bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CoDA-Based Geo-Electrochemical Prospecting Prediction of Uranium Orebodies in Changjiang Area, Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Tang Rui , Sun Li , Ouyang Fei , Xiao Keyan , Li Cheng , Kong Yunhui , Xie Miao , Wu Yixiao , Gao Yaxin
Published: December 2023

In order to achieve a breakthrough in the exploration of uranium orebodies in the Changjiang area of Guangdong province in China, the geo-electrochemical exploration method is used for mineral resource prediction. The logarithmically and isometric log-ratio (ilr) transformations are applied to the geo-electrochemical data in this study area to extract geochemical anomalies. The relationship between element associations and mineralization is revealed through descriptive statistical analysis and further biplot analysis. Then, the energy spectrum density–area fractal model (S-A model) is used to identify geochemical backgrounds and anomalies. The results show that: (i) the logarithmically and ilr-transformed data are more uniform, and they more or less obey the rules of normal distribution; (ii) the biplot shows that the ilr-transformed data eliminates the closure effect, and the robust principal component analysis (RPCA) has a better indicative significance for element associations—PC1 reveals the mineralization element association dominated by U and the multiple periods of hydrothermal activity; (iii) the S-A method could extract the local anomalies from different geochemical backgrounds, which indicates mineralization is more reliable. Finally, four favorable prospecting targets are delineated based on the geological and geochemical indicators.
An Efficient Synthesis of 1-(1,3-Dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-3-aryl Urea Analogs as Anticancer and Antioxidant Agents: An Insight into Experimental and In Silico Studies
Authors: Afzal Obaid , Ahsan Mohamed Jawed
Published: December 2023

The present investigation reports the efficient multistep synthesis of 1-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-3-aryl urea analogs (7a–f) in good yields. All the 1-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-3-aryl urea analogs (7a–f) were characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Five among the six compounds were tested against 56 cancer cell lines at 10 µM as per the standard protocol. 1-(4-Bromophenyl)-3-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)urea (7c) exhibited moderate but significant anticancer activity against EKVX, CAKI-1, UACC-62, MCF7, LOX IMVI, and ACHN with percentage growth inhibitions (PGIs) of 75.46, 78.52, 80.81, 83.48, 84.52, and 89.61, respectively. Compound 7c was found to exhibit better anticancer activity than thalidomide against non-small cell lung, CNS, melanoma, renal, prostate, and breast cancer cell lines. It was also found to exhibit superior anticancer activity against melanoma cancer compared to imatinib. Among the tested compounds, the 4-bromosubstitution (7c) on the phenyl ring demonstrated good anticancer activity. Docking scores ranging from −6.363 to −7.565 kcal/mol were observed in the docking studies against the molecular target EGFR. The ligand 7c displayed an efficient binding against the EGFR with a docking score of −7.558 kcal/mol and displayed an H-bond interaction with Lys745 and the carbonyl functional group. Compound 7c demonstrated a moderate inhibition of EGFR with an IC50 of 42.91 ± 0.80 nM, in comparison to erlotinib (IC50 = 26.85 ± 0.72 nM), the standard drug. The antioxidant potential was also calculated for the compounds (7a–f), which exhibited good to low activity. 1-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-3-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)urea (7f) and 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)urea (7d) demonstrated significant antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 15.99 ± 0.10 and 16.05 ± 0.15 µM, respectively. The 2- and 4-methoxysubstitutions on the N-phenyl ring showed good antioxidant activity among the series of compounds (7a–f). An in silico ADMET prediction studies showed the compounds’ adherence to Lipinski’s rule of five: they were free from toxicities, including mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, and immunotoxicity, but not for hepatotoxicity. The toxicity prediction demonstrated LD50 values between 1000 and 5000 mg/Kg, putting the compounds either in class IV or class V toxicity classes. Our findings might create opportunities for more advancements in cancer therapeutics.
Perovskite Topological Lasers: A Brand New Combination
Authors: Wang Liangshen , Wu Lijie , Pan Yong
Published: December 2023

Nanolasers are the essential components of modern photonic chips due to their low power consumption, high energy efficiency and fast modulation. As nanotechnology has advanced, researchers have proposed a number of nanolasers operating at both wavelength and sub-wavelength scales for application as light sources in photonic chips. Despite the advances in chip technology, the quality of the optical cavity, the operating threshold and the mode of operation of the light source still limit its advanced development. Ensuring high-performance laser operation has become a challenge as device size has been significantly reduced. A potential solution to this problem is the emergence of a novel optical confinement mechanism using photonic topological insulator lasers. In addition, gain media materials with perovskite-like properties have shown great potential for lasers, a role that many other gain materials cannot fulfil. When combined with topological laser modes, perovskite materials offer new possibilities for the operation and emission mechanism of nanolasers. This study introduces the operating mechanism of topological lasers and the optical properties of perovskite materials. It then outlines the key features of their combination and discusses the principles, structures, applications and prospects of perovskite topological lasers, including the scientific hurdles they face. Finally, the future development of low-dimensional perovskite topological lasers is explored.
Retention and Transport of Nanoplastics with Different Surface Functionalities in a Sand Filtration System
Authors: Okutan Hande , Hul Gabriela , Stoll Serge , Le Coustumer Philippe
Published: December 2023

The efficiency of sand filtration was investigated in terms of the behavior of the nanoplastics (NPLs) with different surface functionalities. The initial condition concentrations of NPLs were varied, and their effects on retention and transport were investigated under a constant flow rate in saturated porous media. The behavior of NPLs in this porous system was discussed by considering Z- average size and zeta (ζ) potential measurements of each effluent. The retention efficiencies of NPLs were ranked as functionalized with amidine [A-PS]+ > with sulfate [S-PS]− > with surfactant-coated amidine [SDS-A-PS]−. The reversibility of the adsorption process was revealed by introducing surfactant into the sand filter system containing adsorbed [A-PS]+ at three different initial state concentration conditions. The deposition behavior on sand grain showed that positively charged NPLs were attached to the quartz surface, and negatively charged NPLs were attached to the edge of the clay minerals, which can be caused by electrical heterogeneities. The homoaggregates made of positively charged NPLs were more compact than those made of negatively charged NPLs and surfactant-coated NPLs. An anti-correlation was revealed, suggesting a connection between the fractal dimension (Df) of NPL aggregates and retention efficiencies. Increased Df values are associated with decreased retention efficiencies.The findings underscore the crucial influence of NPL surface properties in terms of retention efficiency and reversible adsorption in the presence of surfactants in sand filtration systems.
Effects of Free Sugars Intake on Human Health and Disease
Authors: Emmett Pauline
Published: December 2023

Calling all researchers with data on dietary intake to consider investigating dietary sugars (added or free sugars) in relation to nutrients and food groups or food classifications [...]
Nanoemulsion Improves the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Intraperitoneal and Oral Administration of Carvacryl Acetate
Authors: Souza Rafael Limongi de , Opretzka Luíza Carolina França , Morais Mayara Castro de , Melo Camila de Oliveira , Oliveira Brunna Emanuelly Guedes de , Sousa Damião Pergentino de , Villarreal Cristiane Flora , Oliveira Elquio Eleamen
Published: December 2023

Carvacryl acetate (CA) is a monoterpene obtained from carvacrol, which exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. However, its low solubility in aqueous media limits its application and bioavailability. Herein, we aimed to develop a carvacryl acetate nanoemulsion (CANE) and assess its anti-inflammatory potential in preclinical trials. The optimized nanoemulsion was produced by ultrasound, and stability parameters were characterized for 90 days using dynamic light scattering after hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) assessment. To evaluate anti-inflammatory activity, a complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced inflammation model was established. Paw edema was measured, and local interleukin (IL)-1β levels were quantified using ELISA. Toxicity was assessed based on behavioral changes and biochemical assays. The optimized nanoemulsion contained 3% CA, 9% surfactants (HLB 9), and 88% water and exhibited good stability over 90 days, with no signs of toxicity. The release study revealed that CANE followed zero-order kinetics. Dose–response curves for CA were generated for intraperitoneal and oral administration, demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects by both routes; however, efficacy was lower when administered orally. Furthermore, CANE showed improved anti-inflammatory activity when compared with free oil, particularly when administered orally. Moreover, daily treatment with CANE did not induce behavioral or biochemical alterations. Overall, these findings indicate that nanoemulsification can enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of CA by oral administration.
Prebiotic Cellulose–Pullulan Matrix as a “Vehicle” for Probiotic Biofilm Delivery to the Host Large Intestine
Authors: Savitskaya Irina , Zhantlessova Sirina , Kistaubayeva Aida , Ignatova Ludmila , Shokatayeva Dina , Sinyavskiy Yuriy , Kushugulova Almagul , Digel Ilya
Published: December 2023

This study describes the development of a new combined polysaccharide-matrix-based technology for the immobilization of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) bacteria in biofilm form. The new composition allows for delivering the bacteria to the digestive tract in a manner that improves their robustness compared with planktonic cells and released biofilm cells. Granules consisting of a polysaccharide matrix with probiotic biofilms (PMPB) with high cell density (>9 log CFU/g) were obtained by immobilization in the optimized nutrient medium. Successful probiotic loading was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The developed prebiotic polysaccharide matrix significantly enhanced LGG viability under acidic (pH 2.0) and bile salt (0.3%) stress conditions. Enzymatic extract of feces, mimicking colon fluid in terms of cellulase activity, was used to evaluate the intestinal release of probiotics. PMPB granules showed the ability to gradually release a large number of viable LGG cells in the model colon fluid. In vivo, the oral administration of PMPB granules in rats resulted in the successful release of probiotics in the colon environment. The biofilm-forming incubation method of immobilization on a complex polysaccharide matrix tested in this study has shown high efficacy and promising potential for the development of innovative biotechnologies.
Mechanical Behavior of Closed-Cell Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Foam under Compression
Authors: Chen Hongjuan , Sun Deqiang , Gao Lulu , Liu Xiaochen , Zhang Meilin
Published: December 2023

The static and dynamic compressions of closed-cell ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foams with different densities were conducted under various strain rates. The stress−strain curves were processed to determine the corresponding curves of energy absorption per unit volume and energy absorption efficiency, and energy absorption diagrams were produced. The influences of density and strain rate on the elastic modulus, yield strength, energy absorption per unit volume, optimal strain, densification strain, and energy absorption diagrams were analyzed and discussed. The whole stress−strain curve can be fitted with the Rusch formula. The strain rate does not change the shape of stress−strain curve, and has little influence on the elastic modulus. There exists the optimal density of EVA foam corresponding to its maximum energy absorption efficiency. Under a fixed strain rate, the optical energy absorption per unit volume is proportional to the optical stress on the envelope line in the energy absorption diagrams of EVA foams with different densities. The change in strain rate leads to the envelope line in the energy absorption diagrams of EVA foams with a given density having the larger slope and a negative intercept where the optical energy absorption per unit volume relies linearly on the optical stress. The empirical formulas of elastic modulus, yield strength, optimal strain, and envelope lines and their slopes are derived from the tested results.
Nano Boron Oxide and Zinc Oxide Doped Lignin Containing Cellulose Nanocrystals Improve the Thermal, Mechanical and Flammability Properties of High-Density Poly(ethylene)
Authors: Bajwa Dilpreet S. , Holt Greg , Stark Nicole , Bajwa Sreekala G. , Chanda Saptaparni , Quadir Mohiuddin
Published: December 2023

The widely used high-density polyethylene (HDPE) polymer has inadequate mechanical and thermal properties for structural applications. To overcome this challenge, nano zinc oxide (ZnO) and nano boron oxide (B2O3) doped lignin-containing cellulose nanocrystals (L-CNC) were blended in the polymer matrix. The working hypothesis is that lignin will prevent CNC aggregation, and metal oxides will reduce the flammability of polymers by modifying their degradation pathways. This research prepared and incorporated safe, effective, and eco-friendly hybrid systems of nano ZnO/L-CNC and nano B2O3/L-CNC into the HDPE matrix to improve their physio-mechanical and fire-retardant properties. The composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, thermo-gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, horizontal burning test, and microcalorimetry test. The results demonstrated a substantial increase in mechanical properties and a reduction in flammability. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed some agglomeration and irregular distribution of the inorganic oxides.
Aerostructural Design Optimization of Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Batay Sagidolla , Baidullayeva Aigerim , Zhao Yong , Wei Dongming , Baigarina Akerke , Sarsenov Erkhan , Shabdan Yerkin
Published: December 2023

This study presents an aerostructural optimization process for wind turbine blades aimed at enhancing the turbine’s performance. The optimization framework integrates DAFoam as the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver, TACS as the finite element method (FEM) solver, Mphys for fluid–structure coupling, and SNOPT as the optimizer within the OpenMDAO framework. The objective is to simultaneously increase the torque generated by the wind turbine while decreasing the mass of the blade, thereby improving its efficiency. The design variables in this optimization process are the blade shape and panel thickness. The aerodynamic objective function is torque, a key performance indicator for wind turbine efficiency. The structural objective function is the blade mass, as reducing mass is essential to minimize material and manufacturing costs. The optimization process utilizes the integrated capabilities of DAFoam, TACS, Mphys, and SNOPT to iteratively evaluate and modify the blade shape and panel thickness. The OpenMDAO framework facilitates seamless communication between the solvers and the optimizer, ensuring a well-coordinated, efficient optimization process. The results of the optimization show a 6.78% increase in torque, which indicates a significant improvement in the wind turbine’s energy production capacity. Additionally, a 4.22% decrease in blade mass demonstrates a successful reduction in material usage without compromising structural integrity. These findings highlight the potential of the proposed aerostructural optimization process to enhance the performance and cost-effectiveness of wind turbine blades, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions. This work represents the first attempt to implement DAFoam for wind turbine aerostructural design optimization.
Mechanical Property Comparison of Geopolymer Brick Dried by Electrical and Passive Solar Devices with Phase Change Material (Paraffin Wax)
Authors: Ashok Kumar Jeevan , Muthuvel Sattanathan , Issac Selvaraj Rajay Vedaraj , Ramoni Monsuru , Shanmugam Ragavanantham , Pandian Ranjitharamasamy Sudhakara
Published: December 2023

In geopolymer bricks (GPBs), fly ash content, which is waste from power plants, is converted into bricks by chemical treatment. GPBs can be dried by using appropriate curing methods. Conventionally, electric oven curing is one of the prominent methods. Using a solar dryer instead of an electric oven provides the added advantage of saving high-grade electrical energy. So, in this work, a solar dryer with the phase change material (PCM) paraffin wax and without a PCM is used for curing applications. GPBs gain an added advantage when compared to conventional bricks like cement and sand bricks in terms of strength. A GPB has been taken as a specimen for comparing the compressive strength, tensile split strength, and flexural strength of electrical-energy-based curing and solar-energy-based curing. It has been experimentally observed that solar-energy-based curing with and without a PCM exhibits higher compressive strength, higher tensile split strength, and flexural strength when compared to electrical-energy-based curing. Solar curing with a PCM shows higher compressive strength, higher tensile split strength, and higher flexural strength when compared to solar curing without a PCM. Open solar curing is a traditional technique, but nowadays, aggressive climatic conditions can lead to severe damage to geopolymers. The novelty of this work is the study of the effect of PCMs like paraffin wax in solar drying on the curing time and the mechanical properties of GPBs.
Within and Beyond the Community: Tensions in Muslim Service Provision in Switzerland
Authors: Trucco Noemi , Schmid Hansjörg , Sheikhzadegan Amir
Published: December 2023

Muslim religious professionals are caught between the expectations of the community they serve and belong to and the expectations of the society they live in. Drawing on Helmut Plessner’s notion of “antithetical tensions between community and society”, this study addresses questions of how Muslim religious professionals experience these tensions and how they cope with them. The data presented are based on semi-structured interviews conducted as part of exploratory research on Muslim service providers in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. The findings show that Muslim religious professionals have to deal with community-related challenges such as generational differences, social change and fragmentation, together with outside influences including radicalisation and challenges related to society. Given the recurrent debates on Islamic radicalisation and terrorism in media and politics, they are expected to prove they are peaceful and loyal citizens, even though they are more often than not accused of not being integrated into society. Muslim religious professionals work strenuously, often on a voluntary basis, to do justice to expectations from both sides and try to be non-provocative by engaging in low-profile activities. Finally, they reach out to the wider society, e.g., by participating in inter-religious dialogue and, therefore, engage in bridging activities.
A Study on the Situation and Learnings of the Precipitant Shortage in the German Wastewater Sector
Authors: Eichholz Cora , Barjenbruch Matthias , Bannick Claus-Gerhard , Hartwig Peter
Published: December 2023

Wastewater treatment companies are particularly confronted by the energy and supply crisis resulting from the war in the Ukraine. More specifically, production and supply problems with precipitant production have shown that today’s wastewater treatment technology in Germany is not crisis-proofed and must become more resilient. The aim of this paper was to determine a required precipitant quantity for Germany with regard to chemical phosphorus elimination, as well as the expected shortfalls due to the shortage situation. Furthermore, possible solutions were identified for how the precipitant can be saved or substituted. Study surveys were conducted to gather data for a meaningful response regarding the operators (wastewater treatment plants, industry, and water suppliers), manufacturers, and the German federal states. A recommendation is given on what a path to more resilient wastewater management with a focus on phosphorus elimination could look like. Based on the data obtained, the report focused on wastewater engineering issues for wastewater treatment plants and industry. The results of the study are relevant for decision-makers, researchers, and operators in the wastewater sector in order to intervene in the market themselves if necessary, e.g., money for production or conversion to biological phosphorus elimination.
An Enhanced Multi-Sensor Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) Framework with Coarse-to-Fine Loop Closure Detection Based on a Tightly Coupled Error State Iterative Kalman Filter
Authors: Yu Changhao , Chao Zichen , Xie Haoran , Hua Yue , Wu Weitao
Published: December 2023

In order to attain precise and robust transformation estimation in simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) tasks, the integration of multiple sensors has demonstrated effectiveness and significant potential in robotics applications. Our work emerges as a rapid tightly coupled LIDAR-inertial-visual SLAM system, comprising three tightly coupled components: the LIO module, the VIO module, and the loop closure detection module. The LIO module directly constructs raw scanning point increments into a point cloud map for matching. The VIO component performs image alignment by aligning the observed points and the loop closure detection module imparts real-time cumulative error correction through factor graph optimization using the iSAM2 optimizer. The three components are integrated via an error state iterative Kalman filter (ESIKF). To alleviate computational efforts in loop closure detection, a coarse-to-fine point cloud matching approach is employed, leverging Quatro for deriving a priori state for keyframe point clouds and NanoGICP for detailed transformation computation. Experimental evaluations conducted on both open and private datasets substantiate the superior performance of the proposed method compared to similar approaches. The results indicate the adaptability of this method to various challenging situations.
Multi-Log Grasping Using Reinforcement Learning and Virtual Visual Servoing
Authors: Wallin Erik , Wiberg Viktor , Servin Martin
Published: December 2023

We explore multi-log grasping using reinforcement learning and virtual visual servoing for automated forwarding in a simulated environment. Automation of forest processes is a major challenge, and many techniques regarding robot control pose different challenges due to the unstructured and harsh outdoor environment. Grasping multiple logs involves various problems of dynamics and path planning, where understanding the interaction between the grapple, logs, terrain, and obstacles requires visual information. To address these challenges, we separate image segmentation from crane control and utilise a virtual camera to provide an image stream from reconstructed 3D data. We use Cartesian control to simplify domain transfer to real-world applications. Because log piles are static, visual servoing using a 3D reconstruction of the pile and its surroundings is equivalent to using real camera data until the point of grasping. This relaxes the limits on computational resources and time for the challenge of image segmentation, and allows for data collection in situations where the log piles are not occluded. The disadvantage is the lack of information during grasping. We demonstrate that this problem is manageable and present an agent that is 95% successful in picking one or several logs from challenging piles of 2–5 logs.
The Impact of Impulsive Traffic on Cellular Internet of Things Network Performance Indicators
Authors: Dawood Tammam Zuhair , Stepanov Mikhail Sergeevich , Kudashkin Matvey , Shaimardanova Arina , Lapko Petr
Published: December 2023

The use of wireless sensor networks and the Internet of Things has increased dramatically in the last decade. The sensors measure the required parameters and send them to the data processing centers using one of the various wireless transmission technologies (often using cellular infrastructure) to make the appropriate decision. Files containing measurement information can arrive in bursts simultaneously, which is a critical issue to be aware of. The purpose of this work is to develop and analyze a model to evaluate the effectiveness of an LTE (Long-Term Evolution) cell in serving requests from NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of things) devices when these requests are received in bursts rather than individually. In the article, the common uses of the Internet of Things in our modern era were discussed, the NB-IoT technology was paid attention to, and a mathematical model to evaluate the performance of an LTE cell in the case of impulsive arrivals of NB-IoT requests was built. Finally, the computational algorithm and numerical evaluation were introduced.
Multi-Sensor Fusion Simultaneous Localization Mapping Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning and Multi-Model Adaptive Estimation
Authors: Wong Ching-Chang , Feng Hsuan-Ming , Kuo Kun-Lung
Published: December 2023

In this study, we designed a multi-sensor fusion technique based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) mechanisms and multi-model adaptive estimation (MMAE) for simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). The LiDAR-based point-to-line iterative closest point (PLICP) and RGB-D camera-based ORBSLAM2 methods were utilized to estimate the localization of mobile robots. The residual value anomaly detection was combined with the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO)-based DRL model to accomplish the optimal adjustment of weights among different localization algorithms. Two kinds of indoor simulation environments were established by using the Gazebo simulator to validate the multi-model adaptive estimation localization performance, which is used in this paper. The experimental results of the proposed method in this study confirmed that it can effectively fuse the localization information from multiple sensors and enable mobile robots to obtain higher localization accuracy than the traditional PLICP and ORBSLAM2. It was also found that the proposed method increases the localization stability of mobile robots in complex environments.
Assessment of the Smartpill, a Wireless Sensor, as a Measurement Tool for Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP)
Authors: Soucasse Andréa , Jourdan Arthur , Edin Lauriane , Meunier Elise , Bege Thierry , Masson Catherine
Published: December 2023

Background: The SmartPill, a multisensor ingestible capsule, is marketed for intestinal motility disorders. It includes a pressure sensor, which could be used to study intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) variations. However, the validation data are lacking for this use. Material and Methods: An experimental study was conducted on anesthetized pigs with stepwise variations of IAP (from 0 to 15 mmHg by 3 mmHg steps) generated by laparoscopic insufflation. A SmartPill, inserted by endoscopy, provided intragastric pressure data. These data were compensated to take into account the intrabdominal temperature. They were compared to the pressure recorded by intragastric (IG) and intraperitoneal (IP) wired sensors by statistical Spearman and Bland–Altmann analysis. Results: More than 4500 pressure values for each sensor were generated on two animals. The IG pressure values obtained with the SmartPill were correlated with the IG pressure values obtained with the wired sensor (respectively, Spearman ρ coefficients 0.90 ± 0.08 and 0.72 ± 0.25; bias of −28 ± −0.3 mmHg and −29.2 ± 0.5 mmHg for pigs 1 and 2). The intragastric SmartPill values were also correlated with the IAP measured intra-peritoneally (respectively, Spearman ρ coefficients 0.49 ± 0.18 and 0.57 ± 0.30; bias of −29 ± 1 mmHg and −31 ± 0.7 mmHg for pigs 1 and 2). Conclusions: The SmartPill is a wireless and painless sensor that appears to correctly monitor IAP variations.
Cognitive Refined Augmentation for Video Anomaly Detection in Weak Supervision
Authors: Lee Junyeop , Koo Hyunbon , Kim Seongjun , Ko Hanseok
Published: December 2023

Weakly supervised video anomaly detection is a methodology that assesses anomaly levels in individual frames based on labeled video data. Anomaly scores are computed by evaluating the deviation of distances derived from frames in an unbiased state. Weakly supervised video anomaly detection encounters the formidable challenge of false alarms, stemming from various sources, with a major contributor being the inadequate reflection of frame labels during the learning process. Multiple instance learning has been a pivotal solution to this issue in previous studies, necessitating the identification of discernible features between abnormal and normal segments. Simultaneously, it is imperative to identify shared biases within the feature space and cultivate a representative model. In this study, we introduce a novel multiple instance learning framework anchored on a memory unit, which augments features based on memory and effectively bridges the gap between normal and abnormal instances. This augmentation is facilitated through the integration of an multi-head attention feature augmentation module and loss function with a KL divergence and a Gaussian distribution estimation-based approach. The method identifies distinguishable features and secures the inter-instance distance, thus fortifying the distance metrics between abnormal and normal instances approximated by distribution. The contribution of this research involves proposing a novel framework based on MIL for performing WSVAD and presenting an efficient integration strategy during the augmentation process. Extensive experiments were conducted on benchmark datasets XD-Violence and UCF-Crime to substantiate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Separation and Recovery of Copper and Nickel in the Leachate of a Waste IC Lead Frame through Synergistic Solvent Extraction Using a Binary Extractant Containing LIX984N and Cyanex302 Followed by Selective Stripping
Authors: Wang Li-Pang , Lin Jia-Yan , Chen Yan-Jhang , Tseng Bu-Ching , Hsu Ching-Hsiang , Kou Mingyin , Zhou Heng , Sreearunothai Paiboon
Published: December 2023

The IC lead frame is an essential component in semiconductor packaging, primarily composed of a nickel (Ni)–copper (Cu) alloy in which Ni is electroplated onto a Cu substrate. In this study, synergistic solvent extraction using a binary extractant containing LIX984N and Cyanex302, followed by two-stage selective stripping using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) as the stripping agent, was employed to separate and recover Cu and Ni from the leachate of an IC lead frame. The results indicated that under the optimal conditions of synergistic solvent extraction with an extraction pH value of 1, an extractant concentration of 0.015 M LIX984N + 0.0375 M Cyanex302, an extraction aqueous/organic (A/O) ratio of 1:1, and an extraction time of 5 min, the extraction efficiencies for Cu and Ni were 99.8% and 1.17%, respectively. The distribution ratios were DCu 999 and DNi 0.012, resulting in a separation factor of 83,250. In addition, the separation factor was much higher than that of using individual extractant of LIX984N (6208.3) or Cyanex302 (22,185.2). Subsequently, under optimal first-stage stripping conditions, using 0.05 M H2SO4 at a stripping organic/aqueous (O/A) ratio of 1:1, and with a stripping time of 3 min, a stripping efficiency of 99.9% for Ni was achieved. Next, under optimal second-stage stripping conditions, using 5 M HNO3 at a stripping O/A ratio of 2:1, and with a striping time of 3 min, a stripping efficiency of 99.9% for Cu was achieved. Finally, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was added to the respective stripping solutions to precipitate Ni and Cu ions, followed by calcination treatment for the precipitates to obtain NiO and CuO, respectively. The purity of the former was 99.74% and that of the latter was 99.82%. The results demonstrate that synergistic solvent extraction using a binary extractant containing LIX984N and Cyanex302 can almost entirely extract Cu in the leachate of an IC lead frame at a lower extraction pH and a lower extractant concentration, thus reducing the co-extraction of Ni. In addition, less co-extracted Ni in the organic phase can be selectively stripped using dilute H2SO4, thus reducing the co-stripping of Cu. Hence, the effective separation and recovery of Cu and Ni in IC lead frame leachate can be achieved, which contributes to improving the sustainability of natural resources.
Exploring the Effects of Socioeconomic Factors and Urban Forms on CO2 Emissions in Shrinking and Growing Cities
Authors: Huang Xiaolei , Ou Jinpei , Huang Yingjian , Gao Shun
Published: December 2023

Exploring the mechanisms influencing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is crucial to seeking low-carbon development paths. Previous studies have analyzed the effects of socioeconomic factors and urban forms on CO2 emissions. However, little attention has been paid to the heterogeneity of their interactions in differing urban development patterns, such as growth and shrinkage. This study focused on how socioeconomic factors and urban forms work together to comprehensively affect CO2 emissions within the context of urban shrinkage and growth. A selection of 285 prefecture-level cities in China were divided into four groups of shrinking and growing cities based on a comprehensive index system. After assessing variables involving socioeconomic factors and urban forms, a panel data model was used to verify their mutual mechanisms influencing CO2 emissions. The results show that CO2 emissions in shrinking cities continue to rise due to the driving force of secondary industry and the coexistence of population loss and space expansion. For growing cities, in addition to economic development and population growth, urban forms with excessive compactness and polycentricity significantly accelerate CO2 emissions. Consequently, disorderly urban expansion should be avoided, and industrial upgrading should be promoted for shrinking cities. Meanwhile, growing cities are advised to develop modern service industries. Moreover, it is recommended that urban spatial planning follows urban functions and their development stages to avoid excessive agglomeration and polycentricity.
Net-Zero Energy Campuses in India: Blending Education and Governance for Sustainable and Just Transition
Authors: Kalluri Balaji , Vishnupriya Vishnupriya , Arjunan Pandarasamy , Dhariwal Jay
Published: December 2023

This study addresses the urgent need for comprehensive climate education amid a climate emergency. Human (energy) behaviors are developed from childhood and early adulthood. This study hypothesizes that transcending a nation’s net-zero energy ambition can be accomplished through experiential education. An Urban Governance Lab plus nEt-Zero Energy league model is introduced. Various behavioral interventions are designed based on the principles of serious games. Discussions provide rich narratives on how a nation with so many diverse communities can forge a rapid net-zero transition. The blended multi-disciplinary STEM education can drive energy citizenship in campus-like communities. A scenarios-based analysis demonstrating the potential of the proposed model in shaping energy behavior in young citizens leading to net zero is presented. The results from the scenario analysis present optimistic evidence underlining how campus-like communities driven by bottom-up initiatives can realize net-zero ambition beyond hope.
Recent Advancements in High-Temperature Solar Particle Receivers for Industrial Decarbonization
Authors: Rafique Muhammad M. , Rehman Shafiqur , Alhems Luai M.
Published: December 2023

Concentrated solar thermal (CST) systems are pivotal in the pursuit of renewable energy solutions to meet emissions reduction targets. They play a vital role in addressing the negative impacts of energy-intensive industrial processes, such as the high-temperature calcination step in the alumina Bayer process, requiring temperatures of approximately 1000 °C. However, achieving such high temperatures poses challenges, as radiative losses increase significantly with temperature. Current commercially available CST technologies, employing heat transfer mediums like molten salts, are constrained to temperatures below 600 °C. The emerging focus on sand-like ceramic particles, either as standalone materials or in suspension within an air stream, as heat transfer mediums signifies a promising avenue in the development of high-temperature receiver-based CST technologies. These particle-laden suspension flow receiver systems have the potential to reach operating temperatures exceeding 1000 °C. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of CST technologies, with a primary focus on high-temperature particle receivers. It sheds light on the existing challenges within the CST state-of-the-art technologies and introduces the concept of refractory-lined particle receivers. This paper also underscores the significance of transient-based thermal analysis for high-temperature particle receivers and highlights the necessity of such analyses to guide their practical implementation. By addressing these critical aspects, this review paper contributes to the advancement of CST technologies, emphasizing their role in achieving sustainable, high-temperature heat for emission reduction objectives.
Lightweight Computational Complexity Stepping Up the NTRU Post-Quantum Algorithm Using Parallel Computing
Authors: Elkabbany Ghada Farouk , Ahmed Hassan I. Sayed , Aslan Heba K. , Cho Young-Im , Abdallah Mohamed S.
Published: December 2023

The Nth-degree Truncated polynomial Ring Unit (NTRU) is one of the famous post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. Researchers consider NTRU to be the most important parameterized family of lattice-based public key cryptosystems that has been established to the IEEE P1363 standards. Lattice-based protocols necessitate operations on large vectors, which makes parallel computing one of the appropriate solutions to speed it up. NTRUEncrypt operations contain a large amount of data that requires many repetitive arithmetic operations. These operations make it a strong candidate to take advantage of the high degree of parallelism. The main costly operation that is repeated in all NTRU algorithm steps is polynomial multiplication. In this work, a Parallel Post-Quantum NTRUEncrypt algorithm called PPQNTRUEncrypt is proposed. This algorithm exploits the capabilities of parallel computing to accelerate the NTRUEncrypt algorithm. Both analytical and Apache Spark simulation models are used. The proposed algorithm enhanced the NTRUEncrypt algorithm by approximately 49.5%, 74.5%, 87.6%, 92.5%, 93.4%, and 94.5%, assuming that the number of processing elements is 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 respectively.
Baryogenesis: A Symmetry Breaking in the Primordial Universe Revisited
Authors: Pereira David S. , Ferraz João , Lobo Francisco S. N. , Mimoso José P.
Published: December 2023

In this review article, we revisit the topic of baryogenesis, which is the physical process that generated the observed baryon asymmetry during the first stages of the primordial Universe. A viable theoretical explanation to understand and investigate the mechanisms underlying baryogenesis must always ensure that the Sakharov criteria are fulfilled. These essentially state the following: (i) baryon number violation; (ii) the violation of both C (charge conjugation symmetry) and CP (the composition of parity and C); (iii) and the departure from equilibrium. Throughout the years, various mechanisms have been proposed to address this issue, and here we review two of the most important, namely, electroweak baryogenesis (EWB) and Grand Unification Theories (GUTs) baryogenesis. Furthermore, we briefly explore how a change in the theory of gravity affects the EWB and GUT baryogenesis by considering Scalar–Tensor Theories (STT), where the inclusion of a scalar field mediates the gravitational interaction, in addition to the metric tensor field. We consider specific STT toy models and show that a modification of the underlying gravitational theory implies a change in the time–temperature relation of the evolving cosmological model, thus altering the conditions that govern the interplay between the rates of the interactions generating baryon asymmetry, and the expansion rate of the Universe. Therefore, the equilibrium of the former does not exactly occur as in the general relativistic standard model, and there are consequences for the baryogenesis mechanisms that have been devised. This is representative of the type of modifications of the baryogenesis processes that are to be found when considering extended theories of gravity.
SO(3)-Irreducible Geometry in Complex Dimension Five and Ternary Generalization of Pauli Exclusion Principle
Authors: Abramov Viktor , Liivapuu Olga
Published: December 2023

Motivated by a ternary generalization of the Pauli exclusion principle proposed by R. Kerner, we propose a notion of a Z3-skew-symmetric covariant SO(3)-tensor of the third order, consider it as a 3-dimensional matrix, and study the geometry of the 10-dimensional complex space of these tensors. We split this 10-dimensional space into a direct sum of two 5-dimensional subspaces by means of a primitive third-order root of unity q, and in each subspace, there is an irreducible representation of the rotation group SO(3)↪SU(5). We find two SO(3)-invariants of Z3-skew-symmetric tensors: one is the canonical Hermitian metric in five-dimensional complex vector space and the other is a quadratic form denoted by K(z,z). We study the invariant properties of K(z,z) and find its stabilizer. Making use of these invariant properties, we define an SO(3)-irreducible geometric structure on a five-dimensional complex Hermitian manifold. We study a connection on a five-dimensional complex Hermitian manifold with an SO(3)-irreducible geometric structure and find its curvature and torsion.
Absolute Quantification of Hepatitis B Core Antigen (HBcAg) Virus-like Particles and Bound Nucleic Acids
Authors: Valentic Angela , Böhner Nicola , Hubbuch Jürgen
Published: December 2023

Effective process development towards intensified processing for gene delivery applications using Hepatitis B core Antigen (HBcAg) virus-like particles (VLPs) relies on analytical methods for the absolute quantification of HBcAg VLP proteins and bound nucleic acids. We investigated a silica spin column (SC)-based extraction procedure, including proteinase K lysis and silica chromatography, for the absolute quantification of different species of nucleic acids bound to HBcAg VLPs analyzed by dye-based fluorescence assays. This revealed load-dependent nucleic acid recoveries of the silica-SC-based extraction. We also developed a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method to separate and quantify the HBcAg proteins and the bound nucleic acids simultaneously without prior sample treatment by dissociation reagents. The method demonstrated sufficient linearity, accuracy, and precision coefficients and is suited for determining absolute protein and nucleic acid concentrations and HBcAg protein purities at various purification stages. Both the silica-SC-based extraction and the RP-based extraction presented overcome the limitations of analytical techniques, which are restricted to relative or qualitative analyses for HBcAg VLPs with bound nucleic acids. In combination with existing analytics, the methods for an absolute quantification of HBcAg VLPs and bound nucleic acids presented here are required to evaluate downstream purification steps, such as the removal of host cell-derived nucleic acids, concurrent protein loss, and efficient loading with therapeutic nucleic acids. Hence, the methods are key for effective process development when using HBcAg VLP as potential gene delivery vehicles.
Glycoprotein 5-Derived Peptides Induce a Protective T-Cell Response in Swine against the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Calderon-Rico Fernando , Bravo-Patiño Alejandro , Mendieta Irasema , Perez-Duran Francisco , Zamora-Aviles Alicia Gabriela , Franco-Correa Luis Enrique , Ortega-Flores Roberto , Hernandez-Morales Ilane , Nuñez-Anita Rosa Elvira
Published: December 2023

We analyzed the T-cell responses induced by lineal epitopes of glycoprotein 5 (GP5) from PRRSV to explore the role of this protein in the immunological protection mediated by T-cells. The GP5 peptides were conjugated with a carrier protein for primary immunization and booster doses. Twenty-one-day-old pigs were allocated into four groups (seven pigs per group): control (PBS), vehicle (carrier), PTC1, and PTC2. Cytokine levels were measured at 2 days post-immunization (DPI) from serum samples. Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs, CD8+) from peripheral blood were quantified via flow cytometry at 42 DPI. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by co-culturing primed lymphocytes with PRRSV derived from an infectious clone. The PTC2 peptide increased the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8) and cytokines that activate the adaptive cellular immunity associated with T-lymphocytes (i.e., IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12). The concentration of CTLs (CD8+) was significantly higher in groups immunized with the peptides, which suggests a proliferative response in this cell population. Primed CTLs from immunized pigs showed cytolytic activity in PRRSV-infected cells in vitro. PTC1 and PTC2 peptides induced a protective T-cell-mediated response in pigs immunized against PRRSV, due to the presence of T epitopes in their sequences.