. , Moldon J. , Bondi M. , Kappes A. , Röttgering H. J. A.
Published: January 2022

Relatively little information is available about the Universe at ultra-low radio frequencies (ULF; i.e., below 50 MHz), although the ULF spectral window contains a wealth of unique diagnostics for studying galactic and extragalactic phenomena. Subarcsecond resolution imaging at these frequencies is extremely difficult, due to the long baselines (>1000 km) required and large ionospheric perturbations. We have conducted a pilot project to investigate the ULF performance and potential of the International LOFAR Telescope (ILT), a trans-European interferometric array with baselines up to ~2000 km and observing frequencies down to 10 MHz. We have successfully produced images with subarcsecond resolution for six radio sources at frequencies down to 30 MHz. This resolution is more than an order of magnitude better than pre-ILT observations at similar frequencies. The six targets that we imaged (3C 196, 3C 225, 3C 273, 3C 295, 3C 298, and 3C 380) are bright radio sources with compact structures. By comparing our data of 3C 196 and 3C 273 with observations at higher frequencies, we investigate their spatially resolved radio spectral properties. Our success shows that at frequencies down to 30 MHz, subarcsecond imaging with the ILT is possible. Further analysis is needed to determine the feasibility of observations of fainter sources or sources with less compact emission.
Prevention activities in ship loading and unloading operations
Authors: Fraitag Daniel Nicu , Popescu-Stelea Mihai , Moraru Roland Iosif , Băbuţ Gabriel Bujor
Published: January 2022

Only an objective knowledge of safety and health at work reality on the harbor platform and an active participation of all stakeholders (employers, unions, workers) can bring an improvement in this activity. The prevention of accidents at work by ensuring safe and healthy working conditions and maintaining the Occupational Safety and Health Management system are factors that continuously develop and improve safety performance by helping to actively manage risks. This paper aims to systematize the information available, both at European and national level so as to develop a strategy at the organizational level that can be included in a guide to optimal safety and health practices for harbor operations. The paper also proposes relevant practical aspects of safety and health at work in the activities carried out in the loading and unloading flow in / from the port of the ship, trying to support the knowledge and understanding of identification, assessment and prevention of specific risks.
Principles for designing a computer application specific to explosion risk management in explosive deposits
Authors: Burdea Florin Ionel , Burdea Monica Crinela
Published: January 2022

Industrial explosive storage sites are considered to be areas of major risk to industrial, public and occupational safety and security, due to the possibility of major accidents, due to the nature of the explosive substances and due to the serious consequences of an explosion.on these sites. The explosion risk assessment for explosives depots requires an analysis of all possible occurrences of the initiating events that could lead to a potential explosion, followed by an analysis of security measures, all of which are quantified by the development of accident trees and sequences. for each possible trigger. This paper presents the principles of designing a specialized computer application in the field of explosion risk management at explosives depots for civilian use. This application allows to ensure the necessary premises for the elaboration, in objective and specific conditions, of the necessary documents for these types of technical infrastructures, from their design phase and the quantification of the degree of damage on the analyzed locations but also in the areas that are located.
The advantage of modern progress on occupational safety and health with the help of online applications/platforms
Authors: Băbuț Andrada Denisa , Cioară Cristian Raul , Florea Daniel
Published: January 2022

The evolution of information and communication technologies has led to the development of an increasing number of interactive online tools, and the occupational safety and health sector is no stranger to this trend. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transfer of a very large percentage of activities online, the idea of this paper starts from the need to easily manage the documentation on safety and health at work, staff and work points, thus reducing time and eliminating travel costs and last but not least avoiding physical contact as much as possible, by implementing an application or a platform at institution level. These online tools are addressed to all employers, employees, workers and public authorities with responsibilities in the field of occupational safety and health.

Although at present the specialists in the field of OSH face bureaucracy, being a rather complex field and at the same time so necessary in the practice of service activities, online training platforms or applications come to their aid to streamline the process of OSH training and testing of knowledge.

Due to modern progress, training will be possible from any point of work, requiring only an internet connection.
Explosion prevention and mitigation in plants which process, generate and store combustible dusts
Authors: Jurca Adrian Marius , Părăian Mihaela , Vătavu Niculina
Published: January 2022

Combustible dusts which are present in workplaces are a significant hazard which cannot be ignored by the plant owners, managers and workers. Combustible dust deflagrations and explosions have caused large numbers of deaths and catastrophic property damages in various industries, ranging from pharmaceutical plants to sugar factories. One may say that dust explosions in process industries always start inside process equipment such as mills, dryers, filters. Such events may occur in any process in which a combustible dust is handled, produced or stored, and can be triggered by any energy source, including static electricity, friction and hot surfaces.

For any combustible dust type, several important parameters have to be taken into account when designing and using protective systems: i.e. the ease with which dust clouds ignite and their burning rates, maximum explosion pressure, maximum rate of explosion pressure rise. These parameters vary considerably depending on the dust type, their knowledge being a first step for carrying out a proper explosion risk assessment in installations which circulate combustible dusts.

The paper presents the main aspects concerning explosion protection which have to be taken into account when designing protective systems intended to be used in explosive atmospheres generated by combustible dusts and the importance of selecting the proper explosion protection technique.
Considerations regarding Ex d IIB + H2 method of protection for flameproof electrical equipment
Authors: Magyari Mihai , Moldovan Lucian , Rad Marcel
Published: January 2022

The flameproof enclosure type of protection is still one of the safest because it is based on a very simple and, therefore, unlikely fallible technology. If an explosive atmosphere penetrates an enclosure producing a trigger, the explosion occurs, but it remains confined within the enclosure. Engineers settled the concept that, for IIC areas, have to be necessarily used equipment with cylindrical flame paths, which usually feature a round-shape body that make more complicated the construction of panel boards. EN 60079-1 standard, states that flanged flame paths are allowed in the presence of hydrogen, therefore, in recent years, started the production of “Ex d” explosion-proof enclosures which are usable, as well as with gases of Group IIB, even in the presence of hydrogen. This means that the equipment can be used in an environment containing explosive atmosphere with hydrogen. Acetylene is, therefore excluded, but it has to be considered that the environments with the presence of hydrogen are much more frequent than those with acetylene. The purpose of this paper is to assist manufacturers design flameproof equipment that satisfies the requirements of the standard for group IIB and hydrogen applications in order to smooth the path for certification.
The role of numerical modeling in scientific fire investigation
Authors: Șuvar Marius Cornel , Munteanu Laurențiu , Vass Zoltan
Published: January 2022

Fire risk is perhaps the most common risk in the category of special emergencies, being a phenomenon that affects important areas of economic and social life, such as buildings, industrial facilities, public spaces, forests, crops, or transportation. Scientific investigation of fires is constituted as a set of organized actions, of technical nature, undertaken to determine the causes that led to the occurrence of fires, the source of ignition, and the circumstances that favored the event.

Numerical fire modeling is a widely recognized and accepted tool for analysis in fire research. The results of the investigation carried out on-site are compared with the results of fire evolution obtained by computer simulation, using numerical models based on known input data, to verify different hypotheses regarding the cause of the fire. The advantages over experimental methods are expressed by low costs and substantial time savings. Moreover, several simulations can be run simultaneously, for different scenarios of the event or the analysis of different consequences.

The paper presents the main advantages that numerical modeling by FDS methods brings in the technical-scientific expertise of fire, with implications in the data analysis, development, and testing of hypotheses, respectively in the selection process of the final hypothesis. words.
Lighting conditions as the occupational health related issue – case study
Authors: Dębska Luiza , Białek Anita
Published: January 2022

The paper deals with the important element of proper lighting conditions at a workplace. The case study has been focused on the intelligent building “Energis” of Kielce University of Technology, where the experimental tests took place. Several groups of volunteers filled in the questionnaires related to their subjective feelings of lighting conditions in lecture rooms at different seasons. Simultaneously, precise measurements of lighting intensity were carried out. The comparison of the expressions of the room users and the measurements enabled to draw conclusions about the conditions provided in the intelligent building related to lighting. The study provides valuable information of lighting conditions in the modern, intelligent buildings which are more and more common throughout the world and serve various purposes such as office, educational or other public utility buildings.
Measurements of PM10 particles made in the Rosia of Jiu quarry as a result of the use of Komatsu PC4000-11 hydraulic excavator
Authors: Marc Bogdan Ioan , (Soica) Stanimriescu Alexandra , Egri Angela
Published: January 2022

This paper studies the Roșia Jiu quarry area in Romania. This research highlights the working method of hydraulic excavators and the values of particles released into the atmosphere by them. Improving technological equipment not only helps build a better world, but also restores and preserves the environment. The measurements were made during 2020, using DSM501A sensors, which were located at four points in the quarry, namely in the north, southeast and west of the quarry.
Air quality analysis for a metropolitan area in Romania during the first half of 2021
Authors: Moldovan Clementina Sabina , Sbîrnă Liana-Simona , Sbîrnă Sebastian
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to interpret and to use within a statistical analysis the concentration profiles of the main air pollutants – i.e., nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and suspended particulate matter (PM10) – results recorded during the first half of 2021 by two air quality monitoring stations in Craiova, which is an important metropolitan area in Southern Romania. Another goal of the paper is finding the best numerical diffusion model to fit the recorded values for PM10, as this pollutant seems to be the major problem, because its daily average is often higher than the European Union threshold, meaning that imperative measures have to be taken for reducing particulate matter concentration in Craiova (like in other major Romanian metropolitan areas), in order for Romania to get the exoneration regarding air pollution from the European Union and, of course, for its citizens to improve the quality of their lives.
Industrial area environmental monitoring based on transducers with MODBUS communication
Authors: Patrascoiu Nicolae , Rus Cosmin
Published: January 2022

The monitoring of environmental parameters in industrial areas where potential sources of pollution exist is very important from the point of view of prevention of environmental accidents. In this paper, we propose a solution for the monitoring of the environmental parameters with the local acquisition through specific environmental and movement sensors and data transmission to a higher hierarchical level through the use of MODBUS communications. A flexible hardware structure and software development concept are presented to offer local information and to be integrated into an environmental quality monitoring network.
Biochemical characterization of olive oil samples obtained from fruit mixtures and from oil blends of four cultivars grown in Central Tunisia
Authors: Tekaya Meriem , Amel Mguidich Belhaj , Mechri Beligh , Ayadi Mohamed , Aouina Manel Ben Slamia , Mkada Jalel , Belkhiria Hajer , Guesmi Ahlem , Ben Hamadi Naoufel , Hammami Mohamed , Flamini Guido , Mezghani Mouna Aïachi
Published: January 2022

Blends of olive oils obtained from four cultivars (Olea europaea L. cv. Chemlali, Chetoui, Oueslati and Koroneiki) were produced by two different methods of blending: processing fruit mixtures or mixing monovarietal oils, using the same proportions of selected cultivars. The obtained blends were biochemically characterized to evaluate quality, and the two methods were compared. The results indicated that the most successful formulations are mainly F8 (60% Chemlali × 20% Oueslati × 20% Koroneiki) characterized by the highest contents of phenols and an elevated oxidative stability, and F5 (50% Chemlali × 50% Koroneiki) containing the highest MUFA level and the highest oxidative stability. The effect of the blending process on pigments and volatiles cannot be easily regulated, unlike phenols, fatty acid composition and OS, all of which positively correlated to the fruit mass ratio in the blend. Results suggest that processing fruit mixtures of different cultivars resulted in a better oil quality than that of oils obtained by the common oil blending method. This blending procedure offers a possibility to modulate the contents of antioxidants, fatty acids and volatile compounds in virgin olive oil, and therefore, its quality and sensorial characteristics.
The Transition in Solar and Wind Energy Use in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCCC)
Authors: Alnaser Naser Waheeb , Albuflasa Hanan Mubarak , Alnaser Waheeb Essa
Published: January 2022

The Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCCC) are largely engaged in renewable energy compared to other sources of energy for achieving sustainable development, i.e., maintaining balance between environmental, socio-economic and energy security and governance; this include mitigating climate change, reducing air pollution, improving energy access and enhancing energy security. According to IRENA report, by 2030, the GCCC could save 354 million barrels of oil equivalent (a 23% reduction), create more than 220,500 jobs, reduce the power sector's carbon dioxide emissions by 22%, and cut water withdrawal in the power sector by 17% based on the renewables targets already in place. The GCCC have been undertaking renewable energy projects for more than 30 years but recently a trend for increasingly ambitious projects is being witnessed. These are being supported by renewable energy targets, innovative research and development, and investments across the entire industry value chain. The renewable energy targets in GCCC are as follows: Bahrain; 5% by 2025 (250 MW) and 10% by 2035, UAE; 30% by 2030 (5000 MW), KSA; 30% by 2040 (5400 MW), Oman 10 by 2020 (600 MW), Kuwait; 15% by 2030 (11,000 MW) and Qatar; 20% by 2030 (1800 MW). The paper highlight on the vast investment and applications carried in GCCC which can be considered as a transition phase in solar and wind energy use in these countries. It also suggests advantageous investments in sustainability in GCCC like investing in Electric Vehicle, Building Integrated PV or Building Integrated Wind Turbine, Rooftop PV for small −scale installation, and Solar and Wind Water Desalination.
Development and Application of a Thermal Comfort Model in Buildings
Authors: Díaz Andrés Vilaboa , Bello Bugallo Pastora M.
Published: January 2022

Buildings are one of the systems that more energy consumed in the European Union. The study of the thermal envelope is interesting in order to reduce the energy losses. For that, a mathematical model able to predict the system response to external temperature variations is developed. With the mathematical model, different thermal envelope elements of a building based on the lag and the cushioning of the resultant wave can be characterized. In addition, it is important to analyse where the insulation is placed, because when the insulation is outside and the thermal mass is inside, the system produces a response with smooth temperature variations than when the insulation is inside. Therefore, placing the outside insulation generates more steady indoor temperatures, increasing the thermal comfort inside the building. To complete the mathematical model that allows predicting the temperature inside a building taking into account the solar inputs and the thermal inertia of the building. This study will help to establish the optimum design parameters in order to build sustainable and comfortable buildings. Furthermore, it will take one step forward in the construction of nearly Zero-Energy Buildings.
Transition towards a full self-sufficiency through PV systems integration for sub-Saharan Africa: a technical approach for a smart blockchain-based mini-grid
Authors: Finke Sebastian , Velenderić Michele , Severengiz Semih , Pankov Oleg , Baum Christof
Published: January 2022

Access to affordable, reliable and clean energy is an important sustainability goal of the United Nations. In areas where the public electricity grid is unreliable or unavailable, photovoltaic systems can be a solution. However, they are cost-intensive, mainly because of the energy storage systems. Mini-grids can be an answer for reducing upfront investment and overall system lifetime costs while increasing electricity availability. The mini-grid technology is mature, nevertheless, there are downsides when it comes to integrating existing solar systems of different manufacturers. The system topology is usually predefined and a central instance controls the mini-grid. Thus, the integration of existing power systems is difficult due to the communication constraints of these systems with the mini-grid controller. Including existing power systems into a decentralized mini-grid, can highly increase cost-efficiency. In a decentralized approach payments for the consumed energy between mini-grid actors are required. Accounting is, however, a complex administrative procedure, if the respective power systems are owned by different individuals and organizations. A transparent blockchain-based temper-proof approach can be a solution to automate metering and billing, allowing automatic payments between independent subsystem owners using smart contracts. In order to further optimize the smart mini-grid, an artificial intelligence learning algorithm for a dynamic electricity price needs to be developed. This smart and decentralized approach for building Mini-Grids is a novelty bringing solar systems one step closer to self-sufficiency. This paper describes how a smart mini-grid solution can be implemented using the Don Bosco Solar & Renewable Energy Center campus mini-grid in Tema, Ghana as a case study.
Numerical simulation of crashworthiness parameters for design optimization of an automotive crash-box
Authors: Prabhaharan S. A.  , Balaji G. , Annamalai Krishnamoorthy
Published: January 2022

Automotive manufacturers rely on rigorous testing and simulations to construct their vehicles durable and safe in all aspects. One such vital factor is crash safety, otherwise known as crashworthiness. Crash tests are conventional forms of non-destructive methods to validate the vehicle for its crashworthiness and compatibility based on different operating conditions. The frontal impact test is the most primary form of crash test, which focuses on improving passenger's safety and comfort. According to NHTSA, a vehicle is rated based on these safety criteria, for which automobile manufacturers conduct a plethora of crash-related studies. Numerical simulation aids them in cutting down testing time and overall cost endured by providing a reliable amount of insights into the process. The current study is aimed at improving the crashworthiness of a crash box in a lightweight passenger car, such that it becomes more energy absorbent in terms of frontal impacts. All necessary parameters such as energy absorption, mean crush force, specific energy absorption, crush force efficiencies are evaluated based on analytical and finite element methods. There was a decent agreement between the analytical and simulation results, with an accuracy of 97%. The crashworthiness of the crash box was improved with the help of DOE-based response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM approach helped in improving the design of the crash box with enhanced EA & CFE by 30% and 8.8% respectively. The investigation of design variables on the energy absorption capacity of the thin-walled structure was also done. For the axial impact simulations, finite element solver Virtual Performance Solution − Pam Crash from the ESI group is used.
Optimization of the impact measurement of market structure on liquidity and volatility
Authors: Rhouas Sara , Bouchekourte Mustapha , El Hami Norelislam
Published: January 2022

Liquidity and volatility are the two barometers that allow stock markets to appreciate in terms of attractiveness, profitability and efficiency. Several macroeconomic and microstructure variables condition the level of liquidity that directly impact the asset allocation decisions of different investor profiles − institutional and individuals − and therefore the dynamics of the market as a whole. Volatility is the regulatory component that provides information on the level of risk that characterizes the market. Thus, the appreciation of these two elements is of considerable help to fund managers looking to optimize their equity pockets. In this work, we will use the liquidity ratio as a proxy variable for the liquidity of the Moroccan stock market, to estimate the indicators and factors that determine its short- and long-term variability. The appropriate econometric method would be to estimate an error correction vector model (ECVM) which has the property of determining the long- and short-term relationships between the variables. The volatility of the MASI index will be the subject of a second estimate to capture the shape of the function of its evolution.
Uniportal Full-Endoscopic versus Minimally Invasive Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Yuqing , Yin Jianjian , Nong Luming , Xu Nanwei
Published: January 2022

Background In this study, we systematically analyze the effectiveness of the uniportal full-endoscopic (UPFE) and minimally invasive (MIS) decompression for treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis patients.

Methods We performed a systematic search in Medline, Embase, Europe PMC, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane databases, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China national knowledge infrastructure, and Wanfang Data databases for all relevant studies. All statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager version 5.3.

Results A total of 9 articles with 522 patients in the UPFE group and 367 patients in the MIS group were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the UPFE group had significantly better results in hospital stay time (mean difference [MD]: –2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –2.87 to –1.23), intraoperative blood loss (MD: –36.56; 95% CI: –54.57 to –18.56), and wound-related complications (MD: –36.56; 95%CI: –54.57 to –18.56) compared with the MIS group, whereas the postoperative clinical scores (MD: –0.66; 95%CI: –1.79 to 0.47; MD: –0.75; 95%CI: –1.86 to 0.36; and MD: –4.58; 95%CI: –16.80 to 7.63), satisfaction rate (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24; 95%CI: 0.70–2.20), operation time (MD: 30.31; 95%CI: –12.55 to 73.18), complication rates for dural injury (OR = 0.60; 95%CI: 0.29–1.26), epidural hematoma (OR = 0.60; 95%CI: 0.29–1.26), and postoperative transient dysesthesia and weakness (OR = 0.73; 95%CI: 0.36–1.51) showed no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusions The UPFE decompression is associated with shorter hospital stay time and lower intraoperative blood loss and wound-related complications compared with MIS decompression for treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis patients. The postoperative clinical scores, satisfaction rate, operation time, complication rates for dural injury, epidural hematoma, and postoperative transient dysesthesia and weakness did not differ significantly between two groups.